Magic and Games.

by Nailah

Rating: teen
Tags: Mystery, Random, Adventure, Death, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 17839

The crusaders are yet again trying to help a fellow blank flank find his destiny, but when he disappears suddenly they'll have to solve the mystery.

The cutie mark crusaders are once again trying to help a fellow blank flank, find his destiny.

When he suddenly disappears with no signs, they'll have to figure out what happened to him before it's too late!

When Scootaloo comes up with a crazy idea to try entering a game to find him, the three crusaders arrive in a place not like the Ponyville they've known, and they'll have to find Wild Ace if they want to return home again.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is in the PROCESS of being rewritten, and will be posted with a new version at some point. Thank you all for your understanding and patience.

Edited by: https://www.fimfiction.net/user/275628/EverfreePony

Published 2018-01-29 02:10:12 UTC
Last updated 2019-01-28 00:12:07 UTC

Chapter 1 (Edited)

“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, you two have to wake up right now!” shouted Scootaloo jumping up and down excitedly.

“What is so gosh darn important, Scoots?” asked Apple Bloom, rubbing her forehoof under her eyelids. She let out a soft longing yawn. She had been hoping to get a bit more sleep before having to go back to the farm and work on her chores.

“It's the colt we were helping. He's gone!” spoke Scootaloo in a concerned tone of voice, wide-eyed.

“Gone? What do you mean he's gone?” asked Sweetie Belle as she got up out of bed and yawned in a ladylike manner.

“I'm mean it, I went out on my scooter to see how he was holding up since yesterday and his parents said he's missing. It's like he's vanished or ran away or who knows what might have happened!” explained Scootaloo. She fidgeted around, the look in her eyes growing more frantic.

“Hmm… that seems rather odd. Ponies just don’t disappear Scoots.” Applebloom remarked.

“Maybe he's on some adventure! You know, like in his games?” asked Sweetie Belle. After all, Spike and Big Mac liked to play that game too and they could really get into it, but she always knew from Rarity's stories that it was just silly nonsense, there was no way any of it was real, right? Right?

“We're going to have to find some clues, right now we don't have much to go off of other than he's missing and that nopony knows where he went,” began Apple Bloom, taking the position of leader of the Crusaders.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded towards Apple Bloom, they would have to put their heads together if they wanted to fix this.

“The first thing we need to do is go to the scene of the crime.” suggested Apple Bloom, as she got up onto her hooves, quickly followed by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, as the three went to Wild Ace’s home.

Apple Bloom knocked on the door gently, hoping his parents might be able to tell her a bit more than Scootaloo had. It seemed like just yesterday, the three of them were helping this young colt to find his purpose in life, and now he was just gone.

Wild Ace’s mother answered the door with a polite smile forming on her lips. “Oh, well if it isn’t the Cutie mark crusaders. Oh the three of you are just so cute. Do come in.” Lilly Blossom gestured them into the living room. Fiery Dust was seated upon his recliner, sipping at his coffee, when he turned his attention to his wife.

“Dearest, you did tell them our son is missing right? That can’t very well help a colt whom isn’t here.” he muttered slightly. He couldn’t believe the nerves of his son. How could he do this to them and make them both worried for his safety? Whenever he got back, Fiery Dust planned on giving his son a piece of his mind.

“Wild Ace isn’t here, little ones. I looked for him all over our little cottage, but it’s as if he’s just vanished into thin air. I’ve already sent a letter out to Princess Twilight, but right now I’m not sure what I can do. I hate to think of my boy out there scared and alone.” replied Lilly Blossom.

“Hmm...” began Applebloom, lost in thought. Ponies usually didn’t just disappear without reason. “We need to look for any clues he might have left behind. I reckon his room might be a good place to start.”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea, Apple Bloom! We’ll be just like real detectives,” spoke Scootaloo, with an excited sqee, her wings flapping slightly as she felt her hooves leaving the ground, for just a friction of a second.

Apple Bloom nodded and gestured with her forehoof for her fellow Crusaders to follow her into Wild Ace’s room.

His room was a bit messy, board games littered most of the floor. They could see one of his games hooked up to a small tv, a bunch of books on a shelf. His bed looked like it hadn’t been made in days. The colt’s room was empty other than what was left behind.

Apple Bloom decided to look at the books, maybe they could find some clue in them, after all Twilight always would say, you could never go wrong with a good book. She couldn’t help but notice that each and every book had something to do with games.

“Shessh, this is like Applejack having nothing but books on how to farm.” spoke Apple Bloom out loud, a bit frustrated, shaking her head, and looking towards Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo once more, sitting down on her flank.

“You know...maybe he ran away on his own adventure.” suggested Scootaloo.

“Without a word to his parents though? That just doesn’t seem right. He seemed to be a kind and gentle colt. I mean we were just helping him the other day.” replied Apple Bloom with a slight sigh. How in the world were they going to get to the bottom of this.

Scootaloo stumbled over one of the many dice within the room, falling head first into what looked like some kind of map.

“Ouch, what’s this?” she questioned, as she looked towards the map, and picked up the dice.

“Oh this looks like a game of Orges and Oubilette’s.” Sweetie Belle informed with a slight excitement, a slight cough to seem composed. Sweetie Belle knew Button Mash and her loved these games, but that’s all they were just games. There wasn’t any way they were real.

“I know it’s crazy, but what if he went into the game?” questioned Scootaloo.

“Ya’know that sounds ridicolous Scoots. These games aren’t real.”

“But...we have to consider all possibilities. I mean we have Discord for Celestia’s sake. I think we should try it.”

“Alright...but how the heck are we going to get into a board game?” questioned Apple Bloom.

“Hmm...that’s a good question.” replied Scootaloo, there had to be some trace of what had happened to him. She couldn’t help thinking of Rainbow Dash and how she would never give up, even in the face of uncertainty.

Suddenly, the dice Scootaloo had been holding onto slipped out of her grasp, and rolled onto the board game. At first nothing seemed to happen. Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders, slightly, and was about to turn to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, when suddenly, she felt something pulling them into the board game.

The next thing the Crusaders knew, they were standing on a grassy hill that surveyed a field of wild and unknown territory in the distance. The view was beautiful, yet imposing. Scootaloo couldn’t help but swallow a gulp of fear.

“What the hay just happened?” questioned Apple Bloom, confused she looked back at the others. “Scootaloo, you have a spear, do you actually know how to use one of those?”

“Of course! It can't be that hard right?” questioned Scootaloo as she attempted to use the spear in a jabbing movement and ended up face planting. “Perhaps it's not as easy as it looks.” she said with a mouth full of dirt, spitting it out and dusting herself off as she stood up once more.

“Well if your a knight, and your a mage, what am I supposed to be?” questioned Apple Bloom confused.

“Oh! Maybe your a Princess! After all you have your loyal guard and mage by your side, that makes sense right?” smiled Sweetie Belle.

“There ain't no way I'm a Princess, I would have to do some great accomplishment to make that happen.” replied Apple Bloom.

“Yeah I suppose you have a point but wait you have a sword, maybe you're a knight! Yeah that totally makes sense.” spoke Scootaloo with a bright smile.

“A knight? Me a knight? Wow this is totally awesome!” smiled Apple Bloom as she couldn't help but jump up and down excitedly.

“Um...Apple Bloom I hate to interrupt your excitement but shouldn't we figure out where Wild Ace is?” suggested Sweetie Belle.

“Oh right yeah...ahem, alright Crusaders, we might not know how we got here, but now that we're here we've got to find Wild Ace and figure out how to get home. Alright let's go!” smiled Apple Bloom with a big grin on her face as she picked the sword from it’s sheath and leaped up into the air with excitement and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both jumped up alongside her. The three were about to embark on a crazy adventure but they didn't mind because it was more exciting then sitting around helping blank flanks find cutie marks, for a change of pace, they got to have excitement again.

Though Sweetie Belle herself couldn't help but to think of another pony she knew that liked games, perhaps it would've been helpful to have him here with them but she didn't think of that sooner and it was too late now to turn back in their tracks.

“Come on Sweetie Belle you're going to get left behind.” spoke Scootaloo.

“Hey come to think of it Scoots if this is a game, I reckon ya might be able to fly,” spoke Apple Bloom.

“Really? I'll try.” smiled Scootaloo as she lifted her wings up and began hovering in the sky and a huge smile spread across her lips. “I can fly. Oh my gosh this is epic!”

chapter 2: Level One

Wild Ace was a young colt, a bit younger then the Cutie Mark Crusaders and more than excited then ever that he'd finally found a way to live out his fantasy. He was actually in the game! Whew! He still wasn't sure how to get back but at this point he didn't care. He was a light teal pony with green and white mane and tail. He stood just a bit taller than Applebloom, he would be big when he grew up but right now he wasn't concerned about any of that. He had found a way into the game, with a huge smirk on his face he dashed off into the first cave he found. His deep green hues scanned the area ahead of him.

The first thing he noticed was the foul odor that he began to smell as soon as he entered the cave. He could also see and hear running water all around him. Suddenly he began to realize where he was, this was a sewer! This really was just like one of his games and the best part was no one could tell him it was just a waste of time. He did appreciate that the Cutie Marked Crusaders wanted to help him but as far as he was concerned if his talent wasn't with gaming in some way then he didn't care. He just wanted to be able to have a good time and truly enjoy himself. He wasn't wearing much armor because he had decided a long time ago he wanted to be a ninja. After all you could be anything in a game, he had heavily debated on taking the path of a warrior but that was just so typical! He couldn't do the ordinary thing, he truly wanted to stand out. He had daggers on him and even a shuriken in his belt. His face was partly covered by a mask he wore to help him blend into the shadows.

“This place really stinks! It's as bad or if not worse than my dad's socks when he takes them off after work. Few, I've got to find my way to the next level.” he spoke to himself. He almost wished he would've had a team but then again he didn't think this was even possible until now. He was beyond thrilled. He couldn't help but notice tents around him and there was a huge circular platform where he was now standing on. He put his first hooves forward and began to make his way towards the stairs that led up to two large double doors. There was a spinning blue crystal right next to the door, and having experience from many games he knew it was a save crystal. Of course he tapped it and saved his progress, though having to contain from jumping up and down in sheer joy that he was in his game! Oh my gosh this is SO awesome.

Though he couldn't help but take a moment to pause and think of his parents, especially his mother. She was probably worried sick over him. He suddenly wished he had left them a note before coming here and now that he was here he wasn't sure how he'd get back when he wanted to go if he ever did want to go back. Why should he go back? Every pony laughed at him, calling him a nerd and thinking he was stupid for believing in these sorts of things. He did love his mother and father but he thought perhaps it might be best for the both of them if he just stayed here in his fantasy, where no pony could hurt him...a single tear ran down his cheeks as he went through the two double doors to enter Level One. He had no clue what was through this door but he knew one thing, he'd have three lives and ways of earning more if he made enough of the bonus challenges. It was just like a game, the only difference was this was real, this wasn't just a game. He could really die here but that just made him all the more excited for a brand new adventure.

He began to look around, immediately taking notice of a treasure chest locked up on a platform surrounded by the horrible smelling sewer water. Great...seemed like there was no getting away from it. He was on a square platform, and he glanced around the room. It wasn't that much bigger than the previous room. Though the main difference was this room was pretty much flooded with sewer water. There were square platforms spread a good distance apart that even a Pegasi might not be able to make the jump without actually flying to get over to the next one. He looked up and there was a rope hanging down from the ceiling and there was a rope for each square that led to another double set of doors. He couldn't help but wonder how to get to the treasure chest though. There was no rope to get out to it, but he had a feeling that the key to the doors was in that chest. He would have to think carefully before making any sudden movements. Then he saw a shadow in the water. His eyes widened at the size of the shadow. That had to be a very very large fish...or worse.

He was an Earth Pony so well flying over there was out of the option and he couldn't really use magic either. His greatest strength was his mind, he was rather resourceful despite what pony's thought of him. He had to run, it was the only way to make it to that platform and even at a running jump he might still end up in the water but he didn't have any other choice he would have to risk it if he wanted to proceed to the next level. He wasn't about to give up now, not at Level one. How pathetic would that be if he allowed Level one to defeat him?

He steadied himself and took a deep gulp of breath as he lowered his head, like a ram would as his hooves ran as fast as they could as he leaped up into the air and reached for the ledge and as he jumped, the monster in the lake jumped up as well, attempting to grab him in mid air, he was lucky that it's sharp teeth just missed his tail as he caught onto the ledge and stumbled up to where the treasure chest was, a huge grin spread on his face as he turned around to stick his tongue out towards the monster in a childish manner. He then turned his attention back to the prize at hand. He opened it and just as he thought, the key was in there and not just that but bits as well. They seemed to really sparkle as he would pack them into his bag that he had on his hips. He would have to find a place to store stuff, perhaps the game had an inventory as well and he knew he'd be able to carry a certain amount before having to find a merchant to sell it off to and gain even more bits for his efforts. He then made his way back across it was a lot easier back then it was getting there the first time. Now he just had to literally be like a monkey and swing from rope to rope. He grabbed the first rope in his hooves and swung across and even time he swung across the monster would attempt to grab him, which was why he knew if he missed the rope when he jumped to grab it, the fish monster would swallow him whole and he would have to start all over. There was no way, this was way too simple for it to beat him. He had studied years of many different games, he'd been playing games ever since his little hooves could get to the controller and he cared more about his games then just about anything and there was no way Level one was even a glimpse of a challenge in his eyes. Though he was quite excited to see what else this little cave had to offer, as he could easily tell this just wasn't a cave, it was almost like a tower just from the way it was constructed with every new level leading upstairs to the next and so on and so forth. With a grin on his face and a heart full of courage he went onto Level two, ready for whatever challenges this game would bring forth and he would solve all of them no matter how simple or how complex. After all that's what his real talent was. Without even being aware of it in the moment he gained his cutie mark, it looked like a dice with twenty sides with two percentage dice beside it, when he glanced to see what it was, he couldn't help but jump in the air and shout.

“Woo!!! I knew it! I knew this was my destiny.” he smiled towards himself, he couldn't wait to tell the CMC about this.

Chapter 3: Learning the Game.

Apple Bloom took her position as leader, the grin on her face all the more wide as she got to see more of this world.

Sweetie Belle knew why she was a mage, it totally made sense, she had magic in her horn so of course she was the mage and these robes were just as her sister would say, fabulous! She knew that she was going to have to figure out how to use this staff though, just as Scootaloo would have to figure out how to use her spear.

Scootaloo was too excited about flying to even be worried about her spear skills right now. She looked on ahead able to see more of the landscape then either of her two fellow crusaders. The grass felt so real and fresh, the smell of it lingered even in the open sky. The clouds moved all on their own without having to be moved by pegasi like her, and up ahead she could make out the signs of a town.

“Apple Bloom!” she shouted from up high. “I see what I think is a town. Maybe we should go there and look for clues?” suggested Scootaloo as she would hover down next to the others, being too excited about flying to walk at the moment.

“A town ya say? I reckon that's a swell idea, surely the townsfolk would be able to tell us more about these here lands and such, and maybe we can even find someone to help you learn how to use that spear of yours.” smiled Apple Bloom.

“Listen Scootaloo, why don't you fly on ahead and we'll meet you there, that way you can get a headstart.” suggested Sweetie Belle.

“Woah, Sweetie Belle, I reckon that's probably not a wise idea, who knows what could lie between us and the town, we need to stick together, just in case.”

“Ah come on Apple Bloom, I can handle myself.” spoke Scootaloo agreeing with Sweetie Belle that going on ahead of them to learn her weapon was probably a wise idea.

“I don't know...it could be dangerous to go alone. Promise ya will be careful alright?” replied Apple Bloom concerned for her safety. She knew she was a farm pony and didn't know the difference between hay and oats when it came to a video game but she knew that common sense said to stick together, so she was hoping Scootaloo would be careful. She sighed to herself and looked back towards Sweetie Belle with a raised eyebrow.

“Maybe you're magic could make us able to fly too.” she suggested.

“I don't know Apple Bloom, I'm not that good with my horn yet.” replied Sweetie Belle.

“But it's a game! I bet your horn is way more powerful.” replied Apple Bloom.

“Hmm...I suppose you do have a point. I guess I could try.” replied Sweetie Belle as her horn lit up as she attempted to make the two of them able to fly through the air without having to have wings like their fellow pegasi friend. At first it did seem like it was working...but within a span of a minute's time both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle crashed back onto the ground with a loud thud.

“Ouch....well I reckon that's not going to work.” spoke Apple Bloom.

“Can I go now?” questioned Scootaloo beginning to get just a bit angsty. She knew that Apple Bloom was worried but she could so handle herself.

Apple Bloom sighed, as she hesitated to let her go but nodded. “Alright but you come back as soon as you can ya'll hear? I'll never forgive myself if something bad happens because I let you go it alone.”

“Ah don't worry Apple Bloom, I'm not alone, I have my trusty spear by my side, and it's like they say it's dangerous to go alone, here take this.” she smiled holding up her spear with pride. She smiled brightly even though a slight sweatdrop ran down her face trying to hold the spear up straight. Boy this thing sure was heavy. She was beginning to wonder if she would be able to use it, but she wasn't about to give up, after all she wanted to be just like her idol. Rainbow Dash could do anything, so that meant so could she. With that she flew off in the direction of the town. She wasn't sure what to expect when she arrived but she would soon learn just what this game was all about.

“You sure that was a good idea Sweetie Belle?” questioned Apple Bloom as the two of them continued to walk in the direction of the town, luckily for them there was a nice pathway that led towards the town so at least their hooves didn't have to track through the grass anymore. Apple Bloom didn't mind it much, but she was sure Sweetie Belle was glad to have a path to walk on.

“Ah it'll be fine, after all games like this don't get hard right away, and I reckon she might even be able to find some tutorial of how to use her weapon and all.” replied Sweetie Belle. She knew all about these kinds of games from her friend Button Mash, he was always playing one of these silly games. Well she thought they were silly but they could be really fun but of course a lady couldn't like video games, they were so not lady like.

“Alright if you're sure...” replied Apple Bloom. Though all of a sudden five stallions surrounded the two fillies.

“Halt!” they spoke. “Who are you and what are you doing on our territory?” they spoke up.

Apple Bloom just looked towards Sweetie Belle with a questioning look as to how to handle this situation. Sweetie Belle just smiled and took a stand in front of Apple Bloom.

“I got this.” she smiled as she looked towards the stallions. It was easy for her to see they were some sort of bandits, they obviously weren't a guild with the scowls and how their attires were all torn and worn over a long extended period of time. The one who had questioned them must have been the leader for the other four seemed to be awaiting a command from the leader.

“Well...again and I'll only ask one more time. Who are you and what are you doing here?” spoke the head stallion. He had a dark colored mane of mostly black with one white streak flowing through it. His coat was a deep sapphire color but didn't look like he had bathed in over a year, ugh...so disgusting. He had a little goatee hanging from his face. He was an earth pony, she wasn't surprised that an earth pony was in charge of this kind of operation after all they were known for their strength and endurance and it would be easy for them to control pegasi and unicorns to do what they wanted, but only two of them were pegasi and only one was a unicorn. So two earth ponies, one unicorn and two pegasi.

“My name is Sweetie Belle and this is my friend Apple Bloom and we're just travelers on our way to the town for a lovely honeymoon for our good dear friend Scootaloo, so if you don't mind, we will be out of your hairs and on our way.” replied Sweetie Belle.

The head stallion seemed to accept their answer and had his stallions move out of the way of the path. “Very well but don't come back here or else.” spoke the leader.

“Of course not. Good day to you sir.” replied Sweetie Belle as she would bow towards him respectfully, and hurried for her and Apple Bloom to be on their way. Once they were far enough away, Apple Bloom finally spoke up.

“A honeymoon huh? Who would our friend be married too?” questioned Apple Bloom. As far as she knew Scootaloo never showed any interest in anyone in that way. Heck the only one she usually cared about besides them was Rainbow Dash and that would just be wrong. So wrong....

“Apple Bloom it wasn't true, I had to make up some sort of story. Otherwise who knew what they might have done.”

“So just saying we're travelers isn't good enough?” questioned Apple Bloom a bit confused by it all.

“Nope. You gotta really pull out all the stops when dealing with those kind of ponies. After all they might have tried to do horrible things to us if we didn't have a reason for being on their territory.” explained Sweetie Belle.

“Oh...alright. Well we probably should find Scootaloo. I hope she doesn't have this kind of trouble.”

“Oh she'll be fine, the town isn't that far and there will be lots of people in the town so it's unlikely for her to run into any trouble like that. Bandits usually are outside of towns and such and they look for easy victims to rob, but we don't have any benefit to them.” explained Sweetie Belle with pride.

Apple Bloom couldn't believe how much Sweetie Belle actually knew about these games, it was almost like she had played these games before. But why would Sweetie Belle even care about this kind of thing? It wasn't anything like she was used to from her. She was beginning to wonder just how much she knew about her good friend, but there was no sense in worrying over that now. They had to meet up with Scootaloo in the town. Hopefully she would know more about how to use her spear by the time they arrived.

It was a rather beautiful quaint little town, that Scootaloo arrived in. The buildings seemed mostly made of solid wood, only the one with the forge was actually made of stone. She went up the stairs towards the forge to see if the blacksmith was there. It was empty, seemed he must be away at the moment but then she heard a voice from behind her that made her jump.

“Can I help you dear?” asked a female voice.

Scootaloo jumped and turned around to see a female filly like her. She couldn't help but notice her flank was blank. She immediately forgot all about why she was here even for a brief minute. She had to find a way to help this filly if she could.

“Um....well I wanted to learn how to use my spear here. It's awfully heavy and I'm having a hard time holding it without falling flat on my face.” explained Scootaloo towards her.

“Oh is that all? Well that's really simple dear, you just have to fix it up a bit. It clearly looks like it needs a good tender love on the forge. Hold on let me get my Pa. Hey Pa! There's someone out here that needs your help.” spoke the filly towards the inside of the cabin next to the forge.

Not long after a stallion emerged from the cabin. He had a rustic look and his hooves were long since chipped and shown signs of aging. He wasn't nearly as old as Granny was but it was clear to say he was definitely older than even Rainbow Dash. He just walked over looking towards the young filly with the spear.

“Hmm...so you want me to fix that up for ya huh? You have gold to spend?” questioned the stallion.

“Um...no?” replied Scootaloo with a nervous look with a slight sweatdrop and a gulp of air running down her throat. She wasn't sure what to think now. She was half tempted to just forget about it but then the stallion just laughed and patted her on the shoulder.

“You really are nervous aren't you?” smirked the old stallion. “Don't worry I'll fix it up if you do me a favor. You see there's a group of bandits running around here right outside of this here town, and they keep stealing supplies from our town. If you bring them to justice, I'll teach you anything you want to know.” replied the stallion.

“And how am I going to do that if I can't use my weapon?” questioned Scootaloo.

“Well I'll fix it up now, I wouldn't let you just go in blind after all. It's a chance for yourself to not only prove yourself but show you can handle yourself and help us get our supplies back as well.” replied the stallion.

“Oh really? Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” smiled Scootaloo as her wings flapped and she just about hit the roof with excitement and cheer but managed to stop just short of the roof.

“Now the first thing you need to know about a spear is how to handle the weight of the tip. You hold it at the center of the base like so.” explained the stallion as he demonstrated what he might. “But hold it wrong, and you'll fall right onto your face as you did when you first tried to wield it, is that right?” questioned the stallion.

“Yes, that's exactly what happened.” replied Scootaloo.

“Stick with me kid and you'll be a fine spear wielder in no time at all.” smiled the stallion. “Oh and you can take my daughter with you to help you with the bandits, she may not be a fighter like me but she is intelligent and resourceful, I'm sure she can be a help to you for dealing with the bandits.”

“Ah come on dad, you know I'm not good at much of anything.” spoke the filly.

“You just need more confidence. You may not be a warrior, but I know my daughter is strong of heart and sometimes that is more worthy than simply wielding a blade. You'll do just fine. Now shall we get onto the lessons little one?” questioned the stallion with a huge grin on his face.

Scootaloo smiled brightly towards the other filly with a wide eyed look as she couldn't help but hug her. “This is going be so awesome!” and with that Scootaloo's training began.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle finally arrived at the town to find Scootaloo training with so old guy who seemed to be helping her use her new weapon and it seemed she was starting to get the hang of it.

“Well I guess you were right. People really are helpful in these towns.” smiled Apple Bloom as she walked right up towards Scootaloo but of course keeping her distance.

“Of course I was right.” replied Sweetie Belle. “See, I told you I got this. Now we need to find supplies and some sort of wagon for transporting stuff. We can't carry everything after all.” suggested Sweetie Belle to Apple Bloom.

The filly that had been watching her father and Scootaloo train walked right up towards the two fillies. “Um...hello there, are you friends with her?” she pointed towards Scootaloo.

“Yeah, I'm Apple Bloom and this here is Sweetie Belle and well you already met Scootaloo.” smiled Apple Bloom as she extended a hoof out towards the filly.

“Oh...I'm....my name is Angel Heart.” replied Angel Heart with a soft sigh. She just wanted to be able to do something but it seemed like no matter what she tried she wasn't any good at anything where as her father was such a talented and respected smith and here she was just trying to find something she could do to help out around the town.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both noticed it at the same time as they looked towards her blank flank as each of them remembered how long it had taken them to find their cutie marks, maybe they did have a purpose for being here other than helping out one blank flank, maybe there was much more to this game than they ever realized before and their eyes lit up and they knew they had to find Wild Ace but first they had to help this filly. They wouldn't be the cutie marked crusaders if they didn't.

“Hey what do you like to do around here? Do you have any hobbies or interests?” questioned Apple Bloom.

“Well...I like to help my dad around the forge, but often I tend to be more in the way than helpful.” replied Angel Heart with a heavy hearted sigh. “All I ever wanted is to be able to help my father bring this town back to the old ways.”

“Hmm..I see. Well there's plenty of ways you can help you know? You don't have to be a hero to help a town grow.” explained Apple Bloom.

“But I'm not good at anything. I've tried every single weapon I could think of, every time I try to forge or wield one I end up causing a mess. See this splitted wood? That was my first attempt at using an axe. I just am no good at anything.”

“Ah come on Angel, you have to be good at something, maybe it's something you never even thought about trying. Don't worry you have the best when it comes to helping ponies find their cutie marks! After all they don't call us the “Cutie Marked Crusaders” for nothing.”

Angel Heart just looked at Apple Bloom and the other two as they smiled towards her. She really hoped they were right because the only thing she was good at was finding herbs to heal the burns she caused her father every time she tried to use the forge...

Chapter 4: Level Two

Wild Ace was beyond excited that he had finally got his cutie mark, he couldn't help but to admire his flank. It suited him perfectly and he knew he was meant to be a gamer and nothing was going to get him down now. He ran right up through the double doors into the next level.

It still smelled like dirty old socks and well fish. Not a good fish smell either, it was very ominous that this was still the sewer he had just come through. He still wondered about the camp he had seen on his way in. Maybe it was his rest area, did that mean he could teleport back to it, whenever he wanted? Ah...where was the challenge? He knew he was only one level two but he was hoping to really challenge himself and he had to know just how many levels this tower had. He was hoping for one hundred, these kinds of things always had one hundred levels. He couldn't wait to explore them all. He looked around his surroundings. The area looked almost idcentical to the first, with square platforms that went around the room seperated by the ropes that dangled from the ceiling but the difference was they were further apart and there was no center island with a treasure chest, instead he saw a shadowy figure within the water. Probably that giant fish again. Pfft... He could so handle that. It wasn't even that scary. Besides who would be scared of a fish?

Suddenly the serpent reached it's head above the waters, starring down at the young colt, who's back went against the wall as it dove back under into the water again. He felt his heart racing a mile a second. He was glad no pony was here to see him panick. He swallowed a gulp of air, as a sweatdrop ran down his pores. Phew! That was a close call, that thing could have just grabbed him and pulled him into the water, but yet it just looked at him, and went back into the murky waters once more. He knew it was watching him, waiting for the perfect moment to eat him. Just the thought of being swallowed whole by a giant sea serpent was beyond frightening....it was terrifying but somehow he managed to gain his composure. He was Wild Ace, there was no way he was going to let a game scare him! Besides it was only level two, as long as he timed his jumps correctly, he'd breeze through this one just like he had the last. There was nothing to fear but fear itself. He couldn't remember which pony had said that, but he remembered it. He braced himself as he took a deep gulp, steadying his hooves atop the solid platform. He looked towards the second platform, judging with his eyesight how far of a distance it was from one to the other. It was a more complicated jump and it would be harder to use the ropes as a safety net, but easy enough for any gamer to do without even a second's thought. The only thing he was worried about was the most obvious problem. The fish had been a lot easier to avoid, because well it was a fish. It could only come so far out of the water, but this serpent was almost like a snake. It could reach out it's long neck, grab him by his tail and drag him down under and he didn't yet have a weapon to try fighting it with. He would have to look into that if he could find a shop in this crazy place. He couldn't afford to doubt himself now. He just had to get through this level and reach the save point near the end. It wasn't like this was complicated math....Though that might be easier than this.

Wild Ace took off running, aiming to grab the rope with his forehooves as he hit the end of the platform, pushing off the base as he leaped into the air. He could feel he had a good momentum going, as he felt his hoof wrap around the rope, as he held on tightly as it swung towards the other side, without even looking he knew the sea serpent would try to come up from underneath him, in an attempt to grab him mid jump. He was prepared for it though, as soon as he heard the water shift in motion, he knew he had to let go of the rope and jump for the other side of the platform. It was like life or death. Anything could happen, and if he failed here than what kind of gamer pony was he? He grabbed for the edge of the platform, holding onto it with his forehooves as he pulled himself up and over onto the next platform. With a sigh of relief he wiped the sweat from his mane. Phew! Man to think he was going to have to keep doing this until he got to the doors. The doors felt like they were worlds apart from where he was but he wasn't about to call it quits now.

He knew he had to take his time with each platform, not too long or else the serpent would catch him. Slowly he made his way towards the next platform. He used the same method as before, because it had worked. He was still cautious though. One by one he made his way across the level. He was building confidence and each time the serpent was right on his heels, but he was too smart to let himself get eaten. He had a lot to prove and he was going to show just what he was made of.

He got a bit cocky on the last jump though. All the other jumps had gone so well, he figured he'd try one without using the room. Sure it was a long jump about the length of four adult ponies but if he needed the rope he could always grab it midair. He wanted to see if he could pull off the jump without the handicap that the rope gave to him. He ran as fast as his little hooves would carry him as he leaped into the air, aiming for the last platform, which was a bigger than all of the previous platforms, he managed to grab the ledge by his forehooves but he was dangling off of the ledge. He quickly tried to climb up as he was struggling to brace himself against the wall. The sea serpent came up from the water and went to bite into his tail. It had only gotten a few strands and jolted him a bit but he managed to climb onto the platform as he fell onto his back exhausted. He took deep breaths...and laid on his back for a few minutes, before getting up to look at his tail. Oh that didn't look that bad but he knew he should've been more careful.

He could've lost more than just a few strands, he could've lost his tail or worse got caught by the sinister serpent of the water. He hurried over towards the save crystal to once again save his game. This wasn't so bad, though he knew it wasn't about to get easier. He walked through the double doors making his way into Level Three. He climbed up a huge flight of steps that felt like they were going on forever, though what surprised him was that he was finally out of the sewer. Phew. That place really stunk so it was nice to have a change of pace, but now he found himself on what appeared to be a giant checkerboard. He was on one of the white squares, and on each white square was a skeleton wielding a sword and shield. He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he stepped on a black square. Nervously, he took a dice from his knapsack. He learned never to go any place without them, and put one onto the black square, and just like he had guessed it went right through it. The black squares couldn't be stepped on, and each white square had a skeleton on it, and here he was, with no weapon. He hadn't been expecting Level three to throw him such a curveball but he wasn't about to let it get to him either. He could do this, heck he had gotten his cutie mark in the thing he knew he had always been destined to do, play games. He just had to figure out a way to get the skeletons to move to the black squares. That would make this all the easier and they were skeletons so they weren't nearly as scary nor intimating as the sea serpent and being out of the sewers was definetly a nice change of pace. He couldn't help but wonder where the Cutie Marked Crusaders were right now and what they were up to.

He assumed they were looking for him, but this was quite the massive game world, he could be to Level 25 by the time they found him. Not that he cared really, it gave him more of a chance to test out his skills and limitations. Though he was hoping maybe he could impress Sweetie Belle, he knew she had this thing with another gamer...what was his name? Oh that's right Button Mash. But...well ever since he had first laid eyes on her, he had this huge crush, but he'd never tell her that. Never...he wasn't that kind of pony, but if he had a shot to be with her, he'd take it anyday...even if it meant he would have to give up his passion of gaming, he truly wanted her to see he had a soft side too. Wild Ace couldn't help it. He imagined Sweetie Belle on the other side of the skeletons and that a boss skeleton was holding her hostage, and suddenly it was like he had gained a new fire between his hooves. There was no way they were going to keep him at Level three now. With a huge smirk he began headbutting his way through one skeleton after the other, until he reached the other side, and pressed his hoof on the same crystal. Now he was ready for level four, and nothing could stop him now.

He heard a loud roar from far away and a bright smile pursed on his lips. “A dragon? Oh....” he had never actually seen a real dragon outside of well Spike...but he wasn't really a real dragon. Not like the ones in his games so he wondered if that might be his final boss. He definitely was going to need some weapons for that, and some protection but first he had to make it to the dragon before he could fight it. He wasn't sure what awaited him in Chapter five but he was ready to find out.

Wild Ace was sure that his parents were worried, and he understood why, but he wished they would understand him. It was like trying to tell Pinkie Pie not to throw parties, gaming was in his blood and nothing and he meant nothing was going to keep him from it. Wild Ace would return, it wasn't like this game would go on forever and besides this was all just a game, none of it was actually real. That was well...crazy right? Though he couldn't help but look at his tail as he reached Level Five. The strands of his tail that the sea serpent had taken, were still missing. A horrified look on his face, as he realized the save crystals weren't healing him....what had he gotten himself into now?

“Help me!!!!!!!” he shouted. Then remembering he was alone and suddenly wishing he would have never started this. He sat down on his flank, tears in his eyes. The game was real...that was supposed to be cool right? Then why did he feel so horrible?

Chapter 5: Dangers

“Alright, Crusaders, it's up to us to help Angel Heart find her purpose.” spoke Apple Bloom as she huddled up with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“Yeah, she's awfully kind, maybe we should start with something simple, like saving a cat.” suggested Sweetie Belle.

“Ah come on girls, she wants to be a warrior, saving a cat is kid's stuff.” replied Scootaloo.

“Um...girls...” began Angel Heart trying to get their attention.

Apple Bloom glanced over her shoulder, looking towards Angel Heart. “What is it Angel?” she asked kindly.

“Um...my father wants you to take care of those bandits remember, maybe I can earn my mark by getting rid of them.” she smiled putting on a brave face. She knew she might not be of much help, but she'd at least try her best. She ran over towards her father, giving him a big hug, before turning back to face the Cutie Marked Crusaders. She couldn't help but feel just a tad jealous of them knowing what they were meant to do. She wished she could feel that way too.

“We should just charge in, and knock those bandits out, they'll never see it coming.” smirked Scootaloo, trying to think of what Rainbow Dash would do.

“No, Scoots, that has got to be the most naive idea ever.” explained Apple Bloom as she hoof palmed. “We need a strategy, from what I know of bandits, which isn't much they always have a lookout. We need to take him out before we can get in.” explained Apple Bloom.

“Well, I could probably use my magic to put him to sleep.” suggested Sweetie Belle. She couldn't believe how glorious her attire was, she was sure even Rarity would be impressed by the stitching and the weaving of her cloak and hat. She looked like a real mage. She knew it was only just a game, but she was going to totally tell Button Mash all about this! Oh boy he wasn't going to believe it, but it was true, she had actually been in a game.

“Hmm...that's actually not a bad idea. Yeah let's try it. Then Scoots and I will sneak in and work out way down to the bandit chambers, there is where the bandit chief will likely be, that's where you'll come in, Angel. You think you can handle distracting him long enough for Scootaloo to get a good hit on her?” she asked her.

“Um...I'll try.” replied Angel Heart. She was just a bit disappointed that her only real task was to be bait. It was very clear, that they weren't going to take any chances. She could fight though. She had to show them that, but for now she'd go along with their little plan, but she put a dagger in her knapsack along with, a few herbs from the nearby forest. There were lots of things out there, that you could use for healing and ointment, but she found that mixing herbs and berries, with just a bit of powder made good for cleansing wounds. She also put a few rags into her knapsack as well.

“Alright, I'm ready.” smiled Angel Heart with her knapsack over her back, she took a deep breath, calming herself before the steady of the strom. She was not about to let them down now. She was going to make her dad proud, and show that she could be someone worth be proud of.

Apple Bloom nodded, as she looked to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “Alright, Crusaders we got some bandits to slay.” she smiled a huge grin on her face. This was going to be so much fun! Though she wasn't really one for killing, so they'd at least try driving them out of the town before resorting to violence, but she heard from Sweetie Belle that bandits often didn't listen to reason. She was going to prepare herself, she had never killed any pony before...but if it meant the town would be able to go back to normal once more, like the old days, then it was worth it right? She doubted herself, but she remained strong and viligant, after all she was the leader, she couldn't afford to show weakness or fear, not when the others were counting on her. She then led the way out of town, and had Angel Heart show her where the bandits had last been seen.

Angel Heart looked towards the cave. “Here it is. They must not be here right now, usually the guard is always sitting in that chair.” she spoke pointing to an old wooden chair. There was no sound around the area either, it was deadily silent...too quiet. Something was wrong, and then horrified, Angel Heart realized what was going on.

“The bandits, they must be planning to attack the town, we have to go back!” said Angel Heart with a very worried look on her hues. She didn't want to believe it, but it was the only thing that made sense.

“Hmm...Scootaloo, you and Sweetie Belle go with Angel and see what's going on in the town. I'm going to stay here and see what clues I can find in their hideout.” instructed Apple Bloom.

“Are you sure?” questioned Sweetie Belle.

“Don't you worry Sweetie Belle, I can handle myself.” explained Apple Bloom.

“Alright, if you're sure.” replied Sweetie Belle, though she couldn't help but worry. She knew how dangerous it was in these games to go alone and not have any backup, it was usually the quickest way of getting captured, or worse killed. She didn't even want to think about it.

Apple Bloom was sure, because they're might be clues as to what these bandits were up to in their hideout, and she wasn't about to miss out on a chance to find out, if she could find any leads.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Angel Heart made their way back towards the town. Though Angel Heart hurried ahead of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle despite them trying to tell her that rushing in, wouldn't help any. She was driven by emotions and a concern for her father. There was no doubt she was worried not just about the town, but about her father, she didn't want anything to happen to him, knowing that she could have stopped it. They both understood that much, they'd both do the same and feel the same if anything happened to Apple Bloom with them investigating the town. They didn't like leaving her back there like that, but they trusted her judgement. Hopefully, nothing would happen and they wouldn't have to fret. Sweetie Belle looked towards Scootaloo, with a worried look.

“She's going to get herself killed.” spoke Sweetie Belle.

“Well then let's hurry!” spoke Scootaloo as she rushed towards the town. Though, they both stopped in their tracks, Angel Heart was standing right outside of the town, tears running down her cheeks.

“Father!” she shouted towards the town, being engulfed in flames by the second. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked horrified by what they were witnessing.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both rushed after Angel Heart, as much as they didn't want to think about it, it might already be too late to save the townsfolk, but neither of them was about to give in to such a grim thought.

Angel Heart rushed in, to her father's forge, she found him laying on his side reaching out for his trusted axe.

“Father!” she shouted as she coughed, the smoke getting to her, but she was not about to leave him, not now.

“Angel?” coughed the father. He could make out his daughter despite feeling dizzy and distorted from the ashes of the burning flames that now engulfed his home. “Run...you have to get out...before...” he coughed but before he could answer he fell limb.

“Father!!!” shouted Angel Heart clinging to her father's dead form. It couldn't be. He wasn't dead...she didn't want to believe it.

Suddenly a hoof clasped around her mouth from behind. “Hey boss, looky what I got here, a scared little filly.” smirked a male's voice.

She knew not to seemed scared, that wouldn't help her now, so she bite into his hoof as hard as she could, forcing him to break his grip. She hurried to grab her father's axe, the one thing she wasn't going to leave behind, and ran, she ran right into Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

They both hurried to get her out of the flames, and away from the smoke, as the three huddled in a safe place. Angel Heart clung to Sweetie Belle.

“He's dead...he's dead...” she sobbed.

Sweetie Belle held around her, not sure how to comfort her. She knew if her father died, she'd feel the same pains. Even worse if it had been her sister. She wasn't sure if she could recover from it.

“Those bandits did this, it had to be them.” spoke Scootaloo angered. She wanted to run down into the town and find them but she knew it was a lost cause. She felt Sweetie Belle putting her free hoof on her shoulder. “They're long gone, Scootaloo. We can't help them by getting angry. We have to find them.”

“Wait, if they aren't in the town wouldn't they be heading back to the base? Apple Bloom is there!” spoke Scootaloo with a horrified look. Their friend was in danger, and if they didn't hurry, she might end up just like the father. Why had they even entertained the idea of her going alone? If something happened to their friend, she'd never be able to forgiver herself. She only hoped that Apple Bloom would return to them safely, but right now things sure as heck, didn't look good for any of them. What did this mean for Wild Ace? Sure he knew more about these games, then they did, but that didn't mean he wasn't in danger right now too. The worst part was there was nothing they could do about it. Scootaloo felt weak. She never knew how hard it must be for Rainbow Dash when the lives of Equestria were on the line, and now she was learning just how much was really on the line, and how important it was for all of them to remain viligant and strong, even when she felt utterly fragile and weak. She could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks as she turned her head away from Sweetie Belle and Angel Heart not wanting them to see that she was crying.

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but notice it. She was busy trying to comfort Angel Heart who was still sobbing and clinging to her, or else she'd extend support towards Scootaloo. She hadn't wanted to tell any of them how scary these games could be, but for her, it had always been, just a game. Now, it was so much more, than just a game...it was real...She still wished that she could ask Button Mash what to do...he had to know something but she had no clue how she might be able to get a hold of him.

“Scootaloo...I'm so sorry.” began Sweetie Belle. She felt like part of this was her fault. There was more she could have told them, more she could have done. Yet she had been excited over the prospect of being in a game. She had let her excitement get the better of her.

“This is not your fault Sweetie Belle.” spoke Angel Heart as she had managed to calm herself, despite feeling weak. She was unable to help her father. All she wanted was to make him proud of her, and now she'd never have that chance. She was ashamed of herself.

“Angel...I know how hard it must be for you right now, but can you think of anything your father might have said to you, about the attacks, that might help us?” questioneed Sweetie Belle.

“Um...I don't remember.” replied Angel Heart. She found it hard to focus, hard to think. She didn't want to do anything right now, but she wanted to remain strong for him, he had always been so strong for her. She had to be strong. Then she remembered something.

“He said something about them being no good for nothings, and that a few of them used to live in the town. I don't know how helpful that is though. Wait a second, your friend, Apple Bloom, she went into their hideout. She could be in danger right now!” she stated as she picked up her father's axe putting it on her back.

“She's right, we have to go after Apple Bloom, who knows what trouble she might be in.” replied Scootaloo, as she had her spear at the ready.

“Yes, we must go find Apple Bloom, but we need a plan. Going in without a plan will only get us captured.” replied Sweetie Belle.

“But...” began Scootaloo, if they waited too long, Apple Bloom might not be there to be saved and she didn't even want to think about that. It was bad enough ponies had lost their lives this day to those bandits, there was no way in Equestria she was about to let them get her friend. She knew Sweetie Belle had played these games before, but there was a time for planning and a time for rescuing. Scootaloo went on ahead of Sweetie Belle.

“Scootaloo wait!” began Sweetie Belle but it was already too late, she was long gone. Sweetie Belle sighed to herself. “We'd better go after her.” explained Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle and Angel Heart hurried after Scootaloo, Scootaloo seemed happy they “agreed” to her plan. Even though there wasn't really a plan at all. The whole thing was to rescue Apple Bloom. Heck, they didn't even know if the bandits had returned. By the time they got there, they immediately noticed something that was different from the first time, there was a guard pony sitting on the chair watching the entrance, and fear sat in the pits of their stomachs as they gulped for breath.

“Oh no...” spoke Sweetie Belle as she grabbed Scootaloo and Angel Heart and they hide behind a bush nearby. “We need a plan. How are we going to get past the bandits? There's likely guards all through there and we don't even know the layout of the interior design.” explained Sweetie Belle.

“We fight. It's the only way to save Apple Bloom.” explained Scootaloo with a determined voice.

“Save me from what?” questioned a voice from behind them. They all turned their heads to see Apple Bloom, looking to them with a confused glance.

“Apple Bloom!” shouted both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle as they embraced Apple Bloom in a big hug.

“Um...gals, I appriciate the gesture, but did something happen with the town?” she questioned.

“The town's gone, the bandits raided it, and set it in flames. There were no surivors to be found.” spoke Angel Heart with a saddened look on her face. “My father, he fell victim to those bandits.”

“Oh no, that's horrible my friend. I'm awful sorry for your loss, is there anything I can do to help?” she questioned.

“Could you um...maybe take care of those bandits?” questioned Angel Heart.

“I think “bandit slaying” may be a bit out of our skills, but we could perhaps make them attack each other. After all bandits are known to be greedy, and if we make them think the others took from them, they'd quickly turn on one another. After I saw the inside, I knew what I had to do.” smiled Apple Bloom with a big grin. “And I'm going to need all of you to make it possible.”

“We're in.” smiled Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

Angel Heart hestiated but she nodded in agreement to their plan. Of course they'd have to deal with the bandits, but she would do her best, despite her grief to help the Crusaders, she just hoped Apple Bloom's plan would work, because if it didn't....they might end up being killed. She wasn't about to let herself think of such grim thoughts, she tried to stay strong, but she felt really weak right now. She had just lost her father, her town, and what did she have now? Nothing...she felt Sweetie's hoof on her shoulder.

“You still have us, Angel, no matter what, we're not going anywhere.” she spoke towards her, she knew it was hard for her right now. She could only imagine how much pain she was in, but they needed her help if they wanted this to be a successful plan.

Angel Heart desperately wanted to believe Sweetie Belle's words, but she couldn't help the sense of fear and uncertainly that engulfed her. She had to be strong. She had to be...for her father, for the town. This was only the beginning. She was going to make those bandits pay for what they did.

Apple Bloom looked towards the others. “The cave itself honestly isn't even that big or complex, but I have a feeling there's a least twenty bandits, just judging by the amount of bedrolls I saw. I also found some sort of key, but I have no idea what it might unlock.” spoke Apple Bloom as she pulled out a strange looking key. It almost seemed like it had symbols on it, of a bear, an owl, and an butterfly but what could this mean?

“Hmm...well it must unlock something, but that's not important right now. What is important is stopping those bandits.” explained Sweetie Belle.

The four of them huddle together, whispering to themselves as they formatted a plan of strategy before moving in, to take down the bandits. There was no way, Angel Heart wasn't going to be a part of the group now. She had to be, for her own sake and for her village, she would defend them.

Apple Bloom led the way, of course keeping low to the ground so that the bandit on the chair, wouldn't be able to spot her from where he was sitting. She would have to get his attention somewhere else, so that they could sneak in, and take down the bandits once and for all. Apple Bloom knew how much Angel Heart's father must have meant to her, and she was going to help her somehow. They had too, it wasn't something any of them were good at, but they had to help. Helping ponies was what they did, and what they would continue to do. They were the Cutie Marked Crusaders and Apple Bloom was the leader. She wasn't going to give up, she had to be strong, for all of them, especially for her right now. She knew in her heart, she was bound to do something reckless if she wasn't careful, so Apple Bloom would be keeping eyes on her, as they went further into the cave, after making the bandit outside distracted by throwing a rock opposite of where they were now.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait every pony, and it may be a bit of a wait for Chapter seven but know I work hard to bring you quality chapters! And I hope you enjoy all my stories.

Chapter six: Level Five

Wild Ace took steady, deep long breaths in and out as he sat on his flank. This place was real… anything that happened here would be permanent. He couldn't help looking at the missing strands of his tail. Even though it wasn't much, the grim reality that it could've been a lot worse spiraled through his mind. He had to calm his nerves.

“Get a grip, you know these games better than any pony,” he spoke to himself, trying to settle the rapid beating of his heart. With one final breath he stood up proudly on all fours, his body still quivering, but he forced himself to dash into the next level.

He wasn't sure what awaited him in this place, but if he recalled from the books he had read, there were one hundred floors, that meant he had quite a long way to go, before he'd get out of here. Honestly, he hadn't even thought about how he would get home, even if he did reach the top. He glanced ahead to see what challenges this current level would bring.
The forest all around him seemed quite luscious, the grass between his hooves wet with morning dew. Trees surrounded him on every side. He didn't see platforms for jumping like he had in the precious levels. He could hear noises all throughout the thick of the brush, and it made startled him so much, he bolted straight up into the air with a slight yelp. He looked all over, trying to find the source of the noise. But… nothing seemed to be there. Was he going crazy? He had to stay calm, if he didn't, he would surely lose his life here, and if he didn't return to Ponyville, he could only imagine what his parents would do about it. He wouldn't die, he swore he wouldn't die here.

Bracing himself, he hopped down into the jungle, looking with his deep green hues from side to side, scanning the area. It didn't seem like anything but a jungle. If this was a level, there had to be something he was supposed to figure out. Maybe he was supposed to find something. Perhaps a key, like he had needed for the doors.

He wasn't sure where to start, but he knew he had to find the key, after all it had to be somewhere in this place, but this was a jungle, it could go on for ages. He swallowed a deep gulp of fear as he pranced further inwards, towards an unlikely danger. At first it didn't seem like there was anything in this jungle other than an endless amount of trees, and it felt like no matter how deep he went into it, it just went on and on. The trees almost felt like they were getting closer, almost as if they were moving. But trees didn't move… or did they?

He stood still as he looked from one side to the other. Nothing really seemed to stand out about them, the wood and the leaves reminded him a lot of the trees in the Everfree Forest, but that didn't exactly help calm his fears. He knew the Everfree was shrouded in mystery, it certainly was puzzling. There was no way this forest could be anything like the Everfree though. Shaking slightly, he felt as if the trees were getting closer and closer. Wait, maybe the key was in one of the trees… it could be possible, right? he thought to himself. Maybe the trick of this level was to make you think you were gaining process, only to keep you in an endless circle of trees. With that thought in his mind,as his heart raced rapidly, he stared up at one of the trees.

“Alright, here goes nothing!” he shouted, bolting straight up the tree. He kept climbing until he reached the top, and was able to see over the top of the tree. He looked to the skies above him, seeing birds flying back and forth. There was no sunlight shining down, just a dense cloud cover. That's when he spotted it, he noticed the key, almost seeming like it was suspended in the air. He just had to figure out how to get it. Staring at the clouds, he had a lot of strength, but he couldn't use magic. It would be nice to have Sweetie Belle here right about that, but heck, he wouldn't mind it if Button Mash was here too. He needed someone to be here so he didn't feel so alone, so overwhelmed by what this game was throwing his way.

He could try jumping, but if he didn't make the landing correctly, he could end up with a broken leg if not worse. It wasn't like these trees weren't tall, they had to be at least twenty feet up into the sky. He knew he had to get the key, no matter how scary it might seem, if he didn't try, he wouldn't get anywhere. He simply nodded his head, a big grin spreading across his muzzle, as he scratched his forehoof against the top of the tree, getting down into a position to dash, head down, rump up. He kept his eyes open, making sure he knew exactly what he needed to do. He sprinted up and forward towards the key. He just barely caught onto the end of it in the air, it magically appearing in his hooves, and he felt himself falling. Quickly he made an attempt to jump into one of the trees to catch is fall, but he missed the first one by a few split seconds. He didn't give up though, he put the key in his mouth, and lunged towards the next lowest tree, his whole body landing on top of the leaves that covered the top of the tree. He panted heavily, as he lay there for a good few minutes, before wiping his brow, and standing up. He spat out the key and put it in his hoof.

He was one step closer to figuring this place out. He had gotten the key, now he just had to find the door. It didn't seem that difficult, but he knew if he went down into the endless trees, the place made him feel as if he would forever be swallowed by the forest all around him, he took a deep gulp as he tried to regain his composure.
What should he do? He sat there, trying to think. This jungle was full of danger, but there had to be a way out of here, it couldn’t just go on forever…

Deciding quickly, it was better to stay up on top of the trees, he began jumping from tree to tree. It was almost just like the platforms from the previous levels, but this time there was no rope to save him if he missed a jump. Likely the trees weren't nearly as far apart as the platforms. It was actually quite fun to jump from tree to tree. He was starting to gain more confidence again. He could do this, he knew he could. He would find his way out, and show everyone just how talented he was. This was his destiny, and he wasn't about to let the fear of it consume him. No, he was much stronger than that!

The birds didn't seem to bother him, though he still kept his gaze on not only where he was heading, but also them. He couldn't afford to not take this seriously, even if it was supposed to be just a game, there was clearly a lot more at stake here. He could only hope that the others weren't having as much trouble. Surely, they had found his room by now and noticed him missing, surely they'd come and find him, right? They wouldn't leave him stranded here…

He paused for a moment as he considered the fact they might not have come. If they haven't, he might be stuck here forever… suddenly this game wasn't fun at all. He was really regretting his decision, he felt his hoof slip from the top of the tree as he began spiraling downwards towards the ground. He let out a yelp, as he attempted to catch himself. He drastily tried grabbing a branch, but missed it, he felt like all hope was fading, the further and further he flew towards the ground. This couldn't be the end for him. He lunged as far as he could towards the closest tree and wrapped his hooves around it, the tree helped to slow his fall, but he still ended up on the forest floor with a loud thump. He felt the aching pain in his flank, as he rubbed his hindquarters, standing up. He was alive… he hadn't broken anything. He felt sore, and he limped a bit from the impact for a few minutes until he regained his composure, maybe it might be better for any others not to get stuck in this game. He didn't want to even think about any of them getting hurt, especially Sweetie Belle. Imagining her hurt made him furious. He dashed forward with all the strength he had, practically plowing right by the trees until he finally could see the double doors to the next level in the distance.

It felt like a miracle to him once he reached the save crystal and maintained his progress. He wiped the sweat from his brow, and took a deep, steady long breath. The worst was over, right? He ached in places he hadn't known he had, but his ears perked when he heard a low rumbling growl. He immediately stood poised and ready for action.

“Who's there, show yourself! I'm not afraid of you,” he spoke boldly. He glared into the vast distance of the forest floor behind him, looking, listening, trying to find where it had been coming from, but then the rumbling happened again, and this time it sounded much closer. There was no way it could have snuck up behind him, but he quickly turned on his hooves, trying to spot the creature. He was going to use his guts to take this thing down!

But nothing was there… the rumbling was getting louder, much louder, and he still couldn't find anything in the distance. He was going crazy! He felt like something had to be around him somewhere, but there was nothing there, the only one here was him. He knew that… then where was that noise coming from? Trying to calm his nerves and think straight, he suddenly realized something. He hadn't eaten anything in awhile, not since he entered this place, and since he had been using so much energy, he must be starving. The growling was his own stomach, he felt rather idiotic right about now.

He had to get something to eat, but where was he going to find food in a place like this? He continued on through the double doors towards level six, he had no idea what to expect, but if there was one thing he knew, he wasn't going to give up. He knew the Crusaders had never given up, and he had to show he was brave if he wanted to earn their respect, and perhaps even the admiration of the filly he had a huge crush on.

Blushing slightly, he shouted,“For Sweetie Belle!” as he entered the next level.

Author's Note

I just want to take a moment to thank all my followers for being so understanding with me. I've been blown away by the amount of feedback I've received since returning to Fimfiction. I hope to bring you quality stories in the future. I hope you will enjoy this story, and I feel it's only just now beginning, so stay along for the journey. To see where it might take us.

Chapter 7: The strength of your Heart

The bandit's hideout felt very chilly, the sensation made Apple Bloom shiver, feeling cold all of a sudden. She looked to her fellow crusaders, giving them a silent hoof wave for them to proceed.

The air was moist, almost damp, yet there were no signs of any bandits in the near by area. Apple Bloom noticed a bridge that crossed over a bunch of sharp rocks. So sharp, she didn't want to even think about what would happen if any of them would slip. Apple Bloom decided to put a forehoof carefully onto the bridge to test it's firmness. The bridge made a loud creak as she shifted her full weight onto it, but the bridge didn't' falter, it shook a bit, but it stood up to her weight. Letting out a heavy breath, she crossed the bridge slowly, not wanting to simply rush across and end up stumbling. She wasn't about to take that risk. Once she made it to the other side she assured the others it was safe to cross.

Scootaloo just looked at the bridge and then towards Sweetie Belle.

“Since I can fly now, I could just take you across ya know?” she puffed out her chest fur, a lot more confident now that she could actually fly. It didn't even cross her mind that once they got home, she'd still be the same flightless filly, she had been before, her excitement getting the better of her.

“Thank you, Scoots that's so kind of you to offer.” smiled Sweetie Belle as she took a nervous gulp before waiting for Scoots to fly her over to the other side. She didn't want to admit she was a bit nervous about stumbling. Rarity would never freak out if she was stuck here, after all it was just a bridge. It wasn't like she was facing an army of angry stallions that might want to do who knows what to her. Suddenly, she found her heart racing further as she shook those thoughts out of her head.

“Hey...Sweetie Belle?” questioned Apple Bloom, as she couldn't help but notice the wide eyed look in her hues, and how she chuckled and coughed into her hoof, acting like nothing was wrong. “You alright?”

“Oh course! Why wouldn't I be...” she fidgeted a bit nervously, fixing her mane. Her inner self shook her head. No she wasn't fine, but there was no sense in worrying over nothing. Yeah...nothing. It was just a bridge. Nothing for her to be scared of.

Apple Bloom just raised an eyebrow at that, it was very clear to see Sweetie Belle was scared but she wouldn't push her into talking, if she didn't want to talk. She looked back to see Angel Heart still waiting on the other side. Apple Bloom took a deep breath, and walked back across the bridge to see what was wrong. Of course the bridge shook wildly as she trotted across it, but it held up to her weight just fine.

“Angel, is something the matter?” questioned Apple Bloom.

Angel Heart just sighed, as she looked to the bridge and then to Apple Bloom. Angel Heart wasn't scared about crossing the bridge, she was scared at not being able to help. What could she possibly do? Her self doubt seemed to consume the young filly.

Apple Bloom just stood there, waiting for Angel Heart to say something, but when she just stared into the distance, Apple Bloom sighed slightly. Apple Bloom gently reached out putting a forehoof on Angel Heart's shoulder gently, as she began to speak, but kept her voice to a hushed whisper so not to alert any pony of their presence.

“Listen, I know how hard it can be to feel like you have no purpose, and to search endlessly with no answers in sight, can drive any filly crazy, but you've got to believe me when I say this. It takes time, when you finally realize it, it will be a moment of your life you shall never forget. You see...the three of us struggled to find our purpose for the longest time, but we've never felt closer since gaining our marks,” explained Apple Bloom, hoping that something might help put Angel Heart at ease. She was growing through a tough time, and Apple Bloom was reaching out to her, to show her concern, and her compassion as a leader.

Angel Heart let out a heavy sigh, as her blue hues gazed into Apple Bloom's. She knew she was right, but it wasn't just her mark. It was her, what could she possibly do to help them? They'd probably be better off without her.

“Maybe it's best if I just wait here. I want to help, but I don't know what I could actually do to help.”

“The important thing is to try. Come on, we've got your flank.” smiled Apple Bloom lending her a hoof, and helping her across the bridge. Apple Bloom just knew they were doing the right thing by helping this filly, and who knew, there might be other children in this world that needed their help too. Even if it was just a game, Apple Bloom couldn't not help a filly or colt in need. Once they were all across the bridge, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went to hug the two of them, before they all began moving on as group.

Apple Bloom led the way, with the others following behind her. She noticed as she was walking further in lights coming into her view, she shielded her eyes as the cavern illuminated much brighter, and then she jolted to a stop when she noticed a campsite below. Sure enough, not just one, but five ponies were down there. Sleeping bags were placed onto the floor, a bright warm fire glowing from the center. Each pony was sitting around the fire, enjoying some sort of meat they had cooked up over the fire. Apple Bloom ushered the others closer, pointing down to the bandits, and telling the others very quietly her plan of attack. A sneak attack would be their best opportunity.

Apple Bloom studied the layout and even the structure of the campsite below, to figure out what would be their best position. Suddenly, she could hear the bandits talking, and even while observing she couldn't help but listen in.

The first one that spoke up was a bulky well toned gray stallion, with a musky auburn mane and tail.

“I reckon, we got one heck of a score from that little town. They never even saw us coming!” chuckled Slate.

He seemed to be an earth pony just like her, however she didn't even want to think about how strong he might be just from his build alone, he had to be just as big as her brother, and that was no easy feat to accomplish! Apple Bloom, gestured to the others to start sneaking along the shadows, hoping they could get through to unleash their attack without the bandits noticing them first.

“Yeah...but overtaking little towns is beneath me. I live for something truly epic, like taking down a dragon. That would certainly give us more ferocity, and send the fear into the citizens of this crazy world we live in.” retorted Straight Arrow with a huff. Straight Arrow was a pegasus pony, a deep dark blue coat, and bright orange mane and tail. His frame seemed a lot slimmer and more athletic than the large earth pony beside him. Though it seemed like the two had one thing in common, hurting young filly's lives. It honestly infuriated Apple Bloom, that she almost forgot for a split second, not to just bull rush in and give them a piece of her mind. Argh...sometimes she wished she had Scootaloo's wild side, but she knew she had to be wise, or something terrible might happen. She didn't want to think about it. She took a deep breath, but when she went to make sure every pony was still there, she noticed Angel Heart had dashed down to where the bandits were! She would've gasped out her name, had Sweetie Belle not covered her muzzle, and pulled into the shadows, putting her forehoof over her mouth, she shook her head at Apple Bloom.

“How dare you! How dare you act like destroying my town was a good thing. You are evil, and I'm going to stop you.” spoke Angel Heart, tears running down her cheeks as she held her father's axe in her hooves, though it was very clear from how she held it, she wasn't accustomed to wielding a weapon.

Straight Arrow just raised an eyebrow as he looked at Angel Heart, sighing as he stood up and grabbed his lance.

“Honestly, kid your loss is no loss on my part. Now be a good little filly and stand still.” commanded Straight Arrow pointing the tip of his lance, right at her chest.

Angel Heart couldn't help but swallow a gulp of fear. She was expecting the crusaders to do something but maybe they were waiting to see if she could get herself out of this first. Yeah...that must be it. They wouldn't just let her be filly napped. Right?

“Listen, Apple Bloom, I realize you want to go down there and rescue her, but if we keep doing that how will she ever discover her special talent?” questioned Scootaloo as the three of them were silently staying away from what was going on down below. Even though, Apple Bloom felt they should just go down there and confront the bandits, but she knew Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo was right. The best chance to save Angel Heart was to keep their presence unknown to the bandits below. If they got discovered before they were ready, they might all be captured, and then there would be no one to save them.

Angel Heart shivered, as she swallowed a gulp of breath. The tip of the lance wasn't just sharp, but dangerous. One false move and she could end up just like her father, dead. Angel Heart dropped her axe, knowing full well if she dared make a move now, she'd regret it.

Another stallion whom had been sitting calmly until now stood up on his hooves, sighing as he got a coil of rope from his pack.

“She's just a filly...you don't have to kill her Straight Arrow.” sighed Gravel Throat. He was another earth pony, a lot smaller than Iron Wings, but a lot more bulk to his frame then Straight arrow. His body was a lime green color, his mane and tail a solid black shade. “We'll just tie her up and take her to the chief, and see what he wants to do about her.” he spoke as he coiled the ropes, firstly around her neck, to make a leash so that he could easily pull her along if she refused to walk. Then he coiled ropes around her muzzle, tightening it around her jaw so she couldn't scream or yell for help. Then once he was sure the coils were securely tight, he pulled on the end he was holding to test it, forcing Angel Heart to move forward to avoid being choked. Angel Heart couldn't help glancing over her shoulder to see if the crusaders would come to her rescue now, but no pony came. She fell into the pit of despair, as she followed the five bandits to where the leader was, at the bottom of their base of operations.

Angel Heart ears flattened to the sides of her face as she was trotted further and further down into the cavern, being treated more like livestock then a pony. Gravel Throat didn't waste any time in putting her right in front of their leader. Angel Heart took a deep gulp, as she looked up to him.

His build seemed rather slender to be the leader of a group of bandits, but the muscles in his forehooves and legs, clearly told a story. He had a scar under his left eye, marks on his flank over his cutie mark, clearly from some sort of battle, but he didn't seemed phased at all by the scars, nor the fact he was staring at a young filly before him. Angel Heart couldn't help swallowing a gulp of breath, as she nervously shook, while Gravel Throat held tight to the end of the leash.

The lavender stallion unicorn looked down to Angel Heart, studying her. Sensing her fear, and her inner self doubt, just by the look in her eyes. He simply let out a huff.

“So...what's your name child?” he questioned towards her.

Angel Heart blinked, she didn't know why he was even bothering to ask her her name, when they were probably just going to kill her, or worse...She quickly shook those thoughts out of her head.

“My name is Angel Heart...sir,” she spoke up softly, her hooves still shaking as she managed to calm her nerves even slightly, able to suddenly see three shadows in the distance. They had come, they were just waiting for the right time. Suddenly, relief washed over her face, and she calmly sat upon her flank in front of the leader of the bandits, pointing a hoof at him.

“You're just a coward that ruins ponies lives. You should be ashamed of yourself for the things you've done. Not like your lackey's here are any better. I mean seriously, you might be bandits and all, but filly napping is a bit extreme don't you agree?” she let out a huff of air after her little rant. Let's see if this leader was as tough as he acted or if it was all just games.

“I like your spunk kid.” chuckled Sky Chaser. The audacity of this filly, to stand up to someone like him, and act like she somehow had any say in her current situation. He looked towards his fellow stallions as he gave his orders. “Kill her. I have no uses for a bratty child.”

“As you wish, Commander.” spoke Straight Arrow as he lifted his lance into his forehooves once more, and prepared himself to kill the little filly. But he suddenly found himself frozen in space by some sort of magic, but Sky Chaser was the only unicorn here, so where was the magic coming from?

Suddenly, the three crusaders bolted into action. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo focused on freeing Angel Heart to a safe spot, while Apple Bloom stood almost nose to nose with Sky chaser, he sword drew and directed towards his throat. Apple Bloom had never in her life ever thought of killing any pony, but right now she knew what she had to do.

Sky Chaser simply glanced back and stared into the young filly's eyes. She had a lot of confidence to stand up to him. Like she could ever compare to the amount of battles he had been through.

“You don't stand a chance kid, I suggest you all go back home where you belong if you want to continue living.” he spoke adamantly.

His threats didn't phase Apple Bloom in the slightest. She didn't move from her position, if anything she nickered her sword against his throat to show him she was clearly going for the kill, and yet the bandit simply stood there like nothing was happening.

He sighed, using his magic to send Apple Bloom flying towards a wall, but Scootaloo was right there waiting, catching Apple Bloom in her arms, and setting her back down to safety. Sweetie Belle was using her newly found mage powers to freeze the other bandits to stone. It wouldn't be permanent, there was a time limit on it, but at least for now they'd be out of their manes.

Apple Bloom stood back up, and this time wasted no time in using her sword to aim for his neckline one more, a side sweep.

Sky Chaser once again blocked it with his magic, letting out a yawn of boredom, as he picked up his old trusty iron sword. “I suppose it's only fair to see which of us is superior.”

“You can do it, Apple Bloom, show that jerk your stuff!” spoke Scootaloo, surveying the area to make sure no more bandits were going to come out of nowhere by surprise. After all there couldn't simply only be six of them. There had to be more, so Scootaloo was doing her best guard impression, and making sure no pony messed with Apple Bloom's fight. She couldn't deny she was wishing she could give that bandit a piece of her mind right now, but she knew and trusted that Apple Bloom knew what she was doing here, she was the leader after all.

Apple Bloom steadied herself as she held her own swore within her forehooves, ready to take this stallion down once and for all. She didn't care that he was bigger than her, or more experienced, the look in her eyes shimmered with light.

Sky Chaser swung his sword towards Apple Bloom's legs trying to knock her off her feet with one swing of his blade.

Apple Bloom watched and waited for his first move, and made her own counter, swinging her sword back at his, as the two swords connected, and made a loud clash, iron against iron. Of course the weight of Sky Chaser didn't exactly give Apple Bloom much of an advantage, however that didn't stop her from putting all her might into making sure she wasn't knocked back down onto her haunches.

Apple Bloom managed to get the advantage and pulled back. She swung her sword towards his chest area, she wasn't quite tall enough to reach his neck, she felt the blade connect, but it barely even scratched against his fur.

He chuckled, amused by her, and landed a blow to her own forehooves, causing her to stumble and fall forward.

Apple Bloom managed to stand up, squinting her eyes as she forced herself to stand. “I'm just getting started,” she spoke, that same fierce gaze staring into his own yellow hues.

“Listen, filly you ain't got no chance against me. You might as well just surrender now and leave with some of your dignity intact,” spoke Sky Chaser with a huff, however he hadn't expected a pegasi to jump on his back in the middle of his conservation.

“Get him, hurry!” spoke Scootaloo covering his eyes so he couldn't see what was going on.

Apple Bloom didn't even hesitate, as hard as it seemed she made quite the good gash against his torso, causing blood to flow out rapidly, and the stallion flew to his knees.

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but smile towards the two of them, as she used her magic to teleport them all to the safety of the town once more. Her horn illuminated with a glow, and then all appeared in what was left of the town, though most of it was burned ashes of the remains of the buildings, but at least the lot of them were safe for now.

Apple Bloom couldn't help but grunt, and fall back onto her flank holding her forehooves where she had been hurt.

“Ack, what I wouldn't give for some of Granny's special ointment right about now,” spoke Apple Bloom, wincing a bit, not wanting to hold the others back. She turned to Angel Heart.

“I don't suppose you reckon there is anything that we could use to help me tend to this is there?” she asked her softly. After all she had lived in this town for who knows how long, surely if there was some kind of medicine, she might know about it.

“What would I know about herbs and stuff? I grew up by the forge, it's all I really know, but I'm sure they're are herbs out in the wilds. We'd just have to find them.”

“I reckon I ain't in much shape for traveling right now, unless Scoots can carry me for a bit.”

“You'd know I'd do anything for you Apple Bloom.” smiled Scootaloo softly, wasting no time, in hunkering down so Apple Bloom could climb up on her back.

Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile, however she also couldn't help but worry too. She knew that hit was lethal, that pony would need a miracle to live through that. She didn't want to think herself a murderer, but at the end of the day, she had to remember this was just a game, none of it was really real. So she wasn't really hurting any pony.

Angel Heart couldn't help but think this was all her fault, if she wouldn't have dashed in like she had, Apple Bloom wouldn't have gotten hurt. Her ears drooped to the sides of her face, as she let out a heavy sigh, kicking a pebble with her forehoof into the distance.

“I just seem to only be good at causing trouble. Maybe it's best you go on without me.” stated Angel Heart somberly.

Apple Bloom just shook her head, and looked towards Angel Heart. “Never leave any pony behind. That's what Applejack taught me, and there ain't no way we're leaving you behind, besides we need you. We don't know where we're going, and you know where the herbs are, so lead the way!” encouraged Apple Bloom.

It was very clear, Angel Heart's talent had nothing to do with physical strength or prowess, it had to be something more...unique. Something that only fit her. Apple Bloom couldn't help but think maybe...just maybe her talent had nothing at all to do with fighting, but with helping ponies.

Angel Heart shifted her gaze towards the dirt on the ground, sighing slightly, but then she held her head up high.

“Father never gave up on me...even in his last movements he wanted to help me to find my purpose, if I give up, his death will mean nothing. Alright, Crusaders, let's go get those herbs!” smiled Angel Heart as she lead the way out of the remains of the town. Of course, she couldn't help having a bittersweet feeling, as she glanced back, to what she had known as home for so long. With a heavy heart, and a clear head, she made her first hoofsteps forward to a new path, and suddenly she could see she might have been looking at things wrong this entire time.

In the nearby distance, Apple Bloom could clearly make out a luscious forest in the nearby distance, it reminded her in a lot of ways of the Everfree Forest back home. She had no fear, as she twinged slightly in pain, grimacing her teeth against her maw, so as not to worry the others. She probably could have walked but it would've been a lot slower than simply allowing Scootaloo to carry her.

“You know for a game this place is very well thought out.” smiled Sweetie Belle admiring how the forest really looked like well a forest.

“This place is amazing. I hope Wild Ace is doing alright.” replied Scootaloo, with a bit of a worried expression.

“Oh, I'm sure he's fine. If he's anything like Button is, he's probably already found all the bonus lives.”

“Bonus lives?” questioned Apple Bloom. “Does that mean if a pony dies, they can respawn at the last save point? But...we haven't found any saving spots yet.”

“What the heck are you all babbling on about? Bonus lives? Saving spots? Games?” questioned Angel Heart, a bit stumped as she trotted into the forest, to lead them to the herbs.

The trees themselves remained Apple Bloom of oak trees, tall and full of strength. There were plenty of things to observe, like how critters scattered about when they saw them, almost as if they were afraid. Angel Heart leaned over, and picked up what appeared and looked like an oddly shaped leaf.

“These leaves when mixed with ash, and wild berries can make a traditional healing ointment. My mother would always make it for my father when she was still around.” explained Angel Heart, as she took a bit of ash out of her saddlebag, and had Sweetie Belle collect wild berries from one of the bushes nearby, as she was blending the ingredients together, she hummed a gentle tune.

“Oh berry, forever make us young, make us see all that we can be. To let our true selves shine through. Though the days can be dark, we know how ash can be brightened by even the smallest bit of hope, and blossom.”

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but sing along to the gentle melody, however, she stopped and stared at Angel Heart.

“Angel Heart, look!” she pointed to her flank.

Angel Heart looked to her flank, to notice a heart had appeared. A big grin spread across her muzzle. “Oh my gosh! I got my cutie mark. Oh...I understand now.” she smiled looked towards Apple Bloom, as Scootaloo gently let her down, so that she could apply the ointment to her forehooves.

“I had a feeling your special talent might have something to do with healing, call it a gut feeling, but you had to figure it out for yourself.” smiled Apple Bloom softly. She could feel the ointment working, and even though she was sore, she managed to stand up on her own, letting out a sigh of relief. She held her hooves out, and pulled Angel Heart into an embrace, wrapping her forehooves around her.

“See? Everypony is special, even a pony like you. Now...could you tell me what you know about this place? You see...it's kind of complicated but we're not really from around here.” explained Apple Bloom as best she could. She highly doubted that Angel Heart would believe their true story, if they eventually decided to tell her. Right now, Apple Bloom was just happy to have helped yet another blank flank find her destiny, she had a feeling, they weren't just sent here to help Wild Ace, but to help other young fillies and colts in needs of their help.

Scootaloo looked towards Sweetie Belle curiously.

“So...you've played these games before?” she asked.

“Oh yeah, Button Mash and I would play them all the time, but don't tell Rarity that I borrowed her manuals...” chuckled Sweetie Belle.

“Why would I tell? Your secret is safe with me,” smiled Scootaloo, deciding to wrap a wing around Sweetie Belle, We crusaders gotta stick together, no matter what. Who knows what all awaits us.” Scootaloo wasn't sure what awaited them in the future, the one thing she did know was that as long as she was with her friends, it would be awesome.

Author's Note

Special thanks to the following for help with names!
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/50596/Obsi
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/336590/Makerofthebuttswagger
If I somehow forgot to mention some pony, please let me know, so I can give you credit.

I just want to thank all of you for encouraging me, at first I wasn't sure about this story, and whether it was even worth putting up on Fimfiction, but as I sit here, I'm glad that I was convinced to publish it, and show that I can do other things besides dramas. So thank you every pony.