The Questby Tigermoth499ChaptersThe Start DaringThe ShadowArrivalThe Start The Start (------------}'{------------)< As Apple Bloom,Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle plan their day of crusading, they are startled at their tree house. They hear a knock on the door " I'll get it!" said Apple Bloom she opened the door to see Applejack standing there "Hey big sis!" " Hi y'all Twilight is hold'n a meeti'n at the library an' they wanted me to bring you youngin's along" "Sweet!" Answered Scootaloo. When thy arrived they walked into the library " Hey y'all I brought the youngin's like you said " Good I'm glad you understood. These children of youth will soon know the truth " said Zecora who was standing in between Twilight and Rarity. Fluttershy was sitting politely next to a bouncing Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash was hovering near the ceiling. " The truth about what?" asked Sweetie Belle "Why,the truth about why this meeting was called ,Darling" answered Rarity "You see,girls," started Twilight " I received a letter from Princess Celestia it said that Princess Luna has fallen ill" "Oh-No!" Interrupted Apple Bloom "So Twilight checked the Super Naturals book this time" continued RD "Yes,I did. and fortunately there is a cure" "oh thank Celestia!" Rarity is known for dramatic comments, the Cutie Mark Crusaders each breathed a sigh of relief in unison. "Yeah,Yeah,Yeah!!! see,see,see,SEE!! That was my reaction!" squealed Pinkie Pie "Yes,Pinkie Pie we know" said Twilight " Now were was I... Oh yes, there is a cure but, it's last known record of growth was somewhere in the heart of the Ever free Forest " "Th..Th..The Ever free F..F..Forest!?!?" asked Fluttershy "Yes,the Ever free Forest" answered Twilight "Okay y'all,we get it y'all gotta get that ingredient, but whats this all gotta do with us " asked Apple Bloom "Well...uh you see girls there was a footnote that Princess Luna wrote it says ' dear elements of harmony this is a quest that thou do not hath to bare this mission should and will only be completed by those formally known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders sincerely yours Princess Luna' and that's the end of the letter" To shocked to speak Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom stare on in silence as Scootaloo sputters out a response " Wha.. Us!?!?! Really? Cool!" "Now,we have a long journey ahead so,AppleJack you take Apple Bloom home and pack,Rarity you do the same,and Rainbow Dash could you take Scootaloo home to pack her things?" asked Twilight "Sure thing!" answered RD "Good,oh AppleJack you're in charge of food" "All-righty then!" answered AppleJack "Fluttershy,love you and Pinkie go home and pack supplies. I'll make a map leading to the coordinates shown in the book. Zecora could you stir up some strengthening herbs?" "Indeed I can" answered Zecora "For you shall journey across treacherous land" " Great,we will meet at Fluttershy's at 9:00 a.m. sharp. (------------}'{------------)< At Fluttershy's cottage the group checked their supplies. AppleJack brought all sorts of apple pies and assorted fritters,Pinkie(though not being asked)brought cakes of all different shapes and sizes,Rarity brought umbrellas in case it rained, Twilight went over the map a couple of times,and Scootaloo brought her scooter of course. "Well it looks as if we're all set. On to Zecora's." said Twilight. When they got there Sweetie Belle asked why they had to eat the herbs. "These herbs are bitter" said Sweetie Bell "Yes, these herbs are bitter, but they will make you stronger and so after eating the herbs the quest began. Daring" Are we there yet? " whined Sweetie Bell ,Pinkie Pie was humming in the background. " Y'all didn't expect it to be this hard, did ya?" asked AppleJack "No, I didn't" replied Sweetie Bell "Well I reckon y'all will get used to it soon" said Apple Bloom "I sure hope so. My hoofs are killing me"said Rarity "Where are we going exactly?" asked Rainbow Dash "Oh I forgot to tell you guys didn't I" replied Twighlight "Well it's the best part the plant we need to find was largely grown in a city that used to be the capital of Equestria, but then Canterlot was built and everypony moved there so the city was deserted. Can any of you guess where we are going?" "The long lost city of Zebrica" they all said in unison "The lost city of what now?"asked Apple Bloom "The lost city of Zebrica. It is only known as a legend" Twighlight answered "Yeah! And the latest Daring-do was about it. The book had a drop off ending so that makes it even more mysterious." continued Rainbow Dash. "So to say that we're supposedly going to the coordinates is truly extorinary" "I just hope we have a safe place to sleep tonight" said Fluttershy quietly. There was a wave of silence as if no one had thought of that. "Don't worry we'll all be safe tomight" Twighlight said "How do you know?" asked Fluttershy politely "How about this. I'll put a force feild around camp tonight okay?" "Okay" answered Fluttershy. Then Spike finally said something that cought them off guard. "Pinkie why did you stop?" Pinkie, who had been bouncing a little ahead, had suddenly come to an abrupt halt. "Wh..Wh..What is that?" asked Pinkie. There standing right in front of them was a creature that was a manticore with four heads and huge teeth and claws. Sort of like a manticore hydra. "I don't know but every-pony stay absolutely still" whispered Twighlight "Every pony run!!!" yelled Pinkie Pie as she ran off into the forest. The Hydra/manticore stared in their direction and roared. "Its spotted us. Run!" yelled Twighlight. "Rainbow!" yelled Twighlight "Get the supplies to the campsite" "What about you guys?" "We'll be fine just go!" "Okay, but I'll be back in ten seconds flat!" So she flew off and sure enough she was back in ten seconds flat. She flew up and kicked each one of the monster's heads dazing it for a moment. "Be careful, Rainbow-dash" yelled Rarity ,SweetieBell holding on for dear life. The group held some distance between themselves and the giant. Yet, because it was part manticore it had wings so it caught up quickly. One of its heads snapped at them only to get a taste of tree branch. Which had been held back and released by AppleJack. "Nice shot AJ" called Rainbow "Why thank y'all RD" AppleJack replied. The creature stepped back in surprise roaring. The group ponies hid. "Look!" called Scootaloo. They each turned and saw a golden brown streak batting the monstrous being back into the forest. The golden brown figure glided down and landed in front of the nine ponies( plus one dragon). "Well that was refreshing. I don't get very many visitors these days." " D..D..D" Rainbow Dash stuttered "Daring do!" "In the mane" said Daring taking a bow wincing in pain along the way. Fluttershy rushed over , caring for animals as well as ponies was something that she was good at. "Oh my, are you okay?" she asked " I..Its my left wing I think the Manticore caught it with a claw " Fluttershy checked the wing and found it torn and bleeding. " Rainbow go and get my doctor's bag ! And hurry! " yelled Fluttershy suddenly filled with new courage now, knowing that someone needed her healing hoof. When Rainbow Dash returned Daring had collapsed from losing to much blood. Fluttershy bandaged the wound while giving the faint pegusus some water from a canteen. "Now I don't want you using that wing until I say it is fit to fly. Why don't you come with us so I could watch that wound and we could use a guide with knowledge of the territory." The group watched as the golden-brown pegusus stood and smiled."Why of course I'll join you!" Daring answered faintly. " Good maybe you can keep Rainbow Dash down to earth. The famed adventurer smiled as they continued to their camsite. The Shadow (------------------}'{------------------)< "Where did you see them?" moaned a bone chilling, almost unreal voice. "I-I saw them in the ruins." Answered Skywatcher. "They've set up camp in the outskirts…" He knew that one mistake would tap into the creature's wrath. This creature's name was Lord Sombra. He was what seemed like a living shadow of darkness, with what looked like glowing red coals (like the thoses one would see after a fire has near burnt itself out) where his eyes shoud've been. Not only did he seem like a shadow, he could take control of somepony just by touching their shadow. Skywatcher preferred to be in control of his own mind, thank you very much! Sombra had stopped listening to the Pegasus' report and was now thrown into a nostalgic reminiscence of a now distant time. A time when Sombra had been tyrant without mercy with power over his own small amount of ponies, that is, until the regal Alicorns, Crescent and Flare, had risen. These were the first Alicorns. They had seen the saddness he brought to his subjects. They soon decided to put an end to his cruel reign. He was a powerful unicorn at the time as his forefathers had been before him. He soon realized that he no longer had the strength to remain in control of his realm. The poor ponies had been offered freedom and wanted more rhen he had been willing to give. They soon began to riot. He quickly cast a spell on himself alas the spell had gone horribly wrong. It not only gave Sombra unthinkable power, but in return it took his mortal body. Turning him into a living shadow. The transformation had left him weak and helpless. Flare had no trouble banishing the shadow prince with his sunlight. He had spent many maybe thousands of years waiting until he had regained strength to take back what had been stolen from him. He knew that the Alicorns that had caused his strife were no longer around. He now had two new royal pains to deal with, their direct descendants. He already loathed them to his very core. The daughters of Crescant and Flare. Not quite as refreshing of a revenge than destroying their cursed parents directly, but it would have to do. He had sent skywatcher's brother, Day Study, to gather information about the new "princesses". Although Sombra had firm control over the pony's body, Day Study had a strong mind. He was always struggling to break free if the shadows. Skywatcher was extremely easy to control, all Sombra had to do was threaten the young foal's beloved elder sibling and the Pegasus had done his bidding ever since. In Sky's daily reports Sombra eventually found out that the youngest daughter, Luna according to Skywatcher, had a severe case of jealousy towards her elder sister. He took advantage of this turning the small prick in Luna's heart into a roar of anguish. Constantly whispering to the night guardian a spell he had written just for her. His plan worked almost flawlessly. He had underestimated the daughter of sun, Celestia by name. She had her father's strength, Celestia sent her sister to the moon powerless and alone. He had not been prepared for this action. He did eventually bring his little Nightmare back to earth, only to be foiled by the "elements". He then waited until the princesses let their guard down to take yet another swipe at the youngest alicorn. He knew full well Celestia would call on her precious elements for assistance, but to make absolutely certain they'd all come all be had to do was forge a fake letter telling them that it was the fillies' job and hiding the real letter. Now, as planned ,he had them all where he wanted them. (------------------}'{------------------)< Arrival (------------------}'{------------------)< "So what was it like doing all those crazy stunts?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Well I don't think about it at the time, but the thrill of adventure was worth all of those years trying to get my cutie mark." answered Daring. "You had trouble getting your cutie mark?" asked Scootaloo " Yeah, I was a blank flank for the longest time. When I was a filly all of my friends had their cuitie marks way before I did. You see I was always a mischief maker I liked to go into the ever-free forest all of the time I could. So one day I thought that my cutie mark was exploring, but then I found a treasure map as I followed it I enjoyed every minute of it, when I fount the treasure (which was a plate of cookies with frosting in the shape of a big X and treaser chests) my mother pionted at my flank I had so much fun that I had forgotten to check. And there was my cutie mark. So heres a tip focus on the things that you're good at and that you love to do." As Daring finished Twighlight stopped the group. "We're here!" As the group stopped to gaze upon the ruins of the ancient city Spike whistled in awe. "You can whistle that again." said RD. Spike whistled again. "Now that right there is a TLC." said AJ "Tender Loving Care?" asked Fluttershy "No Totally Lost Cause." AJ answered. Scootaloo giggled at this comment. The group walked into the lost community of Zebrica. Even Rianbow Dash was walking Instead of hovering. She was walking alongside her hero catching her if she ever stumbled which was always followed by a polite thanks and a squeal in return. With Twighlight using her magic horn to light the way, the trek of ponies wondered through the abandened society. (------------------}'{------------------)< Meanwhile, a pegusus by the name of Sky Watcher hovered nearby. After staring down for what seemed like hours, he darted back and away from the ancient ruins and landed near an unusual clump of leaves. Sky tapped a nearby tree. With a moaning creak the leaves moved and eventually opened to reveal a narrow entrance of a tunnel. As he walked down the tunnel he felt the air around him grow colder and colder. He eventually came up to a large door. As he hesitated to knock a moaning voice, that no regular pony would be able to make, sent chills down Sky's spine. "Enter" Gosh Thought Sky This guy seems to know everything. He trotted into the vast underground cavern. "I have news." Said Sky " The group you predicted to come has arrived."...."Exellent." (------------------}'{------------------)< The next morning Sweetie Belle nudged her friends awake. moan " Why so early Sweetie Belle?" whispered Scootaloo "I thought that we might go exploring" answered Sweetie Belle. The three fillies wandered off to see what they could find.
The Start The Start (------------}'{------------)< As Apple Bloom,Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle plan their day of crusading, they are startled at their tree house. They hear a knock on the door " I'll get it!" said Apple Bloom she opened the door to see Applejack standing there "Hey big sis!" " Hi y'all Twilight is hold'n a meeti'n at the library an' they wanted me to bring you youngin's along" "Sweet!" Answered Scootaloo. When thy arrived they walked into the library " Hey y'all I brought the youngin's like you said " Good I'm glad you understood. These children of youth will soon know the truth " said Zecora who was standing in between Twilight and Rarity. Fluttershy was sitting politely next to a bouncing Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash was hovering near the ceiling. " The truth about what?" asked Sweetie Belle "Why,the truth about why this meeting was called ,Darling" answered Rarity "You see,girls," started Twilight " I received a letter from Princess Celestia it said that Princess Luna has fallen ill" "Oh-No!" Interrupted Apple Bloom "So Twilight checked the Super Naturals book this time" continued RD "Yes,I did. and fortunately there is a cure" "oh thank Celestia!" Rarity is known for dramatic comments, the Cutie Mark Crusaders each breathed a sigh of relief in unison. "Yeah,Yeah,Yeah!!! see,see,see,SEE!! That was my reaction!" squealed Pinkie Pie "Yes,Pinkie Pie we know" said Twilight " Now were was I... Oh yes, there is a cure but, it's last known record of growth was somewhere in the heart of the Ever free Forest " "Th..Th..The Ever free F..F..Forest!?!?" asked Fluttershy "Yes,the Ever free Forest" answered Twilight "Okay y'all,we get it y'all gotta get that ingredient, but whats this all gotta do with us " asked Apple Bloom "Well...uh you see girls there was a footnote that Princess Luna wrote it says ' dear elements of harmony this is a quest that thou do not hath to bare this mission should and will only be completed by those formally known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders sincerely yours Princess Luna' and that's the end of the letter" To shocked to speak Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom stare on in silence as Scootaloo sputters out a response " Wha.. Us!?!?! Really? Cool!" "Now,we have a long journey ahead so,AppleJack you take Apple Bloom home and pack,Rarity you do the same,and Rainbow Dash could you take Scootaloo home to pack her things?" asked Twilight "Sure thing!" answered RD "Good,oh AppleJack you're in charge of food" "All-righty then!" answered AppleJack "Fluttershy,love you and Pinkie go home and pack supplies. I'll make a map leading to the coordinates shown in the book. Zecora could you stir up some strengthening herbs?" "Indeed I can" answered Zecora "For you shall journey across treacherous land" " Great,we will meet at Fluttershy's at 9:00 a.m. sharp. (------------}'{------------)< At Fluttershy's cottage the group checked their supplies. AppleJack brought all sorts of apple pies and assorted fritters,Pinkie(though not being asked)brought cakes of all different shapes and sizes,Rarity brought umbrellas in case it rained, Twilight went over the map a couple of times,and Scootaloo brought her scooter of course. "Well it looks as if we're all set. On to Zecora's." said Twilight. When they got there Sweetie Belle asked why they had to eat the herbs. "These herbs are bitter" said Sweetie Bell "Yes, these herbs are bitter, but they will make you stronger and so after eating the herbs the quest began.
Daring" Are we there yet? " whined Sweetie Bell ,Pinkie Pie was humming in the background. " Y'all didn't expect it to be this hard, did ya?" asked AppleJack "No, I didn't" replied Sweetie Bell "Well I reckon y'all will get used to it soon" said Apple Bloom "I sure hope so. My hoofs are killing me"said Rarity "Where are we going exactly?" asked Rainbow Dash "Oh I forgot to tell you guys didn't I" replied Twighlight "Well it's the best part the plant we need to find was largely grown in a city that used to be the capital of Equestria, but then Canterlot was built and everypony moved there so the city was deserted. Can any of you guess where we are going?" "The long lost city of Zebrica" they all said in unison "The lost city of what now?"asked Apple Bloom "The lost city of Zebrica. It is only known as a legend" Twighlight answered "Yeah! And the latest Daring-do was about it. The book had a drop off ending so that makes it even more mysterious." continued Rainbow Dash. "So to say that we're supposedly going to the coordinates is truly extorinary" "I just hope we have a safe place to sleep tonight" said Fluttershy quietly. There was a wave of silence as if no one had thought of that. "Don't worry we'll all be safe tomight" Twighlight said "How do you know?" asked Fluttershy politely "How about this. I'll put a force feild around camp tonight okay?" "Okay" answered Fluttershy. Then Spike finally said something that cought them off guard. "Pinkie why did you stop?" Pinkie, who had been bouncing a little ahead, had suddenly come to an abrupt halt. "Wh..Wh..What is that?" asked Pinkie. There standing right in front of them was a creature that was a manticore with four heads and huge teeth and claws. Sort of like a manticore hydra. "I don't know but every-pony stay absolutely still" whispered Twighlight "Every pony run!!!" yelled Pinkie Pie as she ran off into the forest. The Hydra/manticore stared in their direction and roared. "Its spotted us. Run!" yelled Twighlight. "Rainbow!" yelled Twighlight "Get the supplies to the campsite" "What about you guys?" "We'll be fine just go!" "Okay, but I'll be back in ten seconds flat!" So she flew off and sure enough she was back in ten seconds flat. She flew up and kicked each one of the monster's heads dazing it for a moment. "Be careful, Rainbow-dash" yelled Rarity ,SweetieBell holding on for dear life. The group held some distance between themselves and the giant. Yet, because it was part manticore it had wings so it caught up quickly. One of its heads snapped at them only to get a taste of tree branch. Which had been held back and released by AppleJack. "Nice shot AJ" called Rainbow "Why thank y'all RD" AppleJack replied. The creature stepped back in surprise roaring. The group ponies hid. "Look!" called Scootaloo. They each turned and saw a golden brown streak batting the monstrous being back into the forest. The golden brown figure glided down and landed in front of the nine ponies( plus one dragon). "Well that was refreshing. I don't get very many visitors these days." " D..D..D" Rainbow Dash stuttered "Daring do!" "In the mane" said Daring taking a bow wincing in pain along the way. Fluttershy rushed over , caring for animals as well as ponies was something that she was good at. "Oh my, are you okay?" she asked " I..Its my left wing I think the Manticore caught it with a claw " Fluttershy checked the wing and found it torn and bleeding. " Rainbow go and get my doctor's bag ! And hurry! " yelled Fluttershy suddenly filled with new courage now, knowing that someone needed her healing hoof. When Rainbow Dash returned Daring had collapsed from losing to much blood. Fluttershy bandaged the wound while giving the faint pegusus some water from a canteen. "Now I don't want you using that wing until I say it is fit to fly. Why don't you come with us so I could watch that wound and we could use a guide with knowledge of the territory." The group watched as the golden-brown pegusus stood and smiled."Why of course I'll join you!" Daring answered faintly. " Good maybe you can keep Rainbow Dash down to earth. The famed adventurer smiled as they continued to their camsite.
The Shadow (------------------}'{------------------)< "Where did you see them?" moaned a bone chilling, almost unreal voice. "I-I saw them in the ruins." Answered Skywatcher. "They've set up camp in the outskirts…" He knew that one mistake would tap into the creature's wrath. This creature's name was Lord Sombra. He was what seemed like a living shadow of darkness, with what looked like glowing red coals (like the thoses one would see after a fire has near burnt itself out) where his eyes shoud've been. Not only did he seem like a shadow, he could take control of somepony just by touching their shadow. Skywatcher preferred to be in control of his own mind, thank you very much! Sombra had stopped listening to the Pegasus' report and was now thrown into a nostalgic reminiscence of a now distant time. A time when Sombra had been tyrant without mercy with power over his own small amount of ponies, that is, until the regal Alicorns, Crescent and Flare, had risen. These were the first Alicorns. They had seen the saddness he brought to his subjects. They soon decided to put an end to his cruel reign. He was a powerful unicorn at the time as his forefathers had been before him. He soon realized that he no longer had the strength to remain in control of his realm. The poor ponies had been offered freedom and wanted more rhen he had been willing to give. They soon began to riot. He quickly cast a spell on himself alas the spell had gone horribly wrong. It not only gave Sombra unthinkable power, but in return it took his mortal body. Turning him into a living shadow. The transformation had left him weak and helpless. Flare had no trouble banishing the shadow prince with his sunlight. He had spent many maybe thousands of years waiting until he had regained strength to take back what had been stolen from him. He knew that the Alicorns that had caused his strife were no longer around. He now had two new royal pains to deal with, their direct descendants. He already loathed them to his very core. The daughters of Crescant and Flare. Not quite as refreshing of a revenge than destroying their cursed parents directly, but it would have to do. He had sent skywatcher's brother, Day Study, to gather information about the new "princesses". Although Sombra had firm control over the pony's body, Day Study had a strong mind. He was always struggling to break free if the shadows. Skywatcher was extremely easy to control, all Sombra had to do was threaten the young foal's beloved elder sibling and the Pegasus had done his bidding ever since. In Sky's daily reports Sombra eventually found out that the youngest daughter, Luna according to Skywatcher, had a severe case of jealousy towards her elder sister. He took advantage of this turning the small prick in Luna's heart into a roar of anguish. Constantly whispering to the night guardian a spell he had written just for her. His plan worked almost flawlessly. He had underestimated the daughter of sun, Celestia by name. She had her father's strength, Celestia sent her sister to the moon powerless and alone. He had not been prepared for this action. He did eventually bring his little Nightmare back to earth, only to be foiled by the "elements". He then waited until the princesses let their guard down to take yet another swipe at the youngest alicorn. He knew full well Celestia would call on her precious elements for assistance, but to make absolutely certain they'd all come all be had to do was forge a fake letter telling them that it was the fillies' job and hiding the real letter. Now, as planned ,he had them all where he wanted them. (------------------}'{------------------)<
Arrival (------------------}'{------------------)< "So what was it like doing all those crazy stunts?" asked Rainbow Dash. "Well I don't think about it at the time, but the thrill of adventure was worth all of those years trying to get my cutie mark." answered Daring. "You had trouble getting your cutie mark?" asked Scootaloo " Yeah, I was a blank flank for the longest time. When I was a filly all of my friends had their cuitie marks way before I did. You see I was always a mischief maker I liked to go into the ever-free forest all of the time I could. So one day I thought that my cutie mark was exploring, but then I found a treasure map as I followed it I enjoyed every minute of it, when I fount the treasure (which was a plate of cookies with frosting in the shape of a big X and treaser chests) my mother pionted at my flank I had so much fun that I had forgotten to check. And there was my cutie mark. So heres a tip focus on the things that you're good at and that you love to do." As Daring finished Twighlight stopped the group. "We're here!" As the group stopped to gaze upon the ruins of the ancient city Spike whistled in awe. "You can whistle that again." said RD. Spike whistled again. "Now that right there is a TLC." said AJ "Tender Loving Care?" asked Fluttershy "No Totally Lost Cause." AJ answered. Scootaloo giggled at this comment. The group walked into the lost community of Zebrica. Even Rianbow Dash was walking Instead of hovering. She was walking alongside her hero catching her if she ever stumbled which was always followed by a polite thanks and a squeal in return. With Twighlight using her magic horn to light the way, the trek of ponies wondered through the abandened society. (------------------}'{------------------)< Meanwhile, a pegusus by the name of Sky Watcher hovered nearby. After staring down for what seemed like hours, he darted back and away from the ancient ruins and landed near an unusual clump of leaves. Sky tapped a nearby tree. With a moaning creak the leaves moved and eventually opened to reveal a narrow entrance of a tunnel. As he walked down the tunnel he felt the air around him grow colder and colder. He eventually came up to a large door. As he hesitated to knock a moaning voice, that no regular pony would be able to make, sent chills down Sky's spine. "Enter" Gosh Thought Sky This guy seems to know everything. He trotted into the vast underground cavern. "I have news." Said Sky " The group you predicted to come has arrived."...."Exellent." (------------------}'{------------------)< The next morning Sweetie Belle nudged her friends awake. moan " Why so early Sweetie Belle?" whispered Scootaloo "I thought that we might go exploring" answered Sweetie Belle. The three fillies wandered off to see what they could find.
