“Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they? Are they?”
Night Shield was bouncing along the castle hall with his family, continually asking the same thing over and over again, much to the annoyance of Starling.
“Are they here yet? Are they he-“
“NIGHT SHIELD! FOR THE LAST TIME, NO! THEY ARE NOT HERE YET!” She yelled, glaring at her son who instantly stopped bouncing.
Flash laughed and said, “Come on, Star, he’s just excited. I know you’re excited about seeing Sunset.”
Nova rolled her eyes at her brother and shook her head, knowing that no matter how hard they tried Night would just keep on going. Arriving at the castle entrance, Starling sighed, saying, “I am, Flash, but how is the same thing asked over and over not annoying to you?!”
Before he could answer, the doors slammed open, smushing Flash against the wall as a small yellow blur zipped past them and tackled Night.
“HI NIGHT!!” Firebird yelled, beaming from ear to ear.
Night beamed too, saying, “Fire! You’re here!”
She rolled her eyes and said, “Well, duh, can’t you see me?”
Sunset, Firestreak and Flaming came in, Flaming laughing at her sister. Sunset said, “Sorry if we’re late, it took a while to get to the station and... wait, where’s Flash?”
An audible groan was heard as the door creaked back, Flash falling to the ground and rubbing his muzzle.
“Ugh... that filly is stronger than she looks...”, he groaned, Firestreak helping him up and the mares laughing slightly.
Firebird bounced in front of Night, saying rapidly, “So what are we gonna do today?!”
Night replied, just as rapidly, “I have no idea!”
“Me neither, LET’S GO!!”
The two of them raced out of the castle at top speed, knocking Flash over again. Sunset yelled after them, “Don’t go into the Everfree!”
As Nova and Flaming walked off to the library, Starling noticed for the first time Sunset’s necklace. It was fairly simple, a thin black chain with a silver teardrop-shaped gemstone hanging off it. What put her off slightly was that the gem seemed to be radiating some kind of magical aura.
“Hey, Sunset? What’s that necklace you got there?” She asked curiously.
“Oh, this? I honestly don’t really know what. It’s some kind of gem that naturally has magic, and Fire has one too. What it’s supposed to do is that if she’s in danger, she’s supposed to tap on it rapidly, I think, and it’ll send me some sort of message so i’ll know where she is.”
“Well, that explains the aura”, Star asked. “When did you get it? Where did it come from? Did someone give it to you?”
Sunset frowned, “That’s just it. I don’t know! We found them this morning, just before we left the castle. They were in a small box, with a little note saying what they do, and that we need to keep them. It said that it’ll save lives if we use them... it didn’t say who the necklaces were from though.”
“So you mean to say that these magical gemstones that can save lives, made specifically for you and Firebird, could have come from absolutely anypony?!”
Sunset nodded, “Yep. Pretty much. Not even Celestia knows who.”
Starling frowned, having never heard of this kind of magic. She had also never seen gemstones like this before, and the lack of information put her off even more. “So, these can save lives?”
“I guess so.”
“Aaaaaand Firebird has the other?”
“Pretty much.”
“No wonder you guys need them. Considering all the ‘adventures’ Night and Fire get up to together, it definitely makes sense to keep them at hoof.”
Firestreak pondered, “Do you think they’re okay?”
Star laughed, “Come on, now, Fire! Sure, they may have nearly gotten killed by a manticore and cockatrice, but they’re not silly enough to go back in the Everfree.”
Firebird sighed, “So, you really don’t know what we can do? I’m bored.”
“Nope. Not a clue, Fire. We’re not allowed in the Everfree Forest anymore, so that cuts our options.” he replied, feeling just as bored.
The two walked on in silence. Fire found herself thinking about the things Flaming studied, and that gave her a brilliant idea.
“I’VE GOT IT! I know where we can go!” she yelled excitedly, and Night Shield beamed.
“Really?! Where?”
“Uh, well, I can’t really remember what it’s called, but I read about it in one of my sister’s books! There’s fire, and flames, and it’s some kinda swamp!”
Night frowned, “I dunno, Fire, we aren’t supposed to go out of Ponyville, and it sounds dangerous!”
“Well, it is kinda dangerous, I guess, but our parents said that we couldn’t go into the Everfree! They never said anything about... that flamy-place!”
“Well, I guess... they never did say anything about that... Let’s go!” He finished. “So, how do we get there?”
“Great! Um... I can’t really remember, but I think we start at Sweet Apple Acres... and then from a certain point, I think we just keep going straight...”
Night nodded, “Yep, I think we can roll with that. I know a shortcut, let’s go!”
Soarin and Light Speed were watching this exchange from not too far off. However, the were unable to hear all of the conversation.
“Uh... okay, what are those two up to this time?” Light said skeptically, to no pony in particular.
Soarin replied, looking just as skeptical. “I have no idea, but I think I heard something about going Sweet Apple Acres...”
“Ya think we should follow?” Light asked, feeling a bit worried.
He shook his head, “Nah, they’ll be fine. After all, Apple Flower and Spike are there. Not to mention Blossom and Big Mac. Those ponies know what kind of trouble Fire and Night get up to, they’ll keep an eye on them. Then again, this is Firebird and Night Shield we’re talking about...”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right... on both parts. They’ll be... fine... as long as they stay within sight. They’re smart enough to do that. Besides, we need to get back to Cloudsdale, I don’t think Lightning will be able to keep her temper with Storm and the twins much longer.”
Soarin nodded, and the two took off, although neither could shake the feeling that something was about to go very wrong...
Author's Note
DUN DUN DUN! Cliffhanger. I think you can all guess what this flamy-place is 
Yeah, yeah, I know how rushed this is. But, honestly, that’s really how it’s just planned out. I have had these stories planned for a long time, making improvements and editing stuff. Almost all of them have been planned out, (still a few kinks in some) and I can assure you that there are a lot more yet to come, along with some one shots and other stories that aren’t in this AU. If you have any questions about me or my stories, just PM me and i’ll answer as best I can. And the next part will hopefully be coming soon. Like I said last time, dunno when. I can write stories, the main thing is staying concentrated long enough to actually write them. 
Signing out, Firebird Phoenix 
Part Two: And there they go again.
Fire and Night raced through town, dodging ponies and obstacles (otherwise known as buildings) and-
”HOLD IT!”
...
Uh...
Did I do something wrong? Also, who said that?
“Nope. You’re doing GREAT!”
GAH! Hang on. Is that- oh. Oh boy.
“Hee hee! You know it!”
EMMY?!
“You bet your boots, missy!”
WHAT?! Wh-Wh-What are you doing here?! How are you talking to me?!
“Oh, silly, it’s called breaking the fourth wall! You should know about this! As for what i’m doing here, I just wanted to talk to the readers for no good reason at all!”
...
“Uh... are you alright? I thought you liked it when people made alternate versions of me do this?”
W-W-Well, I do! I love it, it’s alway really funny!
“Then what’s the problem?”
*Sighs* Emmy, it is two very different things to be reading it and having it happen to you. I knew you could do it, but I didn’t think it’d actually happen!!!
“Oh, sorry! But if you knew I could do it, then you really couldn’t have expected me not to figure it out.”
Yeah, I guess you’ve got a point there. But, seriously, I need to get on with the story! Wait... YOU CAN’T BE DOING THIS! S-SOMEPONY WILL HEAR ME! AND-
“No they won’t! I know for a fact that only I can. And i’ve made sure of it. It’s only with the right training others can actually do it. If somepony else who hasn’t had training have the ability to break the fourth wall... well, let’s just say that things are gonna get super glitchy and stuff. For me, it just comes naturally. A gift, from my creator. I know what you’re gonna say, and don’t worry. If somepony sees me, they’ll just think i’m talking to a wall.”
Alright, you have me convinced. But how often is this gonna happen?
“I’ll be appearing in your later stories.”
I haven’t written you talking to me in them. Also, how do you know about them?
“Uh... I kinda looked at your notes and drawings, heh heh... I know what happens in all of them! And let’s just say... i’m writing myself into them. Trust me, Natalie, your stories are in good hooves. And, yes, readers, her real name is Natalie. (PRONOUNCED NAT-AH-LEE)”
Very subtle, Emmy.
“Thanks!”
You really need to learn what sarcasm is. Also, do not even THINK about saying one word about the future stories without my say so. And can I continue now?! PLEASE?!
“Yep! I promise, I won’t get in the way any time soon, and I won’t tell a thing about the stories! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”
Thanks, now, back into the story with you.
AS I WAS SAYING...
The two of them quickly made their way to the farm, following the shortcut Night had found a while back. They quickly made their way to the farmhouse, knocking over a young unicorn filly in the process.
“Okay, so this is the point we start from, and then we need to go-“
“Go where, exactly?”
“EEP/GAH!”
Fire and Night quickly shrank back at the tall purple and green dragon standing over them.
Night gulped, “Heh, heh, hey, Uncle Spike!...”
“Now where in the hoof do you two think you’re going this time? Not another one of your ‘adventures’, I hope?” He frowned, knowing something was up as they exchanged worried glances. “Well? I’m waiting, kids.”
Thinking quickly, Fire said, “Uhhhhh to the east fields! Yep, the east fields. That’s where we were planning to go in the beginning!” She nudged Night slightly with her wing and he caught on.
“R-Right! No adventures this time, Uncle Spike!” He and Firebird grinned nervously up at the dragon’s unwavering gaze.
He raised an eyebrow at the colt and filly, not believing a word. Then again, they definitely were being honest about going to the eastern fields, and Big Mac, Pip and Blossom were down there right now...
“Well... alright... but do not leave those fields for even a minute. Mac, Pip and Blossom will be there, make sure you stay within their sites. If you don’t, i’ll make sure you two are grounded for two weeks. Maybe more. Got it?”
“Yes, Uncle Spike!” They said, and quickly zoomed off.
“What are those foals up to this time?” Spike turned to see a pink unicorn with dark purple eyes and a poofy purple mane draped over her shoulder in a small pony tail.
”NO PUN INTENDED!”
Emmy... you Pinkie PromisedTM me you wouldn’t do this... doesn’t this mean you broke your own promise? Hm?
“Meep...”
...
That’s better.
Spike shook his head. “Honestly, Sugar Belle, I have no idea and I do not want to know.”
As soon as they were out of earshot and eyesight, the two sighed with relief.
Fire said, “Seriously, how did he know?! Have we really become that predictable?”
“Yep.”
They raced onwards, fighting through land and sea, crossing hundreds of mountains and ranges, and- okay, they mostly just went through tree groves and flat lands. Anyway.
After a few hours of running on their small hooves, they finally made it, panting for breath and collapsing to the ground in triumph. “We *pant* made *pant* it *pant* Firebird! You *pant* were right!” Night smiled, flapping his small wings to cool himself down.
“Heh... yeah... we did!”
“Wait... I just realized... are there any monsters in that swamp?!” Night yelled, staring into the darkness of the vines hanging off trees, as they softly flowed in the eerie breeze that rustled around them.
“Uh... eh... I think so, but I can’t remember what.”
“That sounds really bad... and dangerous... LET’S GO!”
Fire beamed and they zipped in, walking around for a while, marveling the flora surrounding the swamp.
“Fire...”
“Yeah?”
“Are you sure we’re at the right place? I’m not seeing any flames, or water, for that matter. How can it be a swamp if there isn’t any wa- GAAH!!!”
He stopped dead as a huge flame spurted up from a large puddle-like water source. More and more flames erupted around them, and Fire quickly pulled Night away, saying, “Yeah, I think we’re in the right place. Hey, I have an idea for a game! Flame-Dodge!”
“Flame-dodge?”
“Yep! The rules are simple, avoid the spurts as much as you can! RACE YOU TO THAT TREE!” She yelled, already bouncing off.
“Hey, NO FAIR! YOU GOT A HEAD START!”
As they raced along, the pair was having too much fun to realize they were being watched. Night ended up reaching the tree first, cheering as a disgruntled Firebird trotted to where he was at. “Aw, man, I lost! I ca- woah. What’s this?”
She pointed up along the bark, where claw marks and scratches could be visibly seen. Above those, were two symmetrical holes that went right through the trunk. Several pieces of bark had been ripped right off, giving the dead tree a spooky look.
“That’s kinda freaky... maybe coming here was a bad idea. We should go back home. Which way do we go?”
“Why are you asking me? I thought you knew!”
“But... that means... are we lost?!”
“Oh, no, I think ar-“ She stopped dead, suddenly sensing something strange, and realized that they were not alone.
Night Shield looked at her in confusion and tried to say something, only to be cut off by a low growl.
Fire froze, seeing a great shadow. It had the head and body of a tiger, and a second head and hind legs of a ram. And from the looks of it, the tail seemed to be some kind of... SNAKE?!
She suddenly remembered something, and laughed nervously. “Eh heh heh... um... well, I just remembered one of the monsters in this place... that’s a chimera.”
Night Shield froze, and said furiously, “A CHIMERA?! That... I... it... Fire, do you even know where we are?!”
“Uh...”
“THIS IS THE FLAME GEYSER SWAMP!! AND CHIMERAS, ALONG WITH WHO KNOWS WHAT OTHER MONSTERS, ARE FOUND HERE!!!”
“I-I’m sorry, Night, I was j-just so e-excited, a-and I-I thought th-that...”
“We have to get outta here, NOW!”
“N-N-Night...?”
“What?!”
”Behind you...”
Night turned around and froze solid at the sight of the chimera... standing right over them.
Author's Note
Okay, so before I forget, I now have a name for my AU. THE GUARDIAN VERSE!
Yeah, I know how blatantly obvious that was, I really have no idea why it didn’t come to me sooner. Eh, I finally have a name for it and to me, that’s all that really matters!
And now- ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER 
Yeah... those two have really done it this time. Maybe it’s time for them gems to come in handy? That is, if Firebird even remembers to use it...
And, yes, my real name is Natalie. Thanks a lot, Emmy. I’ll be adding that to the ‘About me’ module soon.
Whelp, i’ll get started on the next (and final) chapter soonish. It’s the weekend, and I don’t have homework, so all it comes down to is remembering and keeping my focus on this. Which is very likely not to happen.
