Wonder-Colt 3: The Dragon's Trap.

Chapters

Background chapter
The Escape and 'Smokey' the Pig
Explanation and the desert of doubt
Once upon a Fluttershy, and the Night Guards
The Castle in the Forest of Vastness
Drama before the Seas
Aquatic exploration, and the path of the Sea-Dragon
Truth and Consequences, and the world beyond Ponyville
The Cave of Samurai-Dragon
The Phoenix is Alright
Game Over: The Epilogue
Catching up with things, both old and new

Background chapter

Duty was something every member of Celestia's guard knew. It was ever expected, and at times required those in the Guard to do things that may have put themselves in danger. This was the life of the guard pony.

Often seen as nothing but Pegasus or Unicorns, the few Earth Ponies that were in the ranks of the Guard itself were sill strong, brave, and willing to protect their Princesses and Equestria. It came as no surprise though, that they were often left to lowly guard postings on the borders and not often found on exciting missions. However, sometimes exceptions were made, and some missions required the strength and fight of an Earth pony.

One Earth pony in particular, Wonder-Colt, was on a several month solo mission. It was bad enough that he was given a peculiar name, but the fact that no other guards wished to join in investigating the threat of new monsters was something he could not stand and let pass by. Celestia herself commissioned that he was to search and destroy the monsters plaguing the small villages bordering Equestria's furthest reaches, and report after each town he could. This was somewhat straight forward, but the town themselves were often a mix of Pony and non-Pony alike living together.

Griffons, Dragons, Talking-Bird creatures inhabited and in some cases ran entire villages. They also lived together in other ways, as was a small town that was inhabited by both "Zorses" and "Hippogryphes". It was quite a sight, but it gave the guard some hope that Pony kind was doing ok, if they were able to interbreed with others and live together.

Once more, the monsters themselves were fearsome. From lowly goblins and ghosts, to jumping snakes and terrorizing bats, to a riddling Sphinx, and a Giant dragon that requested help or he would bring forth terror and destruction. Wonder was sure he had seen it all. It all came down to this final castle.

According the all the villagers in the area, this is where the monsters were first seen coming from, and thus where he hoped this journey would end. Along the way, he and others discovered a special armor set, one they called the Legendary set, as well as a Legendary sword that went with it. This kept him protected even more than his Guard armor did and with it, he could even use some very basic magic with it. The large Castle was a maze of monsters and after what seemed like forever, he finally made it to the bottom of the castle.

This castle however was very unusual; the huge stone structure had many rooms, and if you were careless, one door would lead back to a room you just left sometime ago. Just as he reached this area, the magic he felt while running through the stone structure soon dissipated, and he came to what he knew was something odd: a room made up of Lit-up walls, blue-colored tiles and felt as if it was holding lightning within it. It buzzed in the air, and concerned the solider of Equestria. He didn't know what was beyond the door ahead, but whatever it was, it had to be destroyed.

Initially when he entered the room, he saw a bouncing dragon, and soon fought towards it, slice at its face and casting some quick fireballs towards the foul creature. However, as it slowed to the damages given, it revealed something far more sinister, and impossible: This dragon was a machine!

Sure enough and before his very own eyes, the green scales burned away and revealed a blue shiny metal coated monstrosity. Its eyes were nothing but black with a red dot scanning back and forth between each space, and it spat fire in almost a merciless torrent toward Wonder-Colt. There was no magic he had the seemed to work against this metal beast and trying to attack it left him hurt as it rushed toward him, injuring him and stressing even the magic within the armor. He was desperate, and jumped up once to try and stab the 'eyes' of the dragon, but as he hit, it moved but took the plunge attack right on the face! He couldn't believe his luck; in order to hit this thing and cause any sort of lasting damage, he had to hit the face.

Why couldn't I be a Pegasus or even a Unicorn? I'll have to jump attack in order to even scratch this thing...ugh! he thought. Truth be told, his strength at least made the dragon back off for a while before it resumed its fire attacks.

It took a bit, but he soon figured out how to coax the dragon into charging towards him, and jumping into him at a perfect time to attack, and soon, with much luck, and all his training he had learned, the dragon was destroyed. As the machine burned, a small blue flame danced above the soldier's head. He looked up, and took precaution to shield up, but instead of attacking, the flame dropped what appeared to be...bits?!?

Although Celestia's guards are taught never to accept bribes, he figured if the monster was giving him money, he would be a fool not to grab some of the falling coins. As fate would have it, the flame was very aware of what it was doing, and as soon as Wonder bent down to pick up some coins, it charged towards the stallion. He managed to dodge the flames, and it still dropped more and more coins as it again swept down and try to attack him. He miscalculated a jump and expected to be burnt to a crisp, but the flame wouldn't be doing that.

Wonder screamed as he felt something changing him and take away his armor, his weapons, and everything else he had with him. He knew this was something bad, and braced himself for whatever this evil blue flame did to him. He fell to the ground, next to an orange mare, by the look of it. He wasn't sure where she had came from, but he felt a duty to protect her. He reached over with his claw and....

Oh no, he thought as he looked over himself and seen that he was covered in scales. He also had claws now, he stood upright and soon yelled out, "I am NOT getting paid enough for this..."

Author's Note: Thus begins the adventure. I am hoping I have fixed enough of the errors I had when I brought this over from my other computer. If you find any mistakes or tips to improve my writing, I fully ask for and will accept help!

I thank you all.

The Escape and 'Smokey' the Pig

Regardless of how this had happened, Wonder-Colt still felt a duty to protect the orange mare. He got used to walking on his back legs after a bit of practice, and took the mare in his arms, and ran out of the room where he fought that mechanized dragon. As soon as he did though, he noticed that the castle was shaking violently and pillars were buckling and cracking...the castle was crumbling on top of him and this mare!
He ran as fast as his legs could carry him ad soon came to a door that he recalled passing on the way down, but was guarded by a cyclops. With no weapons on him, he tried to growl and intimidate the beast, but it ran faster towards both of the escaping duo. It was then, he felt a burp-like sensation, and let out a fireball, killing the cyclops, and dropping a key in its place.

I'll have to remember doing that, until I can become a pony again, he thought to himself, this fireball thing can be useful! He grabbed the key, and opened the door, hoping he still had time to make it out of the castle.

The next area was full of stray blocks, falling from the ceiling, and crashing down to the ground. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had to run across the room, and protect both himself, as well as this mare from getting hit. It was fairly straight forward, although a few cyclops were trying to stop him, he made short work of them with his fireball attack.

A problem came up at the end of the room: There was a tall wall, with a hole in the ceiling, but no way out. Thinking quickly, he ran towards the end of the hall, and tried to jump, but without a boost, there would be no way he could possibly jump up the distance, let alone with someone he was carrying. The solution, however came to him like a ton of bricks...literally! A bunch of block and bricks began falling from the intact part of the castle above, and began to for a very rough stair case he could climb out of, should he try for it. Sadly, he only realized what was happening after getting hit in the head a few times by falling bricks.

Wonder jumped out of the underground room, and ran away from the castle, as the rumbling continued to get louder, and the castle itself collapsed behind. The last thing he remembered before running into a nearby village was seeing the castle completely collapse, and huge clouds of dust blew all around, causing him to pass-out.

It was morning, judging by the position of the Sun above. Wonder decided that he would check to see if that orange mare was alright, but did not recall where exactly he was at the moment. He made his way out of whatever room he was in, and found he was in a small town. There wasn't much to it; the church he was walking out of was the largest building, serving as a sort of starting point in this adventure. A house, with no door was also down a ways, near what seemed to be a hospital, with no one inside, but that didn't explain where that mare had gone off to. He went to the main door to the church and was quite shocked at what he saw: a smoking pig-like creature with an eye-patch.

Not sure what to do in this situation, he calming gathered his thoughts, and just asked the creature what he was wondering, "Excuse me good sir, but have you seen an orange mare by chance?"

The pig snorted, and chuckle a bit, before hacking up some phlegm in its throat. "Sure thing sir," he said with a hint of sarcasm, *snort oink* "the mare you brought with you is in another room, sleeping soundly last I checked" *snort snort* "Why do you ask?"

"Well, to be honest, I wanted to talk with her, and ask WHY she was in the blue flame I found her in. I mean, it is highly unusual to be---" Wonder was interrupted by a loud squeal and three more snorts.

"You said she was in the blue flames hmm? And you are a dragon, which, I assume judging by your manners you are not used to being correct?" *snort oink* the pig asked

"Yes, we are both ponies from Equestria...surely you have heard of such a place correct?" Wonder started.

"Nope...can't say I have" *oink oink*

"But that's impossible..."

"Listen, this land you are in is impossible. This is Monster Land, not some Pony play-place. We have had an outsider come in and get cursed before...so you ain't the first" *snort oinky-oink*

The impact of the statement, even with the silly pig noise was not lost on the Celestia guard. He so wanted to go back to the castle after defeating that dragon, and tell his Princesses the good news, and perhaps, get the respect from the other guards. Earth ponies hadn't defeated monsters like that in at least a generation! Still, if this pig had been through this before, he would know what to do to rid himself of the curse.

"So, Smokey...tell me what I am to do now? I certainly don't want to be a dragon anymore than I have to already" he said, not wanting to be rude, but was understandably upset with this news.

"Well..." the pig started and chuckled a little at the sound of being called Smokey, "It is simple, you need to defeat the Dragons that guard this land. *snort oink* There are 5 more, and a few more blue flames you'll have to contend with, but to be honest, this sort of thing is pretty straight forward to do."*snort snort*

"I thank you...I'll be off, and if the lady should awake, please have her stay in the village. I shouldn't be long" Wonder said, before heading out the door...

"Wait, before you go...there are a few shops on the way. Mind you, most of the shops are manned by greedy swine, unlike myself, *snort oink* but it would do you well to at least have some armor on, beside the scale you are wearing."

"Thanks, I shall remember that, and I'll be back as soon as I can!" he stated as he left for the tower near the center of town.

The exploration of the tower lead to two doors, one locked with a strong lock that needed a key, and one unlocked. He checked the unlocked door and found an extra 'power heart' as he called them. These were strange, magical items that gave him both more health and stamina in the fights he had previously, and seeing them here, meant he could benefit from the extra power again.

The tower itself didn't have much else of use, so he left to check the door he had passed, and found a pit to jump down into. It was filled with water, and despite being a dragon, it had no impact on him, other than slowing his movement by a bit. He made his way out, and found he was near...a beach?

"Interesting I end up somewhere completely different, but only walked a bit...?" he said to himself. This land was indeed interesting, and NOT Equestria at all. If anything it made him realize how important it was to escape this so-called Monster Land.

There were crabs and giant cobras jumping along the beaches and islands that he chose to follow along, killing the few that got in his way, and collecting bits, and new magic he had before losing it all with the dragon fight. He still wasn't sure how he could use magic, but was very glad he could, as the fireballs were a bit weaker on some enemies. He soon found a building and made his way inside. Rather predictably, he found the key inside a treasure chest, and was on his way, before it had gotten too late to check on that mare.

He didn't understand why, but the mare looked familiar, and he had to ask and hopefully get her side of the story. It was indeed nagging him since he had first seen her back in the castle. Regardless of anything else, he had to get back to Equestria, and if there were more dragons to defeat before he could go back, it was a small price to pay and a duty to his Princesses to keep them safe. He made it past all the crabs and cobras, that never seemed to stay dead, and found a door that lead him directly back into town.

Rushing over to the church, he greeted Smokey and let him know he had the key. One thing he was told before going to check on the mare was that Smokey would write down everything that happened, and allow him to rest in the church, when he wasn't fighting the monsters.

He knocked on the door, and waited patiently for a response, and soon heard a country accented voice on the other side say "I told you, you smokin' disgustin' mud-lover, I DON'T want to be bothered by you! I want to go home!" Wonder knew that voice, but it couldn't be her...and not here!

"Miss Applejack?" he said as he pushed the door in. He remembered seeing the Element of Honesty was indeed here, before getting bucked in the face and passing out.

Explanation and the desert of doubt

Wonder found himself tied up and on a bed in the room he recognized as where he had last seen Miss Applejack before something hit his face. He wasn't mad, only realizing after he had initially said her name, that he was a dragon after all.

"Oh you know, if I were the type of dragon that wanted to eat or harm you, I would have already. But, I suppose I should apologize Miss"...he was cut off by the angry mare.

"I don't know how you know me, or why the pig out there insists you are cursed by something, but I am telling you, I am not believing that you ain't a danger to me." She paused a bit, and then looked down on ground. "Where are they? WHERE ARE MAH FRIENDS?!?"

The dragon-pony was understanding why the Element was acting this way. She was alone, in a strange place, with odd creatures after all, but he needed to be professional about his explanation and hopefully calm down the irate farmer.

"Well, to explain to you would be a rather long story. The short version is simply, I was sent as part of an investigation into mysterious creatures and monsters that were sighted and caught attacking ponies in the North lands, and some of the smaller villages from there, to outside of the Cloudsdale area. I have fought many dragons and beasts, and apparently, one such dragon, made up of metal was what cursed me into my present form. When I came to, I found you and brought you to the town here. I know Smokey can be a bit rough around the edges, but he seems to care and helped at least..." he finished.

Silence hung between the two sitting there, and it was clear that the pony in front of him was analysing what was said to her. Suddenly, she got up, and untied the dragon guard, and gave him a quick hug and apologized in a whisper. Wonder just sat and took what was happening in, and said nothing, waiting upon the other pony to speak first.

"Well, I can't say I understand what is going on, but bein' a Royal Guard, you are my friend's only hope of gettin' out of this mess," she stated as she began to adjust her hat. "That said, I would prefer if you went and found one of my other friends first, before I begin to tell what we were doing out in the middle of Equestria. Does that sound like a deal?"

"Sure Miss...I shall proceed to the area where I believe the next dragon may be. In any case, I prefer if you would stay here and wait, I can handle this myself." He started to exit the inn, when Applejack started to follow, and was noticed by him quite quickly.

"Uh, no offense Dragon-boy, but if mah friends are out there I want to help out as much as I can. I can't just let you go off when I'm capable of doing just as much as you can!" Applejack stated proudly. "Oh, and don't think just because Imma mare that I am not as strong as you!"

Wonder thought about this carefully, if he would decline her offer to help, it could be misinterpreted as saying she wasn't able to help, and even given his limited experience around mares, this would only lead to trouble, as well as further pain. On the other hand, he couldn't risk an Element getting hurt by some creature or even worse under his watch. He thought about it and came up with a compromise he hoped would please the waiting mare.

"Well, I am charged by the Princess to make sure no one under my watch is hurt, even in my present situation. THAT said...would you consider helping me in other ways? Like collecting bits to get new armor? I am unsure I need any weapon presently, but I may in the future, and bits would help in that quest. Is this acceptable?"

Applejack considered the offer and before she agreed, a voice from in the inn spoke up, one of the pig she had previously aired her dislike of and said something that would make even Wonder drop his jaw in shock.

"Really? You are going to let that little girl out there 'nd fight for you, instead of doing it yourself? *Oink snort* If it were up to me, I would have her stay put make you food, and maybe keep you company when you need it...hehe," squeeled out the rude pig.

There is one thing Wonder had always felt proud about himself, and that was he was able to keep calm in situation, despite pressure to do otherwise. The academy for the Royal guards was a test of this, especially amongst the Pegasus guards who would mock the Earth pony most of the time. However, one thing instilled upon him years ago by his family, was always keep cool under pressure, unless someone else was being picked on. Wonder knew what he had to do, but found that Applejack had already beaten him to the punch....so to speak.

After a few more high-pitched squeels and groans of pain from an obviously hurt Smokey, Applejack walked out rather calmly, and turned towards Wonder, and brought her hoof out and simply said, "Deal."

"Um, not to pry, but what happened in there? I would have gladly dealt with that....squeely creep for you ma'am if you would have..."

"No! He insulted me, and made a sick implication of what I should be doing, so I should be the one to show him that ah don't play that way...GOT IT?" Applejack said, as she interrupted the very nervous Dragon-pony.

"Understood Ma'am!" he let out and snapped to a salute. "What I was thinking, was head over to the beach area, and clear out those guys there, whilst I head towards the locked tower door to investigate. If the coast is clear after I check, I have no issues with you going wherever that leads us to help out there. I mean, if that is ok with you?"

"Yes, that is fine, and I'm awfully glad that I can help. Maybe you could show me how to use these magic I've found in your room? Of course I can buck those monsters just fine if I haveta!" Applejack said rather excitedly.

At this point, Wonder was sure the Earth mare wouldn't harm him, and showed her the way down to the beach area, where she went off and started to buck the first snake she ran into. Wonder had to admit to himself, it was nice to have a partner in this search.

He used the mysterious door to pop back into town and head into that locked door, which lead to a spring panel he used to go outside of the tower, and find a door situated high above the town below. He entered the doorway and found he was now in a desert area, and proceeded towards what he thought was a large structure some distance away. Most of the snake were easily dealt with, although the new ant lions he had to occasionally leap over also appeared to launch fireballs as well. This made the desert a bit tougher than the beach had been, but he was sure of his training, and was soon past all those traps.

The area right ahead of the structure was very odd, as there seems to be sunflowers with faces blowing more dangerous fireballs at him, as well as that annoying sunglass-wearing cloud dropping fireballs. The cloud was easily dispatched of, but the flowers required good dodging but burnt up with his own flame, and giving what looked like sad faces before finally fading away and leaving either bits, or more magic. "I'll never understand why things like this actually drop items at all," he complained to himself.

There was a pit ahead of him that lead to a doorway, but Wonder wanted to climb the structure, that looked like a pyramid to check if there was anything beyond it, and to see what else he could find from the very top. Once he got there, below on the other side was a statue of an old enemy, the Sphinx he recognized, and a giant wall. On the other side beyond where he came from, the trail lead up to a volcanic area. He was somewhat glad he didn't go that way, as he was unsure if dragons were lava-proof.

He climbed down the pyramid, and entered a doorway the Sphinx statue had, and grabbed another 'power heart' like the one he found earlier in the tower back where he started. he exited, as there wasn't much else to do there and climbed and came down the other side of the pyramid to enter that pit with the door to proceed. Inside, he climbed to the top, and found a familiar doorway, one that meant beyond this, there would be a dungeon, and most likely, the next dragon he would have to face.

He held his breathe, and entered the doorway....

Inside he marched forward towards the end of the room and prepped himself for battle. nly a few steps inside, and a few frogs, about as big as he was bounced straight towards him! He used fireballs to kill the threats, but felt a bit guilt about killing these creatures, as they didn't specifically seems to want to harm him.

He let the other ones live by dodge their bounces, and proceeding forward, to an area full of fireball traps coming from the ceiling. He watched were he walked and moved ahead, jumping up and dodging more frogs in the next area, jumping over a few more of these strange fireball traps, that he swore had faces...

This was certainly an unusual place, and Wonder swore that the area was playing tricks on him, but he managed to ignore those feelings and proceed. He did run into two guards of some sort who threw spears toward him. He decided these were a bit more serious than the previously encountered frogs he had fought, and fire balled them without much remorse.

The next room, he thought was the funniest despite the situation, was a floor full of spring panels, so whenever he landed on one, he bounced high in the air, and continued forward through the area ahead of him. It was made a slight bit less fun when more guards came, but he simply chose to bounce over them, and exit the area before they could follow.

This last area, before he could see the back wall, was nothing but flamethrower traps, and very odd flouting red balloon enemies, for lack of a better title. These require lots of ducking and dodging, but the managed to get through and arrive at the last to half pillars before reaching what looked like a dead-end. He decided to check the wall ahead of him, as he had found in previous adventure that there were sometimes false walls, and sure enough, he found a treasure chest, and raided it of quite a number of bits, and more medicine, should he need it.

As he exited through the door, he dropped down on what appeared to be a false floor as well, and was in a chamber with two more flamethrowers, not low enough to hit him, but high enough that made jumping back up impossible.

He found a hold down even lower, and found a door ahead of him, but he knew the presence he felt behind the door was none other than a dragon. He gulped, and went in and saw a dragon wrapped in old white cloth, and flying ahead of him!

If the past dragon was anything to go by, the dragon's head would probably be the best place to do damage to it. The fireball he first launched hit his target straight in the face for some minor, but good damage. He launched two others, before he dove underneath the beast as it flew over-head, and proceed to 'puke' very odd, green-colored messes towards him. Whatever the stuff was, it caught Wonder by his tail, and hurt him a bit, so he resolved to be a bit more careful next time.

He repeated the pattern a few times, and by his count, three times was the magic number to hit the drain before it flew too high and he had to dive under him as it puked more stuff towards the much smaller dragon-pony. He was really liking the fireball now, as the sword, as much as he loved it, was very limited in terms of range.

After a few more hits, the dragons grew weaker, its cloth were engulfed in flames, and it was only a matter of time before it was finished. He launch two more fireballs and just as the second one hit, the dragon was defeated, and dropped down a beautiful yellow Pegasus. This must have been the other Element, but which one?

Before he could rush toward her, that little blue flame came back, and tried to engulf Wonder once again. It continued to drop bits, but he had learned his lesson, and while he did grab a few coins for himself, he kept an eye on the flame and shielded the mare from touching her. However, in haste to doge one such sweep, he tripped over the mare, and the blue flame did touch him, and changed his appearance once again as he screamed, and noticed he was not a dragon, but...a bunny?

"Oh great....I went from a dragon to a little useless creature? Well, at least I still have my armor and sword, that somehow, shrank...with...me...what?" He questioned himself, but knew he had to head back, and deliver the Pegasus mare to his friend in town. He began to drag her out, finding himself to be rather strong for his size.

Once back in the pyramid, he found the bunny had an unusual, but very helpful power: it could sneak into small places, and stick to walls. Granted, the first feature would do little good with a Pegasus behind him, but he resolved to use the second to harmlessly walk over any and all monsters he saw in the area.

He found a door that had the word 'Return' over it, and finally managed to bring the other pony over through the door, and found themselves back into the town. He was considering ways to bring the mare down the platform above the inn without hurting her, but just before he had run out of ideas, Applejack came by and looked at him, and looked at the other mare and simply asked one question:

"Now what the hay did you get yourself into???"

Once upon a Fluttershy, and the Night Guards

"I know...a bunny of all things? It is ridiculous, but I suppose it comes with this curse," Wonder trailed off, trying not to rant about his now smaller frame.

"Well, it seems as if Fluttershy is doing better, after I checked up on her when we got her back. I'm sure she just needs rest, and she'll be glad to meetcha. After all, you did rescue her, and I can't thank you enough for that!" Applejack said rather excitedly. She had a few scrapes and bruises from her adventure at the beach, but overall was looking fine and filling her new bunny friend on the details.

"Shucks, I completely forgot to ask...what is your name anyhow? I can't keep callin' ya 'dragon-boy' when you aint a dragon-pony anymore, and who knows what else you might turn into next time. So, what is it?"

"Hmm, my name..." he paused for a bit; truth be told he hated being called 'Wonder' all his life, and perhaps for a time, he could do with a temporary new name. "My name...is Wes, Wes Tone. It's an old family name that was passed down for a long time and," he was interrupted by a glare from Applejack, who could tell he was lying about the name.

"Lookie here, sugarcube. I am not one to pry into one's personal business and I appreciate the help you have given us, but I don't think that's your name." She got him there, and his nervousness showed she was one-hundred percent on the dot about her feelings.

"It isn't but, I honestly just don't like the name, Wonder-Colt and believe me, it made my time in Academy harder than you'll ever know. Please, I beg you to let me use this name...as a favor for rescuing you? I shan't ask for anything else, I just..." he stopped and turned around and hopped out of the building. Apple jack tried to follow, but he used a climbable wall to escape from her.

What's the use, if the Elements couldn't accept me for something like my name...NO! he snapped out of it before he started to mope more. I may not like the name, of not having wings or magic to help me, but I'll be a fool if I give in now and start feeling sorry for myself!. He turned to go follow Applejack, but before he did, he decided to check out a new store on the other side of the wall.

After buying a few things, including a shield that could prove useful against any fireball and flamethrower attacks, he headed to go catch up to the mare he had ran from earlier, and saw her, as well as the Pegasus mare he had escorted back from the second undead dragon. He scurried a bit faster towards them, only to be picked up by the yellow one, and hugged tightly.

"OH MY! How cute you are in a little suit of armor lil bunny! Do you want a carrot or something to eat? I don't have anything right now, but I'll try and find something for you lil..."

"Ma'am, I thank you, but I am doing quite fine," he interrupted and continued to wave towards Applejack to try and get her attention.

"YOU TALK!?! Oh my goodness this is sooo exciting I can't wait to tell the Princess, that is if you don't mind that is," Fluttershy was beside herself with excitement, while the cursed guard looked completely miffed at the development.

"Ah, Sugarcube, this is...'Wes', he's a Royal Guard who rescued us from some old Dragons, and he is trying to help find the other girls. Sorry, he isn't a new kind of talking critter." Applejack added the last part rather hesitantly. She knew her friend was excited, but rather than upsetting her, she seemed fine with the news.

"Oh, in that case, I am so sorry Mr. Wes. I didn't know, and I do thank you for rescuing us! I only wish I could help you somehow..."

"Well, there is a hospital across the bridge in town, and I heard that you know how to patch up little animals. Since I seem to be one at the moment, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind?" he asked, knowing she had the right to say no, but there were some injuries he felt needed to be patched up before he headed off to the next area.

"Oh, of course...I am sorry, I am just so happy to see a talking bunny, even if he is a Royal Guard!" she giggled. Despite being a bit embarrassed of his present look, it seemed he was getting attention from the beautiful mare, something that he would never admit to out loud at least, and that was fine by him.

After getting checked up, patched up from the slime-burns that last battle manifested on his body, he waved farewell to the two ladies, and continued onward past the shop he had stopped by, and continued West towards the thick forest area, that resembled something like the Everfree back in Equestria.

It wasn't an easy journey, there were these glowing blue energy stone that were along the ground he had to avoid running into, as another sunglasses-wearing cloud came by, and began its assault of now rolling fireballs that followed him as he ran away. The shield, however, seemed to work great against these little hot elements, and provided more than enough protection. He arrived at an odd maze of sorts the blocked the entrance to the forest, that would require his squeezing into tight spaces, and would have continued in and explored the forest, were it not for two shadows that grabbed him, and fell him back East!

"Let go, you foul creatures! " He spoke as he tried in vain to strike the flying creature with his sword, and only managed to stun the one holding him, while the other snagged him out of the sky as he fell.

"Calm little one. I just saw a cutey Pegasus in that town, and I bet she would love a cute pet, and a nice strong Guard to protect her" he said while the other creature held the hero in its mouth.

"You are Night Guards? Halt! I am...Wonder-Colt, of the Royal Guards, and I demand you release me in that town at once!" he hesitated to say his real name to the two guards, but it was protocol, and it was better that, than potentially end up a meal to two bat-winged Pegasus.

They both swooped down, and presented the bunny-in-armor to the two mares, and asked if they knew what they knew about the bunny. Thankfully, Fluttershy snatched the armored bunny away from the Night Guards as they asked their questions.

After a brief overview of what happened so far, the Guards let their 'bunny snack' go, and introduced themselves as Blade Noir and Silhouette Shield. With the mention of the second name, however, Wonder jumped up and hugged the Night Guard mare, and was beside himself with joy.

"Oh please tell me it's you, lil Shilhouette from the village of annoying, squawking birdmen! It is me, the green-maned Guard that passed through and told you about the Night Guard!" he said, still waiting for a response.

She was in thought for a bit, and smiled and said something to the other guard before responding to the others "I remember you, again I must thank you for all your information. To be honest, I am very happy to join the Guards and...if I may be so bold. You were much more handsome as a stallion, to be perfectly honest" she giggled as the other joined in at the now embarrassed bunny hero.

"Err, thanks, I guess...but how did you get here anyway? This town is in a self-contained world of its own, according to Smokey in the Inn. How did you all find your way here?" he asked, hoping to also find out a bit on how the Elements were captured as well.

"Quite honestly," Noir started, "it is a bit embarrassing. We and a few other guards were asked to escort the Elements to a disturbance outside of the Everfree area. When we arrived there was a layer of almost colorless fog surrounding the part of the forest near that old castle. Since we could not risk all the troops getting lost we were...volunteered...to go in with the Elements, after attempts to use their power against the fog itself proved useless."

"Last I remember is entering what looked like a huge castle in the sky, with the other girls, and then...I was woken up by that pig, and he told me you rescued me." Applejack added.

"Hmm, okay, I think I understand. But why were the Elements captured, and not you two?" the Guard of Celestia asked, knowing that the Night Guards may have misinterpreted his questions as hostile...but thankfully, this was not the case.

"To be honest, we fled after we saw what happened to all the mares who went into the castle. Each one turned into a fearsome Dragons, and Miss Sparkle and her dragon...well, I don't know what happened but they were very disturbing when I saw them." Silhouette looked very upset recalling it. It had been months since he saw her last, and going from a little outcast to Night Guard in such a small time frame must have been an experience. Still experience and training can only prepare one for so much.

Wonder thought carefully about how to ask this last question, but had to blurt it out. "Does...does Celestia know about the mission? I last contacted her around one month after my Sphinx encounter, and hoped that that would have stopped any further investigation to this area of Equestria. If...she didn't know about me then that means," he paused.

"Yes, I am afraid we never received a scroll since Silhouette's village. Many, including myself and even Shining Armor fear the worst after reading and encountering such enemies your letter and what she described was out there," Noir answered. "That is why the Elements were brought in...failing that, I fear Shining and the rest of the Guards will find their way if we don't figure this out."

"I understand..but I can manage, and appreciate your help, but I have to handle the Dragons alone. I don't know if this curse can be cured, but if not, I rather just me be affected than yourselves...is that understood?"

The Night Guards saluted. Truth be told, they were even in ranks, but they respected the bunny guard despite his present curse, and didn't want that to happen to them, if they could help it.

"I shall head back to the forest, but if I may request one bit of help..."

"Name it" Noir answered.

"There are two annoying smoke clouds along the way, would you mind 'clearing the skies' on my way to the forest? I should be alright from there," the bunny guard asked.

"Simple enough, although before you go, from what I saw in the forest, the enemies are getting a lot tougher, and I would suggest stocking up before heading out. I shall dispose of the cloud, and await you at the forest entrance." Noir took off, and headed West toward where the next dungeon was sure to be.

"Sillie-girl, if I may ask one thing..." Wonder called out to the bat-winged mare, and knew the nick name he gave her would irritate her.

"Ehh, you know how I hate that name! What is your request?" she asked, guarding over Fluttershy as Smokey gave her an odd look. She sneered at him, and made sure he backed off before she left for the hospital.

"Just...if you could follow Miss Applejack up to the desert area. It should be cleared out of most enemies now, but they tend to come back. After she comes back, check out the lava fields on the way to the volcanic area. I sense there is something there, but I want to be sure before I risk going there, after I return."

"You ask so little of me 'Tone..it is a shame I cannot assist you further, but I shall finish your request as soon as possible. That said, meet anyone before you got to this dumpy monster town? Or are you satisfied with a down-to-Earth Pony? hehe, or maybe the Pegasus with the nice..." she was cut-off by a paw over her mouth, as Fluttershy passed them and entered the building smiling unaware of their conversation.

"Goodness, just because I meet two mares, you think I would...ugh, you are too much, Sillie-girl" he chuckled to himself. Granted, he did find them attractive but he dared not think any bad thoughts about them, lest the Princesses punish him for that. Then again, he was probably being paranoid, he thought to himself.

"It's alright...maybe I'll find someone while I am out here. I doubt I'll find any tough guys out here, but hey you never know! See you later...W-Colt!" she stressed the colt a bit longer, but he didn't dwell on it. By far there were worse ways to be teased, and Silhouette's teases were merely friendly banter from two people who met and enjoyed each others company.

In the meantime he had a job to do, and another Element to free from the next Dragon...

The Castle in the Forest of Vastness

Some time passed, and Wonder was outside the forest again, and true to his word, Noir had cleared the skies on the way. He passed the Night Guard as he arrived and climbed through the tunnels and fought a few monsters that thought the maze into the forest was a good place to hunt prey. These proved little challenge to the experienced solider, and as such he dealt with them quickly.

Hidden in one of the dead ends of the maze, was a shop, but as it turns out, the talking swine owner didn't wish to sell any of his wares to the small bunny.

"Hey, why is it that the other shops I have gone to sell me their armor, and yours doesn't? It doesn't make any sense to limit who you sell your items too, does it?" he asked, hoping to reason with the merchant.

*Oink snort* "Nah, as much as I do love the idea of taking away your gold and having it all for myself, I do have standards to keep up...you understand I am sure." *snort* The pig merchant answered.

"I suppose so, anything I can do to convince you otherwise?"

"Nah, maybe if you were, I don't know, not a bunny or somethin', but other than that maybe charm me better. Until then, GET!" *Oink oink*

Wonder left the store very confused as to the meaning of this, but regardless of what had transpired, he found himself in the forest as he originally intended, and made his way towards the castle in the distance.

The one good thing about being small was the ability to dodge most sorts of attacks, and the faster speeds in which one could dodge or counter an attack. The bad thing? Less strength for each attacks, despite a stronger sword, and getting hit by fireballs and any other attack resulted in more damage taken. After all a bunny body can only take so much before...well, best not think about that.

Besides the initial bunch of giant frogs and bats in the forest, Wonder also encountered new equine skeleton soldiers. There were surprisingly weak to his sword, but were very quick despite being nothing but bones. Only about six stood in his way, before he reached a climbable wall and after a quick run as high as he could, he came to the door, and was inside the new castle.

The castle, once he was inside was almost built for his size. True, perhaps in another form he could go through it, but it would have been very difficult to maneuver and swing his weapon. Much like outside, there were skeletons here too, but were headless, and as such, very jumpy as a result. Adding to this was the constant threat of fireball-launching statues, how does one time the ability to block, and to successfully attack as well?

Thanks to his training, the timing was eventually figure out and each floor he progressed up, the stronger enemies and the various new and frequent fire traps were cleverly dodged or dealt with. New to the third level was ghost of goblins. Wonder had dealt with these vile creatures before in previous towns, and while not tough, they were more destructive than parasprites, and tended to multiply just as fast. The ghost forms, while not much different than the living version were the same; for every one struck down, more would spring around.

He decided sprinting through this floor and clearing only what was in his way would be the best idea, and soon enough, he made it up to the top of the tower, but the only way to go...was down. Expecting to fall and hit the ground rather hard, Wonder was however, sliding down the way to the bottom of wherever this path lead him.

"Rather fun little trip down, but really what was the point of having me go down, when I am pretty sure I'll have to go back up? I'll never understand these castle designs," Wonder murmured to himself as he finally reached the bottom. He prepped his gear up, and continued on.

The trip up the opposite way was actually much more straight-forward on this side of the castle, and with great timing and careful blocking, he finally reached the top of the tower again, and found a door, and readied himself for whatever dragon was waiting for him this time.

Upon entering, he noticed what appeared to be something sticking out of the ground, moving back and forth. He observed this a while, and figured to avoid standing on top of it, lest it be a surprise ground attack. Needless to say, his intuition proved correct. After jumping over the objects a second time a hideous, and almost decaying, Zombie Dragon presented itself out of the ground and spewed more slime like the previous dragon did for an attack.

He made a quick mental note about the size of this dragon, and calculated, with a well-timed jump, he could hit the face of his new enemy without too much trouble, and hopefully stun him before he could attack again. This calculated pattern proved accurate, and thus Wonder was getting the upperhand, forcing the dragon underground every time he got injured.

The task was a long one, as the small bunny only provided enough strength in the sword to strike at about half as much damage as a fireball did as a dragon. This was almost made up by the fact, that being this small gave extra speed, so while there was not a lot of punch behind each individual hit, he could hit about two to three times as much as his previous attack he could do. The dragon was starting to weaken, and it seemed almost destroyed, but a miscalculation in a jump resulted in the dragon being able to spew his attack, causing the bunny to be hurt, and knocked back, almost completely knocking the little hero out of it!

Wonder remembered a healing potion he had with him, and used it before the dragon was to attack again, and successfully healed himself, while avoiding any attacks the dragon tried to do it its weakened state. Eventually, now fully healed, and quite mad and ready to end this long fight. The pony-turned-bunny struck down on the dragon's head one last time, and it was destroyed like the others before him.

The blue flame returned, tempting him with new bits, and the next Element-bearer within. Rather than try and get more bits, he allowed the flame to embrace him, and soon was feeling the change within him, eventually waking with sight of his hooves at long last! He was very excited that he was free of his curse...until he realized his back legs were missing, and in their place, long back fins, and a tail like a sea creature. Looking closer on his hooves as well, he noticed not fur, but scales lining his body.

"Oh you have got to be kidding..." Wonder said, before noticing a pink mare was waking up in front of him, and he went to her aid. One thing he recalled about the Elements from the other Royal Guards were warnings about a pink one that was full of energy and very hard to understand. Of course, it was the Element of Laughter, but he did not remember her name at present.

Rather than wait until she was fully awake, he lead the drowsy pony out of the castle, and down the path to the forest floor. He recalled passing a pool of water below the entrance to the castle above, but didn't think his bunny form could swim correctly to explore it further. This was the path back, but how was he to proceed with an Element in tow underwater?

He gather some vines and tied her on his back, and resolved himself to swim down as fast as possible to any paths there were down in the watery way. He was only in the water for a brief 15 seconds before spotting a doorway, and diving towards it, and making it in when he realized what he was exactly...a so-called sea-pony.

*Flashback*

Long ago, on his way to the first town where he started his initial quest from the Princess, Wonder had found himself lost and was found by a set of friendly villagers. These villagers helped him find his way, but before he left, they begged him to ask advice from the Great Kellie. Not wanting to offend the kind ponies who had assisted him, he complied, and was greeted by a magnificent sight, a creature of entire water, who resembled a pony like himself. She introduced herself as a Kelpie, and explained she was the village guardian as well as the last remnant of the water-ponies that had existed.

In one such story she told him, was the legends of the sea-ponies. See told of a time when Earth and Pegasus asked upon the help of them from time to time, but as the time went on, less were seen and they were eventually forgotten by the non-water ponies as pure fantasy. In truth, the sea-ponies had disappeared due to some unusual carnivorous creatures in the water ways. Kellie paused, and told that she was one of such creature that devoured the flesh of her pony-related kind, but no longer did after realizing that the population was all but extinct, due to both her actions, and a great Sea Dragon.

One favor, she asked of Wonder, was if he made it back to Canterlot, to "thank the Sun Princess for he forgiveness, and if you ever find that Sea Dragon that did that, to...remove him. For the sake of the sea-ponies." He agreed to deliver the message, and continued his journey, not sure if the Princess would even believe what he saw.

Wonder snapped out of his memory, realizing he was in a dry room on the other side of the door that had water. "How does the water stay of the other...never mind, I better bring you back Pink one," he talked to the still drowsy, and now wet pony on his back. He found a big treasure chest full of new loot, and more magic to use, and found another mysterious 'Return' door to bring him back to the very familiar village with Smokey and the other Elements.

Applejack and Silhouette were sitting outside of the Inn and heard the door opening with an odd green pony with a pink mare attached to his back appear in their view. Noir flew down from his position of the tower in town, and assisted Applejack and the other Night Guard with the still drowsy Earth pony mare, and then turn their attention to Wonder.

"What the hay are you supposed to be this time?!? I can't say I have ever seen anything like you before," Silhouette asked, using a hoof to feel the scales of the other pony.

"I think I may know...but you don't look the one I.." Applejack started to say, but then caught herself from saying anymore, picked her fellow Element up, and galloped towards the Inn.

"Well, I am curious as well. What are you?" Noir pressed, having ignored the actions of the orange mare, and wet back to pursuing the investigation of this new form.

Wonder sighed. Sea ponies were on the level of myth and legend as much as young colts and fillies would read, along with more fantastical stories of so called hoo-mans. Regardless, he steeled himself from the potential mockery and just blurted out, "I am a sea-pony...I don't know HOW I am , but I am, ok?"

Several minutes of laughter later, the cursed guard left his Night Guard friends, and went to check on how Applejack was fairing and requesting Smokey write down what had happened as well. He found Applejack in the room with the other pink mare, as well as Fluttershy. He felt bad for missing greet her, but resolved himself to keep professional.

"How is she doing? Anything I can do to help?" he asked, but receive a shake of the head from the yellow Pegasus, and then Applejack began to speak.

"Promise you won't laugh ok? Ah don't think I could have said what I haveta say in front of those other two." she looked towards the cursed guard. He could tell she was trusting him with something personal, and agreed to her request with a nod.

Applejack continued, "Long time back, I could've swore I saw a real sea-pony in a lake Ah've visited with my brother before mah sister was born. I told my brother and mah folks, but they thought I was crazy. but I know what I saw, and I know they are real! But, they didn't look....like you, to be honest sugarcube" she motioned toward Wonder, and he acknowledged.

"Well, I may or may not be one...that said, I met someone who knows more about them if you want. But, I have to warn you ma'am. The history is not a pretty one, and if she is right, I may have to fight a Sea Dragon soon." he added.

At the sound of the words sea dragon, Fluttershy gasped, and hid herself behind the pink one, muttering something very low about being scared of regular dragons. He walked over to her, and patted her back around her wings gently, and reassured her that it would be ok.

"I am not a hundred percent sure of anything in this land...but, I shall find out the truth. I'll return shortly and I hope to be back very soon, but I need to go check on something." He finished his statement and rushed out of the Inn, before asking Smokey about what is in the Volcanic area, and left the mares alone.

"I sure hope he finds out what he is lookin' for. I miss all the other girls so much 'Shy" she sighed and hugged her Pegasus friend.

"Me too Applejack...me too" she hugged back.

"Hey! what is going on here?!? and how did we get into a video game world?" the pink one said having woken up just a bit earlier.

Drama before the Seas

Wonder was enjoying himself along with the three mares and the two Night Guards. The party wasn't anything too fancy, in fact, it was rather relaxed and gave everyone the opportunity to relax despite their presence in a strange land. It also allowed the mares to talk to all the guards, and even sneak a couple stories about 'Wes' and his early days as a Royal Guard and his initial training.

"I am telling you, I do have to respect that Earth Pony for stickin' through all the training, and still having the strength to do a very risky mission like this one. However, I still think he is a fool for not asking for help earlier..." Blade Noir ranted, not caring about who was listening. "Sometimes, you just have to admit you need help. Going on this quest was very stubborn!"

"Oh, lighten up a lil, Noir! He wanted to prove something to those Canterlot stuck-ups and he so far, has done a great job in my view!" Silhouette Shield added, having heard the last part of his rant. "Besides, his quest lead to him finding my in that little town, and without his help, you wouldn't have a partner like me with you?"

"I'll withhold any comments on that for now, but I suppose I am glad you are here." Noir answered, and flew out of the building before his partner could add anything to the conversation. Silhouette walked away from the window, when Fluttershy came up to her, and asked her a question.

"Is he always that rough? I mean, he seems nice and all to us, but he really seems down on Mr. Tone. I hope it is nothing bad, and Noir are just ranting or..."

"Nahh don't worry about him, he is very obsessed with following proper protocol with these sort of missions," Silhouette interrupted the Pegasus. "You see, truth be told, he should have never went on this quest alone. It's sort of a standing order that we get drilled in our heads during training, to always have someone at your back, in case you find yourself in a situation where you might need help. BUT, that said, if Wes had a partner, it wouldn't have changed him getting cursed at all I think."

"Oh ok...oh, I wanted to say, there was a strange creature I found outside of the hospital building before the party, and, um, if it is ok with you, I would like it if.."

"Oh, you want me to check it out? No problem let's go!" Silhouette jumped at the opportunity to do something different. She wasn't the type of pony to stay still in one place for long, so helping, even if it was something minor in the village, was something she was slightly known for by the three Elements.

When they got to the building, inside there was a creature laying on a bed, still sleeping, but showing no signs that it was hurt, at the very least. What was interesting though, was the creature was very much like a pony, but had stripes of its rear legs as well as a cutie mark of what looked like a lantern of some sort.

"What is that thing? I never saw a Pony or even a Zebra like this before...and it seems rather big too." Silhouette commented, unsure of what else she could do for the patient other than assist Fluttershy get to the bottom of where this thing came from.

"Well, I have been looking up some of the books of animals this place has, and at first I thought it was an Okapi, but as far as I recall, those only live amongst the Zebra in their lands, and not in Equestria. Besides, the Okapis I read about may not have cutie-marks, so I am not sure what he is." Flutttershy added.

"What can I do to help? I don't know anything about other species, and really don't know what I can.."

"Well, if you wouldn't mind, I actually only need help moving him to another bed. He's a bit on the heavy side...Oh, did I interrupt you?!? I am so sorry I won't do that again!' Fluttershy said. Silhouette didn't seem to be bothered and simply started on the task given, that is until the creature woke up...

The party was winding down and everypony was cleaning up after themselves, while Smokey came in and helped himself to a bit of the leftovers, and the request of Pinkie. He didn't like the party at all, as it was far too noisy for his ears, but the prospect of free mixed slop after was too much to pass up! He took his bit of leftover to eat somewhere else, when a loud shriek was heard outside.

It was Fluttershy, and she seemed both scared, and panicking at the same time. She motioned for the others to follow her, and, on instinct, Wonder grabbed his sword, and prepared himself if something was attacking the village.

"Sugarcube, please tell us what is going on? Is everything ok, and where is Ms. Silhouette?" Applejack tried to coax some words out of her shy friend, but nothing worked on her, but with that last question, something did work for their guardian.

Wonder burst the door to the hospital, and saw Silhouette on the ground knocked out by the looks of it, and a bed nearby was overturned, and left quite a mess around him, he motioned his sword closer to his body, to guard any attacks that were to come, as he checked his friend, and slowly moved her out of the room, and outside to the group. "Watch her...I'll take care of this." he said simply as he turned around.

"WAIT!!! He's scared, he didn't mean to, I mean, he may have, but she did hit him first, and...just, don't hurt him Mr. Tone! I know he's just confused." Fluttershy said at speeds that rivaled one of Pinkie's rants. He paused a bit, and nodded his head, and she went to care for the scratches and other injuries.

He scooped the room out before proceeding to the next one, the great thing about his scaly body was it made sneaking a bit easy by reducing the noise each step took, far more than even a careful hoof-fall could do. He used this, and his few training tips on the subjects of tracking to his advantage and soon, was mere feet away from the striped creature, who was kneeling in a corner. He brought his sword up, and was ready to strike, although he somewhat hesitated as he would inevitably have to explain to Miss Fluttershy any consequence of said attack when he stopped himself when he heard two simple phrases:

"I give up, dear sea pony, I am finished and tired. I am sorry for attacking and know that now, I am soon to be expired," it said, rhyming the two last words. In a very Zebra-like way.

Wonder sheathed his sword, and pulled the cowering creature out of the corner, and gave it a lite punch to the creature, and said, "you know, rhyming was never your strong side, Zed.."

Outside, the mares were treating Silhouette for her last scratch they found, when Noir came down and saw who they were treating. "What happened?" was all he asked.

He got filled in on what happened, and just then Wonder came out, with a cowering, and very shy looking Pony-like creature, with stripes or his rear legs, and that lantern cutie-mark. "Come on, I want you to apologize to Miss Fluttershy, and to the others before Sillie gets up. You owe them that much Zed.."

"WHAT??? YOU KNOW THIS CROSSBRED ABOMINATION!" Noir yelled out, with a certain level of both hatred and anger in his voice. The other mares were taken aback at this reaction, and Pinkie tried to calm him down with a cupcake she pulled from nowhere, but it proved of little use.

"Tell me, young bat-winged Pegasus, why my genes and my parents backgrounds should prove... Relevance? Or Revelvant rather." The creature said to defend himself.

Wonder added his own two-bits to the converstaion as well. "Of all things I have heard, from a creature some in Canterlot look down on, of all things, do YOU get to condemn my friend here? Yes, Zorses are not very common, but they work and live in Equestria just like we all do, and he never asked for his unique look, although it is now excuse for that very bad rhyme there!"

The girls gasped, but Fluttershy was very interested in asking a bit more about this new Pony, or Zorse as she now knew it was called. "Wait, how do you know him, and why are you yelling at him so much, Noir?

Noir was given the attention at the moment, and of all things that had been said that night, the following should not have been said. "Because, he is tainting my partner! Both the crossbred abomination, and ESPECIALLY that cursed DIRT PONY that dares call himself a Guard! I ought to kill both of them right.." he was interrupted when out of nowhere, Pinkie struck the ranting Night Guard silent, and he too was knocked out.

It must be noted, there are certain phrases for ponies that can be seen as either hurtful, or some would even say 'racist' if heard or said out loud. One of the phrases was dirt pony, often used by elitist Unicorns or some Pegasus dating as far back as before the uniting of three Pony Races. In fact, some have said that ponies were imprisoned or even banished for using the phrase by the Princesses, if ever heard about in their courts. Earth Ponies knew the history of the word, and it was something that had reactions even amongst the most calm Earth Pony.

Truth be told, both Applejack and Pinkie Pie were offended at the use of that word, but it was Pinkie who acted the fastest, and with the most uncharacteristic reaction. All present were shocked, and even Pinkie was full of regret on what was done, but most saw it as justified and agreed none of them would ever say anything if asked.

Wonder stood there, next to his Zorse friend, and was truly hurt at what Noir had told him. Rather than attacking him, he took it personally, and leapt into the water below the bridge and swam towards the ocean, not stopping for any voice or reason. He had heard that word several times during his training, and each time, despite it being a forbidden word by law in Canterlot, none of his fellow trainees were punished, To Wonder, Noir represented everyone of those who called him not-good-enough, or even worse, just-an-Earth-Pony.

He swam and swam, and once he reached the beach and cleared out the area of crab enemies and creatures, he made camp, and thought only one thing: I'll show them what just an Earth Pony can do by finishing this Sea Dragon once and for all!

The mares had their new arrival take Noir to the tower, and user a door with a bar the lock him in there. None of the mares wanted to say anything to him, even Fluttershy seemed rather shocked at what had happened. She still treat a couple small cuts he received, and being the kind-hearted person she was, she couldn't see him suffer needlessly.

Zed stood beside her, and as she finished, he asked her a simple question: "Do you think I am an abomination too?" He looked down at the ground, and hid his face as best as he could. For someone nearly the size of Big Mac, it certainly was odd to see.

"Oh, why would you ever listen to such bad things? We don't think you are like that at all! In fact, I would so like to learn more about you, as I only know one Zebra, Zecora from Ponyville!" Fluttershy responded.

Out of nowhere Pinkie popped between the two and started to let her opion be heard. "Besides, that meanie bat-Pegasus will get what is coming to him, so don't be sad...but, OH! I need to make you a party too! What do Zorses like, or should I do a theme like Zecora's party too, or.."

"Girls, I must thank you very much for your words, but you mentioned Zecora, is that what I had just heard?" Zed asked, being a bit careful on his rhyming, and smiling at the attention of two mares.

"Yes, she lives in a hut in the Everfree Forest, she often sells her wares and potions in town. Do you know her?" Fluttershy asked.

"I should, I suppose truth be told, she is my aunt, sister of my mother not of old." Zed winced..he didn't mean to say what he said, but until he could relax, and get to know everyone, he didn't want to reveal he didn't always speak in rhymes.

"Oh wow! That is so cool, you should come and visit, and then I could throw a DOUBLE-ZEBRA PARTY, It's STRIPES ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE SKY, What does it mean?? Tell me what does it mean?" Pinkie rambled.

Zed looked at Fluttershy, she simply giggle and they all walked back to the Inn, where Smokey was snoring loudly, covered in food, and Appljack was sweeping the last of the mess.

"Well, howdy there Mr. Zed, how are you doing? I imagine you are tired, so we cleaned up the room we had for Wes in the back, if you'd like to go in there.

"I would very much like that, and If I may, can I speak to the mare I struck? I do owe her an apology." He said without rhyme, although it didn't seem that the mares cared one way or the other if he did that or not.

"Sure thing there partner, but I must warn you, she is a little grumpy. Whatever you did to her got her more worked up then than a pig at feeding time!"

"I heard the pony! *snort ZZZ* Smokey commented.

Zed made his way inside, part of him regretted not just trotting after his friend to the beach, but that wouldn't have solved anything as he was unsure if the creature Wonder had to fight was underwater or not, and either Pony or Zebra, underwater was not the best place to be without air.

Silhouette rose up, and looked over to the visitor at the door, and didn't seem mad, but rather smiled at the stallion in front of her. "You know, besides Wonder..or Wes, for the sake of the mares here, no other stallion has beaten me at fighting, and I must congratulate you for that. That said, I must apologize for hitting you....there...when you woke up"

Zed shuttered, one thing he was glad that no one, beside the two in the room, and Miss Fluttershy knew was why he reacted the way he did. Although, after the events that followed, he would have taken that embarrassment over the violence he witnessed. "It's...no problem Miss Shadow, I should, yes, I should go!"

Silhouette grabbed the panicking Zorse and held him close in a hug, that suddenly turned into a kiss, and whispered, "I like it when guys are tough! Although, maybe not as rough as you were. Soooo....I know he told you about me, and I am curious if he told you anything else," she added...sort of hiding why she was questioning him.

They stood together in the room silently, Zed was rather awkward at what had just happened to him, and Silhouette just waited for answer, Zed tried to answer, but nothing came out as he tried to choose his words carefully. Before anything else happened Pinkie popped up and said "Oh for goodness sake, you already kissed, she wants to be your special somepony! SHE LIKES YOU!"

He heard was what said, and while being rejected by one bat-pegasus was one thing, getting amorous attention from another was a very different feeling. Plus the party mare showing up didn't help his feelings of confusion. He answered the only way he knew how...by fainting.

Aquatic exploration, and the path of the Sea-Dragon

The beach didn't change much at all since the last time Wonder had been there, save a few trees being bucked of their coconuts and a stray rope tied to another. It was a bit reassuring that Applejack had taken the task of clearing this area of enemies to heart and also using it for food and materials for her friends. I'll have to complement her on that later, he thought to himself, before he jumped below the second island and began to explore the water, running into a few more ditsy crab monsters, as well as new, very goofy looking fish that didn't seem smart but wanted to harm him, They were rather easy to take care of at this point.

The goal to explore here was an area he noticed before: A series of blocks that seemed to hide more than what they lead on. With the block-busting ability on his sword unlocked and ready to use, he struck the offending material and was soon in a new area that lead deeper underwater still. Despite his body being able to handle the swimming part of the task well, one thing he wasn't used to was a new found amount of pressure as her swam further on deeper. He used his accessory gills to absorb some breathe, and focused his mind on his friends, his loyalty to his Princesses, and especially to the Elements. He had to do this for whoever was here.

Swimming past another tunnel, he found a few new type of fireball-throwing octopi, of the blue variety. He mentally recalled that the colors represented how tough the enemies were, red being the weaker variety the blues being the toughest, and green, somewhere in the middle. Two swipes of his newest sword ended the lives of the first few that attacked, but as he swam further, it was more prudent to just swim past the monsters, as the more he killed, the more and faster they came out of the caves to attack. An interesting thing he found as he exited the area was a couple of floating block that seemed to block his path by slowly moving in his way. It was interesting to observed, but without any training in magic (besides what monster land magics he used), he couldn't tell how these were moving by themselves.

After they opened up the path, he quickly swam past and swam up the exit of the passage, and as soon as he exited two blue Octopi sat at the entrance and spat their fire at him, one missing, and one hitting his scaly flesh. The fire hurt much more than he remembered it usually did, perhaps due to his current body form, Regardless of the reason to the increased pain, he took out the two creature with little pity and with a slight bit of wrath in his eyes. He snapped out of it, and saw what was ahead of him: a ship, much like that ship he saw above on the far end of the beach. This was the deck area of the ship, while the part he saw was the bottom of the large ship, which suggested this vessel was stuck upside down. A door loomed ahead invitingly, with some sort of text above that he did not understand. He however, recognized the style of the script...it was like how the Great Kellie wrote! This is where the Sea dragon would be!

Meanwhile, back at the village, there were loud cries coming from the tower, where Noir was being kept, Fluttershy went with Applejack to try and calm down the unpleasant Night Guard, and Pinkie was giggling to herself watch Silhouette guard over Zed at the hearing of Noir's voice.

"Let's move him inside Pinkie, I don't want him to hear anything else from that....never mind, if I could have your help..." the female Night Guard said, but Pinkie had already zipped off with Zed and came back before her request was even finished. "Hmm, thanks then!"

"So, why do you like him? Is it because he's tough, or is it because he's different or OH! do you have a thing for Earth Ponies, unlike Mr Meanie pants in the.." Pinkie was stopped during her rant, by a rather upset Silhouette.

"I cannot explain it...but, I suppose it won't matter. I am a Night Guard, and I cannot exactly abandon my new duties now. That said, both Zed and Wes know something about the different pockets of non-ponies in Equestria. Call it a curiosity for me...but don't you find it odd that you have never heard of them?" she asked the party pony.

"Hmm, maybe, but I guess it doesn't matter. I think the Princesses would know..."

"They didn't know about the Changelings, nor about the threats that were made until that wedding. Heck, neither did you girls until your leader had her suspicions. I am not saying that our Princesses are hiding anything, but maybe they don't know what is out there." She said the last part with some reluctance, as the other Elements came, and from their body language, she could tell they heard some of what was said.

"What are you sayin' there, Shil? Are you sayin' that there are more things we should be afraid of? Or that the Princesses aren't..." Applejack was cutoff not by the Night Guard but by her friend Fluttershy.

"I think we just heard wrong, what did you mean to say, Miss Shield?" the shy Pegasus said with surprising conviction behind her voice.

"Well, I am pointing out, that both Wes and Zed knew each other before this incident with these new monsters came up. I had never knew Zebras and Ponies could...make lil colts and fillies" She paused a brief bit as Pinkie was giggling and Fluttershy and Applejack sort of blushed at the implications. "That said, I have overheard what Wes has said before, and there seems to be even more creatures out there that live in Equestria he found. I want to know more, that's all...and I know a very special pony who is going to help me!" She started towards the Inn, leaving the Elements alone to talk to themselves.

"Do you really think there are other creatures out there like Zed or like *gulp* DRAGONS!?!" I don't know if I want to know about that!" Fluttershy said, with a bit of nervousness in her voice. She was ok with creature that were pony-like, but dragons were a different story.

"I don't know, sugarcube. I think it would be best if we asked Mr. Wes about this, and get all our secrets out in the open. It ain't right hidin' things from each other, I do agree with Miss Shield there" Applejack said, and the other girls agreed with her. They would confront him when he came back with their next friend, who Pinkie was convinced would be Dash.

"I sure hope that stubborn sea-pony finds the secret armor set before fighting that meanie sea dragon. He's a tough boss to even get to!" Pinkie said, to no one in particular, and then bounced back with Fluttershy to help with the hospital, unaware that Wes was indeed nearly at the underwater dungeon.

Wonder was certainly ready to go through the door, but a voice in his head, who strangely sound like Pinkie Pie, was urging him to continue looking in the water and finding some sort of secret armor. He figured it wouldn't harm him any to do so, and proceeded past the ship's door, and followed a path, that he could have swore was constructed, as it was not a natural cave, but lined with bricks instead of rocks like the rest of the cave systems underwater.

There wasn't much down the path, until no less than a half a dozen blue fish cam out and swarm around him in the cave, and tried to overwhelm the lone solider underwater. There wasn't much to do, except just swim past these annoyingly tough things and continue on. One does have to know when to fight,m and when to flee.

After finding a door, he entered it and found a treasure chest, but instead of some armor, he was given an extra power heart, and while useful, it wasn't what he expected at all. Regardless, he was glad that he chose to listen to the Pinkie-in-his-head, and continued back to that ship, and face that dragon once and for all!

=====

Inside, he was greeted to a sight of new, and very annoying monsters: ground hiding ghost! These would have been less annoying, if they didn't both fire fireballs, as well as pop up behind you while fighting other, and more tougher enemies.With his sword handy, most of these were dealt with quickly, while most were ignored, and rushed past. Each floor of the upside-down ship revealed more and more challenging colors of all enemies he met outside, but something was very odd in here as well.

As he fought most of the enemies, be they ghost, cyclops, or whatever monster, they all cried out for scales. This was very disturbing, and reminded him of the Zombie ponies he fought sometime earlier, but, oddly. he never heard them cry for anything, except when they fell dead. There was also evidence of some sort of shines to the Sea Dragon, who trut be told, looked like some sort of pirate.

Despite this information, Wonder focused on his task at hand, and went forward until the third floor, where two tough cyclops stood guard. Using some fireball magic, as well as his trusty boomerang, he managed to dwindle their health down, and pass their bodies into the entrance of this, the next boss.

Usually, when he fought these dragons, the three times before anyway, they would start off attacking him. But this pirate Sea Dragon just stood there, with his patched eye and hooked claw, and laughed at the sight of Wonder as he entered.

"To be honest, I thought that Kellie would have had the guts to come herself, not send another tasty Sea-Pony to my den directly! This world is just getting better and better!" The Dragon spoke!

"How did you, wait, NO! I am no Sea-Pony, I am a Royal Guard of both the Sun and Lunar Princess, and on behalf of them, and the Great Kellie, I shall defeat you, and remove your curse from this land, and my body!" Wonder declared, hiding his fear of a talking dragon pass him by.

"I must say, I never heard of these Princesses, but that Kelpie? Did she ever tell you what and how she trapped her Ponies? I was very upfront with my appetite, chased my meals, and ate the pathetic Sea-Ponies til they were all consumed...She on the other hand would woo unsuspecting males and females as an image of their perfect someponies, and then, as they embracedm she ate them! You call me evil, and that one you represent was FAR more deceptive than I EVER was!"

Wonder was shocked, he knew much of Kellie's good works, but, he knew that she had a dark side too. It was just so hard to here she was like a carnivorous Changeling, and the thought made him sick to his stomach. He gripped his sword tighter and posed threateningly towards the Sea Dragon anyway, choosing to take his new found anger at it rather than himself for now.

"You still don't get it...whatever then, I'll give you this one chance. Join my servants out there! You'll survive as a servant of the Sea Dragon, and in return you'll have a long life and my protection, so long as you bring me a worthy sacrifice. I already consumed the Rainbow-maned Pegasus, she fought me so bravely, but in the end, she was, and still is DELICIOUS! So, what are you going to do? I want the buttery Pegasus next, or perhaps that candy Pony.."

While the Dragon ranted, despite everything that was said about the Kelpie he knew and even befriended, this dragon was by far worse. He made others do his dirty work, in exchange form some imagined protection, and longer life! This was, even more sickening than anything, but it was something he could take advantage of. he only hoped that Rainbow Dash was not fully digested yet, otherwise....

"I'll join your Path of the Sea-Dragon, and I'll deliver them all to you, just....bless me with stronger resolve, and strength, and I shall get them for you, Master." He tried hard to hide to hide his devious smile, and so far, the dragon bought it.

"Bow before me, and be blessed with the Dragon's Fury!" the pirate theme dragon declared and before the ceremony could complete,the small sea-pony was quick to use the extra strength to strike his smaller sword he had as a bunny solider into his other good eye, and blinded the Sea-Dragon permanently! It cried in anger and in anguish, and used it's own fury to release a flurry of hooks towards the last location of the traitorous Pony, but he completely missed, and the stronger pony kept at him, striking his face and trapped him against the back of his huge personal quarters.

"To all those you deceived and to all those innocent Sea-ponies you selfishly ATE to extinction, I kill you for them!" He slashed his stomach area one more time, to rescue Dash, before the Dragon collapsed, and succumbed to his wounds. The Great Sea Terror was defeated, and with a heavy heart, Wonder rushed to the brave and muck covered Pegasus, and began to resuscitate her as quickly as he could.

There was just one thing that completely slipped his mind as he was doing that: that cursed blue flame! The bits dropping everywhere should have reminded him, but he was so concerned with her rescue, the blue flame snuck behind him and zapped him into a new, albeit more fearsome form: a Manticore! He was upset at letting his guard down, but this was a good thing, the extra strength would prove useful to getting this dying Pegasus to Fluttershy and the others!

He picked her up on his back carefully, and made his way out of a new hole that was put in the bottom of the ship and he walked out of the hull, and was back on the beach. The poor crabs and other monsters on the beach, that were just trying to attack him, suffered great destruction, as both his anger and the Manticore strength tore the little monsters to little pieces, and soon, he found his "Return" door back into town.

He roared loudly to get the girls attention, and resumed giving Dash his undivided attention, clearing the nasty fluid from her face, and breathing for her. Of course, it would be very brave of him, had he remembered that the others did not know he was a Manticore, and soon enough, both Applejack and Silhouette attacked him, while Pinkie and Fluttershy checked on Rainbow. Fluttershy had Pinkie take her to the hospital, and with a look of both anger and authority he had only seen from the Princess she stared into his new beastly eyes.

"How DARE YOU ATTACK MY FRIEND! Why would you...wait...Mr. Wes? Is that you?" Fluttershy transitioned from anger, to calm, and reassuring, to regretful, int a matter of a few moments, but, to Wonder, this was one of the scariest things he had ever seen.

It is said, that when someone faces Death, or something equally as scary, they can confess things that nothing else in the world could make them do, this is what was said from Wonder, as he faced the direct effects of the Stare full-force:

"I confess! I thought you and Applejack had nice flanks! I think Silhouette is crazy, but she has those sexy wings that drive me wild, I secretly stole a few bits during the first mission outside of Whitetail Woods. I once checked out this Griffon in the canyon town, and even made-out with her. I kissed Pinkie in her sleep! I...am a horrible rescuer! I should have asked for help. I so wanted to be a Unicorn for years in school, but now I wanted to be a Pegasus...I" Wonder was cut off by a smack by Silhouette.

"Snap out of it, she knows it's you....and I freaking KNEW you were checking me out! But you are sooo not my type, sorry!" The other girls around the freaking out Manticore were either sharing some embarrassment about what was heard, mainly Fluttershy, and some anger, from Applejack.

"Ah can't believe you Wonder, no, I won't keep up with your lie anymore! You don't have the right to look at me like that you ya, lil varmit!" she said, before marching off, and proceeding to fall into the river while not paying attention. She looked around embarrassed of what she did, but ran into the hospital to check on Dash. (probably)

"Hehe, I knew I got kisses from someone, but I thought Dashie or Fluttershy was being nice to me! You kiss like a mare, Wonder!" Pinkie added, adding to the awkwardness that was rising.

He looked at all their faces, and trotted as quickly as he could to the Inn, and dropped a bag of dead Octopi to Smokey. "These are yours, as long as you keep everypony else out of the Inn for a while except Zed and I; is that understood???"

"You don't have to tell me twice! *Oink-Snort CHOMP!* "Mmm, seafood!" Smokey was content with eating, and locked all the door, and sealed the windows with magic he had prepared, in cases such as this.

"Today was not a good day, Zed! I confessed all those things, what is going to happen to me? I can't rescue the others without the other Elements support, and what if Ms Dash doesn't survive? I'll be doomed! Everyone was so mad, and don't even get me started on Sillie...she is probably laughing her head off now!" Wonder explained to Zed, who just listened to him recall the story.

"But, you beat the Dragon right? That's the important thing, besides rescuing us here. That's all the Princess asked you to do, that's what you must do." Zed said, still wiping some lipstick off of his face from his previous encounter that he felt he would tell his friend about later.

"I suppose so, you lazy rhymer! That said, I need to sleep on this. I hope this will cool down before tomorrow. Good night, Zed." Wonder walked off, and went to his room. He laid down, and as he settle in with his larger Manticore-frame, he felt something else in the bed. He lifted the blanket, and Pinkie popped out, and kissed him in the mouth, and bounced away, but turned back, and added "Now, we are even! Good night!"

"These ponies will drive me crazy, I know it..." he said before sleeping.

Truth and Consequences, and the world beyond Ponyville

With a ray of sunlight hitting his eyes, Wonder rolled out of bed, and prepared himself for the day ahead. Truths needed to be brought up, and he needed to confront those he wronged, but one thing he completely forgot to ask about stuck in his mind: Why was Zed here? True, he cared for his friend, and besides Miss Shield, Zed knew him even more outside of his Guard duty. They fought and braved so many towns, and that Sphinx...if it were not for his Zorse friend...

Regardless of what they had been through, he knew Zed had a responsibility to his own hometown, the little village of Hope's Asylum, and all the creature and friends he made there. If confronting his friend, and telling the truth to the Elements were required, he would, but, Asylum would still be protected. They saved his life, and he knew, if Zed were here, something weas wrong. Speaking of the pony-zebra mutt, why was he hugging me? Wonder thought to himself.

"Zed, I appreciate your company and above all, your companionship, but, I don't really feel comfortable with your hugging me like this," he said to the barely awakened friend. "Well, I suppose that COULD explain why you don't like my Silhouette!" he added with a sly smirk.

The Zebra-mule snapped out of it, after hearing of his personal life being mocked. True he wasn't sure how to handle the aggressive Night Guard, but he certainly had no interest in his friend. "I apologize, had a very intense dream, I hope nothing looks bad, or even obscene."

"No, but I have to ask, before I go out there...why are you here? You and the other Guardians certainly can handle yourselves well enough. Has....She....returned? Or what?" Wonder spoke in code, In truth both of them knew whom they were speaking of, but that mystery would wait until they could be fully trusted by the Elements, and hopefully by extension, the Princesses. Some secrets were worth protecting.

"No, now word from those far off lands, but what I bring is news of blood, and fights in the sand.

You remember the, visitors, injured and weak, when they came to the village, none dared to speak.
Well, one did warn us, but too late to stop, the attack came swiftly, and..."

"You mean they attacked the village?!? Why didn't you tell me! I need to rescue these Elements and get over there as soon as possible I can't stay.." Wonder panicked, for reasons he knew, but part of him feared what would happen of his duty. He was a Royal Guard first, his assignment to the Princesses were his primary mission. How could he abandon the Elements, just to save one village? I was a tough thing to think about, but after much searching, he decided what to do. "We need to tell them, Zed, like NOW!"

Despite Pinkie being able to sneak into the Inn to speak to Wonder, she still forgot to unlock the front door to let her friends inside. As a result, most of them slept at the hospital, near some cots and for the most part, waiting for Dash to wake from her own sleep that the Sea Dragon had put her in. The stomach acid and fluid did do a number on her coat, as patches were discolored, but her mane at least was still a bright rainbowed-color, and overall she seemed ok. It was the matter of how long she had been in there that worried the other mares.

"I really hope he is ok. Even in a Manticore form, he sure seemed scared of us. I really need to apologize to him, I didn't know the Stare would affect him that way." Fluttershy said to Applejack. AJ, on the other hand, seemed very upset by the apparent ignorance of her friend.

"You don't remember what he said 'bout us 'Shy? I mean, this whole time, he was checkin' us out, probably tryin' to smooth his way into our..." Applejack was interrupted by a bang on the door.

"It's Silhouette. I need to talk to you girls now! Both of the boys are looking very upset about something, and I think we need to see what is happening." she said, trying to maintain her professional demeanor to the Elements, while also urging them as friendly as possible to get the two sides to talk.

Applejack and Fluttershy got Pinkie up, and decided to leave Dash alone for a bit and talk with both the rescuer, and his strange friend, to get to the bottom of whatever seemed to be panicking them. They sat just outside the Inn, in front of the building that lead to the beach area, and waited for the stallions.

"Whatever they ask, I don't care how silly or ridiculous, tell them the truth Zed! I'll be doing the same, and I know with the Honesty Element with the other mares, they'll detect a lie very quick!" Wonder was nearly calmed. He noticed, strangely enough, as a Manticore, the emotions he experienced regularly were extremely heighten in this form. He was thankful he was somewhat calm, and not angry, as thinking about that would indeed be a scary thought. He proceeded towards the patiently awaiting group of mares outside, and began his speech.

"Hello ladies, I must first start off, and confess that what I said was, inexcusable, and I should not have let my thoughts out to make you feel uncomfortable. I am held to a higher regard, by myself, my Captain, and both Princesses. By dishonoring you with my, primal thoughts, I dishonor them, and it is something I shall not do again." He paused, checking their reactions. Pinkie was smiling as always, Applejack gave him an odd look, Silhouette, was staring at Zed, not really paying attention to him at all, and Fluttershy was blushing, and hiding behind her mane, not too unusual. Rainbow Dash was, wait, she is ok? Thank the Goddesses! he thought to himself.

"I come to all of you now, as I believe I need help confronting both the last two dragons, and rescuing your two remaining friends. Normally, I wouldn't want to rush into danger, but I have been told by my friend Zed, that a small village is being threatened with attack by the Changelings. As to why they are being threatened, and why the rest of the Royal guards are not protecting them, It is because...they are harboring three of their kind, who wished to defect and live normal lives. There names are..." Wonder was interrupted by the sounds of everyone, including his friend in the Night Guard, objecting to what he was saying.

"I cannot believe what you are saying, 'Tone! You mean to say the Princess' Guard are going to let a village get destroyed, and that the village is harboring harmful Changelings? I mean, it is one or the other. I know you know what they are capable of, what destruction they were causing in MY town. I can't believe you want help to protect a few of their nice species!"

"It isn't about that, my dearest Silhouette! Hope's Asylum is a refuge for every species regardless of their background. I live there, amongst the griffons, and their pony lovers, as well as, other creatures, that live together, for a common goal: To live together peacefully!" Zed interrupted, with passion in his voice that was unheard of previously.

"Where were you ponies, when my aunt Zecora wanted to buy supplies in Ponyville?!? She told me of what happened in a letter, and were it not for a small foal named Apple Bloom, you would have treated her as an outsider! Tell me, would you also reject the same were she a Minotaur, Griffon, or even a Hippogryph, or a Kirin? I believe so, sadly." he paused, and looked out to the guilty faces of the mares before him. "Mimic, Replica, and Facsimile came to us injured, and weak, we could not reject them do to who they were. They changed, and live their lives in peace with us. I only ask that you do the same." Zed let Wonder take over from that point, as he was emotionally exhausted trying to appeal to their compassionate side.

"I shall rescue both the Element of Generosity and Magic as quickly as possible, and once that is done, and the curse lifted from this land, you ladies are free to report to the Princess whatever you may, but as for myself, I shall save that village." He paused, and let himself open up one more time, "I have kept secrets but no longer...if you all have questions, about anything I have said, or about myself, now is the time to ask." Silence settled of the small crowd, until one pony spoke up.

"Well, I don't know what the big deal is girls," a voice from the back said. "I mean sure, he said Fluttershy and AJ had nice flanks, guess what THEY do, I look at them all the time! He kissed a griffon? So? I never did anything with Gilda, but if I had, would you girls think any less of me? I know I am usually the least trustful of new ponies, but I am loyal to those who would risk their necks for us girls. I trust you!" Rainbow finished, and cause Wonder to smile to himself.

"I guess if Dashie trust you, I trust you too! But I must say Wessy, or Wonder or whoever you are...why haven't you got all the armor and weapons yet? You are missing so much! You have to let me help you!" Pinkie declared and was off towards the direction of the Inn.

"I, um, will help anyway I can, but please don't stare anymore, ok? I promise I won't do the Stare if you don't!" Fluttershy asked nervously. Wonder answered by hugging her, and agreed.

This left Applejack and Silhouette. Well, just Applejack, as Silhouette agreed to Zed's demands, and was busy with him, kissing his face all over again. The Earth pony and Manticore-pony stared each other down, and waited for the other to speak up first. Finally, Wonder spoke first. "I don't expect to ever earn your respect ma'am, I did something wrong by you and I am sorry. But I..." he was interrupted by a hug and he accepted it graciously.

"Ah am not sayin' what you did was ok by me, and truth be told, if you are even in Ponyville, mah brother Big Mac may have a few words for you. But, I understand you are trying to do right, that's all I could ask for. Now, if I were to ask for a map to this refuge that Zed comes from..."

"I'll give you a detailed map and directions. Trust me, the way there isn't so simple, and many have gotten lost trying to find the place. That said, i would welcome you. It is a wonderful little place, and I am sure your friends will love it." Wonder added. "Could you tell the others my name..err, my real name? I still prefer Wes myself, but no more lies."

Before Applejack could agree, Pinkie burst out of the Inn, and grabbed Wonder by his claw, and made for the tower "I'llberightbackeveryponygottashowWonderwhereallthearmorandweaponsareBYE!!!" was all she said before they both disappeared.

"So, you look and Fluttershy and mah flank all the time Rainbow?" Applejack asked the Pegasus slyly. All the others present stared at her, even the shy yellow one. Truth be told, she was curious what her life-long friend would say.

Rainbow looked around with a smirk then faded to a straight face, followed by only a small phrase before she took off away from the others: "STOP TALKING!"

Pinkie lead the Guardspony towards a series of caves he never even knew existed in the desert area of Monster land. It was hidden some distance below that Sphinx statue he ran into in his Dragon form. As far as the eye could see, nothing but treasure chest, and each one was full of useful magic, that both he and Pinkie took delight in playing and trying out. He was happy he let the excitable party mare lead him to this place. On top of the magic, were more bits to spend on armors the swine previously would never sell. He was very ready to proceed, when Pinkie pulled him aside.

"Why did you kiss me, Wonder? I mean, I know you seem to like me, and the other girls, but why, of all the others, did you kiss me?!?" she asked, and quickly hugged the soldier of the Princess.

"Truth be told, besides my attraction to you, I was told about your....mood swings. It is nothing bad, but I must ask you, especially after I saw you deck Noir a while ago: Are you ok? I mean, is there something bothering you, deep down? I know I have issues, but sometimes, i find talking to my friend to be the best way to help me. Never forgot that your friend Dash, and the others are here for you." Wonder asked with some hesitance. He knew reading those files about the Elements might get him into trouble, but this may have been important.

"Well, I know that I should talk, and since we are alone, I need to tell you a bit about what is troubling me...but you have to Pinkie Promise it'll stay here, ok?" She agreed to talk, and swore the guard to secrecy. Things said under the Sphinx would never be revealed, and thankfully, even Wonder didn't log what was said in much detail.

As the hours passed however, he was glad to have talked to the surprisingly complex Earth Pony, and promised that none of what was said would be told, except one question she asked of the Princess. Wonder wished he didn't make the promise, but he knew, whether Pinkie or her friends knew it or not, these dark tendencies would manifest themselves. Whether for good or bad, it would remain to be seen in this story, at least.

=========================================

"Whatever may come, it won't matter, I now have the tools to fight this Samurai-Dragon. I shall be there soon, Miss Rarity, and will rescue your sister soon after, Captain!" he said as he entered the path ahead of him. The Dragons were the last things between him and the curse being gone. A village need to be saved, and a final justification for all Earth ponies everywhere, no matter what the other Royal Guards said.

The Cave of Samurai-Dragon

Into the underground cave he went! The advantage of being in a Manticore body was an extra effort and much more strength was put into each attack of the sword. The only bad thing, was that the sword attacks themselves were slow, and left him open for any quick attacks that may come. There was one solution he had discovered that even the swine merchant had not been aware of: The Roar. Manticores, outside of cursed ponies who look like them at least, are very fearsome, and their roars know to shock creatures of the Everfree and wherever else they may be found. Using a roar was similar to a sword attack, but when he tested it out on the first unfortunate ghost that came across, he found it had another effect: it froze them for few seconds, precious seconds that could prove very useful if the need came.

Despite this new information, and armed with some hidden weapon courteous of the helpful and knowledgeable Part Pony, he came across a hidden gem in the cave, called the Marumasa Blade. This struck even the toughest Blue Ghost down in a single hit, and the fearsome cyclops in a few, rather than half a dozen that the other sword took. It was a match in heaven, and all thanks to that odd mare. How she knew all this information about these, I have no idea, he thought to himself.

The odd thing was, no matter how long he explored this cave, the enemies, while numerous, were not that strong. Only a few Cyclops, and some ghost that would pop up, and try to sneak an attack were just about the only dangers. There was finally a clearing in the cave, and what Wonder saw made him gasp, and stop for a few moments. Before him, surrounded by a moat of lava was a HUGE Pagoda-like structure. He had recognized the far eastern designs from his old school days, dreaming one day to visit the strange land, and find out if ponies, or other like ponies lived there or not. It was at the site of the structure, that the term, Samurai-Dragon made much more sense. But what of the enemies and monsters inside? Only one way to find out!

Placing the Dragon Mail on he obtained earlier, he was able to swim across the moat, and arrive at the front gates of the massive building. He breathed in, and prepared himself, and opened the gate to face the monsters ahead of him. Instead of fearsome looking monsters, he found odd, pony-like creature in ninja disguises! He braced his shield closer, and before he blinked, the ninja threw some sort of weapon toward him. The object bounced off his shield harmlessly, but the ninja-like creature leapt back and readied itself to attack again. "I can tell you are going to be a pain!" Wonder roared after seeing the speedy creature leap gracefully. Frozen temporarily, the monster fell with one strong fall of the sword.

Of course, there couldn't be just one ninja as three more slowly jumped and rush the cursed pony, ready to defend themselves and their building. One thing Wonder noticed was their gracefulness while leaping made their landing very slow, and recovery a bit of an opportunity to strike. Thus, after each one dropped down, he simply needed to chop his weapon, and the creatures would fall onto the weapon themselves and face their own deaths. The next walkway he found lead to more clever green ninjas, but only one strike was required to finish off the pest, as they were not strong either.

He turned the corner, and encountered a brand new enemy. He recognized the armor configuration right away from his old school books: the fearsome samurai! Only, these seemed to only be the armor, while a ghostly creature moved inside and tried to strike the cursed hero and leapt back, much like the ninjas. Unlike the ninjas, he launched a series of fireballs as well! His only solution was to rush it, and drive his broadsword down upon the armor ghost, and it crumbled as he predicted. He saw a door, and he knew, inside would be much tougher. "I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but Miss Rarity, I am almost there!" he said as he entered and struck another unsuspecting Samurai ghost.

After two levels up into the building, most of the enemies fell. The trick was fighting these monsters one by one, as many tried to leap back with others and attack in groups. When some poor group thought they had an upper-hand, the clever Earth Pony used what none of the monsters would suspect he would use: a trusty magic boomerang! Beside the other magic he learned to use, and obtain in this land, the power of the curved tool stunned the enemies, and allowed him to leap and attack the group without any problems. He recalled Pinkie telling him about it, as he never put much thought into it before. She demonstrated how useful it was when they went together to get his current weapon, and he instantly knew it would prove useful, and thank the excitable mare. She returned the thanks by blasting a nearby evil cloud with her adapted party cannon and giggled when the bits came tumbling out. There was one more secret she told him, and before the Dragon's chamber, he had to visit this place to heal up.

Almost unknown to our hero, as easily as the ninjas were to counter, their swift attacks cut deep and brutally. Right before entering the last chamber, where he knew the dragon stayed, he found a secret room, as told by the party mare. He used a healing spell that was located inside, and got another blue medicine. These were a good just-in-case precaution, as they could resurrect the pony, should an attack prove too strong. He exited the chamber and enter the Dragon's next door, and was shocked to see, not a dragon ready to strike, but one sitting and drinking tea!

"I welcome you, thou cursed enemy of mine brothers, Come, enjoy a spot of tea before thine battle. We have a small bit to discuss first!" The Dragon spoke!

"I...what is the catch dragon? I am willing to fight fair with you, but this better not be a trick or so help me...!" Wonder tried to put forth a brave face, but was somewhat nervous, as the dragon was only looking down, and not at him at all.

"Thou may believe what thou will. I offer this and a piece of information thine shalt surely find useful. It is only fair we conduct ourselves as warriors, not mere beast!" It spoke and waited.

Wonder wasn't sure what to expect, he readied an antidote in case the tea was poison, and the sat and drank. Whatever doubts he had toward the dragon dissolved as the tea was perfect tasting!

"Now, I shall speak to thee. For a long while, Mine brothers and mineself guarded these lands, for what purpose we cared not. It was ours to protect, ours to live, and ours to enjoy the spoils! Thy ponykind shalt not be welcomed here, and so I offer thee one chance: Leave. Thy curse shalt be lifted as soon as thy company and thee walk from Our town, and we shall keep only those who persisted with thine vile magic. I shall be glad to show thee a way back to prepare as soon as.." the dragon was interrupted

"No deal. I would need both of your lady Unicorns, or no deal! They are important to their friends, and important to the Princesses. I cannot compromise on this. It is my duty. I know you can appreciate honor and duty, my proud Dragon." Wonder was confident he had to fight, and readied himself.

"HahahaHA! I admired thine spirit. I must warn thee, even if thy fight is too much for mineself, the last great dragon will end thee, and there will be no begging good enough. Thine friends in the village will be captured and fed to fulfill his hunger, as he eats without care. I warn thee, art thou prepared to fight?" The dragon said, removing the tea table and grabbing a large weapon in its claws.

"I am, and I thank...thee for thine offer. May the best of us win." Wonder readied himself, and looked down. He knew the dragon had some high honor, and appealing to it lead him this far.

"I intend to! Attack ME!" It roared loudly, and from its mouth fireballs rained all in front of him, as he lifted his heavy sword, and chomped simply down in front of him, causing a huge cut it it floor itself.. "I shall taste thy blood soon enough!"

Wonder waited, the area in front of the great dragon was dangerous, but like all the ones he fought previously, he knew the face was its weak point. He bravely jumped and slash its face. He took a huge amount of damage but the dragon dropped its great weapon, and did the same to him, almost killing him in one blow! He watched carefully where the sword was, and faked an attack which caused the dragon to drop its guard, and was open to two more attacks. It was clearly weak. Both creature were creatures of power, and it was so close for both of them.

He launched two fireball magic towards the weakened creature, and stopped, and utter one phrase, "Yield, and free the Unicorn, keep your honor in life, and your death will be more glorious." Wonder never sympathized much with monsters, but this was a very rare exception.

The dragon listened, and was very close to succumbing to effects of bleeding out soon. He looked towards the Guard and plunged the sword into his own belly and said before leaving this world: "With Honor, I leave this world...the Unicorn is thy own!" and Rarity floated down in his place, unconscious.

The familiar blue flame dance above his head. This was it, the last form of his curse, he gathered the bits, teasing the flames, and finally let them consume his Manticore flesh. He awoke covered in fire, and Miss Rarity had awoken as well. She stared at her rescuer, and thank him without saying anything more than a look in her eyes. He was a Phoenix, no, a Great Phoenix he heard of from Legend. He gently grabbed the damsel, and flew her safely towards a hidden doorway, to a chamber with his return back.

Before he did, he sensed an odd presence, and inside another door another Swine offered an unusual armor set for sale: The Tartaurus Armor. "I warn you there sir. It is blessed with magic that can heal you with each hit you give an enemy, but it'll consume you too! *Snort Oink*

The Phoenix looked at the swine took the armor and threw his bits at him. and left for his rescued mare. He had to return her, and finish all this. There wasn't time anymore. He had another town to save after all, and the Elements had their families. It's almost over, he thought to himself before opening the doorway back into the town, and bringing his newest rescued Element to the others.

They turned to thank him, but the proud Phoenix flew away, towards the castle where this curse began...

"Rarity! We missed you so much I thought I would never see you again!" the yellow Pegasus cried to her closest Ponyville friend. "I missed hearing about your new dresses and our spa days, and.."

"Girls, thank you all very much for welcoming me back darlings. I must ask, who was our rescuer? He seemed, I don't know, changed. And I do believe the poor dear couldn't even talk in his state!" Rarity asked the other and apologized for interrupting the shy pony.

"That there was Wes, I mean Wonder. He's a strange fellow, but a brave Earth Pony Royal Guard! He wants to finish this quest soon, he said something about a promise to Pinkie or sumthin' like that." Applejack said.

"No, my friends, he has to rush. For my town without help, could soon be dust!" the mainly quiet Zebra-mule stated. Silhouette heard her Zorse's words, and chased after Wonder in the air, followed by Rainbow Dash soon after. The others decided to turn in, it was soon to be night, and they were all very tired from a long day.

They all started to head inside, when Rarity approached the new pony,and asked questions about his town and if she could design a new ensemble for him, and his special somepony. She nearly begged for the opportunity, before Zed turned to her and asked, "Wait, how did you know about Silhouette, our relationship is still a secret!?!" he glanced around and Pinkie popped out of nowhere to giggle at him again.

"Oh darling, I can tell these sort of things! Now about your measurements, you are almost the size of Big Mac..!" she continued and forced him with the other girl to measure him out.

Zed started to lament his luck. "What did I ever do to deserve this? Which of the Goddesses did I..."

"Hey! Watch your language! This is a kid's show!" Pinkie interrupted.

The Phoenix is Alright

With determination not felt since the beginnings of his curse, Wonder soared over the East village wall, and found a blocked-in door. Using his Buster weapon, he smashed through and another swine offered the Phoenix nothing more than a key. "This key, my fiery friend, is to the castle you destroyed! *Snort Oink* Inside is a weapon you'll need to strike down the Magic Dragon, and free yourself of the curse. That'll be 1,000 bits."

Being unable to form words in this form, Wonder merely squawked a gave the last set of bits he had on hand to the greedy merchant. Another time, he would just take it, but the tip he gave him, the weapon he mentioned. Well, the information was far worth the price of the key itself. He exited and flew up above the building when he was tackle by a very angry Pegasus.

"What's the big idea of you just flying away after dropping off Rarity, you feather brain!" Rainbow Dash yelled, slightly mad, but also with a voice of concern something was worrying the Royal Guard. Wonder, for his part only responded with a few caws.

Silhouette flew down next to Dash soon after, and merely looked angered at him. She could tell that Wonder couldn't speak, but without changing forma, there was no way else to communicate. However, an idea popped up in her head, and she pulled a loose feather from the fire bird, and had him write something on the nearby sandy area to 'speak' to them. "All I want to know is, what is your rush getting to the next dragon? You could have at least given us a little information!" she said.

Wonder bent down and hastily scribbled a short response, that both Pegasi were shocked to see: "World-eating Dragon rising. Need Legendary Sword and Armor!" He looked at both mares, and flew down a nearby pit, and sat on a ledge. It was true, the dragon was powerful, and if the Samurai one was to be believed, it was a hungry one, and he knew despite the forces they had in Canterlot and other places in Equestria, many ponies would die if he didn't strike this threat down now. But, at the same time he needed help to get ready.

He flew back out of the pit, and pecked the Lunar Mare and motioned her, and Rainbow Dash to follow, they all went down the pit, and inside, was a single unlocked chest. They gathered around the chest, and once it once, the last Power heart was freed, and exposed all present in its power. Wonder now had the original eight he had started with, and the mares with him had at least one extra. This would have to be, as he knew of no way to take this power away, once one was exposed to it. They made their ways out, and soon were in front of the crumbled remains of the castle. The castle where all this started.

Before entering, he wrote a few strategies down, that Silhouette understood, and relayed what they meant to Dash. He didn't wish to put an Element in danger, but he knew better than to turn down help from a loyal mare, who would follow without his permission anyway. The strategy would keep her in the back of the group, and expose her to as little danger as possible, and, provide her with the reality of what they were facing.

Crawling through the entry way, most of the halls were crushed down, thanks to the damage the Meka Dragon caused when it was destroyed. Once they got to the lower floors, the rooms were normal, albeit showing some damage, and made the group run through to get out as fast as they got the weapon. A blue Cyclops was patrolling ahead of them, and it was at this time he noticed that Dash did not have a weapon. He gave her a Crystal sword he found sometime back that wasn't too strong, but staggered most enemies well enough to land critical finishers. Still, it was only for an emergency if she needed it.

Wonder flew quietly overhead, and using his weapon plunged down on the monster, silencing it quickly and leading the mares ahead. Despite reassurances, Dash's face was quite blanched seeing the blood from the monster's wound and so she look away before following close to and holding Silhouette tightly. "It's ok girl. We all get this way when we see real combat...just keep close, ok?" she tried her best to calm her down. Wonder shook his head, he wanted to share more but the structure wouldn't allow for them to be idle for too much longer.

Suddenly, a trap door opened below their legs, and they fell down a shaft leading to a floor below, and then, on all sides, four blue Cyclops licked their drooling chops, waiting to attack and eat the ponies, and their giant bird escort. Silhouette looked to Wonder he tilted his head, indicating move set four, from what they discussed earlier, and both soldiers struck out, and slashed the two closest monsters, and the Luna Guard was on her way to deal with a third. Rainbow Dash was left with a Cyclops right next to her, grabbing her, before she blindly slashed, and thrust the sword quickly into the evil creature. She had all she could take, and held back tears, but Wonder held her close, and flew down a nearby pit and was soon joined by Silhouette there.

"I'll stay with her, the room shouldn't be too far from here. Get that sword!" the Night Pegasus barked out. The Phoenix flew past two bat monsters, and was down that familiar hall of mechanical walls, he was closer to the room where he got his curse. He opened the door, and inside, the sword he lost when he was transformed into a dragon stood there! He grabbed the weapon, and the power within filled him. It was so familiar, and something he missed. Another chest was nearby, full of medical supplies, and over five-thousand bits!

He exited, and regrouped with the two mares. Rainbow seemed to have pulled herself together, or at least it seemed that way. He did snag the sword from her, and gave her, instead, the Muramasa he had been using. It was heavier, but much more efficient than the Crystal. His Legendary Sword was in his wing shined brightly, and lead their way to a tunnel that had less enemies and were dealt with quickly. One dropped something very important as well: The Legendary Shield! Two pieces down, one to go.

The tunnel lead to a path to a set of old stairs, and to a pathway outside on the courtyard outside the castle itself again. The structure itself collapsed once more and their previous path was blocked. There would be no more return trips, but with the weapon and shield in hand, there wasn't much point anyway. a swine passe by them, and offered his one ware for sale, an armor set he needed to complete the set. It cost the whole 5,000 bits, but it was worth it, although at this point he was sure the swine knew about the money down in the castle and held the armor hostage. They proceeded back into the village, as there was one more thing to finish...

An hour or so later, Wonder came back from the transformation room as a Manticore again, and patched himself up before asking everypony present to hear out his speech. After this, he needed to be a Phoenix again, and he really didn't feel like writing out what he had to share them now. He breathed in, and started on the speech.

"An Old, magic-based Dragon sleeps in a hidden castle above, locked away by a magic block, and only one of us can enter. As I am the one cursed, and from what I have gathered from the swine, it must be me. I wanted to let you know, that, I may not make it back from this particular mission, as the Dragon itself is heard to be one nasty customer. That said, I shall defeat it, and your friend, the Element of Magic, will be returned to you, and once they are defeated, this village will cease to exist in this reality."

He paused, as the girls had some obvious questions. Well, all except Pinkie, who told him about this before he ever knew. Still, he pressed on. "I..know it is hard to understand, but this place, and its magic, are indeed strange. Rest assured, it is nearly over. To all of you, and my dear friends, Silhouette, and Zed..." He looked down, and tears rolled down. "I thank you for this opportunity to know the Elements. This Earth Pony was proud to know you all!" He stopped, turned to Applejack, and handed her five scrolls, and two to Silhouette. He left, and muttered a single goodbye under his breath.

When the mares had passed around the appropriate scrolls to one another, he exited the tower as the Phoenix, and flew up to a door in the sky. The girls, despite wondering what was going on, open their scrolls, and read the words written:

Fluttershy was given a message thanking her for being a nice Pegasus, to an Earth Pony who never liked them before.

Applejack was given an invite to talk to a certain Royal Guard to get her apples sold to feed the Guards of Celestia.

Rainbow Dash was given many encouraging words regarding the castle incident, and other nice phrases thanking her for standing up for him. There was also a name, somepony to ask for if she ever need tips to become a Wonderbolt.

Pinkie Pie was given thanks, and a place that Wonder had spoken of when they had talked before.

Rarity was given a location to a place called Hope's Asylum. There, she was to ask for the Great Kellie, who would give her two treasures of the Sea Ponies. One for her, and one for her fellow Unicorn, Twilight.

Both Silhouette and Zed had the same message: Make it legal already! A golden hoofring was also included in the second message to Zed, but he hide that without Silhouette seeing.

They all waited, and made silent wished that all would go well for the cursed pony's mission. So much was riding on what was going on in that sky path, and all they could do was simply wait for the plans to finish as they would. Rarity looked around at her friends, and said what everypony was thinking. "I do hope the poor darling will be ok..."

The Phoenix flew down a path, and found an eeire looking purple castle that laid before him. He heard both screaming, and roars from the inside, and held his breathe in anticipation of what had to be done. Despite getting the Legendary Armor set, He word his Tartarus set, as it auto-healed any attacked, and once he reached the Dragon, he would combine the two, and gain the unholy healing Legendary Armor, which would also feint his attacks, but keep both the strength of the legend, and the healing of the demonic armor.

Once he entered the castle, he used the Magical Saber to strike a hidden block, and then broke the block to reveal the true entrance. He entered, and flew with great speed, avoiding the numerous amount of fireball launchers, and gliding safely up the paths ahead of him. He made it up the second floor, when there was a narrow walkway in which only something small could squeeze through. He found a room, and knew what laid inside waiting for him. Sure enough, it was a transformation machine, and he was changed into a bunny again, before the machine self-destructed. He was now having to proceed as the bunny!

Still, this present an interesting challenge. the traps were no different, so the fireballs passed safely over his head. He passed through a hidden walkway through a wall, and found a few blue crabs he had to defeat to pass on. So close, she is nearby I can feel that magic! he told himself. He found another door, and ducked inside before a single red Cyclops could grab his small frame. Inside was an emergency healing potion, which he now had a few left in his journey here. Part of him hoped he could do well, and possibly present this potion to the Princesses, to have them make it for his fellow Guards, if they ever would need it.

He exited, and was soon chased by those evil clouds, dropping fireballs, and using his shield to block them as they came closer. A spring launched him upward, and with a well timed strike, both clouds were disintegrated quickly. He fell down back to the floor below, and walk into the next room, which was full of water, and he sank helplessly towards the bottom. He saw a door and opened it, hoping the next machine would be inside. He was correct, and his Sea-pony form came to him, making escaping the flooded room much easier.

One more flooded room was next, this time full of blue fish trying to attack him. He disposed of them, and exited, now dealing with some blue ninjas again, and leaping through more fire traps. The Samurai came next and once again, his boomerang was invaluable to helping him break their guard and proceed ahead. A series of block were lining the floor ahead of him, and he knew what form to take on next. The Manticore, with its overwhelming swing downward broke the path open, and soon, he continued forward, passing through more and more traps.

He hit the bottom level of the castle, and the only path before him was once again clear: UP. He used the last machine to transform into his Phoenix form, and from there, flew carefully, and skillfully past the monsters. He had enough of this puzzling castle, and only wanted to see that Dragon dead and Miss Sparkle free. He imagined getting thanks from his Captain, perhaps even some sort of acknowledgement from the Princesses, but, he quickly pushed those selfish desires away, he needed to focus, and soon, he found a vile looking door, the door to the Dragon's lair! He entered bravely, and set himself to fight the final threat to Equestria!

Wonder stared down the flying beast, and saw, not one, but TWO faces. The vile creature before him was a true Undead Dragon, it bore the teeth of a vampire on its top head, and a monster face on its stomach! He struck twice on each face, and the beast screamed, launching smiley fireballs at the Phoenix, damaging him, but not enough to kill him by any stretch. The healing continued on, as he struck over and over, blindly succumbing to rage. His attacks were weak, but the amount of hits he gave the foul creature made it mad and angry. All it could do was rush the flying hero, and launch more fireballs until the hits grew too great, and Wonder fell...

The Dragon roared proudly, assured that it could now leave the castle, and feast upon the pigs, and the freed ponies. What it didn't see was the Phoenix rise up from its ashes, consuming a potion, and striking out once more, just as the Dragon turned to see. It was too late, the cursed creature fell, and with it came two things: The missing Miss Sparkle who was wide awake, and in her hooves, the treasure he sought. His cure, the Salamander's Cross, which took the form of a glowing blue letter "T".

Twilight turned to Wonder, and gave him the treasure, and thanked him for rescuing her, and the soon were back into town. As Twilight was rushed over by her friends, Wonder was consumed again by the blue flames as each of his forms "died" and left one by one. Once the dragon form came and went, Applejack and Silhouette rushed to see the new Pony, a simple grey color, with light green mane laid before them, and before they could check him, the village, their home for all this time, faded in front of them.

"Captain Armor! We have received word that the Elements have returned with a Royal Guard and one of the Night Guards as well! We sighted them outside of the Everfree Forest about three minutes ago!" an eager stallion reported to his superior, who had been around Ponyville since his sister's disappearance, and more recently, looking for three stray fillies.

He looked at the solider, smiled, and simply took off at full sprint towards the direction of the reported sighting.

Game Over: The Epilogue

The Debrief

"We just found them out here like this, sir. Miss Sparkle and her friends over here, and that Earth Pony not too far from them," the Guard reported to his Captain.

"I'll have you know, solider, that this brave Earth Pony was the one who was sent to deal with this mysterious village in the first place, and is just as important to the Princesses as you or I! Now, is everypony ok?" Shining Armor asked the nearest medical pony, who had just returned from examining the others.

"It seems like everypony is fine, though one Noir Blade claims to be falsely imprisoned by the others. I wasn't able to figure out what that meant, beyond the pink one saying he was a meanie-pony." The medic reported, and soon got to working on the still unconscious Wonder before the Captain.

"I have sent words to the Princesses, and they too will be here soon. Apparently they found the missing fillies in the nearby refuge of Hope's Asy-" the solider was cut of by the Captain.

"Wait, that place still exist?!? I thought it was an old pony tale?" Shining asked.

"No, they were both there. but shared no other details, other than you and the Elements would be briefed further about it once they arrive. That is all I have received." the Guard walked off after bowing to his Captain, and left him to greet his sister, and her friends.

"Twiley! I have so much to ask you about what happened! Not to mention Cadence will be so happy to hear you are ok!" the two siblings hugged, and chatted a bit more, before the moans of the grey and green stallion caught the attention of those around.

"Where am I? Is that Dragon dead? Where is Miss Sparkle? Captain, I have so much to report!" Wonder started saying before being calmed down by none other than the approaching Princess Celestia.

"Shh, it'll be ok. There is time to talk, but for now, rest, my dear pony." and with that, he slept again. Celestia turned to the bowing Elements and asked, "So, my little ponies, please tell me what had happened while you were away?"

By the time the Elements had been de-breifed about the events that occurred, Wonder had finally gotten up, and seen one other medic to both verify he was ok, and also, if there was any other presence within him. He knew the curse was purged, due to that treasure he had gotten from Miss Sparkle, but, he still feared part of it lingered within him. Once assured that he wasn't cursed he reported to a nearby Guard, who brought him before both Princesses and he bowed low, still wearing his Legendary armor set.

"We art curious why thee hath approached- err, why YOU have approached us wearing such strange armor, Guard Wonder-Colt. Please explain, and then, give us all the details about your travels, for we have not received word from you since the defeat of the Sphinx." Luna said with authority matching her sister's. Wonder paused a bit. He had never had to report to Luna before, that was more for the opliptera, like Silhouette and her Night Guard. Still, both Princesses were there, so he was to follow orders without question.

"There are many details of which that were lost after that particular instance, mine Princesses. Sadly, communication amongst the bird-peoples of the North of Crystal Empire, as well, as the Equestria Griffons were...somewhat impossible. That said...I shall answer first the specific question as to this armor. This set is the Legendary set. I know very little about it other than its power and..."

"You need not explain any further, Private. The Princesses were made aware of your armor's...unique...abilities with the Element's debriefing, and the follow-up report from one, Silhouette Shield." Shining armor interrupted, sitting next t Celestia. Another Captain arrived as well, an opliptera from Luna's own guard, possibly a Captain as well, who sat nearby her Princess as well. "what we need to know is, Where did you get the armor? The weapon, from all reports, finds it way to users in need, yet the armor by all reports had been missing since, well..."

"Centuries, Captain. No need to beat around the bush. The Legendary armors and shield were relics of an old time in Equestria, but even my eyes have not seen these in a long time." Celestia herself interrupted the Captain. "Please, continue with your story, up to, and including your meting with the first Element, Applejack. I believe all present know the rest from there.

Wonder did as order, and for the next few hours, he explained the events leading to the confrontation of the mysterious Meka-Dragon, and the curse, and what it entailed, and communications with the swine-peoples of the mysterious Monster village. When he was done, he stood in silence. There were...two things in the story he knew would be asked about, and, he didn't want to answer them,. but if asked, he would do so.

"I only have one question for the Guard, that none of the involved Elements would answer directly before the Sun Princess would intercede.." the Night Guard Captain spoke up

Oh no, not his, not now! Wonder thought to himself.

"My trusted Guard, Noir Blade, was found still bound and chained in the field where everypony was found. By all reports, he did something, and I quote, Bad, end-quote. No one would explain this, to myself, or to my Princess. Earth Pony, I simply ask: What happened?" the female opliptera ended her questioning. Princess Celestia offered to intercede and explain the question was irrelevant, but Wonder prepared for this, and was ready to answer.

"Before I answer the question. I have one request. May Noir Blade come to this debriefing as well? What he said, has MUCH relevance to his found condition. The Elements, while not blameless, merely acted on my behalf. I simply wish he to be here, so you may judge what was done with him present.

Both Luna and Celestia talked amongst themselves, and Luna motioned the Luna Captain out of the room. "Your request is approved. But what one has said about the Elements, be very careful, is all I can advise you, Mister Tone!"

"Princess, the name is Wonder-Colt. I may have tried to hide it from the Elements, but I know now that was wrong to deceive them with the persona of Wes Tone." Wonder added.

"Irrelevant to the conversation and debriefing! I suggest you reconsider opening thine mouth before rebuking a Princess again. For next time, you will not be warned!

Wonder looked down, he knew better than correct of of his superiors. He glance briefly over at his Captain, and saw he shake his head. It was true, he had disobeyed. All he could do was wait.

"Noir Blade, you have been brought to this debriefing concerning a question that has been asked by your superior. I shall repeat the question, of why you were found bound and chained out in the field with the Elements, and why none of the Elements would answer the questions as to why this was." Princess Celestia asked. In her heart of hearts, she knew what was said, but had tried to drop the subject, not for the words, but for what may happen when her sister heard those words.

"I have nothing to say. As far as I am concerned, it was a coup by both that Earth Pony and his traitorous friend, Silhouette! That Guard should be clipped and left for.." Noir was interrupted by all the superiors. To suggest somepony be "clipped" is suggesting their life be altered completely. Even the Unicorn Captain present knew that both Pegasi and Opliptera were proud of their wings, and clipping was a serious subject to ever casually mention.

Luna spoke first after the interruption. "Noir, you are to NEVER suggest such a vile action against a fellow sister of the NIght! Even should she do something vile, it is not our ways to do so. What could possibly have caused you to say such a thing?"

Noir, not realizing it was best to be quiet about things for once, angrily retorted to his Princess. "It would be doing her a favor, bringing her down to that dirty Zebra-Mule's territory! I swear, I am the only one who sees that as what it is: an abomination. The opliptera are proud, and supported you while you were a raving mad mare in the moon. Instead, we have a mare who falls in love with a crossbred bastard and openly shows affection to him? AM I THE CRAZY ONE?

Luna had had enough. It was one thing to insult the pride of her faith Night Guards, it was another to disrespect her in front of her sister. But one thing you do not do is insult her in her court."SILENCE THOU CRUEL AND TAINTED HEART! THINE ACTIONS ART NOT BECOMING OF MINE OWN GUARD! THOU ART STRIPPED OF YOUR POSTING! Captain, remove this bad pony away, for mine own sake!" Luna hugged her sister tightly.

The opliptera Captain, grabbed Noir and escorted him out of the room. Shining overheard some rough behavior going down outside the room, but after see Luna nearly in tears using the Canterlot voice, he decided not to try and stop it. The female Captain came back a moment later and hugged her Princess, and she calmed herself as well.

"I know we have been...sidetracked..but, please tell me what he said." She spoke to Wonder. "I need to know if, more actions are to be taken."

"This has gone far enough! If you need to know what was said, I'll let him tell you, but Sister, please, do not become upset! it is so vile I fear you might.." Celestia was held back by her sister.

"No I can hear this. Proceed" Luna order.

Wonder stood, looking down. It was hard to relive the events that lead to the words he was about to say, but he pressed on, repeating the scenario that lead up to the phrase, and then just said it. "He called me, a dirt pony. Understandably, he was mad at me, but I simply abandoned my duty, and it was Miss Pie, not I, that dealt with him! I am the one who should receive punishment too!"

All present were shocked at the words said, save Princess Celestia. she hugged he sister tightly when the words were to be uttered.

"Sister, you knew he said this? Send him...to the brig! Nopony, not Night Guard or Royal Guard is to harm him! Anypony who does shall be dealt with by myself!" She ordered to two more Night Guards, who left fast to carry out the orders. "I, apologize to you, and I shall do the same for the Elements who heard that word! As for punishment from running off, I'll differ to my sister for that." Luna left the debriefing, and no one said anything for a while.

Decisions

"Wonder I must thank you for telling your side of the story. But there are two issues I must ask about. Both Shining Armour and myself never received word that you would go into the affected Monster World, nor did we receive an adequate reason for your leave during the Elements confrontation with the guard, Noir Blade. Combined with the news you spent, quite a lot of time in Hope's Asylum during your initial mission. I have no choice, but to either strip you or your posting, or punish you by court-martial." Celestia stated. She tried holding over this decision, but even Shining Armor insisted he did need to be punished for orders he didn't follow either. "Do you have anything to say?"

"I understand. I shall only state that my reasons for my defending Hope's Asylum were my own, and if it were not for doing so, I would not have met Zed, and defeated that Sphinx. Still, there isn't an excuse for it. But I must assure you, there was reason I was there, and regardless of your decision Princess, I shall respect it. But, please contact either Blitzen or Kellie about what about what happened. I cannot explain the details further than that." Wonder ended his statement, waiting the decision.

"As your Captain, I don't want to lose a great and brave Earth Pony as yourself, Wonder, but..would you perhaps accept stepping down, instead of the punishment? I cannot say it'll be easy, leaving the Guard, but, you and I both know it'll be for the best if the Guard doesn't have a tainted reputation for Earth Ponies in the future. It is your choice, however." Shining Armor said, giving a small smile to the Private in front of him.

"Very well...I accept stepping down, and, if I may, I wish to give these to all three of you." Wonder stated. His heart was breaking, but he knew this was coming. He gave the armor to the opliptera Captain, and stated "This is your guard, as you guard the kingdom, so this will guard you." To Shining, he gave the shield, "As you guard over our Princess, I hope this guards you." Finally, to the Princess, he unsheathed the sword and laid it before his Princess, tears rolling down his eyes. "this is to protect us all. I thank you for the service I have been able to give."

The Princess smiled, and accepted the weapon, and hugged the former guard. "Do not fret little pony. I am sure you'll find something in this world to do, and you will always be one of Equestria's protectors as well, even if a Royal Guard is not your destiny."

Wonder left, picking up a small pack full of items he collected from his time in the Monster World, and matched to Ponyville. There were a few things he had to take care of still.

As he left, the two Captains looked to the Princess, and awaited her words. "You know, I just don't think the Royal Guard was his fit anyway. There's a lot of Equestria we cannot protect, and knowing how brave he is, he'll find a way to do so. You are dismissed!"

===================

Ponyville visitations

Wonder approached the outside of Sweet Apple Acres, and ran into a large stallion, around the size of his Zorse friend. He excused himself, and was going to carry on, when he remembered something. "Excuse me, but are you the brother of Miss Applejack?"

"Eeyup!" was all the stallion said.

"Well, I am Wonder...one of the stallions that was responsible for rescuing your sister and her friends. I just, needed to apologize to you. For something I did, and never got a chance to apologize to her for doing so. I know I am bothering you so, I'll make it brief: I am sorry I was starin' at your flank, I should not have done so, and.." Wonder was stopped by a deadly serious looking older brother.

"Are you really sure you should be telling me this? You know, I could buck you out of this orchard right now." he said in a slow, but very calculated way.

"I am aware, and fully aware of that fact. But I had to apologize to you, as many times as I tried, your sister was rather stubborn about hearing my out. That said. I apologize to YOU for the disrespect. I am indeed sorry, and, well, this is for you and yours." Wonder ran off, before Big Mac could look down.

Inside the small scroll, was an official letter from the Royal Guard with an order for a large amount of apples. This wasn't unusual, but when he looked down at the price, calculated for "missing time" and "political favors," he nearly fainted.

"I better tell AJ what her special somepony did for her!" he joked to himself, and took the next load of apples to the barn.

As Wonder ran, a Rainbow blur tackled him, and soon, they stopped at a small creek. "Hey! What are you doing back here?" she asked.

"I well, let's just say I am no longer a Guard. It was my dream, but sometimes, dreams die...but in this case, dreams change!" Wonder said, hiding a little sadness in his voice.

"That stinks! you saved us all, and the Princess gave you the boot?!? What gives?" she demanded to know, but, it wasn't his place to discuss.

"Look, I am here for a quick visit to Fluttershy, and I have to, wait, I have something I have to ask you!" he said.

"Oh, you like Fluttershy! Cool, she's a little bashful, but as I said before, she has a nice flank too!" The outspoken mare said, laughing at her own joke.

"No, I am not here for that. Despite the fact I do like her, it doesn't matter. I need to ask you about, Pinkie Pie...or rather, Pinkamena. She told me about a time you found her depressed because she thought you all had forgotten about her, as well as some other things she discussed and.."

"Whoa, not so loud!" Rainbow shifted around, and whispered to Wonder. "Ok, what about Pinkie? Is she in trouble???"

"No, but she is troubled. I need you, or one of your friends to just talk to her about it. She hides her sadness deep down, but she still wants to smile. We had talked about this while we were alone, and...I have to ask you if you can talk to her too?"

Rainbow seemed uncomfortable, but she couldn't let her friend down. "Ok, I will. But no mushie stuff ok?"

"Ok...I suppose that is fair. This is what she and I discussed..." Wonder started to say, and faded to am unhearing whisper...

His last stop, Miss Fluttershy's house. Wonder approached the lone cottage and knocked on the door, and awaited the response. After a bit of time, he checked the back, where she was playing with a few of her animal friends. He walked carefully back towards her, and was soon surrounded by her animal friends.

"Oh, hello Mister Tone. Um, why are you hear, did I forget something, or did you need the medicine> I still have plenty left and..."

"No, Miss Fluttershy, but, I do still have to apologize, for that comment I made. I ran into Rainbow, and she told me it wasn't a big deal, but...I still feel bad for that comment I made about your, body." He looked around anywhere but ahead of him, as she was blushing brightly.

"Um, it's ok, but you should have told me you like me. I wasn't sure if it was me or Applejack you liked more, but I didn't want to be too forward." the shy Pegasus said.

"I..do like you, but, I must say It wouldn't work out. I am no longer with the Guard, but I still feel the need to protect Equestria, and may go North to the Crystal Empire, and a few towns I visited. I am coming with a plan that may help all of Equestria, but, I wanted to do something sweet, for you." he stared at her. It was obvious she had some feelings back, BUT, he had his duty. If it wasn't for duty though...

"I understand," she seemed a bit rejected, "maybe I can do one thing for you first?"

Wonder said nothing, and they just briefly, held a kiss for a mere second. He stumbled back, and cleared his throat. "Ahem! Anyways, I sort of knew someone who has been having issue with a creature, known as a baby gray whale in Baltimare. Have you heard of that place and/or the creature before?"

"Oh my, a poor baby whale needs help? What can I do?" Fluttershy asked.

"I bought this for you. It is two tickets over there. I figure you and a friend could go and see what you could do to help. I would escort you myself, but I need to see about bringing a special pony over who loves animals like you do, should you decide to go." Wonder stated.

"Oh MY! Thank you thank you! I...am so sorry you can't come with me. But, maybe one day, we can share tea sometime?"

"Hmm? Oh yes, I would enjoy some tea, Miss Shy. I shall write you when the pony comes, and I wish you best of luck with that poor creature." he reached over, and gave one small kiss to the mare's hoof. For the road, he thought to himself. and went towards Hope's Asylum hope and a feeling of love in his heart.

================================================================================================

The Plan

As Wonder walked with his packs, he could have swore he was being followed, and drew out his old Marumasa blade close. he didn't know what would come, but he was prepared. He also readied his pendant that would allow the Manticore Guardian to let him pass without harm, when he was suddenly attacked, and turned-over.

"You know, it is such bull that they made you quit, but at least we can play more! hehe." The opliptera he knew all too well had been the opne stalking him.

"How long have you been.."

"Since you and Dash talked. I could have swore she was gonna kiss you, but I am glad Fluttershy was the one to take control for once, and plant those Pega-lips on your face!" she joked.

"Really? you want to joke about the one crush I had?" Wonder retorted.

"By my count, it's three, as I figured you thought I was sexy the moment we left that first town together and your hoof went up and down my wings, mmm...and Applejack. I knew you liked us mares tough!"

"I just don't know anymore.." Wonder said embarrassingly. He did recall his rather strange behavior outside of meeting Silhouette, but, he thought she had forgotten.

Nah, it's ok. By the way, I quit the Night Guards after the Captain told me about what Noir said. Luna apparently is taking care of his punishment personally, and I would love to be a fly ion the wall to see that! Still, him making fun of my Zed is just wrong"

"By the way, where is he?" Wonder asked.

"Talking to Blitzen about sobs or somethin' I don't know what that means..." she said.

"Oh, you have no idea do you? hehe, well, its my turn to laugh pretty soon then!" he joked back, but she clearly didn't understand. Kirin, and Dragon sobs produced beautiful jewels. Combined with that ring he gave him, he knew what Zed was doing.

"I shalt let thou enjoy thine rest. Please stay as long as thy needs to! I shalt be writing Miss Belle should thou need anything." a colt Kirin said to Wonder and Silhouette.

"Thanks lil Blitzen! He's so cute! I wonder if I know any dragons that like anyponies.." Silhouette wondered.

"Now isn't the time my dear friend. I also thought you were going to kill Zed back then. Never seen THAT reaction to a stallion asking a mare to marry him." Wonder said.

"Well, I was excited. sorry, about hitting you too.!" Silhouette said, gazing at her new ring. "So, what is the plan you mentioned?"

"You know, after you left for the Night Guard, I found many ponies, from all walks of life doing their best to protect their towns and fellow creatures.. Sometimes, the Guards can't protect all of Equestria. So, I propose we train ponies to protect their towns, and maybe find some ponies who want to join us to show Equestria that they are protected." Wonder said..

"Wow! Why didn't you say this earlier, it sounds awesome! What would we call ourselves though?" Silhouette asked.

"No idea, but we will figure it out. Now, how to tell Zed about this.."

"No worries, if he wants my hoof in marriage, he'll come along! Shall we start tomorrow?" Silhouette asked.

"Yes, and I know just the pony I want to see first..." Wonder said.

The End.

Please be sure to read the next story in the series: PD PIE! Advanced Interrogations! Coming later today!

Catching up with things, both old and new

Returning to the desert was easy enough, after all, Wonder had entrusted Applejack with the task of clearing out the enemies there herself, and she had reported no problems. No, what was the issue was the heat. As a sea-creature, the heat was bearing down on him very harshly on his scales. This creature was supposed to be in water, and not running and on land and fighting in this warmth.

Despite his physical limitations, he had to make due and explore this area as he had heard via talks with a shopkeeper and Smokey briefly about there being a very useful armor set and weapon in that direction. The area was not without enemies, mainly those annoying giant frogs he previously could rush under. However, now being his regular size minus his back legs, he had to deal with these before they passed by.

The tough enemies were the green cycloptic creatures he had fought before in the castle. Thing was, these creature fell rather quickly under his Legendary sword set, but without that enchanted weapon, they took several more hits, and posed a bit of a challenge, especially if left alone after a hit, they would launch there own fire attacks too!

After a while, he passed the demonic creatures, and made it to a new challenge: Lava. There were platforms over the lava itself, but the ghost creature he had encountered as a bunny timed themselves to appear in front of him before he could jump on each new platform. This prove no challenge at first, but with one miscalculated jump, he fell in the lava once, and nearly lost all his health he had with the power hearts he had collected so far. There had to be a way to pass the lava, and kill these creatures in the way...

Finally, after a few more lava traps and more creature defeated, he found a small building and entered it for a brief break from all the fighting. As it turned out there was a treasure chest with more loot to grab, as well as a return doorway. Wonder thought about returning briefly, it would be nice to see how the pink mare was doing as he never got to check before. On the other hand, getting here was already trouble enough, and why not continue? I made sense to push on, but before he did, he thought it would be wise to check this new pig-merchant and see what wares this one sold.

"Welcome to the shop! If you *snort oink* plan on not frying yourself into a lovely broiled fishstick, perhaps you might like this armor set?" The swine merchant declared as he walked in the doorway, holding up a strange scaled chest armor.

"What does this thing do exactly?" Wonder asked, as he had gotten a few armor sets so far, and most were ok, but some were quite lack luster in comparison.

"Simple! It makes you lava-proof! Made from a tough set of old dragon scales, these things will let you swim in the lava, and get to explore the land beyond this humble shop!" *Snort-oink* O"Oh, and before you ask, no dragons were harmed in the making of this set, this is all disposed of molted scales, but still blessed with dragon-magic!" The pig quickly added, knowing the equine in front of him may object to anything brought about by harmful means.

Wonder pondered this offer, it would cost him most of the money he and Applejack had collected so far, but, if it lead to a better place to explore, and with tougher enemies to earn more money, it may be a wise decision. He nodded, and gave the money to the merchant, and equipped the set as he exited the building, nearly running into a skeleton solider in the process

The skeleton was crumbled, and soon, he dove into the hot lava, but as he did, no harm came to him. It was as if the chest piece itself created a barrier of swimmable magma around him! Very excited by this concept, he let his rear fins and tail loose and move freely in the liquid and used them to propel himself forward, taking a few more unlucky skeletons out in the process.

The swimming, along with combat training, worked wonders for any odd creature and monster that happen to be in the lava as well. The odd thing was, these creatures showed no signs of any magic on them in anyway, save the skeleton soldiers who were themselves magically living, but none of the other creature were wearing scales, or anything equivalent. This was odd, but in previous adventures, Wonder had found most enemies don't follow the rules that he had to do.

Two more lava pits, each with some fireball traps and a few enemies waiting to catch him were passed, before the end of the road came into sight...literally. There was a set of blocks rising to the skies in font of him, and a door in a tall building proved to be the only thing of interest around. Having no other choice in the matter, he proceeded inside, and found himself in water straight away!

The Village

"Pinkie, what are you doing up there?!? You don't know what is out in that part of the world, so stay put until Wes gets back! That is, if it's ok with you I guess." Fluttershy tried to get her friend down from the platform overlooking the Inn in the village.

"No! you guys don't get it, this is the game I used to play! I remember when all the other fillies and colts played their Neightendos and I had my Pega Magic system! You just don't understand...I know what to do here! It'll be ok!" Pinkie declared and before she could continue to the world beyond the village, a lasso and a bat-winged Night Guard swooped in and caught the excitable Earth pony.

"Calm down there Sugarcube! I know you say you know what you are talkin' about, but I really insist you should stay put! I'd fought these creatures too and I would hate to see ya harmed in anyway. So please stay here?" Applejack tried to reason with the pony, now tied and pinned under both Night Guards.

"Okie-dokie-lokie! I'll stay until he gets done with the lava puzzle...the Buster sword will be very useful after all! Oh, but I'll be right back, I have to help him!" Pinkie said before escaping her restraints and disappearing in a blur towards an unknown location...

Volcanic area

Part of him was glad to be in the coolness of the water, but a short swim later towards another door, he regretted the wet feeling as the heat in the air made the cool water team, and feel even hotter than before. Still, he was out of the arid and hot conditions outside at least, and before him, stood two doors, one on top of a set of blocks, and another on the far side of the room. Upon closer view, there was another doorway under the blocks as well, but his sword was not made to bust through those solid blocks.

From nowhere, suddenly a pink mare jump out of the far-side door and tackled him, "Oh my it is you, You ever LOOK like Wonder-boy! I can't believe my eyes, and oh yes...I am here to help you!" she paused, and soon looked at the very confused stallion in front of her.

"Um, I am sure glad you are ok, but where do I go from here, I saw into the room, and it looks like a dead-end, unless I could climb like a bunny, or something..." Wonder stated the obvious, and Pinkie chose this moment to explain what to do.

"Well duh! That is why you need to go through THAT door in the middle, and turn into a bunny, Of course in the game I played you were a mouse or something, or was it a Flicky? I don't remember...but anyway, go through turn into that and get the Buster sword, and before you come back to the village, STAY as a bunny! I'll show you a secret, I promise! Oh shoot, I haven't thrown you a "Thanks-for-rescuing-me Party! Gotta go!" and she left.

Wonder collected his thoughts, and wondered if he should trust the ideas of a clearly crazy party-pony. He wasn't one to distrust people, but didn't she say she PLAYED this before? Seems rather silly, he thought. Still, after mulling over the options and finding the room did change him both into a dragon and bunny, he soon decided it was best to not argue with a being that knew the future, and followed her directions. He found the sword, and as a result, he found a way to break blocks with his weapon! Suddenly, as if remembering something he had just heard, he remembered a perfect place that was blocked off by something block like in town, and went through the Return doorway ahead of him...

As he arrived in the village again, Wonder left for the bridge that connected the hospital to the rest of the buildings. Pinkie tried to call him over, but he ignored her, and busted the blocks that made up the bridge and was off the explore the area below. What he found was a series of caves and trails, and more paths that only he as a bunny could fit into. He followed one, and eventually found a block that produced a weird item that brought forth a door in front of him.

Unsure how this worked, but curious as to what was inside, he opened the door, and found another treasure chest against the opposite wall, and another door above, but out of reach by anyways he could tell. He opened the chest up, and found a new saber inside, one that gave off pure magically energy when held, but otherwise seemed rather uninteresting. He swung it in frustration, and discovered it could make new blocks in front of his very eyes! It was obvious what he had to do, and he soon used that ability to make a path to the upper doorway, and back into the village, much like a Return door.

Wonder switched out the sword for another he had bought and was going to head to the beach area when he heard a boom of something below, and being a guard, he had to investigate. As it turned out, it was the famous "party cannon" he had heard about in the Canterlot circles while training, and as she mentioned earlier, Pinkie had completely decorate the inn with party decorations, and was ready to start the celebration.

"It's about time you get back! I don't know why you insisted on getting that Magical Saber right now...you only need it later on when you reach your final form, silly! But, it's ok, because you are here now, and OH!!!! If you ever want to change back into another form, there's a hidden switch right before you go down to the beach? Just in case you wanted to ask!" Pinkie said as fast as she could, but surprisingly, it was fully understood by the guard.

"Ok, well, I should probably be heading out there and rescue the next Element. I really think it is important I do this soon, so no one else gets stuck in the strange land, don't you?" he asked, but was certain by the look on her face, she felt nearly...betrayed? If that was the right word for it.

"Oh, but I can't let you go and rescue Dashie until you have a little fun at my party I made especially for you and your Night Guard friends! Oh my gosh, is that a spoiler?!? Ignore what I said there...I promise, the other girls are fine, and I know one party won't be that much trouble! 'Sides, i already have everyone inside, and that Silhouette mare has already told us so much about you too!" Pinkie explained, and unknown to her Wonder had shrugged away, hiding his blushing bunny face.

His bat-winged friend didn't know too much embarrassing things about the Earth pony, but enough that he knew he being at the party while on a mission would only raise more questions. He was determined to minimize the trouble she could cause, and it was namely his name he wished to avoid slipping out. Fluttershy and Pinkie didn't know him other than Wes, and he hoped to keep it that way...

"Fine, I'll join you in a bit. I want to change back into my Sea-pony form first, and quite honestly..I would love a bit of rest after that lava area I just went through. Besides....what is the worst thing that could happen while I am taking a break?" Wonder said, and began to walk to the Magic-changing room.

Little did he know, by simply saying that last phrase, fate itself seemed determined to make him regret his saying of such. As it turns out, the worst thing that could happen is NOT something bad or evil, but perhaps, something one was not expecting to see in this Monster World...