Corruption

Moving across the terrain surrounded by nothing but darkness, Sunset began her search for the Elements of Harmony on the map that Luna packed into her bag for her journey. One of the elements on the map was Honesty and it is somewhere in Appleloosa. After sneaking aboard a train guarded by dragons and griffins, Sunset and her escorts hid in some supply boxes while waiting for the train to arrive in Appleloosa. Since she knew it would take some time before their arrival, Sunset broke out her notebook and started writing to Twilight and her friends.

Dear Twilight,

How was your day? I know I only started on my mission to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, but how are you? So far for things on my end, I managed to sneak on a train headed for Appleloosa containing supplies. It wasn’t easy getting onboard, let me tell you. The stations are filled with so many dragons and griffins that you may as well call it a keep. But I gotta know. Have you told the girls yet? I won’t get mad if you say yes. I know it won’t be easy for them once they hear the news, but it’s for the best that you stay behind with them. Your world needs its defenders, after all. But still, I hope you’re doing well and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely, Sunset

After closing the notebook, Sunset stored it away in her bag and waited for the train to arrive in Appleloosa.

***

Five hours later after falling asleep, Sunset was woken up by the train shaking from the bumps. She looked around the train to see if there were any creatures to see if any were walking into the cargo area. After seeing that there were none around, she got out of the crate and snuck her way off the train. When she got off the train, she saw that there were a pack of timberwolves guarding the compound.

She knew that there was no time for dilly-dallying, but Sunset couldn't risk being caught by the timberwolves. Moving as slowly as she could, she hid behind the crates to avoid being caught by the vile predators. But when she was about to move, Sunset accidentally bumped a box, alerting one of the timberwolves of her presence. Putting her back to the box, Sunset covered her mouth to keep herself quiet.

The timberwolf moved closer, sniffling around the area for any intruders within the vicinity. Needless to say, it knew the smell of ponies. This is the fact that mortified Sunset the most. Looking for something to throw, she found a bottle right next to her and grabbed it with her magic. As subtle as she could, she threw the bottle from across the train yard and cracked, distracting the timberwolf.

Seizing the opportunity, Sunset snuck away from the timberwolf and evaded its presence. Walking out of the compound, she looked forward and saw multiple buffalo in Appleloosa. Knowing she would be caught, Sunset decided to go behind some buildings and sneak her way around them. But even then, Appleloosa was so heavily guarded by the buffalo that a snake would have better luck slithering through a rat hole.

Sunset did what she could and moved as quickly as possible to avoid detection. Even at her most clumsiest, she remained silent and kept going without a hitch in her direction. That is, until she was noticed by a buffalo.

“Hey!” the buffalo shouted.

Sunset immediately turned around and glowed her horn before getting into a defensive position. It turned out to be a huge buffalo with a feathered headdress and markings across her face. Her horns were extremely pointed and ready to pierce anybody who stood in her way. No chances were being taken against this foe.

“Who are you?!” Sunset asked as she kept her guard up.

“Little Strongheart, pony. And you are trespassing on sacred land.” the buffalo said in an angry tone.

“Sacred land?! What a joke! You drove us out of our homes! Don’t you think that raises a few red flags?!” Sunset shouted while keeping her cool.

“Foolish pony! These lands were where we would stampede across the land and celebrate the sacred gift Equestria gave us. Until your kind swooped in and set up camp without consulting us. But now… you will feel the wrath of our ancestors!” Little Strongheart shouted.

Just then, various buffalo formed a circle and surrounded the defenseless unicorn. Sunset was unsure of what would happen next. But then she asked,

“Why are you doing this? The ooze surrounding is corrupting your minds! Can’t you see that?”

“That is where you are wrong, unicorn. We have been enlightened by a force that you will never hope to comprehend. A force that will see to your extinction.” Little Strongheart said as she’s getting ready to charge.

“Not if I can help it!” Sunset shouted before flashing them with her magic.

Blinded by the bright light Sunset emitted, the buffalo had a hard time finding her. Seizing the opportunity, Sunset snuck away from the buffalo and ran away from them. After running away for several minutes, she stopped to catch her breath. She looked around and listened for any sounds of hoofsteps approaching her direction. She didn’t notice any, but she knew that she had to keep moving unless she wanted to be fed to the timberwolves. So Sunset decided to stop dawdling and keep moving.

Her walk lasted for several hours, but Sunset could feel a faint presence from the Element of Honesty. Galloping as fast as she could, she could see a faint light inside an abandoned mining cave. Going through the boarded entrance, Sunset could see the light growing brighter the closer she got towards it. There was no mistaking it. The Element of Honesty was inside. Walking towards it, she dug it out of the dirty old mining cart inside and grabbed it.

“One down. Five to go.” Sunset said with a bright smile.

Just then, she heard growling from behind her. Frightfully turning around, she noticed a pack of timberwolves surrounding her. Snarling at the terrified unicorn with drool dripping out and their eyes locked, the timberwolves prowled closer to Sunset, eager to munch on their meal. Backing away from the timberwolves into a wall, Sunset wasted no time and teleported out of Appleloosa before the whole pack could pounce on her.

Outside of Appleloosa, Sunset turned around to see if there were any enemies around. After she was finished inspecting her surroundings, Sunset took one last look at Appleloosa. She knew that it didn’t mean much to her, but she couldn’t imagine what Applejack would feel if she knew what became of the once-lovely little town. It felt so unreal to her after seeing Equestria’s destruction at the hands of the creatures. But Sunset knew that she had no time to feel sentimental. So Sunset placed the Element of Honesty in her bag and proceeded to move elsewhere.