“We'll split into two teams to cover more ground faster,” announced Beatrix to everyone assembled in the living room. She was thankful that several of them had military experience, at least, although she remained hopeful that whatever they encountered wouldn't be violent.

No, the planet's atmosphere had lulled them all into a constant sense of security.

“I'm coming with you,” insisted Oona Ewe. “I have some knowledge of the area, as I've studied it extensively.”

Beatrix nodded and rubbed her chin. “But who will lead the second team?”

With a shrug Bellatrix said, “Leave it to me. We do have some experience with this. Plus...” Her usual dour expression turned to a subdued leer, taking in those around her. “I've grown a little...attached to these people.” She licked her chops.

“We'll stay here and look after this place,” said Foal-Bearer. “Think of this as our 'home base', so to speak.”

Wet Nurse smiled with a sparkle in her eyes. “We'll whip you all up a nice meal when you return.”

On instinct Beatrix tried to reach into her cape, where she usually kept a number of supplies in its hidden sleeves, fumbling and blushing at her foolishness. Then she removed her hat, reaching into it and with a bit of sleight-of-hand pulling out some miscellaneous junk. “Let's draw straws, okay? That'll decide who goes where!” She winked at them.

Tiger Tornado, who was preening her feathers, said, “That sounds fair.”

Shimmer Shade said, “Maybe a neutral party should do it, to avoid favoritism?”

“Leave it to us,” said Foal-Bearer. “You're all like our children to us.” She collected the straws from Beatrix, who often picked up random stuff on her travels, then shortened and mixed them up to be drawn from her balled up fist.

One-by-one everyone lined up to draw their straw. By the end of it they were gathered into two relatively even teams. They split apart upon heading out of the cabin, back into the boundless wilderness, hopeful they would be able to discern the truth and possibly return home if they wished to leave this paradise.

However, it was obvious by how carefree they were that some wished to remain. Beatrix was again tempted herself, aware that if she lived here she'd never want for anything or need worry.

Dew-covered grass crunched under her bare feet. Following the path Lady Ewe took, they wandered for miles, deeper than any had ever dared, and a ghostly miasma began to obscure the way. The vapors were moist and tickled their skin, and Beatrix's mind was further lulled into a serene complacency, like they walked through the haze of a distant dream.

Their feet squished on the moist soil. Among her crew were Crimson Star, Midnight Blitzer, Aiya Gale Runner, Damien Runner, and Lady Oona Ewe who led the way, using her connection to the earth to help suss out what they searched for. It warmed her heart to see the couple walk hand-in-hand, plus if there were any threats Damien's immunity to magic could come in handy!

They also had some swimmers and fliers which enabled them to cover ground much faster. When darkness started to fall Crimson 'Shaggy' Star pointed at a constellation. “That should help us navigate,” he explained.

“We have plenty of muscle too,” noted Midnight Blitzer who hovered above.

Damien Runner flexed his experimental wings he continued to test for Moon Hammer. “I'll watch over you,” he said to Aiya.

She returned his smile. “See you soon!” Aiya dived into the waters and went for a swim in search of answers.

Crimson Star asked, “So...what does this 'key' look like?”

“It can alter its shape,” explained Oona. “But you'll know it when you see it. Just look for anything out of place.”

Beatrix helped them search, hopeful that her sister's team might succeed if they weren't able..

*****

Bellatrix Primadonna ruffled her feathers, her lips pursed. She wasn't used to leading a team, and had never been the patient sort, but to help her sister she agreed to give it a try. Tiger Tornado, Warwyn, and Golden Fang Ryu Konton took to the skies with her, certain a bird's eye view would make this task much swifter. “Don't wander too far,” she warned.

Below her 'muscle', Moon Hammer and Zafire Heart, walked, while Shimmer Shade painted them a bridge to cross between otherwise impassable areas on foot. Seabreeze took to the waters and her surfboard. “I won't stray,” she promised.

“Normally this could take a while,” admitted Tiger Tornado. “But Lady Ewe said if we actively seek this treasure out-”

“We're more likely to find it,” finished Moon Hammer. The minotaur strained his muscles and pushed aside a boulder with a grunt. “There.” He wiped sweat from his brow. “Truth is, we haven't seen much of this world.”

“Sounds like an opportunity to me,” called Golden Fang from above.

Warwyn looped through the skies. “Quite the powerful team we've put together here!”

“Yeah,” said Zafire Heart who flexed her muscles. “No way anyone could stop us!”

“Hopefully it won't come to that,” said Tiger Tornado. “Say, that area looks kind of different...?” She pointed.

“Divide and conquer,” murmured Bellatrix in her prissy manner. She had utmost faith in her ragtag team.

Seabreeze dove off her drifting board, then after several moments resurfaced with a splash. “Think I've got somethin'.” She held aloft a crystalline bauble. “I'd say this looks pretty out of place, wouldn't you?”

Shimmer Shade nodded. “I sense it brims with magical energy, mademoiselle.”

Golden Fang grinned. “Wonder if we're the first to find one? It'll be fun to race Beatrix's team!”

Warwyn scaled a mountainside. “Plus, we'll be able to search areas they probably can't!”

They scoured the areas like clockwork, Warwyn, Zafire, and Moon Hammer easily able to clear any obstacles. Miles were traversed while each recovered a token that represented the world they came from in some way, each foreign object innocuous enough.

The party then returned home in triumph when another day finally started to break.

*****

“Good job!” Beatrix surveyed the items laid out by both teams across the table. As promised Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse had prepared a massive feast and everyone dug in with abandon. They drank and talked and lazed about, contented.

Lady Ewe said, “This world is a shared dream.” She studied a crystal between her fingers. “Until we arrived, it was akin to a blank slate, but the innate magic responded to our subconscious desires and tried to shape a perfect world for us all.”

Tiger Tornado rocked in her seat. “Does that mean we're trapped?”

“Only if we wish to be,” finished Shimmer Shade. “All we need do is will it, and voila, we can leave anytime!”

“Seems the choice is in our hands then,” said Crimson Star. “Stay here a while, or return to our homes?”

“It has been a nice vacation,” said Aiya Gale Runner who exchanged a kiss with her lover seated next to her.

Damien Runner stroked her mane. “We will have to return sometime, though!”

“I plan to stay and study this place some more,” announced Oona Ewe.

Beatrix smirked. “Think I will, too! We don't have to decide right now, of course.”

Moon Hammer said, “There are things I want to do that aren't possible here, so I'll have to go sometime.”

Midnight Blitzer shrugged. “Might be fun to stick around for a while?”

“I'd prefer not to leave anytime soon,” admitted Bellatrix. “It's nice not to be in danger for once.”

“Whatever choice you all make,” said the crystal pony maid twins. “We'll support it. We've decided to remain here.” They would become the custodians of this world, which would act as a hub to weary travelers between dreams who ended up here.

Beatrix Belladonna reclined in her seat with a drink, thankful that it hadn't come down to violence for once. Maybe she would linger here, too? After all, much as adventure called to her, she couldn't see any harm in sticking around!

After their feast many of them collapsed and settled down to sleep. She wondered how many would return home, to their friends and family, and how many would be happier to stay. It's true she missed her own kin, at times.

But with each new adventure she learned more about herself, and made new connections with wonderful people like these!

Author's Note

Apologies that this took forever and is rather short, life has admittedly been hell these last few months. Thank you to everyone who contributed for your cool OCs!

I may sequel this eventually although can't guarantee it with how hectic things are, if I do I'll run a poll to see who wants their character carried over.