Fancy Pants In: The Mystery of The Blanks

Chapters

Chapter One: A Fancy Morning
Chapter Two: A Tearful Reunion
Chapter Three: A Promise Made
Chapter Four: Clues Unearthed
Chapter Five: Into the Everfree
Chapter Six: Welcome to Sunnytown
Chapter Seven: A Waking Nightmare
Chapter Eight: The Way Home

Chapter One: A Fancy Morning

Author's Note

It has been eight years since I last published a story on this website. My old account was called Mr. Monty and the last thing I published was a story called Fancy Pants and the Phantom of Canterlot, which was obviously inspired by Professor Layton. At the end of that tale, I promised a sequel.

It's finally time to deliver, eight years later.

Enjoy!

Chapter One: A Fancy Morning

Chapter One:

A Fancy Morning

“Oh dear.”

Fancy Pants was primarily a gentlecolt who acted as a sort of influencer for the creme dela creme of Canterlot. While he was of course wealthy and had earned his way to the top, he never once considered himself above any other pony. Recently, however, his life had taken a rather interesting turn. A turn that his mail pony would be complaining about to him for many years to come.

His humble mailbox, usually only containing gifts or thank you letters, was filled to the brim with parchments to the point where they were vomited onto the freshly trimmed grass.

He sighed as his horn lit up with a dull orange aura, using his magic to grasp all of the signed and sealed documents in one go “I must say, this is getting rather inconvenient.”

Deep down, Fancy was hoping these letters were all from ponies doing their darndest to butter him up, begging him to squeeze them into his trips to the derby or The Spiced Peach.

But he knew better. No doubt these were more “mysteries” for him to solve after his little foray into solving the mystery of the once mythical “Phantom of Canterlot” one month prior. Needless to say, this tale had simply emboldened his already stellar reputation, despite his misgivings. As he walked toward his abode, his nose was hit with a rather interesting scent. He paused, gazed around, and raised a brow. It almost smelled like…

He looked at the floating mass of parchment for a moment before shrugging it off and continuing forward.

Stepping back into his lovely home, he was instantly hit with the marvelous scent of the living area, which consisted of the tantalizing scent of different arrays of herbs and the instantly recognizable aroma of the expensive perfume worn by his lovely wife, Fleur.

“More mysteries, I presume?”

Fancy smiled wearily as he observed his wife coming down from upstairs, her previously tousled pink mane now brushed to perfection “Do I have the most beautiful wife in all of Equestria?”

The white coated mare rolled her eyes and giggled, approaching the stallion to nuzzle his neck as she used her light pink magic to open one of the scrolls “Oh my, it looks like Banana Bliss has lost her contact lenses again and needs the aid of the greatest detective in all of Equestria to find them.” She read with a smirk.

Fancy scoffed, keeping a smile “It is odd how many ponies need some kind of help around here.” He said, opening a scroll himself and reading about how a filly broke her toy and needed help finding a replacement “Rather concerning, to be honest.”

“I suppose when they all heard how the great Fancy Pants managed to solve an ancient mystery, they thought all their small problems wouldn’t be a bother to him.” Fleur commented, disposing of a tea bag that sat in a steaming cup “Really though darling, why haven’t you taken any of them recently? Pip loves solving these little mysteries with you.”

“I’m well aware but the mundanity has worn me down.” He sighed, heading toward his study “The thrill of solving a mystery is measurable only to the stakes involved. I don’t expect ancient conspiracies to fall into my lap, of course, but still.”

“You would love nothing more than another giant shadow stallion to come stomping through Canterlot, I know dear.” Fleur teased, placing a cup of Chamomile tea on Fancy’s desk, noticing him placing the pile of requests beside his desk. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted an empty school desk sitting in front of a black board. A few open scrolls littered the doodle covered desk. “Where is Pip, darling?”

“We were running low on chalk, so I sent him out to acquire some more.” Fancy said, sipping his tea and chuckling after he had taken a seat “The poor boy was dying to get out of the study for a little while, so I found a good excuse. I also needed time to prepare today’s lesson on pony physiology and magical theory, so it was a doubly helpful assignment.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be delighted to hear about it when he gets home.” Fleur poked, the gentlecolt giving her a lighthearted eye roll and smile as he telekinetically pulled the relevant books from his shelf. Despite his apparent lack of interest, she noticed Fancy giving the pile of mysteries a few looks as the magic faded from his horn.

“Quite! Though I am sure he will be more than happy with the proceeding lesson,” Fancy paused and produced a book from the bottom of the three he had pulled from the shelf. Fleur’s eyes widened as her eyes scanned the cover.

“‘A True Gentlecolt: An Autobiography’ by Brisk Bronco.” She read, smiling warmly “He finally finished it?”

Fancy turned the cover around to examine it himself, smiling sadly at the stoic, aged black and white stallion on the cover “I can hardly believe it myself. I got it just last night, after we had finished up our tea. I tried for hours to convince him to let me sponsor him or even just refer him to a credible, well known publisher but he wouldn’t budge.” Fancy rubbed the cover with his hoof “He said: ‘No pony gives flying hay bail about the art of being a gentlecolt anymore! They just want the glitz and glamour that comes with it! So I will not dare publish my lessons, to spare myself the guilt of enabling a spoiled brat!’”

“Glad he’s as stubborn and old fashioned as ever.” Fleur said with a flick of the mane.

Fancy chuckled after sipping more tea “Indeed. But I can’t argue he was an amazing teacher, even if he is rather particular with who learns his lessons.” He said wistfully, placing the book in his drawer as he let his eyes turn to the small desk resting only ten hooves from his own. “I guess I’ll have to be the one to pass the gentlecolt torch, then.”

“And you’ll do better than he ever could, dear.” Fleur cooed, taking a spot at his side and nuzzling his neck. Fancy smiled and returned the gesture.

The loving embrace was interrupted by the hasty sound of a door being kicked open and the clacking of tiny hooves on the marble floor as they rushed through the kitchen toward the study. An exhausted yet chipper sounding voice yelled out “Sorry I’m late, Mr. Fancy!” before a tiny, white, brown spotted Earth Pony colt appeared in the doorway, saddlebags covering his flanks.

“Great to have you back, young master Pip!” Fancy greeted his apprentice before looking down at his pocket watch “You’re just in time, so no worries at all!”

Pip sighed and went to shrug off the saddlebags before a light pink magic enveloped the leather straps, Fleur smiling down at the lad as she nuzzled him lightly on the head “Thank you Mrs. Fleur.”

“You’re welcome, darling. Did you-”

“-get the new tea cozies we needed? Yep!” he finished, raising his chin in pride “Rule number four: A gentlecolt always remembers a lady’s request!”

“Always a star pupil.” Fleur grinned and opened the saddlebags, giving a coy look to her husband. She promptly retrieved the bag of fresh chalk and magically placed it on Fancy’s desk “By the way, Pip. Did you know that some new request came in while you were gone?”

The little pony’s eyes widened and he immediately looked at the pile of parchments she gestured to, a toothy grin cutting into his face “Awesome! Are we gonna do more today, Mr. Fancy? Can we? Can we?!”

The young one’s enthusiasm was quite contagious and Fancy couldn’t stop the weary smile from appearing as Fleur left the room, that cheeky grin never leaving her face “First things first, young Pip.” He gestured to the two large books on his desk “We have your lessons to go over. Remember: a gentlecolt places-”

“-knowledge before action.” Pip said in sync with the older stallion, looking slightly deflated “I know. Can I please just look at one, though? Just one and I’ll focus entirely on my lesson, I promise!”

Fancy gave the colt a skeptical look. Pip’s eyes widened in response, the large brown pools doing their best to play his heart strings like an Earth Pony fiddle. Finally, the older gentlecolt relented with a sigh “Alright, dear boy.”

“Yay!”

The young colt sauntered over and gave the pile of rolled up paper a once over. The pile was around the same height as he was, making it all the more difficult to choose just one. There had to be at least fifty in this pile alone! Rather than pick one at random, he gave the mass of paper a careful look, rubbing his chin with his small hoof. His eyes suddenly lit up.

“Mr. Fancy! This reminds me of something!”

Fancy, a knowing grin on his face, raised a mock questioning brow “Oh? And what would that be, my boy?”

“A puzzle!” He declared victoriously, turning his attention back to the papers “All of these messages look similar, using standard parchment paper provided nearly everywhere in Equestria. But something tells me one of them sticks out more than the others!”

Fancy nodded along to this, relaxing in his chair and taking another sip of tea “Well, go on! Show me which one you mean.”

The colt was more than happy to. He turned and began to deconstruct the pile. First manually, as he began by rearranging them from their misshapen pile form into something more manageable, being a straight line. It took a few minutes, but Fancy was more than willing to help with his magic. Next he did a more cohesive visual analysis. His eyes scanned not only the color of the ribbon used to bind the scrolls, but also the wear and tear of the paper itself. So far, everything seemed normal, since most of them had minor wear and tear from their journey to Fancy’s house.

Analyzing the wax seals proved fruitless as well, since they all used the typical Sun and Moon seal that was reinstated over a year ago after Princess Luna’s return.

Then he used his nose. It was not uncommon for Canterlot ponies to spritz perfume or another fragrant product onto their message, so as to give extra ‘ownership’ to the letter, something Fancy had taught him in one of his lessons months ago. He looked to his teacher, who simply gave him an encouraging nod. Pip nodded back, smirking as he got to work.

Sniff...sniff...sniff…all typical Canterlot pony products. Mountain flowers, some valley herbs here and there, cherry scent. It was not until he got halfway down the line did he smell something rather out of place. So strange was it, in fact, he announced it immediately.

“Cake frosting?”

Fancy answered him with a nod “I smelt it myself. A rather odd scent for an upper crust pony to wear, don’t you think?”

“Yeah. I think that went out of style a couple months ago, didn’t it?” Pip questioned, earning a proud smile from Fancy.

“Indeed it did! Glad you’ve been paying attention to such things, my boy.” Fancy beckoned for the young pony to approach.

“A gentlecolt is always up to date on social trends, no matter how insignificant!” The young colt beamed and stepped closer, handing the letter to his mentor.

Fancy unfurled the parchment with a small application of magic, his lips parting as he prepared to read its contents aloud. He paused, his mouth closing slowly as he quietly scanned the letter.

Pip’s previous bouncy excitement settled upon seeing his teacher’s expression shift, making him tilt his head questioningly “Mr. Fancy? Is something wrong?”

The moustached gentlecolt was silent for a few moments, re-reading the letter once more before shoving it into his suit pocket. His expression had settled on one of stoic determination, but Pip could sense the anxiety in his eyes as their gazes met.

“Gather your things, young master Pip. It appears your lesson has been cancelled.”

Chapter Two: A Tearful Reunion

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Chapter Three: A Promise Made

Chapter Three:

A Promise Made

The evening glow of Celestia’s glorious light bathed the streets of happy little Ponyville. Ponies came and went, passing Fancy and Pip either without much acknowledgement or an ear to ear smile on their face as a greeting. It was all rather idyllic, Fancy had to admit, as he followed behind his young apprentice. The brown spotted colt had declared that he had been to Twilight Sparkles house once before and had offered to lead, which Fancy obliged.

“Her tree house should be....this way!” Pip pointed and strode confidently toward the north, past the Quill and Sofa shop. As Fancy followed the young lad, he began to ponder everything he knew about Celestia’s star student. The rumor mill spins fast in Canterlot and most of the gossip that sticks is usually discarded by Fancy as simply slander, but some of what he recalled said about Ms. Twilight was rather positive, if a little dramatic. Being the pupil of the Princess was of course grounds for praise but the upper echelons also talked of her being rather high strung and no nonsense. She was as smart as she was beautiful, using her knowledge to play the game of politics without remorse like a true socialite gentlemare, despite her ‘bumpkin station’.

But whenever Fancy thought of these things, he couldn’t help but chortle. The only thing he knew about the supposedly ruthless and cunning Twilight Sparkle was how...charming of a dancer she was and how understanding she had been toward Rarity during that whole garden party fiasco. If that socially awkward purple unicorn was as ruthless and cunning as Fancy’s social circle had talked about then she was an amazing actor.

“There!” Pip called out, shaking Fancy out of his thoughts “I knew I didn’t forget!”

Fancy followed the gaze of his student and laid his eyes upon the Golden Oak Library, and it certainly lived up to the name. The huge stumps left behind from the huge, long removed branches had been hollowed out to fit windows, with green shrubbery placed above to act as both natural curtains and minor insulation from the outside elements. Even the crown of the tree, with its marvelously green leaves, had been fitted with branch inlined windows. A truly stunning piece of architecture, in Fancy’s mind.

“After you, Mr. Fancy.” Pip waved toward the large red door of the library. A lit candle was painted onto the top half of the entryway, reminding Fancy of all the times he spent studying under candlelight in Canterlot libraries in his younger years. Clever design.

“Thank you, master Pip.” Fancy bowed his head and knocked on the large door.

“Coming!” a young, boyish voice called back. Soon after, the door creaked as it was pulled open and on the other side was a short, purple scaled dragonling with green eyes and spines along his back that ended at the top of his head with a large rounded spike. The young dragon looked up at Fancy with a questioning look and set his eyes on Pip, smiling when he saw him “Oh, hiya Pips! Long time no see!”

Pip smiled back, giving a wave “Hi Spike, sorry it’s been so long. I moved to Canterlot not long ago!” Spike put his hands on his sides and looked Pip up and down, smirking.

“Yeah well, you definitely look like a high falutin Canterlot type with that dorky little suit.” Spike said, giggling at Pip’s annoyed face before looking up at Fancy “No offense, big guy.”

Fancy Pants chuckled “None taken, dear boy. Me and young Pip are here to see Ms. Twilight Sparkle. Would she happen to be around?”

Spike’s mischievous smile disappeared instantly, replaced with a dour expression as he looked back into the library “Um, yeah, she’s here but I dunno if she would want to see anyone right now. Things have been...rough around here.”

Fancy nodded “I understand. I spoke to Rarity and learned about the missing little ponies. I was hoping Ms. Sparkle would have more information for my investigation.”

Spike’s eyes went wide with worry “You spoke to Rarity? Is...she doing okay?”

“She’s staying strong, despite the awful circumstances.” He replied. The dragon sighed, the trouble remaining in his big green eyes.

“That’s good, I guess.” Spike stuck his head out the door and looked around “So are you a detective? Like in one of those books?”

“Well, er,” Fancy, for the first time in a while, looked nervous “I wouldn’t-”

“You bet!” Pip cut in, enthusiasm at the max “We solved a big case in Canterlot a month ago! There was a big shadow pony stomping around like *boom* *boom* *boom* and me and Fancy put a stop to it by solving some puzzles and getting help from the Princesses!”

Spike raised a brow and looked at the two. Fancy was rubbing the back of his head while Pip kept his wide smile.

“Uh, okaaay. Sure.” Spike’s dubious expression remained as he pointed behind him “I’ll see if Twilight wants any visitors mister, uh, what’s your name?” He asked the mustached stallion. Fancy cleared his throat and adjusted his monocle.

“Fancy Pants, at your service.”

Spike nodded “Don’t go anywhere.”

The door shut and Pip waited a moment before he let out an exasperated grunt “Why didn’t he believe me? We should be known all around Equestria because of that! Right, Mr. Fancy?”

Fancy shook his head “Now Pip, a gentlecolt can take pride in his actions but must remain humble, remember that.” He then smiled “Besides, not everypony keeps up with events such as that. They want to live their lives as quietly as possible without worrying about the possibility of a giant shadow stallion stepping on their cabbages.”

Pip didn’t look satisfied with that answer but he nodded regardless, letting out another sigh “You’re right, Mr. Fancy. I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, my apprentice. You’re still learning.” The white stallion replied calmly. He looked down at his student as the young colt produced his notepad to go over his notes. He felt a pang of worry enter his chest, one that had bothered him ever since he took on Pipsqueak as his understudy. Was he a good enough teacher for the lad? Was he truly practicing what he taught? These questions were cut off as the telltale shimmering sound of magic hit his ear and the door was coated in a sparkling pink aura.

The door was pulled open slowly, the Unicorn it revealed looking just as exhausted as Rarity had. Twilight’s dark mane was frizzy and she had heavy bags underneath her dark purple eyes, an indication of either late night studying, or anxiety induced insomnia. Nevertheless, she tried her best to put on a smile.

“Hello, Mr. Fancy Pants. It’s-” She yawned, covering her mouth with a hoof “-good to see you again.”

“You as well, Ms. Twilight Sparkle.” Fancy bowed “I must say, you look rather...tired.”

Twilight let out a good natured, exhausted laugh “Yeah, I’m a disaster right now.” She looked down beside the stallion “Good to see you again too, Pip.”

“You too Twilight!” He said cheerfully “I got to see Princess Luna again! She is so amazing!”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She yawned once more but shook her head to fight off the tiredness “Anyway, would you two like to come in? I would offer tea but I’m fresh out.”

“Of course, thank you Ms. Sparkle.” Fancy replied gracefully. Twilight’s face flushed in embarrassment, and she rubbed the back of her head.

“Just Twilight, please. Formalities make me nervous.” She said through an anxious smile. Fancy chuckled and nodded politely.

“Very well. Lead the way, Twilight.”

The interior of the library was just as impressive as its exterior. The inside had been carved by nopony less than a master artist, carving bookshelves into the walls, along with tables, doorways and even stairs out of the tree itself. Speaking of bookshelves, this library was stuffed with countless works of literature. Just from a passing glance, the gentlecolt noticed works by numerous philosophers, both pony and not, many books on the magical, alchemical, and practical sciences, along with fantasy novels of all kinds. Fancy made a mental note to bring Fleur here on one of their trips someday, once all this mystery solving was over.

Twilight led the two ponies to a log table in the center of the library, which seemed to be used primarily for displaying new book releases as well as a hedge trimming of a regal looking pony. Twilight waved a hoof at the available chairs and took one herself “I have to ask, Fancy. What brings you to Ponyville?”

“I received a letter from Ms. Rarity requesting my presence.” He stated, pulling out said letter and magically gave it Twilight, who in turn took it in her own telekinesis to analyze it “I am assuming she heard of my...adventure in Canterlot a month prior.”

Twilight grimaced and looked away nervously “Yeah...that might have been my fault. I got a letter from Princess Celestia explaining everything after I freaked out a bit over her not replying to my messages for a few days.” She shook her head and placed the letter on the table “I’m assuming this means you spoke with Rarity already?”

He closed his eyes in affirmation and she went silent. For a moment, Fancy assumed she may have dozed off before she spoke again.

“I never thought something like this would happen. Three little ponies vanishing into thin air.” She said grimly, keeping her eyes to the ground “I have been up for days trying every single variation of a locate pony spell I can find, but nothing seems to work. Even ones that can locate ponies halfway across Equestria can’t find them, I…” She sighed “I don’t know what to do anymore. Magic can’t solve everything, I know, but I just...feel so useless right now.”

“You’ll figure it out, Twilight. I know you will.” Spike said, entering the room from what must have been a kitchen with a hot cup of coffee. The mare eagerly took it and gulped down half the mug. Pip eagerly agreed with the short dragon.

“Yeah! You’re one of the smartest ponies ever! If you can save Princess Luna’s reputation, you can do anything!” the little colt nearly sang. Twilight looked at the both of them, her eyes a bit brighter thanks to the caffeine.

“Thanks, you guys. I’m sure we’ll figure this out...eventually.” She said but Fancy could sense the undercurrent of dread in her words.

“I heard from Rarity that you and Ms. Applejack are in charge of searching for the three. Have you found anything at all?”

“No, nothing.” She dipped her head “I told Rainbow Dash to gather some local pegasi to search from the skies and Applejack has been leading the ground search parties.”

“Rarity also mentioned a Fluttershy helping in the search due to her knowledge of the Everfree Forest.” Fancy added. Twilight sipped more coffee.

“Yes. After spending the first day combing the outskirts of Ponyville and the surrounding mountains, we turned to the Everfree Forest. We can’t send too many ponies out there though, due to how dense and dangerous the forest is. Fluttershy has been helping them find their way through.”

Fancy looked to Pip, who was doing his best to take notes on everything important “I see. Do ponies go missing in the forest often?”

“Most ponies know to stay away from the forest, so it’s been a long time since anypony other than my friends have gone in there.” She rubbed one of her eyes with a free hoof “Although, Applebloom did go see Zecora sometimes. She’s a zebra friend of ours who has made the Everfree her home.”

“I am assuming she hasn’t seen them either?” Fancy inquired. Twilight shook her head.

“She was the first pony we thought to ask.” Twilight stared into her mug, as if hoping the answer would float to the top of the light brown liquid “The only ponies who saw them that day, Rarity and Applejack, said nothing seemed out of the ordinary with them. They talked about how they had found a new way to get a cutie mark, like usual, and seemingly...fell off the edge of Equestria.”

Fancy opened his mouth to ask another question but a loud knock on the door surprised everypony present and the second they turned to look, the door was pushed open by an orange Earth Pony, donning a stetson on her head with a blonde ponytail over her shoulder. She looked just as worn out as Twilight and had grime and scratches all over her body.

She went to say something but fell to the ground the second she stepped inside.

Twilight was already on her feet and making her way over to her friend with everypony else close behind “Oh Celestia, Applejack! Are you okay? What happened?”

“I’m fine. The search party got jumped by a buncha timber wolves just as we were leavin.” She got out through deep breaths, looking up at her friend “I bought Flutters time to get everypony else back to safety. I’m just a little banged up, that's all.”

As if on cue, a yellow Pegasus pony with a pink mane flew in through the door and gasped, fluttering down to the ground to be next to the injured mare “Applejack! Oh my goodness! We need to get you to a doctor!”

“I don’t need no doctor!” Applejack said incredulously and tried to stand. She faltered and fell back down with a grunt.

“Applejack, you’ve been running yourself ragged the past few days! You need to rest!” Twilight insisted desperately. Applejack shot her a glare.

“I ain’t resting till I find my baby sister, Twilight! I feel like I’m the only one trying here! I’m out there every-,” she coughed, gritting her teeth afterward “-day bustin my butt in that awful forest and nopony else is trying near hard enough!” She yelled, causing Twilight and Fluttershy to recoil. Fancy and Pip stood solemnly nearby, observing the scene.

This bout of rage did not last long, as tears immediately began to fall from the cowpony’s eyes and her face scrunched from effort as she tried to hold back her tears. “...I just miss her so much, Twi. I-I’m so sorry I snapped at you two...”

“I know. You don’t need to apologize, Applejack.” Twilight helped her friend to her hooves along with Fluttershy, who nuzzled the orange pony’s neck. Fancy approached them, hoof on his chest.

“If I may, I’ll volunteer to help take her to the hospital.” Fancy looked down at Pip “Pip, you stay here and research all you can on the Everfree Forest until I come back.”

The suit wearing colt looked surprised but quickly stomped his hoof “Of course, Mr. Fancy. I’ll do my best.”

“No! I said no doctors!” Applejack seethed, barely staying on her hooves “Just...just take me home. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

The adult ponies exchanged a look of uncertainty until Fancy spoke up “In that case, I shall take her home myself so that Ms. Fluttershy may be of use somewhere else.”

Twilight groaned.

“Fine. Fancy, take her to Sweet Apple Acres. I’ll stay here and help Pip. I’m not in much shape to do anything else.” Twilight admitted, turning to the yellow pegasus “Fluttershy, I want you to find the mayor. We need to warn her about the possibility of timber wolves making their way into town in case there are any stragglers.”

“O-Okay Twilight, I’ll do my best.” The pegasus squeaked bravely and took to the sky as soon as her hooves touched grass.

“No time to waste then, I suppose.” Fancy commented and lowered himself slightly “Young Pip? Spike? Would you two care to assist Ms. Applejack?”

“Right!” they said in unison and helped the orange mare onto the older stallion’s back. While Fancy could definitely feel the weight of the brave pony on his spine, his natural strength would prove more than able to get her home. Without another word, he took off into the streets of Ponyville.

As Pip watched his mentor go, he mentally steeled himself as he galloped over to the nearest bookshelf.

The evening sun was getting closer to the horizon and Fancy could feel the air around him get cooler with each passing minute. Despite her state, Applejack was helpful in providing directions and the two were soon on the long dirt path to Sweet Apple Acres, where Fancy slowed to a trot. Along the path, apple trees seemed to stretch for miles on either side of the fence, rolling over hills and dipping into the valleys as far as the eye could see.

The walk was mostly quiet, and as much as Fancy wanted to take the mare to the hospital for her injuries, he knew arguing with her would do nopony any good. Best to let sleeping manticores lie.

“Say, Fancy Pants,” Applejack began, speaking for the first time in several minutes “What brings you all the way down here?”

“Your friend, Ms. Rarity, sent me a letter requesting my presence here.” He replied, feeling as if he would be saying it more and more as time went on. He decided to skip straight to her next question. “I suspect she thinks I can aid in finding the three missing fillies.”

“Really?” Applejack asked, hopeful “Do ya have some kinda advanced locate pony spell or somethin’?”

Fancy looked to the eastern field with a regretful look in his eye “I’m sorry, no. However, I am rather good at solving mysteries. At least, that seems to be the case so far.”

“Oh, so you’re some kinda detective.” She stated rather than asked. The mustached stallion sighed.

“That’s what some like to call me. I’m simply a gentlecolt who enjoys helping ponies, nothing more, nothing less.”

Applejack let out a tired chuckle “Well that’s admirable, no matter what label ya put on it.”

“Indeed it is, Ms. Applejack. Indeed it is.”

“Ms. Applejack?” She let out a laugh that turned into a cough “I ain’t heard that in a long time.”

With a smile, Fancy continued down the path in silence. Soon, he saw a wooden white archway adorned with greenery, red delicious apples and a large wooden sign with an apple on it. Beyond that was a large red barn and house combo with the same apple motif present on its exterior walls and doors. He came to a stop when he felt Applejack tap his side.

“This here’s the place.” the proud mare said as she climbed off, wobbling a bit before she found her footing “Thanks for the ride, partner.”

“No problem at all, Ms. Applejack.” Fancy gave her a concerned look “Please, try to get some rest. I know how worried you are and I understand your eagerness to-.”

“No offense Fancy, but I don’t think ya do.” She replied curtly, turning away from the stallion abruptly, surprising him “I don’t mean to be rude, but the only pony that knows how I’m feelin right now is Rarity. I appreciate the sympathies, truly. But please don’t pretend ya know what’s goin on inside ma head.”

Fancy was stunned into silence but managed to shake it off “Fair enough, Ms. Applejack. Have a wonderful evening.”

“Wait.” She called out, stopping him as he turned around. There was a long pause before she spoke again “Iffin you already saw Rarity, I’m guessin’ you promised to help find em, yeah?”

“Yes, I did.”

A light cool breeze blew through the farm, rusting the nearby corn stalks.

“I need you to make that promise to me now. Promise you’ll do everythin’ in your power to help find my little Applebloom and her friends.” She begged, her voice cracking as she did her best to keep her tears at bay “I need to hear you say it without any of that window dressing you city ponies like to do. Please.”

The wind picked up, rustling Fancy’s blue mane slightly as he closed his eyes. He could feel the weight in his chest get heavier with each breath he took as he pondered his next words.

He opened his eyes.

“I swear I will bring her back to you, Applejack. You have my word.”

The wind calmed.

What felt like an hour went by and the stallion heard the mare take her first steps toward her humble home. She said one last thing before they parted, her voice carried by the chilling winds.

“Check out that path halfway up the trail. You might just find somethin’ that’ll help.”

Fancy gave the back of Applejack’s head a surprised look before he began to make his way up the dusty trail, Luna’s silver light bathing him in its radiance as he organized his thoughts. His strut then turned into a gallop.

Whatever clues awaited him at this new location, he knew he wouldn’t be able to do anything without his trusty apprentice.

Chapter Four: Clues Unearthed

Author's Note

For those who wish to follow along with the puzzle later in the chapter, here is the map I was using as a reference for the layout of Ponyville (minus the Castle and School of Friendship, obviously.): myioshlx9xk21.jpg (2550×3300) (redd.it)

Enjoy!

Chapter Four: Clues Unearthed

Chapter Four:

Clues Unearthed

“Hello?”

The first word Pipsqueak spoke echoed into the inky black void he had woken up in. His beady eyes cautiously scanned around, trying to find a semblance of anything or anypony in the infinite darkness.

“Twilight? Spike? Mr. Fancy? Where are you?”

His call faded into the surrounding realm, not seeming to reach anypony. Suddenly, his ears perked up when he heard the sound of...crickets? Turning quickly, he found himself standing in a forest clearing. The night sky above was barely visible through the thick canopy and the surrounding forest was dimly lit from what little moonlight could pierce the thicket. Fear gripped the little pony’s heart but he managed to gather enough courage to trot to the center of the clearing.

“Help...me…”

A voice Pip had never heard before nearly made him jump out of his skin, making him turn and try to find its source. It was a soft, filly sounding voice.

“Hello? Anypony there?” He asked, panicked. The colt spun around until he caught the brief glimpse of a golden light shimmering through the trees.

“Please...help me…”

Pip’s gentlecolt instincts were flaring up, begging him to rush into the trees to help the filly. Everything else within him, however, was pulling him to not do something so foolish. With only a few seconds' consideration, Pip rushed into the dark unknown, pushing through the brush to follow the golden light.

“Hold on, I’m coming!” Pip yelled, dodging branches and jumping over fallen trees as his short little legs did their best to keep up with the ethereal glow. The farther in he galloped, the more coherent the shape of the source became. The ball of light slowly began to take the shape of a grey Earth Pony filly, her mane and tail a brilliant yellow. Her hooves were not touching the ground as she led Pip, as if she were flying without the use of any visible wings. The terror in his heart was filtered out by the adrenaline pumping through him, making him speed up.

“S-Slow down!” He yelled out. She didn’t reply.

Just as he got a pony’s length away, the mysterious filly vanished in a flash, causing him to yelp as he tried to come to a stop. His efforts failed and he crashed into the ground, tumbling forward until he finally bumped into what felt like a large rock. Groaning, he slowly got to his hooves and readjusted his now dirty necktie.

His head light from the fall, he took some time to recuperate. The surrounding forest had become even darker, making it so he could barely see his own snout in front of his face. His breathing quickened as his courage began to dissipate, causing him to back into the rock that had halted his tumble.

In his panic, he began to dart his eyes in every direction as the sound of twigs snapping made him anchor himself more to the rock. A loud snap to his left made him jump and turn.

The little filly from earlier was now right beside him. Her eyes, from iris to sclera, were pure gold in color. Pip took two steps away, cautiously, and was about to ask a question before it got caught in his throat. The darkness behind this mysterious pony began to shift into what appeared to be a...pony? Monster? Pip was unsure but it made him step farther back. Whatever the creature was opened its eyes to reveal pure red, glowing eyes. Its face seemed to rip apart as a jaw with jagged teeth the same color as its “skin” formed out of the chunks it tore from its own face.

The little pony didn’t seem to notice and smiled at Pip as an inky drool fell onto her shoulders. Without a word, she produced a pink bow from seemingly nowhere and laid it on the ground. Pip looked at it for only a second before turning his attention back to the horrifying creature that only seemed to grow more hideous by the second, his pupils shrinking as he began to hyperventilate.

The filly then spoke one last time.

“Find me.”

Then the darkness encased everything.

The first thing Pip felt as he awoke was the rise in his chest from falling backwards and then feeling an impact as his head met a hard wooden surface. Acting quickly, he scrambled to his hooves and rapidly shot his eyes around the room. The setting was familiar, if darker than he remembered. It was the Golden Oaks Library.

“Whoa, Pip!” a familiar voice exclaimed “What the hay happened?”

The young gentlecolt turned to see Spike coming from upstairs, his pace quick and expression one of panic. The paranoia gripping the little colt’s lungs released its hold and he sighed, plopping down onto his flanks to rub the back of his head.

“Sorry Spike, I-I just had a horrible nightmare.”

Spike made it down and looked Pip over, his eyes wide with concern “Must’ve been some nightmare! Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.” Pip responded with a calming smile and looked toward a nearby window, seeing the stars of the night sky “How long was I out? Where’s Twilight?”

“She finally managed to get to sleep, thank Celestia.” Spike answered, obviously relieved. “And you’ve been asleep for about an hour, I think.” He crossed his arms “I don’t blame you really. I’d rather sleep than read anything about the Everfree Forest.”

Briefly, the image of that little pony with the golden eyes flashed in his mind and he shook his head, chuckling at Spike “It’s not that bad. Sure it’s pretty scary, but it’s also fun to read about!”

A dubious brow rose so high on Spike’s face that Pip thought it would hit the ceiling “Whatever you say, buddy. But that didn’t sound like a fun scream when I came down here.”

“It’s not as scary as The Phantom was!” Pip insisted, crossing his forehooves and turning his muzzle up. Spike rolled his eyes and sighed.

“I was just messin with ya before, Pip. I know about what happened and, I gotta say,” He smirked at the little colt and elbowed him good naturedly. “You and that Fancy Pants guy did a pretty good job!”

Pip opened his eyes and relaxed, rubbing the sore spot on his head “Yeah, we did! It was Mr. Fancy who did most of the work though.”

“Ah don’t be so humble,” Spike waved dismissively, snickering “I get enough of that outta Twilight. Anyway, I’m going back to bed. You should probably-”

A knock on the door roused the two boy’s attention, surprising them both when the door opened not a second later. It was Fancy Pants. Pip immediately whirled around to fully face him and smiled at his mentor but noticed that Fancy’s expression was one of stern determination.

“Mr. Fancy? Is everything okay?”

Fancy Pants looked down at him, expression unchanged “Pip, I need you to gather your things and follow me. It’s of the utmost importance.”

“Wait, is Applejack okay? What’s going on?” Spike asked, stepping forward.

“She is, don’t worry Sir Spike. I apologize, but I don’t have time to explain.” The mustached stallion furrowed his brow “Please, follow me young Pip.”

“O-Of course, sir!” Pip blurted out, quickly going and gathering his traveling bag and heading for the door. Fancy nodded to Spike before shutting the door, leaving the young Dragon confused.

He shrugged and made his way back to bed.

“Mr. Fancy, where are we going?” Pip yelled as he and his mentor galloped through the nighttime streets of Ponyville. The cold air made his eyes dry out as he ran against it.

“I found a location that I believe will be critical to our investigation!” He replied, leading his apprentice toward the path of Sweet Apple Acres “You’ll understand when we get there!”

“Yes, sir!”

The rest of the journey went without speech as their hooves beat against the ground. Pip’s eyes wandered as they traveled down the path, observing the beautiful light of the full moon shining down on them. He hoped that Luna was watching over them during their investigation and, as his mind went back to that horrid creature, prayed that she would protect him from such a nightmare again.

“This way!” Fancy declared and made a right turn. Pip followed suit, barely making it in time. The gentlecolt duo slowed their speed down to a trot as they transitioned from a dirt road to a lightly tread grassy path that led into a part of the orchard. Fancy closed his eyes and cast a light spell, coating the area in a bright orange light, since the moon was obscured by the sheer amount of blossoming apple trees.

“Not much farther now, my boy.” He pointed with his horn. After squirming their way through a few bushes, they came to a small clearing with a rather notable sight in it. Built into one of the hundreds of apple trees was a large treehouse accompanied by a long ramp that led into the singular entrance that Pip could see. The door was closed and had a small heart shaped glassless window carved into it. Poking out the crown of the tree was what appeared to be an observatory of some kind with the head of a telescope poking out of its window. The howl of the evening wind gave Pip chills as he looked it over.

“Is this the place, Mr. Fancy?” Pip prodded, tilting his head. Fancy nodded and started his approach.

“Indeed. It doesn’t look remarkable but take a look there.” He pointed. Pip narrowed his eyes and saw a small sign next to the door.

“‘Cutie Mark Crusaders official headquarters!’” Pip gasped “You think there might be a clue in there, Mr. Fancy?”

Fancy looked neutral as he started at the entrance ramp “Ms. Applejack has already searched this place, no doubt. However, I think with our critical eyes, we may be able to find something she overlooked.” He winked.

Pip nodded eagerly “Right!”

Fancy looked to the ramp and grimaced “I believe you should take the lead, young Pip. I shall be right behind you once you make it to the top.”

The small colt was easily able to ascend the ramp with no issue and was quickly in front of the door. Pip reached forward and turned the bronze-colored knob carefully. The door let out a creek that made the little pony shiver as he peered his head inside. The interior was small but densely decorated. The walls contained posters of the wonderbolts and pictures of friends and family. Behind a podium that sat at the far end of the room was a large map of Ponyville and the surrounding areas, along with a list of activities that had some of them crossed out next to it. Other than this, there were chairs, books, and toys scattered about on the floor. Right next to the door was a ladder that Pip guessed led up to the observatory.
Despite the homey appearance, Pip felt uneasy as he stepped further inside. It felt wrong that it was so quiet here, a place that once held three dear friends sharing their joys and hardships in achieving their special talents. His head sank, the true horror and weight of the situation hitting him for the first time. If they failed, these three friends would never again share their laughter, their struggles or their fears in his space ever again.

This once happy place would be left to decay. Their memories here never passed on.

“Pip? Is everything okay, dear boy?”

Pip’s head rose up and he sniffed, wiping away the beads of tears that had formed in the corner of his eyes before turning around.

“Yes, I’m fine Mr. Fancy.” He responded with a sniffle, shaking his head “It’s just...nothing.”

Pip felt a familiar large hoof touch his cheek and gently turn his head toward Fancy, who smiled in understanding.

“We’ll find them, young Pip, don’t you worry.” He affirmed, the confidence in the both of them clear in his tone and smile. Pipsqueak shut his eyes once more, a feeling of determination surging in his soul from his master’s words. While his doubt and fears would remain deep within until the case was resolved, he pushed them down and opened his eyes, a new flame burning within.

“Right, Mr. Fancy. Where do we start?” He asked as he looked over the clubhouse once more. Fancy went to respond as he rose to full height but grunted when he bumped his head against the low ceiling.

“I, ow, believe you’re more suited to looking around, young Pip. Just bring me anything you find, and I’ll examine it from the outside.” He said, laughing at his own expense. The student couldn’t fight a giggle as his normally regal and composed mentor slowly walked out of the clubhouse with all the finesse of a large dog.

The first thing Pip decided to do was examine the piles of books and toys which, predictably, didn’t have anything of note other than one of the newer Daring Do books that Pip had yet to acquire. Reluctantly, he put it back where it belonged and continued his search. He scanned the posters and framed photos with his eyes, looking for any possible outdents that revealed a secret safe or anything of the sort. But even with the light of Fancy’s magic lighting the entire space, he didn’t notice anything of the sort. Then he set his eyes on the podium.

Resting on the podium was a series of pictures of different activities, from snorkeling to book writing, and hoof written notes that read like some kind of speech one of the Crusader’s would give to the others. More than likely it was Applebloom, Pip guessed, due to the slang used throughout. The lower shelves on the podium were stuffed with crumpled up papers, most of them being previous versions of the same speech.

With nothing else there he could see at the moment, Pip looked over the large map on the wall. Many locations were circled but many were x’d out as well, the little colt guessing that this coincided with the Crusader’s activities in town. So far, everything seemed normal to Pip and he was about to announce it to Fancy until he spotted something odd. Drawn next to certain locations were doodles that portrayed different ventures that the Crusaders could partake in, such as fishing in the river and hang gliding in the hills. But five locations in particular had a tiny doodle of a telescope drawn above them and judging from the intensity of the ink, it had been a recent addition.

Pip tapped his chin, and he felt a familiar rise in his chest, an excitement that coincided with only one thing.

“Mr. Fancy, I think I found a puzzle!”

“Excellent work, my boy!” Fancy chortled “I’ll leave this one to you but if you need assistance,” he gestured helplessly to the doorway “You know where to find me.”

Pip bowed and turned back to the map, pulling out his notepad as he did his best to copy the hoof drawn map. Location names were absent, Pip guessing that the little ponies who drew it knew them already and didn’t feel the need to write them down.

“Would be too easy if they did.”the colt thought with a feeling of pride. Deep down, he hoped his memory served him well enough.

After a few minutes of scribbling, Pip put away his pencil and looked at the observatory ladder. “I’m going up, Mr. Fancy.”

“Be careful, young master.”

Pip ascended, notepad in mouth, rather easily up the ladder and found himself in a tiny room fit for two little ponies at most with a large, stallion sized telescope hanging halfway out the window. The cool evening breeze had gotten colder, and Pip shivered as the wind tickled his nose.

Getting to work, he pointed the huge scope at the marked locations, and he was surprised with how quickly he remembered most of them. First up was the Ponyville schoolhouse, followed by Sugarcube Corner, then a large house that stood above the others around it, the large town hall building, Carousel Boutique and back to the schoolhouse again. As Pip observed these locations and marked them down on his map, he recalled as many memories as he could of last year’s Nightmare Night, remembering the times he spent with Pinkie Pie and her entourage of other little ponies as he stared at the unknown house that had been marked.

Then, a spark went off in his mind.

“Oooh, that’s the Mayor’s house! We better get candy before she starts the party in town! She gives out the BIGGEST candy bars!” He recalled Pinkie Pie yelling to him and the other ponies. He smiled warmly, reminding himself to visit the chaotic mare after all this was done. With all the locations named and marked, he began to look for the answer.

“Maybe…” he thought aloud and looked through the scope again “...the place at the center of these other locations is the solution?”

He mentally connected the locations and found an innocent little toy store at the center of it all. He was confused. Could the answer be there? No, not likely. Was the answer in one of the toys downstairs? He made a mental note to check when he went back down. He scribbled a question mark on the toy store at the center and began to draw lines to link all the indicated landmarks. When linked, they formed a short, backwards, crooked number seven.

Seeing this only made him more confused and he finally decided to climb back down.

“Mr. Fancy, I need you to look at something.” He said when he got to the bottom. Fancy Pants looked over and tilted his head.

“Oh? Did you find the answer?”

“Take a look,” Pip presented the notepad and pointed with his hoof as he explained “I marked all these places and linked them and I formed this weird backwards seven. This toy store,” he tapped “is in the center of it all but I don’t think that’s it.”

Fancy adjusted his monocle and got a closer look “Hmm. Perplexing indeed. However, I may be able to offer a hint if you’d like.”

Pip looked up, bewildered. Fancy had already figured it out? It wasn’t surprising but it still caused a pang of jealousy in his gut and he shook his head “No, I’ll take another look at it.”

“Very well.” Fancy dimmed the light slightly on his horn and yawned “I’ll be here.”

Pipsqueak first trotted over to the toys to give them another look. Wooden pony figures, wooden carts and other such paraphernalia relating to frontier ponies littered the floor. Nothing that would connect to the puzzle at hoof. Sighing, he went back to the large map and did a compare and contrast, using his pencil to draw on the original map.

Everything lined up and formed the same shape: a backwards, slightly crooked number seven. Just as he was about to give in and ask for a hint, an idea struck him. He quickly added another line that connected everything back to the schoolhouse, forming a not so perfect triangle. Or was it an arrow? If it was, then it was sort of pointing back at the clubhouse. Sadly, this didn’t help him at all and he turned to his teacher.

“Mr. Fancy, I can’t figure it out.” He confessed, his pride stinging from the admission. Fancy crawled his way inside and gave Pip a pat on the head.

“A true gentlecolt admits ignorance without shame, young Pip.” Fancy stated with a half-smile and looked the map over “You are on the right track. The locations do connect to point back to the clubhouse, despite the odd shape of the arrow. Why do you think that is?”

Pip raised his chin, the disappointment fading when the reigns were given back to him. The colt wracked his brain as he tried to piece together what he knew “Maybe it’s a sign that the clue is...here?” he asked with fading confidence as he gestured to the whole clubhouse. Fancy nodded.

“Correct. However, if that’s the case…” he peered around, twirling his moustache “Where is it?”

The little gentlecolt followed the arrow on the map carefully. It was indeed pointing at the club house, but he couldn’t help but feel there was a double meaning to it. He walked to Fancy’s left and circled around the podium to get a closer look.

Then he felt a floorboard sink slightly under his hoof, making him look at it immediately. It wasn’t unusual, this was a treehouse after all. However, when he looked back at the arrow on the big map and lined it up with his eye…

“I got it!” Pip yelled and tapped the loose board “Mr. Fancy, can you use your magic to take the nails out of this board?”

“Right away, young master.” Fancy said, beaming at his apprentice “I knew you could do it.”

In no time at all, Fancy’s magic had removed the nails and lifted the board out with little issue. The hole it left revealed the grass below, along with a few branches of the tree the house was built into. Taped to the underside of the board, however, was what looked like a journal of some kind. This made Pip leap with joy.

“I was right!” He declared, puffing his chest out “Score two for the gentlecolts!” he held up a hoof, a signal to Fancy. The older stallion chuckled and hoof bumped the smaller pony.

“Quite a show, Pip! Now, let’s see what we’ve uncovered here.” Fancy applied some magic and undid the tape in a sinch. The cover was green and had the words “TOP SECRET CMC PROJECTS” inscribed on its surface in black ink. Cracking it open, Fancy sat down low enough for Pip to get a look at the contents as well.

The first few pages contained what could be called ‘unsafe’ trips that the trio of fillies embarked on, including going into Diamond Dog territory, scouting out Froggy Bottom Bog, and other dangerous locations. What they both noticed, however, was that only four of the many remaining pages were written in, the rest that followed being blank.

“No, that can’t be it.” Pip said, worried “There has to be more!”

Fancy narrowed a brow, determined, and continued to flip through until he hit the second to last page, where there appeared to be an entry written once again by Applebloom. Pip’s eyes went wide with excitement, but his smile soon faded as he skimmed the page ahead of Fancy’s reading.

“It’s been five days in a row that we’ve all dreamed of that blonde maned filly. I don’t get it! Is Princess Luna trying to tell us somethin? It’s weird for three ponies to have the same dream right? She keeps tellin’ us to go to the Everfree Forest, to save her. I don’t know what the hay that’s all about, but Scootaloo thinks we should go on ahead and try! Sweetie Belle is very insistent on us not goin’ but Scootaloo is right. If a filly is in trouble, we need to help her! I hate to lie to Sweetie Belle but it seems like the only way to get her to come along. Scootaloo and I came up with the idea of Cutie Mark Crusader Potion Makers, which will take us toward Zecora’s place and we’ll branch off before we get there! I just hope that filly will lead us to where she is. I don’t wanna get lost in the Everfree and Celestia knows I don’t wanna meet another Cockatrice! We’ve got supplies packed and we’re heading out tomorrow! We’re coming, little filly!”

A pit had formed in Pip’s stomach before Fancy even finished reading and he stepped away slowly. There’s no way...a blonde filly in the Everfree Forest? His heart rate quickened and his lips began to tremble.

“Pip, are you alright?

Pip’s eyes stayed focused on the book as he backed into the podium, nearly knocking it over as he tried to stabilize himself. Quickly, he thought of a cover for his reaction. He couldn’t find the courage to tell Fancy. Not yet. “They actually went into the Everfree Forest…”

“It seems that way.” Fancy closed the journal and put in Pip’s bag “We will inform Twilight and her friends tomorrow. In the meantime,” He let out a long yawn and checked his pocket watch, Pip noticing just how tired the stallion actually was “It’s around midnight now. I recommend we find a good place to rest. A hotel, maybe?”

“Yes that...sounds good.” Pip agreed, his gaze focused elsewhere. Fancy Pants looked at his apprentice with concern but chocked up the behavior to the young one's tiredness. It was way past his bedtime, after all.

“Come along now, Pip.”

Absent-mindedly, Pip followed behind as the two left the clubhouse. After he had shut the door, the blank flanked colt looked to the Everfree Forest that lay not far beyond. It towered over the trees of the orchard, the darkness of its leaves contrasting with the bright green of the happy apple trees. It was like a completely different world there. A world of unknown horrors and nightmares that awaited just beyond the bushes.

As he peered into that mysterious darkness that lay within, he swore he saw a faint yellow glow moving between the trees.

He then galloped to catch up to Fancy, his heart pounding out of his little chest.

Chapter Five: Into the Everfree

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Chapter Six: Welcome to Sunnytown

Chapter Six:

Welcome to Sunnytown

The crickets had begun their song, their chirping starting as a low ring before picking up into a chorus of cries. Pip heard their melody as he rushed through the forest, every fiber of his being screaming at him for being so moronic, so foolish as to rush ahead by himself.

But when he had caught sight of...her when he peaked over his shoulder to check for more timber wolves, he knew he had to follow while his mentor and new friends were distracted by the rescue ponies.

He stopped to catch his breath, the thick, wet air of the late evening Everfree making it harder to keep up his rapid pace. He felt his chest heave as his thoughts turned to Fancy Pants, the sting of guilt making it harder to recover his breath. His head hung low, the doubt and anxiety that hung over him like a dark cloud nearly causing him to collapse.

But in his peripheral vision, he saw a bright light that made him raise his head instantly. Standing between the gigantic trees, hidden just behind a thin wall of vines, was a grey coated filly with bright yellow eyes and mane. She beckoned him with a hoof and trotted away, the light following her.

“W-Wait!” Pip gasped out and stumbled as he tried to gallop once more, falling to the moist forest floor. With a grunt, he pushed himself back up and forced himself to run, ignoring the painful protest of his little legs.

The orange light of the horizon hugging sun was hidden behind countless, menacing looking trees. Were it not for the filly, he would have surely gotten lost by now. But from his short time researching the Everfree, getting lost wouldn’t be the worst thing that would happen to him when night came.

He had to hope that his hunch was correct and that this filly could be trusted. If not....

He yelped as he barely ducked out of the way of a large spider web, his fear building more and more as he charged through the darkness, that bright light ever just out of reach.

“‘Find me and you’ll find them’ she said.” He thought, jumping over a puddle “I’m sorry Mr. Fancy. But you’ll understand...I hope.”

His hoof suddenly caught on something, causing him to scream before he hit the coarse ground with a thud. Pain shot through his tiny body and he rolled over, groaning. His brown eyes went wide when he noticed the filly standing on the other side of the small clearing he had found himself.

Something that stood out more than her, however, was the object she was standing over: a bright pink bow that had been seemingly untouched by the elements.

“A-Applebloom’s bow.” Pip muttered as he stood up and cautiously approached, taking it into his hoof. His fearful expression went dour as his thoughts took a dark turn, meeting the expressionless glowing eyes of the filly before him “I-Is she…?”

She did not respond verbally, choosing instead to turn her head to the right. Pip followed her gaze, seeing another familiar sight only ten hooves away. A blue and white striped scarf was tangled in a bush, briars doing their best to keep a hold of it until Pip pulled it free.

“S-Sweetie Belle’s scarf…” with both objects in his hooves, he turned to look back at the filly.

She was gone. Where she had been standing, however, a treaded path that Pip didn’t notice before lay in wait. At the end of said path, sat between a natural archway, was a light that bore a resemblance to the one that mystery filly had been giving off. It almost looked like a doorway of some kind.

Pip gulped and looked once again at the items in his hooves for a few moments, unsure of how to proceed. “What would Fancy Pants do?” He asked the ribbon and scarf, closing his eyes as terror began to grip his heart and tears began to well up in his eyes.

The rustle of a nearby bush made him jump, dropping the vital clues onto the ground as he faced the darkness. He backed away slowly, trying to make out any shapes coming through the trees as his lower lip trembled.

For but a split second, he caught sight of a pair of dark red eyes staring right at him. That’s the moment he dashed toward the light, screaming all the while as his little legs carried him toward what he thought was safely as quick as they could.

Everything went white when he passed the threshold and his ears began to ring. A sudden dizzy feeling took hold and he came to a standstill, falling onto his haunches as he covered his eyes.

“Help me!” He cried and curled into a trembling ball, seeking comfort within his mind. He thought of Fancy Pants, Fleur, his grandparents and even his father, mumbling to himself words of comfort. “A gentlecolt always faces danger bravely, a gentlecolt always faces danger bravely, a gentlecolt always faces danger bravely…..”

“Um, excuse me little guy? Are you okay?”

A voice.

Pip’s eyes shot open and he looked up slowly, his body still shaking. He met the face of a gray stallion with a black mane, whose face was one of concern.

“W-W-Wha…?”

The pony looked Pip over and smiled “Well you don’t seem to be hurt so that’s good! Lots of dangerous things in the Everfree Forest, yep!”

Pip remained silent, too stunned to speak. He chose instead to observe his surroundings and his confusion only mounted the more he saw.

It was like a piece of Ponyville had been sliced from the cake of Equestria and dumped into the middle of the Everfree. Cute, square buildings littered the clearing and party decorations were strewn up everywhere. Tables with different confections, such as cupcakes and bowls of punch, were littered about as well. The strangest thing of all was the fact that Celestia’s wondrous light was hanging bright in a slightly cloudy sky.

“W-W-Where am I?” Pip sputtered and rose to his hooves, eyes wide with wonder and confusion as he looked back to the stallion.

The stranger smiled warmly and waved a hoof “Welcome to Sunnytown, the happiest place in Equestria!”

“S-Sunnytown?”

“Yep! Now, I know what you’re thinking,” The stallion gestured with his hoof to the surrounding trees of the Everfree “Why build a humble little village in the middle of the Everfree Forest? Well, the answer is quite simple really!” the grey pony leaned in close, as if he were about to whisper a secret. Pip turned his head and raised an ear inquisitively as the stallion said: “We just wanted to!”

Pip’s face was a cocktail of confusion and amusement as the stallion chuckled at his joke “Uh huh. But why is it sunny here? It was almost nightfall when I ran in here and-”

“Whoa whoa, little guy. I’m gonna need a name attached to all these questions you’re throwing at me.” His smile was mischievous “I’m Greyhoof! Town greeter and shindig starter extraordinaire!”

Pip, remembering his manners, bowed his head “I’m Pipsqueak! My friends call me Pip, though.” He looked around and pointed to the sky “So, about the sun?”

Greyhoof looked up, his smile faltering slightly “Well ya see, I’m not exactly supposed to tell anypony. The head of the village is always going on about ‘keeping need to know things in the know’. You know?”

Pip tilted his head but nodded slowly nonetheless. It was clear he was either lying or he really was just not ‘in the know’, whatever that meant “Okay then. The party then, what’s the occasion?”

Greyhoof’s face brightened instantly “Glad you asked! It’s a special day for a special little filly named Ruby today! She’s out and about gathering herbs and we’re gonna surprise her when she gets back!”

Pip’s eyes widened and he looked back the way he had come. The red eyes flashed in his mind “U-Um are you sure it’s safe for her to do that? C-Cause I saw-”

“No no no, don’t you worry now! Ruby is the best little forager this side of Equestria! I’ve seen her sneak her way past freaky monsters of all kinds, if you can believe it!” Greyhoof said with a bright smile “Now, enough pounding the greeter with questions! Go on, enjoy the party!”

Pip’s dubious expression never left, and he turned to look back to where he had come. The natural archway that had guided him into this town appeared to have vanished, replaced instead with a couple of bushes and trees. While Pip had no magical sense of any kind, he knew a thing or two about the subject from his studies and this positively reeked of some kind of magic.

He resolved to keep an eye out and looked at Greyhoof, smiling “Okay, thank you!”

With a synchronized nod, the two parted ways as Greyhoof went to look over one of the treat tables. Pip watched him go and noticed something rather odd that had escaped his attention before.

Greyhoof didn’t have a cutie mark.

It was not unheard of for adult ponies to lack cutie marks, as Pip had researched himself quite a few times, but it was quite a rarity indeed. He looked down at his own blank flank and sighed. It brought him comfort, in a way, to see a pony so chipper despite not knowing what his special talent was. Turning his attention back to the path, Pip caught sight of a white mare with a red mane sitting idly next to one of the trees at the border of the town, her expression rather morose.

“A gentlecolt must always help a lady in need.” Pip said to himself and approached her. She didn’t seem to notice him “Hello there! Is everything okay?”

The mare gave him a passing look before turning her attention back to the tree, a sigh leaving her lips “I’m fine, thank you. It’s just...oh I wouldn’t want to be a bother.”

“No, it’s fine madam! I’m a gentlecolt in training and I’d love to help, if you’ll let me.” Pip said proudly, his chest stinging slightly as he thought of Fancy Pants once more. The mare gave him a once over and looked past him. Pip followed her gaze and noticed she was staring at a beige stallion standing next to a building farther down the path.

“Roneo hasn’t talked to me all day. He’s usually so happy to speak to me but he’s been distant and I…” She sniffled, turning away “I’m worried he may not like me anymore.”

Pip nodded “I’ll go ask him for you! I’m Pip, by the way.”

“Starlet.” She replied, clearly not intent on continuing the conversation. Pip turned to leave and noticed something out of the corner of his eye. She didn’t have a cutie mark either. One is rare enough but two adult ponies without cutie marks? Pip rubbed his chin and hummed to himself. Something was odd here. Tabling the thought for now, Pip continued down the path and made his way over to Roneo, who seemed to be occupied with his own thoughts.

“Hello, Roneo is it?” Pip greeted and placed a hoof on his chest “I’m Pip!”

The blue maned stallion looked down at the little colt and quickly looked away “Hi, Pip. I...saw you talking to Starlet. Is she doing okay?”

Pip looked back over at the mare, who still looked as downcast as she did before “She’s, um, just confused as to why you haven’t talked to her all day.”

Roneo facehoofed and groaned “I knew it was my fault! It’s just...I got her a really nice gift earlier and I know she’s gonna love it! But I...kind of lost-”

“There ya are, Roneo!” A chipper voice with a distinct drawl called out, making Pip freeze. Another voice soon followed, this one higher pitched and without a drawl.

“We finally found that gift of yours! It was just lying on the ground near the edge of town!”

“How in the hay did you lose it over there anyway? You’re such a klutz!” Another filly teased.

Pip finally turned his head, everything moving in slow motion. Coming down the path that led deeper into town were three little fillies: a light yellow Earth Pony with a red mane, a white Unicorn with a purple and pink mane, and an orange Pegasus with tiny wings and a purple mane.

His jaw dropped and he took a step back as the fillies approached Roneo, the stallion smiling when he saw them.

“Thanks, girls! Now I can finally clear things up with Starlet!” He said excitedly and galloped past Pip “Thanks again!”

Pip stared at the three fillies in disbelief, feeling a sense of relief build in his chest as they finally met his eyes, their expressions curious.

“Pip? Is that you?” Applebloom asked, tilting her head “What the hay are you doing out here and why are ya dressed like a prune?”

“I-I could ask you the same thing!” He nearly yelled and bounced in place, ignoring the dig at his suit “Everyone in Ponyville was worried sick about you! I and Mr. Fancy Pants came all the way from Canterlot to help look for you and-”

“Well you don’t need to worry, we’re fine where we are!” Sweetie Belle cut in with a smile.

“Yeah, this place is super awesome! Way better than Ponyville ever was!” Scootaloo bounced, fluttering her little wings. Pip looked at them like they had told him they were secretly griffons in disguise.

“W-What are you three on about?! Your families are worried sick about you!” He pointed to Sweetie Belle “ Sweetie, Rarity is the one who called me and Mr. Fancy here in the first place! She misses you so much!”

Sweetie Belle kept her smile despite the revelation but for a moment so brief Pip would have missed it if he blinked, her green eyes lost their sparkle of joy and shifted into...something else that the little colt couldn’t describe.

“She worries too much, just like Applejack!” Applebloom said, giggling “Look around ya, Pip! Didn’t ya notice somethin’? Everypony here doesn’t have a cutie mark!”

“Yeah! Isn’t that cool?” Scootaloo piped up, resting her right foreleg on Applebloom’s back “Now we don’t have to worry about ponies judging us anymore! We fit right in!”

Pip looked between the three of them in incredulity, his jaw nearly falling to the forest floor as he listened to the insanity coming out of their mouths and he opened his own to object.

“Oh, hey you three!” A brown colored stallion with a golden mane trotted toward the little ponies, having come from further down the path where Pip saw even more colorful buildings “I needed your help with bringing out more desserts and-” He noticed Pip and tilted his head “Say, who’s your well dressed friend?”

“This is Pip! A friend of ours from Ponyville!” Sweetie Belle introduced. The stallion bowed slightly at the colt.

“Well, howdy Pip! I’m Gladstone, the town baker and decorator!” He said cheerfully “Well, one of the decorators anyhow. Three Leaf is the other one but, to tell ya the truth? I’m way better at it.” He whispered with a laugh afterward “Just joking! Anyhow, since you’re new, would ya like me to give ya a tour of the place?”

“Ooh ooh! We can give him the tour!” Applebloom chirped, the other two crusaders coming to her side with innocent smiles as they looked up at him. Gladstone pretended to look dubious before conceding with an exaggerated sigh.

“Alright, you win! Don’t worry there, Pip. Even though they’ve only been here a few days, these little fillies know every nook and cranny of this little hamlet of ours!” Gladstone declared and turned around “Got lots of baking to do before Ruby gets here! Have fun, you four!”

Pip stood there, still processing the last five minutes. He looked at Scootaloo as she came to his side, gesturing down the path with a hoof

“Come on, Pip! I wanna show you this cool little spot over here! It’s right next to the….”

As the trio of fillies led him around, spouting random bits of trivia about the town, Pip kept his eyes trained on them and didn’t say a word as he tried to wrap his mind around everything. It had been nearly a year since he last saw the girls, and even then, he hadn’t really gotten to know them too well, but they seemed to be acting just like the excitable fillies who had invited him to join their club. It really did seem like they came to this cutie markless town of their own volition. To be free of societal pressures and to be themselves. It was tempting in its own unique way, Pip had to admit. He had his own anxieties about his lack of a cutie mark and stressed over getting it constantly.

But it didn’t feel quite right to the young colt. He couldn’t put a hoof on it but something about a happy little village in the middle of the Everfree Forest felt...wrong. Even if this place had somehow escaped the notice of cartographer ponies that dared venture into the Everfree, he would have at least expected to have heard of a quirky little village full of cutie markless ponies.

“Hey, Pip? You listenin’?”

Pip shook his head as he jumped out of the comfy couch of his brain “What?”

“We said: that’s the tour!” Sweetie Belle said with a bounce and a voice crack “Wanna go get some cupcakes? Gladstone makes a mean cupcake!”

The colt looked around and noticed that they had indeed reached what could be called the edge of town. Even though it had felt like an hour's worth of time that he had spent pondering his current predicament, it appeared that only five minutes had passed in real time. With a turn of the head, Pip noticed another trail behind him that seemed to lead back into the Everfree Forest proper, judging from the darkness that lay beyond.

“Um, what’s that way?” Pip pointed down the path. The three fillies' faces were neutral as they looked past him.

“Nothing important, don’t worry about it.” Scootaloo said, her voice near monotone as the other two fillies shook their heads in unison. Pip quirked an eyebrow before noticing that, just like Sweetie Belle earlier, their eyes had gone...blank for lack of a better word, the vibrance of life vanishing for only a few seconds. In those different colored pools of faded tones, Pip could swear he saw hints of sadness and fear.

Then suddenly, everything was right as rain as Applebloom regained her smile “Now, what’dya say to those cupcakes?”

“I-I’ll pass for now. This place is so cool, I might just wander around and get cozy!” Pip half-lied, his gentlecolt heart stinging him in the process. The trio of fillies looked at each other with raised brows.

“Alright, suit yourself!” Sweetie Belle responded, seeming to answer for the other two as they all three trotted away and began talking amongst each other. The little colt felt some of his anxiety leave as he sighed. He gave the mystery path another glance.

“Nothing interesting, huh?” Pip muttered under his breath. His curiosity was peaked at the Crusader’s reactions when he prodded them about it, he had to admit. Then again, going into the darkness and possibly running into that red eyed horror wasn’t exactly high on Pip’s list of ambitions.

Following the trail back to the building where he first encountered the trio and doing his best to stay out of sight of any of the blank flanked townsfolk, Pip got into the shade and withdrew his notepad. Noticing numerous mud splotches on his saddlebag, he took the time to look himself over.

“Oh bother.” He groaned as he noticed the poor, dirty condition of his suit “Mrs. Fleur is going to give me an earful for this.”

Deciding to ignore the physical and metaphorical stain on his gentlecolt-hood for now, Pip began to scribble down some notes. Despite the odd circumstances, it felt rather nice to be one of the first ponies to write something down about a location that was unknown to the rest of the world. It made him feel like Daring Do, in a way, and he couldn’t help but feel giddy about that.

Just as he raised his pencil from the paper, having just finished his observations, his ears perked up when he heard something odd over the cheers and laughter of happy ponies farther into town. It almost sounded like...weeping? Pip slowly got onto four hooves and put away his things, trying to pinpoint the source. It didn’t take him long to realize it was coming from the very building he had chosen to be his writing spot.

Looking around to make sure nopony was watching, Pip slowly opened the door. The groan of the hinges made his fur stand on end as the light from outside clawed its way from the floor and to the walls. With the boxes stacked here and there, the location resembled a storehouse of sorts and judging from the cobwebs that lined the wooden ceiling and walls, it hadn’t been used in quite a while.

Pip stepped inside and carefully closed the door, pulling out his flashlight from the survival pack. Clicking on the light, he used the bright yellow beam to inspect the room to find that one of the storage crates had been moved to clear a path farther into the building.

“Hewwo?” He called out through a mouthful of flashlight. The only reply he received was the continuous sobs coming from deeper within. Swallowing his fear, Pip crept through the warehouse, navigating the large crates with little issue. Rounding the corner of his sixth crate, Pip nearly jumped when his beam revealed the source of the crying: a light grey mare with a messy red mane. She was too lost in her grief to even notice the light shining on her.

“It’s all my fault...I couldn’t save them either! T-They...t-they…” She sobbed louder and buried her face into her forelegs. Pip sat the light down and approached the miserable pony, his expression one of empathy.

“Are you okay?” He asked and placed a hoof on her back. Her reaction was immediate as she screamed and smacked his hoof away, backing away from him as Pip leapt back in surprise.

“Get away from me you mur-!” Her light pink eyes went wide when she saw the timid little colt “No...they’ve already lured another one here…”

“W-What are you talking about?” Pip inquired, taking a cautious step forward. The mare’s expression shifted to one of panic.

“You have to get out of here...you have to go!” She yelled and crawled closer her eyes making her look insane “Please, it’s almost time! You have to listen to me! Run!”

Pip did not need any more encouragement. Leaving his light, he whirled around and began to gallop through the darkness as quickly as he could. What little light was funneling in through the windows was enough for him to navigate his way back to the door, which he promptly kicked open and threw himself against to shut, gasping for precious air all the while.

“Whoah, Pip! Are you alright?”

The colt nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard the squeaky voice from his right flank, turning to see Sweetie Belle giving him a concerned look. For the briefest of moments he considered not saying anything but his tongue moved first “T-There was a pony in there and s-she was crying and I-!”

“Oh! You met Mitta!” She said nonchalantly “Yeah, she’s sad all the time. Greyhoof said it’s because she had a friend who left the village a long time ago.”

“W-What?”

“It’s really sad, I know.” Sweetie tilted her head as he looked toward one of the building's windows. Pip approached her after making sure nopony was staring.

“Sweetie, there’s something weird going on.” Pip whispered urgently “She told me to run, that it was ‘almost time’. What does that mean?”

The white filly looked him directly in the eye before biting her lower lip as she looked over to see Greyhoof still near the entrance, seeming to be fighting an internal conflict. The stallion seemed oblivious as he scarfed down another cupcake. She then spoke in an edged hushed tone “Listen, Pip. Go to the edge of town and follow that path. Then you’ll know.”

“H-Huh?”

“No more questions.” She shushed him “Go. Now.” Then she walked away, all smiles as she trotted over toward the other two crusaders.

Pip spared her one more look of confusion as he watched her go before straightening his tie and sighing. The feeling in his chest was a mixture of anxiety and excitement at the thought of having to solve a mystery on his own. He was so used to playing the sidekick, being the little helper who Fancy could bounce ideas off of. But Fancy wasn’t here and while Pip had faith his mentor would find him in no time at all, it was up to him to find out what to do next . Talking to Mitta wasn’t an option as she was too hysterical, despite the pile of questions he had for the mare and while running away was definitely an idea, he simply couldn’t leave without the fillies. This left him with only one option: to follow Sweetie Belle’s suspect advice.

“A gentlecolt’s work is never done.” He mumbled and began to creep between the buildings, taking the same route he had before to avoid contact with the happy go lucky residents.

Eventually, he wound up near one of the houses near the edge of town, where Gladstone and Three Leaf were busy putting up a large sign in the center of the villa that read ‘Happy Birthday Ruby!’ in red font. As Pip stepped out of the shadows, the brown stallion turned and looked in his direction, making eye contact and causing the colt to freeze. Either Gladstone didn’t have good eyesight or he simply didn’t care because he turned and went back to whatever he was doing.

Odd.

Feeling his heart start beating again, Pip galloped behind another building, soon arriving at the mystery pathway once again. The dark that lay beyond the pastel village had only grown more intense and without his flashlight, it would be rather hard to navigate. Pip felt his courage waning the longer he waited, so he took a deep breath and muttered a familiar phrase:

“A gentlecolt always faces danger bravely...and smartly.”

He took his first step into the cold gloomy forest, the warm light of Sunnytown being sorely missed the farther he went. Briars and fallen tree limbs were a constant threat, the path having been sorely neglected for many years from what Pip could tell. The sounds of the forest were an unwelcome return, with the distant roar of manticores and the loud chirping of crickets only aiding in whittling down Pip’s resolve. He shivered from a sudden cold gust of wind that shook the nearby trees.

As he rounded a bend in the path he spotted something that made him halt his course. Further along the path was a long abandoned cabin, its wooden exterior long touched by decay and the passage of time, with holes in the walls and moss growing on the logs. What drew his attention immediately, however, was what was talking toward the cabin. Or rather, who.

The very same filly who had led him here gave off her familiar golden glow as she seemed to float up the small set of stairs, turning her head to gaze at Pip before heading inside the open doorway, her light vanishing afterward.

“Wait!” He called out and dashed for the dilapidated home, the adrenaline surging in his veins letting him leap up the stairs with ease before he headed inside. The interior was dark and devoid of furniture with glass fragments littering the floor beneath small windows broken long ago. Pip’s nose twitched as he picked up a concerning scent. The floor, walls and ceiling all gave off a strong burnt smell and, thanks to the little amount of moonlight that leaked through the windows, he saw scorch marks that seemed to originate from the fireplace near the back.

He approached slowly, hoping internally that Applejack had packed a fire starter and simply forgot to mention it. Suddenly, the moonlight coming from outside seemed to get brighter as a tree in front of one of the windows was blown by a heavy gust of wind that belted against the house.

The young gentlecolt’s eyes widened and he felt his stomach drop when Luna’s light touched the fireplace, revealing what lay in the ashes.

The charred skeleton of a young pony, its eyeless sockets seeming to stare back at him as he fell on his haunches.

Pip screamed.

Chapter Seven: A Waking Nightmare

Author's Note

Extra long chapter incoming.

Enjoy!

Chapter Seven: A Waking Nightmare

Chapter Seven:

A Waking Nightmare

Fancy Pants didn’t consider himself to be a superstitious pony.

Logic and reason were the foundations for being a gentlecolt after all, and he had long stopped being afraid of the dark. However, he had to admit that the moon kissed Everfree Forest was definitely rather eerie and having to track down his young apprentice in this dark, barely explored forest filled with creatures of all kinds made him feel the most scared he's ever felt in his life.

Yet he kept a stoic air about him, no matter how shaken he truly was. For if he lost his cool, he would endanger both him and the pegasus mare who accompanied him: Fluttershy.

The split from Applejack’s group had been a rather messy one, with the agreed end time for the investigation, 6 PM, getting ever closer when Pip disappeared. However, Applejack had let Fancy go on one condition: if they took a pack of fireworks with them that Rainbow Dash had acquired from town on short notice. It was an odd request, but it did make sense when she explained it.

“If ya’ll get in trouble or find Pip, light those suckers up and Rainbow Dash will be there with her team lickety split.” She had said, clearly not eager to enact this plan. Even without the guarantee of assistance, Fancy would have gone alone without complaint. But Fluttershy, of all ponies, had volunteered to tag along with him with the insistence he will need a guide home.

The unicorn smiled at Fluttershy when he looked back at her, her yellow coat stained orange from the light originating from his horn “Thank you again for accompanying me, Ms. Fluttershy.”

The mare shook her head, clearly shivering with fright “I-It’s fine. I couldn’t j-just sit by and let you go a-alone.”

Fancy nodded to her and went back to examining the trail he had picked up. Wherever Pip had gone, he had been in a hurry. His hoofprints were close together and foliage had been pushed aside harshly to clear his path. Further analysis revealed that there were no shadowing prints, meaning he wasn’t being chased or hunted by something else as far as Fancy could tell.

A distant roar from deeper in the forest made his heart skip a beat and he felt a warm mass rush to his side, trembling horribly. Adjusting his monocle, he continued forward “A manticore. About four miles away, I believe.”

“T-T-That’s a little close.” Fluttershy got out through chattering teeth as she remained magnetized to his right flank.

“We should be fine, Ms. Fluttershy. Just stay within my light and everything should be-”

“L-Look out!”

Fancy stopped in his tracks instantly and put all his senses of max alert, glancing about for any sign of a threat. Catching a shimmer in front of him, Fancy ceased his swiveling and saw a pony sized spider web woven between two trees, dotted with tens of imprisoned insects. The head sized spider who owned the web was sitting in the dead center before the light shone in its many eyes, causing it to retreat further up the web into the shadows.

“Goodness. Much obliged, Ms. Fluttershy.” Fancy said with a nod of the head. Casually, he gave the large web one last glance and went to go around it, stopping when he saw something odd. Sitting on the western most side of the web was a small, orange feather that glistened with evening dew under the light. This wouldn’t be so odd, after all the wind could blow any stray bird feather into a spider web, but the shape and size is what caught Fancy’s attention immediately. Carefully, he channeled his telekinesis spell alongside his light spell and gently pulled the feather from the intricate weave, the concentration giving Fancy a minor headache.

“There we are.” He announced, holding the feather in his aura “Ms. Fluttershy, it is normally unbefitting of a gentlecolt to ask this, but may I please borrow a feather?”

“O-Oh! S-Sure.” She replied and winced as she pulled a sample from her wing, handing it Fancy with her teeth.

“Thank you.” He juggled both feathers in his magic and held them close, squinting as he looked at the finer details of the feathers “I see. There is no mistaking it, this is a Pegasus’s wing feather. And the size difference indicates it could only come from a filly.”

“S-Scootaloo...” Fluttershy said mournfully, head hanging low. Fancy’s forehead creased as he put a hoof to his chin. Coincidences happen all the time, Fancy knew, but finding a clue to his initial investigation while on the trail of his missing apprentice?

“I feel like we’re getting closer, Ms. Fluttershy.” He declared and put the feathers away in his saddle bag. It was then he noticed just how downcast the Pegasus truly was as she gave a sniffle, keeping her eyes to the ground. He approached her and placed a gentle hoof on her shoulder “We’ll find them, Fluttershy. I won’t rest until I do.”

She raised her head and forced a smile, nodding as she wiped the beginning of tears from her eyes “I-I know, thank you Mr. Fancy.”

“Now, let us-”

Piercing through the night air and cutting Fancy off utterly was a loud, horrified scream that seemed only a short distance away. Fluttershy reacted with a wail of her own and cowered behind the stallion. Fancy’s brain kicked into overdrive as he processed that yell and narrowed the source down to only one result.

His eyes widened in horror.

“That was Pip! Ms. Fluttershy, I need you to go find Rainbow Dash immediately!” He nearly yelled as he looked down at her. She recoiled but stood her ground.

“W-W-What? I can’t leave you, I’ll-”

“Please, Ms. Fluttershy!” Fancy shouted, guilt piercing his chest for cutting her off “I’ll set off the fireworks when I find him but I need you to go and retrieve Rainbow Dash and her team immediately!”

The yellow Pegasus looked incredibly unsure as to what to do at first and felt as if the pressure would drive her to tears. Meeting Fancy’s eyes, however, made her pause. A fire burned behind those gentle blue irises, a determination that would move mountains if it meant saving those he loved.

It reminded her of herself, in a way, as images of a red dragon and a cockatrice flashed in her mind. She bowed her head and rose to her hooves, giving Fancy one last smile before taking flight and weaving between the branches that tried to impede her mission.

Fancy Pants turned on his hooves and galloped toward the direction of his apprentice’s shriek.

He just hoped he was not too late.

“N-No! This can’t be!” Pip screamed as he tried to stand, his limbs heavier than a slab of concrete. He couldn’t take his eyes off of the skeleton no matter how hard he tried, its mouth open to showcase its last living moments of pure agony.

The floor creaked behind him and he whirled his head around to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders standing side by side in the doorway, their expressions all sorrowful.

“It’s really sad what happened to Ruby.” Scootaloo said, eyes to the burnt floor. Apple Bloom nodded solemnly.

“Yeah. You followed her here too, didn’t ya Pip?” Applebloom inquired, shaking her head “I dunno why she called us all here, to be honest with ya.”

“She wanted us to be a part of a community. To be with ponies who would understand us, right?” Sweetie Belle answered, her tone desperate as if she were grasping for the solution herself “Please, you have to-”

“Join us, Pip.” A fourth pony stepped into view from outside, the three fillies parting to let him pass. It was Greyhoof, who was still all smiles as he looked at the mortified colt “You can be a part of our family too.”

Pip finally found the energy to stand as he looked between the fireplace and the four ponies before him “What are you talking about?!”

“She had the mark, Pip.” Greyhoof said sternly, his eyes losing all joy in that instant “I’m sure you’ve noticed, but we all lack the mark as you do. Those marks…’cutie marks’...bring nothing but misery to those who bear them and those who surround them. We did what we had to do to save our village.”

“You’re insane!” Pip stomped, eyes filled with fury “Cutie marks appear when a pony learns their special talent! The thing that will...g-give their life meaning!” Pip stuttered, trying to find the words in his rage.

“Oh Pip.” Greyhoof shook his head as if mourning a dear friend before looking down at the Cutie Mark Crusaders “That’s exactly what these fillies told me before we welcomed them into our family.” He met Pip’s eyes again, the spark of life gone from his irises “But don’t worry, you’ll be just like them soon enough.”

Pip watched in horror as Greyhoof and the three fillies in front of him began to change. Their fur falling from their skin, their bones snapping as their bodies began to shift. Horrific groans emanated from them as their flesh seemed to melt and turn black. Their ribs poked out from their mid sections and their manes and tails were reduced to just a few strands of hair. The colt was backed into the wall, his throat too tight to scream as they all opened their eyes.

Their red, glowing eyes.

“It won’t hurt, Pip. Don’t struggle and you’ll finally be happy.” Greyhoof said, his voice seeming to come from everywhere at once.

They stepped closer, their movements slow and painful looking as Pip finally let out another scream. His eyes shot everywhere but at the four monsters coming toward him before landing on the window that lay just behind him. His thoughts running at a thousand miles an hour, Pip hurled himself through the window and hit the cold ground with a thud, groaning from the impact.

Not wasting another second, he bolted around the house and back onto the path, with one look over his shoulder to the cabin revealing the four monstrosities slowly making their way after him.

“She had the mark! She had to go!” Greyhoof’s voice echoed in his mind. Pip ignored him as he came upon the pathway exit and he stopped. The idyllic little village that had been so warm and welcoming was gone, replaced instead with the decayed remains of long destroyed houses, the vines of the Evefree having long since reclaimed the large, dark clearing. Not sparing another look behind him, Pip galloped as fast he could, feeling the fatigue catching up with him as he struggled to jump over the support beam of a fallen house.

“Just give up. Nopony ever gets away.” Pip turned to see the twitchy, horrifying visage of what must have been Gladstone shambling toward him “You’ll never get the mark. We’ll keep you safe from it!”

A hit of adrenaline made him finish his climb and he jumped, darting between the ruins at a rapidly slowing pace. He gasped for precious air as he took shelter inside the remains of the former warehouse, the cold chilling his throat and lungs rapidly. He peered into a crack in the wall, noticing the ‘entrance’ where he had met Greyhoof was open once more, the trees having parted.

A figure suddenly rose into view, its red eye staring right at him. Pip shrieked and jumped back, nearly tripping over a smashed crate as the creature cackled.

“Come on, Pip! Just let me touch you!” Starlet shrieked maniacally and bucked the door, the weak frame nearly breaking from that one hit. Pip scrambled to his hooves and went to leave out of the hole he came in but saw the maimed form of what must have been Roneo blocking his exit, the red jewel Applebloom gave to him now hanging from his neck, swinging as he crawled into the hole.

“You’ll be one of us. You’ll be whole, Pip.” he groaned. Starlet delivered one final kick to the door and it splintered into hundreds of pieces. Unlike the others, Starlet was much faster and galloped toward him at full speed, her mouth open to reveal jagged teeth covered in a black goo. Pip knew he couldn’t get away in time and he covered his eyes, screaming as he thought of his mentor one last time.

Suddenly, a loud crash sounded, followed by a yell from Starlet. Pip opened his eyes and saw the skeletal mare was prone near the eastern wall, apparently having been struck by a flying crate. The colt turned his head and saw Mitta in a bucking position, her form barely recognizable but still more coherent than the rest. The red eyed mare looked at him and pointed to the now open door.

“Get out of here you fool! Run!” She screamed and ran past him, tackling Roneo to the ground after he had squeezed through the hole, the ‘tink’ of his gem acting as Pip’s cue.

“T-Thank you, Mitta!” Pip squeaked as he galloped out the door, the path to exit just a straight shot from his position. Getting closer, he could see a faint light in the distance that seemed to get brighter with each passing second. Was it Ruby? Was she trying to lead him out of the village?

Before he could find out, his knees buckled as his legs finally gave out and he yelped. He hit the ground hard, tumbling forward into the coarse dirt and grass. He moaned in pain and tried to push himself up, raising his head to gaze at the light once more.

It was gone.

“Help us, Pip.” The voice resonated in his mind and he recognized it immediately. He craned his neck and saw the deformed versions of Applebloom and her two friends standing side by side, with Greyhoof, Gladstone and what must have been Three Leaf right behind them.

“We didn’t want this.” Sweetie Belle pleaded, her flickering, crimson eyes dripping with black sludge “I just want to see my sister again. Please.”

Pip gritted his teeth and fought to stand, barely managing to get to his hooves as he turned to face them. Every bone in his sore body pleaded with him to run as he saw their maws dripping with the dark drool. Whatever remained of his courage, he summoned it as he narrowed his brow and met the eyes of Greyhoof, righteous anger burning in his eyes.

“L-Let them go, Greyhoof!” He yelled, nearly falling again as he stomped a hoof. A low, rumbling laugh sounded from the malformed creature, giving Pip a headache as it rang in his mind at the same time.

“It is too late for them, foal. They have been marked by us, forever doomed to roam this graveyard of a village. Forever blessed to never receive ‘the mark’.” He said and stepped forward, pointing a hoof.

Pip heard the cracking of bones and he turned to see at least ten more of the zombified ponies making their way into the village through his only reliable exit, their groans and moans echoing through the village. The little colt was fully surrounded and the little hope he had remaining began to fade away, his eyes welling with tears as Greyhoof approached him.

“Give up, Pip. You don’t need anypony else. We’ll keep you safe...forever.”

From behind, Pip heard the ghoulish screams of the zombie ponies as a bright light bathed everypony in an orange glow. Greyhoof stumbled back, howling along with the rest of the skeletal monsters as they retreated from the sudden radiance and ran further into the village. Pip slowly turned to look at his savior and he let his tears flow freely when his little brown eyes landed on a very familiar unicorn stallion, his horn glowing with his splendid orange magic as he looked down at the little spotted colt with great concern.

Fancy Pants had arrived.

“M-Mr. Fancy. Thank Luna you finally came.” Pip exhaled, all his worries disappearing as the stallion took his suit collar in his teeth and placed him on his back.

“There will be time to talk later, my boy. We need to get out of here.” Fancy asserted and gazed around, his chest tightening at the sight of the nightmarish pony-like creatures that crept just at the edge of the light his horn produced. Such a sight should have only existed in one's nightmares, but if such a place were to bear such monstrosities, it would be the Everfree Forest.

“He has the mark! He has the mark!” One of them screamed as it pointed at his flank, shocking Fancy with their ability to speak. This phrase was repeated by all except for three of the smaller ones, who averted their gazes when he looked at them. Not wanting to waste anymore time with these horrors, Fancy turned and went to gallop out of the village. His apprentice stopped him at the last second with a near breathless yell.

“W-Wait! W-We can’t leave Mr. Fancy!”

“Come again?” Fancy retorted, surprise heightning his pitch “Why ever not?”

“T-Those three,” he pointed with a hoof at the three little abominations that scutteled farther backward and tried to huddle with the larger creatures “They’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders. You have to find a way to help them!”

Fancy’s eyes widened and for the first time in a while, Pip heard his mentor stutter “W-What?”

“Foals! We can’t let them leave!” Greyhoof yelled and waved a hoof “Encircle them! Now!” The cracks of settled limbs filled the air along with the moans of these outwardly undead ponies, their red eyes flickering in the darkness outside of Fancy’s safe zone as they formed a circle that blocked all means of exit. Greyhoof laughed mockingly “You won’t be able to keep that spell up for much longer, am I right marked one? You do look rather tired.”

Fancy Pants bit his lip, the headache that had settled after the battle with timberwolves a couple of hours ago was resurfacing as the minutes passed. A light spell wasn’t incredibly taxing for a Unicorn but the monster was right. He wouldn’t be able to keep this up forever, maybe another ten minutes at most if Fancy had to guess. The gentlecolt let out a calming breath and raised his head, meeting the eyes of who seemed to be the leader of these creatures.

“I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I am Fancy Pants, gentlecolt extraordinaire and amatuer mystery solver. Might I ask your name?” The expression of the darkness enshrouded undead pony was unreadable, a faint hint of black saliva leaking from his maw.

“......Greyhoof.” He answered, his tone deadly.

“Greyhoof? A fine name I must say.” Fancy adjusted his monocle and gave a quick look to Pip, the young pony following his master’s eyes when he faced Greyhoof again. The colt’s eyes went wide when he saw a strange bundle in the bushes to the right surrounded by the orange aura of Fancy’s magic, just outside the circle of skeletal ponies. “Now, if you don’t mind, would you care to explain what you are? I must admit that in all my travels I have never met a pony such as you before.”

“I don’t know what you're playing at, marked one. This stalling is only costing you time to keep your precious light spell up.” He chuckled darkly “But if you must know, we are the Markless. Ponies who have been blessed with a life free of cutie marks.” He snarled the last pair of words. Fancy nodded his head in genuine interest, clearing his throat loudly as Pip saw the fuse on the bundle of fireworks set alight by a spark of magic.

“I see, I see.” He nodded, hoof to chin “Now, I have another question for you, if you would oblige a doomed soul.” Fancy tilted his head and gave a calm smile “Do you enjoy fireworks?”

If Greyhoof had a brow to raise, Pip was certain it would be to the sky at that question “What? Why would you ask-”

What started as a crackle of colorful sparks soon turned into an explosion of colors that shot just over the heads of the clustered group of ponies and non ponies. The loud bang combined with the shower of colors and light that rained down from the sky made the undead group scatter, breaking their formation and forcing Greyhoof to retreat farther into the ruins, along with the other village Markless.

As soon as this opening appeared, Fancy galloped through it and proceeded into the former village with his light spell still up, easily dodging the frightened undead. Pip held on for dear life, looking at his teacher in amazement.

“How did you do that, Mr. Fancy?!” Pip shouted over the explosions.

“I planted them there shortly before I made my entrance, figuring that was the best use for them.” He answered as he jumped over a fallen tree “Now, care to tell me what is going on here?”

Pip organized his thoughts before taking a deep breath “According to Greyhoof, this village was cursed after they...hurt somepony named Ruby really bad for getting her cutie mark. When the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed that pony here, they couldn't escape and were turned into those...skeletal ponies.”

“This Ruby, you followed her here too, didn't you my boy?”

Pip looked down at the grass that rushed by, ashamed as he finally connected the dots. “Yes. Mr. Fancy. I-I’m sorry for running off alone. It was not befitting of a gentlecolt and I understand if-”

A stone that just barely missed Fancy’s head slammed into the ground and bounced, causing Pip to yelp and turn to see the Markless had regrouped and were in pursuit. Fancy’s hooves pounded the ground as he dodged obstacle after obstacle, his breathing becoming more labored.

“We’ll have time for that later, Pip. Do you have any clues? Anything that would lead to a solution?”

Pip’s tongue froze, caught utterly off guard. Usually he was the one asking that. Shaking his head, Pip wracked his brain and tried to focus as Fancy grew nearer toward the path that led back to that awful cabin.

“Find me.” A familiar and soothing voice said in his mind, making him gasp. Pip looked ahead and gulped. It seemed like they had no choice, even though he would rather be anywhere else right now.

“Stay on this path, Mr. Fancy and keep going till you see a cabin!” Pip yelled out as he placed all his bets on this one clue. Fancy Pants nodded.

Their journey was fraught with numerous stones being lobbed their way, with one slamming into Fancy’s side and nearly causing him to fall. Nevertheless he kept going, his light shining the way as his pace began to gradually falter in speed. Just as they rounded the bend and the cabin came into view, Fancy grunted and shut his eyes, clearly in pain.

“What’s wrong?!”

“T-They’re bombarding my mind with horrible screaming.” He groaned as his light began to dim “I-I can’t keep focus much longer!”

Pip whimpered and did not dare look back “Keep going, Mr. Fancy! We’re almost there!”

Fighting through the mental agony, the gentlecolt grinded his teeth and put every last bit of his energy into that final sprint. It was not long before the stallion leapt up the stairs and slammed the door behind him, catching just a brief glimpse of the sea of red eyes that lurked not far behind. He silently thanked Celestia when he noticed the bolt on the door and promptly locked it, collapsing against it to regain his breath after Pip dismounted.

“This won’t hold them back for long.” Fancy said through gasps as he dispelled his magic, grasping his head as he winced. The stallion opened one eye to see Pip slowly approach a fireplace, Luna’s moonlight barely illuminating the dark interior.

“Y-You idiot. How did I know you’d come back here?.” Both ponies' heads jerked to the right to see crimson eyes glowing in the darkness before a figure stepped into the silver light, revealing a dark coated mare with a dark red mane. Fancy’s horn began to glow as he prepared to reignite his horn before Pip intervened. .

“Mitta! Are you alright?” He blurted and looked at her carefully. The mare was banged up rather badly, her injuries mostly covered up by her dark coat. Fancy sighed and cancelled the spell.

“You know her, Pip?”

“She saved me just before you arrived, Mr. Fancy.” Pip smiled at the undead pony. Mitta scoffed and spat up some black goo.

“Answer me: Why are you back here? Are you trying to save us? We deserve this for what happened to...to Ruby.” She uttered sadly and nodded to one of the windows “You still have a way out. Don’t throw your lives away over those three fillies, just go!” She yelled and weakly stomped a hoof.

“Sorry Ms. Ritta, but that isn’t an option.” Fancy said evenly “If we can save them, even if there is only a sliver of a chance, we have to.”
“You have to help us, Ritta. Please.” Pip begged and went to touch one of her hooves only for her to rapidly shuffle away.

“No! If you touch me in this form, you’ll become one of them!” She screamed incessantly, nearly falling over.

A loud series of bangs on the door, coupled with the moaning of the monsters cut off the conversation and let everypony inside know the horde had arrived. Fancy looked over to the front windows and could see the decayed black limbs of the undead as they tried to crawl through, their sheer numbers keeping them from piling in immediately.

Fancy looked at Pip and Mitta, his horn beginning to glow as he got to his hooves “I’ll hold them off, my boy! In the meantime, you and Ms. Mitta will try and solve this mystery once and for all!”

Stepping away from the door to position himself halfway into the cabin, Fancy channeled his light spell and tilted his head toward the door, causing the undead in the windows to screech as they clambered their way back out of the orange light.

Pip swallowed hard and looked to the fireplace, both the pressure and the sight of the skeleton filly causing whatever ideas in his head to disappear. Mitta remained where she was, whether out of apathy or despair, Pip could not tell. The little colt closed his eyes and took a slow deep breath, remembering the breathing exercises he practiced with Fleur, time seeming to slow down as he organized his thoughts.

The curse on the town was inflicted by an unknown source at an unknown date, probably hundreds of years ago judging from how many zombie ponies there were. But if that was the case, why was Ruby’s skeleton nearly perfectly preserved after so long? Well, her fate was the catalyst for the curse in the first place so, in theory, her skeleton might be the vessel perpetrating the curse. Morbidly fitting. Even if this were true, then without the perpetrator of the curse to repeal it, then knowing this would solve nothing.

Unless…

Pip let his brain go off the rails as he processed a truly far fetched idea. What if the one who instilled the curse was no individual shaman? What if it was the Everfree itself? It sounded ridiculous but the Everfree truly was like no other location in Equestria and seemed to possess magic in and of itself. So what if….

Pip opened his eyes and time resumed its normal flow. He looked at Mitta with a determined expression. “Mitta, do you know who cursed the village in the first place?”

She looked up from the floor confused “No. It just happened after what we...did to Ruby.”

Score one for his theory “If we end the curse, what will happen to Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?”

The dark mare looked skeptical, the screams of the horde making her wince “Even if you were to miraculously know how to end all of this, they’ve already been claimed by the curse. There is no way out once you’ve been converted as far as I know.”

“But they were only recently converted. Is there a chance they might return to normal?” Pip asked desperately. Mitta’s dubious expression didn’t leave.

“I don’t think curses work like that kid.” She shook her head but gave the colt an impartial expression “But...I guess I don’t fully understand it either. Maybe there is a chance? Are you asking because you figured something out?”

Pip looked unsure as he turned to the fireplace “I have an idea but I...don’t know if it’ll work. Can you help me...get Ruby out of there?”

Mitta shook her head and showed off her front forehooves. Only now did Pip notice the numerous burn marks on her hooves and upper legs “We can’t touch her without being burned. I’ve tried for so long to get her out of there but, even without flames, it feels like the fire is still burning around her.”

An uneasy Pip closed his eyes as his throat tightened. “Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”

Slowly, the young gentlecolt brought his hooves to the ash covered pit. His heart beat rapidly as he stared into the vacant eye holes of the skeleton that seemed to meet his gaze, his forehead growing damp with sweat. With great hesitation, he touched the skull between its eyes.

Nothing. That was a good start.

Feeling the pressure decrease in his chest, he carefully began to pull the skeleton from its resting place. Despite improbable odds, it held together perfectly. Mitta watched but Pip was unable to read her expression.

“I never thought I’d see the day…” she said in awe, reaching a hoof toward the skeleton but refraining from making contact “What now?”

A good question. The little colt did not see any way to get outside and enact his plan without going through the door. The door that was currently being beat on by the undead horde that wanted nothing more than to get their hooves on them.

“Mr. Fancy? Are you doing okay?”

Fancy grimaced but managed a nod without turning his head “I’m holding up alright. Did you figure it out, Pip?”

“I believe so. But we need to go outside for me to truly solve this mystery, Mr. Fancy.”

Fancy looked out of the corner of his eyes and noticed that his young apprentice was carrying a young pony skeleton with his hooves. He only just managed to suppress his look of horror before turning his attention back to the door “Alright, I’ll trust your judgement my boy. Ms. Mitta, if you don’t mind I’d like you to-”

“I’ll go out the back window and see what I can do from there.” She cut in and limped her way over, giving the duo one last look before she crawled out “Good luck you two.”

Fancy Pants grimaced as he watched her go and allowed his magic to flow freely once more, lighting up the whole cabin with ease before looking back at his apprentice “Stand back, young Pip.”

With his headache growing stronger, Fancy winced as he dimmed the light and channeled his telekinesis, undoing the lock and swinging the door open in short order. The result was immediate as the undead ponies who had piled up against the door were sent reeling back, letting out horrific screams as they climbed and trampled over each other to get away from the light. Pip looked past and felt his heart stop. In the short time they spent in the cabin, a thick fog had descended upon the forest and coated everything in a thick cloud that nearly blinded the duo. Even through this mist, Pip could see that the numbers of the Markless had grown considerably, seeing at least a hundred red eyes gazing at them as they gave the cabin entrance a wide berth, resembling a sea of crimson that threatened to pull them in with its dreadful current if they got too close.

“Stay close to me.” Fancy muttered warily as he descended the stairs, Pip following close behind as he carefully pulled the skeleton with his forehooves. The moans that echoed all around them was a symphony of terror that made the gentlecolt’s skin crawl.
“T-This should be far enough.” Pip said the second their hooves touched soil, gently placing the skeleton down before he dug through his pack, sighing in relief when he found a small garden shovel in AJ’s survival pack. It wasn’t perfect for the job but he didn’t complain as he stuck the shovel into the earth.

“They have the body of the betrayer!” A fanatical voice yelled from the crowd, resembling Gladstone’s, causing the moans and groans of the group to turn into animalistic snarls and growls.

“And just what do you plan to do, Pipsqueak?” Greyhoof asked, his calm yet stern tone silencing the surrounding horde “Do you think burying her will do anything more than taint this already rotten forest? She was better served as kindling!” He yelled, quickly losing his cool.

Pip ignored him as best he could, the rage making him sweat as he gripped his tiny shovel harder in his teeth and dug quicker.

“I believe your quarrel is with me, Greyhoof.” Fancy intervened, clearly upset as he fought through his splintering headache “Tell me, where are the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

Silence reigned for a few moments before the stallion saw three pairs of eyes that came up to his knees at the edge of his safe zone. He could feel their turmoil just from how they looked at him.

“They are here, safer than they will ever be in a world that deems Marked Ones as more worthy than those without.” Greyhoof declared plainly “You were better off remaining in your ivory tower...Fancy Pants, was it? Why couldn’t you just leave us in peace?”

“Apologies, but I have a bad habit of sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.” Fancy gave a smirk before squinting, trying to keep his focus “I also know evil when I see it, sir Greyhoof. If you had simply kept to your own devices and left innocent ponies alone, then I wouldn’t be here and you would be free to stew in your mistakes.”

“I protected this village when nopony else would!” Greyhoof screamed, his voice penetrating Fancy’s mind harshly and causing the light field to flicker “She had the mark! She had to go!”

This phrase was echoed hundred fold by the surrounding undead, the pressure of which caused Fancy to drop to three hooves, his eyes closed as he put everything he had into his magic “Hurry, young Pip. I-I can’t keep this up much longer.”
The little pony felt light headed from his constant shoveling, his own body about to give out as well from the lack of food and sleep. Overlooking his progress and comparing it to Ruby’s skeleton proved unfavorable.

“I just need a little more time, Mr. Fancy!” Pip called out and continued, his neck sore from his efforts.

“You’ll never dig a hole deep enough in time with that puny thing!” Greyhoof laughed mockingly before waving a hoof “Get ready for a feast, everypony!”

Fancy’s eyes cracked open, his vision blurry. He analyzed the odds of making it out and, while he was used to solving near impossible odds, this seemed like a tough puzzle for him to solve. Thoughts of his wife filled his mind and he bared his teeth in defiance as he fought to stand upright once more and backed closer to Pip. If he had to guess, he had maybe another minute before his magic ran dry and left them vulnerable. He opened his mouth to say something, to tell Pip he was sorry for failing him and how he should have been a better mentor.

But before he could utter such words that would tempt fate even more, a loud shrill cut through the air and he saw one of the undead ponies pushing through his magic light. Pip jumped out of his small hole and his jaw dropped.

It was Mitta and she had a large rusted shovel in her teeth.

“M-Ms. Mitta! You can’t stay in the light, it will-”

She fought through the horrible burning sensation and planted the shovel into the hole, screaming out “S-Shut up and let me h-help somepony for once in my pathetic life!”

Fancy Pants didn’t say anymore and nodded resolutely, this act giving him enough will to hold on longer than before.

“You were always the weakest of all of us, Mitta! No resolve, no drive to protect the ones you claimed to love!” Greyhoof yelled. The mare ignored him.

Pip watched as Mitta began shoveling, quickly helping out as best he could. Her fur was sizzling harshly under the light and the colt was tempted to tell her to stop for her sake. But her eyes burned with the same intensity as her body and he knew no amount of begging would stop her. With both of their efforts, it was only half a minute before they had dug a deep enough hole.

“N-Now, get her in there!” Mitta exclaimed and dropped on her haunches, trying her best to shield her face as she whimpered in agony. Pip wasted no time as drug Ruby’s body into the hole and began to rapidly kick the dirt mound into its proper place. Once it was filled, Pip stomped it firmly and collapsed atop it in exhaustion, his whole body past the point of exhaustion as he closed his eyes and began to pray for a miracle.

The hum of Fancy’s weakening magical aura was all that filled this section of the forest for what felt like hours, the mist seeming to grow thicker around the small cabin for each moment that passed. A collection of terrible laughs broke the silence, Pip’s eyes opening in shock.

“Too bad, foals. This is what happens when you trust a marked one, Pip.” Greyhoof taunted and stepped forward, Fancy’s light flickering as he sat on his flanks, eyes twitching from effort before he finally fell over, collapsing from exhaustion with a groan “Don’t worry though. As I said, we’ll keep you safe…FOREVER!”

Then the horde began to approach, maws open and leaking their blackened saliva in anticipation. Pip shut his eyes and began to cry, looking over at his heavily breathing teacher “I’m..sorry Mr. Fancy Pants. I...failed.”

“I-It’s o-okay, my boy.” Fancy managed to say and tilted his head to smile at his apprentice “But I wouldn’t, urgh, count us out just yet. Look.”

Pip raised his head with great effort and noticed that the horde had...stopped. Their red eyes were still focused on the downed duo but they seemed to be unable to move, their undead forms twitching with effort as their scarlet eyes began to flicker. The mist that surrounded all within the area began to swirl. It started slow at first before the wind began to pick up like a tempest, forming a funnel that, when Pip looked up through squinted eyes, allowed him to see the moon shining down upon them

“What is happening?! What did you do?!” Greyhoof yelled and darted his eyes to his now frozen companions “Get them! Get them you foals!”

His words fell on deaf, undead ears as the hundreds of monsters remained motionless. Then, one by one, they began to turn to dust and were swept up into the small cyclone. Pip heard Starlet cry out and attempt to rush over to one of the undead stallions.

“R-Roneo, help me!” She screamed before being reduced to dust, the same thing happening to the heartbroken stallion before he could respond. Greyhoof began to panic as he witnessed Gladstone silently accept his fate, the leader attempting to flee in terror before he was swept up and disintegrated with the rest.
“W-What’s going on?” Pip cried out over the rushing winds. Just out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a bright, golden light. He saw Ruby standing next to Mitta, who was looking up at the small filly, her eyes leaking blackened tears.

“I’m so sorry R-Ruby. I should have stopped them, I-” her words were cut off by Ruby placing a hoof on her cheek. The grey filly gave a soft smile and shook her head.

“Everything is okay now, Mitta. We’ll finally be together again.” Mitta broke down into sobs, her smile remaining when she turned to face Pip one last time. She mouthed the words ‘thank you’ before turning to dust.

Ruby stood still for a few moments as the wind began to calm before looking at Pip and Fancy Pants, giving them a smile “I’m sorry I dragged you into this, Pip. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and my friends.”

Pip blinked, realizing only then that he was crying. He sniffled and wiped away his tears “Y-You’re welcome, Ruby. I hope you can rest in peace now.”

She closed her bright yellow eyes, nodding happily before pointing past the two gentlecolts. Pip followed her hoof and covered his mouth. The three Cutie Mark Crusaders were back to normal and laying in the dirt unconscious, tangled together from their efforts to stay grounded. Before his gratitude and joy could be expressed, the colt turned to thank the ghost filly one last time.

Alas, she was gone.

The wind had died and was quickly replaced with the cries of crickets and other nocturnal creatures, the two gentlecolts remaining prone as they basked in the moment of peace.

“Well done, my boy. I knew you could do it.” Fancy Pants chuckled, moaning in pain afterward “I could use a nice cup of tea. How about you?”

Pip finally found the energy to laugh “I want a fat hay burger with some fries. Tea after, if that’s alright Mr. Fancy.”

The pair laughed together as the stress of today began to melt away, the soreness of the past hour catching up to them quickly. It was not long before they heard the whoosh of something flying overhead, making the duo look up to see a squad of pegasi circling the clearing with intent to land.

“Good work, Ms. Fluttershy.” Fancy said as he tiredly got to his hooves “I knew I could count on her.”

Pip glanced back at the trio of fillies as Fancy shakily grabbed him and placed him on his back, feeling his chest swell with joy and pride as his eyes went to close. The last thing he saw was the blurry sight of pegasus ponies hitting the ground near the Crusaders, followed by the unintelligible cries of Fluttershy.

He then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Chapter Eight: The Way Home

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