Lost

by MLPTMNTPegasister

Rating: everyone
Tags: Crossover, Zecora, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Rarity, Fluttershy, Adventure, Pinkie Pie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Length: 13518

When an unknown threat wreaks havoc in Equestria, Sundown Sparkle must do the impossible and save his kingdom from total destruction with his family.

After being forced to move to PonyVille by Princess Solana and Prince Lunar Eclipse, Sundown Sparkle meets his lost family, and must keep them protected after a threat invades.

(This is my first fanfic, so judgements are allowed. I don't care!) :)

Published 2023-02-20 23:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-02-20 23:30:01 UTC

Prologue: Unlocked Chains

The weeping sorrow of the Edge Equestria dungeons splattered on the guard's muzzle. The guard, Locked Metal, gently shook his head to let the cold drip go away. He could sense excitement was on his to-do list, and he was ready. It was his talent to be ready for excitement, that is why Solana hired him after all. The way he could guard his little brother's room while he was sleeping without even blinking was an unimaginable power.
Locky, as he was called, heard a slight rustle behind him. He thought about it, but concluded that he was imagining the sounds. Locky knew that the cell he was guarding was so high-tech that no pony, or no creature, had ever escaped the prison. It was impossible, or so he thought. The rustles grew louder, then started to turn into groans and grunts, and whatever was locked up began to move. Locky turned around, and the "thing" began to growl. Its white tar eyes stared deeply into Locked Metal's eyes. The guard stood up straight and started to use his magical communicator.

"Section 46, Locked Metal here. I have an awakened prisoner down here. Sending this jail hawk's coordinates now.." he said. The communicator beeped as its owner settled.
The Unicorn guard took a deep breath and said, "Well, buddy. Seems like you may be hungry after being locked up for a thousand years. Just one of those times, eh? Well, let me tell you, it isn't any fun for me either. I love guarding other ponies and creatures, mind you. I just wish I could have daily meals and drink water like everypony should. My tummy is aching for some pizza and beer, so don't think you have a hard life, okay? We're both in this together." The creature growled in response, and more guards opened the doors to give both of them meals. The heavy metal doors squeaked with pain as they were opened, but the guards paid no attention. One of them, a Pegasus, dropped slop through a tiny hole in the top of the cell. The hole was constructed to be so small that no dark forces or creatures could escape through it. It was the size of a needle tip. After the guards left, Locked Metal looked at his prisoner again.

"Well, buddy. Maybe you should enter the dream realm now, eh? It's in your blood to enter realms, I know it. May Lunar save you from nightmares." The creature replied with a soft groan and settled back into its normal black puddle form.
A few hours later, Locked Metal awoke, seeing that he had fallen asleep himself, and he looked to see that the cell he was guarding had been opened. "Section 46, we have a problem," he shivered. "I failed..to do my duty."

Author's Note

My story, Lost, is going to have very short chapters, so there's going to be a lot of them. Please tell me what you think!
(Oh, and I'm new, so can somepony please tell me how to get the emojis on?)

Chapter 2: Hummingbird

Pegasi could see a bright, golden, polished carriage fly through the sky, depending on the flight of a griffon and a dragon. Sundown remembered his mother was the reason different creatures worked for Solana and Lunar.

"Royal Decree #2461: Princess Solana and Prince Lunar of Canterlot decree that the bright purple Alicorn colt, Sundown Sparkle, be sent to his mother's old home, PonyVille, to accomplish the task his mother had saved Equestria with, making friends. Sundown will stay no longer if he makes life-long friends that he will cherish for eternity." Ruby finished reading the scroll Solana had sent him with.

"Why make friends when you could be studying Equestria's history?" Sundown was baffled. "Making friends is just a waste of time."

"Your mother thought the same thing," Ruby said as the carriage landed. "And when she made friends she ended up saving the world."

Sundown thought about this for a moment, then nodded. "If friends and family were good enough for my parents," Sundown concluded, walking north of PonyVille. "Then they're good enough for me, too."

The dragon and Alicorn strutted through the village. Sundown had read that Alicorns were the most respected ponies in Equestria, but it didn't surprise him that ponies treated him regularly. As the Alicorn population grew enormously, Alicorns became as common as regular Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi. It was just the change of the century.

As they entered the historic castle of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Leonardo, Ruby tapped Sundown so hard her claws felt like coconuts dropping on his head.

"Ow! Stop it, Ruby! What's up?" Sundown asked annoyingly.

"Look at that colt!" Ruby pointed to a yellow-furred colt with magenta hair in a distant meadow. The colt was facing away from the duo, looking at something. "He reminds me of somepony. This is the perfect chance for you to make a friend!"

"No, Ruby. There are plenty of colts here and we have all the time in the world. I want to go to the Castle early and unpack."

Ruby pulled Sundown's blue and violet mane and thrusted it in the direction of the Pegasus.

"Ow," Sundown said. "Okay, have it your way. I'll make a friend."

Satisfied, Ruby kept pulling and pushing, leading her brother into a bush.

"He's facing something. Let's go meet him." Ruby said.

"OK. You can do this, Sundown." The Alicorn walked up to the colt and greeted, "Hello there."

The colt screamed and jumped up into a tree. When he fell down, his face was red with anger and he yelled, "DON'T YOU KNOW NOT TO SNEAK UP ON PONIES?!" he yelled.

"Oh, er, sorry." Sundown apologized, surprised over the colt's tone. "I was just saying hello. My name is Sundown Sparkle. What's yours?"

"Oh, did I scream again?" the colt asked, now whispering very low. Sundown nodded. "Sorry, I'm known to have a temper, like my dad. My mom says that when he was young, he was very hot. Um..my name is Hummingbird, nice to meet you. Oh, you have a dragon with you, nice."

"Hummingbird! It's time to prepare for our weekly tea party with Discord!" called a distant mare.

"Coming, Mom! Sundown, would you like to meet my mom and dad?" Hummingbird asked.

"Of course," Sundown followed Hummingbird to the end of the meadow, in front of two Pegasi.

"Mom, Dad, this is my new friend, Sundown Sparkle." Hummingbird introduced.

"Sundown Sparkle.." the mare almost fainted.

"Ruby, I know these Pegasi!" Sundown exclaimed.

"You do?"

"Of course! This is my dad's little brother, Raphael. And this is the mare he married, Fluttershy! See? Family history does come in handy."

"OH MY GOODNESS. Mom, Dad, is this one of my cousins?" Hummingbird asked.

"Well, yes." Fluttershy answered, flipping her hair. "This colt must be Uncle Leo and Aunt Twily's son."

Hummingbird thought for a second. "Mom, Dad, tell Discord I couldn't make it this week. I'm going to show Sundown here to the family!"

"OK," Raphael called as Sundown, Hummingbird, and Ruby ran off. "We'll save you some!"

"They're off." Fluttershy said. "Oh, it's a shame. Discord has always enjoyed Hum's company."

Author's Note

Well. Second chapter done. Sundown's on his way to learn more family history by meeting the family.
Let me know if I missed anything!:rainbowdetermined2:

Chapter 3: Pizza Pie

"Which part of town do you want to see first?" Hummingbird asked Sundown as the two flew over PonyVille.

"You said we had family that lived nearby. Can we go see them?" Sumdown asked.

"Oh yeah, of course. I have four cousins on my dad's side, including you, and like, ten on my mom's side. But I'm guessing you want to meet my dad's family, right?" Hummingbird asked.

"You know it." Sundown smirked.

"Okay, then. Sundown Sparkle, Ruby, brace yourselves. It's time for you to meet Pizza Pie."

The colts landed in the middle of town, and trotted into a bakery. That bakery was none other than Sugar Cube Corner, and it had stood where it was for many years.

"The Cakes used to run this place," Hummingbird explained. "But when Mr. and Mrs. Cake grew to old to run it and their children, Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, were too young to learn how to run the bakery, they sold it to Pinkie Pie and her husband, Michelangelo. Then Pinkie had her first child, Pizza Pie. Or so my mom and dad told me."

Sundown took in his surroundings as they waited to find Pizza Pie. He saw an old, pink Earth Pony mare frost cupcakes in the kitchen, and a green Earth Pony stallion was baking the cupcakes that would soon feel the satisfying touch of the Pie family's soft, smooth buttercream.

"Oh, hi Hum." greeted the mare as she walked over to take their order. "Have you come to play with Pizza? Or does your mum need more tea biscuits?"

"This is Aunt Pinkie," said Hummingbird.

"Wait, Pinkie!" exclaimed the stallion. "I had a vision last night that a lost family member would be rejoining us tonight. Look at the colt beside Hum."

"And that is Uncle Mikey." sighed Hummingbird.

"Oh. My. Cupcakes. Sundown has rejoined us! Time for a family party!" yelled Pinkie in her usual high-pitched voice. "Pizza, come down here!"

"Coming, Momma! OHMYGOSH! You're right!" a filly about the age of Hummingbird tripped down the candy-coated stairs. She was a baby pink furred one, with orange hair. Her baby blue eyes matched Pinkie's, so Sundown knew the filly must be Pizza Pie.

"Sorry, Aunt Pinkie!" Sundown gasped, struggling away from Pizza's grasp. "But I want to meet the rest of the family. No time for a party yet."

"Oh, I knew you may have wanted to meet the others before celebrating your return," Pinkie chuckled. "I was just calling it out so you ponies know I'm going to host one later."

"Oh." 'Return? What does she mean? I've lived in Canterlot since my mom birthed me. Right?'
Sundown thought. Before entering the ancient school of magic his mother had once attended, Solana and Lunar had raised Sundown as their own when his parents died. They told him his backstories all the time. Was his aunt saying the truth? He would have to find out later.

"If you want to meet more family, go to the Carousel Boutique. My big brother lives there with his wife and twins, Rarity, Scarlett, and Elusive." Mikey walked from his place at the counter to his nephew.

"I thought you said there were twins!" Sundown said. "Why are there three?"

"No, silly," Mikey laughed. "Rarity is the wife. Scarlett and Elusive are twins."

"Oh." Sundown shook his mane freely. "Well, we'll be off now. We have more family to cover."

"Oh, Momma, Daddy, can I go with them? I want to catch up with the cousin I've never met!" Pizza begged.

"Of course, Pizza. Be safe now, okay? Be back in time for the welcome party!" Pinkie yelled as they ran off.

"And there they go," Mikey said. "Off to save the world."

"What?"

"Long story."

Author's Note

Welcome to the world of "LOST", Pizza Pie. :pinkiegasp:
We'll never know what this filly has in store for us! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 4: Elusive & Scarlett

Pizza Pie, Hummingbird, and Sundown walked the wet streets of PonyVille, where they entered the shopping district.

“This town is small,” said Sundown. “You couldn’t see all of Canterlot in a week.”

“Well,” Hummingbird said, annoyed but trying to keep it in. “PonyVille’s small size keeps it cozy and loveable.”

“Yeah!” Pizza Pie exclaimed. “Besides, few hoity-toity ponies stay here."
Sundown gave her a look.

“What? My parents and I made a delivery in Canterlot once.”

“Anyway, here we are.” Hummingbird sighed. “The home of the fanciest family of Unicorns in Equestria, Rarity, Donatello, Elusive Diamond, and Scarlett Ruby.”

Sundown stepped into the shop, the savoury smell of fabric hitting the Alicorn’s nostrils as the doorbell rang.

“Just a moment! My husband will be with you soon!” called a refined female voice.

Just then did an elderly Unicorn with a green coat and a purple mane come trotting to the group.

“Oh hello, Pizza, Hum. Who do we have here?” the stallion asked.

“This is Sundown Sparkle, Uncle Donnie.”

“Sundown Spar… By my calculations. RARITY! Stop your sewing and come to the front door! STAT!” Donnie skidded on the squeaky floor to get to his wife, who was sewing a big order of dresses and suits.

Donnie brought his wife, a female Unicorn with a white coat and purple mane, to the door. Rarity’s expression went from calm and controlled to shock.

“Hum, Pizza. I would like dear Sundown to myself for a moment. Scarlett and Elusive are upstairs. Go play for a minute.” Rarity ordered softly.

“OK, Aunt Rarity.” Hum and Pizza replied, skidding up the staircase.

“Oh, Sundown Sparkle.” Rarity sighed, putting her hoof under his chin. “You look like a mix of your mother and father.”

“Thanks,” Sundown said softly. “I get that a lot.”

“You know, Sundown. Your mother was the most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen.” Donnie chuckled. Rarity gave him a
look. “Other than you, of course, dear.”

Sundown giggled.

"I never knew the fate of your mother or father, or their loyal dragon companion, Spike. But after they disappeared, that’s when Celestia’s daughter and Luna’s son took the throne. It’s felt like a century since I heard Leo’s laugh echoing in my ears.” Donnie continued.

“That’s what my dad’s nickname was, Leo?” Sundown asked.

“Honey, Solana and Lunar Eclipse never told you? Of course, I know Leonardo never wanted his nickname recorded in books, though.” Rarity asked.

“No, they never told me. Before today, I had never had any family. Just Ruby over there. Solana used to say my mother died when I was born and my father had run away before then. But I knew in my heart and gut she was lying. So I always thought my mother had been ill, and she died after having me and my father died because whatever my mother had was contagious.” Sundown explained.

“Oh, neither of those are correct,” Donnie said. “But if you want to know whatreally[\i]happened to them, you’re just going to have to find out for yourself. Besides, Leo would never run away from you or your mom. Twilight was the pony Leo loved the most, even more than his brothers. And he was so excited for when Twilight became pregnant, but unfortunately, he never met you. Never in his life.”

After a moment of silence, Rarity said, “Well, now that that is settled, maybe you should go up and meet Elusive and Scarlett, sweetheart. I and Donatello will go back into the studio and sew this order.”

“Got it,” Sundown nodded, climbing the golden spiral staircase that was placed in the back. After climbing for forever, Sundown got to the second floor.

“Note to self,” he whispered. “Fly or teleport on the way down.” The Alicorn listened against each closed door to see which one was the twins’ bedroom. He listened until he heard giggles and murmuring behind one. He opened the door to see Hummingbird, Pizza Pie, and two Unicorns chattering away.

"Sundown!” Pizza exclaimed. “Come in and meet Scarlett and Elusive!” Sundown was embarrassed. Certainly these two young Unicorns wouldn’t want a stranger sitting in their bedroom, but they were quiet. They smiled, and they didn’t look like fake, plastered smiles.

“Scarlett Ruby, Elusive Diamond, this is Sundown Sparkle. Uncle Leo and Aunt Twily’s son.” said Hummingbird.

“Oh my, but I thought Uncle Leo and Aunt Twily were dead.” Scarlett put a hoof to the corner of her mouth. ]“I was the colt Mom and Dad had before they died.” Sundown explained, sad and offended.

“Oh My Goodness. Sundown, I’m so sorry. I’m sure it must be hard for you, being an orphan and all. Although Hum and Piz explained that Princess Solana and Prince Lunar Eclipse are like your foster parents.” Scarlett sighed.

Before Sundown could even enter through the doorway, Elusive came and shook his hoof.

“Hey, Sundown! Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually standing in front of an Alicorn prince!” Elusive chuckled, shaking Sundown’s hoof in the same manner that Applejack shook Sundown’s mother’s hoof years before.

“Well, I’m technically not a prince. I’m only an Alicorn because both my parents were Alicorns, it’s my blood.”

“But you were birthed and raised by royalty.” Elusive couldn’t tell the difference.

“It actually doesn’t make me royalty, because I didn’t earn it, but it’s very complicated so can we turn over to a different subject?” Sundown asked.

“Oh, of course, Sundown.” Elusive backed away and let Sundown enter, letting all the sunlight touch his face.

“So, do you ponies want to have an adventure sometime? Or maybe discuss how we got our Cutie Marks or something?” Pizza asked. Everyone nodded. Sundown was about to ask Scarlett a question when they heard a piercing shriek.

“Mom!” yelled Scarlett and Elusive. Just then, they heard a bang of wood and metal. “Dad!”

“Why is your guys’ mom yelling?” Pizza asked, clueless.

“Why are we all standing around?” Sundown asked. “Let’s go find out.” The group flew, teleported, or ran downstairs to see both Rarity and Donnie cornered, and Donnie pulling up his staff to fight.

“Donnie, dear, you are too old to be up to these tactics.” Rarity cried as an unknown creature, the thing that cornered the elderly Unicorns, approached them slowly.

“Darling, don’t you worry. My back isn’t what it used to be, but it can still save us from this shadow.” Donnie cocked his head up to face the creature.

Scarlett, Elusive, Pizza, Hummingbird, Ruby, and Sundown jumped by Donnie’s side, firing up horns, flaring wings, and rearing.

“Kids, you have to go.” Donnie snorted. “This creature wants me and Rarity, not you five.”

“We’re not leaving your side, Dad.” Scarlett bared her teeth. “It’s all or nothing.”

“No.” Donnie sighed and his horn grew bright violet. “I can’t risk your lives.”
Next thing the fillies and colts knew, Donnie had teleported them outside and the creature had swallowed Donnie and Rarity whole.

Author's Note

Uh oh. Seems like the kids are in for a surprise! :trixieshiftleft: :raritycry:

Chapter 6: Inky Gorge, Wetlands, Equestria

Thankfully, the wish the group made came true. The Shadow Plague was too busy stealing souls and emptying bodies to follow them.

When they got to the doorstep, they all hesitated to figure out which one would open the great golden doors of Sundown’s parents’ home.

“Everypony hope this place isn’t haunted,” Hummingbird said.

Sundown nodded in agreement, opening the door with a blue burst of magic. The inside of the castle was surprisingly well-kept and clean, although it had been abandoned for a couple years.

“Well, now we know this isn’t your regular every-day haunted house.” Pizza hummed, skipping inside.

“I wonder who kept it clean? Spider webs and dust usually build up if you leave a place alone for a while.” Sundown commented.

“He’s right. My mom left the chicken coop alone for a while, and soon the chickens were protesting for a better-kept coop.” Hummingbird added. The group carefully stepped into the castle, boards and crystals creaking and shattering as they moved inside. Elusive got caught staring at an amethyst.

“Ooh, Elusive. Don’t you look handsome?” he asked himself, giving the amethyst a shiny smirk.

“Elusive, focus.” Sundown whispered. “Our goal is to find out which door leads to the castle library.”

“Oh yeah.” Elusive shook his head.

“Good thing I snuck into your books awhile ago and ripped out this page,” Ruby said, pulling a piece of paper from her spines. “See here? It has a map of the whole castle.”

“If you didn’t have something very useful, boy, would I be mad at you, Ruby!” Sundown’s horn glowed, threatening Ruby a tiny bit.

Hummingbird pulled the map out of Ruby’s claws as she and Sundown began to argue. He took a glance at it and said, “According to this map, the library should be right..there.” He pointed to the dustiest door in the hallway.

“Thanks, Hum.” Pizza bounced to the door and opened it, dust reaching each of their noses and making them sneeze.

As the group walked into the library, Sundown was sure he heard chairs creaking and ponies murmuring behind a few bookcases.

“You guys go ahead and look for the right book,” Sundown whispered, looking back at his cousins. “I’m going to check something.”

Scarlett chuckled, “Like mum, like son.”

Sundown creeped in front of every aisle, checking to make sure nothing was there. But, he still heard murmuring. When he got to the last aisle, he saw the shapes of two small mares looking for books.

They looked at him, and screamed happily. The two mares hugged him, making his cousins run to him fearfully.

“Sundown, what’s going on?” Elusive fretted.

“Oh, don’t you fret your pretty little butt off, son.” said the first mare.

“Yeah, we don’t bite.” added the other.

Scarlett lit some candles, and the two mares were revealed to be friends of the group’s parents, Sweetie Drops and Lyra Heartstrings.

“What’s going on here?” Hummingbird asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, son. Haven't you been looking around? We're the mares responsible for this nice, clean castle." Lyra coughed.

"Oh yes. Princess Twilight and Prince Leo asked us to keep this place clean while they went for Twilight to give birth. Never came back, you see. So Lyra and I decided to keep our promise and start living here to finish it. Although, we've always wondered what happened to the Princess and her Prince. Nopony ever told us, 'cause they're always too frightened to even knock." Sweetie Drops added.

"I know why they never returned.." Sundown said, grabbing the mares' attention.

"Why did they never come back, sonny boy?" asked Lyra.

"They had me, of course." Sundown sighed. "But they never came home because somepony killed them. Adventure or otherwise. Uncle Donnie said if I want to learn how they died, I'd have to find out myself."

Lyra gasped. "You are the son of Leo and Twilight? Well, I'll be. Son, why did ya come here? To finally enter your kin's old stomping grounds?"

"No, actually," Sundown replied. "Well, kind of. I am going to live here from now on, but my friends and I came here to check out a book about dark creatures."

"Yeah!" Pizza cackled. "Where do ya keep the dark stuff?"

"Well, you're in luck," Sweetie Drops said. "Me and Lyra here were just in the "Dark" aisle."

Elusive couldn't resist to ask Sweetie Drops a question. "Why were you in the dark aisle?"

"Oh, well, in our spare time me and Lyra like to look up some stuff and make hypotheses about why the royals haven't come home. But, now we know why."

An hour later, the ponies could be seen searching through countless bookshelves, not looking for any books in particular, but something close to the Shadow Plague.

"When can I stop reading?" asked Scarlett.

"Once we find something that can tell us where we can find the source of these Shadow Plagues, apparently." Ruby sighed.

Sweetie Drops suddenly bursted into the library, carrying a newspaper. "Bad news," she exclaimed unhappily. "Unfortunately, there are more of these "Shadow Plagues" in Equestria. They're in Manehatten, Vanhoover, Fillydelphia, Las Pegasus, everywhere."

Sundown took a peek at the newspaper, and he was scared. If nopony could defeat those Plagues in three days time, like the book stated, Equestria would be dark and soul-less forever.

"Guys, I found something!" Hummingbird screamed, holding up an indigo, dusty book titled "Dark Creatures And Their Cultures". Pizza hopped up, stole the book from Hummingbird's hooves, and put it in Sundown's. He started to read:

"The name "Shadow Plague" brings horror to most old ponies' faces. This is because long ago, a mistake in Inky Gorge led to a temporary takeover. A young unicorn, named Bubbles, was testing his latest spell when it started. He dipped a pitch-black branch into an indigo brew, and out came the heartless creature we know today as the Shadow Plague. To remove several of these creatures, you must go to the ruins of Bubbles' home, dip a Sun Stick into his brew, and all Shadow Plagues will disappear from existence until another Dark Alicorn is born.

Author's Note

Hmm.. :trixieshiftleft:

Chapter 8: Zach And The Map

Chapter 8: Zach And The Map

The ponies finally reached the PonyVille borders. At the edge of a soft, beautiful meadow was the start of a dark, dreary, dangerous forest.

"We have to go in there?" Hummingbird gulped, suddenly turning into his mother.

"I guess so," Sundown said. "We have to go in there to reach the zebra, and we'd have to go in there even if we didn't know about him."

"Do we really?" Elusive asked, clutching his mane and tail tightly. "My beautiful hair is too handsome to get ruined by the mud and rain in that heck of a forest."

"If we don't, everypony here knows what'll happen," reminded Ruby.

"Oh, why can't our mission be to find gluten-free shampoo instead?" Elusive muttered to himself.

The trip through the Forest was an creepy one, everypony was flinching at the snap of a twig or the cry of an owl. But after about an hour of wandering about the Forest, Pizza spotted something strange.

"Guys!" she squealed, hopping up. "I found something!"

"What?" Scarlett obviously had her hopes up as the group followed the party pony.

The result was a tree, but it was decorated in native creations and had a door and windows.

"Who would want to live in a tree?" Elusive asked, wringing some rain out of his mane.

"Obviously somepony that isn't allowed in towns." Scarlett answered her brother.

Sundown gasped hopefully. "Or some zebra! Maybe he lives here!"

"Only one way to find out." Ruby said, knocking on the door.

Indeed did a zebra open it. He said, "My, who are these door rattlers? Oh, it is some lovely travelers! Come sit, maybe have a drink."

Sundown was eager to spill out his troubles to the zebra all at once, but he resisted. Instead, he said, "Word in PonyVille is that you are the son of some potion-mixer."

"Why yes, my friend who looks quite worn. Oh My Equestria, sir, are you an Alicorn?" the zebra asked. "Oh never mind all my needs, but to your statement, yes indeed. My mother, Zecora, mixed up great brews. Why, sir? Can I mix something for you?"

"No, sir. I'm here because I heard that you have a map of all Equestria." Sundown said, glancing at his cousins, who were checking out the zebra's belongings.

"Oh yes, it something my mum brought from home, sometimes I used to use it to roam. My name is Zach, by the way. Sir, what can I do for you today?" Zach asked, giving Sundown some water.

"Shadow Plagues have entered Equestria's borders," Sundown decided to cut to the chase. "We're looking to stop them. We need a map to find the "remedy" for our problem. We're here to ask if we can borrow yours."

"Yes, my map you can indeed use. But there is something else. I want to come with you." Zach said.

"What?"

"You heard right, my royal friend. My mother's rules, I intend to bend. I heard the legend when I was a foal. Some ingredients for the potion I stole. Let me come if you will. You will need somepony with brew-mixing skills."

"I guess you can come," Sundown agreed. "But only because for safety in numbers, and for your skills you learned."

"Sir, I intend to behave. Let me pack, then we'll be on our way." Zach nodded.

So that night, the ponies left Zach's cottage, with Zach with them on their journey.

Author's Note

So, there you go.
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist leaving a zebra out of my story. :rainbowwild:

Chapter 9: The Rhymes

Sundown trotted confidently through the last part of the Everfree Forest. He now not only had his also confident family by his side, but he had Zach, a zebra able to understand strange, powerful magic and could mix potions in a flick of a pony tail. Sundown slowed down his pace into a halt, stopping abruptly at the foot of a mountain.

Zach walked up to be by his side. "We are near to what you're looking for," he rhymed. "But first, we need to cross the Icy Mountains before getting to the orchard."

"I don't know about this," Elusive whined, wringing rain and mud out of his mane. "Those mountains look pretty tall."

"When it comes to heights, Elusive acts like a filly." Scarlett told Sundown. "He goes out of his mind on the way up."

"I DO NOT!" Elusive yelled. "I am merely concerned for my family's safety."

"Then why were you crying when we went on a roller-coaster at Wild Pony Island?" Scarlett smirked.

"Because Mom wouldn't buy me cotton-candy." Elusive muttered, following the group up the mountains.

"Zach," Sundown said to the zebra as they were halfway up the first mountain. "How much do you know about the Icy Mountains?"

"I know I've heard scary tales," Zach replied. "But my mother, Zecora, climbed them many times without fail. All the times I've heard them, they say the mountains consist of three. But that didn't do much to scare me. Every mountain is home to one creature, and they all are friendship teachers. Some creatures bite, some sting. Some merely don't do anything. Even Zecora felt times of woe, but she knew she had to go. We must follow her hoofsteps and climb, though the creatures will deal us a hard time. In a valley lay the Sticks, but crossing these mountains is like breaking bricks. I plead for you to watch your step, because falling into the creatures' nests would need a lot of prep. Underneath our hooves these creatures lie, waiting for somepony to fall so they can help the pony die."

Author's Note

This is a tiny prologue of what is to come for the group. :raritywink:
--by Zach :moustache:

Chapter 10: The Grim

"Jeez," Elusive winced. "You'd think that Zach would've already creeped me out enough."

"Elusive! Ssh!" Scarlett covered the colt's mouth, much to his disliking.

"It's okay, my dear mare," Zach sighed. "Ponies say I'm scary and quite fair. It's not the first time I've been called a creep, they sometimes yell and say, 'Go back to your nest in the deep!'"

"Sorry, Zach. I'm not used to being this scared and insecure." Elusive apologized, continuing his journey up the mountain.

"Hey Zach," Pizza squealed. "What nifty creature lives here?" Zach shook his head solemnly.

"The creature here is very lean and slim. It was named long ago a Grim. Claws like swords and teeth like heck, when it eats, it prefers to peck. It stares into its victim's eyes, and then that creature or pony gets a surprise. The soul gets sucked out, the heart stops, the eyes roll back, the body drops. The Grim then pecks the victim's organs away, then leaves the victim to rot one day. One day when I was very young, this very thing happened to my mum. She went to the mountains to gather supplies, and my theory is she experienced the surprise. I vowed one day that I would come, and kill the Grim who ate my mum."

As the zebra said this, the ponies' eyes grew wider and wider. When he finished, Scarlett's jaw dropped, Elusive screamed, and everypony there seemed to fret wildly. Their manes shook, their teeth chattered, their horns sparked, and their wings flared.

"I am sorry to scare you as so," Zach apologized. "I just thought you wanted to know."

"Well," Sundown said. "It doesn't matter. I would not let you all get eaten if it was for 1,000, 000 bits."

The ponies moved on, waiting for Zach's approval every time they heard an unusual sound. As they climbed up, they got colder and colder until Scarlett almost froze. Then, Sundown cast a warm spell upon them, so they moved on again.
Each step they took was more near danger, for a Grim was secretly watching them, waiting for the right time to attack.

"Why do mountains have to become so cold?" Elusive complained. "Soon, my mane and tail will freeze, then my beautiful, handsome face! Why? Why is this mountain going off on the wrong foot with me?!"

"He got his dramatic personality from Mom," Scarlett told Hummingbird.

Zach hung back from the group to see Elusive, who had collapsed in a dramatic heap. "You must not worry, my dear friend. Our journey up is almost at its end. Once we reach the top, the slope will come to a drop. The temperature will soon go down, so please, please wipe off your frown." The zebra colt pulled Elusive up, and walked him to the rest of the group.

An hour later, the ponies could barely see down below, they were passing the clouds that surrounded the top of the mountain. Hummingbird and Sundown decided to fly up together, to check how long they were going to climb.

"Guys!" Hummingbird yelled underneath him. "Only about 100 feet to go! We're almost there!"

"But," Zach yelled from below. "We're running out of luck. Down here, we have to dodge, hit and duck. The Grim is here, to attack. Hummingbird, Sundown, please come back!"

"Oh no.." Sundown dived, landing right behind the monster that must've been the Grim.

The Grim was in the shape of an Alicorn, its wings and horn made out of shadow. Its eyes were like pools of tar, and its mane was raggedy. It dawned rags, and its Cutie Mark was itself screaming.

"This pony really needs to go to a spa sometime!" Elusive yelled, running behind a bush.

"Elusive, our future looks quite dim! Because this isn't a pony, it's a Grim! Ponies, do not look into its eyes, it might give you the surprise!"

The Grim screamed loudly, charging at Zach. Zach threw one of his potions at it, and it effected, burning a hole in the Grim's chest. The Grim stopped abruptly, screaming like a banshee and dissolving. Its body became mud, and its rags disappeared. The mud was shaped in the Grim's Cutie Mark.

"Ponies you can open your eyes! The Grim is giving me quite the surprise! Now our future is singing like a hymn, for we have survived an encounter with a Grim!" Zach exclaimed.

The ponies opened their eyes, saw the mud, and began to dance happily and cheer.

"WE DID IT!!" screamed Pizza. "WE SURVIVED THE GRIM!!"

"Let's move on then," Sundown said, panting. "We have one more mountain left to climb."

Author's Note

The Grim was based off a monster in Fireborn.
(I do not own Fireborn, nor do I own the Grim idea.) :twilightsmile:

Chapter 11: The Avalanche

After facing a Grim and descending the second mountain, the ponies moved on to the third Icy Mountain.

"Zach, what nifty creature lives here?" Pizza asked again, but this time Zach smiled.

"This creature might be the best, it's a Phoenix family that made a nest. The only one to watch out for is the dad, when you get too close to the nest, he gets pretty mad."

"Got it," Elusive said, trotting to catch up. "I'll just saunter on by."

This mountain was smaller than the Grim's, so the ponies had an easier time climbing up. They passed shiny stones, moon rocks, fireflies that glowed blue, and butterflies that liked eating butter. It was unbelievable how many bugs and insects inhabited the mountain, since the Grim's mountain was so deserted, or at least until Sundown pointed out that the Grim sucked organs out of anything and anypony it could find. Then it made sense.

"We're almost at the top!" Hummingbird yelled from above when he flew up.

"Great!" Sundown yelled back, galloping up a slope. "We'll be at the orchard in no time."

A caterpillar, about the size of a cow, ran past them. Then a butterfly, then a flock of tiny birds, then a stampede of fireflies.

"What's going on?" Scarlett asked, shaking.

"Scarlett, this statement will put you in a scaredy-cat trance, for these animals are running from a big--" Zach began, but Elusive interrupted.

"AVALANCHE!" Elusive pointed to the big gathering of snow and dust running towards them.

"Yes, that's what I was going to say." Zach grumbled.

"What do we do, Sundown?" asked Pizza, disturbed greatly.

"I'm not climbing down the mountain, we made it this far." Sundown replied. "So we're taking shelter in that cave over there."

The ponies ran for their lives, looking from the avalanche to the cave, and back again. Sundown made sure that everybody made it in the cave, from Zach to Pizza. But then he realized something.

"Hummingbird! He's still out there!"

"What do we do now?" asked Scarlett. "The avalanche is hitting, there's no way we could go out there right now!"

"You're right, there's no way we could do it. But I can." Sundown flew out, right before the avalanche hit the cave and hid it from Sundown's view.
"Hummingbird! Hummingbird?" No answer. The Pegasus colt was nowhere, but Sundown knew he could find his cousin. He had to, or else he would probably go insane. But just when he thought hope for Hummingbird was lost..

"Sundown? Is that you?"

"Yes, Hum! Follow my voice!"

The Pegasus found his way indeed, and both winged ponies were relieved when he did.

"I'm sorry, Sundown. I was checking to see if I could see the Phoenix nest, which I couldn't. But, when I decided to fly down, the avalanche had hit. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, bro. Let's just find the others, shall we?"

"We shall."

Author's Note

I just had the Phoenix idea last night, so I think I might as well add it.
But I couldn't leave excitement out, so I added an avalanche as well.
Happy reading! :scootangel:

--Pegasister

Chapter 12: The Phoenix

The ponies had worked their way up the mountain after the avalanche. But, before they faced the Phoenixes, Zach had something to say.

"We have now reached our second fight, and our chances our actually looking quite bright. I have one secret I want to share, an answer to the fight that is very fair. While it might seem bad, it's not the least bit of tragic. That fiery bird has a sense for Alicorn magic! This part is very good to mention, if we Sundown can get the Phoenix's attention..."

"I can distract the male so you can sneak past! Zach, you're a genius!!" Sundown exclaimed, flapping his wings happily.

"So we have a plan, great!" Hummingbird said. "Let's put it into action, shall we?"

Sundown nodded, flying up to the father Phoenix. He yelled, "Hey, daddy boy! Come and get me!"

The father looked up and shot himself in the direction of the sun. In the sunlight, his bright golden body shimmered, along with his red wing highlights and his orange beak. He squawked loudly, and tried to throw attacks at Sundown.

Hummingbird, with Ruby perched on his back, led the group past the Phoenix nest, past the mother, past the little Phoenix eggs, and safely to the other side of the mountain's top.

Zach, however, stopped at the nest, for he heard the mother's stomach rumble like an earthquake. Because of tummy pains, the mother opened her pupil-less eyes and looked merciful at the zebra. Zach knew what she wanted, and smiled.

"I'm sorry I can't give you packs or stacks," he said. "But here, take some of my snacks." Zach gave her some of the fruit and seeds he had packed in his saddlebag, and the mother chirped gratefully.

Smiling softly, Zach continued to the other side of the nest, but stepped on a twig and snapped it in half, grabbing the father Phoenix's attention. He squawked again, leaving the battle with Sundown to attack the zebra.

"Hey, no!" Sundown screamed. "I'm over here!"

The father ignored him and cawed harshly, almost hitting Zach. Realizing his situation, Zach cowered, wincing.

But, in a flash of light, the father was pushed back by a force, and Zach opened his eyes. There sat the mother on Zach's head, squawking harshly at her mate. Zach could tell the mother was leaving her mate with her tiny eggs, and bowed to Zach, showing her loyalty.

"What just happened?" Pizza asked.

"We have a new addition to the team," Zach said. "My new Phoenix, Summer Gleam."

"Guys, we just crossed the second mountain, I can see the orchard!" Sundown exclaimed, pointing to the orchard in the distance. The team celebrated, running to their savior.

Author's Note

Well, that's the end of another chapter! :twilightsmile:
I just needed Zach to have a pet Phoenix. It's for my own good. :moustache:

Chapter 13: Sun Sticks and Dangerous Wicks

When she had reached the mouth of the orchard, Pizza Pie couldn't stop smiling. Of course, both her parents were sorted into the "dum-dum" section. They could be irresponsible, and sometimes ignorant, but they were good parents and great ponies. When she thought about it, Pizza realized she had inherited her mother's bounce and smile and her father's surprising element and sense for adventure. And right now, she felt more Mikey than she did Pinkie.

When her friends had caught up with her, she turned around. "What are we waiting for? Let's go fetch a stick!" she exclaimed.

"Wait, Pizza." Sundown put his hoof on her back. "It's literally sundown, twilight." (This is where Elusive and Scarlett snickered.) "We should make camp here. We'll look for a Sun Stick in the morning."

"What?" Pizza's face faltered as she looked to the sun. Sundown was right, it had taken the whole day to cross the Grim's mountain and the one that had belonged to the Phoenixes. Pizza was tired, but she wanted to fix this soon. Sure, having this adventure was fun, but thinking about what had happened to Aunt Rarity and Uncle Don, and if it had happened to her parents was scary. She guessed that it was a fair idea to make camp, and she gave up.

"Okay," she said, cracking a smile, thinking about the sweet desserts and candies in her dreams. "Let's fetch a tent and firewood instead."

After Pizza, Ruby and the twins had gathered enough firewood to make a bonfire, and Zach, Hummingbird, Sundown, and Inferno (That is what Zach named the Phoenix who had tagged along and saved his life.) had pitched a tent and food material, the group sat down and watched the fire crack sparks as it cooked their dinner.

"Where do you guys think the Plague is now?" Hummingbird shuddered, pulling his wings around himself for warmth.

"I think it's in the city closest to Ponyville by a dot, the Plague may be spreading over to Canterlot." Zach shivered, although warm by the Phoenix on his head and the fire in front of him.

Sundown shed a few tears as he ate his chili dinner that night. If that, that creature consumed the royals, everything would be out of place. Everything.

After everypony had said their goodnights and turned in, Sundown and Ruby sat alone by the fire, aching for conversation. Ruby decided to start, "Do you know which direction the abandoned town is in? I just want to know that one of us knows where we're going."

"I don't know," Sundown confessed, making Ruby feel insecure for a moment, but then brightened at these words. "But Zach does. He says that his ancestors made it that far into Equestria."

Those were the last words that were spoken, for the two turned in after that. As the sunlight fell beyond sight and the stars began to light the night sky, three creatures watched the crackling fire from a distance.

It was early in the morning, in fact, so early that the stars were easily seen. The three creatures that had observed the group from a distance made their move.

The pots from last night's dinner clanged as they met the floor. The leftover chili was sopped up by three pink tongues. The ponies woke up after the clang. They saw shadows dance across the walls.

In Sundown's mind, they resembled dragons, but with snout-like noses, pony-like ears, and no roar.

Zach peered outside, and quickly pulled his head back. "This I'll say quiet and quick, those three shadows belong to Wicks! Noses like pigs, ears like ponies, and so bald they'd need wigs! They have no fur, no scales, they're bare, from foreheads to tails!"

All Sundown needed was a description of the creatures outside, and he galloped out, horn sparkling like fireworks. He screamed and yelled like a foal getting a shot. The Wicks were so outraged by the noise that they fought back. They clawed at Sundown's wings, and bit his ears. Then, Zach came out.

With a gong and a mallet in his front hooves, the zebra banged the gong a good ten times before the Wicks ran away.

"Thank you, Zach!" Sundown panted later, as Zach tended to his wounds. "I'd be toast if it wasn't for you."

"Think nothing of it, my peer," Zach smiled. "And, thankfully, Wicks have sensitive ears."

The others came to check on him a few minutes later. "Now what?" Hummingbird asked, yawning.

"Now," Sundown gave his cousins a warm smile. "We go get a stick."

Author's Note

The Wick is a creature from Prodigy Math, if anypony wants to know.:twilightsmile:
Everything is turning up for this family. :moustache:

Chapter 15: Ghosts

The trail of blue torches was long. The group had to stop multiple times to let lazy but fashionable Elusive catch his breath. They crossed the orchard, crossed the fields and hills beyond, to a little cabin not far from their campsite.

"Whoa," Pizza gasped, checking over the house. "I'm not scared, of course, but this cabin does seem like a place ghosties would want to hang out in." Blue light filled the windows, giving a sign that there was something inside.

"Let's get this over with!" Elusive said, walking to the broken door. "The more beauty sleep I miss, the less handsome I become! Now that is a tragedy!" The Unicorn reached out to the door, only to be stopped by his sister.

"Elusive! We have to take caution, we don't know what's in there! It could be a dangerous monster, or another Wick, or ghosts, or.."

"Yeah yeah Scarlett, I get it!" Elusive carefully opened the door, so carefully the door didn't squeak.

Zach entered first, then the twins, then Hummingbird with Ruby on his back, then Pizza. The blue flashes got brighter as they approached what seemed to be a study. Then, Zach saw Sundown's long hair.

"There he is!" Ruby whispered, jumping off Hum's back and crawling under a desk. Zach observed that Sundown was still asleep, mumbling. He tossed and turned every now and then, but otherwise he was still. That's how the zebra knew he was okay.

The group crept into the study, seeing Sundown lay on a table, but no ghosts or creatures. Ruby ran onto Elusive's back, and that's when they saw them. Two ghosts faced down on Sundown, both with smiles. One had bangs, and a straight mane and tail. The other a mohawk and messy tail. Sundown looked like a mixture of both.

"Does anypony notice that those ghosties are Alicorns?" asked Pizza, pointing to their wings and horns.

"I know who these ponies are!" Ruby exclaimed suddenly. "These are Sundown's parents! Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Leonardo!"

"So that's Aunt Twily and Uncle Leo? That's cool!" Scarlett said.

"If you know these spirits from another realm, I guess they can know we're here as well." Zach said.

The ponies nodded, and they all stepped out of the shadows. The two ghosts looked at them, and they yelled with joy.

"Oh my goodness, Scarlett, Elusive, Hum, Pizza, is that you? Oh, how much you've grown!" Twilight inspected each one of them.

"Well," Leo said. "If they're here, we might as well wake Sundown." The ninja woke his son, who froze when he saw them.

"Who are you? What are you doing here, ghosts? What am I doing here?" Sundown demanded.

"Son," Leo said. "How we've missed you." Twilight gave Sundown a big bear hug.

"Mom, Dad? So you really are dead?" Sundown said.

"Yes, honey." Twilight said.

"How did you die?" Sundown asked.

"It comes to this, does it?" Leo asked. "Well, you might as well know."

Author's Note

surprise!
the second ghost is leonardo hamato! :pinkiegasp:
its about to get real!
--Pegasister

Chapter 16: Story Of My Life

"I can never forget what little time we had with Sundown. He was only five months old when we died. We hear ponies rumor that Twilight died giving birth and I ran away long before then. It's not true. I love you with all my heart, Sundown, I'd never leave.

The real reason why we died wasn't because of disease or accident. It was murder. Of course, everypony in Equestria loved us, as we loved them. Nopony here would kill us willingly. The creatures that murdered us was beyond the border. Though this story brings tears to both of us, me and Twi, we'll tell you the whole story.

As I said, you were five months old. Twilight and I decided we take you to Ponyville, since my brothers and their families couldn't journey to Canterlot because of their own kids.

After a few hours of travel, we arrived. Pegasi from the Royal Guard had dropped off our bags in Twilight's old castle already, so we headed out. First, we saw Raph and Fluttershy, and we met young Hummingbird. Hum, you might not remember, you were only a month older than Sundown. Then we saw Mikey and Pinkie Pie, and we met Pizza, who, again, was too small and young to remember our visit. Then, after seeing Rarity and Donnie, and meeting the twins, we settled down at Twilight's castle.

Now, your mother had an old friend, Sunset Shimmer, from another world. When we entered, Twilight saw that Sunset had given us a gift. Spike claimed it, Ruby as an egg. After we had settled in our beds, entering the dream realm, somepony had sneaked into the castle. We didn't know it at the time, but then soon we found out.

We woke up when Sundown started crying, Spike, Twilight and I. We found a hooded pony by Sundown's cradle, and I fought him. He turned out to be ninja, too, so I was well matched. But, eventually, he killed me.

Twilight took action, flying to the ceiling and shooting blasts at the pony. (I was watching her as a ghost.) The pony had showed while fighting me with weapons that he was unicorn, so he fired right back. Twilight took a blast to the heart and died, too. Spike didn't stand a chance, and he also died.

The pony had no interest of Sundown to begin with. We think that he thought Sundown's room had bits in it, even though it didn't. So he left, and we had no choice but to go away, leaving Sunny alone. We're sorry, Sundown."

Author's Note

*shudders*
:fluttershyouch:

Chapter 17: The Seventh Element

Leo, Sundown's father, had just finished telling the story of his and his wife's death.

"So you don't know who killed you?" Sundown asked.

"No, son. We never found out. Nor did we find out what happened to Spike. We searched for him, all over the world and in the spirit realm. Never found him."

"That's scary," whimpered Hummingbird.

"That must've been a sad story to tell," Zach said. "Dying must've scared you quite well."

"Why, yes, it did." Twilight said.

"I have a question!" Pizza Pie raised her hoof as if she was in class. "Where are the Elements of Harmony?"

"What do you mean?" Elusive asked. "King Sombra destroyed them, right?"

"He did," Leo said. "But my wife, along with Donnie, was able to restore them."

"She was?" Ruby asked. "Wow."

"But back to Pizza's question, the Elements are located in the tip of Canterlot Castle's tallest tower. We didn't think to take them with us when we visited PonyVille." Leo answered.

"And I'm sure I can guess who gets what Element." Twilight smiled. "Pizza gets Laughter, Elusive is Honesty, Scarlett is Generosity, Zach is Loyalty, Hum is Kindness, and Magic is Sundown."

"How did you know that? And Zach's name?" Pizza asked.

"We're ghosts," Leo said. "We know everything. I also know that deep within Magic is a seventh element. One nopony knows about, and one that Twilight wasn't able to pull out."

"What Element?" Scarlett asked.

"The Element of Motivation." Leo answered. "One that is the hardest to harness."

"Anyway, we know what we have to do." Sundown sighed. "We have to go to Canterlot, where the Plague is headed."

"Remember, son, we are always with you." Twilight said, and she and Leo climbed into Sundown's chest, disappearing.

"Let's go." Pizza said, getting a head start away from the cabin.

"Good thing Zach whipped up that potion while Leo was telling the story." Hummingbird said.

"Well, it's time to be brave!" Zach rhymed. "We have a kingdom to save!"

And they headed off, daydreaming of taking the Plague down!

Author's Note

Plague, look out! :rainbowdetermined2:
Here comes Sundown! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 18: Ghost Town, No, Ghost CITY!

When the gang FINALLY got to Canterlot, they were exhausted. But all of them, even Inferno and Ruby, knew they must push on.

Once they passed the gates, things got scarier. Mist and fog gathered around their hooves, spiderwebs collected everywhere, and no ponies was seen. Buildings were boarded up, but it seemed as if nopony had gone to the capital city in moons. Even Solana and Lunar were gone.

"This is scary," Hummingbird shuddered.

"But it has a logical, and obvious, explanation." Ruby said. "Since the Plague multiplied, it must've been faster to consume everypony in one gulp."

Suddenly, trash cans to the right were knocked over and Elusive jumped into Scarlett's hooves. After a rat jumped out from the shadows of the alley, Elusive chuckled nervously towards his twin and left her. They continued down the main road but rats were the only movement.

"It's quiet," Pizza rubbed her chin with her hoof. "Too quiet.." And then there was another rat, this time accompanied by a sparrow hunting for scraps.

Once they reached Canterlot Castle, everypony prepared themselves for a scare. But there was nothing, not even rats. Of course, there was a mess inside and a few windows were broken, but no threat. Sundown could feel a dark presence, but he couldn't put his hoof on whether it was the Plague or not. Inferno squawked quietly and lit up her wings so they could see.

"Where did all the Plagues go?" Scarlett asked, looking behind the royals' thrones for traps or threats.

"To be honest, I'm not sure." Zach answered. "But our safety I cannot assure."

"I feel something dark," Sundown said. "As if the Plague is right next to us."

Hummingbird looked up. "It's not next to us!! It's above us!"

Then the Plague dropped down, looking for a battle resulting in a full belly.

Author's Note

Uh oh.
Meet the Shadow Plague, consumer of ponies, enthusiast of the night. :trixieshiftleft:
Like Luna.:rainbowlaugh:

Chapter 19: Break Up

The Shadow Plague attacked, running around the group in circles and creating a swirly purple and black twister.

"Brace yourselves! I'm about to do something crazy!" Sundown yelled, readying his horn.

"Whatever you do, keep my mane clean! I'm not in the mood for a dusty and dirty mane! You know how long it takes to.." Elusive started, but then was interrupted.

"Shut it!!" screamed Scarlett. "Enough about your mane! The whole world is at risk right now, and the only thing you care about is mane maintenance?! You! Are! So! SELFISH!!" Scarlett hit Elusive in the muzzle, resulting in him hacking.

"Am not! I want to look good when we save the world! Is that too much to ask?"

"YES!! All this journey, you've been complaining about how much you hate to mess your perfect hair up! Well guess what!" Scarlett ruffled up Elusive's untouched mane. "Life is full of disappointments! DEAL WITH IT!!"

Elusive sniffed. He started to cry, not cry like scream, but cry like tears roll down your cheeks while your nose stuffs up. "Why?" Hummingbird asked. "Why'd you make him cry, Scarlett?"

"Because he was being a jerk!"

"Well, haven't you wanted to keep your hair nice once? To keep it, um, beautiful?"

"Once I have. But that doesn't erase Elusive's behavior!"

In the midst of the chaos, Sundown had lost his focus and stopped his burst of magic. They were unprotected.

"Why are you taking that drama king's side?" Scarlett asked.

"Because just like us, Elusive was trying to protect something he loves." Hummingbird answered.

"I think Scarlett's right." Pizza stepped beside Scarlett. "Elusive is a drama king, and he was overreacting about his mane."

"Sundown, Zach, Ruby, what do you think?" Scarlett asked. Nobody noticed the Plague charging at them, building up more power as it went faster. "Is Elusive a drama king or not?"

"I don't want to fight." Sundown said. "I'm not gonna choose."

"Me either," Zach said. " And Inferno says, 'Me neither.'"

"No thanks, I can't choose sides." Ruby said.

Then, all went black.

"Guys, where are we?" Ruby asked.

"Were in the dungeons under the Castle! Like my mom's first encounter with Chrysalis!" Sundown cried.

"This is all your fault!" Scarlett turned to Elusive.

"MY fault?! You're the one who made this whole fiasco and caused Sundown to lose focus!" Elusive screamed.

"Guys, stop! Stop your fighting! You gotta be happy, happy.." Pizza sang.

"SHUT IT!!" screamed the twins, and Pizza turned around and hmphed.

"Guys..that wasn't nice. You should apologize to each other so we can figure things out." Hummingbird mumbled.

"I heard that! This doesn't concern you, so KEEP YOUR MOUTH LOCKED WITH A KEY!!" Scarlett stomped her hoof near Hummingbird's drooped wings.

"Well, I'm sorry if I can't help wanting to fix things!" Hummingbird copied Pizza.

"Well! Why don't you just turn around and buck us!" Zach yelled. "Why can't you, for once, not make a ruckus?!"

"You, too! Stay quiet!" Zach walked away, head held high.

Sundown dare not pitch himself into the twins' fight. He wanted to solve their problem, but he needed time to think things through.

So here they were, divided, mad, and with no way out. And with a leader who stayed quiet the whole time.

Author's Note

What will happen to our heroes? Will they stand up to the darkness? Or will they forever stay divided, even as a family?

Read more to find out! :rainbowlaugh::rainbowdetermined2:

Chapter 22: The Final Showdown

When they got back to the throne room, a giant Plague was sitting on a throne made from shadow, with about ten smaller Plagues around it.

"That must be the lord." Sundown said, staring the biggest up and down. "It must be the original and the most well-fed."

"Fed by eating ponies." Hummingbird whimpered. The group murmured in a huddle before standing together.

"Hello, Shadow Plague. I am Prince Sundown Sparkle of Equestria. You have taken over the land, threatened its survival, and eaten its inhabitants. I suggest you bring the residents out and leave forever, or there will be serious consequences, fighting my laws." Sundown snickered a little bit after giving that message. He wasn't really the ruler of Equestria, (even though his parents were.) and he didn't consider himself royal. The group had decided to leave the Plague with a warning, and if it refused it, they'd unleash the power.

The Plague then huddled up with its peers, probably discussing whether they'd back away or not. The leader turned around and growled. It shook its ink black head and ate a grape.

"Well, if you won't negotiate, then how about a challenge? We bring in our peers, and battle. The winning team takes control of the land and the losers are banished forever. In our case, my team would go beyond the borders and yours would cough up the residents, soak up your peers, and go back to Equestria Border Jail, or Tarturus, if you prefer. Hmm?" Sundown asked, having a Plan B in case Plan A didn't work. (Which, as you see, did not.)

The Plague thought about this for a minute, then nodded. It told the others, which screamed in approval. Sundown signaled to the Plague that the battle would commence in one hour, and weapons (magical artifacts included.) were allowed.

An hour later, the ponies were ready. They had researched in the Canterlot Library how to harness the Elements. Sundown had focused enough that he was sure he knew everything, even how to harness the seventh Element Of Harmony.

So they charged. They charged at the Plagues. Zach took two, Hum took two, Pizza took two, the twins took three, and Sundown and Ruby were left with the lord.

They fought for hours. Sundown dodged some of the lord's attacks, and taking hits of his own. Zach used his new Phoenix friend to help him get the eyes of his foe, and he threw defense concoctions at the shadow. The twins helped each other, bucking the three Plagues whenever and wherever possible. Pizza, being more like her mom than ever, surprised her two Plagues by giving them cupcakes, pizzas, and, of course, pies to the face.

After the Plagues were tired and beat, the ponies lined up in a specific formation. They thought "happy and friendship" thoughts, while clutching the Sun Stick Potion, and it worked. They were lifted into the air, their eyes white, glowing, and pupil-less. Sundown was struggling most of all, trying to reach the Element of Motivation.

"Go, guys! Beat up those shadows! Kick their butts!" Ruby cheered, the seventh Element totally forgotten by her. But then, her neck and upper chest began to glow, and the glow shaped into a necklace. Then, there it was, the Element of Motivation. Shaped like a dragon's wing, and it lifted Ruby into the air.

A sudden burst of rainbows shined, burning the Plagues' eyes. It arched up and went down to the Plagues, burning them from existence forever.

The residents of Equestria were confused about their consumer and covered in inky goo, but they were happy to get out of the monster's belly. Solana and Lunar Eclipse walked away from the crowd, stood beside Sundown, and cleared their throats.

"Dear residents of Equestria," Solana's voice thundered in the room, reaching the ears of every pony in Equestria. "We faced dark times the last few weeks, having been consumed by a monstrous plague that almost took the light out of our world. But our seven saviors proved that anything, even defeating our captor, is possible. It is very short notice, but I grant these five ponies, one zebra, and one dragon the medallions my mother and aunt had made moons ago, the 'Medals Of Savior'." Solana levitated seven medallions and placed them around the groups' necks.

"With gratitude, I think these heroes deserve cheers. Right, everypony?" boomed Lunar. "Ready? Hip, hip!"

"Hooray!" cheered everypony.

"Hip, hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip, hip, hip!"

"Hooray!!"

The crowds burst in applause, grateful for their saviors. The heroes basked in the glory, hoping it would never end.

Author's Note

Equestria is safe after all!
I hope you guys like this, I made an epilogue. Maybe at the very minute you're reading this, I'm making a sequel to this story! :twilightsmile::heart::heart:

Epilogue: My New Life

Sundown, with Ruby on his back, trotted down the streets of PonyVille. He had finally moved in, and was quite happy when he settled. After the whole "save Equestria with my family" thing, he had gotten used to his cousins.

Zach went back to the Everfree Forest with Inferno the Phoenix, but he visited them and went shopping for supplies in the village. So he was pretty well off.

Solana and Lunar Eclipse were sad to see Sundown leave Canterlot permanently, but they were also happy that he had finally discovered friendship, in just about the same way his mother did.

Speaking of Twilight, she and Leo came out of Sundown's heart for some family gatherings, and were always there when Sundown needed help or guidance. They were well off too.

As for Ruby, she was pretty bummed out that her father's ghost disappeared, but Leo and Twilight acted like parents to her, so she was fine with living without her true dad.

Sundown stopped at Sugarcube Corner, and sat down at a table with Hummingbird, Pizza, Zach, and the twins. Pinkie, Mikey, Raph, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Donnie sat down with Leo and Twilight's ghosts at the next table over, but everypony, young, old, married, single were happier than they ever could be.

"Guys, it's time to sing 'Happy Birthday'!" screamed Pizza. All the ponies in PonyVille had come to Sundown's first birthday party in his new home. He had saved the world just a few months before his birthday. Ponies gathered around the table, and Elusive used his horn to light the candles.

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday Dear Sundown,

Happy Birthday To You!

Everybody burst into cheers and applause, and for once, Sundown truly felt like he belonged right where he was, and he was happier than he ever was before.

He was home.

Author's Note

That concludes our story. I'll keep up my blog posts to show when the sequel will come.
:pinkiehappy::twilightsmile::raritywink:

Chapter 1: "Sundown, PonyVille Awaits."

Princess Solana, the ancient Sun Princess's daughter, joined her cousin, Prince Lunar, in walking down to one of her student's dormitory. This student was caught up in his reading, so the Alicorn didn't hear the other two Alicorns enter his dorm. But his dragon sister, Ruby, bowed down to the Princess and Prince in front of her.

"Welcome, Prince Lunar, Princess Solana. Sundown and I are most happy to see you today." the pink dragon nudged the Alicorn colt, and he looked up.

"Oh, most sincere apologies, your Majesties." he said. Solana laughed.

"You don't have to bow or apologize." she said.

"You two are just as high in the ranks as us." Lunar added.

"Oh, uh, okay." the colt said, going back to his history books.

"Y'know, Sundown, you spend too much time here, reading your books as you are right now." Solana sighed.

"Like the stories of your mom that Mom and Aunt Celestia told when I was a colt and Solana was a filly." said Lunar.

"Well, we have a new study course for you," Solana continued. "Since you are old enough to live on your own, we think it's time you moved out of the castle. Surely enough you will find friends out there in the real world, where action is happening everyday. Your new course is to study friendship, maybe even love. It's your choice. Now, Lunar and I want you to move to PonyVille, where Mother sent your mom when she was young, and where she met your father."

"Wait. Leave Canterlot?! But this is my happy place. Besides, Mom was the Princess Of Friendship, not me." Sundown argued.

"Yet your dad was a protective ninja, and you are very protective of a certain dragon when the time comes." Solana said, smirking. The pale yellow Alicorn knew she had won by the face of her student.

"You will love PonyVille. And, we have arranged for you to leave tonight, so no take-backsies." the Princess smiled.

"Okay...but only because I know I can learn more about my mom and dad if I go." Sundown puffed his chest out.

"Okay then. Pack your bags, your train leaves in two hours. Sundown, PonyVille awaits." Solana and Lunar exited the room, leaving a frustrated Sundown and a bright Ruby to pack.

Author's Note

Whew..first chapter done!

Chapter 5: Reign Of The Shadow Plague

“NO!!” Scarlet and Elusive fell, crying nonstop as the shadow exited the boutique.

“What even was that?” Hummingbird inquired as he sat down to comfort his cousins.

“A Shadow Plague,” Sundown closed his eyes.

“Oh no! Not a Shadow Plague!” Pizza exclaimed. “What’s a Shadow Plague?”

Sundown began reciting words from a book. “‘A Shadow Plague. Merciless creatures made from the shadows of recently departed Dark Alicorns. They seek to quench their hunger for souls and their thirst for Alicorn blood. They come after Dark Alicorns are permanently defeated. The only way to stop them is to send them into light. If they are not defeated in three days’ time, the whole world will be dark and deadly forever.'”

The group shuddered and shivered at the thought of a dark Equestria, nopony wanted that.

“This one must have come when Nightmare Moon was defeated by our parents.” Sundown said, opening his eyes.

“We have to find a way to stop this Shadow,” Elusive said. “We have to go.”

“But we can’t leave these ponies here to be devoured.” Scarlett protested.

“There’s nothing else we can do,” Sundown sighed. “Unless we try to find a way to stop the Plague, these ponies will die anyway.”

“Okay,” Scarlett shivered. “Are you in too, Ruby?”

Ruby nodded viciously. “I’m not going to let our new home be destroyed, just like that!”

“Now, can we finally go to my mom’s old castle?” Sundown asked. “Mom might’ve had a book that could lead us to something about the plague.” Sundown put in his yellow hoof.

“Let’s go.” Hummingbird agreed, putting his hoof on top of Sundown’s.

“Off to save the world, together.” Elusive put is white hoof on.

“Yes, together.” Scarlett followed suit.

“Plague, schmague. It’s no match for friendship.” Pizza chuckled, putting down her hoof.

“Always.” Ruby added her claw.

“On three, Mane 5, ready?” Sundown asked. The group nodded.

“MANE 5!!”
The group started galloping towards the unmistakable castle, hoping the Plague wouldn’t see them running and come after them.

Author's Note

This is a short chapter because I wanted to capture the group's thirst for adventure, and revenge. :rainbowdetermined2: :twilightangry2:

Chapter 7: "Sundown, Adventure Awaits."

"Hmm.. It says here that Sun Sticks are few and far between," Sundown observed. "And Alicorns are the only ponies that can directly look at them without getting eye damage."

"Where can we find one?" Ruby asked eagerly.

"Either on the tree in the Canterlot Royal Garden where Solana grows golden apples, or in a faraway orchard beyond the Everfree Forest." Sundown replied.

"Beyond the Everfree Forest?! That would take ages to get to." Scarlett complained.

"Well, it's actually our only option." Sundown said. "Lunar Eclipse and Solana temporarily banned me from Canterlot until they've confirmed I've made life-long friends."

"Well, then." Elusive said. "I'm not happy to say this, but it looks like the Everfree Forest is awaiting our arrival."

"I'm not sure," Hummingbird cowered. "My mum says that even though she and Dad have been there before, it's the scariest place in Equestria. Animals that can swallow you whole; plants that could kill you with a drop of pollen; more animals, like cockatrices, that can turn you into pure stone with a tiny glare. She says that unless it's a life-or-death situation, she's never going back into the Forest again."

"Well, she can't say the same for you," Sundown said. "Because we're going. Otherwise Equestria will be dark forever."

Everyone shuddered again, even Sweetie Drops and Lyra.

"I think I could be of use," Sweetie Drops stepped forward. "In our days, your parents' friend, Applejack, had a sister, Applebloom. This little filly, who moved to Manehattan just a couple weeks ago, befriended a zebra who lived in the Forest. Word is that she had a foal, and after she died, the foal grew into a zebra stallion and vowed to protect his mother's belongings. I'm sure he will have a map on which you can find this orchard you're looking for."

"That is useful," Scarlett nodded.

"Thank you, Sweetie Drops, Lyra." Sundown said. "Please inform us in any way possible if something bad happens."

"You got it." Sweetie Drops winked. "Bye!"

Lyra pulled Sundown close for a moment before the group left PonyVille. She said, "Sundown, adventure awaits."

Author's Note

Woohoo! The ponies are really on their way now! :raritywink:
I'm sorry if this is too short of a chapter, it was just about them discovering where to go. :ajsmug:

Chapter 14: Sundown's Gone!!

Sundown tried to settle down for a nap after the encounter with the Wick trio, but he just couldn't. He was just realizing that there was a 50% chance the Plague could win. It could multiply and consume everything until Equestria was an endless wasteland once again.

Solana and Lunar had told young Sundown about the Equestria Wasteland many times. He was told that the Kraang, an enemy of his dad and uncles from back on Earth, had set a mutagen bomb off in the country. He was told that his dad had saved his uncles by pushing them into a crack in the ground so that they wouldn't be caught in the blast. His mother had done the exact same thing with his aunts. Twilight had escaped the blast in time, but Leo was caught in the middle. Over years he had developed into a monster, but soon enough his aunts, uncles, and mom had recovered him and changed Equestria to its former glory. Donnie had lost his body, but a new one had been created so he could go back to being a regular pony instead of a cyborg. After that, Donnie developed a retro-mutagen so that Leo's former body could come back. All had been well, until his parents died and he was sent to the royals as a tiny foal. No biggie. Right?

When Sundown had finally fallen asleep, he began tossing and turning, until a spiritual warmth brought settlement through his body. Blue wisps picked him up and carried him out of his tent.

Zach's ears flicked. The zebra heard whispering, and could feel a ghostly presence. He woke up, and covered himself in layers. Inferno woke up too, and she settled on Zach's back. Zach exited his tent, and woke up the others to a meeting.

"What?" Elusive asked, pulling up a sleep mask. "A colt as handsome as me cannot, I repeat, cannot miss this much beauty sleep. It's good for the pores."

"I believe we were all in the presence of spiritual bodies." Zach said.

"Spiritual?" Hummingbird asked, frightened. "As in, ghosts?" Hum shuddered at the word.

"Yes," Zach said. "They possessed a blue glow, and they have taken Sundown, now you may say 'Whoa'."

Ruby squeaked, "Sundown!"

"Thankfully, they light torches as they go, we have to follow them, so nopony run slow!"

"Oh, come on!" Elusive cried as the ponies followed the blue torches through the orchard.

Author's Note

I bet y'all can't guess who the ghosts are!!
Hint: One of them is :twilightsmile:
But who's the other?
--Pegasister

Chapter 20: Make Up, then Break..OUT!

Sundown sat sadly near his divided family. All because of the twins, the family was mad, sad, and with no way out. The Alicorn had to figure something out, and quick. He hadn't told anyone, except Ruby, that a creeping, soul-sucking darkness was bleeding into the room. It was confirmed, the Plague had started the ritual that would lead to the end of Equestria. And just when Sundown had met his parents, too! Then, he thought of a plan.

"Oh, darkness, I'm coming for you." Sundown said dramatically, winking at Ruby and grabbing his family's attention. "Might as well give up now. Soon this midnight shadow will fill this dungeon completely and we'll all be turned to dust." Sundown walked toward the darkness, smiling slyly and secretly as he did. Ruby nodded, climbing up on his back and sighing.

"Wait, what're you doing?" Scarlett asked. "Are you insane?"

"He's going to the weeping shadow," Hummingbird said. "He who enters it never comes out."

"Sunny!" Pizza cried, suddenly remembering the nickname Leo and Twilight had given Sundown.

"What did you call him?" Elusive asked.

"'Sunny' is the nickname his parents gave him," Zach said. "Bright like the sun, but sly like a raven! You cheeky Alicorn!"

"What did he do?" Scarlett asked. "I demand answers!"

"Zach is saying that Sundown tricked us into talking to each other again!" Hummingbird murmured.

"That's right, Hum," Sundown turned around. "Now, you five are gonna help me find a way out."

It was a long process. The family had agreed to make up and find a way back to the throne room, but that was harder than it sounds. Scarlett and Elusive tapped on the various crystals, looking for buttons or loose gems. Actually, Elusive was just admiring himself in the crystals' reflections.

"Even in disaster I'm handsome!" he commented.

Hummingbird and Ruby checked the diamond pillars in the dungeon for trap doors or levers, and Sundown and Zach, while keeping the shadow at bay, were also checking the roof and the floor.

"Anypony find anything?" Sundown called, helping Zach and Inferno pile crystals in front of the shadow.

Elusive was about to say no, but then he tapped the crystal he was admiring himself in and the floor jumped, ejecting the ponies up to the throne room. "I did!" Elusive said, rubbing the back of his neck as the ponies cheered.

Author's Note

If you didn't already figure it out, Elusive Diamond is a "my version" of Rarity's gender-bend.
But instead of keeping it as a gender-bend, I turned him into Rarity's son instead. :raritywink:

Chapter 21: The Elements Of Harmony

"Dude, you did it!" Sundown said. "You got us out, and by just admiring yourself, too!"

"I always knew my beauty would come in handy someday." Elusive flipped the hair hanging off his neck proudly.

"First things first," Pizza said unexpectedly. "Let's go flex our guns." She looked toward the tallest tower in the Castle, smiling widely. Following Sundown's lead, the group pursued the Elements' path, with Ruby hoping that she would be the Seventh bearer.

After they climbed the tower, they saw no defenses in the room. Whoever was behind the Shadow Plague clearly didn't know the Elements Of Harmony were restored. Sundown carefully trotted to the "closet" where the Elements were hidden, and used his horn to unlock the door. Inside was a chest, it's opening lined with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc.

"The Elements Of Harmony are in there?" Elusive asked hopefully.

"I'm 95% sure, Elusive." Sundown said. "They've got to be in here. We need them."

Thankfully, the Elements were in there, but they didn't look like what they were described as in the storybooks. "I think I know what's going on here." Zach said. "In result of the big journey on which we did embark, the Elements have changed and taken form of each of our Cutie Marks!"

"Zach's right!" Scarlett exclaimed. "A ruby for me, a diamond for Elusive, a pizza slice for Pizza, a swirl potion for Zach, a bird for Hummingbird, and a sun for Sundown!"

"They're collars!" Hummingbird said. "Except for Sundown's, which we all can see is a crown." Everybody, excited from the Elements' change, looked over to Sundown's Element, Magic, but Sundown noticed something.

"The crown shifted its form, too! Not just the actual Element." Sundown picked up the crown and placed it the spot on his head between his horn and his ears. Ruby commented that he looked like a royal. After everyone had put on their collars, they ran down the tower while looking around for any signs of the Plague's traps or the Plague itself.

"When do you think the seventh Element comes out if you can harness it?" Ruby whispered into Sundown's ear.

"Probably during battle," Sundown said. "But don't worry, I'm sure that will come real soon."

Author's Note

👑 CROWN FOR SUNDOWN
hahaha i made a rhyme

--Pegasister haha