Darkest Equestria

Chapters

Preface
Prologue- The stars will aid in her escape...
Chapter One- Home, such as it is...
Chapter Two- There can be no bravery...
Chapter Three- Now like me, you are part of this place...
Chapter Four- Our work begins...
Chapter Five- Great heroes can be found even here...
Chapter Six- I knew these paths once...
Chapter Seven- The first of many...
Chapter Eight- It takes more than brawn...
Chapter Nine- More arrive...
Chapter Ten- In such haste...
Chapter Eleven- Burn out this evil...
Chapter Twelve- You cannot learn a thing...
Chapter Thirteen- That which is already dead...
Chapter Fourteen- The wounds of war can be healed...
Chapter Fifteen- Our training begins...
Chapter Sixteen- Word is travelling....
Chapter Seventeen- The thrill of the hunt...
Chapter Eighteen- The cost of preparedness...
Chapter Nineteen- What better laboratory...
Chapter Twenty- Pace out the halls of your lineage...
Chapter Twenty-One- Uneasy companionship...

Preface

Darkest Equestria is about making the most of a bad situation. Quests will fail or be abandoned. Heroes will die. And when they die, they stay dead. There is no turning back the dial of time for such fateful events.

How far can a pony be pushed before they break? How much will be sacrificed in the quest to restore Ponyville? What will be sacrificed to save a favored friend?

Thankfully, there are always fresh souls in stock, needed only to be goaded to Ponyville, in search of both adventure and fame. And perhaps, just maybe, friendship and hope can still be found, in the shadows...

of a Darkest Dungeon.

Prologue- The stars will aid in her escape...

It was getting hard to write.

Twilight wrote to her lost mentor. She wrote letters of lessons long since learned, of old memories, and eventually of the daily occurrences of her life. Words flowed until they could flow no more, and Twilight had nothing more to write. There was no point to this, Twilight knew. The letters she wrote would never be delivered, for there was no pony to send them too anymore. There was no more Princess Celestia, her beloved mentor.

The letters were stacked on her floor and desk alike. Piles and piles of letters. Written with hope, written with despair, and written with yearning. There was a time she could have sent these letters to her mentor. A time ten years ago. Before all of this. Before the Summer Sun Celebration. Before... before the world she knew began to die.

Twilight sealed her pointless letter and set it on a stack with the others. Blankly, she stared at them. Her wandering mind captured her, and she began to think back.

Friendship didn't fail that fateful day; it never even had a chance to flourish. Killed in its iron-wrought cage of a crib, it died a silent, unseen death. The elements of harmony probably never existed. That fateful journey into the Everfree to best the supposed Nightmare Moon... it never would have even mattered. For it was not just Nightmare Moon that appeared that night. It was something far darker...

Twilight Sparkle sat in her cold tower in Canterlot. When princess Celestia disappeared, ponies started looking for answers. They turned to her of course, the student of the princess, and for once, she had no answers. All she could do was point in the direction of the Everfree. The direction of that dreaded forest.

She stood up from her seat, her legs lethargic with disuse. The stacked letters on her desk fell over, gliding across the floor. The doors to the outside of the tower remained locked as always. A mountain of books was piled up in front of them, blocking exit and entry. Tomes and scrolls scattered the floors, a mess borne of frantic research, and then a slow forgetfulness as answers refused to make themselves known.

In her pouring over all the tomes she could get her hooves on, Twilight had found no answers for what had occurred that day.

Her hooves unconsciously carried her to a window. Outside, gloomy clouds dragged in the air. The Pegasi could no longer remove them, there was not enough magic left to fuel flight. Near the Everfree, what magic remained was tentative in its function at best. There was no choice but to let the weather do as it pleased.

The shrouded sun was up now, as it would be for the next two days. With groups of unicorns having to move the celestial bodies at the cost of all the magic in their bodies, Equestria had shifted to a three days and three nights schedule.

She looked further, over fields of green and brown grass, then over the crowning canopy of the Everfree. Sequestered inside of the ever-expanding forest was a town. The town of Ponyville was not what it once was. It was a squalid mess of dilapidated buildings, some still standing, others not. It was nothing like the vibrant town she had seen all those years ago. The new council in charge of Equestria refused to fund anything more into it, close to the Everfree as it was.

They also had other things to worry about. War in distant lands had erupted. What funding there was would go there.

And then... surrounding Ponyville... was the Everfree.

It was always a darker place, an unknown machination of the powers that be, but its past self was nothing like it was now. It didn't look much different from this distance. It was still made of the same gnarled old oaks, the creeping vines and mired swamps. But now... it felt different. Where one would look at it with fear or apprehension, its shadowy embrace now spoke of dread, spoke of things beyond comprehension. A thousand secrets were laid bare before the watcher, and not a single one could be understood.

And then there was the Castle of the Two Sisters. Rising over the forest like an ancient monolith, the ground had seemed to push it out of the canopy of the forest overnight. Those ancient stones had not been trodden on by pony hooves in hundreds of years, and she could feel it. Something dwelled there, something that lurked between the unknowable phantoms of reality. It was the place where princess Celestia vanished, and its presence was a poison to this land.

"Are you alright, Twilight?" Spike made himself known with a yawn, rubbing his eyes as he crawled out of a pile of books. "You're staring into the distance again."

Twilight said nothing for a moment. Her expression was grim, her eyes hidden behind the long shadows cast by lantern light. "Do you think we could have done more?"

"What can we do? This is just the way things are now." Spike joined her at the window.

"Remember that first day in Ponyville?" Twilight said. "I made so many friends so quickly. I had never felt so happy in all my life..."

"You can still make friends!" Spike said.

There was an unsaid current in the air. That was a lie, and they both knew it.

"I wonder if any of them are still there?" Twilight placed a hoof on the cold glass. "Maybe in another time, another place, we would still be friends."

"At least you have me, right?"

Twilight grabbed him and pulled him close. The heat of his draconic body warmed her lavender coat. "At least I have you, Spike. You are always there for me."

The two watched the gloomy clouds, taking a moment to enjoy each other's company. Then, Spike coughed.

"Is everything alright?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, just... getting a little stomach ache." Spike coughed again. "I... I think I-"

Spike stumbled away, then shot a breath of green fire out of his mouth. It swirled up into the air, the flames coalescing into a slender form. A moment later, a browned piece of parchment fell to the ground.

"Is that a letter?" Twilight asked.

"It looks like it." Spike wiped his mouth and took a closer look. "It- It has the royal seal!"

"What?!" Twilight grabbed the parchment with what magic she could muster. Her horn sparked with a purple glow, and the paper began to shakily float off the ground. She looked at the front of the letter, and sure enough, the royal seal of Celestia stood bold, embedded in the red wax.

"But... she's..." Spike's words died in his throat.

"Gone or dead. Yes." Twilight felt something blossom within her. Hope. "But this! This could change everything!"

"Then, are you going to open it?"

Twilight stared at the seal, a thousand thoughts weaving through her mind. Then, her eyes narrowed, and she nodded. She unraveled the letter and began to read.

"My most faithful student. If you are reading this, then it means I have failed. I am sorry, it was my mistakes that led to this. I can see it now in my fleeting visions, the dark future of Equestria, and I am powerless to stop it. I know you are scared, hopeless, lost, but Equestria needs you now more than ever. When this letter reaches you, the evil will still be in its incubation stage. I beg of you, return to Ponyville, take up arms against it, and destroy it before its pestilence reaches a terrible threshold.

Found enclosed is the deed to Ponyville and all surrounding lands. They are yours now, and you are bound to them. Everything and everypony within now officially belongs to you. There is a reason I called them my little ponies after all.

Deliver us from this seething evil. Remember Twilight, as long as you harbor it in your heart, friendship and hope will never die.

With hope, Princess Celestia."

The letter was clearly written by her quill. Those elegant flowing lines, that dark ink, it was something that seemed almost like a misty memory on a summer's day. Fleeting in the mind, but unforgettable by the eye.

"What does it say?" Spike asked.

Twilight stared at the parchment. It almost didn't seem real. How was she supposed to cleanse that evil? Her magic didn't work well near it, everypony had all but given up on doing anything about it. The world had moved on. Everypony had moved on.

Everypony besides her. For whom else would not have given up on a world like this?

"Spike. Pack your bags. We are going back to Ponyville." Twilight stalked off, determination smoldering in her chest. "Princess Celestia might be alive, and it's time I do something about it."

"What?" Spike asked. "Are you serious?"

Seeing that he had been left alone, Spike cursed and chased after Twilight.

In the distance, lightning flashed, backdropped against the Castle of the Two Sisters. And if there was a watcher, they would have sworn they saw grasping tendrils reaching out from the shadowed depths...

of a Darkest Dungeon.

Chapter One- Home, such as it is...

Pinkie Pie could still remember those days.

She could remember when the sun shone bright, when green grass covered the hillsides, and when the smiles on the faces of foals livened the streets they played on. She could remember the cheery parties she threw, the wide smiles of those whose days she brightened, and the friends she had made. She remembered, even if no one else seemed to.

Those days were gone, and she would do anything to get them back.

The key to that lay in saving Princess Celestia from the Everfree. But such a task was impossible. It was simply too dangerous, too thick with the miasma of evil. It was-

"Hey Pinkie. Are you coming to the tavern tonight?"

The voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Pinkie was in Sugarcube Corner, standing behind the front desk. In front of her was a dusty maned mare. Her blue coat was slick with grime, and there were thick bags beneath her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry Cloud Kicker." Pinkie Pie put on a smile as she leaned on the front desk. Her poofy pink mane bounced like a spring. "I didn't see you there."

"Really?" Cloud Kicker frowned, her face all sharp worry lines. "You don't need me to fetch the nurse, do you?"

"No!" Pinkie Pie waved her hooves. "I am perfectly fine, in fact, I've never been better!"

Cloud Kicker narrowed her eyes. "Well, as long as you are sure..."

"Surer than a pony does the pokey!" Pinkie Pie said, a forced smile on her face. She hoped that it worked. Anything but that place again.

"...Okay... so are you going to be at the tavern tonight?" Cloud Kicker asked.

"Sure thing! You can count on me to be there!" Pinkie said.

"Good. Everypony likes it when you come. Livens up the mood." Cloud Kicker sighed. "Now, can I get three loaves of bread?"

"You betcha!" Pinkie Pie turned around. The wall where all of the baked goods once sat, frosted cupcakes and cakes, was now entirely filled with plain old bread. Or at least, it was once filled with plain old bread. Now only three sad loafs remained. She grabbed them, wrapped them in a bit of paper, then set them on the counter. "You're in luck. That was the last of them!"

"Oh, thank Celestia." Cloud Kicker quickly grabbed the bread, dropping a few bits on the counter. "You know how my little sister has such an appetite."

"I hope she enjoys them!" Pinkie tried to ignore that name. Princess Celestia. It hurts too much to hear sometimes.

"Hey Pinkie. Can I say something?"

"Sure thing!"

"Thank you for staying. You know, everypony else left. The cakes, the apples, the weather team, they all left besides you." Cloud Kicker frowned. "I don't know where we would eat if you left."

"It's the least I can do." Pinkie Pie said. "This place treated me so well when I first came here, it's time to return the favor!"

Cloud Kicker took the bread and gave her a hesitant smile. Her lips nearly quivered, as if they hadn't turned that way in a long time. Then, she left, the door closing behind her with a thud.

She had nearly got the mare to smile openly. Nearly.

Pinkie Pie sighed as she left. The bakery seemed so lonely without any other pony in it. The faded bright colors of pink and purple looked like old memories, decaying over time. There was no way to stop it. The gingerbread like walls were nearly falling apart at this point, and Pinkie didn't go upstairs anymore. The roof had collapsed a year ago, and she hadn't bothered trying to repair it. The buildings of Ponyville were not built to survive such unpredictable weather akin to the Everfree.

The Everfree. Where Princess Celestia had disappeared to. If only there was a way to save her, to turn things back to how they used to be.

She trotted over to the front of the bakery and flipped a sign on the front. It simply read, "OUT OF STOCK."

Then, with nothing more to do, she stepped out into the streets.

It was a dark and gloomy day, as it always was. The sun was hidden behind swirling clouds, looming over the town in a stifling miasma. What few ponies were out on the worn dirt roads did not loiter for long, their steps hurried as they went about business. Most wore cloaks, hiding their faces from the constant drizzle of rain.

What colors remained on the once bright buildings of Ponyville were washed out, old and unpainted. It had been ten years since that fateful day, and it showed in every nook and cranny of the town. Left to rot, the place was a hollow shell of what it once was, a corpse that had not yet decided to die.

Pinkie didn't feel any older, but the passage of time had gone on without fail, and it showed.

Her gaze went skyward, and a strange sight greeted her. The town's scouting balloon, which usually hung high in the sky, was nowhere to be seen. It could be refueling, but it usually only did so during the night days.

"Hey, do you know what happened to the scouting blimp?" Pinkie stopped one of the ponies in the street.

The pony nearly jumped out of his coat, his eyes darting back and forth. When they locked onto her, his shoulders relaxed. "Oh, it's just you Pinkie."

"Yep! It's me!" Pinkie said with all the cheer she could muster.

"Well, I heard that some pony from Canterlot hired it for a ride here." The stallion said. He kept looking further down the road, his body tense and anxious.

"Who would do that?"

"Not sure. If you want more information, I'm sure somepony else knows." The stallion snapped.

"Oh, sorry for bothering you." It hurt Pinkie's heart to see the way his hooves shuffled, and his eyes darted.

"It's not you Pinkie, it's just..." The stallion stared towards that distant forest. "Look, I'll see you at the tavern tonight, okay? Keep safe, you shouldn't be out on the streets if you don't have to be."

"Keep safe as well, friend!" Pinkie called after him as he practically galloped down the street. As the sound of hooves on dirt faded, she was left alone in the tenebrous streets. "I got a great party planned for your birthday!"

There was no reply.

"Oh, there he goes." Pinkie's pink coat was ruffled by a cold breeze. Her pure, vibrant blue eyes stared after him.

And once again, she was left alone. She stared at the ground, idly playing with the dirt with a hoof. It was acceptable to be in such a hurry. Who knew when something would come shambling into town, or the bandits would come again for another grab at their gold. Well, those bandits better hope they didn't come across her. The last time they did, it had not ended well for them. Though the scars on her neck were quite the price to pay for that victory...

It had been a pleasure to bleed them dry. They were the wicked terrors that killed her friends, and she would never forgive them.

Oh, she had nearly forgotten! How could Pinkie have forgotten her trusty hoof-blades?

She trotted back into Sugarcube Corner, and then went to one of the dusty corners. Piled in the corner, just behind the counter, was her equipment. Two hoof blades, to be attached to the two front hooves by tentative pony magic and cord. One was a crescent arc, akin to farming sickle, and the other a sharpened dirk. And between them, a wooden lute.

Pinkie grabbed the lute with a hum and strummed a few cords. The pleasant tune cheered her up just a little. This was the lifeblood of Ponyville, the thing that kept them all going. Who could have known what wonders a few jokes and a soothing tune could do for the soul?

She grabbed a set of old white saddlebags with a depiction of three balloons stitched onto the front, a mark that was exactly like the one on her flanks. The three cheerful balloons looked out of place on the bags, much like Pinkie Pie assumed she looked like to the town. The lute went into one, and the hoof-blades into another. Hopefully there would be no need for them, but in these times, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Pinkie missed when everything just seemed to work for her. When she could just make things happen or carry anything with no real need for thought. When the princess disappeared, those strange powers of hers seemed to have vanished as well. At least she still had her Pinkie sense, it had saved her life more times than she could count.

Then, she made sure to pack away a red and pink outfit into one of the saddlebags. Bells jingled on it, a jester's joy.

She shook her head. There were ponies in need of cheer at the tavern, and she would be there to give it!

"Time to hit up the tavern!" Pinkie dashed out of the bakery.

Her hooves carried her through the solemn streets. Houses passed her by, all in some state of neglectful disrepair. Most were empty, some weren't, but they all shared a similar fate.

It was on this trip that Pinkie noticed something in the sky, a flashing image in the corner of her eye. The scouting balloon was in sight. It was still a way away, drifting over the old road to Canterlot. The Everfree woods had grown thick beyond their borders, surrounding the town of Ponyville in woods. Nopony really dared brave the road anymore, which made travel by balloon preferable.

The sight of it made Pinkie skid to a stop. If there was going to be a new pony in town, then she had to make sure there was a party ready for them!

Yet, as she watched, she noticed there was something off about the balloon. It was swaying a little too heavily. Small black birds swarmed it, a cacophony of cawing that she could hear even from here. It passed through a dark cloud, swaying and shaking. Her tail twitched, a clear sign from her Pinkie sense that filled her with an unsettling feeling.

Something was going to fall.

The balloon popped like an overripe grape under the onslaught. Pinkie watched the balloon fall in the distance, then disappear below the canopy. That couldn't be good. It was the only scouting blimp in town, and not to mention, there was supposed to be more than one passenger on it. There was a pony that needed a party in that balloon!

She had to do something. The woods were thick with danger, and whoever was on it would be torn apart if they weren't equipped to deal with the forest. It was a fact she knew all too well. Pinkie nibbled her hooves in worry, wondering what to do.

Maybe she could get a scouting party together? No, the ponies in the town wouldn't even try taking the old road by hoof, much less go searching for a downed balloon in it. They could scarcely go outside their own homes nowadays, unless a sudden bravery struck them to visit the tavern for a stiff drink.

"This isn't good at all." Pinkie said. She didn't know the ponies on the balloon, other than its pilot, but she couldn't just leave them to rot in those woods.

There had to be somepony that would accompany her into the woods. But who? She tried to think, but nothing came to mind. Maybe asking at the tavern would help?

With that in mind, Pinkie renewed her gallop towards the tavern.

It came into view ahead. It was one of the more intact buildings in Ponyville, which wasn't saying much. Cracked timbers supported a sagging tile roof. One of the windows was boarded up, a result of a fight within no doubt. It was silent as the grave. And yet, the warm light coming from its windows promised safety, warm food, and good drink. Overhead, a crooked wooden sign hung. On it was the symbol of a torch, which held in its iron cradle a blazing sun, Celestia's sun. It read, "The Torch and Crown."

The scent of unwashed bodies and alcohol hit her as Pinkie opened the door to the place. Hushed sounds of subdued merriment filled the shadowed interior of the bar. Ponies were scattered at circular tables, throwing dice and playing cards. Some downed drinks with fervor, while others stared off into space, idly sipping away.

Pinkie strode into the familiar place. As she walked, the murmurings around her heightened.

"Here to play a song, Pinks?" A mare raised a tankard at her. "A little earlier than your usual!"

"Well, I would love to..." Pinkie started.

"Did you hear that? Pinkie is going to liven up the mood!" The mare cheered.

In response, a cheer erupted across the tavern. Tankards clashed together, and Pinkie found one being shoved in front of her face. The scent of cheap wine stung her nostrils.

"Ah, wait everypony!" Pinkie nervously chuckled. "I have something to announce."

The tavern went silent.

"You’re... you're not leaving, are you?" One of the stallions in the scattered small crowd asked.

"Of course not." Pinkie said. "I'm not leaving the town that welcomed me behind!"

"Oh, thank Celestia, much as that wicked mare did for us-"

"Shut your mouth, Celestia did more for us than you ever could."

"Oh yeah, then where is she now? If you ask me, she left on her own. Gave up on us all, thought we weren't worth it. Left us behind."

"She didn't, she is just trapped."

"Or dead."

"What did you say?! She is not dead, you fool."

Tension was palpable in the air. The argument was rapidly growing in intensity, tones being heightened, and words becoming more barbed. Pinkie looked between them, wondering what to do. At this rate, a fight was going to break out. Not that it was uncommon, but it always ended with somepony hurt. She also didn't have time for this, every second spent here was another in the favor of the forest, and at the detriment of the ponies in the balloon.

"Hey! I said I have something to announce!" Pinkie shouted.

All eyes turned to her. The grumbling continued. "Sorry, Pinks."

Once it quieted down, she started to speak. "The scouting balloon went down in the forest. I saw it just a few minutes ago."

Panicked murmuring started at the tables. "Well, what do you want us to do about it? If it's gone, it's gone."

"There were ponies on board." Pinkie paused. "I am going out to find them, and I need some ponies to join me."

The murmurings in the crowd heightened. They glanced between each other, some nudging another, but no pony moved.

"Are you sure that is a good idea? They are probably already dead. You shouldn't risk it. Besides, the mayor was on the balloon and she's crazy anyways. Saves a few trips to the hospital if anything." A pony from the crowd said. There were murmured agreements.

"Well, I'm going. Those ponies need help." Pinkie nodded, to convince herself more than anything else. "Will anypony join me?"

The ponies averted their gazes when she looked over them. It was silent.

"That forest Pinks... it's not made for pony hooves anymore. At least that of decent folk. You should stay here, where it's safe."

It was a tempting proposition. To stay in the confines of the town, sheltered at least just a little from the horrors that dwelled outside. It would be easy to return to Sugarcube Corner, maybe play a few tunes at the tavern before she went. And yet, that would mean she was like them. Content. Content with the way the world was now, devoid of hope or cheer. Content with the fact that the princess was gone, and content with the disturbed balance, the deaths, the sickness, the degradation. If she was anything, it was not content.

And if Pinkie knew one thing about herself, it was that she had something they didn't. A little bit of hope, and a little bit of cheer. The prancing steps of life.

"If anypony wants to join me, I'll be at the forest's edge." Pinkie gave them a light smile. "If I'm back at night for a song, you'll know how it went!"

The grim cheer didn't have the effect she had intended. Guilty frowns and hurried glances were all that she received.

With that said, Pinkie left the tavern, closing the door behind her. It seemed that she would be undertaking this journey alone. Her head drooped the slightest, her hooves dragging in the dirt. Then, she straightened herself. Spirit had to keep strong, or else the Everfree would win.

She looked towards the Everfree, and thought of the downed balloon.

Winning started with keeping ponies breathing. For if there was breath, there could be laughter.

It was time to face the forest. Pinkie was sick of letting it win, sick of letting its mere presence haunt the hearts of ponies. Those wretched bandits were able to traverse the winding weald, so why couldn't she?

She headed for the edge of the forest and steeled her heart and nerves. The ponies in Ponyville may have given up on a brighter future. They may have given up on doing the right thing, on the morals that Equestria was built on. They may have given up on the world.

But Pinkie never did.

Chapter Two- There can be no bravery...

Standing at the edge of the Everfree, Pinkie realized exactly just what she was getting into.

Through the mud and the rain, Pinkie could see the obscured edge of the Everfree. Its shadowed thicket was thick, standing tall against its charred surroundings. Desperate controlled burning had kept the forest at bay, or so it seemed. Even now, small roots weaved their way towards the town, lifeless and reaching out like charred legs.

Pinkie set her saddlebags on the ground and opened them. From within she withdrew her hoof blades, the red and black outfit, and then her lute. And finally, something she had grabbed just before coming. An iron-clad lantern, which held within a large wax candle.

She slipped the outfit on. Red and black cloth covered her, coarse and thick. It offered meager protection, but it was protection nonetheless. On her face she put on a bone-white mask. Beneath the edge of the cloth surrounding the mask, a layer of chainmail was inlaid. Hanging down from the sides of the hood-like mask were two bells. They jingled softly.

Pinkie set the lute on her back, and earth pony magic locked it into place. While magic was all but nonexistent near the Everfree, it didn't seem to mind as long as it didn't extend outside the body. The effects were lessened of course, but scraps of magic could still be found even here.

Then, she put on the hoof blades. She wrapped the cord around her hooves, securing them into place. Her inner magic helped seal them, and soon scythe and dirk were folded up against the sides of her legs. She stared at them, visions of blood baying in her mind. She shook her head, casting away the encroaching memories. Everything was in place.

"Well, I guess this is it, huh?" Pinkie hummed as she stared at the edge of the forest. "Didn't think I would ever be heading out there alone."

Pinkie took a moment to breathe, casting doubt and fear to the cold winds. Then, she strapped her lantern to her side, letting it hang off her saddlebags. It cast a warm orange glow around her, not far, but it was something.

"Remember Grandma Pie's words. Giggle at the ghostly..." She spoke to herself, eyes darting between grasping shadows.

Then, she started to walk. The forest's edge grew closer, and with it, the sounds from within. Not wanting to persuade herself to turn back, Pinkie wasted no time in breaching that wall.

Immediately darkness dropped its cloak over her head. It was black as pitch, the only light came from what little sunlight filtered through the cloud and canopy. Her lantern was what guided her, and every moment she wasted was another that its lit wick grew shorter.

Distant howls of Timberwolves echoed through the ominous woods. They weren't quite right, not the same as they used to be. They were sorrowful, pained even, changed and malformed. The constant hum of insects and croaks of frogs was unnatural. Pinkie Pie could have sworn it was just a cover for something that lurked in the darkness.

She continued nonetheless, her nerves like sparks, and her heart beating steadily in her chest. Her hooves crushed rotten leaf-mulch with wet sucking sounds as they pulled free of underlying mud. Mushrooms grew from the sick wood of hollowed out oaks, festering with pestilent spores. It would be best to avoid those.

The cry of a keening owl nearly made Pinkie jump. She stumbled away from it, heart fluttering in her chest like a hummingbird.

"Owls out in the day? Madness..." Pinkie Pie whispered. "I wonder if they give two hoots about what's in the forest now."

She chuckled to herself. It admittedly wasn't her best joke, but the thought lifted her spirits.

Now, she had to orient herself. The balloon was in this direction, but the winding trees whispered of misalignment. It would be easy to get lost in its winding depths. The old road, that was where she should walk. The balloon had fallen on it, so that is where she should look.

It was beneath her now, hidden as it was by thick roots, but it could be followed. So that is what she did.

It wasn't really much of a road to be frank, more of a dirt path with the faint vestiges of civilization still clinging to it, but it was something.

Ahead, the faint glimmer of something shimmered from out of the mud. Pinkie froze, trying to get a look at what it was. After throwing a rock at it to test the waters, she approached.

Sticking out of the mud was a piece of twisted metal. She poked at it, and it slid off, revealing a bit of shattered bone. It was a piece of bone with a hole in the center, perfectly ocular in nature. Pinkie quickly realized that this was a broken helmet, and that was a piece of a skull. Somepony here had met an unfortunate end, perhaps trying to take the old road by hoof.

She stepped back, gut churning. Her hooves slipped on the mud, and something stuck to the back of them. Pinkie looked behind her and saw that a scrap of purple cloth was attached to the hoof.

It was a piece of the scouting balloon. She grabbed it immediately, looking over its surface.

"A clue." Pinkie hummed nervously, taking another hurried step away from the shattered skull.

She looked up and noticed more scraps of purple cloth stuck to branches. If pieces of the balloon were here, then that meant it had to be nearby. Trying to judge where it had landed was nearly impossible, the woods were simply too thick. The only way was to search around.

Pinkie paced, glancing side to side. She picked up the cloth and hung it on a branch, as a marker. Then, she picked a direction at random, and started searching through the woods. She made sure to keep the old road in sight, as hard as that was. If she lost sight of it... things would not end well.

As she stepped off the path, her hoof hit a cluster of mushrooms hidden just behind a branch. They seethed in natural wrath, releasing a thick cloud of blinding spores. Pinkie wretched, closing her eyes and stumbling away as the rancid spores clouded her senses. It smelled of rotten meat and sickness.

Coughing and gagging, Pinkie stumbled, her eyes and mouth burning. Her mask had blocked most of the cloud, but she could still taste it in her mouth and feel it burning her skin.

"That... is horrible." Pinkie coughed, wiping her tongue with the cloth around her neck. "Why did nature decide that should exist?"

Perhaps it was not nature alone that created such an obstruction.

As she sat, trying to endure a feel like acid burning her face, she heard something amidst the trees. Voices.

"Did you hear that?" A gruff, hardened stallion's voice echoed through the woods.

Pinkie froze. That didn't sound like a resident of Ponyville. That sounded like a bandit. She glanced around frantically and spotted a hollowed-out tree.

"I didn't hear anything. Why not get your ears checked? Maybe there's spiders crawling around in them." A mare's sneer was accompanied by clopping hooves on dirt.

Speaking of spiders...

The hollow Pinkie Pie had chosen was filled with the webs of the things. They were thick webs, the bodies of unfortunate insects bundled up in them by the hundreds. A single large spider the size of a hoof sat at the top of the web, its eight green wretched eyes staring emptily at her. "Oh, come on... this joke isn't funny."

"Tell me you didn't just hear that voice!" The stallion growled. His steps were getting closer.

Pinkie shut her mouth, silently zipping it with her hoof. It had done enough damage. Then, swallowing the saliva in her throat, she crawled underneath the web. Mud soaked her belly and hooves as she crawled. She turned a dial on the lantern, and the darkness instilled its black reign.

It was so dark that Pinkie couldn't even see the hoof in front of her face. All she could hear was chirping insects, scuttling feet in the undergrowth, and the sigh of spores. She huddled into what clothing was on her body, hoping that it would protect her from the bite of any creepy crawlies.

"I... maybe you're not insane. Think it's the ponies from the balloon that went down?" The mare said.

"Well hush up then, we are going to get the jump on them if they are. Who knows what baubles and gold they might have on them?"

"Don't tell me to hush up, you pathetic waste of space."

"Are you looking to get fed to the Timberwolves?"

"Maybe you're looking for the same?"

"Look. Let's settle this after we get the gold. How about that?"

"Fine."

The sound of hooves grew much quieter. They had no light, unlike her. It was a mystery, but the bandits always seemed to be able to traverse the forest with little issue. They had no need for light, for the blackness in their twisted hearts was enough to guide them. At least, that's what Pinkie Pie had heard from the ponies in town.

She could hear them getting closer, and she focused on softening her breathing. Pinkie could feel her pulse in her neck, the drying of her mouth, and the tightening of her hooves on her weapon straps.

Leaves crunched outside the hollow she was hiding in. Pinkie could swear that something was crawling on one of her front hooves. She stilled, trying to stop the urge to swipe whatever it was away.

"See anything?" A whispered voice asked.

"Nothing."

"Damnable town ponies. Useless enough that they can't even-"

A scream echoed in the woods, loud and piercing. it was the voice of a mare, and vaguely familiar to Pinkie Pie. It was one full of terror. It was followed by a maddened cackle. It was Mayor Mare's signature mad laugh. She was never quite the same when the darkness arrived.

"Looks like we are in luck." The stallion growled.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get to it."

The sound of hooves faded away.

Immediately Pinkie scurried out of the hollow and clicked her lantern alight. She breathed a sigh of relief, then looked down at her hooves. Attached to one of them was a noxious green spider, its eyes bored into her. Pinkie nearly shirked, swiping it off of her and stomping it into the earth.

"It's just a spider. No big deal." Pinkie's fur was standing on end, unnerved. She laughed, shaking it off.

She had to follow those bandits. They could lead her to the downed balloon. They knew the way around the forest and how to navigate it. It was her only hope.

Pinkie trailed after the muddy hoofprints. They led a twisting path through the gnarled woods. Lanternlight guided her.

The sound of voices came from ahead, a crowd of them. Laughter erupted in the woods, playful and tinged with malice. Pinkie shut out her light again and stalked forward with bated breath. Beads of sweat stained her coat, and her eyes dilated as ancient instinct surged through her. Moisture clouded the insides of her mask as her breathing heightened.

"What do we have here, Mayor Mare and a little purple pony?" The mare snickered.

"I am just trying to get-" That voice, it was so familiar.

"Did I say you could speak? Shut your tongue before I feed it to the maggots." The mare snarled.

"Hey! Don't speak to Twilight like-"

A hiss of pain sounded through the murk, and a cry of agony.

"Spike!"

"You like that?" The mare said. "Look at the little purple unicorn, trying to use magic, what are you unicorns good for now anyways? Without magic you are nothing."

The stallion chuckled.

Pinkie Pie stalked forward, anger burning in her heart. These bandits. Always sinister, always tainted with evil. Every time they showed up to town they killed and stole. Never enough to destroy the town, leaving just enough for it to recover so they could pillage again. She hated them. She hated them with all her heart.

They gave up on the world, they turned their backs on Equestria, and she would never forget that.

She peeked between the foliage and could finally see what was happening.

The two bandits stood, clad in thick brown cloth. Dark green and black cloth were the colors, made to blend into the forest. The stallion had a longsword strapped to the side of his barrel, and Pinkie Pie could see two hoof blades glinting on the mare's hooves.

The mare was smiling, holding a wicked point to a purple and green dragon's neck. There was a deep gouge on the side of the little thing's face. It was just a baby dragon, barely even half the height of a pony. Behind him was a lavender coated unicorn, her eyes wide with fear. Her horn glowed with magic, but all that came out were sparkles.

Pinkie Pie knew that pony. The name came back to her, even from all those years ago. It was Twilight Sparkle, the unicorn who appeared on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration. And her companion was the baby dragon, Spike.

Behind them was Mayor Mare, cackling madly as she held her head in her hooves. Her white frizzled mane and dirty brown coat were stained with mud.

"Please, let him go." Twilight said in a small voice. "He's just a baby."

"Hmm, what do you think?" The mare turned to her partner. "Should we?"

The stallion hummed thoughtfully, a grin across his face. "I'm not sure... do they have anything to spare?"

"I-I have a few bits on me!" Twilight reached for her pouch, throwing it in front of her. "Here! That's all I have."

Pinkie stalked forward, sticking to the shadows. She kept the step of her hooves light. Her teeth ground in hatred, she hated bandits. She wanted them to die. She wanted them to bleed out, slowly, to be fed to the worms of the earth.

The stallion grabbed it with glee, opening the pouch. "This is all of it?"

"That's all of it!" Twilight said.

"Then I guess we got what we came for." The mare shrugged.

"Then will you leave us?"

"No. I don't think we will." The mare drove the dagger just a bit deeper, and Spike whined in pain.

"Stop! Why are you doing this!" Twilight screamed; her eyes watery. "What did we do to you!?"

"Nothing. This is just what you get for being weak."

Spike suddenly shot out a jet of green flame from his mouth, scorching the mare holding him. She shrieked, stumbling back, flames licking at her clothes. "You little... I'll gut you for that, whelp!"

Pinkie came up behind the stallion, her hooves soft as feathers on the forest mulch. Her breathing was rapid and heavy, flashes of blood going through her mind. She hated them. She hated them. They killed her friends; they turned their backs on Equestria.

The stallion's ears perked, and he slowly looked behind him. His eyes locked onto her, and they widened in surprise. "We-"

"SURPRISE!" Pinkie jumped forward before he could react. She landed on her back hooves, balancing on them in a way that only an acrobat could.

Her scythe ripped across his throat in a jagged line, cleaving through tendon and cartilage. Red blood spilled out with a wheeze of lost breath. The stallion stumbled back, clutching at his gaping wound with wide eyes. He fell to the earth, trying to breathe through pipes that wouldn't work.

A few quick prancing steps had Pinkie flying over his bleeding body, cracking his head into the ground with a hoof as she did so. A wicked glee filled her.

The mare's eyes widened, and she leapt back as a pink whirlwind of blades stormed towards her. Her hooves skid in the dirt, and her eyes hardened.

"He died in a second. I always knew he was useless." The mare growled, her eyes darting back and forth. "And who do you think you are?"

Of course, she didn't know Pinkie. Any bandit she found hadn't been able to make it back to tell the others about her.

"Oh, isn't this a great joke? A bandit scared of its prey!" Pinkie leaned forward, the drooping eyes of her mask of her mouthless mask staring mockingly forward. "Isn't that just a travesty?"

The mare snarled and leapt forward. Her hoof blades lashed out, quick as wit. Pinkie danced away from them, ignoring a razor-thin cut that opened up on her side. The pain only fueled a mocking laughter.

She spun out of the dodge, lunging forward with her dirk. It grazed the edge of the mare's neck as she stumbled back. A sweeping scythe followed it, ripping into her underside.

A scream of pain erupted from the mare, and she stumbled back. Blood spilled from the wound. "Wait! I yield!"

Pinkie leapt forward. Daggers lashed towards her neck. She slid to the side, one catching the chainmail around her neck with a skid of steel, and the other slicing a wound open on her side. Pinkie laughed through the pain and shot her dirk forward like a viper.

It caught the mare in the throat, and she ripped it free in a second. Her eyes went wide, and she fell back, gurgling on her own blood. She hit the ground, writhing and choking. Pinkie watched her, the sin bleeding from her veins.

What delightful irony. The bloodletter becomes bloodless.

She stabbed the mare again, just to make sure she was dead. When the body stopped moving, she turned to look at the ponies she saved.

Twilight was hugging Spike, her body shaking. The dragon had wound across his face, but otherwise looked fine. Mayor Mare was murmuring to herself now, looking over the carnage.

"W-Who are you?" Twilight asked. "Are you here to hurt us too?"

"I'm not here to hurt you silly!" Pinkie wiped the blood off her. She felt a little queasy now that the adrenaline high she was on was wearing off. The sight of bleeding corpses was burned into her mind. She hated doing it, but she hated the bandits more. "Don't you remember me, Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head.

Pinkie took off her mask, the moisture and blood causing it to stick for just a second. It came free, and fresher air touched her face. As fresh as the air in the Everfree could get that is.

"Pinkie Pie?" Twilight's eyes widened. "That- Who- How-?"

"Yep. It's me!" Pinkie smiled, stepping away from the corpses. "You don't look like you aged a day!"

"I..." Twilight trailed off.

The murmuring of Mayor Mare was the only thing that could be heard. Spike had fainted in Twilight's hooves, his eyes closed.

"We should get back to town." Pinkie said. "You look like you could use some rest."

"I... I think you're right." Twilight's composure was regained in the slightest. Though, her eyes kept darting to the bodies on the ground and blood on Pinkie's hooves. "How close are we to the town?"

"Just a canter away!" Pinkie said. "Oh, I am so glad you are here! But, what brings you back to Ponyville? Why would you come here?"

"Ill... I'll tell you on the way." Twilight said. "Please, let's get out of this forest."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie Pie said. her stomach churned at the sight of the bodies, and she turned her back on them. Her smile faltered, sweat building on her face. Yet, she made sure to always bring cheer to any situation. "Follow me!"

The group walked into the forest. Mayor Mare cackled behind them, glancing at shadows as she walked.

"Oh, I can't wait to show you the tavern, Twilight. It's just the best!" Pinkie said. "Oh, it's been so long since we've seen each other, though it really was only for one day. That day was pretty great though. Hey, remember that time..."

And Pinkie continued to speak, even amongst the tenebrous embrace of the Everfree. Even with the blood coating her hooves, and the wounds burning on her side. For what was life without a little laughter? Without a spark of joy?

The forest seethed.

Chapter Three- Now like me, you are part of this place...

The old road was found in a timely fashion, scraps of the purple balloon leading the way. The clopping of hooves filled the air, and Pinkie kept her eyes to the edges of the lantern light. Behind her, trailing like ducklings, were Twilight and Mayor Mare.

"How much further?" Twilight asked. "I don't know how much longer I can carry Spike."

"We should be close now." Pinkie said.

A moment passed. Trees passed them by, twisted and malformed by the corruption within. It was a sad state of affairs.

"Hey, Twilight, are you going to tell me why you're here? It's not the nicest place."

"I'll tell you once we get to town, Pinkie." Twilight's hooves dragged. "I don't like speaking too loud here. It feels... wrong."

There was a certain air to this place, that Pinkie could agree on. Stale, yet cold. It Festered with an unknown sickness and rot. The darkest of places here seemed to almost whisper, the secrets they told forever unknown even to those who heard them. Thankfully, the forest was clearing up ahead.

The old road spat them out to the edge of town. The disparity between the thickened woods and the clearing surrounding the town was of almost impossible geometry, as if cut by a razor's edge. "Here we are!"

"This... this is it?" Twilight looked towards the town in all its stifling degradation.

"Yep! Here, let's get Spike to the hospital." Pinkie Pie winced. The slicing cuts on her side stung as they were remembered.

"You look like you could use some care as well." Twilight said. "Does it hurt?"

"Not at all!" Pinkie said. "I don't need to go in there."

"Why not?"

"Let's just get him to the hospital, alright?" Pinkie smiled and set off on her way. There was no way she was letting them even think she needed to be put back in there for... 'mental encouragement'.

"Okay." Twilight paused. "I wanted to thank you for saving me. Why were you out there anyways?"

"Don't worry about it! As for why I was out there, well, I saw your balloon go down and went out to find you."

"Alone?" Twilight asked. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"The others didn't want to help." Pinkie kicked a bit of dirt in frustration as she walked. "They don't care anymore."

To that, Twilight said nothing. But her ears drooped, and her gaze went back towards the town.

It was full of empty streets and the creak of swaying lanterns. Dark windows loomed, shadows dancing behind their smudged faces. Old timbers creaked with the weight of unmaintained rooftops, struggling to hold up its burden. A scrap of cloth waved from its place impaled on an abandoned wagon, hanging on by just a single thread, ready to be blown away at the slightest gale. It was a sad sight.

Pinke smiled and leapt in front of her followers. "Welcome to Ponyville!"

Judging from the look on Twilight's face, her welcome didn't help much. "Where are the ponies?"

"I know right? Maybe the town could live up to its name if we all stopped dying!" Pinkie chuckled nervously as Twilight's frown deepened. She forgot that the whole gallows humor thing didn't really work on ponies from outside town. "That was supposed to be a joke you know."

"Right..." Twilight let out the fakest laugh Pinkie had ever heard.

"A joyless laugh. Cruel irony…" Pinkie whispered to herself. She would have to come up with better jokes later.

Pinkie led the way into town. The hospital was on the outskirts, but it was safer to travel through the center of town. It wasn't like there was much traffic. They passed buildings, and the occasional wayward soul on their way home.

Twilight looked like she had questions about everything, but her gaze kept dropping down to Spike. As for Mayor Mare, well, she had disappeared down a dark alley, hiding her ever smiling face and snickering laughter. If any pony needed to visit the hospital it was her. Her head was not quite exactly in charge anymore.

The hospital came into view. It was a sturdily built building, though that had not done much to prevent the ravages of time. On its front was a red cross, stained with dirt. Where there were once flowerbeds on the sides of the building were now filled with choking weeds.

"Here we are, the Ponyville hospital!" Pinkie gestured to the front door. Its sturdy wooden frame could take a beating, she could attest to that. "And this is where I must leave you."

"Thank you, Pinkie. Are you sure you couldn't come in with me?" Twilight asked. "I don't know exactly how the reception works."

"You just walk in there and start talking, how hard could it be?" Pinkie said. "They aren't going to keep you locked up or anything. At least for that long."

"You mean held up?" Twilight gave her a quizzical look.

"Sure! Now get in there and get Spike some treatment!" Pinkie said with a smile. "Don't want this to drag-on any longer!"

Twilight nodded, her face hardening with determination. She grabbed Spike and ran inside the hospital. It seemed that she didn't get the joke.

Pinkie sighed, taking off her mask now that she got the chance to. She removed her outfit, the hoof blades, and shut off the lantern. Then, she stuffed it all in her saddlebags. For a moment she just closed her eyes and focused on the feeling of rain dripping on her coat. She could have sworn it was blood falling in that moment, sticking and sealing clumps of hair together.

Those bandits deserved it. For killing the ponies in town, for butchering her friends. And if only she could get her hooves on their leader... Now that would be something to laugh about. She could see him now, laughing at her as she ran away, stomping on a mare she called friend.

Pinkie would have the last laugh, she always did.

"Pinkie." A familiar voice came from behind her. "Are your symptoms acting up again?"

Pinkie froze, her blood chilling. Then, her head snapped towards the speaker. Standing before her was a white-coated mare.

"Nurse Redheart! What are you doing here?" Pinkie took a step away, forcing a laugh. Just like Twilight had. Cruel irony again!

Standing before her was a white-coated mare. Her fur was stained with red liquid of dubious origin. Over her body she wore a black garment, stained with grime. Her brown saddlebags were bulging with bottles and ointments, and herbs and roots. On her head she wore black medical cap. Bandages were wrapped around her right eye, stained from blood beneath. She stared forward emotionlessly with her remaining eye. The eye was an empty crystal blue. It was a soulless stare, as if there was nothing left of the pony within.

"I was fetching supplies from the provisioner." Redheart stepped closer. Her single eye was piercing, and they locked onto the slicing wounds on Pinkie in a second. "You're wounded."

"It's nothing!" Pinkie waved a hoof. "You should take care of your own wounds. When was the last time you did that?"

"I don't have time to tend to my own wounds. Every second wasted is another life lost to sickness and... madness." Redheart trotted past her. "Come with me. Those wounds need dressing."

"I really feel fine-"

"Then you must be mad." Redheart glanced behind her, eyes narrowing. "When was your last checkup?"

"I feel horrible actually!" Pinkie laughed. "Let's go inside, my wounds are stinging!"

Redheart huffed, staring for a moment longer. Then, she continued inside the hospital.

Pinkie sighed in relief, her back hooves shaking. She wasn't mad, she might have been before, but that had been fixed. She just had to make sure that Redheart saw that.

The doors to the hospital were ominous, the seal to a prison. Pinkie tried to ignore it as she walked inside, trailing right behind Redheart.

Inside the building, the air was stale. The slightest stench of sickness could be smelled even here in the lobby. Pinkie could swear she heard phantom screams coming from the distant crevices of the hospital. The floors and walls were kept somewhat clean, though it was clear that it needed another scrubbing. There was a pool of dried blood on the floor, amongst other substances. There were simply not enough ponies left here to do the work.

Twilight was glancing around the room, looking worried. There was no pony at the front desk.

"Are you in need of treatment?" Redheart came up behind her.

"Ah!" Twilight nearly jumped. "Oh, I didn't see you there! Spike needs his wounds tended to; can you help?"

Redheart stared at the little dragon. "Our supplies are limited. Treatment is for ponies only."

"Please! He is my friend! I can pay." Twilight reached for her saddlebags, then her face went white.

"Here!" Pinkie threw a brown bag at her. "I almost forgot to give this back to you."

It was Twilight's bag of bits. Of course, Pinkie had kept the bits the bandits had for herself. You never knew when a traveling merchant might show up with something that was hard to get in town.

"Pinkie. Thank you." Twilight let out a sigh of relief. She extended the bag towards Redheart. "Here."

Redheart stared at the bag, her single eye unwavering. Then, she took it and stashed it into her saddlebag. "This will pay for the cost of materials. I will have his wounds stitched and sealed, then I will treat Pinkie's."

"You? Isn't there any pony else who can help as well?" Twilight asked with a worried look towards Spike.

"No. I am the sole nurse. There are only three other assistants, and they are busy." Redheart said.

"What happened to the rest of the staff?"

Redheart stared at her, not blinking. A moment passed; the silence so thick it felt like it was hard to breathe. "Follow me, Pinkie."

"Wait, we can get treated at the same time, right? We both just have cuts." Pinkie said.

"That is... acceptable." Redheart said. "Come along then."

They followed Redheart through grimy hallways. Most doors to other rooms were wide open, revealing empty white beds. Some were in disarray, shattered glass and medical equipment thrown about the room.

"A-Are you sure this place is going to help Spike?" Twilight whispered.

"It's not what it used to be." Pinkie admitted. "But Nurse Redheart has kept all of us alive when no pony else would. If a pony has even the slightest chance to recover, Nurse Redheart will make sure it happens."

Pinkie would never admit it, but she was just as scared of the nurse as she respected her. She was the only one who stayed when all others left, just like her. It was her who brought her out of her...episode. It was Redheart that had saved her, and for that, she was grateful. But that didn't mean she wasn't terrifying. There was just something about that endlessly staring eye, an eye that had seen more than any pony ever should have...

"Here. We will use this room." Redheart opened one of the only closed doors. Inside, a relatively clean room awaited. It had nothing more than a single bed, a few mats on the ground, and a counter full of drawers. "Set the dragon on the bed."

Twilight did as she was instructed, gently laying the purple dragon down. He slumbered; his eyes closed.

"The wounds are superficial." Redheart looked him over, gently poking his side with a hoof. "He will require nothing more than a few stitches and a disinfectant."

"That's wonderful news." Twilight slightly smiled.

"Sit down while you wait. Pinkie, don't go anywhere." Redheart pointed to the mats on the ground.

"Alrighty!" Pinkie immediately sat down on the mat. Best not to argue.

Twilight sat down on the other mat, and they watched Redheart start to work. She set her saddlebags down, and started to rummage through them, withdrawing herbs and ointments.

"So, are you going to tell me why you came here?" Pinkie asked.

"I suppose I should since you helped me." Twilight said. "This town is my property now."

"What?" Pinkie asked.

"I was gifted this town by Princess Celestia. So now, everything here officially belongs to me." Twilight said.

Pinkie blanched. "But Princess Celestia is..."

"Gone. I know." Twilight said. "But I recently received a letter from her, one that must have been sent just before she disappeared. She asked me to come here and cleanse the evil from the Everfree."

The clatter of bottles and metal instruments filled the room. Redheart was holding a needle and was carefully applying thread to it.

"That, how do you plan on doing that?" Pinkie asked. "You must have heard about what happened the last time we sent an army in."

"There will be no armies this time." Twilight said. "I studied intensively before coming here, pouring over the battle reports. Groups of four to six tended to survive. Any group larger than that perished. If I send in small groups that can move stealthily, while still being able to deal with threats that find them, I think progress can be made towards eradicating this evil."

"Then, you really plan on going in there?" Pinkie could feel a small ember in her chest, a flicker of something that nearly died out. Hope.

"N-Not me. Magic is frail here and I couldn't fight to save my life, I wouldn't be of much use." Twilight looked back at her own cutie mark with a wistful gaze. A magenta star was there on her flank, surrounded by smaller white stars. "But I can do something."

Pinkie waited. This was the student of the princess, if any pony could do something. It was her.

"I will raise a fighting force. A group of adventurers." Twilight's gaze hardened; determination filled them with fire. "I will restore this town to its former glory, build up an elite fighting force, cleanse the evil in the Everfree, and save princess Celestia."

"You really mean that?" Pinkie asked. "How are you going to get ponies to come here?"

"What else? The promise of gold and glory." Twilight said. "I am sure that at least somepony will answer the call if I can pay them. According to my research, the most sought-after thing nowadays is bits. Not much unlike previous eras in Equestria."

"So, you are just going to... pay ponies to come here?" Pinkie said. "And risk their lives for money? Who would do that?"

"Not only that. There must be some ponies out there that long for the old days. Perhaps they will come to try once more to save Celestia." Twilight sighed. "It's not much to go on, I admit. But I have to try. If any pony can do it, it's me. I now own the town right outside the Everfree, a perfect place for a base of operations. It needs work, it needs ponies, but it's a starting point."

Pinkie looked Twilight over. Even though she had just encountered the bandits earlier today, she seemed determined to keep going. She had seen the town in all its splendid degradation. She had seen the sickness that poisoned the earth. And yet, she was still willing to try. To make something good of the worst this place had to offer. And in these times, that was more powerful than any blade or spell.

"You can count me as the first of your adventurers!" Pinkie said.

"What- really? But your..." Twilight looked at the balloons on Pinkie's flank. They were cheerful, even amongst the blood and grime. "It's not your talent to be an adventurer."

"My special talent is to bring joy and laughter." Pinkie huffed. "Don't you think the best way to do that is getting rid of this oppressive atmosphere? It really kills ponies, in more ways than one."

Twilight winced at that, glancing over to Spike. He was currently getting his wounds stitched, somehow sleeping through it all.

"I don't know Pinkie, you have been kind to me, so kind that I remember you even from ten years ago." Twilight said. "I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"Please, I can handle myself. You saw what I did to those bandits." Pinkie looked into Twilight's eyes, blue and purple seeking understanding. "I'm not the pony I was before, but I still love this place. This is the town that raised me just as much as my family did. If you are starting a movement to restore it, to cleanse the evil that is killing it, then I want in. As long as there is friendship and hope, I will be there."

Twilight's eyes widened, as if remembering something. "You..."

"What?" Pinkie asked.

"Sorry, I was just remembering something." Twilight shook her head. "No. You’re right Pinkie. If any pony deserves to protect this town, then it's you. I just hope you know what you're getting into. It won't be easy from what I have read about this place."

"Yes!" Pinkie jumped, her heart filled and energy flowing through her veins.

Redheart's gaze wandered over to them. "Quiet. Sit down."

"Sorry." Pinkie rubbed the back of her head with a hoof sheepishly.

"I don't have a plan yet. I will need to look around the town and get an idea about what I'm working with." Twilight said. "But thank you for agreeing to help."

"Isn't that what friends do?" Pinkie asked with a smile. "We are still friends, right? Though it has been ten years..."

"You would still consider me a friend?" Twilight asked. "Even after I left and returned to Canterlot?"

"Of course, silly! The armies failed. I don't blame you for leaving." Pinkie extended a hoof. "So how about it, are we still friends?"

Twilight paused and stared at the hoof. Her eyes watered, barely noticeable, but to Pinkie's keen eye it was clear as day. "Of course, you're still my friend. We only knew each other for a day, but if that is enough for you, I would be more than happy to accept your friendship."

The two hooves clapped together, and Pinkie finally made a new friend for the first time in years. Or perhaps, rekindled an old friendship that never really got the chance to blossom.

"Then you must need a tour around the town then, right?" Pinkie said. "I'll be your guide."

"That would be perfect." Twilight said with a small smile.

"Then let's get going!" Pinkie leapt to her hooves. Finally, finally she would have a chance of restoring the town. Too long had they crept around in the shadow of the Everfree, too long had they been content with the hoof fate had dealt them. If there was even a prick of light at the end of the tunnel, Pinkie wanted to try and reach it. If she could see the ponies of Ponyville smile openly once more... then she would give what she could for it.

Everything if need be.

"Pinkie. It's your turn." Redheart finished stitching Spike's wounds closed. "Lay on the bed and face your wounded side to me."

Pinke winced as she saw what Redheart was holding. A needle. She never liked needles much. But at least it wasn't a syringe. If she saw one of those again, she might scream.

"Okay." Pinkie hesitantly walked to the bed and glanced back.

Twilight gave her an encouraging smile.

Emboldened by her new friend, Pinkie laid on the bed. Spike had been shifted to the other side, where he lay slumbering. At that moment, Pinkie wished she was the dragon.

"Now Pinkie, we are out of anesthesia as always, so I'm going to need you to hold still." Redheart disappeared out of her vision, leaving Pinkie lost as to what was happening behind her.

"Hold still and close your eyes." Redheart said. "Don't look. You know how you are with needles."

That didn't help much. Pinkie tried to keep her mind on the good things. Like cupcakes, and finally having a chance of cleansing the Everfree of corruption. Two very different but equally joyful things.

The needle touched her coat, and Pinkie closed her eyes. As pain flared, she gritted her teeth and hoped.

This was a chance. A chance for a better future. A spark, an ember. The ashes of Equestria had not gone cold yet.

And she would be the first to herald its rekindling.

Chapter Four- Our work begins...

When her wounds were finally stitched, Pinkie was released with a warning.

"Don't go jumping around, the stitches might rip open." Redheart set the needle down she had been holding. "No strenuous activity."

"You betcha!" Pinkie slid off the table, wincing at the feeling of flesh pulling on stitch. They were masterfully done, each stitch not too tight, and not too loose.

"Apply this once every morning until it heals." Redheart withdrew a glass bottle from her saddlebag. "If the wound gets infected, I will have to cut out the surrounding flesh. Unless the tonic is finally completed…"

Pinkie took the bottle, making sure to safely stow it away. That sounded terrible. No flesh cutting for her, thank you.

"Is Spike okay?" Twilight asked from behind her.

"He will be fine. Wounds are superficial, the greatest danger is due to possible infection." Redheart said. "Possibly fainted due to vasovagal syncope."

"Vaso what?" Pinkie asked, the term going in one ear and out the other.

"Oh, it's just shock then." Twilight let out a breath of relief. "Thank Celestia."

"Indeed." Redheart said. "Do you need treatment as well?"

"No. Thank you, nurse." Twilight said.

"Then I will be going. Other patients need me. Pinkie, I don't want to see you back in here with open stitches." Redheart packed up her things and without wasting a moment walked out the door.

Pinkie Pie let the tension in her shoulders release as she saw Redheart leave. The mare was scary when she needed to be, that she could attest to. "So... you want that tour?"

"I do. It's just, I don't want to leave Spike here alone." Twilight said. "I should be there when he wakes up."

A massive snore came from the dragon, and then a plume of green flame shot from his nostrils.

"Are you sure he isn't just asleep?" Pinkie asked.

"Spike? Are you awake?" Twilight gently poked him. "Spike!"

"Wha- What's going on?" Spike woke with a start, his claws immediately flying out. His green eyes were wild. "Bandits?"

"It's okay Spike!" Twilight said. "We're safe."

Spike glanced around the room. "We made it?"

"Yes. We made it. Pinkie saved us." Twilight said.

Spike touched the stitched wounds on his face. He winced. "That mare cut me. How did we get away from them?"

"I made them disappear!" Pinkie said with a wicked grin. "You know, they-"

"They're gone." Twilight said with a nervous laugh. "That's all that matters."

The two hugged, and the sight warmed Pinkie's heart. At least there was still a little warmth left. She couldn't even remember the last time some pony had hugged her. She couldn't help but feel a little jealous, but she held her tongue. This was their moment.

"You saved me?" Spike asked, his gaze turning to her.

"Yep!"

"Thank you." Spike slightly bowed. "And thank you for saving Twilight as well."

"Don't worry about it. Hey, how about we get out of here and check out the town!" Pinkie said. "Don't you want to see what you're working with?"

"Is there anywhere Spike can rest?" Twilight asked.

"I'm fine-"

"He can stay at my place. Come on, I got plenty of unused rooms." Pinkie tried not to think of who used to be in those rooms. They were long gone.

"Can you walk Spike?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I feel fine." Spike said.

"Then let's get going!" Pinkie bounced on the ends of her hooves, then stopped as she felt a pull on her stitches. "I have to show you the tavern! And the... Well, that's the most important one."

Then she remembered that she promised to be there tonight. She looked towards the window. Then Pinkie remembered that the position of the sun didn't matter. It wouldn't set for another day. It was hard to tell the time when the sun didn't set.

"Lead the way then Pinkie." Twilight said. "If we can stay at your place for now, that would be very welcome."

"Tour first, then home?" Pinkie asked.

"I don't want Spike to-"

"Tour! I'm fine Twilight, really." Spike huffed, crossing his little arms. "We have a job to do, best not wait on me."

Twilight looked hesitant but nodded. "Alright. Would you show us around town then? I need to take notes on the state of the facilities."

"Sure thing! Follow your resident tour guide on a journey beyond your wildest dreams!" Pinkie was glad to be walking out of the hospital. The blood-stained rags and floors weren't exactly her favorite things in the world. Unless it was from bandits, she could get behind that.

Pinkie Pie led the way out of the hospital, newfound friends trailing behind her. She thought of where to go first. The tavern should come last, if she went there now, she wouldn't leave for the rest of the day. Or was it night? Night-day?

"I know just where to start." Pinkie Pie said. Her gaze locked onto a nearby building.

"And where would that be?" Twilight asked.

"That would spoil the fun if I just told you." Pinkie waved a hoof. "Don't you want to be surprised?"

"I would actually prefer not to. This is a serious matter and-"

"Oh, come on Twilight, it's only a little way ahead!" Pinkie said. "Just a hop and a skip."

They didn't walk far before Pinkie saw the building. "Here we are!"

"What... What is it for? This wasn't here the last time I was in Ponyville." A notepad floated shakily in front of Twilight, her horn sparking with magic. Sweat beaded down her face as she focused on it. Spike grabbed it from her magical grip and withdrew a quill. With a calming pat to the distressed Twilight’s side, he set the quill to paper.

It was sad, the state of magic in the world. It was dying.

The building was a blocky thing, made of old wood and chiseled cobbles. It sat solemnly near the edge of town, built up on a small hill of withered grass. The entire roof of the building was caved in, and its doors and windows were boarded up. It had a central spire at the front of it, from which hung a rusted bell. Faded red paint coated its sides, so faint that it could be mistaken for the natural coloring of the wood. On the front of the door was a painting of a golden sun, standing boldly against the dilapidated surroundings.

"This is the old schoolhouse, repurposed into an abbey." Pinkie said. "Not many ponies come here anymore, but I'm sure there is somepony inside!"

"So, this is... the old schoolhouse? Where are the foals?" Twilight asked.

"Gone." Pinkie's eyes dropped to the ground. She swore that she could still hear their faded laughter echoing through the rotten planks of the schoolhouse. "Most left. Others grew up. Some..."

Spike's expression turned grim, and he started scribbling in the notebook.

"So, what is it used for now?" Twilight coughed, looking a little unnerved. "It's an abbey?"

"That's right! Religious types love this place. Church of the dawn and all that." Pinkie said. "We don't have any vestals or crusaders here, but the abbey is still a place for worship."

"I heard about that. It's strange to think my former teacher is now seen as a goddess." Twilight shivered. "You wouldn't believe what showed up at my door. They tried to stick me in one of their churches as some kind of saint."

Pinkie could still remember when the church of the dawn started showing up. With Princess Celestia gone, ponies started looking for answers. They found something, a way to use certain magic with worship to the sun princess. Rare and powerful, the magic was said to have the ability to seal wounds and cleanse evil. She had never seen it herself, but it was still whispered about in the nooks and crannies of the tavern.

"Well, I'm sure we won't have to worry about it. Any crusaders and vestals are probably up north, doing whatever it is they do." Pinkie said. "Not much news comes to Ponyville."

"Warring with King Sombra." Twilight said. "Some are fighting in the dragon lands, others with the griffins. We can't expect any help to come from them. Too absorbed in their own zealous troubles to aid us. Not that I was much better..."

"A travesty." Pinkie shook her head. A little magic would go further here than anywhere else.

They both looked at the abbey, its frail timbers creaking in the wind. Despite its downtrodden nature, it seemed almost warmer than its surroundings. Perhaps it was the phantom ghosts of the laughter of foals and sunny days, or maybe it was just another trick of the mind.

"Well, let's keep going! There is so much more I have to show you." Pinkie said.

"Hmm... I could use this place..." Twilight whispered as she walked, deep in thought. "Is there a town blacksmith, how about any pony who can train others to fight?"

"No. I'm self-taught." Pinkie said. "I'm one of the only ones here that knows how to fight. There is no blacksmith either."

"That is one of the first things we need to solve." Twilight said. "Spike, take note of that please."

"Already on it!" Spike was scribbling away furiously.

"Then where to next, Pinkie?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie thought for a moment. There were many places in town to see, too many in one day. What place could provide the most information in the shortest amount of time? A certain place came to mind. "I know where to go. It might be a bit morbid, but what isn't nowadays?"

"Morbid?" Spike asked.

Pinkie led the way. It was a place she wasn't particularly fond of, but it was a necessary place. A place for solemn contemplation and respect. The field of her failures, and a bitter reminder of what was at stake. Of what had been lost, and what was to be gained.

It was on the outskirts of town, as all new places seemed to be.

It came into view ahead, not far from the abbey. Iron-wrought gates bordered it, black as death. Inside, flagstones created a cracked path that weaved through fresh tombstones. Modest stone crosses from the early days stood at angles, subsidence of the muddy ground having taken its due. The rest were mere wooden crosses, held up with a bit of cloth and stuck into the dirt. The poisoned earth was constant, and the subtle stench of decay encroached with a powerful undertone.

"Most end up here, waiting for the sun to rise again." Pinkie whispered as she stood at the gates.

"A graveyard?" Twilight stood next to her. "Why would you bring me here?"

"Maybe by starting at what is lost, you will find what is needed." Pinkie gently opened the gates with a hoof. They creaked open on rusted hinges.

"I... didn't expect such wise words from you Pinkie." Twilight said. "But that is an excellent idea."

"Low tones, Twilight. They are trying to rest." Pinkie whispered as she walked in.

She took slow and soft steps. While cheer was her calling, Pinke knew that there was a time and place for such things. And this was not one of them. The departed surrounded her on all sides, their graves a constant reminder of what was lost. Pinkie read the headstones, her throat tightening with each familiar name. She could have done more for them, if only she was stronger, faster, deadlier, braver, better.

Not a coward like she once was. Still was.

One gravestone caught her eyes in particular. The seat of her failures. She stopped before it, her fluffy pink mane ruffled by a cold breeze. On it, carved into stone, was a name.

Here lies Ditzy Doo, friend to all

May she find rest from this wicked world,

and may damnation find those who wronged her.

"This is a wealth of information." Twilight whispered next to her. "I just... I can't believe how many are buried here."
Pinkie said nothing for a moment, staring at the grave. When Ditzy Doo started having visions of a dark future, no pony believed her. When it finally happened, she was finally believed and welcomed back. And yet... there were some. Some who thought she was a dark harbinger. And after that...

She had no eyes to see such a future any longer.

Those who had done such a thing were dispatched in orderly fashion by her own hoof. But the damage had already been done, and Ditzy had fled screaming into the Everfree.

"Pinkie? Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"Oh. I'm alright Twilight." Pinkie said with a sad smile. She perked up a little, forcing her smile a little wider.

"They won't have died for nothing. We will stop this." Twilight placed a hoof on her back.

"Thank you, Twilight. I... will be there, even until the end." Her throat tightened, but she forced a smile. As long as she could smile, then she could keep going.

Twilight released her with a calming pat on the back. Then, she paced between the gravestones, Spike by her side. They took notes on who had passed, and Pinkie answered any questions on the dead, as well as who had survived. By the time they had finished looking at the graves, Pinkie could feel exhaustion starting to seep in. It should be near a time where it would usually be night, should the celestial bodies move as they should have.

"What do you say we leave this behind and hit up the tavern?" Pinkie spoke up as they left the graveyard. "Lighten up the mood."

Twilight glanced back at the graveyard in all its oppressive dread. "Spike, do you want to go to the tavern?"

"Yeah. I feel great." Spike flexed his arms. "Thanks for showing us around so far Pinkie."

"No problem!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile. "Let's go. I'm playing the lute tonight, so you're in for a doozy!"

"Wait. Pinkie. How do the ponies in this town feel about me? I mean, I was the princess's student..." Twilight trailed off. "Do you think they would do anything?"

"Not with me there." Pinkie Pie said.

"Are you sure? Some ponies blamed me for what happened." Twilight said.

"They will be happy you are here." Pinkie thought back to their grim faces and sagging shoulders. "They don't care who comes to save them anymore, they just want to be saved."

At that, Twilight said nothing.

They walked towards the tavern, 'The Torch and Crown'. It was the same as Pinkie last saw it, besides the presence of a new hole in a window. A wayward tankard told her all she needed to know about its origin.

"Are you sure this is a safe place?" Twilight slid the tankard out of the way.

"Yep! Safest in town." Pinkie approached the door. "This is where everypony likes to gather."

She opened the door. Ponies were speaking to one another inside in hushed voices. As Pinkie entered, she gave them a smile. The talking stopped, and eyes burned into her. There was complete silence for a moment, the clinking of tankards and dice halting in their cacophony.

"It's Pinks!" A voice rang out.

Cheers erupted in the tavern, and Pinkie Pie found herself being pulled inside by a hoof. In a second, she was surrounded by ponies cheering and patting her on the back. She laughed, joining in on the cheer until a hoof slapped against her stitches and she winced.

"Ouch!" Pinkie Pie jumped to her rear hooves. The ponies around her backed up wide with eyes. She took this moment to speak. "I have an announcement to make!"

"Pinkie, what happened to you?" Cloud Kicker was in the crowd, her eyes full of worry.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. And I brought back who was on the balloon!" Pinkie Pie stepped to the side and gestured behind her. "Meet Twilight Sparkle!"

The eyes of the tavern went from Pinkie's wound to the purple mare standing behind her. Twilight shuffled on her hooves and put on an awkward smile full of too many teeth.

"Is that... Princess Celestia's student?"

"Yep! And she is here to make things better." Pinkie Pie said. "I can vouch for her; she has nothing but good intentions."

The tavern was silent for a moment. The brooding eyes of the dispirited townsfolk bored into Twilight. Pinkie tried to lighten the mood with a beaming smile. She wasn't sure if it was helping.

"Now of all times? Why now after all these years?"

"It's Princess Celestia's student! The sun is still with us!" A stallion cried with zeal.

"Like she is going to do any good around here..."

"Salvation! Salvation at last!"

"Shut your insufferable trap you-"

A cacophony of voices filled the room. Tension heightened, and ponies raised their voices in response to one another. It was getting out of hoof quickly, with ponies grabbing one another and snarling.

"Please, listen!" Twilight suddenly cried out. "I have something to say!"

The voices drowned her out, uncaring, unheard.

"EVERYPONY LISTEN UP!" Pinkie Pie yelled, slamming a hoof on a table. "OR NO SONGS TONIGHT!"

The room quieted.

"Go on Twilight." Pinkie whispered, nudging her with a shoulder.

"Thank you." Twilight whispered.

The room of ponies turned towards her. Some huffed, some snarled, some had eyes full of rekindled hope. All were waiting for her to speak, to say something.

Twilight cleared her throat.

"I am sorry for not showing up earlier. I lost hope, I will admit. I..." Twilight stood a little taller and released a breath. "I have come to make things right. I received a letter from Princess Celestia two weeks ago. It was delayed by magic, but it told me what I must do now."

Hushed murmuring heightened in the crowd. "Princess Celestia sent a letter. She must still be alive then..."

"Or she is lying..." Another murmured.

Pinkie looked between the crowd and Twilight then nibbled on her hooves nervously. It was a spur of the moment thing to introduce Twilight like that, she just hoped she hadn't made a mistake.

"I will restore this town to its former glory. This town belongs to me now, as do all of you. As the ponies under my protection, I will ensure that you are all well protected and defended." Twilight's voice grew firmer. "I- no- we will restore this town. We will raise groups to cleanse the evil of the Everfree, and avenge the needless deaths. We will restore the dawn that left Equestria. We will not be beaten by this evil. You, the ponies of Ponyville, have survived much. Now it is time to stop lying down and make a stand."

"We will be the flame that burns the corruption away!" Twilight's eyes burned once more, with fury, and with determination. "We will be the dawn!"

The ponies looked forward, stares pinning into Twilight. One in the back sipped his drink, a thoughtful expression on his face. They said nothing and did nothing of note. A long, exceedingly awkward moment passed.

Twilight had a bead of sweat dripping down the side of her face. She looked nauseous; all the eyes were locked onto her.

Pinkie's hoof nibbling heightened, and she glanced between all of them. Maybe she should say something, but what could she say? This awkward silence was absolutely stifling, she wasn't sure if she should even break it. Thankfully, her savior arrived.

"Well, I for one am willing to give her a chance." Cloud Kicker stepped forward. "What's the harm in it? If anything, we get more dead bandits and a safer town."

There were a few murmurs of agreement. A few scoffs, but no outright rejection.

"I'll give her a chance." Another said with a shrug. "No harm in it. Say Pinks, are you still playing that song?"

Pinkie Pie jumped to her hooves, glad to get attention off of Twilight. "You betcha! Stand by for a jolly tune!"

To that, the tavern cheered. Pinkie unpacked her lute from her saddlebag and glanced over to Twilight. Hopefully she didn't feel down by that. It clearly wasn't the reaction she was hoping for with that speech. She was probably feeling defeated or lost.

And yet, Twilight had a thoughtful look on her face. Lost deep in thought, she didn't even seem to notice her surroundings anymore.

"Pinks? Are you playing or not?"

Pinkie started and shook her head. "Yep! Hmm... what to play?"

"The one about the ale! The ALE!"

"YEAH! THAT ONE!"

"Alright!" Pinkie played a few cheerful cords on her lute. "Now, every lesson must be learned, but pray I tell you; the taste of ale is not to be scorned..."

Cheerful merriment filled the tavern as Pinkie played, and for this night, spirits were lifted, and purpose was made clear.

Life thrived even beneath the sagging roof of the tavern.

It was later that night that Pinkie led Twilight back out the tavern doors. Pinkie wasn't much of a drinker, but tonight, she partook a little. Just to thrive in the merriment. Now her head was pounding though. She groaned as she walked, mane tousled and coat slick with sweat and blood. Her stitches were leaking drops of blood. That probably wasn't good. Redheart might kill her.

The cold night air was a blessing To Pinkie, as it soothed her head and wounds.

"So? What do you think?" Pinkie croaked as they walked.

"It's... workable." Twilight said. "At least I know that the town's ponies wont actively resent me."

"They are still good ponies. Deep down." Pinkie said. "Reeeealllly deep down."

"I hope you are right.' Twilight said.

"So, what now? What's the plan?" Pinkie asked.

"Before I left, I spread the word as much as possible. Ponies should be showing up here soon." Twilight said. "I paid a hefty sum of bits for that. As for everything else... that will have to wait until we have more bits. I have a good amount in stock as the former student of the princess, but I want to make sure I have income before spending it all."

"We need more gold then?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes. More gold, and more skilled ponies. We need instructors, warriors, adventurers." Twilight pointed to the nearby buildings. "The town needs to be repaired. A blacksmith needs to be set up to repair and improve weapons and armor. There is so much to do, and we don't have the resources to do it."

"Then what now?"

"We wait." Twilight sighed. "There isn't much more we can do. If some ponies still have hope, they will show up along the road or by balloon. In search of gold or glory, it doesn't matter as long as they come. Until then, we can only do so much."

"I wonder who would show up?" Pinkie asked. Hopefully it would be a crusader, or a great warrior. A vestal appearing would be life changing. It was said that a single touch from a vestal could seal any wound.

"I don't know Pinkie. I don't know." Twilight’s gaze wandered towards the distant Castle of the Two Sisters in the Everfree. Pinkie followed her gaze.

Its old cyclopean stones stood tall against a backdrop of wretched forest. It was the seat of evil, looming over the town like a tyrant. Pinkie couldn't help but feel a shiver go down her spine, an ancient instinct telling her that something was about to fall. Alas, it was no mere physical object.

"I just hope they have what it takes."

The two stood and watched the castle. Side by side, their manes blew in the bitter wind. Spike was draped over Twilight's back, snoring away.

And as Pinkie looked at the shattered glass windows of the castle, she could have sworn she saw something staring back, eyes pits of the abyss.

It did not have a heart, even if it was an organ made of flesh. For the thought of a heart invoked images of emotion. Of feelings of fear or love. This thing that dwelled, it did not have a heart.

It had an engine.

Chapter Five- Great heroes can be found even here...

It had been a week since that day.

After the first night, Twilight had taken up residence in the local library with Spike. The place was called the Golden Oak Library. It was a library constructed inside of a tree, grown faithfully through earth pony magic to guide its growth to the creator's will. In the past it had a bounty of thick green leaves and sturdy branches. Now though, only the withered scraps of leaves remained on its blackened branches. It looked sick, and that had dissuaded any pony from using it. Twilight hadn't seemed to care, she said something about knowledge being power and locked herself inside.

Pinkie approached the door and psyched herself up. Today would be the day for sure, the day they got news that a pony arrived to help with the effort. With a silent prayer for ponies to finally arrive, Pinkie rapped on the door with a hoof. "Twilight? It's morning!"

Of course, it felt like morning, and it might have been morning in another time, but it was currently a time of three nights. The moon hung in the shrouded sky, bare and smooth as a polished pearl. Nightmare Moon was clearly still gone from its embrace, but then that posed the question, where was she? It was a question that Pinkie kept asking, that every pony kept asking, but alas, there were no answers.

There was a clatter inside, and the sound of heavy things hitting the floor. After a long moment, the door opened with a creak revealing a droopy eyed Twilight.

"It's morning?" Twilight asked with a yawn.

"Yep! Can't you tell?" Pinkie gestured to the black skies.

"No. Not really." Twilight sighed. "Come on in, do you have those documents I asked for?"

"Here." Pinkie handed her a stack of papers. It was all the information she had on the ponies of Ponyville. She used to plan parties for them and had a file on nearly every pony. Such information was trivial, but it was something.

"Perfect." Twilight took the papers. "Let me show you what I have been working on."

Pinkie trotted past her and into the library. Books were stacked high all around, many of them open and adorned with bookmarks. Dominating the center of the library was a massive map laid out on the floor. It was an old map of the surrounding area of Ponyville. On the map, red lines were drawn.

"What is all this?" Pinkie asked.

"It's the plan." Twilight said. "Or the beginnings of the plan. Here, it's better if I just show you. Sit here and I'll explain."

Pinkie sat next to the map, trying not to disturb the scatterings of broken quills and precariously balanced inkpots. She couldn't help but feel a little excited at the sight of the map. A plan. If there was a plan, then there was a goal. And a goal would lead to a victory.

"I have looked over the information available from the town archives, what you have shown me, and what ponies have been willing to tell me. Mayor Mare seems to still be able to communicate despite her... afflicted nature." Twilight said. "The old war records were particularly helpful. I have boiled it down to a simple list of what must be done if we are to succeed."

"A list?"

"Yes! Lists are perfect, they hold all goals in a nice little orderly fashion." Twilight rubbed her hooves together. "Oh, and they can be added onto and changed to fit the situation. Lists are-"

Pinkie stared at her. She had never heard a pony so enthusiastic about lists in her life.

"Ahem. Sorry." Twilight cleared her throat, a light blush on her cheeks. "As I was saying, I have a list of what must be done. The goals will most likely change, but it is a starting point."

A piece of paper was set in front of Pinkie Pie. She looked at its elegant hoof writing and began to read.

CARETAKER GOALS

Recruit first group of adventurers

Find a safe passage north through the Everfree

Find an entrance into the old ruins

Open back up the waterways

Find the source of sickness

Exterminate the bandit corruption

Restore Ponyville

Brave the Castle of the Two Sisters

Eradicate the evil

Save Princess Celestia

Restore Equestria

"How did you come up with all of this so fast?' Pinkie asked as she looked over the list.

"Extensive research before and after coming here." Twilight puffed up a little. "The most important thing that must be done at the moment is finding a safe path through the Everfree north. The old railways are completely grown over, so we will have to use the roads. If we can open back up that road, then supplies and ponies will have an easier time reaching Ponyville."

Pinkie saw the point on the list about the waterways. "I don't mean to be a downer, but you do know why the river is closed, right?"

Twilight nodded and stood up. She walked over to the map and placed a hoof on the river running through Ponyville. "The records of the town stated that there were... sea ponies? Not quite sea ponies. More like... fish ponies? The records didn't describe it very well."

"I have never seen one myself." Pinkie said. "But I have heard tales. They prevent any boats from taking the river."

"That is something we will have to deal with eventually then. But for now, let's focus on the bigger picture." Twilight pointed to the red line. "This is where the Everfree forest has expanded to. This is an old map, so I had to modify it."

"To the north, we need to find passage and remove the bandits there." Her hoof slid over the map. "Most of what we will be dealing with is in the south. Here we must find an entrance to the old ruins, open up the waterways, and find the source of the sickness."

Pinkie hummed as she listened, looking at the map. Her legs were already twitching and asking her to move. She tried to pay attention, this was important, but her gaze kept wandering over to the telescope at the balcony of the library.

Then she could feel it, a twitch in her tail. Her Pinkie Sense was tingling. And that meant something was about to fall.

"Pinkie? Are you paying attention?" Twilight clapped a hoof on the ground.

"Sorry Twilight. It's just... has any pony shown up yet? They could be flying in right now!" Pinkie couldn't help but jump to her hooves. "We have to check!"

Twilight glanced up at the telescope. "Why would they be coming now of all times? It's the middle of the three-night cycle."

"I'm getting a twitchy feeling in my tail." Pinkie could feel it now, slight but ever present. "The twitchy-twitchy twitch means that there is something above us!"

"What?" Twilight asked. "Pinkie. That doesn't make any sense. A twitch in a tail does not dictate if something is above you. It's not logical."

"Just check!" Pinkie said.

Twilight sighed and shook her head. Nonetheless, she climbed up to the balcony and looked through the telescope. "See? There is nothing there."

"Let me take a look." Pinkie climbed up next to her and looked at the telescope. She wanted to use it. "Please?"

The telescope was a copper contraption, having long turned green due to exposure from the elements. Pinkie had not even known it was there beforehand, its subdued colors having never caught her eye. Now that she did know though, she couldn't help but be fascinated with looking through its glass iris.

Twilight stepped aside. "Alright, but then will you pay attention?"

"You betcha!" Pinkie looked through the telescope.

She pointed it around in the night sky. There were a few stars out tonight, but they were quickly swallowed up by thick clouds. Not a thing was in sight, but she could hear a constant cawing of crows somewhere above her. Her tail twitched again.

"See? Nothing there." Twilight said.

"There is something! I'm telling you." Pinkie Pie ducked beneath the lid of the balcony, back inside. "It's going to fall any moment. I can feel it."

"Please Pinkie, it just doesn't make-"

Suddenly, a flock of crows fell on the balcony, bodies hitting the floor with sickening crunches. Their forms crumpled as they impacted, fragile bones shattering against hostile flooring. The wet thumps made Pinkie's lip curl. That wasn't exactly the most pleasant thing her tail had predicted was going to fall.

"What in Celestia's name?" Twilight looked sickened as well.

"I knew something was going to fall!" Pinkie took a step away from the bodies. "I wish it wasn't that though."

"Wait? Do you hear that?" Twilight asked.

Overhead, through the darkness and cloud, voices could be heard. They were faint, but they were coming closer with every passing moment. Pinkie stopped and listened, trying to catch what they were saying.

"Is this the place?" A boisterous and gruff voice asked.

"The great and powerful Trixie may be a master of all things magical, but even she cannot see through a black as pitch night!"

"Calm. Even the blackest of nights will give way to those willing to brave them."

"Shut up with your philosophy, old stallion. I've heard enough of it to last a lifetime."

Pinkie and Twilight looked at each other. Then, Pinkie started to smile. Finally, it was happening!

"That's them." Pinkie nudged her.

"You sure?" Twilight glanced at the dead birds. "How did that even happen?"

"Who else would it be?" Pinkie could hear the talking above them growing louder.

"Bandits?" Twilight asked. "Who else arrives in the middle of the night?"

"Heroes do!" Pinkie cleared her throat and looked up at the sky. "Hey up there! Can you hear me?!"

The voices stopped for a moment.

"Who's there?"

"Pinkie Pie, and my friend Twilight!" Pinkie called out.

"Twilight? You are the one who sent out those fliers, right?"

Twilight stepped forward and called out to the void. "Yes. I'm right here!"

"Looks like we are on track then, where can I land this balloon?" The gruff voice asked.

Pinkie took her lantern out of his saddlebag and clicked it on. Then, she waved it around. "Don't land here, there is a giant tree!"

"Then where am I landing? All I can see is that light."

"Wait a second!" Pinkie Pie ran out of the building, her hooves sliding on the floorboards as she weaved between books and papers. Once she got outside, she came to a clear area and waved the lantern again. "Here! Land here!"

The balloon drifted closer, all it had to illuminate it was a small lantern like hers. Slowly, a wicker basket came through the murk, and Pinkie backed away as it landed in front of her. Now that she could actually see what it was, she realized it was a hot air balloon. And inside of it were three ponies.

"Thank Celestia. That journey was a nightmare." A stallion with a dark brown coat stepped out of the balloon. He wore tarnished golden armor that spoke of better ages. He had a short, dark blue mane sticking out of the top of his head between the armor. And nestled into the crook of his leg was a long spear. "Especially with that insufferable mare."

"Insufferable? The great and powerful Trixie thinks that you are more insufferable than her!" A pale blue unicorn stepped out of the balloon next. She wore a large wizard hat, akin to sorcerers of old that was speckled with stars. Around her neck was a light purple cloak. Floating next to her was a pale white skull with a large wax candle atop it, its wick burning. The eyes of the skull glowed with a distant, sinister red. She kept it close, sheltered beneath her cloak and out of the wind.

Then, a stallion stepped out. He said nothing, but his presence spoke words enough for him. A whole head taller than the ponies around him, the stallion was a behemoth of a pony. Not a single bit of his coat could be seen beneath the tattered white cloth he wore. Coarse and thick brown cloth covered what the white did not. The front of his chest and shoulders were covered by a battered bronze chest plate, inlaid with flecks of long-since scraped away gold gilding. Across his back was a massive executioner sword, broken at the end, but promising death with every swing. He stood tall, undaunted against the cold wind.

He looked at Pinkie Pie, and she saw only a stoic gold mask, hiding what flesh lay beyond its embrace. There was an air to him, a subtle sickness, but if he was sick, the stallion did not show it.

For a moment the two stared at each other. Even hidden beneath those rags and mask, Pinkie Pie thought that he reminded her just a little bit of Princess Celestia. However faint the resemblance was. There was an air to him that just couldn't be ignored.

"Hello everypony!" Pinkie Pie said as they all stepped off the balloon.

"Where is Twilight?" The stallion with the spear huffed. "We need to discuss payment."

"Oh?" Pinkie's smile faltered and grew wooden. Who asked for payment first? Bandits. That's who asked.

"I'm right here!" Twilight came running out of the library. "You are all here for the job, right? I can't believe somepony actually showed up!"

"Spearhead is an oaf as always." The blue coated mare said with a flourish, all the while sheltering that strange skull of hers. "As for the great and powerful Trixie, she wishes to discuss this inside. She is freezing."

"And the great and powerful Trixie, is a thorn in my side." The dark coated stallion, Spearhead, growled.

"So, you admit you recognize Trixie's superiority." Trixie's horn glowed as it levitated the skull.

Pinkie wondered just how she was doing that. Magic here was diluted and practically unusable. How was she using it so casually?

Spearhead growled, tightening his grip on his weapon.

"Why don't we all head inside?" Twilight said.

"Yeah! Let's go, I'm freezing!" Pinkie really hoped that the new adventurers wouldn't kill each other before they even went on their first quest.

"What about the balloon?" Twilight asked.

All they heard from it was a mad cackle, and then it slowly began to float away.

"Mayor Mare brought us here. She will take care of it." Spearhead curled his lip. "She better, considering the coin we paid her."

Pinkie Pie decided right then and there she didn't like him. Maybe it was a flash judgment, but only a bandit would talk so much about coins. Or maybe she was being too hasty. Yes, that was it. Maybe it was the long, arduous journey which was making him irritable.

"Alright then. Oh, this is so exciting!" Twilight said. "Let me show you all my plans, and then we can discuss the details."

Pinkie followed behind the group as they went inside the library. She couldn't help but feel the eyes of the masked stallion on her as she walked. He seemed calm, though it was hard to tell beneath all the layers.

"What's your name?" Pinkie asked. "I have a mask too, so maybe we can be friends?"

The stallion regarded her for a moment more. Then he spoke, his voice scratchy, and it almost sounded like he was speaking through phlegm in his throat. Yet, even despite that, it was powerful and commanded attention. "Baldwin."

That name sounded familiar to Pinkie, but she couldn't place it. "Well, my name is Pinkie Pie, nice to meet you!"

"It seems even a tyrant cannot rule those who choose freedom from his grasp." Baldwin spoke in the pondering voice of a poet.

"What?" Pinkie asked.

He said nothing after that, leaving Pinkie to wonder what he was even talking about. She bet that Twilight would have known, she seemed to have a knack for wordplay. It sounded wise though, so she would be sure to remember that. Who knew when she would have to spout some wisdom.

They all entered the library.

"Please sit down, every pony. Sorry for the mess." Twilight gestured to the map. "Now, I know you are all wondering about payment. As promised in the flier, you will receive a payment of one hundred bits a week. You will also receive full room and board, access to facilities around Ponyville, and even a property of your own in town at the end of your work."

Spearhead nodded to this. "What's the catch?"

"I receive eighty percent of treasure brought back from expeditions." Twilight said.

"What? That is ridiculous!" Trixie jumped to her hooves. "Trixie will be the one risking her life out there."

"Aye, that's a deal breaker. I'll be nice and accept if you get twenty percent." Spearhead said with a shrug.

"No. You won't." Twilight sat down, looking hardly affected by the shouting.

"You want me to walk out right now? We are the only ones willing to come to this place." Spearhead growled. "If we leave then you're left with no pony."

"Leave then. Waste all the time and energy spent coming here." Twilight narrowed her eyes.

Pinkie gaped. It was as if Twilight had been possessed. The slightly nervous mare had been replaced by a cold-hearted machine.

"This is ridiculous." Spearhead said.

"If you don't like the terms, then leave. These are the terms presented, and that way they will stay." Twilight said. "Now, I have three contracts here for each of you. Will you sign?"

The three papers were set down in front of them.

Without a word Baldwin picked up his, read it over, then signed. He placed the paper back on the ground and returned to a sitting position. The sight filled Pinkie Pie with joy, and she gave him a wink when he looked over. That was one pony who signed.

"You're signing just like that?" Spearhead snapped.

"Gold no longer has meaning to me, if indeed it ever did." Baldwin crossed his hooves.

"Enough philosophy, old stallion!" Spearhead slammed the shaft of his spear on the ground. "I'm going to walk out right now if you don't change the terms!"

"Then why haven't you?" Twilight asked.

Spearhead glanced between them all, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. He cursed beneath his breath and grabbed the contract. He looked it over but didn't sign yet. He looked up at Trixie.

Trixie was reading over it now as well. "Trixie reads that we will receive a property. Is that one of the ramshackle dwellings outside?"

"The town will be restored to its former glory, and your properties will be as well. You can pick any one of them that is empty." Twilight said. "Part of the eighty percent gold I receive will go to restoring your properties."

Trixie tapped her quill against the paper, holding it with her magic. "And can I host magic shows here? Trixie needs supplies to fuel her passion, but they are quite expensive."

"If you can make a profit from the magic shows, I will fund them." Twilight crossed her hooves. "How are you using magic by the way? I have been unable to find a way to use it like you are right now."

"The great and powerful Trixie does not divulge her secrets." Trixie floated the skull further beneath her cloak.

"The only magic that works that well, if I remember correctly is..." Twilight tapped the ground thoughtfully. "Was it dark ma-"

"Trixie is signing the paper!" Trixie scribbled on the contract with a flourish. Her signature was her cutie mark, drawn in elegant, practiced lines. "You now have the great and powerful Trixie at your service. Be amazed at what she is able to do!"

"I look forward to that." Twilight said with a light smile.

Pinkie Pie couldn't close her open mouth. What had happened to that mare back at the tavern? She used a hoof to close it, then shook her head. There was still one more that needed to sign the paper.

"So much for the great and powerful. More like the easily manipulated." Spearhead said with a growl. He scanned over the paper again. "You're pathetic."

"Do not insult my friends." Twilight said.

"Friends? You just met them!" Spearhead said.

"They are now beneficial partners and to be residents of Ponyville. I can call them friends." Twilight said. "Now, are you going to sign, or are you going to return to where you came?"

"And what about her?" Spearhead gestured to Pinkie. "She didn't sign a contract."

Pinkie looked up, glad to finally have something to talk about. The conversation was getting long, and she wanted to speak. "Oh, I'm doing this for free!"

"Free?" Spearhead asked. "You're risking your life against whatever is in those woods for free?"

"Yep!"

"I am surrounded by insane ponies." Spearhead shook his head.

"You're wasting my time Spearhead." Twilight said. "You have ten seconds to sign, or you're headed home."

Spearhead cursed as he looked at the contract. After a moment, he signed. "Damn it all."

Twilight walked around and took all the contracts from them. She filed them away quickly, and they disappeared into piles of parchment.

"Welcome every pony, to your new home!" Twilight said. "Now, I know you all are tired, so why don't you head to the tavern for tonight? I have ensured that there are rooms already paid for."

Spearhead stood up without another word and barged out into the night.

"The great and powerful Trixie will take anything offered to her for free." Trixie stiffly walked towards the door, hiding her skull. "Not that she needs the compensation, but she will accept tributes!"

She ran out into the night.

"Baldwin?" Pinkie asked.

The stallion had a book open in front of him. It read, "Tales of Saddle Arabia". He was flipping through it, and at her voice he stopped.

"It seems time has escaped my awareness. Fickle is the fleeting moment." Baldwin stood. "I will follow the others. Call me when the time has come to rage against the forest, and we will see if such dark holds can be uprooted."

Baldwin walked towards the door and stopped just before it. "Keep the lantern lit, for it will cast light for ships to follow."

He left without another word.

Pinkie and Twilight were left sitting in the room alone. The snoring of Spike in the background and the fluttering of pages were the only sources of noise.

"Thank Celestia." Twilight let out a breath and collapsed to the floor. "It actually worked."

"How did you do that?" Pinkie jumped to her hooves. "Are you Twilight? You're an evil spirit, aren't you?!"

"No Pinkie!" Twilight stepped back. "I'm still me!"

"Then how did you do that?"

"I had to put on a persona. If I am going to lead this town, I have to be strong." Twilight said. "I knew that any ponies coming here would be desperate, so I decided to... trick them. Not lie to them but offer the real details of the contract when they arrive."

"And you expected them to not just walk out?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes. Any ponies that come here will either be here just to cleanse the evil, or will be desperate enough to accept any gold they can get. That or glory, and that pays for itself." Twilight sighed. "I feel terrible, but it's the only way to get this operation off the ground."

"You did it!" Pinkie smiled. It wasn't her style to trick, but she could accept anything to get the cleansing of the forest going. "It worked, and now we have our first team together!"

"It did, didn't it?" Twilight said with a light smile. "I am going to make sure they all make it out of here alive. With their skills and my management, this evil will be finished in no time!"

Pinkie doubted that, but she didn't want to kill the mood. That forest... it wasn't a place that was easy to survive. She wanted to believe that, and if she ignored her other doubts, she could. Even if it was just for a moment.

"When do you think the first expedition is going to be?" Pinkie asked. "Where are we going?"

"The old road. Nothing more than a day, just to test the waters." Twilight said. "We need to find a path north to secure supply lines. If we can do that, things will get much easier around here. Not today... or is it tonight?"

"Morning." Pinkie said.

"Not today then. I still have work to do and details to finalize." Twilight said. "But once all of that is in place, the first expedition can begin."

Pinkie beamed. Finally, finally they could start working at the core of this evil. The evil that butchered her friends, darkened the sunny days, and wiped the smiles off of every pony's faces. She would have her revenge on it, cut it out from this world. Make it bleed. And if it was bandits that needed a bloodletting? Then that was even better!

"Pinkie. You have to make sure to stay safe, okay?" Twilight said. "I don't want any pony getting hurt, especially my friend."

"I can't promise anything, Twilight, but I'll try my best!" Pinkie said.

And was that not all a pony could possibly give?

The first expedition was soon, that Pinkie knew. And when that day came…

She could be the first to step back into the forest's depths.

Chapter Six- I knew these paths once...

A day had passed, and Pinkie Pie was baking bread in Sugarcube Corner. She had received a new shipment of grain from the town's ponies, and it was in need of baking. The smell of fresh bread filled the room, and Pinkie hummed as she pulled it out of the oven.

There was a knock at the door, and Pinkie's ears perked up. She set the bread to cool on the counter, and then peeked through the window.

Mayor Mare was standing on the other side, hiding her ever-smiling face behind a hoof.

Pinkie opened the door, giving her a matching smile. "What's up Mayor Mare? Can I help you?"

"Twilight." Mayor Mare cackled beneath her hoof, that unnerving smile constantly on her face. "Library. Job."

"Oh, it's time then!" Pinkie clapped her hooves together. "Let me get my things!"

It was finally time for the first expedition. She couldn't help but feel a seed of dread sprouting in her chest, but it was manageable. This is what she wanted, and she had survived the forest before alone. If she could do it alone, then she could do it with other ponies. Pinkie took a deep breath to calm herself, then fetched her saddlebags.

Now was the time. To fight for laughter in this world once more.

When Pinkie came back to the door after putting away the bread, Mayor Mare was already gone. The mare was crazy, and the finer details of her machinations were impossible to decipher. Pinkie had long ago decided not to try and understand her reasonings.

She set off for the library, a pep in her step. Even with the faint dread pooling in her stomach, she couldn't help but feel a spark of joy even now. If this expedition succeeded, then it would prove that further advancement was possible. On her way, the town seemed just a bit brighter than usual.

Pinkie came to the Golden Oak Library and knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened.

"Pinkie. Come in and sit down." Twilight was standing there. "I have everything prepared."

The room was already full of the other arrivals, it seemed that Pinkie was the last to arrive. She sat next to Baldwin. Trixie and Spearhead were glaring at each other, sitting on opposite ends of the map.

"Great! Now that everypony is here, I can discuss what your first mission is." Twilight said. "It will be a testing of the water, but it will still be of great importance."

"Get to it then." Spearhead huffed.

"Here." Twilight ignored him and jabbed at a point on the map. "This is the old road north to Canterlot. If we can find out where the road goes through the forest, and map it out, then we can spread this information. Any supplies needed will have an easier time arriving from there. Not everything can be shipped by hot air balloon."

"A scouting mission? Trixie did not come here for scouting missions; she came to collect treasure and exercise her great power!" Trixie swung her cloak around her.

"That will come later. As of now, you will scout the old road." Twilight said. "Get a feel for how the forest acts, it is unknown to us as of now. Except for Pinkie, she went in alone and saved me."

As the eyes went onto her Pinkie brightened. "Oh Twilight, it was nothing really!"

"She went in alone and survived? What does she even do?" Spearhead scoffed. "I can smell fresh bread, what is a baker going to do to help us?"

Baldwin huffed, and eyes turned to him. "Beware the crow that caws alone."

"More philosophy, absolute madness." Spearhead shook his head.

Twilight clapped her hooves on the ground. "Attention please! This is a serious matter."

They all went silent.

"I gathered what supplies I could find, Pinkie donated most of it." Twilight said. "Bring what you can carry, and then set off along the old road. I will provide you with a small map so you can draw where the road goes. Note obstructions, dangers, and if the road has changed as all. Eradicate any bandits you find and go as far as you can before a day passes. I want everypony to come back alive. If we are to survive, then we must know these twisted paths as well as we once did."

Pinkie looked at the others. Spearhead nodded, having finally shut his mouth. Trixie had her skull cradled beneath her cloak, and an arrogant expression on her face. As for Baldwin, his emotions lay forever hidden behind a layer of gold mask. His stance was easy and relaxed.

She rubbed her hooves together in anticipation. Now this was a team of heroes. As long as Spearhead and Trixie stopped getting at each other's throats.

"The supplies are in the saddlebags out front. This system will have to be changed later, but this is a start. Now go, I will be working on furthering the state of the town." Twilight said. "Remember friends, we are the dawn!"

"We are the dawn!" Pinkie jumped to her hooves, anticipation flooding through her body. That phrase, it spoke to her. The dawn was coming, and she would be its harbinger.

Spearhead was the first to leave, muttering under his breath. Trixie followed after him, her head and tail held high.

"Hey Pinkie, you be safe, okay?" Twilight said before she left. "It's dangerous out there. I will do what I can to research it, but as of now... nearly everything is still unknown."

"Aww, thanks Twilight. Don't you worry, I'll do what I can to survive!" Pinkie looked down at her stitches, they had healed over the week, and she was ready as she would ever be. "I got friends with me this time, I'll be fine."

Twilight smiled, and her gaze slowly went to the door. "Do you think you can do me a favor?"

"Sure! What is it?"

"Figure out how Trixie is using her magic. It almost feels like dark magic, but it's not quite. I don't know how else to describe it." Twilight's eyes lit up. "I wish I could study it more closely, but I doubt she would let me."

"You can count on me!" Pinkie Pie grinned. "I love a good mystery."

"Stay safe." Twilight patted her on the back, then looked back to her books. She sighed, then immediately went back to her desk and started working away.

Taking that as her cue to leave, Pinkie stepped out the door. Outside, she noticed a bunch of packed saddlebags. How she had missed them before she didn't know, maybe it was the rush of excitement at finally being able to strike back against her tormentor.

"Looks like the cotton candy ball decided to join us." Spearhead was shuffling through the saddlebags.

"Cotton candy ball? Where?" Pinkie glanced around.

"It's you nitwit." Spearhead growled.

Pinkie chuckled beneath her breath. She knew, of course. "Me? Nitwit?"

"Yeah, you." Spearhead grabbed a saddlebag and slung it across his back. "I don't care what Twilight says, you're dead the first day in that forest with an attitude like that."

"I sure hope not!" Pinkie said. "After all the time I waited for others to show up, I wouldn't want the expedition to fall dead in the water like that!"

Spearhead just stared, shook his head, and started marching towards the forest.

Pinkie wasn't sure what to do. She didn't expect him to suddenly lash out at her like that. Best to brush it under the rug for now and pretend like she didn't understand. Anything to keep the group together. It couldn't fall apart before they even started.

"A wise hunter need not chase prey that runs itself to death." Baldwin said.

Pinkie looked up towards him and gave him a smile. At least he was on her side. Then, she grabbed a saddlebag and threw it across her back.

They all brought their items in a circle and started sorting through them. Inside the packs was a scattering of dried rations such as hay and oats. Simple but nourishing food. There were a few rolls of bandages, as well as a pouch of green herbs. A fair amount of lantern oil was stashed inside, slipped into glass bottles.

"This is all we have?" Spearhead asked. "This is pathetic. What are these weeds even doing in here?"

"The great and powerful Trixie agrees with you for once." Trixie huffed.

"Well, that's why we are opening up the supply roads, silly!" Pinkie beamed. "We are only going to be out for a day anyways. I'm sure that this is enough."

Spearhead narrowed his eyes, and angrily stuffed everything back into his pack. "Let's just get this over with. The faster we move, the faster I can get back to the tavern. At least there is someplace worth visiting in this town."

"Who is going to handle the map? Of course, Trixie is clever enough to mark where the road goes, but she does not wish to hold it." Trixie said.

Baldwin took the map, and carefully rolled it up. Then, he put it into his saddlebags.

"I knew I liked you!" Pinkie Pie said. At least somepony seemed to want to do this for a reason other than some gold.

They marched towards the forest's edge. She could see it soon enough, the old road, winding and disappearing through the close woven branches of the Everfree like a snake. It was a shadowy and haunting sight, with branches like claws reaching towards that old path.

"So, this is the Everfree forest." Spearhead clutched his spear tight. "Doesn't look like much."

"Trixie is not scared of such a place. Are you, Spearhead?" Trixie asked. "You seem tense, perhaps a visit to the spa is in order?"

Spearhead growled, and marched forwards into the forest without another word.

Pinkie winced. She didn't have a good feel about this. The tension between them could prove... destructive. "Why don't we all take a moment and calm down? It could be dangerous if we are at each other's-"

"Calm down? The great and powerful Trixie lives to excite!" Trixie threw her cloak up in the air. "She is not scared of this forest."

Trixie marched forward as well and stopped just before it. She paused, locked in place. She glanced back with a nervous smile, "You two are coming in behind me, right?"

Baldwin glanced at Pinkie, and she met his gaze. With a silent nod to her, he forged onward into the Everfree.

Pinkie scrambled to get her gear on, she wasn't expecting them to all barge into the forest like that. She slipped on the dark red and black jester's clothes, then put on her mask. She strapped her hoof-blades on and stuck her lute to her back with what tentative magic she had left. Then, she raced after them into the woods.

She froze at that terrible threshold, her heart pounding in her chest. How many lives had been lost inside its twisting depths? How many horrors lurked beyond its caged branches and lengthening shadows? This was not the time to turn back though, not now. With a silent prayer for protection to whatever would hear her, Pinkie dashed inside after them.

Pinkie ran in complete darkness and chased the sound of voices and a small light. It came from a lantern that Spearhead was holding in between his teeth. The rest of the group was already gathered around them, and Pinkie joined them with a breath of relief. There was something about the darkness that unnerved her when in this forest. The light was a promise of safety, a warm blanket of purpose.

"So, you're a literal clown." Spearhead shook his head as he saw what Pinkie was wearing. "This is just great."

Pinkie narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Her feelings weren't worth the integrity of the party. She was really starting to want to comment on his ridiculous mane though...

The group walked in silence for a bit, listening to the haunting howls of Timberwolves. Rotted leaves and mud squished under hoof, constantly sticking and squelching. The smell of rot and sickness choked the senses, drowning out any other scent. The hum of insects filled the air.

There was a grayish tan tinge in the air, like festering rot. Massive mushrooms grew from rotted trees, releasing spores that filled the air. They sighed as they did, clouds of the stuff filling the air. Unlike the last time Pinkie was here, the air was warm, stifling even. The spores sticking to her coat and mane didn't help the uncomfortable feeling either. The sickly greens and tans reminded her of Zecora's cauldron. She always wondered what had happened to the Zebra, if Pinkie had a guess, she was the cause of this. Evil enchantress and all that.

"This is not what Trixie was expecting. It looked less... rotten, from the air."

"Getting cold hooves?" Spearhead asked.

"In maybe a thousand years. The great and powerful Trixie does not get cold hooves."

"Can you tell me what makes you so great and powerful?" Pinkie chimed in. This could be her chance to learn something. "I bet it's really cool!"

Trixie puffed up at that. "That is not the word Trixie would use, but she understands your admiration. Unfortunately, the depths of Trixie's power cannot be understood by non-unicorns."

"Can't be understood by unicorns either." Spearhead scoffed.

"Yes, only Trixie can understand such powerful magic." Trixie grinned.

Spearhead growled. "That is not what I was saying..."

Pinkie kept careful watch on the encroaching shadows as they marched onward. There was no telling what could come crawling out from beneath the foliage. Next to her, Baldwin was carefully marking their progress with a quill. Based on what Pinkie could see, they still had a way to go.

"How are you tracking our progress?" Pinkie asked. "I mean, there is no way to tell where we are on the map."

Baldwin gestured to a particularly mangled tree. "Paths are not described by distance, but by what lies upon them."

"You don't actually know where we are, do you?" Pinkie asked.

"Indeed." Baldwin marked another point on the map.

Pinkie resisted the urge to nibble on her hooves. This whole expedition was pulling on her nerves. The tension between the group, the lack of knowledge on each other's abilities, a lack of clear direction, it didn't pose well. She had to do something. So, she would start where she always did. With a little fun!

"So, what are all of your hobbies?" Pinkie asked. "Pin the tail on the pony? Baking?"

"Getting paid." Spearhead growled. "And being silent."

"Oh, I enjoy some silence every once in a while, as well!" Pinkie resisted the urge to kick mud at him.

"Then let's make it happen." Spearhead said.

Pinkie saw Trixie glare at the stallion. At least somepony was on her side. As for Baldwin, well, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking behind that mask.

They marched forward in a single file line. Without the distraction of conversation, Pinkie now felt the forest's presence all the more clearly.

It was an abomination of what it once was, that was what Pinkie realized. These paths… these paths which she had grown up on, had walked down thousands of times, they were now unknown to her. Malformed by twisted forces, they were now the veins of evil, the arteries of the unspeakable. The disfiguration of a place she once knew was enough to fill Pinkie with seething rage, as well as a renewed vigor. It had to be restored.

A faint red glow appeared on the road ahead. Against the backdrop of darkness, it stood out like a dark star.

"Halt." Spearhead raised a hoof.

"What is it?" Trixie asked. "Does your hoof hurt?"

"Can you not see the red light?" Spearhead asked. "Or are you blind as well as arrogant?"

The red light pulsed.

"Trixie is not afraid of such trifling matters." She walked forward, then stopped. "She is also willing to let some other pony go first."

The party looked between each other. Pinkie didn't like the look of that light. It wasn't natural. Unfortunately, it was the way that they had to go. Unless braving the uncharted forest could be considered a better option.

Baldwin stepped forward, heavy hooves crushing through scattered underbrush. He walked towards the light; head held high. Pinkie followed right behind him, glad to see that he wasn't letting the forest control him. There was a powerful scent of rot ahead, one that made her glad for the mask over her face.

"Wait for Trixie!" She fell into line behind them.

Spearhead followed soon after, shaking his head. His grip on the spear he held was tight, and he watched the edge of the lantern light.

The source of the red was revealed as the light of the lantern illuminated it. The sight of it made Pinkie gag in disgust and turn her head. She closed her eyes, visions of that day in Ponyville flitting through her mind. Burning buildings, bodies on the ground, blood, so much blood. She remembered Nurse Redheart's techniques and banished them from her mind by thinking of happy things. Like balloons, and cake. It helped a little.

"We... should head back." Spearhead said.

"Trixie is undaunted by this oppressive atmosphere."

Pinkie took a deep breath to calm herself, which only succeeded in clogging her lungs with spore and stench. She forced her eyes open again, hardening her heart. She told herself that it wasn't the same situation. If she couldn't handle a sight like this, then she couldn't handle what was to come. She had seen and shed blood before, what was so different about this? With that in mind, she forced herself to comprehend what she was seeing.

A small effigy was the source of the low red light. It was a simple thing, a bit of wood stuck into the muddy earth. The sticks formed the frame of a net of sorts. In the center of this strange wooden circle, almost like half of a crown, was the skull of a pony held up by stretched fiber. The sockets of the polished bone glowed a sinister red.

At the foot of the effigy was the thing that made Pinkie's stomach curl. It was the corpse of a pony. Scattered cloth told her it was a bandit, much to her relief, but it was still a gruesome sight. Blood soaked the mud, and lacerations covered the corpse. Its chest was ripped open, organs spilling out like party streamers. From the cavity, tannish and pale flesh-colored mushrooms bloomed. The eyes of the pony were completely gone, leaving nothing more than sockets that stared ahead aimlessly. A tortured, yet almost joyful expression was on the corpse's face, as if it had just heard a joke to die for.

The thought was enough to make Pinkie let out the lightest snicker. She wondered just what kind of joke that would have been, to laugh through getting disemboweled. Then she resisted the urge to throw up.

"Are you laughing right now?" Spearhead had a bead of sweat dripping down his brow. "There is a disemboweled corpse and you're laughing."

"You have to laugh in a situation like this." Pinkie turned away, her stomach still churning. "What else are you supposed to do?"

"You're insane." Spearhead said.

"Trixie wants to investigate this effigy. She does not wish to dirty her hooves on the blood though." Trixie was pointedly not looking at the corpse, her head turned away sharply.

"Tread not where the shrike stores." Baldwin said.

"YOU'RE ALL INSANE!" Spearhead yelled, his breathing rapid.

The voice echoed through the forest. For a moment, all of the insects went quiet, the howls of distant Timberwolves stopped. The air grew tense, and they all held their breath. Then, the lull in the forest ended, and the noises gradually returned.

"Trixie demands you keep your voice down. She does not wish to attract anything unsavory." Trixie stepped around the blood and towards the effigy.

Spearhead glanced at the shadows around him, lantern held tight.

"I don't know if it's a good idea to touch that Trixie." Pinkie said. "It could hurt you!"

"Trixie knows how to deal with such eldritch artifacts." Trixie said.

"She does? How?" Pinkie asked.

"Trixie does not wish to tell you, and so she won't."

Trixie leaned closer to the effigy, looking at its glowing red eyes. She extended a hoof, looking over its construction as she did so.

Pinkie took a step back. "Be careful, we don't know what that is and I don't want you to get hurt."

"Trixie has heard your concerns and appreciates them." Trixie's hoof paused just before touching the effigy. "However, she has great knowledge of this matter. There are secrets to be understood from things such as this."

"Secrets?"

"This effigy reminds Trixie of one she has interacted with in the past. If it is similar, then she will be granted great power." Trixie said.

"And if it's not?" Pinkie asked.

Trixie touched the effigy. At first, nothing seemed to happen. Then, the red glow in the eyes went out like the snuffing of twin embers. A stifling presence in the air Pinkie hadn't realized was there vanished, and she could breathe easier.

"Are you okay?' Pinkie asked.

Trixie was standing in front of the effigy, as if frozen. She shook her coat and head, then stepped away. "Trixie feels... nothing."

"You're all insane." Spearhead growled.

"What do you mean?" Pinkie asked. "You feel nothing, or nothing has changed?"

"Nothing changed." Trixie looked disappointed. "Trixie thought for sure that it was similar. However, she has successfully dispelled the effigy nonetheless. It will do no harm now."

"Similar to what?" Pinkie asked.

"Trixie already told you she does not wish to speak of it."

Pinkie frowned. It was impossible to get her to talk about how she could use magic. Still, she was just glad the effigy didn't do anything weird.

"Looks like we have to keep going then!" Pinkie said. "Who wants to take the lead this time?"

Spearhead didn't jump to the front this time. He was too busy watching the shadows and clutching his spear.

Baldwin walked to the front this time and started marching down the path.

"Onward!" Pinkie marched after him.

They forged onward down the old road, leaving the effigy behind like a spent torch. Whatever dark power had infested it seemed to have disappeared at Trixie's touch.

Or was it merely a trick of the light?

Chapter Seven- The first of many...

The end to the north road came up ahead, its tentative light a sight for sore eyes. Nothing had attacked them the rest of the journey down the old road. Pinkie's nerves and muscles were taught with anticipation, but nothing showed its ugly face. No bandits, or whatever else called these twisting paths home.

They all breached the other side of the forest, and now stood in the light. The road sprawled onward, leaving the darkened place behind and transforming into a grassy meadow. In the distance, Pinkie could see Canterlot stuck to the side of a distant mountain like a torch sconce.

If only the railways weren't completely grown over by the forest, this journey would have been a lot easier. Unfortunately, they had been completely ripped up by the roots.

"We made it." Spearhead said. "That wasn't so bad."

"Please, Trixie saw you glancing at shadows the entire way. She would say you were scared out of your mind."

"You weren't much better." Spearhead said.

Baldwin finished marking the map then showed it to Pinkie. She looked at it, noticing a winding path and a set of directions. It wasn't so much as a line through the forest as it was a set of landmarks and directions through it. She supposed any bit would help navigate the Everfree to a supply cart or traveler.

"Good job!" Pinkie patted him on the back then immediately withdrew her hoof. He felt oddly... squishy? It wasn't quite squishy, but she couldn't think of another way to describe it.

Baldwin nodded, and then looked towards Canterlot. He stayed there while Trixie and Spearhead argued in the background.

"What are you looking at?" Pinkie followed his gaze, seeing only the dark skies and winding old path.

"Beauty can be found even here, however fleeting." Baldwin said. "In ages past, I would come here to read and write."

"Really? Did you publish anything?" Pinkie asked.

"No." Baldwin said.

"Why not?"

"A king does not publish his heart to the world, lest he wishes it vulnerable." Baldwin said.

Pinkie looked at him over again. King. That word reminded her of something. It was jogging her memory, but she still couldn't place it. "Are you a king?"

"No. Not any longer." Baldwin said.

Then it hit her. She had heard tales of a king in a far-off land, Saddle Arabia. All she knew was that he left after contracting a sickness.

"Wait, you're Baldwin. King of Saddle Arabia!" Pinkie slammed a hoof on the ground in recognition. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Show not the heart to a stranger." Baldwin's gaze wandered to Trixie. "And not status to a show mare."

Pinkie looked over at Trixie, who was still arguing with Spearhead. "What is wrong with her?"

"She used to travel the sands of Saddle Arabia. She knew of me and would have used my name for leverage during our travels." Baldwin said. "I kept my identity a secret."

"And now you're telling me?" Pinkie scratched the back of her head with a hoof. "Why?"

"Why indeed." Baldwin hummed. "A wolf does not wish to hunt alone forever."

Pinkie grinned and leaned in close. She tried to ignore the subtle smell of sweet sickness emanating from him. "Are you saying you want to be friends?"

"I would not be opposed to it. As a jester, you would have been welcome in my court." Baldwin said.

"Say no more." Pinkie said. "You and I are now officially friends."

Baldwin huffed and turned back towards the distant Canterlot. For a moment, Pinkie watched it with him, enjoying the feeling of having a new friend. Maybe they weren't exactly close friends, but the start of a friendship was still something to celebrate. It was a rarity in these times.

Then somepony had to ruin it.

"Trixie is sitting down and eating, and she will not be convinced otherwise!" Trixie laid down with a huff and opened her saddlebags.

"You- I can't believe you!" Spearhead snarled. "We should just head back and get to town as fast as possible."

"Trixie cannot hear you." She withdrew a bundle of hay and started chewing.

The look on Spearhead's face would have wilted a flower. His eyes lit up with fury, and he went to open his mouth.

"Why don't we all just have a quick bite and then head back to town?" Pinkie spoke up before he could. "I'm starving!"

Spearhead fumed. He sat down on the ground with an aggressive thump, ripped open his saddlebag, and started chewing on some hay. "Fine but let's make it quick."

The group ate what they could in a short time. Pinkie grinded down some particularly dry hay, it was tasteless and stuck to the sides of her mouth. It wasn't the best meal, but it was better than nothing. Food in her belly warmed her a little, and she felt strength return to her limbs. Her hooves were aching, as they had been walking nearly an entire day.

Pinkie wanted to ask Trixie how her magic worked again but felt like that would be pushing it. Before she knew it, they had all finished their meals.

"Back through the woods then?" Pinkie asked as she stood up.

"Let's get this over with." Spearhead growled.

"Trixie does not wish to be near you any longer than she has to." She said, her cloak billowing in a warm wind. "She is beyond such trifling conversation."

"Then it seems we are in agreement." Spearhead said.

Baldwin was the first to take the lead again, and Pinkie gave him a smile as he went on ahead. She would lead the way through the forest if she had to, but the thick armor Baldwin had made her feel more secure being behind him.

They marched back into the forest, being cloaked in shadow once more. The task was done, they needed only to return. The sounds of the forest enveloped them, drowning out most others.

"How much oil do we have left?" Pinkie asked.

"Enough." Spearhead tightened his jaw around the lantern he was carrying.

That was the end of that conversation.

Pinkie sighed, letting her gaze wander to the sides of the path. She wished that every pony wasn't so hostile to each other. It would be easier if they were more like the serene and stoic Baldwin, who was also apparently a king. The thought of being friends with a king, even if he was a former one, was enough to fill her with proud giddiness. It seems that even after all these years her friend making skills were top notch.

Something moved beyond the lantern's light. She could scarcely observe it, a snap of a twig out of place, a swirling shadow, but Pinkie swore that she saw something. She froze, quieting her breath and perking her ears. Her muscles tensed.

Trixie bumped into her. "Why have you stopped in Trixie's path?"

"Stop holding us up." Spearhead said.

"There is something in the woods." Pinkie whispered. She flipped her hoof-blades from the side of her legs to the front.

Baldwin stopped at those words and reached behind him. From his back, he withdrew his massive half-broken executioner sword. With ease he lifted it, holding its handle in his mouth. It was a weapon that no normal pony would have dreamed of wielding. And he was doing it without earth pony magic.

Spearhead held his spear in his hooves, standing with a weary look in his eyes.

Trixie scurried to the center of the hasty formation, a previously unseen dagger floating next to her. "Trixie does not see such-"

"Quiet!" Spearhead snapped.

The forest keened. They all stood there, listening. And yet, nothing happened. The seconds grew long, and the sound of heavy breathing was the only noticeable change.

"It's nothing." Spearhead lowered his spear. "Should have known not to trust a clown."

"Exercise every caution, lest one not heeded be your last." Baldwin remained at the ready.

"Enough philosophy old stallion. She was wrong, and that is that." Spearhead snarled.

Pinkie's tail twitched. Adrenaline filled her veins in a split second, and she leapt forward.

Something hit the dirt behind her where she had just been standing. She whipped around, only to see a flash of steel flying towards her neck. Pinkie stumbled back; edges of fang-like steel ripping through the cloth around her neck. It just grazed the fur beneath. Her frantic hooves slipped in the mud, sending up a spray of earth as she fell backwards. She hit the ground with a wheeze as air was forced from her lungs.

A stallion was standing above her. His eyes were hidden behind an iron half-mask, forming a familiar half-crown above his head. Just like the wooden effigy. Scraps of black cloth hung off of him, tattered and grimy. Muscles rippled beneath his dark brown coat, thick and unyielding. Scattered scars coated his forelegs, and attached to his front hooves were two hoof blades. They were prong like- each one having two wicked spikes that extended outward.

The stallion wasted no time, bearing down on her with a vicious stab.

Pinkie rolled to the side, crying out as the blade ripped across her back. She kept going, adrenaline fueling every moment.

Shouts erupted as three more figures fell from the trees, blades bearing down on their unsuspecting prey.

Pinkie leapt to her rear hooves, dancing around another swipe. She lashed out with her scythe, cleaving across his face wickedly. Blood poured, and the stallion reared back.

Even with half his face hanging off his skull, the stallion lunged again, stumbling over his own swipe. Half blinded by his own blood; Pinkie was able to swiftly evade the swipe. She flashed her scythe again, ripping off the mask, and another swipe cleaved clean across both his eyes.

Screaming in pain and rage, the stallion blindly swiped in a flurry. Pinkie desperately stumbled away from the onslaught. It was fanatical, unrelenting wrath.

As he raged forward again, a massive blade swung from behind him in a deadly arc. It obliterated his back, sundering bone and flesh with a stomach-churning squelch. The blade pulled free, soaked in viscera. What was left looked like a crushed pinata, spent after a day of games.

"The flower before frost." Baldwin stepped away from his victim and turned towards the next.

Pinkie looked over the battlefield, breathing heavily. These weren't bandits, they were something else.

Spearhead was facing two of them, blades grinding against his armor in a frenzied assault. It protected what it could, but one slash found its way through a joint. It slipped it, stabbing into the flesh beneath. Spearhead hissed in pain and shoved them off. His spear came swinging around, swiping one of the attackers off their feet.

Baldwin joined him, his blade arcing through the air, and slamming into the ground next to the foot of an attacker. Blades scraped across his breastplate as his foe responded with a vengeance.

Trixie levitated her prized skull. She spoke words, unintelligible words that were maddening to the ear. The eyes of the skull glowed red, and thick spectral red tentacles sprouted from the earth like vines. The sight shocked Pinkie, nearly freezing her in her tracks.

They wrapped themselves around an attacker, restraining the slobbering mare. She didn't seem to care, struggling against them with frenzied movements. Gibberish sprung from her lips, and she reached towards Trixie with her hoof-blades.

Trixie backed away in a panic, chanting rapidly beneath her breath as her eyes started to mimic that of her prized skull, red and ominous. She nearly stumbled over her own hooves in her frenzy to get away.

Pinkie forced her limbs to move. Now was not the time to be thinking about why Trixie was summoning tentacles from the ground.

She sprang forward and fell upon the ensnared pony. The blades reached towards her, so she danced around to the back and ripped into the unprotected flesh. Her scythe unleashed a brutal bloodletting, deep lacerations opening up between the grasping tentacles with each swipe.

The pony's struggles slowed, lifeblood flowing from ever deepening wounds. The struggling only ripped them wider, and soon, there was no more blood left to drain. The tentacles receded into the earth, dropping the corpse on the ground.

Pinkie wasted no time and turned towards the next two.

Spearhead grunted in pain as another strike found its mark. He lashed out with his spear, impaling an assailant. With a surge of effort, he stuck the spear into the ground firmly. The clawed menace squirmed on the spear, steadily making its way up it. It was a terrifying sight, and made one wonder if the pony could even feel pain.

Baldwin swung again, and the blow went over a cultist’s head, missing again. He took more hits to the armor, seemingly unphased by the attacks. He swung the blade upward, and the attacker was forced to stumble back. Another hefty swing cleaved head from shoulders, its destructive arc continuing through a thicket with ease.

Pinkie slipped past Spearhead and ripped the throat out of the one he had impaled. Her scythe bit deep.

She pedaled away, breathing heavily. The four attackers were dead in various states of being ripped open and bled dry. Pinkie's scythe wounds marked most of them, and that brought her satisfaction and horror in equal measure. Truly, she was becoming a killer. Or maybe she always was, beneath the smiles and the parties.

No. This wasn't her; it would never be.

"Celestia be damned!" Spearhead's limbs shook. "I'm losing blood!"

"We have bandages!" Pinkie opened up her saddlebags. There wasn't one. It had to be in somepony else's bag.

"Trixie has the bandages-" Trixie's words were interrupted.

"There is still one left!" Spearhead leveled his spear towards her. "You all saw what she did, didn't you? She's with them, she has to be. Why else would she have touched the effigy and then had an ambush waiting for us on the way back?"

"Let's calm down." Pinkie said with a nervous laugh. Now was not the time for this. "We don't know each other's stories. This could be a coincidence."

"Trixie will not stand for such blatant accusations. Just because you do not understand her power, does not mean you can accuse her for it!" Trixie was levitating her prized skull again, eyes narrowed.

One of the ever-distant howls of the Timberwolves sounded, only this time, it was much closer. The shadows grew long, and the metallic scent of blood in the air was all the more noticeable. Such a scene was bound to attract the creatures of the forest.

"We should get out of here." Pinkie said. "You hear those howls? Tend to your wounds and let's leave!"

"No. It's just another trap. Get those bandages away from me!" Spearhead reeled away, blood dripping from open wounds as his gaze darted between them. "I know you are scheming something you witch. And you damned clown, you've cast your die in with her, haven't you?"

"What are you talking about?" Pinkie asked.

"I know you have all been playing me for the fool. I'm the only sane one here, this was all just a trap to lure me out into the forest, wasn't it?" Spearhead said. "Well guess what, you're not tricking me any longer!"

The forest creaked ominously, and the howls drew closer.

"Steady. The ire of the forest draws near." Baldwin heaved his blade again, using hooves and mouth to raise it.

"Spearhead. I know you might not trust us, but now is not the time for this." Pinkie said. "Something is coming, and we need to work together."

"Silence! I won't stand for your lies any longer! There is no way a clown like you could kill like that. You're with them, I know it." Spearhead readied his weapon, pointing it towards them. He swayed on his hooves. Untended wounds took their toll, seeping red from cracks in his armor.

With the sound of creaking wood, a figure emerged into the lantern light. It was a Timberwolf; Pinkie could tell that immediately. She had seen them years ago. Constructed of wood and branches, it was as if a tree had grown into the form of a wolf. However, it had changed since the last time she saw it.

Like the rotten forests it now dwelled, the Timberwolf was sagging and wretched. Its wooden body was covered in mushrooms, and the vibrant green glow of its eyes was now a wretched sickly pink, as if furless flesh. The stench of decay was nearly unbearable.

"Behind you!" Pinkie pointed with a hoof, panic and horror filling her chest. There was no way to get close enough to save him.

Spearhead didn't get the chance to turn as the massive wolf, easily double the size of a pony, latched its jaws around his head. Its wooden fangs cracked against armor and sunk into the gaps of it. The beast picked up the screaming Spearhead and shook its head back and forth rapidly. There was a crack, and Spearhead's body was flung against a tree with a gut-wrenching thud.

He tried to stand, blood leaking from his wounds only for another Timberwolf to emerge. It grabbed him from behind, pulling at his armor as it dragged him into the darkness. He disappeared, gut-wrenching screams sounding in the dark as the beasts descended upon him. His spear was left where it had fallen, useless in the dirt.

"Trixie does not wish to die here!" Trixie scrambled backwards, falling behind Pinkie.

Pinkie took a step back as a Timberwolf turned towards her, its rotten gaze locking onto her. She resisted the screaming urge to run. The only light was from the discarded lantern that Spearhead had dropped when he was pulled in the darkness.

It stepped forward, growling, and only one pony matched it.

Baldwin heaved his blade and stepped into the light. "Peace with adversity, strength through acceptance. Truly, I am a wretched thing."

The wolf lunged forward, and Baldwin sheltered behind his blade. Jaws wrapped around it, trying to tug it free, but Baldwin held strong.

Pinkie shook herself from the mounting dread. If he could stand against it, then she could as well. She darted forward, slicing her scythe across wood. The blade carved deep, but there was no blood to siphon.

The Timberwolf growled and swung its body around. Pinkie was knocked away, skipping across the dirt. She gasped in pain, her ribs aching. She pulled herself to her hooves, body stained with mud.

Trixie was backing away, getting ever closer to that tenebrous edge. She glanced behind her, and her body was tense. It was the stance of somepony about to run.

"Trixie! We need your help! We can beat it together!" Pinkie yelled.

"That thing just killed a pony!" Trixie screamed. “Trixie is not dying here!”

"And we just killed four!" Pinkie said. "Are you not great and powerful?"

"Trixie is indeed great and powerful!" Trixie said, shaking on her hooves.

"Then show me." Pinkie cried. “Because if you don't, we are all going to die!”

At those words, Trixie stopped. She gritted her teeth and levitated the skull in front of her. "Trixie is indeed great and powerful! Behold her magical might!"

The skull glowed, and a strange axis appeared in the air. It spun, a mesmerizing rotating circle of impossible lines and writing. A sound like shattered glass filled the air.

The sigil appeared on the Timberwolf's chest, and its crushing jaws appeared to weaken. It grew slower, the wood it was made of almost appearing more brittle.

Baldwin surged against it, throwing it back. His blade followed the movement, a pendulum of doom. The sound of splintering wood filled the air. If the beast was in pain, it did not show it.

Not to waste a chance, Pinkie Pie limped forward, ignoring the aching wounds on her body. She targeted one of its paws, slicing through the woven branches there. The Timberwolf's stance buckled, and it released a howl of rage. She dodged back from a stomp, breathing heavily from the near miss.

Baldwin raised his blade again, then swung it with all his might. It came down like an avalanche, crushing wood to splinter. It shattered the skull of the Timberwolf, cleaving through its body. Sick sap exploded outward with a shower of splinters, spore, and rot.

The Timberwolf fell, no longer animated by the foul magic that played its strings.

The other Timberwolf was gone for now, having dragged its prey into the dark.

"We need to go." Trixie said, voice shaking. "Before the other one returns. Trixie will not die here after such a victory."

Pinkie felt every nerve on her body firing. Her senses were sharp, her heart rapidly beating in her chest. "What about Spearhead's body?"

Baldwin grabbed the fallen lantern. "It belongs to the worms of the earth now. Follow me, we must make haste."

Pinkie took one last look at where Spearhead had disappeared to. She heard nothing but a distant howl. The amount of blood soaking this clearing was staggering and nauseating all the same. She turned away. Survival came first, not recovering dead bodies.

They trotted down the old road, watching every shadow. Pinkie couldn't help but feel like she could have done more to prevent Spearhead's death. She was supposed to make ponies laugh, why couldn't she have lightened the mood more? Those thoughts vanished as she heard voices ahead.

"They went down this path?" A rough voice asked.

"Yeah, and I expect them back anytime soon. They will be easy pickings."

Dread pooled in her stomach. It was bandits. She would recognize those tones anywhere. Then, she was filled with fury. She was already sick of the forest. Sick of it conniving and tricking and killing. Retribution would come later, for now, they just had to live. Survive. They all had to survive. They had to live to fight another day. It could not end here.

"Cut the lights." Pinkie said.

"What?" Trixie balked. "We wouldn't be able to see anything."

"Get the jump on them." Pinkie stalked forward, steel filling her heart. They just had to survive.

Baldwin met her eyes. He nodded and clicked the lantern off.

Trixie screamed. "What are you two doing? I can't see!"

"Hear that? That's them." A rough voice grumbled.

Pinkie crept forward to the side of the path. As the sound of hooves came towards her, she leapt towards them. Utterly blind, she lashed out like a pony possessed. Her scythe hit something fleshy, ripping through cloth and bone. A moment later, the light clicked back on.

Two bandits were standing there, one had a gaping wound across his belly, spilling blood like a faucet.

Another had his body cleaved in two before he could even draw his blade. Baldwin shoved his corpse aside, his foe obliterated in but a single swing.

"Wait! Wait! I yield!" The other bandit pleaded, clutching at his wound.

Pinkie was about to end him, but she suddenly had an idea. "Okay. You're free to go."

"I am?" The bandit stumbled back, a flicker of hope filling his eyes.

"Go on. Get out of here before I change my mind." Pinkie Pie snapped; she swore she could hear the Timberwolves closing in behind them. They didn't have time. No time.

"Trixie does not enjoy being plunged into darkness like that!" Trixie said. "And why did you let the bandit go? He will only return with more."

Pinkie watched the bandit flee into the overgrowth, leaving a trail of slick blood behind him. It was not too much that he couldn't run, but it left a trail. In the distance, a howl rang out. The words of Baldwin echoed in her mind, "A wise hunter need not chase prey that runs itself to death."

And if that prey caught the attention of something else, that was even better.

"The wolves will find him before he finds his friends." Pinkie Pie said. The words felt strange in her mouth, cruel, brutal.

"Then let us depart, before they find us." Baldwin said.

They followed the path onward. Pinkie was exhausted, her hooves feeling like weights on her legs. Every muscle burned, and the wound across her back was a streak of searing agony. Blood roared in her ears, and her mouth was dry as dirt on a summer's day. She forced her limbs to keep moving.

There was no talking amongst the group as they walked. They were all tired, and it showed in every step of dragging hooves. The only stop they made was to apply bandages to Pinkie's back, which stemmed the bleeding. Then they were off again, at a brisk non-stop pace.

When they breached the edge of the forest and entered back into Ponyville, Pinkie was more relieved than she had been in her entire life.

She did not collapse, though her body wished to. Breath entered her lungs and left it. She survived the forest again. Most of them survived…

Pinkie couldn't get the sight of Spearhead being dragged away out of her mind. The wounds on the bodies she inflicted by her hoof. It was all too similar to that day, that day the town was attacked. When it was burned by the bandits. Her friends butchered, and her, unable to do anything to save them. Maybe Spearhead was a rough pony, but he didn't deserve to die.

She couldn't let the forest get the best of her. Couldn't let this evil get the best of her. All that mattered was excising this tumor, surviving it, and then laughing at the end of it. If she could just keep laughing, then the darkness would always seem a little brighter. And so that's what she did.

Pinkie let out a choked laugh. Her throat was constricted by fear and pain, but she laughed. It was a bitter laugh. She would laugh. Even if she had failed yet again, letting another pony be swallowed up by this evil.

For whom else would laugh in a hell like this?

Chapter Eight- It takes more than brawn...

Twilight poured over the books she had gathered, deep in thought. There was just so much to do and organize. Funds had to be procured, flyers had to be sent out, word had to be spread far and wide. Not to mention the state of the town. She needed working ponies here, repairing what could be saved.

She also had to find trainers. If she was to have a functioning force here, they had to be trained. Trained to survive, to fight. They also needed to be armed. She needed a blacksmith in the town. The abbey could be useful as well. It needed a pony to run it. A little hope never hurt any pony, even if it was rooted in a religion to her teacher. An awkward affair, but a useful one.

As a sigh left her, she turned another page in the book she was reading.

Hopefully the expedition went well, passage along the old road would be valuable. With the railways out of commission and the waterways plagued by whatever 'fish ponies' were, it was their best bet of procuring supplies.

There was also the matter of bits. Her funds from being the Princess's student would not last forever. They needed gold, and the only place she could think of getting that was the Castle of the Two Sisters. It was said to have treasures in its depths.

In her studies, Twilight had found that there was a network of tunnels below them. The old war reports spoke of trying to traverse them in large numbers. It had not ended well, but perhaps a smaller more elite team would do the trick. Now the issue was finding a way into those tunnels. Going into the castle directly without any information was a death sentence.

Twilight stood, shutting the book she was reading with a slam. She really hoped the expedition went well. If Pinkie was hurt...

There was no use thinking too far into it. Pinkie had wanted to do this, and who was she to deny a willing adventurer? Even if she was the only friend Twilight had made in the past ten years.

Besides, every pony would be needed. The letter Princess Celestia sent her said that this evil was still in its incubation stage, whatever that meant. Who knew what would happen if they took too long to destroy it? They had to act fast.

Alas, there was nothing she could do but wait. Twilight stretched; her late-night studying having locked her muscles. Then, she sat back down to keep working. There was much to be learned from the old reports. Tales of skeletal ponies, cultists, brigands, fish-ponies, malformed wildlife. If there was something to be found in these old texts, then Twilight would find it.

With that in mind, she settled in and set the quill to paper once more. For this town to flourish, her work would have no end. No matter how much her brain was telling her to sleep.

There was a certain event she wanted to investigate. An attack on the town by bandits. Apparently, a large portion of the town was burned down, and many ponies were killed. According to the town reports, the bandits used a large cannon. Such weaponry was rare, but perhaps further insight could determine how it could be beaten or used to their advantage.

Her work here was nothing compared to what Pinkie and the others had in store. She had to work harder, and faster. Lives depended on it. The whole of Equestria might depend on it. And so, she did what she always did in rough times.

She got back to work.

Pinkie stumbled into town. Behind her, Trixie meandered in much the same way, swaying back and forth with each step. Baldwin, as always, seemed unphased.

"What should we say to Twilight?" Pinkie could barely think.

"Trixie will rest before doing anything else. She has earned it." Trixie had a far-off stare. "She... needs time alone."

Trixie wandered off into the town in the direction of the tavern. It would probably be best not to pursue her.

As it was getting late, Pinkie decided that she would get some rest first as well. The news could wait, as terrible as it was. She turned to Baldwin.

He raised a hoof, silencing her. "Worry not, I will find my own shelter. Do you need aid?"

Pinkie focused on the wound on her back. It wasn't that bad, but it would probably need stitches again. The thought of visiting the hospital right now was grating. "I'll be fine. Thanks for worrying about me."

Baldwin looked her over, his gaze wandered to her back. "Beware the untreated wound, lest it fester."

"I know." Pinkie forced a smile. "I'll take care of it."

Baldwin nodded. "Then be safe. We will speak more about what has occurred in the morrow."

He walked off towards the tavern. The blood and mud he tracked was bound to give a pony a scare. At the moment, Pinkie found it hard to care. All she wanted to do was lay down and sleep. So, she set her route for Sugarcube Corner and started to walk.

She made it there without encountering another pony and fumbled with the key to unlock her door. After a few shaky tries it opened, and she practically fell through it. Stumbling, she made her way to her bedroom. Ever since the upstairs had collapsed, she had taken to using her secret party room downstairs.

Pinkie took a slide down, leaving a streak of blood behind her as she did so. That would have to be cleaned later.

Without really processing anything, Pinkie crawled into her bed, leaving her wound open to the air. She closed her eyes and even through the pain, sleep found her quickly.

That night, she dreamed of flashing steel, blood, and the screams of Spearhead. He begged for aid, but no one saved him. In her flashing dreams, Pinkie always tried to run to his aid but was always one step too far away. And amongst those tortured dreams, she saw a half-crown of iron and felt the presence of something lurking close to her.

She saw herself letting that bandit go, fully knowing that his death would find him quickly. She had used him. Was that really her? Was she really that heartless?

When she awoke again, it was with a start and a gasp of breath. Pinkie groaned, her head aching. There was something knocking upstairs.

"Pinkie?" Twilight's voice came through the murk of Pinkie's mind. "You left the door open, so I invited myself in. I hope you don't mind."

"I'm down here." Pinkie rasped. She couldn't help but be glad Twilight had shown up. She felt terrible. In more ways than one.

Twilight came down the slide, a worried look on her face at the sight of the blood. "What happened to you? Where is the rest of the group?"

Pinkie sighed and buried her face back in her pillows. Old and tattered, the threads dug into her coat like a net. "It didn't go so well."

"Did they..." Twilight trailed off.

"They survived. All except Spearhead." Pinkie said.

Twilight was silent. The frown on her face was deep. "What happened?"

Pinkie Pie told her what happened. Down to every last detail she could think of. There was much to go over, and by the time she was done, Pinkie felt like sleeping again.

"That does not bode well. I... I can't believe a pony died already." Twilight sat down, shaking her head. "I knew it could happen, but I always thought that maybe under my watch we would be the exceptions. I have to do better."

Pinkie closed her eyes. She was still tired, and every second was drawing on her mind.

"We need to get you back to the hospital." Twilight's face grew hard. "I'm not letting another pony die on my watch."

"Don't want to." Pinkie mumbled through the pillow.

"Don't be stubborn. As the new owner of this town, it is my duty to make sure you are healthy." Twilight pulled away the pillow.

"I don't want Redheart to see me." Pinkie didn't want to let her see she had already been wounded again. She could already imagine the look of disappointment on her face. "I promised not to get hurt again."

"She will just have to accept this as the new norm. As will I." Twilight sighed. "She won't hurt you; a Nurse is bound to help ponies."

If only Twilight knew what Nurse Redheart had done. What she had been forced to do. Pinkie could remember the screams of ponies as they were locked away in the deepest parts of the hospital, her with them. Most never saw the light again, their madness too thick to be pierced through. Pinkie considered herself lucky that she had been able to recover from it. But that didn't mean that the hospital didn't still terrify her.

"I'll be there with you, if you want me to." Twilight tugged at her coat with a hoof. “But you have to get those wounds treated.”

"...Okay." Pinkie forced her hooves underneath her and stood. There really was no avoiding it, was there? "I'll do it."

"That's the spirit." Twilight said.

Pinkie stood on shaky hooves and followed Twilight back up the slide. She really needed to consider getting a regular staircase put in. Her party planning days had little use in this town as of late.

They walked back outside to brisk air. Outside of the forest, all was colder, the thrumming blood of evil not warming its depths. Or at least, that is what Pinkie imagined it was.

"I know this might be strange to ask at a moment like this, but did you find anything about Trixie's magic?" Twilight asked.

"Not much." Pinkie sighed. "It seems... connected to the evil here. It's not right."

"She is evil then?" Twilight asked.

"I'm not sure. She seems nice enough, but the magic she is using isn't normal." Pinkie said.

"Interesting." Twilight hummed in thought. "And that skull of hers, is it connected?"

"It seems to be." Pinkie focused on keeping her hooves moving.

"And what of Baldwin?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie paused, not sure what to tell Twilight. Baldwin had not specifically said not to tell others that he was a king, but then again, he had trusted her with the knowledge. "I don't know."

"Sorry for asking so much of you. I just don't want this to happen again." Twilight said. "Maybe if I know who I am sending out there better, I can better plan for what you will face. There are just still so many unknowns that need to be looked into."

"It's alright Twilight. I'm just... tired." Pinkie said.

The two walked in silence the rest of the way. Pinkie was lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of everything.

When the doors of the hospital came into view, Pinkie couldn't stop herself from faltering. She could already see the look on Nurse Redheart's face. Unyielding, disappointed, and perhaps considering a session of... encouragement for one's safety. Nonetheless, Pinkie let Twilight open the door for her and stumbled inside.

Redheart was waiting at the desk, as if expecting her to arrive. Immediately her single eye locked onto Pinkie. "Wounded, Pinkie?"

Pinkie gave her a sheepish smile and nodded.

"Perhaps some time in the patient cells will make you think twice about mindlessly fighting bandits." Redheart's eye narrowed.

"Unfortunately, nurse Redheart, there will be more of that to come." Twilight spoke up. "I am orchestrating a war against the forest, and Pinkie Pie is at the head of it."

Redheart set down a quill she had been holding. "Is that so?"

There was an awkward silence between the three.

"I was hoping that you would treat Pinkie's wounds." Twilight said.

"That is the work of a nurse." Redheart said. "Come along then, I will make this quick."

Pinkie let the tension in her shoulders release. The thought of getting put back in one of those cells was too much even for her. She didn't know if she could survive that again.

"What is a patient cell?" Twilight whispered as they followed the nurse.

"It's... where they put the crazy ponies." Pinkie shuddered. "At least the ones who are dangerous to others."

"Interesting. I have never heard of such a technique used anywhere else in Equestria." Twilight had a troubled look on her face.

"Nowhere else has what we have here." Pinkie giggled; a flash of Spearhead's body being dragged away burning into her mind. "It's enough to drive a pony mad."

After that, Pinkie had her new wound stitched up by Redheart. If she was irritated with her, she did not show it. Her face was like a stone, her single eye a spotlight. In a short time, Pinkie found herself walking back out the door with freshly sealed wounds and a tonic of something to apply to them.

"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Twilight asked.

"It wasn't." Pinkie said. She felt a little better now that the blood had been cleaned off her body. Fresher, as if absolved of her sins.

"I am going to go look for the other adventurers. Do you need help getting home?" Twilight asked.

"I'll come with you." Pinkie didn't want to be alone with her thoughts right now.

"I'm not sure that is the best idea, you need rest." Twilight said.

"I'll be fine, a bit of cheer at the tavern will do me good!" Pinkie said. "Laughter is the best medicine after all!"

"I'm not sure Nurse Redheart would agree, or any accredited medical textbook." Twilight frowned.

"Just let me come alone, silly! I know my body better than anypony else." Pinkie said. "Besides, I can help speak with them."

Twilight bit her lip in thought, then relinquished. "Okay. But don't move too fast. Your wounds could rip open. And then you would have to visit Nurse Redheart again."

"You Betcha! My legs are now like wooden rods! Not moving at all, see?" Pinkie walked statically, barely bending her legs.

"Even now you're joking around." Twilight shook her head with a light smile. "Are you sure you're okay?

"Pfft. Of course, I'm still me!" Pinkie waved a hoof. "Now let's get going to the tavern. I could use a little drink!"

Twilight gave her a searching look. "Fine. Let's go then."

They walked to the tavern. It was at the end of the three nights, but even then, there was still light coming from inside. Ponies were within. It seemed even now; the rush of life would never end. She let Twilight open the door for her.

The sounds of the tavern met her ears, the rolling of dice, the clattering of tankards. It was a hum of noise that was pleasant to the ears.

"Pinks!" A voice called out.

A cheer rang out in the tavern at her arrival. Pinkie smiled lightly, ready to reach for her lute and kick up a song. That always made her feel better.

"No! None of that today! Pinkie Pie is wounded." Twilight shouted. "No dancing, and no games!"

A few ponies in the tavern complained.

"Sorry every pony, she's right. I can't let this wound open up again." Pinkie Pie said. While she wanted to play a song, she wanted her stitches to remain sealed even more.

There was a general murmur of disappointment, but no ponies pressured her. For that, Pinkie was grateful. At least some of them cared for her more than just her lute and dance.

"So, what now?" Pinkie asked.

"Now we find where the other adventurers are." Twilight scanned the room. "And I think I found them."

Trixie and Baldwin were sitting in a shadowed corner of the bar. At the table were two tankards and plates full of corn and hay. Neither one of them was eating. Trixie was looking at her prized skull, and Baldwin was regarding his food like it was some kind of enigma. Now that Pinkie was thinking about it, she didn't see him eat earlier on the expedition.

"Mind if I join?" Pinkie asked as she approached.

"Trixie does not care." Trixie grabbed her tankard and took a long drink, then raised an eye at Twilight. "Are you here to pay Trixie for her glorious deeds?"

"That money will be doled out at the end of the week." Twilight sat down at the table. "Now, I have things that I wish to discuss about your expedition."

Baldwin withdrew the map and placed it on the table.

Twilight greedily took it, eyes devouring the new marks placed there. "This is excellent! You wouldn't happen to be a cartographer, would you?"

"Many things can be learned from a life of quiet contemplation." Baldwin said.

Twilight set the paper down. "This is great news, and a job well done, but it isn't the only thing I came here to discuss."

"Oh?" Trixie asked. "And what would you ask of the great and powerful Trixie?"

"Honesty." Twilight's gaze fell down. "I... made a mistake by not questioning you more before you left. If this is to work out, I need to know the strengths and weaknesses of the ponies under my charge. We cannot suffer needless casualties. If there is anything that can be done to help your survival, I will do it."

"So, you wish for Trixie's secrets?"

"Yes. And Baldwin as well. Tell me about yourselves." Twilight said.

Trixie turned her head away, cradling her prized skull. "Trixie will do no such thing."

"I already know that skull you use is connected to what dwells here." Twilight said. "There is no use in hiding it any longer."

Trixie didn't look over, keeping her head turned away defiantly.

"Come on Trixie! You saw how we crushed those Timberwolves when we worked together." Pinkie Pie leaned forward, an encouraging grin on her face. "You are among ponies who won't judge you."

"And how can Trixie trust you not to burn her at the stake?" Trixie's eyes darted between them.

"Burn you at the stake? Why in Equestria would you think I would do that?" Twilight looked horrified.

"It has nearly happened before, when Trixie returned with these powers." Trixie cradled her skull tighter, her gaze downcast. "Trixie will not let it happen again."

Twilight looked between the two adventurers. "Then how about you, Baldwin? Is there anything you want to share?"

Baldwin looked towards Pinkie. She slid a hoof across her mouth as if she was zipping it, letting him know she kept quiet about his past.

After a long moment, he spoke.

"I was a king once." Baldwin said. "Before sickness and war made my land their home."

"A king?" Twilight asked. She looked him over, and suddenly there was a gleam in her eye. "Wait, are you… the former king of Saddle Arabia? King Baldwin?"

"Indeed." Baldwin said.

"What?" Trixie leapt to her hooves. "Trixie traveled with you all this time and you did not tell her?!"

Ponies in the tavern glanced over. Trixie cleared her throat and waved a hoof, sitting back down at the table. Eventually, the conversation around them returned.

"Why did you not tell Trixie? She was a great show mare in your kingdom once, and she asked for your audience many times!" Trixie hissed. "And was denied, many times!"

"The art of the written word was always more to my liking. I thought you best to spread joy amongst the populace, rather than in my castle." Baldwin said.

"Well, all the good the populace did when my wagon was blown up! There is nothing left of my dear wagon but a pile of splinters. And now Trixie..." Trixie buried her face in her hooves.

"Is in crippling debt?" Pinkie Pie guessed.

"Yes!" Trixie stammered. "Wait- I mean, Trixie is not in any debt whatsoever. And also, she still has her wagon."

From the silence that went across the table, Pinkie Pie knew that no pony was buying it. She kind of felt bad for Trixie, considering her flushed and embarrassed face.

"Well." Twilight cleared her throat. "That is all very interesting information. However, I wish to know about your abilities as well. Your weaknesses, what makes you tick. If we are to keep this operation going, then we must know what tools we have at our disposal, and what tools are needed."

"Trixie will not submit to your mental evaluation."

"Then can you at least tell me what you can do?" Twilight asked.

"No."

Twilight groaned, her head falling onto the flat of the table. "This is impossible."

"I will tell you what I can do." Baldwin spoke up. "If the blade on my back is not proof enough."

"Thank you!" Twilight said.

Pinkie waited in anticipation. From what she had seen, Baldwin must have had some kind of mystical Saddle Arabian magic. There was simply no other way he was swinging around a blade that large with little effort. Everypony paused, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Baldwin was in no rush to explain. He looked towards the ceiling, and Pinkie followed his gaze only to see there was nothing there. Other than a single, particularly fat fly. Pinkie watched it, wondering what unfathomable wisdom he could possibly be drawing from it. It moved erratically. Was it drawing the letter A? Perhaps B? What was it trying to communicate through the veil of nature and pony?

"My blade is a scythe, and they are the wheat." Baldwin said.

"So, you hit things?" Twilight asked.

"Indeed."

Pinkie could have guessed that. She had seen enough of it. "Are you sure you don't have any strange magic?"

"No. Merely muscle." Baldwin said.

Twilight sighed. "Thank you for being honest. Now, Trixie. Is there anything you want to share?"

Trixie looked thoughtful. "Yes."

"What is it?" Twilight's eyes lit up.

"Trixie is great and powerful. She is a great asset to the team." Trixie said.

"Is that it?" Pinkie asked. "What about those tentacles you summoned? How are we supposed to know we can trust you?"

"So, you do not trust Trixie."

"You don't trust us." Pinkie Pie leaned forward, wondering if what she was about to say was the right thing. "You saw what we could do when we trusted each other. And you saw what happened when we didn't. I'm willing to trust you Trixie, even with your powers. Because you are a good pony, you didn't run when things got rough."

That was more than others did in town. Even her friends. They all left, leaving Pinkie to defend what was here alone.

Trixie sighed and looked between them. "Fine! Trixie will tell you about her amazing powers. Nothing more than what is necessary!"

They all listened, waiting for her to speak.

"Ponies think that it is dark magic, but it is not. Trixie merely harnessed the magic that was there with the help of the thing that created it. So, it is not her magic but something else." Trixie tapped a hoof on the top of her prized skull. "This is her conduit, the source of her magic."

"What does it do?" Twilight leaned forward, eyes sparkling as she looked at the skull. "Can it be replicated?"

"No touching!" Trixie moved the skull back. "Trixie was able to contact this being through a long and complex ritual. One that cannot even be hoped to be understood."

"And who did you contact?" Twilight asked. "I have never heard of such a being."

"Trixie does not know who she contacted. Only that it offered her power."

Pinkie Pie narrowed her eyes. That mysterious entity did not sound good. It reminded her too much of the feeling she got when looking out over the Castle of the Two Sisters.

"So, this entity granted you power?" Twilight said. "And you don't know what it is? Isn't that dangerous?"

Trixie paused, fumbling for words. She stopped, collected herself, then spoke coherently. "Trixie knows what she is doing. She has extensive knowledge on matters of dark magic."

"I thought you said it wasn't dark magic?" Pinkie Pie said. If there was anything she hated, it was bandits, and next to that, it was whatever plagued the forest. And if dark magic sounded like anything, it was what was corrupting the forest around here. Her home. Her friends. Her town.

"That does not feel like dark magic." Twilight said. "Princess Celestia showed me personally what dark magic looked like. I would know it if I saw it."

"Then what is it?" Pinkie asked.

Trixie puffed up defensively. Then she sighed, deflating. "Trixie will admit, she does not know where exactly it comes from. All she knows is that it grants her power."

Something remained unsaid. Trixie’s face was too rigid and calculated. Something was being left out. But what that was, Pinkie had a feeling they were not going to learn today. She didint push.

"Would you be interested in finding out where exactly this power comes from?" Twilight asked. "If you want, we can set up experiments together."

Trixie crossed her hooves. "Trixie would not be opposed to having an assistant help her with discovering more of this power."

"Then that settles it!" Twilight said. "We can understand your power and..."

Pinkie suddenly felt Twilight's eyes boring into her. "What?"

"And your power." Twilight said.

"I don't have any power." Pinkie waved a hoof. "All I can do is swing a scythe and crack a few jokes!"

Twilight hummed thoughtfully. "Then how do you explain how you knew those birds were going to fall from the sky?"

"Birds? Trixie can explain that!" Trixie said. "She eradicated the pesky vermin."

"Thank you or the input, but that's not what I was asking." Twilight said. "Pinkie, I think you have a special sense for this. Strange new abilities have been appearing ever since Princess Celestia disappeared. There is much more to discover, and I think that you have one of these strange powers."

"Are you talking about my pinkie sense?" Pinkie asked. "Oh, that's not new, silly! I have had that since I was a filly!"

"You have?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah! Ever since..." Pinkie paused, trying to think back to when she could first sense random things. For some reason, nothing came up. It was so long ago she couldn't pinpoint exactly when it was. Then she remembered. "Oh, I remember now! It was the day I threw my first party. The day of the sonic rainboom!"

"The sonic rainboom?" Twilight wondered. "I think I remember that. It was a nova of energy that helped me through my entrance exam to Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns. That was ages ago."

"Trixie does not understand this event. Speak less of it." Trixie said.

Pinkie Pie went to say a joke but yawned. Her eyes drooped, the exhaustion of the day catching up to her again.

"The day grows long." Baldwin said.

"Trixie is tired as well."

"We should continue this conversation later then." Twilight said. "I learned a lot, thank you for placing your trust in me."

Trixie turned away but nodded hesitantly. Baldwin just nodded, unphased in every aspect.

"Now that the road is marked, we can spread this information. Hopefully that will attract more adventurers and make getting supplies here easier." Twilight said. "You have all done well, and... it is unfortunate that Spearhead's fate unveiled the way it did. I will ensure that such losses will be minimal in the future."

Baldwin nodded. "The first victory is in recognizing a defeat."

At the mention of Spearhead, Trixie's face grew troubled. She looked guilty, but the expression faded before Pinkie could even be sure she saw it.

"Thank you." Twilight said. "Rest now, all of you, I will update you all when I receive further news."

Pinkie watched as the others got up from the table. She wanted to stay longer and play a song, but her body was telling her to go home and sleep. So, that's what she did. Twilight walked her home, and they said nothing on the way. There was much more to discuss, but Pinkie knew she wouldn't be able to properly pay attention.

Hopefully more adventurers will arrive soon. They needed all the hooves they could get for the tasks ahead.

Pinkie slept easier that night. In good company and drink, she could almost forget Spearhead's tortured screams as he was pulled into the darkness...

She couldn't let it get to her. There was more work to do.

There would be more bloodshed yet, before this was all over. That was a certainty.

Chapter Nine- More arrive...

It was a couple days later that Pinkie found herself in the Golden Oak Library. She had a quill in mouth and was trying her best to draw on a piece of paper. She stepped back and admired her work. On the page was a decent depiction of that half-crown of iron. The one she saw on the assailant's masks and in the effigy.

Now that she was thinking about it, they were clearly cultists. Who else would be out in the forest besides bandits? And that ritual... it was definitely a cult.

"So, this is the symbol you were talking about." Twilight looked at the page. "It looks familiar, but I can't place it."

"I know right? I could have sworn I saw it somewhere before." Pinkie said.

She stared at the page, trying to discover the secrets of the iron crown it held. Alas, nothing happened.

"I will have to add this to the ever-growing pile of things to research." Twilight took the page. "Thank you for your help, Pinkie."

"Anytime!" Pinkie grinned. She was just glad to be next to another pony. The longer she was home alone, the more she thought about that expedition. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Not at the moment." Twilight tapped her hoof in thought. "Before we can do anything else, we need to wait for more adventurers to arrive. If they are going to, that is."

"Then what?"

"Well, then we can really start our assault on the forest. There has to be sources to the infection. If we can excise the tumor… then we can start to heal the land."

That sounded good to Pinkie. "There has to be something I can do while we wait."

Twilight looked over her books, then shrugged. "I got nothing, I'm sorry Pinkie."

She groaned, her head drooping. Busy work kept her mind off of things, why did it have to dry up now? Pinkie tried to think of what to do. Then something hit her, the look on Trixie's face when Spearhead was dragged away. Maybe she would want to be in good company as well? No pony just saw something like that and was completely unaffected. At least, most would be affected.

Pinkie Pie nodded to herself. It was her job to spread joy, to keep laughter spilling through the streets of Ponyville. "I'm headed to the tavern."

"I'll be around." Twilight glanced at the books around her. "Studying and managing. We really are going to need a source of bits soon..."

Pinkie left for the tavern. The sun was finally out for once, even though it was hidden behind thick cloud cover. She wished that she could see its full glory again. That was what she was fighting for, what all of this was for. To see the sun again and hear laughter in the streets. She resolved herself and continued. It all started with small victories, and if being a friend for Trixie was one of them, Pinkie would be happy to oblige. In the end, even if Trixie was completely fine, it was the thought that counted.

It was her calling after all, to make laughter even in the darkest of times. And who was she to not answer it?

She had to make up for her recent... episode with the bandit. It wasn't right to subject a pony to that, no matter what they had done. To be hunted by wolves and torn apart, that was not what a good pony did unto others.

The tavern came into view ahead, an ever more familiar sight these past days. To Pinkie's surprise, Baldwin was sitting outside the door, a book balancing on his hoof. He looked so at peace in that moment, and Pinkie wondered just what he looked like beneath that mask of his. He was supposedly sick, but it couldn't be that bad, right? She would have to ask him more about that sometime.

"Is Trixie here?" Pinkie asked.

Baldwin closed his book. "She went to look around town. To scout a property she wishes to have."

"Thanks! Do you know where she was headed?"

"No."

"Well, I'm off to go look for her then!" Pinkie said.

She wondered just where Trixie would be. If she was looking around for what property she wanted, then what property would catch the eye of a show mare like Trixie? Not that Pinkie had ever seen one of her supposed magic shows. But she definitely seemed the type.

The theater was her best bet. With that in mind, she set off towards the building.

The Ponyville theater wasn't anything special. At least, not anymore. Just a simple worn-down building, much in a similar state to its surrounding brethren. The front of the building was nothing more than char at this point. When the town had first burnt down, no pony had bothered to repair the theater. There was no use for it.

To Pinkie's shock, she did see Trixie standing in front of the theater. Her guesses about Trixie seemed to always be on point!

Trixie was wandering around the front of the theater, sifting through ashes and wood. Her hooves dragged the slightest bit, and her head hung low. She picked up an old drama mask, the permanent smile on it half blackened by flame. She just stared at it, looking into its droopy eyes.

"Hey Trixie!" Pinkie Pie walked up behind her.

The mare nearly jumped, falling over her hooves as she scurried away. Panicked eyes turned towards her, only to relax at the sight of Pinkie. Then, they were filled with fury. "The great and powerful Trixie does not appreciate being snuck up on!"

"Sorry." Pinkie rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

"What do you want?" Trixie asked, turning back towards the rubble. She kicked a charred piece of timber.

Pinkie paused, unsure about how to go about this. It really wasn't her business to pry, but she felt like maybe she could do something. "I'm here if you want to talk."

"Trixie does not understand."

"What happened on that expedition, it scared me. I felt like I could have done more to save him" Pinkie shuffled on her hooves, poofy pink mane bouncing. "I was just wondering if you were scared too."

"Trixie is not scared of such things. In fact, she is glad he is dead." Trixie turned away, hiding her face. "He was annoying, maybe his antics will entertain the worms."

Pinkie frowned. "I'm glad then. That you're not scared. But if you ever are, I'm here if you want to talk to me."

She could remember those she never extended a hoof to after the darkness first encroached. The dagger and noose had been their end, fitting, for the hope they had vanished when the sun fell. If only she had done more, noticed the signs early, then maybe they would still be alive. They were phantoms now, haunting her every breath. Just like the ones she couldn't protect, couldn't give hope and laughter to.

"Trixie... appreciates the sentiment." Trixie turned back, her forehooves shook the slightest amount. A shaky breath left her. "But Trixie is great and powerful and is immune to the horrors of this land. Gold and glory are all that awaits Trixie!"

Pinkie really hoped that was true. She prayed that it was true.

"Trixie wishes to know about how this theater burned down. You are one of the original residents of this town, correct?" Trixie asked.

"Yes." Pinkie said. "What do you want to know?"

"Trixie was thinking of taking the theater as her promised property. However, the disrepair is not good for shows. She wishes to merely know how it burnt down."

"Bandits." Pinkie stared into the rubble. She could remember coming here once in a dream, taking a mask and outfit from the rubble, and then setting out on a new path. A path still saturated with laughter, but as well as other... dubious intricacies.

"A few bandits did this much damage to the town? They are a disorganized rabble. They could not have done this on their own." Trixie huffed.

"They have a leader." The words came out of Pinkie's mouth before she could stop them. She could still see that wretched thing's face as he stomped on the back of a pony. His grin, his greed, she could still feel it in the air.

She could hear the crack of thunder as a cannon erupted steel, and the hair on her back raised.

"A leader? Trixie wishes to know who this leader is."

The name died in Pinkie's throat. She knew it, of course. He had screamed it in her face, telling her to never forget it. But to say his name, it felt almost like letting him win. But to not say it was to acknowledge that he had power over her. She narrowed her eyes, her breath quickening.

"Pinkie? Trixie wishes to know if you are alright."

"Oh? I'm fine!" Pinkie laughed, waving a hoof.

"What is the name then?" Trixie asked.

"Oh... it's..." Pinkie shook her head. To not say it was to submit to evil. To acknowledge its power. "Vvulf."

As the name was spoken, the air seemed to almost grow still. The shadowy alleys leaned in closer, presenting an ear to listen. What would be said about their accursed champion? Of course, Pinkie knew it was all in her head. The shadows couldn't think for themselves, could they?

"What a ridiculous name. Trixie will laugh at him when she sees him." Trixie brushed off her cloak, opening one eye to look at Pinkie. "Don't you agree?"

Pinkie smiled. "Yep! When I see him, I'll laugh in his face!"

At that, the two shared a giggle.

"Thanks Trixie." Pinkie said.

"There is always reason to give thanks to the great and powerful Trixie, but she wishes to know what this particular instance is for."

"Oh, it's nothing." Pinkie said. "Nothing at all. Do you need help looking around Ponyville?"

"Trixie does wish to know about a few places in town."

"Then I will lead the way!" Pinkie set off with a pep in her step. The memories of that day remained, but a good laugh always staved them off.

She spent the day touring Trixie around Ponyville. Pinkie felt a little closer with her now, which was good. It was always nice to make new friends and get them to laugh. With the day considered a success in her mind, Pinkie led Trixie back to the tavern. There was still plenty of sunlight left, as it would be up for the next two days, (or nights, it's confusing) so Pinkie was trying to decide what to do on the way back. She should probably get back to baking bread for the town.

"This is where we part ways!" Pinkie Pie said as they reached the tavern.

"Trixie enjoyed the tour. She did not expect this town to be in such... disrepair." Trixie said.

"It's a work in progress." Pinkie said. "Hopefully things will start looking up around here."

The few passersby moved past with hurried steps, constantly watching the shadows. If any had heard of their successful expedition into the Everfree, then they did not seem to care. Pinkie thought that maybe it would have given the townsfolk a little hope, but that seemed to be nothing more than a dream. She just had to tell herself that it would come in time.

As her gaze wandered, Pinkie saw a pony running towards them. It was the brown-coated Mayor Mare, her wild unkempt white mane like a bird's nest. That ever-present smile on her face, slightly unnerving even to Pinkie Pie, widened as she saw them.

"Twilight needs you." Mayor Mare skidded to a stop. "Go."

"Why?" Trixie asked.

"New arrivals, by the road. Said-" Mayor Mare burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. She tried to stifle it but was unable to.

"Trixie asks what is so funny?"

"It's her condition. Try to ignore it." Pinkie Pie gave her an encouraging smile. "She just can't help it."

After a moment, Mayor Mare was able to speak, though it was through chortles and giggles. "New arrivals. Go to Twilight. Meet them."

"Will do, Mayor Mare!" Pinkie Pie patted her on the back. "Why don't you head to the tavern and have a drink?"

Mayor Mare nodded, chuckling as she trotted away.

"Is she Twilight's assistant?" Trixie asked.

"I don't actually know. Spike is her assistant, but maybe she is getting help from Mayor Mare as well?" Pinkie shrugged. "New arrivals though! This is great news!"

"Trixie will reluctantly agree."

"Let's go meet them!" Pinkie Pie trotted off in the direction of the library, Trixie following close behind. Hopefully, Baldwin was already there, otherwise she didn't know how they would alert him.

It wasn't long before they reached the Golden Oak Library, which was quickly turning into the base of operations. Immediately Pinkie noticed something new. There was a large, hooded wagon outside of the library. Firm wood made up its base, with coarse white cloth creating a shelter for passengers. There were a few holes in the cloth and arrows sticking from the sides, attacks from bandits no doubt. However, it looked to be in good condition.

She didn't see any ponies inside of it. That meant they were probably inside. She bounced forward.

Pinkie honestly hoped that these ponies would be up to the task that was before them. She could hear voices inside, and she swore they sounded familiar.

"I'm here!" Pinkie opened the door. "Twilight, do you need-"

Three ponies turned towards her, and Pinkie recognized all of them. There was Twilight of course, as was to be expected, but the two other ponies were not what she was suspecting.

"Well, I'll be, is that you Pinkie?" A familiar mare was standing in the center of the library.

Her face was of a rich orange coat and green eyes. That was the only part of her that could be seen. The rest of her body was covered in thick plate armor. Armor that was covered in nicks and scars, the rewards of battle. Across her front was a frayed red tabard, the symbol of a blazing sun on the front. Stuck to her back was a sturdy blade, worn, but sharp. At her feet was a plate helmet. Her mane was like golden hay on a summer's day, a nostalgic sight. It was one that reminded Pinkie of sweet apples, a delight that she had not tasted in years.

"Applejack?" Pinkie asked.

"I didn't expect to see you around here!' Applejack stepped forward, armor clanking. "How have you been? It's been a few years, hasn't it?"

Pinkie stared forward, any words dying in her throat. They returned now, after all this time. Why?

"You are back." Pinkie said.

"I am. After the crusade in the north, I came back here. Got word of a roundup starting here in Ponyville and well, here I am now." Applejack chuckled. "I can't believe you're still here Pinkie. Would have thought you would leave this place. It's not really your style if you know what I mean."

"You’re back..." Pinkie's gut churned. Joy and anger mixing in equal measure. "Why now? After all this time?"

"Oh, Pinkie Pie. You know why I left, I had to make money for the family. The soil here didn't grow right anymore." Applejack sighed. "I just can't believe you're here as well! What have you been doing all this time? Baking?"

"Yes. That's what I was doing!" Pinkie Pie put on a strained smile. She was happy, happier than ever to see Applejack again, but she couldn't help that seed of resentment sprouting inside of her. Applejack was strong, if she had been here when the bandits attacked... maybe things could have been different. "Baking."

"Well, don't forget my partner here." Applejack gestured to her side. "Come on Rainbow, she isn't going to bite."

In her shock, Pinkie hadn't even noticed the mare next to Applejack.

Rainbow Dash stood half shrouded in a long shadow cast by lantern light. It was the same friend Pinkie knew, but she had changed. Her purplish deep pink eyes were tired, and almost seemed darker than before. Her rainbow mane and tail flickered with spent energy, the colors washed out and weak. Her blue coat was grimy. Her lower face was covered by a dark tan cloth mask, and she wore a thick black coat. It reminded Pinkie of a brigand's clothes.

Her wings were not the same as they once were. Metal covered them, each feather sharp as a dagger's edge. They were like blades, a wave of blades attached to her sides.

"Pinkie." Rainbow Dash said. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Rainbow? What happened to you?" Pinkie asked. "You look so..."

The word bandit came to her lips but didn't come out. That wouldn't be the best first impression. Pinkie was really hoping that wasn't the case. She didn't know what she would do if it was.

"I'm grounded. Can't fly anymore without Pegasus magic." Rainbow said. "Thought I would join up with Applejack. So... yeah."

Pinkie looked between the two of them. She could remember when they were her friends. They left her behind here in Ponyville, but they had their reasons. And now, they are here. Back. Changed, but they were back.

"You okay Pinkie?" Applejack chuckled nervously. "You got a look on your face I don't remember seeing before."

Pinkie narrowed her eyes, looking between the two. Silence filled the air. Then, Pinkie grinned.

"Oh, come here you two!" Pinkie Pie leapt forward before the two could react and pulled them into a hug. Forgive and forget, that is all Pinkie could do to move forward. She had to, otherwise, who would?

"You just don't change, do you Pinkie?" Applejack patted her on the back.

Rainbow Dash bristled at first, but hesitantly returned the hug. She closed her eyes.

Pinkie sighed, glad that they had returned. She would never admit it, but she had never felt so alone in her entire life. Those years suffering alone... she knew she was not the pony she once was. The laughter she could once so easily genuinely show the world had stifled to mostly forced giggles and laughs. She breathed in, the scent of old blood filling her senses. And it looks like they have changed too. They had all changed.

She released the hug. But perhaps... they could still be friends?

"So why are you here Pinkie? Helping out Twilight with the food situation?" Applejack asked, gesturing behind her.

Twilight awkwardly cleared her throat. "Actually, she is my head adventurer."

"What?" Applejack glanced over at Pinkie, now no doubt seeing the stitched wounds across her back and side.

"Yep! That's me, adventurer extraordinaire." Pinkie mockingly bowed. "The first and the last, with a little luck!"

Rainbow snorted, her mask hiding any expression. Applejack just looked shocked.

"Well. Now that we have all done introductions..." Twilight began. "Wait. Trixie, have you introduced yourself? And where is Baldwin?"

Trixie stepped forward. "The great and powerful Trixie is pleased to have such stalwart looking fodder to join her!"

"Fodder?" Rainbow grimaced.

"I am not fodder, you'll find." Applejack said. "My heart beats with the light of the dawn."

Pinkie looked her over. She knew that Applejack had left to join the crusades, in order to support her family with money, but seeing and hearing were two completely different things. She was scarred and built like a muscled war-machine. And apparently, if she really was a crusader, she might have special magic. Not every crusader had it, actually only a select few did, but maybe Applejack would. She had also been told that most actually couldn't see the magic when it was being used. Something about faith and all that.

It was known as Holy magic. A new magic that spawned when Princess Celestia disappeared. Some said it was her light still touching the world, others said it was nothing more than coincidence. But it was powerful, that Pinkie knew. And it worked, even with the lack of magic in the world.

"Trixie admires that you could possibly think-"

"Hey! Where's Baldwin at?' Pinkie cut in. She really didn't want Trixie running her mouth immediately. "You know what, why don't we start without him? Whatever it is we are going to do, let's do it."

"I guess I can inform him later." Twilight said. "Well, I guess I will inform you all what the situation is."

Twilight went on to explain what had occurred thus far. She presented the contracts to Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who signed it without complaint. They almost signed it a little too fast in Pinkie's opinion. They barely read the thing before jotting their names down on the paper.

"So, somepony died already?" Applejack asked. "A shame."

"Sounded like a gold grubber." Rainbow spat.

Applejack nudged her and gave her a look. "Well, that's nice and all that you explained… but what do you want us to do?"

"Now that you are here, I was thinking of orchestrating another expedition." Twilight said. "The old road is... navigable... with the improved map, but we still need more ponies here. Ponies who can train and work metal. We need trade ponies."

"So, what would you have us do?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah. I'm ready for another adventure!" Pinkie said. She really wasn't, but she couldn't let the forest keep her down forever. The fight had to go on. And who better to fight with than two old friends?

"The old road again." Twilight said. "This time though, the goal is not going to be exploring. I want you to target the bandits there. They attacked you on the way over, so it is clear they are on the route. We can't have them attacking new ponies that come here."

"I can attest to that. They target that road in particular." Rainbow Dash said.

"How do you know that?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"They welcomed us on our way over." Rainbow grumbled.

Pinkie Pie looked over Rainbow's scruffy clothes. The clothes of a vagabond, torn up by constant battle. Maybe... no. There was no way that Rainbow was a bandit, right? She was here now, and bandits didn't have the heart to help in a town like this, no matter how much money was being offered. Pinkie nibbled on her hooves. That had to be true.

"Then you want us to kill them." Applejack said. "Can't say I'm surprised."

"It is gruesome, but it is necessary." Twilight said.

"Then when do we head out?" Applejack asked. "Who's going?"

"I will decide that later. For today, you should all rest." Twilight sighed. "I wish I had more time to catch up with you all, but if I stop working..."

"Don't feel sorry, sugar cube, we only knew each other for a day." Applejack said. "I'm sure we can catch up later."

"That's a relief." Twilight said. "Now, I need to know what you all can do, but that can wait for tomorrow."

"Well, I look forward to working with you." Applejack extended a hoof. The two shook hooves.

"And you as well, Applejack." Twilight said. "And Rainbow Dash, it's good to see you again."

Rainbow Dash huffed, more focused on sharpening a wicked dagger. She slid it against her metal wings, grinding sparks. "Likewise."

"I think you should all get to know each other." Twilight said. "Your rooms are at the tavern, maybe you should enjoy a drink together."

Pinkie was getting sick of drinking now. She had been doing too much of that recently.

"Ah, I don't drink." Applejack said. "Sworn to not drink and all that. And don't even ask Rainbow."

The air seemed to grow a bit colder at those words. Rainbow's sharp, cold eyes grew cloudy.

"Oh! We have an abbey!" Pinkie jumped to her hooves, eager to change the conversation. What was that about?

"You do?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah! I'll show you to it!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Well, I'll be. Could use some time praying after the journey here. Wasn't the prettiest." Applejack said. "What do you say, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash just nodded. She was looking at a locket, which she snapped shut as she was mentioned.

"Trixie does not wish to visit the abbey. She will return to the tavern." Trixie said. "Have fun with your... friends."

She turned around and left the library without another word.

Pinkie looked after her, wondering what she did wrong. Now that she was thinking about it, she did kind of ignore Trixie once she saw her old friends. She frowned; she would have to make it up to her later. It was just so nice to see them after so long that she had forgotten that Trixie was even there with her.

"Well, are you going to show us around?" Applejack asked.

"Yep!" Pinkie shook her head. "Right this way!"

She left, two old friends trailing after her. There was so much to handle, and too little time to do it. At least the town seemed to be progressing. Pinkie knew that she just had to hold in there and eventually, everything would work itself out. New friends and old friends, she could maintain relationships with all of them!

Pinkie just had to keep going. Keep talking and laughing, and keep the flame of hope lit. And who better to do that with than two old friends?

The next expedition would be soon. And with it, they would finally strike back at the forest. The prospect of killing bandits was enough to get Pinkie a little more excited about going back into the forest. The death of Spearhead was still on her mind, but maybe she could pay him back by bloodletting a few monsters and wicked ponies.

Pinkie would strike her first blow against the forest yet, that she swore. And with her old friends at her side, she felt more emboldened than ever.

Though it was clear those friends were not exactly the same as they had been all those years ago...

Twilight watched the talking group leave the library. Their arrival was more of a relief than she had realized, and she could breathe easier once again with their presence. This time, she would make sure that they all survived. She knew these ponies, and it was her duty to guide them safely through the forest. No more deaths. She released a shaky breath and turned back to her books. Somehow, and she didn't know how, Pinkie was upbeat again and talking. It was as if that downtrodden mare from a few days ago had never existed.

Trixie also seemed to be standing a little taller, though her storming out of the library was not a good sign...

It was nice to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash again, though she had only met them for a day the last time she was in Ponyville. They weren't nearly as open and kind as she remembered, they looked bitter and hardened. Pinkie had definitely been the exception in this case. She wondered how Pinkie had remained so upbeat and full of joy after so long living here. Twilight had not been here long, and she was already longing to see the sun again. Or the stars. Anything but the constant murk.

They had to keep pushing forward, no matter what. If Princess Celestia's letter told her anything, it was that this evil was still in its incubation stage. It had to be rooted out, she did not know how long she had until it awakened, but time was surely of the essence.

She shook her head. There was nothing she could do for the relationships between her adventurers, and there was nothing she could do about the weather. Her adventurers would have to handle their relationships themselves. Hopefully Pinkie would be able to do something on that front of this war, because Twilight was very busy with another more logistical side.

The paper in front of her loomed. It was time to try and get more ponies of skill to Ponyville. She would start with a pony who could train others to survive in the wilderness. That would allow longer expeditions and an ease of traversing the forest. But where could she find a pony who knew how to survive?

Maybe it would be better to start with somepony she knew. He wasn't able to survive in the wilderness, but he could train other ponies to fight. A better placed blade, a more masterful technique, all would help in times to come. And Twilight knew just who to ask for help. He knew blacksmiths, he knew survivalists, he even knew nobles. Any funding they could receive would be helpful. And so, she started to pen a letter.

"Shining Armor, my B.B.B.F.F, I know it has been a while since I have contacted you, but I hope you will listen to my request...

Chapter Ten- In such haste...

Her old friends had taken a liking to the abbey, and Pinkie left them there to recover. If you could really call it an abbey. It was really just a repurposed schoolhouse.

The next day, Pinkie was gearing up for another expedition. She had received news from Mayor Mare that all hooves would be needed for this one. Every pony under contract (and Pinkie) and going to gear up and set out into the forest. A trial by blood for the new arrivals, and a trial of will for the old. They would be slaying bandits in mass, keeping the old road clear for more supplies and ponies to come.

Pinkie looked at herself in her shattered mirror at Sugarcube Corner. She looked at herself, at her poofy pink mane and coat. Her blue eyes. The three cheerful balloons on her flank. It was not exactly what one pictured when imagining a battle-hardened adventurer. Well, she wouldn't call herself battle hardened yet, so perhaps her appearance was fitting.

She put on a smile in the mirror, all teeth and brightness. It was the only thing that allowed her to scrape together her courage for the task ahead. Such a place could not be faced with just steel alone...

Pinkie headed for the Golden Oak Library, a common area for meetings now. As she arrived, she heard voices already inside.

"So, what's the big hurry anyways?" Applejack's voice came from inside. "I mean, I'm all for it, but we got here yesterday and now we are already being sent out."

"I will explain when everypony gets here." Twilight said.

"I'm here!" Pinkie Pie walked in only to see that all the other adventurers were already there. "Oh, am I late again?"

"No. You are just in time." Twilight rubbed her hooves together. "Looks like every pony is here now."

Pinkie scanned the room and decided to take an open spot next to Applejack. Trixie saw it and turned her head away with a huff. Maybe Pinkie should have sat next to her instead.

Baldwin was here as well, looking at the flat of his blade. He stared at it, looking at his reflection. What lay beyond that mask, Pinkie could only guess.

"Now that we are all here, let me inform you of the things I have come to know and the purpose of this all." Twilight said. "While some of you may be here for gold or glory, there is one task that we are all working towards. The restoration of Equestria."

Pinkie nodded to herself. That was the goal, was it not?

"However, what I have not told you yet, is the reason for my arrival here." Twilight said. "Some of you know this, but I received a letter from Princess Celestia, and in it, she told me something of great importance."

"How is that possible?" Applejack asked.

"I do not know, but it leads me to believe that she is still alive in the depths of the Everfree." Twilight said. "We must free her, but she also warned me of something to come."

"And what is it?"

"This evil we face, it is merely in its incubation stage." Twilight's face grew hard.

"Trixie does not understand. All of the magic in Equestria is practically gone, how could this be the incubation stage? She does not believe this." Trixie crossed her hooves.

"That is what I was told. And if it is true..." Twilight paused. "Then time is of the essence. If whatever is in there grows out of its incubation, then there is no telling what will happen."

"We just have to stop it then!" Pinkie raised a hoof. "Right?"

"Yes." Twilight said. "That is the plan."

"Then why are you telling us about this, sugar cube? Just to scare us?" Applejack asked.

"To let you know the importance of this quest, and why I am pushing you out again so early." Twilight sighed. "I... I have something to admit. Last night, I researched that iron crown you told me about. And I discovered something terrible..."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked confused. "Iron crown?"

"It looks like this!" Pinkie Pie pulled a conveniently placed piece of paper from a pile of books next to her. On it, that strange iron crown was drawn.

"I have seen that before." Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "But... that can't be related."

"Where did you see it?" Pinkie asked.

"It's probably just nothing." Rainbow Dash said. "But I swore I saw that when I made the sonic rainboom. Along its inside edge."

Pinkie Pie thought back to the sonic rainboom. Now that she was thinking about it, the inside of the sonic rainboom did have a strange prong-like quality to it.

"Ahem!" Twilight cleared her throat. "Attention please."

Pinkie turned her attention back to her, as did the other ponies.

"As I was saying… I discovered something. This five-pronged iron crown has actually shown up before in the past. Throughout history, it has shown up on leaders and historical figures. At first, I thought it was a representation for the elements of harmony, but as I looked deeper, I realized something." Twilight said.

"Get to the point." Rainbow Dash growled.

Pinkie looked at her, shocked at the malice in her voice. The Rainbow Dash she knew would never say such a thing. Unless she was remembering wrong.

"Every time the iron crown showed up, the civilization that it was found in soon collapsed." Twilight said. "Little is left of these civilizations; it is only known that they were once peaceful flourishing kingdoms. And then... they vanished."

"Vanished?" Pinkie asked. "Like poof?"

"No. They just... died off. The most recent one I could find, is the alicorns." Twilight said.

"The alicorns? Please, speak clearly. I don't know my history all too well." Applejack said.

"Let me sum it up quickly. Princess Celestia is the only alicorn, but there used to be more. No pony knows where they went, and Princess Celestia never told anyone. However, it is widely known that their ancient symbol is a crown representing the elements of harmony. Five prongs, five elements. However, if you just flip the prongs upside-down, it becomes the iron crown." Twilight said. "An inverse of harmony if you would."

"Trixie finds that cultists wearing such a thing would not be out of place." Trixie said. "What does this have to do with her?"

"What this means, is that Equestria is in even more danger than we thought. This thing, it could wipe out alicorns in mass. Whatever we face is powerful enough to do that. We have to act fast and take the fight to this evil before it can hatch into something too strong for us to defeat." Twilight said. "So that is why I am pushing you to leave today. We have to make progress as soon as possible."

"That was already the plan." Rainbow Dash said.

"I know, but I want you all to know why. Even if you are doing it for the gold or the glory, just know that you are making a difference here. Your actions could end up saving Equestria. Now, with that said. It is time for your next expedition. There are only five of you, so we will have to form one group. I didn't want the groups to get too big in order to not attract unnecessary attention, but we will have to make do. I gathered what supplies I could. Take what you can carry, and then be off. Remember, the goal of this expedition is to keep the roads clear. Kill any evil you find, especially bandits. They must be removed if we are to continue this effort."

Pinkie Pie pumped a hoof, newfound courage filling her. "Let's do it!"

"Wait. Trixie has a question." Trixie said.

"Yes?"

"What is the point of all of this then? If alicorns could not beat this, what makes you think we can?"

Twilight stopped. "I... I don't know. But we have to try."

"Trixie will continue for the bits, but don't expect more from her." Trixie said.

Rainbow Dash didn't seem to care, and just stared into that locket of hers.

"Well, sitting around isn't going to do anything about it." Applejack stood, her plate armor creaking. "If Princess Celestia is still alive and can be saved, then by the dawn I will try to save her. It's my duty as a crusader."

Baldwin, having been silent this entire time, stood. He said nothing, but he nodded.

"One more thing before you go." Twilight frowned. "I need to know what you two can do. Last time I sent ponies out without knowing their abilities, it did not end well."

A spark of guilt went across her face, but it was gone behind a facade in a moment.

"Abilities? Everything a crusader can do, I can do." Applejack huffed. "Didn't you say we should be going? This seems like a waste of time. No point in explaining when our actions will do the talking."

Rainbow Dash nodded along.

"Fine. But make sure you discuss with the others." Twilight said. "That is all I have to say for now so... be safe. I will continue working on getting more ponies into town."

The group nodded and started grabbing supplies from around the room. Saddlebags were stacked high, filled with rations and bandages.

Pinkie stalked over to Twilight. "Hey, is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine." Twilight said with a sigh. "I just have more work to do. Make sure to keep safe out there, okay? I don't want any pony getting hurt if they don't have to."

"You can count on me to keep the spirits high!" Pinkie Pie said. "But I won't make a promise I can't keep."

"I know Pinkie... I know." Twilight trailed off. "Just do your best."

"You know me! Or you kind of know me. It hasn't really been that long now that I think about it. Well anyways, I always do my best!" Pinkie said.

"Then that is all I can ask for." Twilight said. "And I will do my best as well."

Pinkie left, taking one last look at Twilight. She looked sadder than usual, but that was to be expected in this place. It wore you down, grinding down hope and joy with every passing day. Like a choking miasma of dread, every pony would succumb to it in time. Unless, that is, you were Pinkie Pie. And all that Pinkie could do was try and bring others up with her.

The group gathered outside, looking over the supplies in the saddlebags. Pinkie wasn't sure how Twilight got them all, maybe by buying food from the townsfolk. Her bits never seemed to run out.

"So. Looks like I'm going to be working with you all." Applejack said. "Going into battle and all that. Nothing new. Let's keep it together, alright?"

"The great and powerful Trixie does not need such advice. She is more together than any pony here!" Trixie threw her cloak back in dramatic fashion.

"Show off much..." Rainbow Dash grumbled.

"What was that?" Trixie raised an eyebrow.

Pinkie Pie could already see something happening here, and it reminded her all too much of what happened on the last expedition. She could not allow it to happen again. It was her duty to spread laughter and keep ponies together, and she would perform it well!

"Why don't we all get along? I'm sure if we all worked together and were friends this would be much easier." Pinkie Pie said.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, turning away and flipping a dagger with her hoof.

"Trixie already knows that one of you is going to die. This is the same thing that happened last time." Trixie said. "Those who cross Trixie will find themselves paid back in turn soon enough!"

"Is that a threat?" Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes.

"No. It is simply the way of things. The great and powerful Trixie has seen it before, and nothing says that it won't happen again." Trixie smirked.

"Hey, every pony, let's simmer down." Applejack said. "We have a long day ahead of us."

They walked as they talked (argued), and before Pinkie Pie could find a point in the conversation to butt in, they were at the edge of the forest. All had saddlebags on, and all were dressed in proper adventuring attire. Except Pinkie.

She slipped on her adventuring gear, adjusting her mask and cloth. Then she turned to the others. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were staring at her. "What?"

"You weren't kidding when you said you were an adventurer?" Applejack asked. "I thought you walking with us was all some kind of long joke."

"Nope! I'm here to stay!' Pinkie Pie flipped her hoof blades, letting them rest on the sides of her legs. "Call me the jester, adventurer extraordinaire!"

"Trixie is also an adventurer extraordinaire, she enjoys the sound of it." Trixie said. She glanced over at Pinkie, then rapidly looked away. Pinkie wondered what that was about.

"This is ridiculous." Rainbow Dash said. "Pinkie? You're really an adventurer? I've never seen you hurt anything in my life. The most you ever did was throw cupcakes at a pony's face."

"Oh, that is a great idea. Maybe it would blind them?" Pinkie said.

"We are dead, just dead." Rainbow shook her head. "Applejack, just kill me now. Confess my sins by blade."

"No can do. If you're going to redeem yourself, it's your hoof work that will do it." Applejack said. "As is mine."

"Redeem yourself?" Pinkie looked between the two. "What for?"

Applejack winced while Rainbow looked away. "Look, sugar cube, it's nothing. Let's just get back to the job, okay? We are burning daylight. If you say you can defend yourself, then I guess I'll have to just take your word for it."

"I'm not looking forward to watching the only cheerful pony I've seen in years die in front of me." Rainbow Dash snapped. "And an old friend at that, but I guess that is the way the world works now, isn't it?"

Pinkie Pie thought about staying behind then and there. Maybe the group would function better if she wasn't there. But then again, if she wasn't there and some pony got hurt, she would never forgive herself. "Don't worry Dashie, I have this all under control!"

Rainbow's eyes took on a faraway misty look when she heard that nickname. She shook her head. "Don't call me that."

"Alrighty!" Pinkie Pie gave her a smile. Maybe there was a little bit left of the old Rainbow after all.

"Then let's go. Trixie does not wish to be out there any longer than she has to." Trixie pointed towards the forest. "Now, somepony go first. She wishes that some pony would break the brush for her!"

"Look. I'm all for celebrating oneself, but this is a little over the top, don't you think?" Applejack fit on her helmet, sealing her head behind steel. "The only one I can celebrate is the glorious and kind Princess Celestia. May her mercy find us on this day."

"Trixie announces only the truth about herself: great, powerful, Trixie!"

"This is going to be a nightmare." Rainbow walked into the forest. "See you inside when you all stop gossiping."

"That's one way to start it." Applejack said. "I don't want to get off on a bad hoof with you Trixie, so let's just focus on the mission."

"Trixie... reluctantly accepts."

"Good enough for me." Applejack walked into the forest.

Pinkie waited a moment, seeing Trixie's narrowed eyes and defensive stance.

"Are you okay Trixie?" Pinkie asked. "You seem like you don't like them very much."

"Trixie does not wish to talk to you right now." Trixie said.

"Why?" Pinkie asked. "Did I do something wrong?"

"What could you have done wrong? All you did was forget about Trixie when your old friends showed up." Trixie walked off into the forest, head held high. "Do not worry about the great and powerful Trixie, she is immune to such trifling affairs!"

Pinkie was left with Baldwin, who was standing there without a word.

"Leaves in the forest fall, an inevitability. They can either be swept away or left to rot. Nature will take care of itself either way." Baldwin said. "Let us go forth, friend."

Pinkie nodded and followed him into the forest. It was a little easier this time with a friend by her side. Not that the twisting branches and oppressive atmosphere felt and different from normal.

She couldn't stop thinking about what was bothering Trixie. Was she jealous that Pinkie had spent time with her old friends? It was only for a little, but maybe that was enough. They didn't even say they were friends and all they did was talk. It just didn't make any sense. There was only one way to expose this problem, and it involved talking.

The sickly warm air filled the air, full of spores and rot. Rainbow seemed unbothered by its presence, her cloth mask filtering some of the air.

"This place isn't right. Corruption soaks the soil here." Applejack said. "It must be cleansed in the name of the princess."

"Trixie can see that clearly enough."

"Wasn't asking you." Applejack turned, glaring at the offender.

"Hey Trixie, can we talk?" Pinkie asked. "Like, over here a little?

"Very well, if you wish to talk then Trixie will reward you with her presence." Trixie said.

They moved to the side of the group. Pinkie glanced to make sure they weren't listening, then she whispered to Trixie. "Are you sure everything is okay? You're acting a little more hostile than usual."

"Of course everything is okay, how could it not be?"

"You're not jealous, are you?" Pinkie asked.

"Jealous? The great and powerful Trixie does not get jealous!"

"Even if you're not jealous, I want you to know that I still like you. You're my friend, and just because I'm spending time with others doesn't mean I don't like spending time with you." Pinkie said. "Let's all laugh together, okay?"

"You think Trixie is jealous because of you? You really can make ponies laugh!" Trixie giggled, a forced giggle. "Trixie does not get jealous over the relationships between other ponies."

"Then can you try and not insult these ponies?" Pinkie gave her a nervous smile. "It's wearing on their nerves."

"Insult? Trixie is merely stating the truth!" Trixie turned her head.

"Then maybe give them the truth in a way that is a little less... blatant." Pinkie said. "Can you do that for me?"

"Fine! Trixie will withhold her tongue if need be." Trixie spun with a huff, and stiffly walked away. "Now, Trixie will be getting this expedition over with as fast as possible."

Pinkie watched her go. Had they learned nothing from the last expedition? It seemed so. She followed after the group, scurrying over the forest mulch. There had to be something else she could do to ease tensions, but what that had escaped her.

She joined back up with the group and fell in beside Baldwin. For a moment the group walked in silence. The clanking of armor and shifting of weapons filled the air. Most of it was drowned out by the constant hum of the forest. As always, the ever-present mud clung to Pinkie's hooves. Insects buzzed, seeking cracks in the cloth she was wearing. It was, as always, a miserable sprawling place filled with things that could only be dreamed of in the worst of nightmares. The usual.

"What is the plan here?" Rainbow asked. "Just walk around until we get jumped?"

"Seems like it. Not much we can do." Applejack said. "They are hiding somewhere here; we just have to find them."

"There has to be a better way to go about this." Rainbow said.

When they had encountered bandits before, it was always when some pony had screamed or made their presence known. Particularly when in peril. That gave Pinkie an idea.

"Oh! I got an idea!" Pinkie Pie grinned.

"And what is that?" Applejack asked.

"Well, we could put on a play. A show. Act like we are weak, and then we will attract bandits to our location." Pinkie said.

"By doing what, screaming?" Rainbow asked.

"Exactly!" Pinkie said. "Draw them in and then... well, draw them out. Of their lives."

"Never expected to hear you say that, Pinkie. I will admit." Applejack grimaced, though it was hard to tell through her helmet. "This is not a joking matter. Ponies are going to die Pinkie; I hope you understand that."

"Oh please, don't worry about ol Pinkie." She waved a hoof. "I survived here long enough; how do you think I did that?"

"So that's the plan then? Scream into the void and act like we are getting attacked?" Rainbow asked. "What a joke."

"Well, I love jokes, so I say it's a great plan!" Pinkie said. "What do you all say? Any pony else got an idea?"

No pony spoke up, looking between each other. Rainbow nudged Applejack, and she shrugged in response. The pain of the forest made itself known in the distant howls of Timberwolves. Twilight did say to kill whatever evil they could, with the wolves being a priority. If they came, then the wolves would die as well.

"Are we ready then?" Pinkie asked.

"I don't know. It feels wrong to make too much noise here." Applejack said. "This place isn't right. I feel like it wants us to keep quiet."

"Then let us face it directly then. If the forest doesn't want us to make noise, then let's make noise. We are here to oppose the Everfree." Pinkie Pie's heart filled with fire. "And those bandits, the more we can kill, the better."

Rainbow looked slightly unnerved by those words. She took a step back. "What's your deal with bandits?"

"Oh, there are only the most wretched things in Equestria." Pinkie snarled, a feeling she hated welling up inside of her. That being of course, hate itself. She wasn't meant to hate in this world, it wasn't in her blood. But when it came to bandits, it flowed as freely as water from a spring. Her words were filled with a virulent spite. "They turned their backs on the ponies of Equestria, they stole from those who had nothing of their own, and they killed my friends in Ponyville. If we all worked together, then maybe this infection would have already been taken care of. They are the tumor that refuses to cooperate, and they must be bled dry to make way for the dawn."

The uneasy eyes of her group stared into her. Some looked completely and utterly shocked, like Applejack. Rainbow Dash took another step back. Trixie looked at her with surprised eyes. And Baldwin, well, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking through his mask, but he looked at peace. Other than the fact he was itching at a spot beneath the cloth that covered him.

"Oh, sorry every pony, I got carried away. Does that answer your question Dashie?" Pinkie asked with a smile.

"...yeah." Rainbow Dash said. "That certainly explains it. Can see why you hate them; I hate them too."

"Great! Then that means we can be awesome friends!" Pinkie said. "Now, let's get this show on the road! Who wants to act with me?"

The group looked between themselves. No pony stood up to the task. That is, until Trixie took a step forward.

"Trixie will help you, she is a master of such arts." Trixie fluffed up her cloak and straightened her hat. "How can Trixie be sure she is safe when doing so, however?"

"We can have every pony wait in the bushes in ambush, then jump on them when they get close." Pinkie Pie said.

"I'm all for that sugar cube, but you will be susceptible to arrows." Applejack said.

Pinkie had never been hit by an arrow before. "Can't you just pull them out?"

"Oh, you don't know half of it." Applejack shook her head. "It's best to just not get hit. Those things are a real pain."

"Then what do we do?" Pinkie asked.

"Why don't we have you two at the center, and we will spread out in the woods around you. When they get close, we engage, negating the chance for them to ever fire a shot." Rainbow said. "Bandits won't take a shot unless they know they can hit it."

All agreed to the plan. At least, no pony objected to it. With that in mind, all that remained was spreading out in the black as pitch Everfree. It didn't seem like the best idea to be honest. Who knew what could be lurking in the dark? They wouldn't be far though, and if they needed help, a scream would do it.

"I wish we had a better plan than this." Rainbow said. "Too many variables."

"Would you rather walk around on the road aimlessly?" Applejack said. "To be honest, we don't have much to go on here."

Pinkie and Trixie sat on the road while the others spread out into the woods around them. When they were given the all clear, they looked at each other.

Now, how would they convince the bandits that this act of theirs would be real? Now that Pinkie was sitting here in front of Trixie just staring at her, she was feeling kind of awkward.

"Shall Trixie begin for you?" Trixie crossed her hooves. "She does not feel like sitting here all day."

"What should we talk about? Scream about? Cake?" Pinkie asked.

"Why, we should do a magic show of course, and you will be Trixie's assistant!"

For some reason, Pinkie had a bad feeling about this.

Chapter Eleven- Burn out this evil...

"This is so stupid." Rainbow Dash's hushed voice came from a nearby bush.

"Quiet." Applejack hissed. "Let's just try it out."

Pinkie had heard the voices, and it wasn't really helping her confidence. In the dark embrace of the Everfree, there was only her, a lantern, and Trixie in view. Other than the leaf mulch and winding roots of the nearby trees. The smell of rot was as strong as ever, and the warm air was sickly sweet.

Trixie had her hooves crossed as she stared down at Pinkie.

"So... what should we do?" Pinkie asked. "Do I start screaming, or do you?"

"Trixie does not know exactly. How does one put on a convincing scream?"

"I don't know." Pinkie said. "I'm just going to go for it."

It was getting a lot more awkward than she thought it would be. So, she just started screaming. Pinkie screamed as loud as she could into the forest. It felt wrong, like she was defying a key rule of the Everfree, but she kept screaming. She screamed until her throat felt raw.

"How was that?" Pinkie rasped.

"Disturbing." Trixie said. "You know, Trixie wanted to remind you that she is not jealous in any way."

"Really?" Pinkie asked. "That's good. I was worried you might be jealous."

"Well, Trixie is not." Trixie said. "As she said. But I thought it would be best to make our friendship official. Be grateful that Trixie is accepting you as her friend."

"You want to be friends?" Pinkie smiled. It was getting all too easy to make friends around here, her skills had never left her after all these years. "Well, I accept! I'll be your friend!"

"Really?" Trixie's eyes shimmered with delight. "Trixie has never had a friend before."

"You haven't?"

"Trixie has had many friends, just none that said they would be her friend." Trixie huffed. "Ungrateful ponies. Trixie will make sure that she remains good friends with you."

Pinkie wondered what that meant exactly if you were a friend with a pony that didn't say they were your friend. It sounded confusing, and so she tried not to think too much into it.

"Hey! Less talking, more screaming!' Rainbow loudly whispered nearby. "This was your plan, remember?"

"Oh yeah." Pinkie said. "Mind screaming Trixie?"

"Trixie has something better for this than simple screaming. A magic trick if you will." Trixie smirked and levitated her prized skull up. "As a sign of our friendship, she will perform this trick for you."

"What in Celestia's name is that?" Applejack whispered from nearby. "Looks like an abomination to all things holy."

"Can you be quiet please? Rainbow whispered.

"You weren't much better."

Pinkie Pie tried to ignore them. They weren't really sticking to the plan, were they? Hopefully they didn't mind Trixie's strange magic. Though now that she was thinking about it, maybe having a crusader in the same group as a strange possibly dark magic user wasn't the best idea. Maybe in her haste, Twilight forgot to mention this to them? Or maybe she already informed the two new ponies. That was more likely.

"Are you paying attention to Trixie, friend?" Trixie said.

"Yep! My eyes are glued to you." Pinkie said.

At that Trixie puffed up. "Then behold, Trixie's great and powerful magic!"

The eyes of the skull glowed red. Slowly the jaw opened, rattling with old bone all the way. When it opened in full, nothing seemed to happen for a moment. The air grew still.

"Is that the magic trick?" Pinkie asked. "That was pretty sweet."

Then it started. A loud, spine chilling and ear grating scream. It sounded like a pony dying in agony, yearning for the sweet release of death. It was loud, so loud that Pinkie immediately shot her hooves to her ears. She tried to cover them, but it was of no use. It reverberated through her skull like a bell, echoing through every fiber of her body.

Her ears were ringing when it was done; Trixie was trying to say something, but Pinkie couldn't even hear what she was saying.

"That was loud! Really loud! I can't hear you!" Pinkie yelled, a bubble of irritation swelling in her chest. "You could have warned me, you know!"

Trixie didn't seem bothered by the scream, puffing up and saying something she couldn't hear. Probably something along the lines of great and powerful.

Applejack came stumbling out of the bushes. She pointed at Trixie, her stance suggesting anger. The skull was the target of the pointing, and Pinkie could only guess what she was saying.

"Hey! Let's calm down everypony!" Pinkie said. "She did what we said, right?"

Applejack said something, but Pinkie Pie couldn't hear a thing. Her head was starting to hurt now, but she could feel her hearing slowly returning.

Trixie and Applejack started arguing. Trixie looked unrepentant, and Applejack's stance grew more and more aggressive with every exchange of words. She kept pointing at the skull, then stomping on the ground.

"Hey! Stop!" Pinkie Pie stepped between the two. "Can you hear me?"

The two froze, their heads snapping towards the woods.

"Oh, thank you." Pinkie Pie said. "We can't be fighting like this! Why don't we just get along and tell a few jokes?"

Applejack grabbed her scruff. Pinkie struggled against it. "Hey! What's the deal?"

Trixie followed them into a cluster of nearby bushes. Pinkie was forced down into them, having no idea what was going on. She struggled more, getting irritated, before Trixie bopped her on the head. Trixie mimicked zipping her mouth shut, and then hid inside the bushes as well.

Pinkie lay on her stomach in the rotten mulch. The ground was disgusting, and she didn't know what was going on. She decided to keep silent for now. Pinkie tried to deduce what was happening by looking at the companions next to her. They looked worried and tense. Trixie glanced at her, a glimpse of regret on her face, before it disappeared behind a proud grin.

Charades was something that Pinkie considered herself good at. The last time she had done it was years ago, and she was always the one doing the motions, but it couldn't be that hard to figure out how to read them. So, she watched, staring at Trixie.

She seemed to bask in the attention, and pointed through the bush. Pinkie followed her gaze, only to see forest. Trixie said something, but Applejack put a hoof up to her face a moment later.

It was an absolute mess of silent messages, and Pinkie was just really confused by the time they all settled down again.

Her temporary deafness slowly cleared as she laid down in the bush, and eventually she could start to hear again, though it was as if she was underwater.

There were voices coming from the woods. Rough and gruff, it was muddled but she could recognize the voices of bandits anywhere. Pinkie froze and readied her hoof blades. She tried to listen closely, but it was all water and mud. Her heart started to pound low and steady in her chest.

A moment passed with all the world muddled. And then, Applejack exploded out of the bushes, sword held in her mouth. With a muffled cry of, "For Celestia!" She ran forward.

Pinkie Pie stood up, blood surging through her body. There were definitely enemies, right? She stood up out of the bushes, and immediately saw them.

Four bandits, armed with swords and daggers, stood there with expressions of shock. One in the back wielded a crossbow, which he held in his hooves. The unicorn aimed the crossbow and fired. The shot hit Applejack right in the side of the breastplate, but the bolt was deflected to the side, spinning off into the undergrowth. Panickily, the unicorn reloaded, weak magic tugging back the string as he loaded another bolt.

Seeing the bandits, Pinkie Pie snarled, a shot of rage running through her. She readied her hoof blades and dashed forward.

A steel feather went flying past her head, which sunk deep into a bandit's chest. He stumbled back, but still raised his blade even as blood welled.

Pinkie glanced, only to see Rainbow Dash, standing with her metal wings extended. She flicked them back into place at her side and withdrew a wicked dagger. Her eyes were hard, narrowed, and nearly emotionless. She flicked her wing forward again, and a shower of metal darts erupted from them, skewering a bandit.

She shook her head, amazed at what she saw. Now was not the time to watch however. She fell upon the wounded bandits, her scythe clashing against a steel sword. With a prance she danced away from a swipe, then jabbed forward with her dirk. It caught the bandit in the hoof, and he dropped his blade with a muddled grunt of pain.

Applejack cleaved downward with her sword, smashing into the raised guard of a bandit. They locked blades before Applejack surged forward, knocking him to the ground. A smash of the pommel over his head dazed him, and a vicious stab speared him to the mud.

A clatter of blades filled the air as screams erupted and blood flew. Pinkie danced with her blades, swiping and shearing flesh from bone.

Overhead, a dark red portal opened as if from thin air. Spectral red tentacles emerged from them, lashing down towards the bandits. They swiped, smashing the bandits over the head before retreating into the portal. Trixie chanted in the background, unintelligible murmurs that made her prized skull glow with a hellish light.

In moments, every bandit had been eviscerated by their combined assault. Pinkie stood panting, staring at the carved-up bodies. It never got easier looking at them, even if she hated the guts of the ponies they belonged to. She turned away; hooves stained by blood. Her hearing was finally returning, and she started to hear the conversations of her allies.

"What in Celestia's name was that?" Applejack pointed her sword towards Trixie, a vicious snarl etched across her face. "Dark magic?"

"Trixie practices no such thing. Apologize to her now for suggesting such a thing!" Trixie took a step back away from the enraged crusader. Her darting eyes looked for an escape.

"I don't think I will." Applejack stepped forward, blade at the ready. "Rainbow, cut off her escape."

Rainbow nodded and bent her wing. The individual metal feathers flexed, ready to fly from their sheathes.

"Wait just one moment!" Pinkie leapt forward in front of Trixie. "What do you think you're going to do?"

"End this menace before it ends us." Applejack said. "Can't you see, sugar cube? She is a witch, a dark magic practitioner."

"She has been nothing but helpful." Pinkie Pie said. "We just took out those bandits no problem! Why are you trying to hurt her?"

They glared at each other. Pinkie held her gaze, unyielding. She may have been an old friend, but that didn't mean she could just throw around accusations against ponies. And even if Trixie was a dark magic user, she had done nothing but good so far.

"So, you're not moving?" Applejack raised her blade.

"Nope. Trixie hasn't done anything wrong, and so I'm not moving." Pinkie sat on her flank and crossed her hooves.

"Then I'll make you move." Applejack stepped forward; her eyes filled with a zealous rage.

Pinkie had heard of the fanatical fervor of the crusaders but seeing it first hoof was a little unnerving. It really looked like Applejack was going to hurt her. She stifled the fear she felt. There had to be something she could do. She got an idea then, a wicked idea, but wasn't that the usual kind of idea nowadays?

"Coward." Pinkie said. "You're a real coward. Is that a joke? The crusader is the most scared out of all of us?"

"What?" Applejack stopped. "I'm no coward. If any pony is a coward here, it's you."

"You're a coward, admit it. You can't even tolerate some pony who might be dangerous in the group." Pinkie giggled, covering her mouth with a hoof. "You're a real jokester Applejack, in fact, I think you have me beat as the jester!"

Applejack didn't say anything to that, a look of disbelief on her face. "What?"

Trixie giggled beneath her breath behind her.

"So much for Celestia's protection, am I right?" Pinkie said. "Who would have thought that a crusader couldn't trust in her goddess to protect her? I mean, even I have more faith than-"

"Enough!" Applejack snapped. "You're a real wicked pony now, aren't you Pinkie?"

"What do you mean? I'm just as funny as I usually am, aren't I?" Pinkie's heart was thrumming in her chest. "I'm the butt of all the jokes, can't you be on the end of one for once? Remember the old days?"

"Fine. Fine!" Applejack said. "You're right, this place just has my nerves all tangled. I'll give Trixie a chance, but one wrong move..."

"Oh, you know I don't mean it." Pinkie Pie said. "We are good friends, aren't we?"

Applejack didn't say anything and looked down at the sigil of the sun on her armor. "I'm faithful. Just know that I have been battle hardened in my faith, more than any other pony here."

"I gotcha! It was just a joke, Applejack." Pinkie could feel guilt welling in her chest. "No hard feelings, right?"

"Let's just get back to the mission." Rainbow Dash looked at Pinkie, her face pulled into a frown.

One of the bodies on the ground twitched. A hoof moved, which went unnoticed to every pony besides Pinkie. She had kept an eye on them and was happy for the distraction. "Oh look, one of the bandits is still alive!"

As eyes turned towards the bodies, Pinkie released a shaky breath.

It wasn't in her blood to be so mean. But she couldn't think of anything else to stop Applejack from attacking. Maybe this place had changed her, just like every pony else. Meaner, more wicked. No. As long as she could keep laughing and lifting others, then maybe even this place couldn't change her. She would have to apologize to Applejack later.

Pinkie Pie was drawn out of her thoughts as the group gathered around the living bandit. He truly was a wretched thing, lying on the ground in his own blood, a metal feather sticking out of his chest.

"I'll finish this quickly." Rainbow Dash flipped her dagger and pressed it against the bandit's throat.

"Wait! Wait!" The bandit said, clutching his wound. "I can tell you things, if you let me live, I'll tell you things."

"Kill him, let's be done with this." Applejack said.

"Wait!" Pinkie Pie ran forward. "Wait just one second!"

"What is it now?" Rainbow said.

"Let's hear him out." Pinkie looked at the bleeding wound on the bandit's chest. He was suffering no doubt and wouldn't survive in the forest alone. There was a small twinge in her gut that told her to extend his suffering, but she wouldn't give into the urge. "Speak, wretched bandit. Tell us what you know."

"And you will let me live?" The bandit coughed into his hoof, completely at the mercy of the ponies around him. "Dammit I'm bleeding..."

"We will see about that!" Pinkie said. "Now, cough it all up."

"I'm being interrogated by a cloud of cotton candy." The bandit growled. "I'm dying and being interrogated by a cloud of cotton candy."

"Well, are you going to cough that fluff up, or not?" Pinkie played with the edge of her bloodstained scythe.

The bandits eyes the edge of the scythe, looked up to the murderous ponies surrounding him, and sighed. "Yeah. What do you want to know?"

"Where is your base?" Pinkie asked.

"How am I supposed to describe that?" The bandit gestured to the woods around him, then winced at the wound. "It's impossible."

"This is a waste of time." Applejack said. "Let's just kill him and be over with it."

"Wait! I got more." The bandit said.

"I'm listening."

"We uhh..." The bandit's eyes darted between all the faces staring down at him. "We got... a cannon!"

"A cannon?" Pinkie asked. She could feel her heart drop.

It had been quite some time since she had seen her party cannon. She had stored it away underground ever since the day the town burned, just looking at it sent shivers down her spine. Because that day the bandits had used something like her party cannon on the town. A massive cannon, not shooting streamers, but metal. And in its wake, hell had followed.

"Yes. A cannon." The bandit winced. "We call it... the pounder."

"Trixie believes this is a waste of time. Who calls a cannon a pounder?"

"Hear me out, that's what it's called. It's the twelve pounder." The bandit said. "And if you let me live, I'll show you to it. Promise."

"Pinkie promise?"

"The hell is that?"

Pinkie Pie hadn't done this in a long time, so the words almost didn't come to mind. She thought of happier times, and despite interrogating a bandit while soaked in blood, it brought a smile to her face. If only... if only those times could come back. That was why she was doing this though, wasn't it? To get that back. Those happy times, those good times. When the sun shone and laughter filled the streets.

"It goes like this." Pinkie shook her head. Enough thoughts for now. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

She crossed her heart with her hoof, mimicked flying, then stuck a hoof in her eye. It didn't hurt of course. The whole action was like experiencing a piece of the past directly.

The bandit just stared in disbelief. "What?"

"I have to agree on that." Rainbow Dash said. "What was that?"

"Trixie would also like to know the purpose behind such a chain of events."

"Yeah. Can't say I wouldn't like to know as well." Applejack said. "Seems a bit out of place if you ask me."

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes. "Don't you two remember? It's my super special promise. No pony can break it without me knowing."

"They can't? Why?" Rainbow asked. "I mean, I remember it, kind of, but I don't remember anything about that."

"Just trust me." Pinkie said. "Now, are we doing this or not?"

"He could lead us directly into a trap, it's too dangerous." Applejack said.

"We could take out an important piece of equipment." Rainbow said. "Without something to rally behind, it could damage them."

Talking started between the group members. They discussed while Pinkie Pie watched the bandit. She wanted to take out this cannon if possible, but the thought of facing it made her grimace. Even the thought of looking at the cannon made her think back to that day Ponyville was attacked. If they were the same cannons then it could prove deadly if a shot got off. Those shots... they blew houses to bits with ease. And ponies.

Then again, it would be a more than successful task if they could butcher bandits and the cannon.

"I say we do it." Rainbow said. "Screaming and waiting for more bandits to show up seems useless."

"I guess you're right. Better than screaming at the void." Applejack sighed. "But if he tries to run or anything, I'll split him in half."

"So, we are doing it?" Pinkie asked. Equal parts dread and joy filled her. The task would go quick and bandits would die, but to face that cannon again...

"I think so." Applejack said. "Now, bandit, do Pinkie's promise and then lead us to the cannon."

"Do I have to?" The bandit asked.

"Yep! Do it or I'll rip you into party streamers!" Pinkie Pie brandished her scythe towards him.

"Ok." The bandit gulped. "Cross my heart... hope to fly... stick a... cupcake in my eye."

Each phrase was accompanied with a grimace.

As the words were completed, Pinkie felt a shiver go down her spine. The promise was made, and her Pinkie sense was sure to tell her if it was broken. Mysterious as it was powerful, her Pinkie sense always had her back.

"All right, looks like we are good to go!" Pinkie said.

"Nothing happened." Rainbow pointed out.

"Well, nothing you can see. I can feel it." Pinkie looked down at the bandit, grinning wickedly. "Trust me, if he breaks his promise, I'll know."

At that, the bandit gulped.

"I guess we are just trusting this then." Rainbow shrugged. "Good enough for me. Just don't expect this bandit not to run."

"Start walking, infidel." Applejack said. "Show us where this cannon is."

The bandit hobbled to his hooves, and his weapons were left on the ground. A rough shove from Applejack had him almost tumbling onto the ground again, but he managed to stay up. "Wait, let me orient myself."

"Make it quick." Applejack snarled.

Pinkie didn't realize that Applejack had such a mean streak. Maybe it was just against those she deemed enemies, but it was a little unnerving to watch. At least it was against a bandit, that she could get behind.

She watched the bandit's every move. If only he would slip up a little she could end him right then and there. Yet she had to be patient for the good of the mission, there would be more prey yet.

Prey? What was she even thinking anymore?

"Alright. I think it's this way." The bandit started to walk, then gasped. "Damn, my wounds... spare a bandage, will you?"

"Walk." Applejack commanded.

The bandit grumbled but started walking. He led them off the path, and into the Everfree. Out there, it would be harder to navigate. His steps were slow and jerky, but the presence of a crusader behind him forced him to keep his pace up.

"Trixie is unsure if this is a good idea. We could get lost in the forest." Trixie said.

"This is the quest. Kill as many bandits as possible." Applejack said. "Four is surely not enough to keep the roads clear."

"Is there any way we can find our way back?" Pinkie asked. "I've been in here alone before, and it gets confusing quickly. Like apple bobbing but there's no apples."

"Don't worry, I can lead us back." Rainbow looked down at the mud. "I traveled these lands by sky years ago, I can remember their lay."

Pinkie wasn't sure how that was possible, but then again, she wasn't a Pegasus. She wondered what it would feel like, to fly for all your life then suddenly lose the ability to do so. Most Pegasus could only get their hooves off the ground now without the magic to fuel their wings. Her gaze went to Rainbow's cutie mark, a mark signifying her skill at flight. To lose one's purpose... what would that mean? Pinkie could barely imagine a life without laughter in it, her purpose in this world.

"I know Rainbow and she can find the way back." Applejack said. "Surer than a hound."

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Pinkie asked. "Let's go!"

They followed the bandit, who was bleeding like a faucet from his chest. They would probably have to give him something in order to keep him alive. Pinkie wasn't a nurse, but even she knew that this wasn't sustainable. There was no way she was bandaging up a bandit though.

For now they walked. The forest closed in around them, uncharted ground paving the way ahead. Pinkie closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the corrupted sounds of the forest. It never got easier being in here, unless one dulled themselves to sensation. There was just something not right about it, a constant need to get away filled her. But she continued on nonetheless.

The cannon might be ahead, a weapon of destruction that she had witnessed first hoof. It was nothing more than a pile of metal. Bolts and plates formed into a machine. The real horrors were the ponies who used it.

But Pinkie couldn't help but feel the slightest shake in her hooves, and a churning in her gut. Fear was common in her, but she was able to ignore it for the most part.

She was strong enough to face anything, as long as she could keep her spirits up. The problem was, keeping up the spirits of others up as well.

The forest only got darker. Everything seemed alright in the group, but Pinkie could feel a certain tension in the air between them even now. Trixie, and Applejack, and even herself. Applejack sent glares in her direction.

There had to be something she could do to mend this relationship because when lives were on the line, there could be no hesitation to act. The slightest ire or fear could cause a pony to pause, to think, to consider letting another pony suffer.

She remembered that day in Ponyville when the bandits attacked. Pinkie had a chance to save them, save any pony, but all she did was hide. She didn't act, she did nothing. Because wasn't her life more important than others?

Something had to be done, or else some pony was going to die. It had happened before, and history was always doomed to repeat itself...

Disharmony could not be allowed to exist. The preservation of joy and laughter was paramount at any cost. And Pinkie would do whatever she could to uphold it.

That one was a Pinkie promise.

Chapter Twelve- You cannot learn a thing...

The sounds of the Everfree filled the air, unnerving and hellish in nature. Buzzing insects and the squelching of mud were most prevalent among them, but the occasional howl of Timberwolves was more than enough to break up the monotony. Spores from sighing mushrooms filled the sickly warm air.

The group followed the bleeding bandit, who winced with every step. Blood flowed from his pierced gut, leaving droplets on the forest mulch.

Even in this oppressive, miserable atmosphere where they were following a dying bandit into the unknown, there was conversation. Applejack and Rainbow spoke in hushed whispers, and the others walked in silence. Baldwin hadn't said anything in the past hour, and it didn't seem like he planned to either.

Pinkie wondered if they were talking about her. Then again, who didn't wonder if some pony was talking about you? She really needed to apologize to Applejack sooner rather than later.

There was a presence next to her, and she glanced over to see that Trixie had sidled up next to her.

"Trixie would like to acknowledge your help... she has never had any pony stand up for her before." Trixie didn't look at her, pointedly averting her gaze.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Pinkie smiled. "I would do that for any of my friends!"

"Is that so?" Trixie's eye twitched.

"But of course, as a new friend, you're something special." Pinkie said with a wink.

Trixie puffed up at that, flicking her cloak into place on her back. Its royal purple was stained with mud, but the stairs woven into it still shone through. Ever presentable, even in the mud. Trixie really was a show mare. Pinkie could admire that. Her old friend Rarity probably would as well. She always wondered what happened to that mare. The last time Pinkie had seen Rarity, she was leaving town with a pickaxe without a word. That was a week after Filthy Rich died of poisoning, a shame that Rarity married him only for him to die so soon after. Maybe some things just aren't meant to be.

They marched onward.

As they did, Pinkie couldn't help but notice the occasional glare from Applejack towards her. Even with that steel helmet on, she could tell that there was animosity. She wondered what she could do to curb it but could think of nothing at the moment. The buzzing and biting of insects were muddying her thoughts.

"How much longer heretic?" Applejack pushed him forward.

"Here... it's just up ahead..." The bandit said. "No more than an hour."

"Another hour?" Rainbow asked. "We have already been walking for an hour."

"How many supplies do we have?" Applejack asked.

"Enough for a day." Rainbow said. "Split between all of us here."

Pinkie Pie thought about what was in her pack. It was mostly rations and bandages, things that could be found in Ponyville. Last time she had checked she only had a few bundles of hay. Not much, but enough for a short expedition to clear out some bandits. With this tangent though, she wasn't sure how far they would end up going. Maybe they weren't properly equipped for it.

"Maybe we should turn back." Pinkie said. The words hurt, because more bandit blood being spilled was always a good thing. However, it wasn't worth losing lives over. More opportunities would come in time. "I don't think we are properly equipped for this party."

"Turning back now? And you called me the coward?" Applejack said with a pointed glare. "This was your idea, and you can't even stick to it?"

"Well, a good idea once isn't a good idea twice!" Pinkie said.

"We are continuing." Applejack turned away. "This blow could be decisive, and I won't let your fear get in the way of it."

"Fear? I guess I am a little scared." Pinkie said. She wasn't going to lie; she was always scared of going into the Everfree.

Applejack just growled and turned away. "We continue. This is the mission, and now we have a way to complete it."

Rainbow nodded. "We are here now, might as well keep going. We will gut the bastards, with a little luck, they won't even see what hit them."

With that decision made, they marched onward. Pinkie followed, hesitant. If they ran out of supplies out here or got lost, things would not turn out well. But then again, what did she know about the woods? She was not a survivalist. Maybe they had more than enough food to survive.

The rest of the way was walked in silence. Except Trixie, who was mumbling darkly over the mud staining her hooves.

"Just up ahead..." The bandit hissed. He was on shaky hooves now. Barely standing, even if he received immediate treatment Pinkie wasn't sure he would make it. The serpentine sway of his body was a haunting sight, for it was surely a dead pony walking.

Pinkie Pie detected a hint of something in the air. A smell of rotten eggs that clung to the back of the throat. It wasn't out of place amongst the other wretched smells the Everfree had to offer, but it had a more acrid tang to it. Pinkie had smelled something like this before. It was Sulphur, and with it came gunpowder. The cannon was close. The smell brought back unpleasant memories. She really hoped that Vvulf was not with the cannon. She wasn't sure if she could face him right now.

"Smell that? That's the cannon." Applejack sniffed the air. "Reminds me of the north."

"Too bad they didn't figure out how to downgrade those. Could use a hoof-held one." Rainbow said.

"Let's get it going. No sense in waiting around." Applejack said.

Baldwin, having been completely silent this entire time, spoke up. "Be not the hurried hare, for it will surely run into the jaws of a predator."

"You can speak?" Applejack asked. "Then why didn't you say anything?"

"A well-placed word is better than many." Baldwin said.

"We are already here, might as well take advantage of it." Applejack said. "I'm going in there."

The bandit leaned against a tree, clutching his wound. "Am I free to go now? I led you here."

Pinkie Pie glanced between the group. They all looked at the bandit, and some ponies did not look happy.

"I know you're just going to go tell your buddies. As sure as apples fall." Applejack said.

"I won't tell no pony." The bandit gritted his teeth. He didn't move from his spot. "You promised I would get free."

That was true, and it was a Pinkie promise. Even if Pinkie hated bandits with all her guts, she wouldn't go back on a promise like that. It hurt to say, but she would do it, nonetheless. "You're free to go!"

"What?" Rainbow's head snapped towards her.

"We promised." Pinkie said. "We can't go back on a promise."

"He could warn them." Rainbow said. "We can't just let him go."

"Yeah. What do you think would happen if we let him go?" Applejack said. "I'll tell you what, more bandits that know we are here who will be more than happy to kill us."

"We are no better than them if we kill him now." Pinkie crossed her hooves and looked towards the bandit. "Go on! Get out of here!"

The bandit nodded gratefully and started moving away. His hooves dragged, but he quickened his weak pace. As he left, Pinkie couldn't help but feel a bit of relief. Even now, even amongst the oppression of the Everfree, at least she still had herself. Morals, bits of harmony still left. Pinkie could smile at that.

And then a metal feather went flying through the air and embedded itself in the back of the skull of the bandit. He went limp immediately, collapsing to the ground like a sack of bricks.

Pinkie looked at the body. There was a certain feeling in her chest, a promise perhaps not broken, but betrayed. And with it, came not anger, but resentment.

"What was that for?" Pinkie asked, her voice almost monotone. A bitter opposite from her chipper and upbeat voice. She wasn't sure what to feel.

"He was going to warn other bandits. Took care of the problem before it became one." Rainbow unflexed her metal wing, and it came back to her side. "Something wrong with that?"

"We promised to let him go." Pinkie Pie said. "We just betrayed that promise."

"Well, the world doesn't work on promises anymore." Rainbow said. "Take it all, or get your things taken."

These were not the friends Pinkie once knew. To so blatantly backstab a pony, she could never have seen Rainbow Dash do that in the past. Maybe she was right, maybe this was just the way the world was now. Cutthroat, unyielding, and hellish in every nature. But she didn't want to believe that. Pinke never wanted to believe that.

"Let's just get the mission done." Applejack said. "We are burning time. The sooner we are out of here, the safer we will be."

"Trixie asks where the encampment is? The bandit never showed us exactly where it was." Trixie said.

"Follow the scent." Rainbow said. "I'm sure it will lead us there."

"Can you not follow the scent of dark magic?" Applejack snarled, full of vitriol.

Trixie huffed, her eyes hardening. As she went to say something, Pinkie nudged her.

"Hey Trixie, let's not antagonize them right now. We can't afford any more dysfunction." Pinkie whispered. "Once we get back to Ponyville, then we can talk about this."

"Trixie is beginning to hate them even more than she already does. Are these really your supposed friends?"

Pinkie watched them march off into the forest. Her gut churned, and a frown etched its way across her face. "Not anymore. If they remember the way things used to be, they don't care for it any longer."

Those words were harsh,. but they were the truth. It had been ten years since they had really met each other and shared moments. That had been a different time, one without dread and death. It had been a peaceful world. Not whatever this world was that they currently lived in.

Something had to change.

"Trixie will be your friend. As Trixie's one and only friend, you are special to her." Trixie said. "You will not have to worry about losing her friendship!"

"Thanks Trixie." Pinkie said with a smile. "Now, let's get this over with before some pony starts swinging blades in the wrong direction."

"Agreed."

She caught up with Applejack and Rainbow Dash quickly. They marched in a line; the front group separated from the back group. A sign of a divide perhaps, or maybe merely the way ponies walk. Nonetheless, they marched. And as they marched, the smell of Sulphur grew stronger. It grew until it filled the air, mixing in with all the other smells of the Everfree.

Pinkie nearly held her breath as they grew closer to the smell. Tension filled the air, and unconsciously, the group stepped lighter.

"Quiet now." Rainbow whispered as they approached. "We may still surprise them. In and out, ten seconds flat. Remember that, Pinkie?"

Pinkie said nothing. There were no words she could muster at the moment to calm tensions. The irritation and anger burning in her gut saw to that. Ten seconds flat, once used to refer to kicking clouds out of the sky on a sunny day. Now, used in reference to butcher bandits in the Everfree. Times change, don't they?

The hum of voices came through the overgrowth. At the noise, Applejack held up a hoof. Pinkie stopped in her tracks as did the rest of the group. While they weren't particularly stealthy as a whole, the constant noise ensured a stealthy approach.

"Rainbow, want to scout ahead?" Applejack asked.

"Sure thing." Rainbow stalked forward, low to the ground. In moments, she disappeared into the overgrowth, blue coat mostly hidden by the dull colors she wore.

They were left to wait. Pinkie really wasn't sure this was a good idea. Yet again, her idea wasn't that great to begin with. This one could be better. If Rainbow was caught alone though, things could turn out for the worse quickly. In silence, Pinkie mulled over her thoughts. She turned to look at her group members.

Every pony looked tense. Eyes were set on the undergrowth; muscles were primed for action. Except Baldwin, it was impossible to tell if he was tense or not. Perhaps the subtle twitch of muscle beneath the wrapped cloth, but other than that, there was nothing. He was truly an enigma in this place. Totally at peace, totally unaffected by the sequence of events around him. What could he have endured and seen to become so at peace with the world? And thus, in himself? Pinkie could only guess.

Pinkie wanted what he had right now, the ability to be completely calm no matter the circumstance.

Rainbow returned from the undergrowth, stalking forward gracefully like a large cat. She was a predator no doubt, if the corpse of the bandit behind them wasn't proof enough.

"It's a small encampment." Rainbow said. "Looks like a forward bandit base. They use them to store things they don't want others in the group to see. A sign of infighting. Which means they are storing this cannon here temporarily. It will be relatively undefended."

Once again, Pinkie wondered how Rainbow knew so much about bandits. Though with how she killed that one bandit, it was becoming clear to Pinkie that Rainbow may have had more to do with them than she originally let on. For now, however, she held her tongue. Rainbow was helping even with her dubious origins.

"What is the plan then?" Pinkie asked.

"Close the distance and gut them. We act swiftly and take out as many as possible." Rainbow said. "Any objections?"

"I prefer a more head on approach." Applejack said. "Let's do this."

"Is the cannon active?" Pinkie asked, her heart pounding. "If that thing goes off... I won't have any ponies left to throw a welcome party for."

"I didn't see any pony operating it." Rainbow said. "As for numbers, I saw about ten bandits."

"Ten? Trixie does not think we can handle ten bandits at once." Trixie said. "Surely some pony would get hurt."

Pinkie nodded in agreement. "I hate to be the voice of reason, I really hate reason, but maybe we should rethink this. A head on assault is silly, especially against a cannon!"

"The cannon isn't primed and ready to fire." Applejack said. "We can easily make our way up to it before it can get a shot off. If you want to be a coward, do it elsewhere."

Maybe that little barb about Applejack being a coward dug a little deeper than Pinkie thought. Now she just wouldn't drop it. "All I am saying is that this is dangerous. One wrong move and some pony could easily get killed."

"We signed up for danger.” Rainbow said. "They don't call me Rainbow Danger Dash for nothing."

"Who calls you that?" Pinkie balked.

"Me. Now, are we doing this or not?" Rainbow asked.

"Yes. Now follow me." Applejack said. "I don't want any stragglers."

Pinkie knew that maybe she had in part caused this sequence of events. How was she supposed to know her suggestions would lead to this moment? To run into cannon-fire, which she had personally seen blow a pony to bits, was more than a little nerve wracking. In fact, it was downright terrifying.

"Trixie will provide a ranged support, she is of less use up close and personal." Trixie said.

"Fine by me. I don't want any of that dark magic anywhere close to me." Applejack said. "Now if you two are done being cowards, let's get a good look at the encampment."

They inched their way up the hill. Pinkie followed hesitantly, crawling on her belly as they got close to the top. She wormed through the mud and peeked through a layer of wretched undergrowth. By the time she was out of here, her coat and clothes would probably be brown from mud and rot green from spores.

On the other side of the bushes, she could see it. It was perched on a hill, just slightly lower than them. A small encampment was set up in a clearing. There were four hastily set up tents made of nothing more than brown linen propped up sticks. A wooden rampart made of sharpened logs surrounded the tents. The wood looked rotten; a few good kicks could probably break it in.

Sitting around a campfire in the encampment were six bandits. Their rambunctious voices filled the air as they talked to each other, clearly having a good time. How they weren't being swarmed by the nightmarish creatures of the forest, Pinkie didn't know. Perhaps their vile blood wasn't pure enough for the forest to want to spill. Like dark harbingers, perhaps these bandits had been welcomed by the rot.

And then there was the cannon itself. Sitting just above the encampment on a flattened dirt mound was a massive war machine. It was constructed of steel plates and bolts. It was rusted all over, but the skulls adorning it suggested it was no less deadly. Sturdy wood made up what little was not steel. Two massive wheels on its sides suggested that it could be moved freely. It was on-the-go devastation. Piles of cannon balls were stacked next to it. As for the gunpowder, Pinkie could assume it was probably being kept dry in one of the tents.

The sight of it froze Pinkie in her tracks. Memories of that day so long ago went through her mind, and she found herself unconsciously shrinking back. She recognized that cannon, for it was the exact one they used on that day. Her heart thrummed in her chest, blood racing to her limbs. Flee. That is what her mind was telling her. Pinkie forced herself to stay, no good would come from running alone.

"So that's it?" Applejack whispered. "The brigand pounder."

"That's what the bandit called it." Rainbow said. "I don't see any pony operating it."

"Trixie thought you said there were ten bandits, where are the others?" Trixie asked.

"Not sure where they went. They were all sitting around the fire earlier." Rainbow said.

Pinkie looked over the encampment. The four missing bandits were nowhere to be seen. "Maybe they are going to the bathroom?"

"Doesn't matter. Now is the perfect time to strike." Applejack said. "They are all away, so we can rush the six in the camp."

"Are we sure this is a good idea? I don't like the look of the cannon." Pinkie couldn't stop herself from worrying. "Maybe we should come back later."

"No. We are doing this right now. If you can't handle it, then stay behind." Applejack said. "You aren't made for this kind of work, Pinkie. You're a party pony. Stay back, let us handle this."

"No can do! All I am doing is trying to offer some ideas." Pinkie said. "If every pony is going in, then I am too."

"Then on three we charge the gap." Applejack said.

There was a pause in the air. They all stopped and listened for the words.

"One."

This was stupid. They had to all know this was stupid. Yet Applejack’s face was hard. There would be no budging.

Pinkie drew in a breath, calming her nerves. There wasn't any pony operating the cannon, she would be fine. Getting blown into itsy bitsy Pinkie pieces was not going to happen. She was fast, she was swift, she was deadly.

It was going to be fine.

"Two."

She hardened her stomach to try and quell her churning gut. She glanced over at her allies. Trixie looked uneasy as well. Rainbow Dash had hard eyes, locked onto her target. Applejack shut down her visor, sealing flesh from sight. Pinkie turned her gaze back to the encampment and took a deep breath.

"Three."

The word was the match which struck fire into the hooves. Pinkie dashed forward, matching Rainbow in stride as they ran forward down the hill. The bandits in the clearing didn't spot them for the first few seconds. Pinkie's hooves pounded in the mud, her balanced stance barely keeping her from slipping. She slid forward when she could, longing to reach the wall out of the cannon's sight. It remained stationary, unoperated, but she couldn't help but dread it all the same.

She reached the wall and sidled up next to it. The voices on the other side heightened as her group ran down the hill.

"What was that?" A mare asked from inside.

"Damn Timberwolves?"

"No, you idiot. They would have been howling. Maybe it's those damn walking mushrooms again."

"They don't appear until deeper in the forest."

"Shut up! Those aren't forest creatures, they're ponies!"

The inside of the camp exploded into activity. And that was when Pinkie knew their presence had been known. Shouts rang out, and the scurrying of hooves and panic filled the camp.

Applejack and Baldwin made it to the wall, while Trixie was behind, still on the hill. She was holding her prized skull, chanting beneath her breath. Pinkie looked towards the cannon. It wasn't operational, but she couldn't help but be nervous that Trixie was standing there.

Before Pinkie could say something, a voice rang out.

"For Celestia!" Applejack ran around the side of the camp, coming to a wooden door. She turned around and bucked it with her hooves. The door shook, its shoddy frame nearly shattering.

"Trixie! Move!" Pinkie yelled over the noise. "Get out of the way of the cannon!"

If Trixie could hear her, she wouldn't react to it. She was just looking at her skull, and her eyes started to take on a red hue. A red portal opened up in the camp, and spectral red tendrils reached down from it. They slashed at the inside of the camp, and screams rang out. It only lasted for a moment, and then Trixie reeled away from her skull, gritting her teeth and shaking her head. Perhaps it was the backlash of using such strange power.

"MOVE!" Pinkie yelled, glancing at the cannon. "Get off the hill!"

"Come on, don't worry about her, she'll be fine!" Rainbow snapped a feather towards the ramparts. "We need all hooves to take care of this!"

And then, Pinkie didn't have a choice any longer. Applejack busted down the door with a ground-quaking kick. The door to the encampment, already half rotted off, was sent flying off its hinges by the crusader. Immediately, a shower of arrows and bolts went flying towards her. She dived away, the projectiles failing to find their way into the thick plate.

A bandit came running out after her, sword in mouth and a wild gleam in his eyes. A metal feather found itself embedded in his side, and he retreated behind the barricade, howling in pain.

Pinkie turned her attention from the cannon and towards the door. Another bandit stuck a crossbow out and fired blindly. She hit the mud, the bolt slamming into the wooden wall above her. Pinkie had to turn her full attention to the fight. The slightest lapse in concentration could be her end.

Blood roared in her ears. She glanced up to see a bandit on the wooden ramparts, pointing a crossbow down at her. Pinkie hugged the wall with a jolt of movement, and the bolt sank into the mud where she had been standing. Metal feathers went flying in the direction of the shooter, forcing him to back off.

Applejack cried a zealous battle cry and went charging into the camp. Baldwin followed after her, his breastplate catching a bolt and sending it spinning off into the bushes.

Pinkie was just about to join them when she noticed something. The sight of it caused her blood to freeze. The cannon shifted, a slight movement, but movement, nonetheless. The great wheels of the iron beast started to turn, and it turned towards the hill.

"Trixie! Move!" Pinkie yelled. "Cannon! The cannon is being operated!"

Her greatest fears. Realized.

Trixie looked up from her prized skull. She looked at Pinkie with a confused look. Pinkie pointed towards the cannon, and Trixie's eyes widened as she saw it moving. Immediately, she started running down the hill. The cannon turned towards her slowly as she closed the distance.

"Damn it all! Why did you hang back there you fool!" Rainbow yelled and slung a feather towards the cannon. Whoever was operating it let out a yelp from behind the ramparts.

Pinkie knew Trixie wasn't going to make it. There was simply too much distance. She glanced towards the cannon. There was no way to stop it from firing in time, too many bandits to clear through. There had to be a way, there had to be something she could do.

Her hooves hit the mud as she ran towards Trixie in a blind panic. Not another pony dead under her watch, not another life wasted. She had failed too many times before. And so, she ran, with all her might.

"Trixie demands you run! She will make it!"

The muzzle of the cannon flashed ominously, hooves working to orchestrate their demise behind the ramparts. Something was lit there, beyond the sight of eyes. And Pinkie Pie saw it. A burning surge of adrenaline filled her body.

"Trixie will-"

Pinkie tackled Trixie to the ground. They hit the mud with a release of breath, limbs getting tangled together in the mud. A crack louder than thunder sounded, a boom that rattled the skull and ears. A sound that shattered spirits like glass. It was not just a cannonball this thing fired, but something straight from the depths of Tartarus. The ball of iron shot right over Pinkie's head with a whoosh of air, and into the hill. And when it impacted, it exploded.

Shrapnel and flame exploded outward with a familiar fiery force. Pinkie's body exploded into agony as shards of metal ripped through her, flaying cloth and coat to strips. Flame engulfed her senses, a brief but swirling storm. It singed her coat, threatening to catch flame. She screamed, but her scream was nothing compared to Trixie's.

Ears ringing, vision blurred, and a sound like the bell of the dead ringing in her skull, Pinkie drew in a gasp of air. Her entire body was in agony, but she still pulled herself to her hooves. Even with being so close to the blast, she was relatively unharmed. Her gaze fell down to Trixie, and it suddenly became clear why.

Trixie was bloodied from head to hoof, her body having absorbed most of the shrapnel. She looked dead, her body coated with blood, and yet, she was screaming. She may have been spared being directly hit by the cannon ball, but the shrapnel and flame of the explosion had taken its terrible toll. Her blood spread out around her, and its splatter almost looked like an iron crown, its spikes sticking into Trixie.

For a moment Pinkie stared blankly, every nerve in her body was on fire, but her limbs frozen. It was going to happen again. Another life wasted, another chance to save a pony squandered. No. Not again.

Pinkie forced herself to move despite the ripping agony. She grabbed Trixie by the cloak and started to drag her towards the wall. Even now, Trixie held onto her prized skull. Its ever-alight wick on the candle flickered.

Limbs screaming in agony, she dragged the wailing Trixie through the mud. The sound of clanking metal came through the rush of blood in her ears. She had to move faster; they were loading another cannon ball. And so, she did, exerting every last bit of energy she had into dragging Trixie.

She reached the wall and hunkered down behind it. With a grunt, Pinkie dragged Trixie and put her against the wooden wall. Panic fueled her limbs as she looked over Trixie's bleeding body. Something had to be done, and quick.

The sound of battle clamored inside the camp. She had to warn them, so she called out, "The cannon is active!"

Then she turned her attention back to Trixie. Her screaming had stopped, and now only breath remained. The rising and falling of her chest was the only sign she was alive. Pinkie set her saddlebags down and ripped them open. She withdrew a roll of bandages.

She was no medical expert, so she tried to remember what Nurse Redheart had done. "Come on, hang in there Trixie."

The roll of bandages was wrapped around what wounds she could. Pinkie picked shards of metal out when she could, but she wasn't sure if she had got all of them. Her hooves were hurried and shaky, the threat of a life hanging heavy on her head.

There was just so much blood. The bandages were soaked nearly immediately as she put them on. She wrapped them tight, stemming blood flow where she could.

Another clank came from above, and the cannon turned. It aimed towards the center of the camp and Pinkie saw a flash as something was ignited.

"Watch out! It's going to shoot again!" Pinkie screamed.

Shouts from within the camp sounded. Rainbow Dash came running out of the camp, Applejack hot on her heels. They were soaked in blood, clearly not their own. Baldwin came running out as well, his strides long and powerful, calm and collected. His massive blade was soaked in viscera.

The cannon clicked. For a moment, Pinkie’s blood froze. This was the moment they all died. But nothing came out. There was a puff of smoke and a curse from above. Something had gone wrong with the cannon.

But now was not the time for relief.

"We have to retreat!" Applejack yelled.

The urge to rip her throat out was immense.

"I can't, Trixie is wounded!" Pinkie refocused her attention and wrapped another bandage over a laceration. The flow was stemming somewhat. Not really.

"Leave her!" Applejack said. "She's done for. No pony could survive that blood loss."

"Help me!" Pinkie screamed, rage sweeping through her. "Get over here and help me carry her out of here! You did this!"

Applejack looked between the two and said nothing. She took a single step forward, but another pony jumped in front of her.

"We must be quick." Baldwin lifted one side of Trixie. Immediately, Pinkie lifted the other side. Together they balanced Trixie on their backs. "Ready?"

"Yes. Let's get out of here!' Pinkie glared at Applejack, who winced at the burning look. She then grabbed the prized skull of Trixie, its flame flickering weakly. Something told her it wouldn't do to leave this behind.

They ran then, towards the tree line. The cannon behind them was an ever-present threat. She heard a click, before the noises became too faint behind her. Pinkie prayed that it would not fire again, and if it did, they would miss. Every limb was shaking with adrenaline, making the act of keeping Trixie on their backs a near impossible task.

It was as if they were running in place. Time seemed to slow as they got closer and closer to the tree line. Pinkie's body was tense, and she shivered with anticipation. There was another crack of thunder, and a ball of iron went sailing over their heads. It flew into the thicket and erupted into a ball of flame. Brush and wood cracked; rotten matter went flying everywhere. A few mushrooms exploded into clouds of spores as flame erupted.

They kept running, and they reached the tree line. However, they didn't stop there. They ran and ran, weaving into the thicket. Hooves hit mud at a constant frenzied pace. Her heart was thundering in her chest, blood roared in her ears, agony spread across her body from wounds, but it all dulled beneath a wave of adrenaline. She ran, she ran for survival, for herself, and Trixie.

Pinkie ran, and she carried Trixie with her. She had to hold on, she had to survive.

The subtle rise and fall of Trixie's body against her meant one thing. She was still alive. How long that would last, Pinkie did not know.

They disappeared into the Everfree, leaving the encampment with the cannon behind. A mistake, an abomination of miscalculation and misdeed. It had cost them blood. She couldn't stop the tugging feeling in her chest, that this was somehow her fault. Her mistakes.

She ran into the Everfree, laughter spilling from her lips. Wasn't it just the greatest joke of all, her existence? Destined to fail again and again, slamming her head against a wall and hoping that something would change. No. No. No. She had to keep it together. For more ponies than her depended on it.

Mistakes would always be made. Some small, some large. They were all mortal after all. And Trixie's nearly lifeless body was a stark reminder of that. She had been saved for now it seemed, and Pinkie thanked Celestia for that small blessing. She only hoped that Trixie would keep her heart beating.

And yet… the blood kept flowing. Drop by drop.

Death was patient, it could wait.

Chapter Thirteen- That which is already dead...

When they finally stopped running, Pinkie nearly collapsed from exhaustion. The bandits had not given chase.

She didn't fall though. For on her back, she carried a fragile life. Pinkie made sure that Trixie did not fall. It could prove deadly if she did. The blood soaking her coat was more than worrying, a sign of ill omen. Pinkie glared at the ponies in front of her. She couldn't help but feel like they had caused this, that his entire thing was their fault. Or was it her own, for not acting fast enough?

"We need to get back to Ponyville." Pinkie said. "How do we get back?"

"I know the way." Rainbow said. Her eyes were locked onto the body of Trixie.

"Then show me. Trixie can't hold on forever." Pinkie said.

She wanted to scream in their face. To let them know her rage, but she said nothing. There could be no time for arguing. No time for her emotions. All that mattered at the moment for preserving the flame of life.

"She's dead. She won't survive with those wounds. I've seen wounds like it before." Applejack said. "Just leave-"

"No!" Pinkie snapped, her words full of vitriol and spite. "Lead us to Ponyville right now, and I don't want to hear another word out of your cowardly, faithless mouth."

Applejack recoiled at that, a look of disbelief on her face. It quickly hardened into anger. Her mouth opened, but Pinkie beat her to it.

"Going to throw a fit again? Are you trying to make me laugh with your ridiculous ego? If so, you're doing a great job." Pinkie said.

Applejack's mouth closed, a flicker of guilt going across her face. She said nothing, and closed the visor of her helmet, as if hiding from the world.

Pinkie turned to Rainbow, the weight on her back bearing down on her. "Lead us home."

Rainbow paused, then nodded. "Follow me. I know these woods."

The long march began. Pinkie didn't know where they were going, the forest was too thick and full of foliage to understand how to traverse it. She just had to have faith that they were heading in the right direction. Hope. Pinkie hoped that everything would turn out alright in the end, that Trixie would survive. For what else could deliver them from this place?

They marched in silence, anger and worry making Pinkie's movements jerky. The blood streaming from her own coat reminded her of her own wounds. They stung and seared with agony with every flex of her muscle. Shards of metal were embedded there without a doubt. Her bones creaked, every ache and strain felt as if it was being amplified by the slicing pain.

Rain from the canopy washed away what could be cleansed, but most blood remained strangled in clumps of fur.

"Let me carry her, you're barely walking." Applejack said.

"No. You're going to drop her." Pinkie snapped. She felt no joy in this moment, her tone low and angry. A stark contrast to her usual chipper tune and smile.

"I won't drop her." Applejack said. "Give her here, and I'll carry her without issue. Honest."

Applejack had always been honest, in the years past. But she had changed. That was clear from what happened earlier today. The cannon remained undestroyed. The most they had gained from that assault was a few dead bandits and a bloodied Trixie who might not even survive.

Trixie was going to die, wasn't she? No pony could survive this much bleeding, and they still had at least two hours left on the old road. From there, they had to go back to Ponyville and hope Nurse Redheart would be able to patch her up.

Her steps faltered for a moment. She slowed.. Was it hopeless? No, she wouldn't give up on Trixie. Even if there was a slim chance, she would keep going.

And yet, her body was failing her. Pinkie' steps grew shaky and her head woozy. Blood loss was taking its terrible toll, untreated wounds slowly but steadily leaking blood.

"Give Trixie here." Applejack said. "I'll carry her, unless you want to die."

Pinkie looked over at her. There was nothing more she could do than hope. Hope that Applejack was telling the truth. With weakness plaguing her, Pinkie realized she had no choice. After a long moment she nodded. Carefully, she moved Trixie from her back onto Applejack's. Baldwin and Applejack held the mare up together. Both were packed full of muscle and didn't even seem bothered much by the presence on their backs.

"Treat your wounds, lest they fester." Baldwin said.

The sickly-sweet scent of rot in the air attested to his words.

"Keep going." Pinkie said. "I'll catch up."

She opened her saddlebags, only to see that she had no more bandages. All of them had been used on Trixie. With a grunt, she pulled herself back to her feet, content to go on without treatment. Only, she found Rainbow Dash holding a roll of bandages towards her. Pinkie took them with a grateful nod, and then started tending to her wounds.

"We will wait." Applejack said.

"No. Keep going. I'll catch up. Don't worry about me." Pinkie hissed in pain and sat back on the ground.

"But-"

"Keep going!"

At that, they continued to walk, leaving Pinkie behind. She breathed heavily, the presence of the forest becoming all the more known to her. Quickly, she wrapped what wounds she could reach. The flow was staunched by stretched cloth, bound tightly. For now the blood had stopped for the most part.

She couldn't help but wonder how this quest would be possible. They were still at the edges of the Everfree, they hadn't even faced many monsters of the forest. All they had faced were a few bandits and some Timberwolves. The more Pinkie came out here and tried to face the forest, the more she felt it was hopeless.

Pinkie shook her head. She had to hold onto hope, for that was all that remained. Hope and laughter. A forced smile came across her face.. With that, she felt a little better. Not by much, but a little. Pinkie stood and followed after the group by the hoofprints in the mud on the ground.

In time, she found them again, and they marched together once more. The ragged breathing of Trixie was the only new constant from the last time they had done so. That, and the flickering flame on her prized skull. It looked weaker than ever before. What did that lick of flame really mean? Such secrets belonged only to the pony who wielded it.

"Look, Pinkie. I'm sorry." Applejack suddenly spoke up, her face hidden behind her helmet. "I'm... not who I was before, but even I can recognize I messed up."

Pinkie said nothing. Some pony's mistakes were knocking over a glass of water in the morning, or maybe forgetting to put the bread in the oven. And then some led a charge into a cannon which ended up nearly blowing two ponies to giblets. Then again, she wasn't much better herself. Her ideas had led to that moment, stupid as they were.

"It was as much my fault as it was yours." Pinkie said. "I just hope that by the time this is all over, we can still share a laugh."

The words hung in the air, a bitter reminder of mistakes and times long since past. There was nothing more to say after that.

The candle on the skull flickered once more, and Pinkie swore she could hear the reverberation of a bell somewhere far off in the distance, calling a wayward soul home...

It was an hour later that Pinkie heard something. It was not the encroaching of Timberwolves or the voices of bandits. It was something else. A sigh of spores a bit louder than its surroundings. She perked her ears towards it. It was as if a great beast was breathing steadily.

"What is that noise?" Rainbow asked. "Are the mushrooms breathing now?"

"Spores?" Applejack asked. "Nothing new here. This place seems to love spores and all that."

"It sounds a little more active than usual." Rainbow said. "Want me to check it out?"

There was a squelch from the direction of the sighing.

"Let's just keep going." Applejack said. "Celestia preserve us from this place... and preserve me."

The squelching continued from behind them. It was the sound of something shambling towards them through the dark. Even with a lit lantern they couldnt see what was coming.

Pinkie looked over her shoulder as the noise got closer. Dread pooled in her stomach.

From the darkness, a shambling creature approached. It looked vaguely like a pony. It stumbled around on four hooves. But that was where the similarities to a pony ended. It had no coat other than a mockery of one. Flesh had been replaced by spongy mushrooms. Fungal growths dominated the pony-like creature. With every step its false hooves squelched and released puffs of spores. It had no eyes, and on its head was the circular ridge of a mushroom cap.

It blindly stumbled forward, twitching unnaturally. The fungal monstrosity followed the droplets of blood on the ground, meandering about and swaying in tune with an unheard tune.

"What is that thing?" Rainbow whispered.

The thing wasn't charging yet, but it was definitely coming towards them. At the sound of a voice, it froze.

"I think it's blind." Pinkie whispered. "We should just walk away."

She was done with this place. All she wanted to do was get back to Ponyville, treat Trixie's wounds, and save her. There was no time to deal with this thing.

The group walked away as silently as possible. The mushroom pony stumbled into a tree and sidled up against it. Two more of the same mushroom creatures came stumbling out of the darkness. Where they walked, tendrils rose out of the ground to meet their fungal hooves. It connected to them, withdrawing and entering with each step.

Pinkie really didn't want to figure out what it was connecting to.

Then, Pinkie heard a release of spores from just behind her. She looked back. Her hoof had hit a mushroom. The spores exploded outward with a puff, coating her back hoof with the stuff. She froze, how did she miss that mushroom?

The creatures turned towards the noise. Then, they started to stumble forward. Their gait was horrifyingly fast. Hooves pounded the earth as they stumbled forward, practically falling over themselves in pursuit. Pinkie glanced back to see Applejack and Baldwin carrying Trixie. They wouldn't be able to fight effectively. So, she readied her hoof blades, scythe and dirk at the ready.

"Damn! We're spotted!" Rainbow flexed her metal wings. She swung them forward, and a metal feather stuck into the head of one of the mushroom ponies. It barely seemed to notice, only turning towards the source and reaching blindly towards it.

The other mushroom ponies converged on Pinkie. Their roving hooves reached towards her, trying to find something to grab onto.

Pinkie leaned away from them and lashed out with her scythe. It cut into the top of the head of the creature, but it was thick as leather. The wound she left was deep but not very long. Green liquid welled up from the wound.

She slashed again. Her scythe cut across the two in front of her, digging deep across their chests. The wicked slice harvested the vicious green liquid, and the mushroom ponies stumbled back. Pinkie danced away from their grasping hooves. Adrenaline pumped, and everything but combat faded from her world.

Applejack had set down Trixie, leading Baldwin to guard her. She charged forward with an inspiring cry and stabbed forward at one of the mushrooms. It sunk deep, spearing the thing. The mushroom pony recoiled with a low moan. Then, it lashed out with a hoof, smacking Applejack across the helmet. The blow knocked her head to the side, and she stumbled back, pulling her blade free with a squelch.

"How do we kill these things?!" Rainbow sliced with her knife across where the mushroom pony's eye should have been. Then, with a growl, she flexed her wings. She beat both of them forward and jumped back. Her wings caught air and she flew backwards while a burst of metal feathers sunk into her target. The mushroom pony was blasted back, covered in countless pierce wounds from the cluster blast of metal feathers.

It stumbled, bleeding green from countless holes in its body. It moved forward, then collapsed in a heap on the ground. Smoke rose from the body.

"Blood loss!" Pinkie said. She returned to her assailants with renewed fervor. She danced around them, taking advantage of their blindness. One swipe nearly caught her across the chest, the force behind it cracking through a rotted log.

She carved the back of one up in a slicing whirlwind. Green went flying everywhere, leaking from deep lacerations. It was a thrill, a welcome distraction. At least in this moment, she could forget her mistakes.

Her hooves moved in a frenzy, and she released all her pent-up anger on these mushroom ponies. Her scythe moved with fierce arcs and crescent cleaves. She was forced back as one mushroom pony nearby grabbed her, its hooves stomping down where she had just been standing. One hoof caught her in the stomach, and she saw stars as pain erupted.

The lantern she had been holding in her mouth fell to the ground. A moment later, it was smashed to pieces as the mushroom pony stepped on it. What little light remained was instantly swallowed up by the encroaching darkness. The other lantern was being held by Baldwin, leaving her completely in the dark.

Pinkie jumped away, clawing shadows chasing her. Her heart thundered in her chest as darkness swirled in front of her. She backed away, previous bravado vanishing. There was no way she could fight in the dark. She had to get back to Baldwin.

Her hoof hit something in the dark, and she slipped. With a grunt she hit the ground. She was on her hooves again in moments but felt something grab her. She screamed as it wrapped its squishy hooves around her. Her scythe dug into its chest, and she ripped it upwards, spilling bile everywhere.

"Pinkie!" Applejack’s voice came from the void. "I can't see anything! Where are you?"

Pinkie struggled to free herself, the squelching of mushroom flesh surrounding her. She surged down, trying to rip herself free of the fungal hooves. Wet breath touched her neck. Adrenaline surging through her veins, she ripped herself free then ran towards the light.

The darkness plagued her mind. Something lurked in there, she knew it. The light promised safety, and she longed to be near it. Thankfully, she was able to get inside of the lantern light quickly. Breathing heavily, she turned back to where the mushroom ponies were.

One came out of the dark, only to have Applejack's blade slice its head into two halves. It crumpled to the ground. The other one stumbled forward and fell to the ground before it arrived, green leaking from a mess of lacerations.

"Every pony alright?" Applejack asked.

"Fine." Pinkie shivered, the phantom feeling of the mushroom on her body was nauseating. "Is Trixie alright?"

"The practitioner is fine." Applejack said. "Right, Baldwin?"

Baldwin nodded. Trixie was on his back, and he bore the weight alone. She seemed untouched.

"Thank you." Pinkie said despite her irritation towards Applejack. She had helped her when it mattered, so maybe there was still some of that old pony inside of her.

"Don't worry sugar cube. I'm not as heartless as you might think." Applejack said with a frown. "Just don't go calling me a coward or faithless again."

Pinkie nodded to that. "You won't have to worry about that again. But please, we need to keep moving. I know you don't like her, but Trixie needs every second."

Applejack hesitantly nodded. "I don't trust her magic, but if you trust her, then she can't be all bad. I'll give her a chance."

They started moving again, having little time to process that they were just attacked by walking mushroom ponies. Out here in the Everfree, something like that didn't seem like an oddity. Somehow, despite hours passing, Trixie remained breathing. She didn't move other than the rise and fall of her chest. It was a miracle that she was still alive.

Pinkie couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with the prized skull. The flame on the candle which sat on its head was still burning, flickering weakly. Nonetheless, she was glad for it. If it was keeping Trixie alive then she wouldn't question it.

Time passed and the old road came into view through the thicket. Its worn dirt was a sight for sore eyes. Pinkie let out a silent thanks to whatever would hear her. She hoped that whatever dwelled in the dark had not been the one to receive it.

There might be things to laugh about yet.

"This way." Rainbow pointed down the road. "Ponyville is close, just a little further. Faster, faster!"

It seemed that there might be something left of the old Rainbow Dash as well. A spark of that flier's spirit, stifled only by a lack of wings. She was scarily good at using those metal attachments. It seemed that if Rainbow had wings, she would always be the best at using them.

By the time Pinkie saw Ponyville through the veil of trees, another hour had passed. She was exhausted, her hooves dragging in the dirt. Every pony around her was also dragging their hooves. It had only been a day, but it had been one packed full of stress, adventure, and blood. It was the Everfree forest, every second felt like minutes, and minutes felt like hours.

They breached the forest wall and into Ponyville. The relief Pinkie felt was like none other before. She glanced towards Trixie. Still breathing. Despite everything.

"Where is the hospital?" Applejack grunted.

"This way." Pinkie Pie led the way to the hospital. They passed by the Golden Oak Library. The lights were off, Twilight must be sleeping. "Can you tell Twilight what happened, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash nodded and made her way towards the library.

They approached the hospital on hurried hooves. Pinkie flung the doors open. "Redheart! We have an emergency!"

A moment later, Redheart walked into the lobby. In her mouth was a bloody scalpel. She looked over the group with her single judging eye. "More wounds, Pinkie?"

"You have to save Trixie!" Pinkie said. "She is badly wounded. If any pony can save her, it's you."

"Bring her here." Redheart didn't miss a beat. They followed her down a decrepit passage, her black clothes ruffling with each step. "What happened?"

"The cannon." Pinkie said.

"I see. The cannon." Redheart nodded. "And you ran towards it? After what it did to you?"

"...I couldn't let her die." Pinkie gritted her teeth. "I couldn't let another pony die when I could do something."

"It seems the mental procedure was not effective." Redheart said. "Or perhaps it was your own tenacity, clinging to foolish ideals. Either way, this conversation can wait. Set her on this table. I have wounds to tend to."

Baldwin and Applejack set her on a relatively clean metal table. Trixie sprawled out on it, eyes closed and breath shallow. Her signature star cloak was ripped to shreds, along with her bloodied blue coat beneath. It was a sight that should have belonged to a corpse. And yet, there was still breath.

"Curious. She is strong." Redheart opened a drawer, withdrawing surgical instruments. "Shrapnel..."

"Is she going to make it?" Pinkie asked, chewing on her hooves with bloodshot eyes. Every part of her hurt, but she couldn't help but worry.

"With wounds like this, she should be dead." Redheart glanced over. "If you two are going to stand around, fetch my assistants. They are down the hall and to the left. Listen for the screaming. Pinkie, lay down on that bed and don't move. Any more blood loss and you may be just like Trixie."

Applejack and Baldwin left, going in search of Redheart's assistants.

For once, Pinkie did as she was told, laying down on the other bed. Everything hurt to say the least, and it gave her a position to watch Trixie. All she wanted to do was watch the rising and falling of her chest, to ensure that she was still alive. Pinkie held the prized skull to herself tightly, sheltering that ever-burning candle with its flickering flame. Trixie was her friend, a new one, but that didn't make her care less. Too many of her friends had perished under her watch.

She watched as Redheart got to work. Her metal scalpel, lifeless, became an instrument of life. Bandages were undone, and then the treatment began.

Pinkie turned away. She never enjoyed the sight of blood, which might as well have been a joke when looking at her method of fighting.

She hoped that Trixie would pull through. That was all she seemed to be able to do nowadays. Hope. It was flickering, just like the flame of the prized skull. Waning, dying, but never quite going out. The heart still beat, pained as it was.

Trixie would survive, Pinkie had faith. And when this was over, they would both laugh about it in the future. How stupid they were for facing down the forest and running in front of a cannon. But in the end, it would be a passing shadow, and a moment to laugh about in the taverns. A story to tell.

They would regroup and reassemble. More blood would be spilled, more evil creatures would be culled, and without a doubt, more ponies would die. Time ticked onward, and evil would always be there, haunting the forests and hearts of ponies. As far as Pinkie knew, she had all the time in the world to heal her friends and steel herself for the coming horrors. To prepare to go deeper, beyond the edge of the forest they had barely explored, deeper and deeper into the heart of this evil. She had all the time in the world to do that.

Evil is timeless after all.

Chapter Fourteen- The wounds of war can be healed...

It was a strange place indeed, the world of dreams. And it was stranger still when a pony was aware of it. Usually, Pinkie's dreams were full of flame and death, the burning town of Ponyville, or being in the patient cells of a hospital. This time however, Pinkie found herself not in those dreaded places, but somewhere much more beautiful.

She was sitting on a hill in Ponyville. The grass was green and vibrant, the trees were full of life. The skies were blue and crystal clear. Pegasi flew above the town, kicking clouds and managing the fine weather. The town itself was in immaculate condition. There were no decrepit buildings, no sign of burn and scar, it was exactly how it had been in the distant past.

Ponies walked the streets of the town, smiling and laughing. Pinkie trotted down the hill, walking through the crowds. A smile pulled across her face as she wove through the crowd. Somehow, somewhere, this world was real somewhere.

However, as she walked, she couldn't help but feel out of place. Like she didn't belong here. It all felt so real, like it wasn't really a dream. Ponies didn't acknowledge her as she walked by. She was a ghost in this beautiful world, a phantom. Despite the town looking immaculate, her scarred body was the same as it always was. The wounds remained from her war on the Everfree. This land was peaceful, and she was not.

"You don't belong here." A calm yet powerful voice spoke to her. "This is not your world. Go back to whence you came."

Pinkie turned and saw a pony that amazed her. It was a massive mare, her coat dark and soothing. Silver shoes covered her hooves, and her flowing ethereal mane looked as if the night sky had been trapped within it. Captured stars were imprisoned in the hair, each strand a separate galaxy. On her flank was a crescent moon. She had massive wings, and on her head was a massive horn. It was an alicorn.

"Who are you?" Pinkie asked with a chipper tone. "Black snooty?"

The alicorn smiled at that. "It seems that you are the same in all worlds, are you not? At least that is a solace."

"All worlds?" Pinkie asked.

"The world of dreams is my domain. Sometimes the barriers between different worlds grow thin, and a few ponies can pass over in dreams. You are one such pony. Fitting, considering you are Pinkie Pie." The alicorn said with a light smile. "An anomaly, without a doubt. Is your world in peril?"

"I guess so." Pinkie looked around. "In my world, magic is all but a distant memory. Things... things aren't right. Nothing is right, it's all damaged."

"I'm sorry to hear that." The alicorn said. "I can sense your mind is damaged by nightmares. Am I gone in that world as well?

"Who are you?" Pinkie asked.

"A guardian of dreams. I will say nothing more." The alicorn said. "Just know that our meeting is only possible due to the state of your world. Fractured, broken it must be."

"So, what now? Are you here to kick me out?" Pinkie glanced around. It was so beautiful, so peaceful. And then... she saw herself.

Walking down the streets was her. She pranced, pink and lively as ever. There were no scars on her body, no worry lines, nothing but joy. And as she pranced, the ponies around her greeted her with joy and she greeted them back.

"Is that me?" Pinkie asked.

"That is our world's version of you. You cannot interact with her; you can interact with no pony. You don't belong here." The alicorn said. "And soon, you must go."

"Kicked out. Rough." Pinkie huffed. "I guess no pony can stay where they are not welcomed."

The alicorn frowned at that. "It is not that I don't welcome you. This is simply not your world. I am sorry."

Pinkie watched the world for a moment. Its serene beauty, untouched by the darkness that plagued her own world. How strange it was, to look at what could have been. To look at another version of herself with everything she ever wanted.

"You are being tormented." The alicorn said. "Something with control over dreams in your world has brought you here."

"Why?"

"I don't know." The alicorn said. "I have never felt such darkness before. It lingers around you like a cloud. I... cannot imagine what a world full of such darkness is like. I am sorry you cannot stay here, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you face."

The world around her flickered, like a distant memory. It was fading out.

"Am I happy here?" Pinkie asked, the question coming to her lips before she even realized. This world, this thing that could have been, it was so beautiful.

The alicorn gave her a warm smile. She glanced, and Pinkie followed her gaze.

This world's Pinkie was surrounded by friends. Old and new. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight. The faces of Fluttershy and Rarity met her eyes, and it nearly brought Pinkie to tears. She had not seen those two in forever. They were all there, and Pinkie was in the middle of them, laughing and joking. They were all laughing, smiling, basking in the joy that was life. There was no hardship in this dream. There was no room for spite or blood.

"More than you could ever imagine."

And with that, Pinkie woke up.

Pinkie's eyes snapped open, and pain engulfed her once more. Everything hurt, the slicing wounds that shrapnel had wrought on her body were brought to mind in an instant. She gritted her teeth, tears nearly coming to her eyes. Without adrenaline pumping through her body, the pain was now much more noticeable.

She was lying on a hospital bed. Bandages were wrapped around her wounds, and many were stitched shut. She felt weak as she struggled to open her eyes against a desire to sleep. Forcing herself to stay awake, Pinkie looked over to the other hospital bed.

Trixie was laying there, looking like a mummy with the number of bandages she had around her. Though her eyes were closed, she still drew breath. It was a steady in and out motion, the breathing of a sleeping pony. She shifted uncomfortably but remained asleep.

Pinkie sighed in relief at the sight. Trixie had survived the night, and that was all that Pinkie had wished for. How Nurse Redheart had saved her was unknown to her. It just seemed impossible. And yet, Nurse Redheart had healed worse with her blessed hooves. Some wounds cut deeper than just flesh. It never was a problem for Redheart.

She shifted on the bed, trying to get comfortable from the wounds on her body. It was mildly effective, and eventually, she just sighed in frustration and laid back down.

Her mind wandered to that dream she just had. That couldn't have been real, could it? Maybe it was her mind playing tricks on her again. It just felt so real, that dream world. In that world she had everything she ever wanted, and it felt so far away in this place.

She nearly couldn't stop her eyes from watering at the thought of that other world. That place existed somewhere, and she was not welcome.

The window next to her showed her the world she lived in. Through the glass she saw gloomy skies, and a sun stuck overhead. Moving it would take the magic of at least four unicorns. After they moved it, their magic would be gone forever, the strain was too much for normal unicorns. That was the world she lived in, a world of dark, where even the faintest hint of sunlight cost a terrible price.

Pinkie put her head in her hooves and longed for that other world. Where had it all gone wrong? Could things even go back to how they were before? Pinkie was starting to believe that it could never happen. They would forever be doomed to this dark world. For every inch they gained against it, the darkness extracted its terrible toll. A toll paid in blood and life. Perhaps it wasn't even worth fighting against anymore.

And yet, that different world remained vibrant in her mind. It was possible to have it. If only this darkness could be cleansed. She couldn't give up on it. Not yet.

"Pinkie?" A raspy voice, Trixie's, came from the bed beside her.

At least she had saved some pony from the clutching shadows. They could still win yet, as long as they kept fighting.

"Trixie!" Pinkie gave her a worried smile. "Are you alright? Do you need anything?"

"Trixie feels terrible and is parched." Trixie rasped as she slowly looked around her. "Where is her prized skull?"

Pinkie glanced around and saw that the skull was sitting just where she left it, on a counter next to her. "I have it right here."

"You kept it safe?" Trixie asked.

"I did. Had to make sure you had something to smile about when you woke up." Pinkie said.

Trixie puffed up at that, her face scrunching up in pain as she did so. She looked down at her body, and her eyes widened. "What happened to Trixie? Her body is a mess! How is Trixie supposed to perform magic shows with a tattered coat?"

"It was the cannon." Pinkie said. "There.... there was so much blood..."

Trixie started breathing heavily, her eyes scanning over her body. She tried to move, but restraints kept her in place. She thrashed, eyes dilating and flicking from her body to Pinkie. "What happened to the great and powerful Trixie? She is- She-"

Pinkie stood up from her bed and came to Trixie's side. She set a hoof on her side and gave her a sad smile. "You're going to be okay."

Trixie looked up at her, eyes darting about. She locked eyes with Pinkie. Her breathing stilled as she stared, and slowly, her struggling stopped. "What happened?"

"The cannon almost hit you. Luckily, I managed to get you out of the way in time." Pinkie said.

"You saved Trixie. She will not forget this." Trixie relaxed a little. "Even if... Trixie is not entirely whole. Her beautiful coat... ruined."

Her eyes started to water, and tears pooled at the bottom of her eyes. A sob wracked the air as Trixie looked at her battered body.

Pinkie hugged her gently. She didn't know what to say. So, she let her presence speak. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn't let her sadness be known. She just wanted Trixie to know that she was there for her. "It's going to be okay."

They stayed like that for a moment. When Pinkie finally pulled away it felt like an hour had passed.

"Trixie remains." She said dully. Her voice empty.

"She does." Pinkie reaffirmed. "Do you need anything?"

"A glass of water." Trixie said. "And... if you would remain here. That would be welcome. Trixie does not wish to be alone."

"I think I can do that." Pinkie said. "I'll be right back."

She left quietly, glancing back to make sure Trixie was okay. The mare already seemed like she hadn't cried. She looked weak, but her eyes were hard. A moment of weakness, a crack in the armor, but nothing more than that. Pinkie wondered just how deep that crack went, but it was impossible to tell.

Surface wounds could be healed, but some cut deeper than they appeared. It was a fact Pinkie knew all too well.

"Redheart?" Pinkie called out, every step sending lances of pain through her body. She hissed and stopped in the doorway.

The halls were empty. She started to pace them out, looking for the white mare. She passed by decrepit and neglected rooms, but there was no pony to be found in them. The distant echoing of screaming came from down one hallway, but Pinkie wasn't keen to investigate. She had been in the patient cells before, and they were terrifying. There was just something about being strapped down in an empty room that made her want to scream even now.

"Pinkie? You're up?" Twilight's voice came from beside her.

Pinkie nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked over to see Redheart and Twilight coming out of one of the rooms. They were walking side by side, and Twilight was holding a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it.

"Yep! I'm up." Pinkie gave her a pained smile. Everything hurt, but she gave her a smile. A genuine one. They had survived, Trixie was alive, and there was still hope. That brighter world in her dreams... she would never forget it.

"Oh, thank Celestia!" Twilight said. "When I heard what happened, I couldn't bear the thought that you got hurt. You and Trixie, it's my fault this happened. I should have waited before sending you out. Even if the darkness is encroaching, we still have more time."

"It's not your fault Twilight. We made a stupid decision." Pinkie said. "Every pony survived, and that is what matters."

"About that." Nurse Redheart cleared her throat. "I have unfortunate news."

Pinkie froze. Hearing that from a nurse was never good. Was Trixie injured in such a way that something would ever work again? The thought sent a deep dread through her stomach. "Is it about Trixie?"

"Yes." Redheart said. "And you."

"Me?" Pinkie asked. "What's wrong with me?"

Redheart stared at Pinkie’s bandaged and bloody body. Most of it had been washed, but the bandages were already stained again. "The mental treatment seems to be wearing off. I asked Twilight to go ahead to refresh it, but she denied it."

Pinkie nearly cried thanks to Twilight. Anywhere but that hell again. "Oh, that's... good news."

"Other than that, I will have to evaluate Trixie's mental state." Redheart said. "Madness cannot be tolerated in this town. You remember what happened to Ms. Ditzy Doo."

"Oh, I'm sure Trixie’s fine up there!" Pinkie said. She remembered what happened to Derpy, also known as Ditzy Doo. Mad ponies took her warning of a dark future too far, ripping her eyes out and sending her running into the Everfree. She was never seen again.

"There is also the matter of your wound treatment." Redheart said. "Other than the blood loss, I found a worrying presence of fungal mycelium reaching into your flesh."

"What?" Pinkie balked, a streak of horror running through her. "A-Am I turning into a mushroom pony?"

"No." Redheart said. "You are lucky Ms. Pie. I received a revised recipe for my creation of tonic from a mentor of mine, Doctor Paracelsus, just a week prior."

"Is that the experimental one you were talking about?" Twilight asked. "The one that was untested?"

"There was one subject it was tested on. Based on the results I am sure it will be more than effective." Redheartidly scratched her leg. "The serum cleanses everything. It purges the body of infection by changing body chemistry. Bleeding is staunched, and any venoms are cleaned as well. It is a miracle serum. It is an expensive but powerful cure created by me and the plague doctors."

"Plague doctors?" Pinkie asked.

"Medical practitioners.." Redheart said with a dismissive gesture. "I need to check on my patient. And you, Pinkie, should not be walking around. You're opening up wounds, and I need to monitor the effects of the serum."

"Wait, so am I going to turn into a mushroom pony?" Pinkie asked.

"No." Redheart stared emptily towards her, her single eye pinning her in place. "Now go back to bed. I will check on both of you in a moment."

"I need to talk to Pinkie." Twilight said.

"Then do so in the room." Redheart pointed. "Come along, you can speak while I work."

They went back into the room. Trixie's panicked eyes followed her every step of the way. At the sight of her, they relaxed a little. Redheart went over to her, and they started talking.

Twilight winced at the sight of Trixie, a look of guilt on her face.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Pinkie asked as she laid back down on the bed.

"I just wanted to check and see how you are doing." Twilight said. "And to get your side of things. From what I heard; the mission got out of control. I need data in order to better extrapolate planning missions in the future."

"Well, I'm fine. Other than my wounds." Pinkie didn't feel like talking about more than that. The boom of the cannon still felt as if it was ringing in her ears, reverberating through every bone in her body. She shook her head. "As for the mission, I can tell you how things went..."

Pinkie explained what had happened during the mission. How it had been going well, her stupid idea, and then the charge on the cannon which ended up in their current situation.

"A combination of my own poor planning, lack of knowledge of the ponies I employ, and unfortunate decision making." Twilight mumbled. She flipped a page on her clipboard and scribbled something down. "I am sorry Pinkie. This was my fault."

"Stop being so hard on yourself. If it was your fault, then it was my fault as well." Pinkie said. "We all have some blame for what happened."

Twilight sighed. "I know you're just saying that. As the manager of this operation, the lives of the ponies I employ fall under me. I will do better."

"Do what you can, that is all any pony can ask of you." Pinkie said. "I don't want to admit it, but it is true. More ponies are going to die before this is all over."

"I know." Twilight said. "I just wish that wasn't that case.”

"We all do." Pinkie looked over to Trixie.

Redheart was scanning her over, poking her with a metal piece. Trixie jerked at the poking. "Watch where you poke the great and powerful Trixie!"

Redheart poked her again. "Nerves seem stable... brain functioning normally..."

"Brain functioning normally? What did you inject the great and powerful Trixie with?!"

Pinkie wondered just what was in that serum as well. She felt fine, but maybe her heart was beating a little faster? Maybe she was a little woozier. Every slight change in her physique felt all the more noticeable. Never had she felt more… alive. Then again, it could be her mind playing tricks on her.

"It's good to see that you two are relatively okay." Twilight said. "I was really worried that the damage might have been traumatizing."

"We are fine. We're adventurers!" Pinkie said. "Adventurers don't get mental problems. We are unstoppable! Isn't that right, Trixie?"

"Of course. The great and powerful Trixie is unaffected by the traumatizing feeling of having my flesh stripped from my coat!"

Pinkie knew that was a lie, they both knew that was a lie, but perhaps if they both said it enough it would become true. There could be no weakness in this place, and strength was found in numbers.

She laughed out loud, a sound that broke the stifling atmosphere. Trixie giggled lightly as well, maybe from Redheart tickling her ear with a swab.

"At least you're in good spirits." Twilight said with a sad smile. "Applejack and Rainbow Dash said they would be over later today. I have more work to do, otherwise I would stay. Please, rest well. Spike and I have been working hard. Soon you will have trainers, a blacksmith, and everything else needed for an operation like this."

"Oh, they are coming over?" Pinkie's smile became a bit more strained. She really didn't want to talk to those two ponies right now. Applejack wanting to leave Trixie behind and Rainbow Dash killing the bandit really reminded her of the worst pony kind had to offer. Though, they did still show some of their old selves near the end. A bit of harmony.

"They wanted to see you. Do you want to? I can tell them no if you want." Twilight said.

"It's okay. They can come over if they want to." Pinkie said. It was better to face it now rather than later. Wounds left to fester would rot after all.

"I'll tell them." Twilight said. "You did good Pinkie."

"It wasn't just me, and the expedition was a failure. How did I do good?" Pinkie asked.

"You saved a life. Isn't that good enough?" Twilight said. "And the expedition was a success. All I wanted was the roads to be clearer. You did your job."

Pinkie smiled at that.

"Rest well Pinkie, and try not to let Redheart try any more experimental serums on you. I'll have to look into who these plague doctors are." Twilight said. "They sound... interesting to say the least."

"I'll try." Pinkie said.

Twilight patted her on the back and then left. It seems that her work was never over. Her gait was slow and shaky as she left. Her muscles were tight, and her eyes had been strained. Twilight seemed to be working just as hard as every pony else was.

Pinkie leaned back into her bed. Once she was healed, her work would begin again. If the Everfree was to be cleansed, more work would have to be done.

Redheart had finished whatever she was doing. In her hooves was a vial filled with a bit of blood. She walked over to Pinkie, leaving a sleepy Trixie behind.

"What did you do?" Pinkie asked.

"I injected her with a pain suppressant and drew some blood. I was able to make some of the pain suppresants with the supplies I collected." Redheart said. "As for you, your injuries are severe, but I am sure we can do without the suppressants."

"Oh, how fun!" Pinkie said. "Needles, I'm assuming?"

Redheart withdrew a syringe. "I would suggest closing your eyes."

After Pinkie had her blood taken and her wounds looked over in an extremely uncomfortable and painful time, Redheart left, murmuring something about analyzing the blood.

"Trixie? Are you okay?" Pinkie asked.

There was no response from the mare. Her eyes were fluttering, not quite closed, and not quite open. Lazily, she looked towards Pinkie. A strange sound came out of her mouth, kind of like a groan, but more like a sigh. Then, she closed her eyes and moments later snoring was heard.

It seems that whatever Redheart injected her with was suppressing more than just the pain.

Pinkie sighed and leaned back in her bed. Redheart had some... interesting yet effective methods of medicine. In this place, the traditional ways of healing didn't seem to work as well. Maybe due to the darkness, or whatever was lurking in the Castle of The Two Sisters.

That place. It seemed so far away still. And with each passing day, it seemed like they would never get there.

At least Trixie was ok. Wounds could heal, death could not. She seemed okay in other ways too. Trixie was able to laugh even despite the pain. As Twilight said, she was in good spirits. At least, that is what she showed. Pinkie hid most of her negative emotion deep inside, and she couldn't help but think that Trixie was probably much the same.

Pinkie would be there for her though; she would be there for any friend who needed her. That was one of her purposes in life.

She closed her eyes. Maybe if she went to sleep, she could experience that dream again. To see the world as it could have been.

Who was that alicorn? It almost looked like Nightmare Moon, only less scary. Well, considering the alicorn was in another world, if her pain addled mind was to be believed, then she would never see her again. It wasn't worth thinking about.

As her breathing slowly deepened, and sleep started to claim her once more, the opening of a door snapped her out of her half slumber.

In the doorway was Applejack, and behind her, Rainbow Dash. What little scrapes and wounds they had from the expedition were already bandaged up and taken care of. Pinkie wondered why they had come here.

"Hey sugar cube." Applejack entered the room. "How are you doing?"

"Doing as good as I can be." Pinkie said stiffly. "What do you need?"

Applejack shuffled into the room, and Rainbow Dash did as well. Pinkie couldn't help but follow Rainbow's movements carefully. It really was strange how she knew the forest so well and seemed to know how bandits operated.

"I was thinking about what happened." Applejack said. "I think we got off to a bad start in those woods. With the argument and all. You and Trixie have shown you deserve a chance, so what do you say to forgetting that argument happened and starting over?"

"You already know my answer." Pinkie said with a pained smile. This was her burden. To be the one to always forgive first. It was the only way to keep it all together. "I'm always up for second chances."

Applejack nodded. "Thanks for that. If we work together, then maybe we can all get what we want without further complications. And... I want to apologize for my call on rushing the camp. I wasn't thinking straight with that argument on my mind."

"You will have to ask Trixie to forgive you." Pinkie said. "She is the one who got hurt after all."

Applejack looked towards the now sleeping Trixie. She sighed. "I suppose I will have to. Feels strange being on the wrong side of things for once. Crusade never made me have to think twice about where to swing my blade."

"Thank you." Pinkie said.

"For what?"

"For being honest. For apologizing. Not many ponies would do that." Pinkie said. "At least, not nowadays."

"Well, it's the least I can do." Applejack said. "It doesn't cost me anything."

It cost pride, and Pinkie could recognize that. She turned towards Rainbow who was staring at her.

"It's good to see that you're doing well." Rainbow said. "Didn't expect that much viciousness out of a pony like you."

"Didn't expect that much out of you either." Pinkie crossed her hooves. The death of that betrayed bandit was still fresh on her mind, but a sick part of her was glad it happened. Especially after the cannon incident. Was that wrong of her?

"I did what I had to." Rainbow said. "Can't let a bandit get away. They always come back for more."

"How do you know so much about bandits?" Pinkie finally asked the question that had been on her mind.

Rainbow paused, glancing over to Applejack. She nodded.

"Well. It's shameful to admit it, but I was one." Rainbow's expression was hidden behind her mask, but her eyes shifted away guiltily.

"You were a bandit?" Pinkie asked. She kind of already knew it, in the back of her mind. So, it didn't really surprise her. The confirmation sent a spike of rage through her. Though, her face didn't show it, that she made sure of.

"Yes. Not a bandit like the ones we were fighting though. I had integrity. I was cooler." Rainbow Dash said. "At least, that's how it was supposed to be."

Pinkie scoffed. How was a bandit cool? All they were good for was bleeding out and ruining lives. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell the pony who said she was going to bleed out every bandit?" Rainbow said. "I'm only telling you this now because, well..."

"I can barely move?" Pinkie said.

"Yea. But I thought that now that we have gone on an expedition together, you can see I'm not like them." Rainbow said.

Pinkie remembered the bandit that Rainbow had killed without hesitation. Not like them indeed.

"I'm a changed pony. I've made some mistakes, and I'm here to repent for them. To make some good in the world." Rainbow nudged the pony next to her. "Isn't that right Applejack?"

"Sure thing." Applejack turned away. "I... made some mistakes as well. Figured this is the only place I could start to repay them."

"Like what? What could be so bad that you thought you would have to come here to make up for it?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow looked down at her locket. She stared at it, her eyes going misty. She murmured something beneath her breath.

"What?" Pinkie asked, not quite catching the words.

"Look. Don't ask Rainbow about it okay?" Applejack said. "We both made mistakes, but we don't want to be asked about them. Brings up bad memories."

Pinkie could relate to that.

"Okay, I won't ask." Pinkie said. "What matters is you two are doing what is right and helping out in this quest. The past can stay there if you don't want to tell me. But if you ever do, I'm all ears."

"I'll keep that in mind." Applejack said.

The group stared at each other for a moment. There was a certain sadness in the air, a despair. Frowns were etched onto their faces, and their heads were low. Beaten, defeated. Was this all it took to break a pony's spirits? One simple loss?

"We can win, you know." Pinkie said.

"What do you mean?" Applejack said. "Win what?"

"Win against this evil." Pinkie said. "As long as we never give up, it can never win."

Applejack huffed. "Not sure about that, but we can try."

"You don't believe we can do it?" Pinkie asked. "Why?"

"All of this, it's just a means to redemption." Applejack said. "We may never win, but maybe in death we can find solace."

Rainbow nodded at that, her eyes growing hard. She closed her locket with a snap. "I don't plan on dying, but I wouldn't be opposed to it. Fitting maybe, for what I've done."

Those grim words weren't exactly what Pinkie wanted to hear.

"I won't give up yet. Don't you remember how Equestria used to be?" Pinkie asked.

"It's hard to remember." Applejack said. "It's been so long."

"I remember flying. That's about it." Rainbow said.

"We have to fight for Equestria. For a better world. Is this really the world you want to live in?" Pinkie asked.

"It's just the way the world is." Applejack said. "I would love to have the farm back, but plants don't grow right anymore. This is never going to change. Too much had gone wrong, too much had deteriorated. I suspect that even if this evil is gone, the world just wouldn't be the same as it used to be."

Those words cut deep for Pinkie, but she didn't want to believe them.

"We will change the world yet." Pinkie said with a smile. "Don't you two give up on it. Whatever your other goals, pursue them, but always make sure to save a laugh to share with me, and a hope to share with the world."

"That's funny you still think that way." Rainbow snickered. "After all this time, you still haven't changed."

"It's because I'm already the best version of myself!" Pinkie said. "And I'll never give up! I'll never stop laughing! No matter what comes my way!"

Applejack shook her head. "You do you Pinkie. Just don't expect the world to change. We need to head out, thanks for listening to my apology."

"And for giving me a chance." Rainbow said. "Can't say I believe your philosophy, but I can respect it."

"As long as you extend a hoof, I will extend one as well." Pinkie said with a wink. "No evil forest can keep this pony down for long, and it won't keep me from giving up on two of my oldest friends!"

Applejack and Rainbow shared a look and chuckled. If it was laughing at her or with her, right now Pinkie didn't care. They laughed, and that was what mattered.

"See you around Pinkie." Rainbow said.

"Rest well sugar cube." Applejack said.

"Don't give up on yourselves!" Pinkie yelled as they left. "I won't give up on you, I won't give up on any pony, or anything!"

The sound of their hooves going down the hallway slowly faded. Pinkie was left alone in the hospital room, other than the sleeping Trixie. She wouldn't be giving up on Trixie either.

In truth, she hadn't really forgiven them entirely. It was just too hard. But she was willing to give them a chance.

Still, Pinkie couldn't help but shiver. The truth was the forest could keep her down. Even now she thought of quitting, of going back to the bakery and rotting away there. The boom of the cannon echoed in her ears, and her wounds hurt more than ever. It was scary, but she wouldn't give up yet. She would laugh it off and try again. Maybe even until death. Death was better than living an unfulfilled life in this fractured world.

She would lift those around her up, make them realize the truth. That this world could be saved, that harmony could exist once more. She wouldn't let them give up, wouldn't let them die if she could help it.

That world in her dreams was real somewhere.

And she would bring it to reality, no matter the cost.

Chapter Fifteen- Our training begins...

A few days later, Pinkie woke to murmuring. It was the middle of the night, the only light being from the candle on Trixie's prized skull.

Trixie was the one murmuring in her sleep. Her body jolted. It heightened, loud and unintelligible, the words spilling over one another in a tide.

Pinkie stood. Her wounds had started to heal well over the days, though they still hurt. As for Trixie, she seemed to be recovering at a steady pace. At least... physically, that was.

"Trixie?" Pinkie set a hoof on the mare. "Are you okay?"

Trixie's jolting stilled at her touch. Her breathing evened out.

Pinkie sighed. It had been happening every night. Trixie was clearly suffering. The mind was a fragile thing, it was something that Pinkie knew well. It could be mended, healed, made better, but it would never be truly cured. All she could do was hope that Trixie came through it a stronger pony. For strength was needed in the coming days.

It was cold tonight, and Pinkie really didn't feel like walking the halls of the hospital alone. Too many bad memories. So, once Trixie seemed to have calmed down, she climbed back into bed and closed her eyes. She waited for dawn.

When Pinkie awoke again, it was not to dawn. It was night. She kept forgetting that it was now the night days. The next two days would be cloaked in darkness.

There was a knock at the door.

"Yes?" Pinkie asked.

The door opened, revealing Baldwin. The rags covering him looked oddly at place in the hospital, like he was some kind of specter. His tarnished gold mask forever hid what lay beyond its embrace.

"Pinkie." Baldwin said. "I come bearing news."

He had been by earlier to check on her, so it wasn't surprising he had something to say.

"What is it?"

"Ponyville has received more occupants, courtesy of Twilight." Baldwin said. "As head adventurer, she wants you there to greet them. If you are up to it."

"I'm the head adventurer?" Pinkie asked. "When did that happen?"

"You will have to ask Twilight." Baldwin said.

Pinkie glanced over at Trixie. She was sleeping at the moment.

"I don't want to leave Trixie alone." Pinkie said.

"Very well. I will tell Twilight that you will not be there." Baldwin said.

"Wait. I want to be there." Pinkie nibbled on her hooves. "Can you watch her for me?"

"Duty calls for me as well." Baldwin said. "I am sure that she would accept that you have duties to attend to."

Pinkie Pie sighed. It was true. She couldn't just watch over Trixie forever. Things had to be done, work had to be done if they were to prosecute their war on the Everfree.

"Alright, I'm coming." Pinkie Pie jumped to her hooves, only to wince at the feeling of stretching wounds.

"It would be wise to not strain yourself." Baldwin said. "Unless you crave pain."

"I don't particularly like it." Pinkie said. "How about you? You're wrapped up in bandages all the time, are you in pain or something?"

"Pain." Baldwin raised a hoof and looked into its cracked surface. "I find that pain and suffering are not ideal, but they breed strength nonetheless."

"Strength?" Pinkie asked.

"Only when suffering is at its peak, can we find how much strength we truly have within." Baldwin said.

Pinkie Pie wasn't really sure she agreed, but she could see his point. "Interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind!"

"Then let us depart." Baldwin said.

Pinkie took one last look at Trixie, and then started the journey. They walked towards the Golden Oak Library, leaving the hospital behind. The moon was out, and if everything was right, it should have been morning. A light rain fell, soaking the dirt roads of Ponyville and caressing her sore coat. It felt nice.

"I never asked you why you came here." Pinkie said. "I know Applejack and Rainbow Dash are looking for redemption, Trixie is looking for bits to restore her cart, but what are you looking for?"

Baldwin hummed, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "What does a forgotten king wish for? The safety of his people, and to pass on knowing he did all that he could."

"So, are you looking to restore Equestria as well?" Pinkie asked.

"Indeed. My body won't last forever, sick as it is. The call of adventure found me, and so, I answered." Baldwin said.

"It's true then. You're sick." Pinkie frowned.

"Indeed. My body fails me." Baldwin said. "And through its suffering, I have found the will to continue and do something about this mess."

"Do you mind if I ask what it is?" Pinkie said. "Sorry if not. I'm just wondering if Nurse Redheart can cure it."

"There is no cure for leprosy. My kingdom could not suffer a dying king. I found peace with myself, my fate, and I left my kingdom in good hooves." Baldwin said. "My hooves led me here, and so I remain."

Leprosy. It was a disease unheard of in Equestria. But in Saddle Arabia, she had heard it was a problem recently. Something about the loss of magic made ponies able to catch it. Apparently, it was so painful that some ponies would rather pass on than suffer it. And yet, Baldwin stood tall, as if unaffected by its dark embrace. She wondered what he looked like beneath those rags.

It was inspiring to see him walk, and Pinkie couldn't help but widen her eyes a bit in awe. If there was any pony who should have been a hero in this place, it had to be Baldwin.

"You're a good pony." Pinkie said. "All these great new ponies... I really have to get around to throwing a party for all of you. Would you like that?"

"I wouldn't be opposed." Baldwin said. "Perhaps it would raise spirits. Though you are already quite good at that."

"I hope I am." Pinkie said. "I really hope my efforts are doing something."

"You are doing more than you know." Baldwin said. "I am sure that Trixie is grateful. Though her being here for just bits seems out of place. I suspect she has reasons of her own for being here."

"Like what?" Pinkie asked.

"Only time can tell... but one does not make a dark pact and come out unaffected."

Pinkie was left to think on that as they walked. It was true that Trixie did make some kind of deal with a mysterious entity. A pony wouldn't just do that for nothing, would they? And that skull of hers... there were so many mysteries. She wouldn't pry though; the mare had been through enough recently.

The Golden Oak Library came into view ahead through the fog of rain. A warm glow came from within the library, and the muffled chatter of voices could be heard. It seems that Pinkie was to be late again. This time though, she had the excuse of her battered body. The small things. The bright side.

"I'm here!" She pushed open the door and stuck her head inside.

Immediately, everypony in the room turned to look at her. There were many familiar faces, that of Applejack and Rainbow Dash and Twilight. However, there were three new ones.

"Pinkie!" Twilight came forward before she could really look at them. "You made it. I'm glad you could come. Please, meet the new arrivals every pony. They won't be going with you into the forest, but they will help you"

A pony stepped forward. He had a white coat of fur, and a blue mane. He was strong looking and wore a tarnished suit of purple and gold armor. Pinkie recognized it as the old armor of the royal guard. In fact, it was the armor of the captain of the royal guard.

"My name is Shining Armor." The pony said. "I am Twilight's brother, and she had good things to say about you."

"Oh, that is great to hear!" Pinkie said.

"I will be training those going into the Everfree how to fight." Shining Armor looked at her wounds. "It looks like you could use it."

"I really could." Pinkie agreed. "I can't keep getting shredded into confetti forever."

Getting trained by the former captain of the royal guard was certainly going to help. Pinkie glanced over at Twilight. It seems that being the former Princess's student allowed connections in high places. Of course, Shining Armor was also her brother apparently, so that didn't really count.

"An open mind is the first step to learning." Shining Armor nodded.

The next pony stepped forward. She was of average size, but her toned body spoke of a life of work. Her coat was a tannish brown, and her fluffy mane was a light yellow. Soot marks stained her hooves and chest. On her flank was a cutie mark of a hammer with a streak of lighting running behind it. "The name is Mjölna. I'll be working on your weapons and armor."

"Thanks for helping out." She looked like a strong individual. A little too expressionless and hard perhaps.

"Don't mention it. If the coin is good and the ale keeps coming, I'll keep your weapons and armor in good shape." Mjölna said.

Every pony turned to the last arrival. She sighed and stepped forward, keeping her head beneath her cowl.

Sporting a heavy and thick fur cloak, it was a wayward looking mare. She had a hood that covered most of her head and face, obscuring their identity behind the cowl. On her left shoulder was the lifeless skinned head of some canine, probably a wolf. Beneath the embrace of her cloak, Pinkie could see a tannish coat color. Other than that, there was nothing.

"My name is Daring Do, and I'll be teaching you to survive." The pony said.

"Daring Do?" Rainbow asked. "That sounds familiar. I never really got into reading, but I swore I heard your name on a book somewhere."

"I used to write adventure novels. No pony wants to read them anymore." Daring said. "And now I'm here. I was wandering Equestria and figured I might as well teach here than die and rot in some jungle somewhere."

Well, that was bleak. But Pinkie couldn't blame her.

"My name is Pinkie Pie, party pony extraordinaire! Or at least, I used to be. Now I just bake bread and kill things in the forest." Pinkie said. "Not really as great as I used to be."

"Better than most." Rainbow grumbled. "Could have gone my way..."

"Excellent. It looks like you have all met each other now." Twilight said. "Don't you all worry abouts bits for now. I have plenty in store to pay all of you. However, we will need to procure more eventually. That all can wait though... Where was I?"

Twilight paused for a moment and glanced at her clipboard. "Oh right, I wanted to talk to you all about the plan going forward."

"Here we go again..."

"Last expedition was a success, though it was not without consequence. The old road is clearer for now which means we can get supplies and ponies through. Soon we will have more adventurers to fill out our ranks, and laborers to repair the town." Twilight said. "What I need all of you to do is train with Shining Armor to fight, and with Daring Do to survive in the forest. These skills will be invaluable in continued assault on the forest. The first two expeditions were only for a day after all. If we are going to proceed further into the forest, you will have to learn how to survive for many weeks at a time."

Pinkie winced at that. The last expeditions went on only for a day and each time a pony died or got seriously injured. They needed to be smarter, stronger, and of course... better equipped.

"Mjölna will improve your weapons and armor. As we get more materials and bits, we can improve your gear more and more." Twilight said. "She is the best blacksmith in Equestria I know of."

"Sounds good to me." Applejack said. "My armor could always use a touch up."

"Any questions so far?" Twilight asked.

No pony said anything for a moment.

"Ok, then on to the next topic." Twilight said. "I have been speaking with Nurse Redheart. If any pony is having issues, speak with her. She will administer effective treatment for a price. Don't worry about it, I will be paying for any treatment you receive."

"We have to pay now?" Applejack asked. "When did that happen?"

"When the world fell to the gutter." Rainbow Dash said. "Figures."

"That is all the news I have for now." Twilight said. "I am working on getting more ponies to come here. I believe that we will be receiving a sizable amount soon. For now, expeditions are on hold until more ponies arrive or when Pinkie and Trixie have healed. Until then, train with my brother and Daring Do, and have your equipment improved by Mjölna."

"Sounds good to me!" Pinkie said. Her wounds would thank her for a break.

"That is all." Twilight turned back to her books. "Be safe and hold in there, more help is on the way."

How Twilight was causing all of this to happen, Pinkie could only guess. She wouldn't even know where to start in orchestrating all of this. All she knew how to do was throw parties. Speaking of parties, with this many ponies, maybe it would be worth throwing one. Where would she even get the supplies for a Pinkie Pie party though? There wasn't much to work with here.

"Would you stay behind Pinkie? I need to talk to you." Twilight said.

"Sure thing!" Pinkie said.

“Wait just a moment.” Twilight said.

She walked over to Shining Armor as he was leaving. They conversed, exchanging a few words. Then they hugged. When they finally detached, they all started to leave.

The ponies in the room started conversing as they headed out. No doubt towards the tavern. It seemed to be the place where every pony was going nowadays. Though Applejack and Rainbow would be heading towards the abbey. She really did need to visit that place someday. Maybe a little meditation and prayer would do her good.

When all the ponies in the room had departed, Twilight walked over to her. She looked tired, very tired. Her eyes had bags beneath them, and she stood on shaky hooves.

"Pinkie. I need to talk to you about something." Twilight said.

"You already said that." Pinkie said.

"I did?"

"Are you okay Twilight? You look exhausted." Pinkie said.

"I'm fine. There is still so much that needs to be done." Twilight said. "Speaking of, I need your help with something."

"I'll do what I can to help." Pinkie said with a worried smile. "Just let me know what it is."

"You said you saw the sonic rainboom, correct?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah."

"Was it Rainbow Dash that did it?' Twilight asked.

"It was actually. I never saw her do it, but she used to brag to every pony in town that she was the one that did it." Pinkie said. "Why?"

"Well, I was investigating the occurrence." Twilight said. "And I found something worrying."

"Oh?" Pinkie asked. "What would the sonic rainboom have to do with anything?"

Twilight knocked over a pile of books, revealing a large paper attached to the wall. On it was a mess of markings and lines drawn between varying events. It was so confusing to Pinkie that she didn't even bother trying to understand it.

"When the rain boom occurred, it caused you and me to get our cutie marks. It was an explosion of magic that caused an ambient increase across the world." Twilight tapped a picture of a rainboom on the paper. "However, this influx of energy also caused many ponies to mysteriously gain powers. Such as yours. Your Pinkie sense."

"That is when I got my Pinkie sense." Pinkie said. "I also got the ability to do whatever I wanted! That's gone now though."

"The ability to do whatever you want?" Twilight asked.

"Well, I could pull whatever I needed for a joke out of my mane, amongst other things." Pinkie said. "Or moving super-fast!"

"That's... not normal." Twilight said. "And further reinforces my theory."

"What's the theory then?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Remember, this is just a theory. So don't take it for the truth."

"Alrighty!"

"When the rainboom happened, it caused an influx of magic. When this magic hit Equestria in a wave, it had to come from somewhere. I believe that it drew on future reserves of ambient magic, weakening it." Twilight said. "It should have been replaced quickly, but... it wasn't."

"So, what does that mean?"

"It means that something is using magic. No, not just using it, eating it. As most of our magic comes from harmony, I believe that this is connected to the iron crown you discovered. Something is eating our magic and rendering us unable to recover. In other words, Equestria is being eaten."

"That... isn't good." Pinkie said.

"That's more than not good." Twilight said. "If this continues, then each time we use what little magic remains, it won't recover. And where is our remaining magic located?"

"Umm..." Pinkie thought for a second. Most magic didn't work anymore, so she couldn't really think of where the remaining magic would be. "I'm not sure."

"Ponies." Twilight said. "We may not be able to extend it much beyond our bodies anymore, but ponies have magic inside of them."

"I don't understand where you are going with this." Pinkie said.

"It means that with each death, whatever is feeding on our magic gets another meal. And that magic will never return to the world." Twilight said.

That didn't sound good at all. "Do you know what is feeding on our magic?"

"No. But based on my research, this sounds exactly like what happened to the ancient alicorns." Twilight said. "And funnily enough, it was a sonic rainboom that finally stopped the drain of magic that wiped out the alicorns."

"Wait. You're telling me that the sonic rain boom started this, but also ended it?" Pinkie asked.

"Exactly. It almost seems like the rainboom is a switch. One boom dulls the magic, and another reignites it. I can't explain why yet, but I will keep researching." Twilight said. "It's like the iron crown. The iron crown represents the opposite of harmony to my knowledge, and the rainboom can flip it to its original state. Two sides of a coin, if you will."

"But Rainbow can't do the rain boom if she can't fly!" Pinkie said. "We would need this magic drain to end or find enough magic to allow her to do the rainboom again."

"And there lies the problem. Somehow, someway, the ancient alicorns were able to gather enough magic to perform a rain boom." Twilight said. "I just don't know how they were able to get enough."

Pinkie thought for a moment. "Well, where is all of the magic we used to have now?"

Twilight went into deep thought for a moment. She stared at her drawing and glanced over at her books. Then, her gaze slowly went to a circular window. Through it, the form of the Castle of The Two Sisters loomed.

"It has to be there, at the heart of evil." Twilight said. "All of our magic is being drawn inside of there. If we can get enough of it back to get Rainbow Dash to do the rainboom again, then maybe..."

"We can end this." Pinkie felt a spark of renewed hope ignite in her chest.

"Yes. We can restore Equestria. This is all a theory of course; nothing is for sure. But I believe that it is a start." Twilight said. "I will look more into what exactly the rainboom is but I'm not optimistic. There are few recorded cases of it ever happening. The rainboom is tied closely with the fate of Equestria. It gives cutie marks, strange powers, and seems to set everything right as it can set everything wrong. I will work on cracking its code."

"What do you need me to do?" Pinkie asked.

"Rainbow Dash must be kept alive at any cost. If she really has done the rainboom before, then she cannot perish." Twilight said. "I tried to get her to stop adventuring, but she denied me. She is determined to go into the forest."

"That sounds like her." Pinkie said. "I'll do whatever I can to protect her."

"Thank you, Pinkie." Twilight said with a tired sigh. "The plan has not changed. We are still going to remove this evil, but at least we have an idea of what to do after. A way to restore the magic in Equestria."

"What if it fails?" Pinkie couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know. Another rainboom could extinguish the magic in Equestria, or it could restore it. There are just so many unknowns." Twilight said. "I will look more into this. But if everything fails... I'm afraid that even if the evil is removed, nothing will go back to how it used to be. Right now, the fate of Equestria seems to be shattered, and only a surge of magic might be able to mend it back together. A jump start. Once the drain on the magic is removed, we have to have enough of it to spark the ignition."

"And that is the rainboom." Pinkie nibbled on her hooves.

"Exactly." Twilight said. "You have to make sure that Rainbow survives. You're the strongest pony I know, if any pony can keep her alive, it's you."

"The strongest pony?" Pinkie asked. "Please, I'm not that strong."

"I didn't mean physically." Twilight tapped her lightly on the chest, right next to the heart. "It takes more than strength to keep a pony alive."

Pinkie was reminded of the grim words in the hospital the other day. Of how both Applejack and Rainbow planned on eventually dying for redemption. This was definitely not a good start.

"I will do whatever it takes." Pinkie said. "You can count on me!"

"Pinkie. I know you are taking this seriously, but I want to say it clearly now." Twilight's eyes hardened. "If you have to choose between a pony's life and Rainbow's, you have to save Rainbow. Don't let anything change your mind. She has to survive. I would lock her up if I could, but I don't know how that would affect her wanting to do the rainboom in the future. If my theory is correct, everything relies on this."

Pinkie wasn't really sure what to say to that. It was something that she never would have imagined Twilight would say, let alone tell her to do. "I'm sure that isn't going to happen. How could I choose between two pony's lives?"

"I know it's hard, and it probably is not going to happen, but I'm just letting you know." Twilight said. "As a theory of course. My theories could be wrong."

"How often are they wrong?" Pinkie asked.

"Once or twice." Twilight said, a smidgen of smugness coming through her exhausted voice.

That didn't really reassure Pinkie Pie. She couldn't imagine choosing one pony over another to save. She was getting tired and stressed just thinking about it. "I really hope that one of your theories is right, and the other is wrong."

"I do too." Twilight sighed. "But at least we have an idea of what needs to be done."

Pinkie nodded. "So, we continue to do what we have been doing?"

"Yes. We have to exterminate the heart of this evil, then get Rainbow to perform a rain boom. If that happens, then I believe it will be able to kickstart a return of magic. And of course, with Princess Celestia's help, everything can return to normal." Twilight said. "She used the elements of harmony after all."

Pinkie really hoped that Princess Celestia was still alive there.

"What happened to the elements of harmony anyways?" Pinkie asked. "I remember we were talking about going to find them all those years ago, but then the forest started to grow..."

"I don't know. I hope they exist, but that is the extent of my knowledge." Twilight said. "I mean, Nightmare Moon was real, wouldn't the elements have done something by now if they were real as well?"

They both stood there for a moment, just thinking. There was a lot of information to process and things to think about.

"I think we should both get some rest." Pinkie said. "I'm exhausted and my brain feels like fudge."

"I agree." Twilight said. "Stay safe Pinkie, and please, use the resources I have gathered. Train yourself, improve your armor and weapons, learn how to survive, I can't have you getting hurt on me anymore. I don't want you to get hurt anymore."

"We will win." Pinkie said. "I will do whatever I can to keep Rainbow safe."

"Thank you, Pinkie. I'm counting on you." Twilight said with a light smile. "As always."

Today, they discussed, and tomorrow, the true test began. Train, recover, protect. There was work to be done yet, evil to cleanse and burn, lives to shelter, wounds to be healed. They would cut out this evil and restart the lifeless heart of Equestria. Purpose and path were made clear to Pinkie.

She required only the strength to follow it.

And somehow that feeling gave her as much strength in her limbs as it took away. Her goal for a better world seemed a little clearer, a little closer, but looking at the extent of what had to be done filled her with dread. It seemed almost insurmountable now that she was thinking about it. They were still only on the edge of the Everfree, and who knew what terrors lay in the tenebrous depths?

A party. That's what she needed. A return to her roots. A good laugh, and she would be good to go. It would liven the spirits of her friends, and hopefully Trixie in particular.

And after that, her training would truly begin. To not only cleanse evil and keep hope and laughter alive, but to shelter a rainbow.

Under her watch, this rainbow would never fade. That was a promise.

Her promises were really starting to stack up, weren't they? It made her think that it might not be possible to keep all of them...

Chapter Sixteen- Word is travelling....

Two weeks had passed. Time passed by in a slow, methodical manner. It inched on, and Pinkie spent her days healing her body and preparing for what was to come. It was hard to train for anything in her current state, but she was finally feeling like she might be able to join the others in a training session. They had been going on for days now, and the others were improving while she was stuck healing. Maybe she should ask for whatever Redheart’s tonic was.

That was until she heard news that a massive caravan was arriving. It seems that word of the effort here in Ponyville had been spreading due to Twilight's work. Pinkie wanted to see them arrive, and witness just exactly how many ponies were in this caravan. According to Twilight, there would be at least ten. A massive amount compared to what they currently had in numbers.

Pinkie sat in the sun on the roof of an abandoned building overlooking the old road. It was a rare day indeed that the sun was able to slip it's rays through the overcast. It warmed her coat, and for once, the outside world felt pleasant. A welcome reprieve from the usual rain and mud. It lifted her spirits, and she couldn't help but smile.

Unfortunately, she was unable to gather supplies for a party to welcome all the new arrivals. There were simply too limited resources to work with. What she could do though, was crack open her old supplies beneath Sugarcube Corner, and throw up a few welcome banners. They hung boldly in between two buildings and read, "Welcome to Ponyville!"

Maybe a little out of place in this oppressive atmosphere, but Pinkie was never one for welcoming the status quo.

She wasn't sure if she wanted to show the new arrivals her battered body, the sight of it might scare them away. Then again, if they couldn't handle it, then they definitely would not be able to handle the forest. So, she waited on the roof of a random building for them to arrive. Twilight wanted her to greet them, and Pinkie wanted too as well. It all seemed to be working out well.

"Pinkie. What are you doing up here?" Twilight's voice came from behind her.

Pinkie glanced back to see Twilight climbing up the fallen beam that led to the roof. Not really the safest place to be. Though Pinkie couldn't say anything, she was on the roof as well.

"Im brooding and looking over the town. Like one of those dark superheroes." Pinkie said. "Am I doing it well?"

"You don't have the color scheme down." Twilight said. "More dark, less pink."

"I guess you're right." Pinkie said. "But where's the fun in that?"

"The whole dark thing does lose its charm here. You would blend in too much." Twilight said.

They watched the forest for a moment in silence. Even now, outside its grasp, Pinkie swore she could see something moving within. Something lurked just beyond her vision, and the knowledge that it was now stealing Equestria's magic made her all the more aware of it. What dwelled just beyond the veil of reality?

Alas, the answer remained unheard and unseen. And yet, its intention could be understood just from a glance.

"Look. Here they come." Twilight said, her voice both relieved and excited. "Finally."

Through the trees, a caravan came rolling through. Three carts strong, Pinkie could see a mass of ponies walking alongside it as well as within. The sight was certainly one for sore eyes. Fresh ponies for Ponyville would make everything easier.

"I have to go and greet them." Twilight said. "You really shouldn't be up on the roof, Pinkie. Why don't you come down from here?"

"You're right. I'll come down and greet them as well!" Pinkie said.

She carefully began to climb down from the dilapidated roof. With well-placed steps she traversed the wooden beam and came down into the second floor. From there, it was easy to reach the ground with little trouble. Pinkie felt better, her wounds were nearly healed.

As for Trixie.... well, she was healing as well. Pinkie couldn't help but frown at the thought of Trixie. She was really hurt, but it was clear that it was not only her body that was hurt. Pinkie had been doing what she could for her, and she seemed strong, but Pinkie still couldn't help but worry. She would visit Trixie later today to check in on her again.

Not to mention, she had to protect Rainbow. She hadn't seen her in a couple days. Maybe it was time to stop by the abbey and see how Applejack and Rainbow were doing.

There was just so much to do, and Pinkie didn't know where to start. Well, what was right in front of her was probably as good a place as any. So, she started walking towards the recently arrived caravan.

Twilight had already started talking to them. The ponies getting off the caravan looked exhausted, even if the journey was only a day long one. Pinkie could sympathize, the Everfree just seemed to drain all the energy from you. Now was not the time for that though. Now was the time for greetings!

She walked forward, looking over the new arrivals. She spotted a strange group in particular. Dressed in all greenish dark cloth, the group almost seemed to brood, hunched together and speaking in a tight circle. They were like a coven of witches. Along their sides were vials of green fluid, and their saddlebags were bulging with herbs. Each one had a sharp knife strapped to their side, just within grabbing distance of their mouths.

The thing that caught her eye the most was the masks they wore. They were bird-like masks that extended out from the face.

"Hello!" Pinkie said.

The group turned to her, glass eyes of their masks boring into her. Soulless and emotionless, Pinkie couldn't help but feel a little unnerved. For a moment neither side said anything.

The pony in the center stepped forward. And then, a cheery, bubbly voice erupted from her.

"Is that you, Pinkie? Oh, it's been forever!"

"Minuette?" Pinkie immediately recognized the voice. "Is that you?"

"Of course it is! Can't you recognize me?" Minuette said.

"No. Not really." Pinkie said. "I can't tell who you are beyond your whole get up."

"Oh. That makes sense." Minuette said.

"So, what's going on here? Why are you all dressed up?" Pinkie asked. "Why come back to Ponyville?"

"That sure is a lot of questions!" Minuette giggled. "Where do I start?"

"I don't know." Pinkie felt a little brighter now that she was around such an old friend. A cheery friend that didn't seem to have lost her spirit. "Want to talk about it?"

"Sure thing!" Minuette said. "Oh, but I have to meet Twilight first! It's been so long!"

"You know Twilight?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh sure! We are old friends. Isn't that right, girls?" Minuette turned to the two dark clothed ponies behind her.

"Yeah!" One of them said, "We go way back."

"So, who are you two?" Pinkie asked. "I don't think I've met you two before."

"Let me introduce you!" Minuette gestured to the two ponies. "This here is Lemon Hearts, and this is Twinkleshine!"

It was really hard to tell exactly who they were. They all wore the same exact outfits. However, Pinkie had an ear for these kinds of things. She was sure she would be able to tell them apart from just their voices.

"Nice to meet you two!" Pinkie said.

A chorus of greetings met her ears, and Pinkie smiled. Finally, it seemed like some ponies with some joy in their hearts had arrived in Ponyville.

"So… Do you know where Twilight is?" Minuette asked.

"She is right over there." Pinkie pointed through the crowd of ponies forming. Laborers got off the carts, already unloading tools and supplies. Harder looking adventurer types made their way towards Twilight, who was handling as many of them as possible. She had a contract in hoof, and Spike was also handing out contracts. It was a flurry of activity in the usually quiet and reserved town of Ponyville.

"Oh, that's great!' Minuette said. "She looks a little busy, so maybe I'll greet her later. Do you know where the hospital is?"

"Hospital? Are any of you hurt?" Pinkie glanced over them. She didn't see any wounds.

"Oh, we aren't hurt at all! It's just, we are the new staff there!" Minuette said.

"Really? Redheart didn't mention anything." Pinkie said. "You never told me you were medically trained! That's amazing!"

"Oh, you wouldn't believe what we do now!" Minuette said. "We are plague doctors!"

Pinkie had heard that before, but she didn't know what it was. "Plague doctors?"

"Yeah! We develop experimental tonics and tinctures." Minuette said. "I'm sure Redheart mentioned plague doctors at least once."

Now that Pinkie was thinking about it, she had heard them mentioned before. Wasn't the tonic Redheart used on her made by a plague doctor?

"I haven't heard about plague doctors much." Pinkie admitted. “Redheart was just talking about them.”

"Oh, Redheart was the first plague doctor! We learned directly from her, you wouldn't believe it, but we were her first students!" Minuette said. "Isn't that right girls?"

Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine nodded.

“She isn't wearing your costume.” Pinkie pointed out.

“She doesn't need to. Something about needing to experience the blight first hoof.” Minuette said. “To understand it. For us, protective gear is needed. We wouldn't want to get sick after all!”

It seemed like Redhearts mastery over medicine went deeper than she thought. Despite her innate fear of Redheart, Pinkie couldn't help but feel even more respect for the mare. Her achievements were impressive to say the least.

Though she wondered how wise not wearing safety gear was. Redheart probably knew what she was doing however. There was no use thinking too much into it.

"Well, do you want me to show you to the hospital?" Pinkie asked.

"Sure! We can speak to Twilight later." Minuette said. "Where is your usual shindig? And what are all those wounds you have from? If you don't mind me asking."

Pinkie sighed. "I still live in Sugarcube Corner, and as for the wounds, I'm an adventurer now."

"Adventurer? That's dangerous!" Minuette said. "You have to tell me about that."

"Alright. I'll tell you all about it." Pinkie said.

On the way to the hospital, Pinkie explained what had happened during her course of staying here. The adventures, the struggle, and the state of the town.

"So that's why I have these wounds." Pinkie said.

"And Redheart used the tonic on you?" Minuette asked. "How do you feel? Any side effects? Nausea? Sudden fainting?"

Suddenly, Pinkie could feel all the eyes of the plague doctors locked onto her. She felt like a specimen sitting on an operating table.

"Not that I can tell." Pinkie said. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, we helped to develop it!" Minuette said. "You wouldn't believe how well making toothpaste translates to creating experimental medical tonics!"

Pinkie wasn't sure if she was happy to hear that or mildly terrified. Maybe it was time to switch toothpaste brands. Not that she had much left anyways. The small things tended to fall out of rotation when the world was crumbling from a lack of magic.

"Here is the hospital." Pinkie said with a slightly forced smile. "I'll talk to you later, but I still have to greet the other ponies."

"Oh, that's too bad! Hey, you really are one of my favorite friends still!" Minuette said. "Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, what do you say we invite her to eat sometime?"

"That sounds wonderful." Twinkleshine said.

"I would like to observe you." Lemon Hearts glass eyes were locked onto her.

"That sounds... great." Pinkie wasn't sure if they actually wanted to speak to her or observe the effects of the tonic on her. At least Minuette seemed to actually be glad to see her again. "Just let me know when! Hopefully I'll have enough stuff to throw a party soon."

"Wonderful!" Minuette clapped her hooves together. "We will be getting to work right away here on better medicine for your adventures. This place really is the best kind of laboratory! So much disease and so many wounded ponies, oh, and mental conditions too! This place is wonderful!"

Pinkie stared at the giddy mare. Well, at least she seemed happy even if the reasons were a little... unorthodox. "I'm glad to hear that you like it. We could use a few more ponies with as much cheer as you."

"You can count on me! Just make sure to talk to me some time, it's been so long!" Minuette said. "Oh, and I have to talk to Twilight too. So much to do, so little time! Well, I'll be going inside the hospital now. See you later Pinkie!"

The others waved as they went inside, and Pinkie smiled and waved as they left. She turned around and started walking back towards where the wagons had parked.

That was interesting to say the least. She really wasn't expecting one of her old friends to become a plague doctor, much less see her with a love of wounded and diseased ponies. Minuette seemed as cheery as ever though, so maybe it was a good thing she found something else she loved doing.

Pinkie really didn't like being looked at like a test subject though. It reminded her too much of the patient cells. Now that she was thinking about it, didn't Minuette mention something about mental problems? Was she one of the ponies working on those strange procedures?

It was probably best not to think too hard about it. Even if Minuette made some of those procedures, friends wouldn't willingly do that to each other, right? Well, it was all with good intention and Pinkie had gotten better because of it, but still...

Pinkie sighed and shook her head. Sometimes it was hard having so many friends. Old and new, they took up a lot of her thoughts. Even now, she was thinking about her friends. Not that she hated it, her passion in this world was making friends and making ponies laugh. It didn't make it any less difficult though.

It might even be enough to drive a pony mad.

Speaking of friends, Twilight probably needed help. And Pinkie still needed to greet all the new ponies!

With that in mind, Pinkie set off again for the carts. Best not to think about things that were too sad.

When she got back to where the wagons were, a majority of the ponies were gone. Twilight was as well, leaving Pinkie to believe they were all in the Golden Oak Library. Sure enough, a ragtag band of new blood adventurers could be seen through the window. Twilight was having them all sign the contracts as she explained something using a bulletin board.

Pinkie wondered whether or not now was a good time to go in. It looked like Twilight had it handled, and she didn't want to disturb her. She took this opportunity to look at the new recruits.

Some looked tough, others frail. It was really a mixed bag of ponies. She didn't recognize any of them so they must not be from Ponyville. It was really strange how most ponies returning to the town were originally from Ponyville. Maybe it had something to do with the fate of Equestria that Twilight was talking about.

Fate of Equestria…

That is what she should do! Find Rainbow Dash to make sure she was doing well. But where would she be right now?

Pinkie decided to start at the abbey. Rainbow and Applejack seemed to like spending time there and she hadn't been there in a long time. With that in mind, she set off.

The walk there was relatively uneventful, other than a few glances from the scattered townsfolk. The ponies in the tavern had probably been wondering where she had disappeared to. It had been a while since she played a song there. Well, one more thing to add to the list!

She arrived at the abbey, otherwise known as the old schoolhouse. It was quiet here, like most the rest of the town, but this part had an almost serene quality to it. The nearby graveyard was a constant reminder to keep the silence and let the dead rest.

Pinkie approached the door to the abbey, and slowly opened it. She winced as the door creaked open.

Inside was a single room abbey. Instead of a classroom full of smiling foals, a peaceful and holy atmosphere awaited her. Candles covered a dais at the far end of the abbey, on which was a metal symbol of the sun. Different sides of the abbey had curtains drawn up, from which Pinkie could barely hear a muffled prayer. If one listened closely, beyond the praying and flickering of candles, they would have sworn they heard the phantom laughter of foals, and the scribbling of notes of paper from years long gone. This place used to be a schoolhouse, and it felt almost wrong to have it repurposed into a religious abbey. Then again, what other use did the building have in a town with no foals?

Waste not, want not, and all that she guessed.

At the far end of the abbey, Pinkie saw Applejack kneeling before the dais. She was in deep prayer to the lost Princess Celestia. Pinkie didn't really understand why ponies started to pray to her after she left. She clearly wasn't a goddess; she had walked among them just ten years ago. She didn't hate praying though, anything that gave ponies a little hope she could get behind.

As the door closed behind her, Applejack turned to look at who the new arrival was.

"Pinkie?" Applejack asked.

"That's me!" Pinkie said.

"Quieter." Applejack whispered. "Don't disturb the others who are praying."

Pinkie mimed zipping her mouth shut."

"Why are you here?" Applejack asked. "Is there trouble with the new arrivals?"

"No. I was just looking for you and Rainbow Dash." Pinkie said.

"Yeah? Why?"

"Well. I haven't seen you two in a while. I was wondering how the training is." Pinkie said.

"It is insightful. Shining Armor sure knows his way around a blade, I'll tell you that." Applejack said. "Daring Do is where the real important stuff is. She is teaching us how to survive, and I could use some of those skills. Especially on how to navigate in the Everfree. Can't imagine getting lost out there."

"That sounds useful." Pinkie said. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing right now? Shouldn't you be training?"

Applejack huffed. "We don't have your limitless energy, Pinkie. We need to take breaks once in a while. As for what I'm doing, I'm praying to Celestia for guidance."

"You know, Twilight got a letter from her recently." Pinkie said.

"I know, she read it to me.” Applejack hummed in thought. “You know, there was talk about making Twilight a saint a while back. She ran away before the clergy could find her though. News of her receiving a letter from the princess might ignite that old flame."

"Do you think any pony is going to come looking for her?" Pinkie asked. "It would be bad if she was taken away from here. This whole operation would go up in confetti."

"Maybe. I won't tell them she is here, she is doing good work here, but I suspect more of the crusade will learn eventually." Applejack said. "Hopefully they don't believe it. We could use a vestal though. That would certainly help recovery rates."

"A vestal?" Pinkie asked. "I'm not sure I know the different ranks in the church."

"It's not really a rank." Applejack said. "More like a title. They are ponies who have connected to Celestia's magic and can channel it to heal or harm with the radiance of the sun. I can do the same, but to a lesser extent and it taxes me greatly."

"Wait, you can channel magic power?” Pinkie balked. "Why didn't you do that earlier?"

"I did. It's just not as flashy as most magic. A bit more strength to strike with, a little more perseverance, that sort of thing. It's like earth pony magic in a way." Applejack said. "As for a vestal on the other hoof, you will know they are casting something. With a touch they can knit wounds together, and with a line of prayer they can turn foes to ash."

"Sounds like we need one of those." Pinkie said.

"That would certainly be helpful." Applejack said.

They sat there for a moment. Pinkie enjoyed this place. It was calm, and for some reason it soothed her soul. Much like a warm sun or getting another pony to laugh. However, she wasn't really sure she would like to be here long or every day. It was too quiet for a pony like her to be here on a regular basis. Maybe every once in a while would be nice.

She thought about asking Applejack why she needed redemption but remembered the conversation from earlier. Probably best not to ask.

"Do you know where Rainbow is? I wanted to check in on her as well." Pinkie said.

"Not sure. I would check the tavern. Usually she is around here, but she likes to gamble there." Applejack said.

"Wait, so she doesn't drink but she likes to gamble?" Pinkie asked.

"Yeah. Something about the stakes gets her mind off the incident." Applejack said with a sigh.

"The incident?"

Applejack looked a little guilty now. "I shouldn't have said anything. It's not my place."

"You can't tell me anything? You know I can keep a secret." Pinkie said.

"You Pinkie promise you won't tell?" Applejack asked.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Pinkie Pie swore.

Applejack sighed and glanced about the abbey. "I really don't know if I should be telling you this."

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Pinkie couldn't help but be curious as to what the incident was, but she wasn't going to pry if Applejack didn't want to share it.

"Maybe it would be better if you just asked Rainbow instead." Applejack said. "I want to tell you, being old friends and all, but it's not my place. Just be careful asking, it's a sore spot for Rainbow."

"I won't ask then." Pinkie said. "Unless she decides to tell me. I know how memories can still hurt. I'm here to make ponies laugh, not cry!"

"You're a good pony, Pinkie." Applejack said. "We all have things we would rather not talk about. Even me."

"Sometimes it helps to share it. I won't pry, but it really helps to get it out there." Pinkie said.

Applejack paused and scanned the room once more. It was empty, the only other sound coming from somepony praying behind the curtains.

"Do you enjoy it?" Applejack asked.

"Enjoy what?"

"The fighting. The adventure. The killing." Applejack said. "Does it set your heart ablaze?"

The question was strange to Pinkie. She had never really thought about how fighting made her feel. Usually, it made her feel disgusted afterwards, but during a fight her adrenaline was pumping hard enough that she didn't really think about what she was really feeling. When fighting bandits her soul really sang. She loved to watch them bleed, as sickening as it was, but that was the only instance that came to mind.

"I never really thought about it." Pinkie said. "If I had to say something, I think it's disgusting. All the bloodshed. I just wish it would end, and everything would go back to normal."

"That's how most ponies feel. Isn't it?" Applejack turned her head away. "Disgusted at war."

"I hope so, doesn't every pony wish for a more peaceful future?" Pinkie asked.

"Most do." Applejack agreed.

"And some don't?" Pinkie asked.

"And some don't." Applejack reaffirmed.

"Weird." Pinkie said. "Who would want to kill something when they could play a game of pin the tail on the pony? Or eat cupcakes?"

The question was left unanswered in the air. For who knew what really went on in those ponies' minds besides the ones that had them. And what scared Pinkie, was that she could sympathize with them in a small way. A fragment, but it was still there.

There was just something about carving away at a pony you hated with all your heart. When Pinkie was killing some of those bandits, she felt just as alive as when she was throwing a party. Engaged, joyful even in a sick way.

Her gaze returned to Applejack, who looked to be in deep thought. Pinkie couldn't help but feel like she was missing something, but she couldn't place it. Another unsolved mystery to the thought box. Too many friends, not enough time to sort through all her feelings and thoughts. Her brain felt fried from all the deep though. Laying in a hospital bed all day really had her thinking a lot recently. Pinkie liked to think she was a simple pony, and all of this thinking was getting to be too much for her.

Oh, there she goes thinking again. How exhausting.

"You are going to check on Rainbow, right?" Applejack asked. "Best get to it before Twilight needs your help again."

"You're right!" Pinkie said. "Thanks for reminding me, how could I forget? I'll see you later then Applejack. Hold in there!"

"Hold in there? I'll try." Apple turned back to the dais. "But what are we even holding onto?"

"Hope." Pinkie said. "Don't lose it, and we will never lose."

“I guess you're right. Celestia will save us.” Applejack turned back to her dias.

The words sounded empty. As if rehearsed. Pinkie thought of what to say, but could come up with nothing more at the moment.

Alas, the air spoke words unsaid. This conversation is over for now.

Pinkie left then with a new destination in mind- the tavern. Hopefully Applejack would realize that the fight wasn't over just yet. Though it was hard to tell with Applejack. Her expression was almost always neutral, and her motivations lay in redemption through death. Not exactly something Pinkie wanted her to have. There had to be a way to make her realize there was something still worth living for. And Rainbow Dash too.

They didn't seem like they would hurt themselves intentionally, but it certainly felt like they had given up. Pinkie would have to talk more to them later and figure out a plan. It hurt her heart to see ponies that felt that way. Sometimes it felt like she was the only pony in all of Equestria who hadn't given up hope yet.

The next step was talking to Rainbow, so she went to go look for her. Maybe there was something to be learned about the condition of those two ponies.

The tavern came into view ahead soon enough. It had been some time since she had visited, so she brought her lute around. A little revelry never hurt any pony. Unless they were injured. Like Pinkie was. Well, her wounds were healing anyways, it would probably be fine.

As Pinkie pushed open the door, she quickly realized that the place was packed to the brim with ponies. There was a clamor of clanking tabards and talking. New ponies, fresh faces from the cart, had saturated the room. They laughed and chuckled, their spirits not quite yet broken from the atmosphere of the town. The usual folk stayed to the edges of the room, watching the newcomers with suspicion and even some fear. It was not often that such a large number of new ponies arrived in Ponyville.

Pinkie stepped inside and closed the door behind her. At the moment, no pony noticed her. Deciding to take this chance before getting swarmed as usual, Pinkie stayed to the edges and made her way over to the bartender.

She wove between moving bodies. Warmth filled the room, and the scent of cheap beer filled the air. Pinkie wondered what would happen if the alcohol ever ran out. Maybe then ponies would actually do something other than brood and sit in the bar all day. Pinkie had already tried to get them to hope again. It ended as well as the town's current state suggested. They still seemed to like her, like her a lot actually, but it never amounted to anything.

Pinkie got to the bar and pulled up a seat. "Hey Berry Punch, how are you doing?"

The bartender, a pony with a plum-colored coat and dark pink mane turned to look at her. She was wiping a glass with a dirty rag. At the sight of Pinkie, her sunken eyes brightened a little.

"Pinks!" Berry Punch said. "How are you doing? Here to play a song?"

"Yes, but not until later." Pinkie said. "Have you seen Rainbow Dash around here? I need to speak with her."

"Oh yeah. She's around here." Berry Punch sighed. "Look over there, she is on the verge of inciting a riot."

Pinkie glanced behind her. A flash of cerulean came through the blur of ponies. A mass of ponies was crowded around a table in particular, cheering and hollering. The noise was immense compared to the usual atmosphere of the tavern. It brought a smile to Pinkie's face. It reminded her of one of her old parties.

As she watched, some pony slammed the table with a shout of rage. "You're cheating! You have to be cheating!"

"I should probably stop that, shouldn't I?" Pinkie asked.

"That would be appreciated." Berry Punch said. "If any pony can stop that mess, it's you Pinkie."

"Alright." Pinkie stood up. "Stay tuned for my song, I'm going to break up whatever is going on over there."

"Thanks Pinks." Berry Punch said.

Pinkie walked over to the mass of ponies, weaving her way between them. She struggled to get around and see what was happening at the table. Eventually, she just took the plunge and squeezed in-between a few ponies, wincing at the sting of her wounds. There were a few complaints but no pony really minded that much.

With a gasp Pinkie stuck her head through the ponies and could see what was happening at the table. Her poofy pink mane flopped in front of her eyes for a moment, but a quick shake had it back in place.

Rainbow Dash was sitting at the center of a round table. A pile of bits was in the center, stacked high. She had a deck of cards in hoof and a smug smirk on her face. The other ponies playing at the table didn't have such expressions. They were furious, their faces pulled into deep frowns and angry snarls.

"You're cheating." One of them said, "No pony gets that many cards right in a row."

"I'm not cheating. Just luck of the draw." Rainbow said. "Can you blame a mare for having a lucky day every once in a while?"

"I should smack you right upside the head. Teach you some proper respect." A mare at the table snarled. "I'm a new adventurer here, don't see why I have to deal with a rotten pony like you."

If these were the new adventurers they had got, Pinkie was very disappointed. She was hoping for heroes, but these ponies looked more like the same. Mercenaries, outcasts, and outlaws. The usual suspects that arrived at Ponyville. It seemed that was all their little town could attract anymore.

"Hey! Let's keep it civil over here, ok friends?" Pinkie spoke up. "Hey Rainbow! When you're done, want to talk?"

Rainbow huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Who in Tartarus are you?'" One of the ponies at the table growled. "Get the hell out of here, we are playing a game here."

Half the tavern table went silent. The new ponies at the table looked around, confused. Some of the ponies in the tavern stood up from their tables, and even Berry Punch, the barkeep, reached for a dagger. Her face was pulled into a menacing glare, not often seen on the barkeep.

"What's the matter?" The pony at the table said, glancing around at the hostile glares pointed in her direction. "Why is every pony looking at me?"

"Oh, come on every pony, she didn't mean it!" Pinkie said with a laugh. "Why don't I play every pony a song?"

The ponies in the tavern fully realized that Pinkie was there. A cheer erupted in the tavern, the previous tension fading like mist before sunrise. Pinkie gave the pony at the table a wink. She looked ready to run at the slightest provocation.

Pinkie got to the right position and started to play her lute. Cheerful music filled the tavern and ponies cheered as she did so. Talking to Rainbow could wait until after this song. She strummed the cords and embraced being the life of the party once more. Maybe she didn't have the supplies to throw a welcome party, but if this was the best she could do then so be it. If only she had some more experienced musicians here, like Octavia and Vinyl. She always wondered what happened to them.

The fun and games continued. Right now, everything could wait. Pinkie embraced the moment and lost herself in the music.

After this she could talk to Rainbow, and all after stopping a riot. A two for one deal!

And then, the door slammed open. The sudden noise had Pinkie screeching her song to a halt, and the tavern went silent. Everypony turned towards the doorway.

Standing in the doorway was a mare. She wore a sturdy dark metal helmet with a dark cloth covering her face. Her body was covered in a combination of thick leather and scale-mail armor. Across her chest was a rolled up piece of parchment, and her saddlebags were bulging with similar papers, some of them nearly spilling out. At her side was a thick hoof-ax. Fused orbs of metal were strapped across her chest. Bombs no doubt. Hanging from her other side was a metal hook attached to a rope. A grappling hook.

The mare stood silently, slowly scanning over the inhabitants of the tavern. They paused on some ponies, and on Pinkie, but never stopped their burning search.

They stopped on Rainbow Dash, who was sitting at the table.

"Hmph..." The mare let out a huff.

Pinkie recognized that voice. She recognized the voice of any pony she had thrown a party for. And this pony was one she never thought she would hear again for sure. Last she had seen her, she had left Ponyville with a promise to never return. She left with a pony called Lyra. And she hadn't seen them since.

"Bon Bon?" Pinkie asked.

"Pinkie." Bon Bon’s gaze pinned her to the floor.

"Why are you here?" Pinkie shifted uncomfortably.

Bon's hidden gaze turned away from her. Then, it drifted over towards a familiar mare.

It burned into Rainbow. Pinkie recognized that gaze well. It was the gaze of a killer, one who had become acclimated to the loss of life. It sent a shiver down her spine. The dried blood on Bon's ax became all the more noticeable, and the subtle metallic tang of death hung in the air like a cloud.

"I'm here to collect."

Chapter Seventeen- The thrill of the hunt...

The tavern went silent at those foreboding words. The echoing finality of- "I'm here to collect" seemed to reverberate throughout the room.

"So, are you here to collect bits, or ale? I mean, you didn't really specify-" Pinkie was interrupted.

"I'm here to collect that mare's head." Bon-Bon growled and strode forward. Ponies scrambled out of the way at her arrival. "There's a bounty on it, and I intend to collect it."

That wasn't good news. Pinkie's eyes snapped to the axe at Bon's side. Clearly, she knew how to use it considering the dried blood on it. She hadn't seen the mare come in with the carts, had she braved the forest alone? If so, then she must know how to handle herself.

Rainbow Dash didn't stand up from the table and just crossed her hooves. "Collect my head? Seems a little much, doesn't it?"

"I'm not here to talk." Bon Bon drew her axe, holding it in her mouth. In her hoof, she grabbed that hook with a rope on it. A grappling hook.

Rainbow flipped her knife up, and it landed in her hoof. "At least tell me what you're trying to kill me for."

"You know." Bon withdrew one of the many papers from her chest and tossed it into the sky. It fluttered to the ground, revealing the face of a masked Rainbow drawn on the paper. It said, "WANTED" on the front and a price of two thousand bits below it.

Rainbow glanced down at the paper. "Are you sure that's me? It doesn't really capture my coolness."

"I'm sure." Bon took a menacing step forward. The crowd parted even more, leaving Rainbow alone at the table.

"Wait every pony! Let's talk this out." Pinkie moved in front of the two. "Maybe you have the wrong pony? Rainbow is a valued member of the operation we have going on here."

"Pinkie, move." Rainbow Dash whispered. "Don't you know who that is?"

"No, do you?" Pinkie asked.

"No. For some reason I thought you would, you seem to know every pony." Rainbow said.

"Well, her name is Bon Bon and she used to live in Ponyville. I don't know who she is now though." Pinkie said. "You know what I'm saying?"

"What? No, I don't know what you're saying, just get out of the way." Rainbow hissed. "You are just going to get in the way."

Bon Bon took another step forward. "Out of the way Pinkie. You already look like you went through a blender, don't make me maim an old friend."

"So, you still consider me an old friend?" Pinkie was honestly surprised, and it warmed her heart to hear that. "That means a lot to me. I thought you would have forgotten."

"Pinkie, now is not the time." Rainbow clutched her knife tighter. "She isn't joking around."

Bon seemed to have had enough of the conversation.

In her hoof she swung the grappling around with a flick and sent it flying towards Rainbow. It sailed over Pinkie's head before she could even react.

Rainbow dove out of the way, sliding across the wooden floorboards. The hook hit the wooden floor with a thunk. Bon pulled it back with a snap, sending it skittering across the floor.

Pinkie felt it catch the back of her hooves, and the next moment she the world spun. She hit the floor hard, her still-healing wounds immediately igniting into fiery pain. An involuntary shriek left her mouth. She really wished that these wounds would have healed faster.

Bon huffed and sent the hook flying again towards Rainbow. This time it wrapped around her hoof, and she harshly tugged it, pulling Rainbow towards her. Rainbow stumbled over her own hooves as she was dragged forward.

A flash of her knife, and Rainbow cut the rope pulling her in. Her wings flashed forward, and a metal feather went flying through the air.

It pelted against the scale mail of Bon, sinking in through a gap in the neck armor. If it hurt or had struck true, Bon didn't show it as she stepped forward, axe in mouth.

"Hey! Knock it off!" Pinkie pushed herself to her hooves, her heart thundering. They were both ignoring her.

The patrons in the bar had scattered, throwing themselves over tables and some even through a window. The rougher adventuring types had drawn their weapons, though looked hesitant to engage. Bon was clearly skilled, every movement powerful and practiced. The blood staining her weapon and armor spoke of kills, and if a pony was hunting a bounty, it could be assured they knew how to fight.

Bon advanced, throwing a table towards Rainbow with a powerful kick. She dodged out of the way, snapping back with another pin-point accurate feather. Bon stepped to the side, allowing it to go flying past her and stick into some pony's drink. Like a battering ram, Bon charged forward, throwing aside tables as she raced forward.

She caught Rainbow in the side with the charge, sending her flying across the room and into the wall. She hit it hard with a grunt, her dagger clattering to the floor. Groaning, she reached for it, but Bon was already on the way.

Bon stomped forward over shattered glass; her axe held high. It gleamed in the flickering lantern light. Below the crescent edge, Rainbow groggily looked up.

"Don't you want more money?" Pinkie yelled, fear filling her. This couldn't happen. She couldn't let Rainbow die without doing anything. That mare was her old friend first most, even if they weren't friends anymore, and she was needed for the fate of Equestria.

At that, Bon stopped, her axe hovering in the air. "Price."

"What?" Pinkie asked, leaning on one of her good hooves. The reopened wounds hurt a lot. Why couldn't this happen after she was fully healed?

"Name your price. Anything less than two-thousand bits I won't accept." Bon said.

"Twilight is offering one hundred bits a week here." Pinkie said.

Bon took another step forward.

"A-And I have a thousand bits I can pay you up front!" Pinkie hastily spoke. That was practically all of her money, but it would be worth Rainbow's life. She wouldn't be able to fight right now with all her still healing wounds. If she could even beat this monster of a mare.

Bon stopped. "One thousand five hundred, and the mare lives."

"Deal!" Pinkie said. That was literally all of her money.

Rainbow looked confused as the bounty hunter backed away from her. Her knife was snatched up and held in her hoof, and her wings were extended. She looked ready to fight, even though her gaze was unfocused. She had been hit hard.

"Not a single bit left out." Bon growled. "Now, pay up Pinkie."

"It's at my house!" Pinkie said with a shaky grin. "Follow me!"

"You better not pull anything." Bon followed her out of the tavern, axe still clutched tight in her mouth.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't even think about it!" Pinkie walked stiffly, her instincts telling her to face the pony with the axe. She didn't dare turn around though, lest Bon think she was trying something. Her heart was thundering in her chest, and every one of her wounds ached. The dirt roads of Ponyville felt harder than ever, and the piercing looks of curious and horrified ponies alike filled her coat.

This wasn't exactly how she thought her visit to the tavern would end up going. Then again, what was life without a few surprises?

They walked in complete silence.

"So… What have you been doing all this time?" Pinkie asked breathlessly.

Bon Bon didn't say anything in response. The sound of their hooves filled the streets.

"Where is Lyra? I thought you would have been with her." Pinkie said.

Bon’s pace staggered at those words, but she quickly righted herself. "I don't want to talk about it, so stop asking."

"Are you sure? I mean, if you want to-"

Pinkie felt the edge of an axe touch her coat. It didn't bite, but the sharp edge told her all she needed to know. She shut her mouth, and just focused on walking. That was probably the best decision to make at the moment. Without any armor whatsoever, all it would be cutting is her flesh.

They arrived at Sugarcube Corner in little time. The dilapidated building stood shakily in the middle of town. It was home, but it still felt foreign to Pinkie. It just wasn't the way it used to be, and the axe at her back wasn't really helping with her mood.

"Where is it?" Bon asked. "Bring it out quick."

"You're not going to kill me if I move, are you?" Pinkie asked.

"No. Now get to it."

Pinkie raced inside the building as fast as her staggered gait would carry her. Technically, she wasn't getting robbed, but it sure felt like it. She had thought that more ponies coming to town would be a good thing, but this was a little much. What had happened to Bon Bon over all these years? She had left with the majority of most ponies who left Ponyville, so Pinkie wasn't sure what had really gone wrong.

Why did ponies who left Ponyville keep coming back here? Was it Equestria's shattered fate?

Pinkie shook her head and quickly slid down into her secret party planning cave. She threw open her chest of bits. It was piled full, years of not being spent having slowly accumulated an impressive sum. One thousand five hundred bits was by no means a small amount of money. With a slight hesitation, Pinkie shut the box and placed it on her back. Then, she climbed out of the party cave.

It was all of her money, but it was nothing compared to the life of a pony.

"Here you are!" Pinkie forced a smile as she placed the chest down in front of Bon. "Everything agreed upon!"

Bon took the chest and stepped backwards, eyeing Pinkie suspiciously. Carefully, she opened the chest, only to see the bits glowing in front of her. With a huff, she took a coin out of the box and placed it on the ground. Then another, and another.

"What are you doing?" Pinkie asked.

"Counting." Bon grumbled. "I'll not accept a single coin short."

Pinkie stood for a moment, before her aching wounds made her sit down. She held in a hiss of pain, and gingerly touched her back. When she looked at her hoof, it was stained with a trickle of blood. That didn't look good. Well, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary these days.

Watching her gold get counted away was a lot more irritating than Pinkie thought it would be. She had never really cared for bits and money; it was just a means to throw bigger parties, but something deep inside was telling her to defend what was hers. Alas, she ignored the voice as she always did. Gold had no meaning to her, it never did.

Bon glanced up at her as she counted the bits. She kept glancing up at her with nearly every counted coin. Eventually, she said something.

"What happened to you?"

"Cannon." Pinkie said.

"They are still using that thing?" Bon asked. "And why were you in its sights again?"

"I'm an adventurer now." Pinkie said.

"You?" Bon chuckled. "Even now you have the best jokes."

"I know, right?" Pinkie laughed forcefully. "But I'm serious."

"Really?" Bon asked. "I never expected that from you. What do you even do, make them laugh to death?"

Pinkie could distinctly remember the feeling of her scythe cleaving through tendon and slicing into bone. The blood that raced through her body and stained her hooves. The metallic scent of gore in the air, and the sickeningly sweet scent of rot. And deep down, a sort of sick enjoyment she could never get rid of. Maybe that feeling is what Applejack had been talking about.

"Something like that." Pinkie said. The feeling of her saddlebags was almost heavier now, as if the weapons inside of them were reminding her of their presence. "What have you been doing? Other than collecting bounties on heads it seems."

"You know, you're awfully chipper and calm for having just spent such a large sum of bits." Bon said. "And almost having a pony killed in front of you."

"I'm used to it." Pinkie felt those words hurt her more than anything else. She didn't want to be used to it. She wanted it to terrify her every time she saw it, for it to be a rarity in this land like it used to be.

"I just collect bounties. Need the bits." Bon said. The pile of gold next to her was growing quite large now.

"For what?" Pinkie asked.

Bon huffed. "I got somepony I have to take care of, and that's all you need to know."

Pinkie could guess that it was Lyra. It was always about Lyra with Bon Bon. Something had happened to her, but what? The thought worried Pinkie, but she didn't want to risk her head by asking. Her head was something that she liked having.

"It's all there." Bon closed the chest shut with a snap of wood. "You always were trustworthy, Pinkie. The world could use more ponies like you."

"Aww, you don't mean that." Pinkie waved a hoof.

Bon Bon stared for a moment before backing up. "Where is Twilight? You said I could get a hundred bits from her a week?"

"She is at the Golden Oak Library!" Pinkie said.

"That money is consistent, might have to take her up on that offer." Bon said. "If so, I look forward to working with you."

Pinkie had nearly forgotten that if Bon was working here then she would have to see her often. The pony that was fully ready to kill Rainbow to cash in on her head. That was great, wonderful even.

"Yep! Can't wait to see you out on the field. Put those skills to some use." Pinkie winked. "You sure know how to move that axe."

"I didn't even kill any pony." Bon grunted.

"I'm sure you know how to use it." Pinkie said.

Bon walked away; Pinkie's hard-earned bits being dragged along with her from their place stuck in her saddlebags. The sight nearly killed her mood, but if just that could kill her mood, then could she really call herself Pinkie Pie? In fact, Pinkie was glad this happened. She had effectively hired a bounty hunter to join the cause!

It was a little tiring to keep lying to herself…

The loss of bits still hurt though. It seemed like the world revolved around the gold things now. Maybe it always did, but these days it was so much easier to see that every pony wanted those golden disks. Another fractured piece of harmony, Pinkie supposed.

Strange how Bon turned out to be a bounty hunter. But for some reason, Pinkie felt like it fit. She couldn't place it, but Pinkie always felt like Bon had a darker side to her even in the old days. Something about her evasive nature and few friends. Well, there was no point in asking about it now.

Pinkie glanced back at her now bitless dwelling. Unfortunately, money was required to live, so she would have to get some more. She watched Bon leaving, then with a tired shrug, made her way back to the tavern. Best to check on Rainbow and make sure she didn't have a concussion or something. Bon had hit her hard.

She tried to think of a joke, but she wasn't feeling it right now. Pinkie didn't know why, but she couldn't stop thinking about the loss of her gold. It really didn't matter to her, but the culmination of all her efforts over the years just vanishing like that made her sigh. Well, at least there wasn't a dead Rainbow. Best to see the fruits of her efforts. Maybe that would cheer her up.

With a stumbling gait, Pinkie made her way back to the tavern. It was trashed now, with broken glass all outside the windows and scattered on the streets. It was mostly empty; all the new ponies had fled. The regulars had just picked up wooden tables and righted them, sitting and drinking away once more. As she entered, eyes turned towards her. Silence filled the air, and murmuring filled the tavern.

Pinkie scanned the crowd. She didn't see Rainbow at first, until a flash of color caught her eye. The mare was behind the counter, getting a small knick on her head tended to by Berry Punch. She was safe, thank Celestia.

"Guess what everypony? I'm broke! And you know what that means!" Pinkie yelled.

The tavern burst into cheers, and tankards and glasses were raised to the air.

"Wait! Wait!" Rainbow shouted, standing up from her place behind the counter. "No songs until I talk to Pinkie!"

A grumble echoed across the crowd, but they said nothing more. The wild gleam in Rainbow's eye stopped them from saying anything.

Pinkie couldn't help but feel her fur stand on end as Rainbow marched towards her. "Hey Rainbow-"

Rainbow grabbed her by the mane and pulled her outside the tavern. Pinkie yelped at the harsh pull. She stumbled after Rainbow and out of the tavern. "Hey! What's the big idea?"

This certainly wasn't the thanks she was hoping for.

"Don't you ever do that again." Rainbow growled. "Your life isn't worth more than mine."

"Life? Oh, come on Dashie, I was just doing a friend a favor!" Pinkie said. "Now can you let go of my mane? It kind of hurts."

Rainbow let go of her mane with a fierce look. "I'm not your friend Pinkie. Not anymore. Don't give me anything, don't do anything for me, and don't call me nicknames."

"Why not?" Pinkie felt her heart break a little. "Why can't we be friends?"

Rainbow's lip curled. "You're still so naive. Even when you're butchering things with a sickle. The world has changed Pinkie, and I don't want your friendship. I don't deserve your friendship, and I certainly don't want you to sacrifice anything for me."

"You know I can't do that." Pinkie said.

"Because of what Twilight said? It's a joke that she thinks that. My rainboom didn't cause anything to happen. you're both just coming up with delusions on how to make this world better. Well guess what? It's not going to get any better. This is the way the world is. Accept it." Rainbow said.

"Not just because of that." Pinkie said. "It's because I still want to be your friend."

"I'm not worth it. I saw your hatred of bandits. Guess what? I was one of them, but you already knew that." Rainbow said. "If you knew exactly what I had done, you wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore."

"I want to be friends with you." Pinkie was determined.

"You want to be friends with a killer? I'm not as cool as I used to be, Pinkie." Rainbow touched her locket. She opened it and faced it towards Pinkie. "Look. Look."

Pinkie looked at the locket. It was an oval locket made of tarnished silver. Dulled by time and trial, it still maintained only a bit of its previous shine. In the center of the locket was shattered glass, and behind that, a faded picture. It had the image of a mare and her foal, smiling towards the camera. Pinkie didn't recognize them.

"Who are these ponies?" Pinkie asked.

Rainbow paused, and her gaze turned away towards the forest. She sighed. "My greatest shame, and the reason you can't be friends with me. No pony can, until I redeem myself."

Pinkie looked at the locket once more. It was shattered clearly, but closer inspection revealed dried flecks of blood staining the picture. "I don't understand."

"I killed them." Rainbow said. "I was a bandit, I watched the road, stole bits from passing carriages... I got a bad tip and... the carriage I ambushed didn't have who I thought was in it."

"You killed them?" Pinkie asked. She looked at the bright eyes of the foal and mother. It was a picture clearly taken before the fracturing of Equestria.

"That's right. I killed them, and that is why we can't be friends. So, stop wasting your sympathy on me." Rainbow said. "I'm not who I was before."

Pinkie couldn't help but be resentful. Rainbow really was a bandit, and she had killed a foal and his mother. Two lives that didn't deserve it, wasted in a chase for bits. It fueled her hate for bandits even more, and Pinkie was starting to resent gold as well. It seemed to be the driving force of the world, of all evil, and of all good. Why did it have so much sway?

And yet, looking at Rainbow's slumped shoulders and evasive gaze, Pinkie knew something. Rainbow was guilty, guilty of what she had done. That meant that there was still some good in her.

"I'm not giving up on you." Pinkie said. "I hate bandits more than anything, but you're not one anymore, are you?"

Rainbow said nothing, her gaze locked onto the ground.

"I still consider you my friend, no matter what." Pinkie said. "You are trying to do something to redeem yourself, doesn't that say more than anything else?"

Rainbow huffed. "It's just what any pony would do."

"No, it's not." Pinkie said. "You want to see what most ponies would do? Look no further than Bon Bon. No guilt in taking my bits, and no guilt in going to kill a pony she once knew well. Look at the ponies in the tavern. They gave up on anything, content to drink their days away, waiting for the end to claim them. Look at the bandits in the forest, killing ponies and taking their gold without a care in the world. They are never going to change and never want to change. You didn't do that Rainbow, you got back up, and you decided to do something. And I think that speaks more for itself than any words."

"When did you get so wise?" Rainbow grumbled.

"I'm not wise." Pinkie said. "It's just that, if you are willing to listen, you can learn a lot from other ponies."

She remembered all the ponies she had interacted with over the years, all the ponies she had made friends with. And she remembered her friendship with Rainbow Dash. She had always been the one to stick up for her friends when no pony else would. And the words she was telling her now, were words that Rainbow had told her years ago. When the town had been blasted into flames by the bandit attack. It was just before she was admitted into the patient cells of the hospital. Of course, Rainbow was gone by then, but the words still remained with her.

The world truly was broken, wasn't it? A pony telling words she heard from a pony back to her... it was madness.

"Do you want to give this a shot?" Pinkie extended a hoof. "Friendship once more?"

Rainbow looked at the extended hoof. It was a long, long moment. Eventually, she sighed.

Then, she took the hoof. "Don't you dare try to save me again like that, and don't even think that we are friends."

"I can't promise anything." Pinkie winked.

Rainbow rolled her eyes and looked away. She clutched the locket tight in her hoof, then slipped it beneath her thick jacket. Her metal wings folded against her sides.

Maybe it was just a trick of the light, but if Pinkie looked hard enough, she could have sworn that Rainbow's mane had flickered with its previous bright color once more. A familiar feeling filled the air, and a warmth filled Pinkie's heart.

And then, the oppression came down once more. The joyous feeling faded, stifled beneath an overwhelming blanket.

Pinkie blinked.

What was that? She had never noticed it before, but was there something in the air? She focused on it, but it was hard to tell. There was nothing to go off of, nothing to see. Her gaze wandered towards the distant Castle of the Two Sisters, and the stifling feeling heightened. She had never noticed it before, but now that it had disappeared in that moment then returned, it was almost overwhelming.

Pinkie stared at the distant castle, all other noise faded to a blur. She stared, and she swore that something stared back. The distant shadows squirmed beneath her gaze, as if conscious of it.

Pinkie turned away, her heart thundering in her chest. Her breathing quickened, and the feeling of being watched she hadn't even noticed before vanished.

"Pinkie?" Rainbow asked. "You zoned out."

"Oh, did I?" Pinkie shook her head. "I was just thinking."

"Thinking about the castle?" Rainbow gestured to it. "Always creeps me out too."

"What do you think is in there?" Pinkie asked.

"I don't know." Rainbow said. "But we are probably never going to get there anyways. Not worth thinking about."

"Now why would you think that?" Pinkie asked. "We are going to excise this evil if it's the last thing I do!"

"Excise, now where did you learn a word like that?"

"Twilight said it." Pinkie said. "It sounded cool, so I used it."

"Cool. Now that's a word I can get behind." Rainbow said, a hint of her old smug voice filtering through. "Are you really broke now though, out of bits?"

"As a foal's piggy bank!" Pinkie started walking towards the tavern. "Speaking of which, I have to busker some bits."

"At least that's better than robbing." Rainbow grumbled.

"Don't beat yourself up over it too much. We need you." Pinkie said. "You're doing the right thing right now, and that's all that matters."

To that, Rainbow said nothing.

Pinkie couldn't help but take one last look back at the Castle of the Two Sisters. The feeling was gone once again, but she remembered it clearly.

"I'm coming for you." Pinkie whispered to the open air. "And when I find you, I'll banish you from my world forever. You shattered everything I ever loved, and I'll pay that back tenfold. Soon, your party's going to be over."

And for some reason, Pinkie couldn't help but feel like the thing had heard her.

Chapter Eighteen- The cost of preparedness...

The time had come for Pinkie's training to begin, and surprisingly, it seemed like Trixie would be joining her.

"Are you sure you are ready to move around?" Pinkie asked worriedly, looking at Trixie's wounds.

They had healed over nicely. Any scabs were gone, and the deeper wounds had faded into scars. She seemed steady on her hooves, if a little uncoordinated at times, but otherwise Trixie seemed well. It was at the point that Pinkie was sure that they were better healed than her own wounds. Which was surprising considering that Trixie's wounds were worse than her own at the time of injury.

"The great and powerful Trixie cannot be held back by mere wounds." Trixie puffed up, her cloak and hat almost seemed to glimmer. Though from what unseen light source, Pinkie could only guess. It was night out today, which was as confusing as it sounded. Dammed three-day, three nights schedule!

"That's good to hear, but are you sure?' Pinkie asked again.

"Of course, the great and powerful Trixie does not need to restate herself." Trixie grabbed her prized skull and straightened her hat. "As Trixie's one and only friend, she will make sure to tell you the truth."

"That means a lot to me." Pinkie said with a smile. "Not a lot of honest ponies left, you know?"

Trixie turned her head away with a huff. "Trixie does tend to be a standout when considering the rabble."

"Rabble?" Pinkie balked. "Are you calling me rabble?"

"How could you-"

Pinkie giggled, and Trixie stopped.

"Trixie thought you were serious for a moment." Trixie said. "Do not trick her in such a way."

"It's all in good fun." Pinkie said. "Well, it seems like you're in good spirits, so why don't we head out to the training grounds? Just make sure that you watch yourself, ok?"

"Trixie advises you to do the same." Trixie said.

They made their way out of the hospital. While there was no official release from the hospital, Redheart had given the go ahead that the wounds would continue to heal. Pinkie was happy to be back into the action soon. Over the last week, the new arrivals had started expeditions of their own out into the forest. It was yet to be seen how many ponies would return.

As for the training to be done, it was taking place in segments. Twilight had the whole thing lined up in order to train ponies while sending the ones not training back into the forest. Finally there was some organized semblance of working towards the goal, and Pinkie couldn't be happier because of it.

The makeshift training hall came into view ahead. Located in the center of town, the old town house building had been turned into a factory of war. Ponies were outside of it looking over weapons, and the sounds of clacking training swords came from within.

"Wow, this place looks awesome!" Pinkie said as she approached.

"Trixie agrees that it has its own barbaric charm."

Ponies turned as they saw them approach. Most paid them no mind. It was a rag tag assembly of sell-swords and mercenaries. Not exactly promising heroes, but it was what had come to Ponyville. With these ponies, they would have to make do.

Pinkie approached the double doors to enter the town hall and opened them with a hoof. They creaked open, sounds of clamor coming from within.

The circular interior of the town hall had been turned into a stage for learning the art of killing. Ponies were lined up in the center while Shining Armor stood on stage. He was yelling at them, and the few ponies listening struggled to comply with his demands. None of them were ponies Pinkie had seen before surprisingly. She thought that she was supposed to be here with Baldwin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie, but it appeared that they were missing. Besides Trixie of course.

"Where are the others?" Pinkie asked.

"Trixie wonders that as well." Trixie was eyeing the blades skittishly. "This place is not to her style."

"Not really mine either." Pinkie said. "Not enough pink, or ponies I know. A real shame."

The sound of hooves behind Pinkie made her turn. Applejack was standing there, fully suited up in her plate armor. Rainbow Dash was by her side, mask covering her face and eyes scanning the sidelines. It seemed that Bon had made good on the deal and not gone after Rainbow again. That was a relief.

"Applejack! Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie cheered. "Nice to see you two here!"

"You as well sugar cube." Applejack said. "Now, where is our instructor? I'm keen to see if he can actually teach me anything."

"Hey Pinkie." Rainbow nodded.

Pinkie smiled at their presence. "And hello to you as well! I think Shining Armor is over there, but he seems busy."

Shining Armor was currently slapping a recruit's sword, sending it flying out of hoof. The recruit picked it up again, only for another slap to send it flying away.

"Seems like he's having fun." Rainbow said.

Pinkie looked out over the crowd. Baldwin was supposed to show up as well, but he was nowhere to be seen. For such a big stallion he was always so hard to find. He never seemed to be at the tavern, abbey, hospital, or anywhere else. The stallion was a shadow.

And as if summoned, Baldwin came striding out from behind a wooden pillar. Why was he even back there? She decided not to question it.

"Baldwin!" Pinkie said. "How are you doing, friend?"

"As the thread winds on, so do I." Baldwin said.

"I'll take that as good." Pinkie said. "Great, we are all here!"

The group had gathered loosely together in front of the doors. The scars of the past few expeditions had healed, time had passed, and lessons had been learned. Pinkie looked over all of them, glad that they had all showed up. Sometimes it was hard to get something like this organized, but Twilight always seemed to have it covered. She really had it covered actually. All these ponies being trained and organized was an impressive undertaking.

"Trixie is wondering what a swords pony could possibly teach her." Trixie said. "But she supposes that it is worth a shot."

"A sword is always there for you. Can't go wrong with it." Applejack said.

Trixie turned her head away from her. "An interesting thought."

Now that Pinkie was thinking about it, had Applejack ever apologized to Trixie? Considering Trixie was bedridden for a couple weeks it was possible that it had been done.

Applejack narrowed her eyes but said nothing. "It sure is."

Pinkie was already not having a good feeling. Whenever they got together like this, tensions always emerged, and it seemed like she could do nothing much to quell them. She could try though.

"Why don't we go talk to Shining Armor?" Pinkie started walking towards the center of the training hall. "Let's get this party started!"

The others followed behind her. According to Twilight, they were supposed to have the training hall all to themselves for a couple hours, but the presence of ponies in the middle made her question if something had gotten mixed up.

As they approached, Shining Armor saw them. He held up a hoof with poise, and Pinkie couldn't help but stop in her tracks.

"Recruits, you're done for today. Get out of here." Shining Armor gestured to the ponies on the training floor.

Looking as if an alicorn had saved them, the trainees brightened. They struggled to pull themselves out of the training hall, their bodies soaked with sweat. Wooden training swords were picked up and neatly placed in racks. Then, they stumbled past the group. Pinkie had not really expected that a bunch of mercenaries would ever pick up after themselves.

"Come forward." Shining Armor gestured to them. "We have all met before, so I won't waste any time with introductions."

"So, when do we start?" Something told her that it would be best not to question Shining Armor. Back at the Golden Oak Library he seemed almost nice. But now, his expression and words left no room for argument.

"When I say so." Shining said. "Now line up and draw your weapons. Let me get a good look at you all."

Applejack fell into line easily enough. Rainbow fell in soon after, though she looked a little uneasy. Baldwin came into line. Trixie meandered a bit, taking time to glare at Applejack before stepping into line. Finally, Pinkie took the center, a wide smile on her face. She wondered what they were going to learn. Everypony drew their weapons, a mess of steel coming to bare its fangs. Standing side by side with allies all holding such steel, Pinkie felt more emboldened than ever.

Shining Armor walked the line with a critical eye. His gait was slow, and he stopped in front of each of them to take a good look. He must have walked it ten times before Pinkie was starting to get a little worried. Her hooves jittered, anxious to move. Just when she thought she was going to break, Shining Armor spoke.

"Much better than the last lot, I'll say that." Shining Armor said. "Though some weapon choices are a little... unorthodox."

Pinkie hid her scythe behind her back with a guilty smile.

"It is clear you each know how to handle a weapon just from your stance, however, there is much to improve." Shining Armor said. "Pinkie, are you self-trained?"

"How did you know?" Pinkie asked.

"Your stance is full of holes, your weapons are strange, and your armor barely protects anything. I don't even know how you can fight with those things, but if Twilight is correct, somehow you can do it." Shining said. "I'll take a good look at all of your fighting styles soon, and we will get started on improvements."

"Trixie does not understand how you can help her." Trixie said. "She is a user of great and powerful magic, not swords."

"You have a dagger, don't you?" Shining asked. "We will work on that. As for magic, I'm sure Twilight can teach you something."

"Twilight? What does she know of magic?" Trixie asked.

"My sister used to be a great magician, before the world went to... whatever this is." Shining eyed his surroundings with contempt. "It's her special talent. Just ask sometime, I'm sure she will be able to help with something."

Trixie looked doubtful, and her lip curled.

"Don't knock it till you try it!" Pinkie nudged her.

"Very well. Trixie will talk to Twilight. She was meaning to investigate her powers with Twilight anyways." Trixie said. "As well as Pinkie's strange power."

"Strange power?" Rainbow asked. "You mean the Pinkie sense?"

"So, you know of it as well?" Trixie asked. "I don't know what it does, but Twilight told me that-"

"Attention!" Shining Armor clapped his hooves together. "You will be learning to fight, and to do that, you must never lose attention! You have experienced the forest, and any lapse in concentration there could end up with you dead and the forest stronger because of it. I might not be teaching you how to survive the forest, but I will be teaching you how to fight it. We start now, show me your techniques."

Shining Armor stepped back and grabbed a weapon off of a rack. It was a simple thing, literally just a wooden stick. If anything, it was smoother than most wooden sticks, but it was just a wooden stick.

"Who wants to go first?" Shining said.

"I'll go!" Pinkie jumped forward. "What do I do?"

"Come over here." Shining pointed to a training dummy. "Attack like you were attacking a pony."

The training dummy was a pony-shaped mannequin. Now that Pinkie was looking at it, she could have sworn it was one of Rarity's mannequins from her abandoned boutique. Well, she isn't using it anymore now. Still, the sight of it made her a little nostalgic. Pinkie wondered what Rarity was doing now, and Fluttershy. The two ponies had disappeared a long time ago, and she hadn't seen them since.

"Attention!" Shining smacked her flank with the stick.

"Ouch!" Pinkie yelped.

"Attack!"

Pinkie took the hint and jumped towards the mannequin. She swiped her scythe across its neck, shredding cloth and revealing wood beneath. It carved across the wood, but a scythe was not really made to cut through the stuff. Pinkie stepped back, looking to see Shining Armor's reaction.

He did not look impressed.

"Put a bit more effort into it." Shining said.

"Alright!" Pinkie swung her weapon again. However, she wasn't really feeling it. She wasn't fighting for her life or another's. It was just a mannequin.

"That was the saddest strike I have ever seen." Shining said. "You are quick on your feet, but clearly you lack motivation to get better. You lack any ranged weapons, and it's really a mystery how you are still alive after what you have gone through."

Pinkie rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I know right?"

"It's not a joke. If you want to survive, you are going to have to get better. You clearly have some kind of skill with your weapons, but you need more. I'll speak to you in a moment, step back in line."

Pinkie couldn't help but drag her hooves a little as she waddled back into line. That didn't go as she expected.

"Next." Shining said. "Applejack, why don't you go?"

She stepped forward, and the mighty strike of her great sword cleaved deep into the mannequin. Shining Armor nodded in appreciation, and gave her a few tips on how to swing, but didn't have much to say.

Rainbow Dash was much the same. He had a few tips for knife play, but the use of metal wings was beyond him as a unicorn. He gave her praise on the use of her wings, which Rainbow Dash seemed to eat up.

Baldwin smashed the training dummy into the ground with a single strike. Shattered wood and scraps of cloth went flying across the room from the force of the blow, and Pinkie was sure that the repair bill on the floorboards was going to come out of Twilight's pocket. Hopefully Pinkie wouldn't be around when she got that news.

"You strike with the force of ten ponies and your technique is impeccable, but you seem inaccurate. You second guess each swing." Shining said. "Why is that?"

"My sickness blinds me. Seeping rot makes it hard to see." Baldwin said. "It is something that I must live with."

"You are sick and can still swing that hard?" Shining raised a brow. "I would have loved to see you when your eyes were good."

Pinkie couldn't help but agree. The stallion was impressive, and she would have loved to see him in his prime. She always wondered why ponies from Saddle Arabia never visited. Then again, ponies from Equestria never really visited there as well.

And then, Trixie went. She stood before a new training dummy, eyeing it. She looked at her prized skull and raised it.

"Melee weapons only. No... whatever kind of magic that is." Shining Armor said.

"Trixie does not wish to use her dagger. It is merely an implementation for her spellcasting."

"What kind of spellcasting requires a dagger?" Shining Armor asked.

Trixie glanced at her prized skull. "Nothing..."

"Then hit the mannequin! Hit it like you mean it!" Shining yelled. "You think a monster is going to let you cast whatever spell you want?"

Spurred the the sudden shouting, Trixie stepped up to the mannequin and lashed out with her dagger. It looked like a quick strike, but Pinkie was pretty sure that knives weren't supposed to slash into a target sideways. No cut was left after Trixie finished her slash. Despite there being no visible damage, Trixie backed away with her head held high.

"That was terrible." Shining Armor said.

"Trixie does not perform terrible actions. She performs actions precisely as she means to." Trixie said.

"No. That just sucked. Do it again." Shining Armor crossed his hooves.

Trixie frowned.

"Come on Trixie! You got this!" Pinkie cheered.

Trixie lashed out again with her dagger. This time, a thin line appeared on the mannequin. She stepped away, looking smug. "See? The great and powerful Trixie can even use her dagger!"

"I've seen enough." Shining Armor said. "Get back in line, we have a lot of work to do. Some more than others."

And so, their training began.

Pinkie stumbled out of the training hall, every muscle in her body aching. On her back was an old javelin. She had been tasked with learning how to throw the thing. Pinkie didn't see the point, but Shining had insisted she have a ranged option in combat.

"Trixie?" Pinkie rasped. "Are you alive?"

"Trixie... cannot... die." Trixie walked with her head down. "She did not know how much goes into wielding a knife."

Everypony seemed exhausted by the training. Clashing blades and absorbing knowledge was a strain on both body and mind. Sweat soaked their coats, and they all walked with stumbles and exhaustion. It was a band of the weary, finally having completed their task.

And then there was Baldwin. He looked unphased as ever. He lifted his heavy blade easily.

"How are you completely fine?" Rainbow asked. "This is ridiculous."

"There is no burden I cannot bear." Baldwin said, voice betraying neither pride nor fault. It was a voice of complete apathy. As usual.

"How did you get so strong?" Rainbow asked.

Baldwin looked to the sky, his mask shining in the moonlight. "Stay on this path, and you too shall become stronger than you will ever imagine."

"That doesn't mean anything." Rainbow growled. "Tell me what you actually did."

"The strongest sword is tempered in the heat of flames." Baldwin said. "Adversity and existence are one in the same. Accepting that to live is to suffer will grant you power beyond comprehension."

"Your words are more confusing than the hymns of vestals." Applejack said. "But they do have meaning. You are strong Baldwin."

Baldwin gave her a nod. "And all of you are strong as well. I must meditate on what happened today."

"Wait!" Pinkie gasped out. "We still have Daring Do's training."

"What?"

After training with Shining Armor, there was supposed to be training with Daring Do. Survival training for the forest that is. Looking at the exhausted ponies before her though, Pinkie wasn't sure if they were up to it.

Then, a voice that would echo in Pinkie's nightmares came from behind her.

"Thinking of skipping out?"

Pinkie turned.

Standing before her was Daring Do in all her rugged outlander glory. Beneath that cowl of a hood, the faintest bit of a smile could be seen. It was not a smile that was happy in a traditional way, but it was a smile that was certainly happy. For it was able to inflict pain.

"Now, I will teach you how to survive." Daring Do said. "And if you don't listen, you're dead."

"This is going to be great." Rainbow whispered.

"Let's get this started." Daring Do said.

And once again, their training began.

It didn't end until the next day. When Pinkie was finally lying in bed again, she released a breath of relief at the training being over. Too much knowledge was crammed in her head, too much new information. Her mane was coated with sticks and leaves, and her body was sore. As the training had progressed, there was less and less conversation as they focused solely on surviving the day.

Every pony that didn't have a place to stay resided at the tavern, so Pinkie had been one of the few ponies to walk home. Now completely alone, Pinkie took a moment to breathe and think.

Her gaze traveled over to where her box of bits had been. Its absence caused a hollow feeling in her gut. It would pass through. The pain in her limbs would pass. Her exhaustion would pass. It would all pass.

But the hollow feeling of what she had lost never did pass.

Now that she was alone, her thoughts nearly escaped her. Her mind went back to that dream she had in the hospital. Of that beautiful world. A world of what could have been.

Maybe, maybe that world was just a little closer now. With all the relationships she had been forging, all the friends she had been making, it almost felt similar to how everything used to be. A little. A smudge perhaps.

There would be more to come, but Pinkie felt more prepared for it than ever before.

Let it come, she would be ready.

And with that, Pinkie slept easy. Not in that dream world, but it was not in a nightmare either. But for now, that was okay. Eventually, that dream would come.

And when it did, it wouldn't be in a dream anymore.

Twilight Sparkle was pouring over her notes once again. Her quill moved in a frenzy, noting bit amounts and poniesshe had hired. The growth had been explosive, and all the increasing numbers were pleasing to the eye. Except for the bit cost, that was going to become a problem very soon. Her pockets were deep being the former Princess's student, but they weren't bottomless.

A stream of moonlight coming in from above through a circular window caught her discerning eye, and Twilight couldn't help but look towards it. The moon felt oddly vibrant tonight, as if was rejoicing. Its pale form cast soothing moonlight over the tortured land. The usual oppression of the overcast clouds had been banished, leaving the moon to release its ethereal radiance upon the world.

The sight of the moon, bare of its former prisoner, had Twilight wondering about the past. Before she could escape into her thoughts however, she heard the snore of Spike up on the second floor. She really should be going to bed, but as always, her curiosity burned brighter. Knowing that sleep would not find her until she slaked that thirst, Twilight stood and walked towards the shelves.

The books in this library had proved to be full of impressive information. Ancient information that Twilight couldn't even find in the Canterlot archives. It made her wonder just who this library formerly belonged to, and why it had been abandoned for so long.

Twilight found the book she was looking for. The distant memory of Pinkie saying, "It was under E!" echoed through her mind. It was exactly in the place they had left it when they gave up on going into the forest ten years ago.

"The Elements of Harmony, a reference guide." Twilight read the title aloud.

The elements were really no more than a fairy tale. Twilight had believed them to be real all those years ago. She had been right about the return of Nightmare Moon, but not the elements of harmony. Apparently, they had the power to restore balance to the world and were the most powerful artifacts of magic known to ponydom. Alas, they were never found. The fate of Nightmare Moon was never known, and Princess Celestia had vanished.

What most ponies didn't know however, is that Princess Celestia had a sister. Twilight had learned this from an old fairy tale book. That sister was Nightmare Moon.

Despite knowing that the elements weren't real, Twilight couldn't help but crack the book open again. She looked through them, noting the different ones.

Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, and Loyalty.

Apparently, the elements would have used those aspects of harmony to power their magic. It seemed so silly now that Twilight was really thinking about it. Why had she ever believed in this foal's tale? The world was a brutal place. She had personally sent ponies to their possible deaths. Those aspects were dead to the world. Even if the elements did exist, who would even wield them?

Well, Twilight could think of one pony that could embody the aspect of laughter.

Pinkie Pie.

It was impressive how the pony was able to laugh through anything that came her way. Inspiring even. She lifted up others around her and would do anything to keep a pony laughing.

Twilight had received a skilled bounty hunter into her service because of Pinkie. She had heard Pinkie had paid an impressive sum of money to stop the bounty hunter from killing Rainbow Dash. Apparently, she had just laughed it off.

Pinkie was an asset to the cause. It felt weird to think of another pony that way, as an item or a tool, but Twilight felt herself thinking that way more and more. It was hard not to with all the expeditions and training sessions she was managing. Not to mention the efforts in starting to reconstruct the town...

Twilight shook her head with a sigh. She remembered Pinkie's attitude, and a tired smile slowly crawled across her face. They would win yet, they just needed to keep going.

She took one last look at that old foal's tale and put it back on the shelf. Maybe it wasn't real, but Twilight still appreciated the message behind it.

As long as they kept harmony in their hearts, nothing could ever beat them.

But as the faces began to blur together, and ponies became pieces on a board, Twilight couldn't help but wonder…

Was all of this even worth it? The elements of harmony weren't real, most ponies were terrible, and it only seemed like she was losing more and more the longer she tried to do this. No real progress was being made, and it seemed like this would go on forever.

If she wanted to realize her dream to bring back Princess Celestia and the harmony of Equestria, she needed to make a move. Something more than skirmishes in the woods. She needed to work harder, research more. Clearly, she wasn't doing enough. Pinkie was risking her life out there, getting cut to pieces, and all she was doing was studying. Twilight could do more, she knew that.

Twilight turned away from her bed and went back to the books. Sleep could wait. There had to be something she could use in all this. Some scrap of knowledge she overlooked, some obscure fact about the Everfree or old castle that had been forgotten.

There just had to be something...

Chapter Nineteen- What better laboratory...

Another week had gone by, and Pinkie found herself in front of the Golden Oak Library once more. She had received word that it was time for another expedition. And as always, Pinkie answered the call.

Pinkie knocked on the door, and a faint "Come in!" answered her. A moment later, she pushed open the door.

Inside of the library a shocking sight awaited her.

Twilight was sitting in a pile of open books. Notes scattered the floor to the point where the floor couldn't even be seen. A mess of scribbled on paper dominated the walls, and books were stacked high. More adorned the shelves, making Pinkie wonder where she even got them from. This was a library but last she checked there weren't that many books in it.

"Oh good, Pinkie!" Twilight looked up at her with a wild look. Her mane was tangled and streaked with grease. Her eyes were sunken and dark, her coat was messy and mangled. "You arrived first, excellent!"

"What happened to you, Twilight?" Pinkie asked. "You look terrible."

"Do I? Well anyways, I have a new expedition for you and your allies to go on." Twilight said. "I found it Pinkie, I found it!"

"Found what?"

"A way into the underground ruins." Twilight said. "The other expedition groups have been working on the forest and clearing the bandits, which is why I'm sending you deeper in."

"Deeper into the forest? What are you talking about?" Pinkie tried to step where there were no papers, but it was nearly impossible.

"Not deeper into the forest! Do you remember when I told you about the underground tunnels below the Castle of The Two Sisters?"

"It was a while ago." Pinkie said.

"According to the old war records, there are ancient tunnels below the Castle of The Two Sisters, and they extend wide across the land. I have found a place I believe has an entrance into them! We won't just go through the forest to get to the castle, we can also go through these ancient tunnels." Twilight said. "Not to mention, there could be gold in there to fuel the effort. These tunnels must be explored for the good of Equestria!"

"So, you know how to access them then?" Pinkie asked.

"I believe I do." Twilight pulled out a scroll. "According to this record, there is an entrance in the forest. I sent an expedition to look for it, and they have discovered that it is indeed real."

"So, are we going inside then?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes. You are amongst the most experienced ponies I have, and the ones who have taken to the survival training the most. This expedition will be much longer compared to previous ones. If any pony can test the waters of this new environment, it is you and your group."

"My group isn't here." Pinkie said. "And who said it was my group?"

"The group. Whatever you want to call it." Twilight said. "This is a chance, Pinkie, a chance to go deeper towards the forest. To finally make some progress."

"We haven't even taken out any of the threats around us yet." Pinkie said. "There is still so much to do around here!"

"They won't reveal themselves. The source of the sickness, the cannon, the leader of the brigands, we can't find them. They will all be cleansed in time, but we have to make a move before I run out of money." Twilight said. "We can't do this forever. You and your group are the most fitted to go deeper in. The other ponies will hold down the forest around us and keep searching for the sources of the corruption."

Pinkie nodded. It was true that despite the town becoming more populated and ponies becoming more skilled, they weren't really doing anything yet. Besides, a chance to strike deeper at the heart of this evil? Now that sounded pleasing to her ears.

"Alright, I'm in!" Pinkie said. "But I don't know how the others will react."

"The others?" Twilight asked. "I already got every pony who I wanted to send out on the expedition to agree."

"Where are they?" Pinkie glanced around.

"Well, they came before you."

"So, I was last again?" Pinkie groaned. "Why am I always the late one?"

"I wanted to talk to you alone anyways." Twilight said. "I talked to them first and gave them the necessary details."

"Why did you want to talk to me alone?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, ever since you saved me, I thought this was kind of our war, you know? I don't know why, I just like sharing my thoughts with some pony to get them in order."

"Well, you can share anything that is on your mind with me!" Pinkie said. "I'll listen away!"

"Thanks Pinkie. That means a lot to me." Twilight said.

"When are we leaving then?" Pinkie asked.

"Tomorrow." Twilight said. "Get everything in order that you need to. I can't pack saddlebags for every pony any longer, so I am leaving that up to the groups. Make sure you have enough food, medical equipment, and other supplies for the trip. I would count on at least three days."

"Alrighty!" Pinkie said. "I'll talk with the others about all of that."

"Good." Twilight said. "You make sure to stay safe, okay Pinkie? Every time you have gone out you come back with another wound. Any more of that, and I'll have to have Redheart stitch you back together."

Pinkie shivered. That wasn't exactly a pleasant thought.

"Oh, did you ever meet the plague doctors that arrived?" Pinkie asked. "They said they knew you."

"I did." Twilight said with a sigh. "They were my old friends."

Based on the Twilight's slumped shoulders and downcast eyes, Pinkie could guess how that went. Though she could just be tired.

"Do you want to talk about it, or..." Pinkie trailed off.

"It wasn't bad but..." Twilight said. "Let's just talk about it when you get back from your expedition, okay?"

"IF I get back from my expedition." Pinkie Pie winked.

"Not funny. You better be coming back." Twilight crossed her hooves. "And remember, Rainbow Dash as well. She must survive."

"I got it, I got it." Pinkie waved a hoof. "Get some rest Twilight, you look like a dead pony walking!"

"Like those exist." Twilight said with a light smile. "But thanks for worrying about me."

"You can always count on me!" Pinkie said.

And with that, Pinkie left the library behind, closing the door behind her with a light click.

Hopefully Twilight would be okay on her own. The mare looked terrible, and each day only seemed to make it worse. The stress of managing all of this must be almost unbearable. Pinkie could kind of relate because she had managed parties, but nothing on this massive scale, and with so few resources.

This expedition had to bear some fruit, that would take some of the burden off of Twilight's shoulders!

With a new goal in mind, Pinkie set off to gather the necessary supplies for the upcoming expedition. Rations, bandages, and other similar fare. Her weapons had been sharpened by the new blacksmith, and her new javelin had to be strapped to her back as well. It was a gift from Shining Armor, seeing as Pinkie was broke. Nonetheless, she would put it to good use in the days to come.

Everything was relatively easy to gather which left Pinkie with some time to spare. With everything packed and ready, but the moon out, Pinkie contemplated heading to the tavern. After a moment of thought, she decided to just rest instead for once. She needed every nerve ready for the expedition tomorrow. Who knew what would be dwelling in ancient tunnels beneath the castle?

Just before Pinkie slipped into the dreamworld, there was a knock at her door. She jerked awake, and groggily stumbled towards it. Taking a look through the peephole, Pinkie could see Nurse Redheart on the other side. Unease filled her stomach, but Pinkie opened the door anyway.

"Redheart!" Pinkie said. "Stop by for some bread?"

"No." Redheart said. "I heard you would be going on a longer expedition soon. The plague doctors and I have developed something that might aid you. I want you to try it out if needed."

Redheart extended a hoof with a brown satchel hanging off of it.

"What is this?" Pinkie hesitantly grabbed it. Inside the bag was an empty syringe, and closed vials full of green liquid. They were packed inside of soft cloth to keep them safe. The sight of the syringe sent a shiver down Pinkie's spine. Those things always gave her the creeps.

"Remedies for failing flesh." Redheart said. "It is similar to the tonic I gave you when you were infected, but in measured doses. It is also more potent. One dose will stop bleeding or poisons and will close wounds."

"Really?" Pinkie asked. Inside of the bag, there were three of the vials.

"Indeed." Redheart said.

"Is it also experimental?" Pinkie asked.

"Indeed."

Pinkie hesitantly took the bag. The last tonic had seemed to heal her of whatever mushroom infection she had. The stuff seemed good, so it couldn't hurt to bring some of it on the expedition. Especially on a longer expedition. Remembering Trixie's bleeding body... it would be best to have something a little more powerful than bandages.

"Thank you Redheart." Pinkie said. "I hope we don't have to use these, but I'll take them."

"If you don't use them, bring them back. They are exceedingly expensive." Redheart said. "Take care Pinkie."

Pinkie watched Redheart walk away with a sigh. She really hoped she didn't have to use them. But something told her that it was probably going to happen. After all, this was the Everfree forest they were talking about. The seat of evil in Equestria.

It was time to try and get some sleep, Pinkie had a feeling that she would be needing plenty of it for tomorrow.

The next day, Pinkie was standing outside the town hall, saddlebags packed full of iron and war, as well as ration and remedy. Her jester costume was already on, upgraded with a bit more chainmail and thicker cloth by the blacksmith. Her weapons were sharpened, and her new javelin was attached to her back along with her lute by fickle earth pony magic. Pinkie felt more prepared than ever before.

With a pep in her step, Pinkie headed towards the meeting point. It was now a little more official. Groups would meet in front of the town hall to gather, then head out on an expedition. So, that is where Pinkie headed to.

She arrived there quickly and glanced around to look for her group. A flash of a rainbow mane caught her eye.

"Hey Rainbow!" Pinkie called out.

Rainbow was geared up to the teeth. Knives and blades and filled saddlebags hung on her. "Pinkie. Cool to see you around here."

"Do not forget about the great and powerful Trixie!" A familiar pony arrived as well.

"Trixie!" Pinkie said. "You look great!"

And she did. Her signature robes and hat seemed sturdier than before. There was an underlying coat beneath it now, gambeson, that would be sure to protect her body. It looked out of place on her, seeing how it wrapped up around her neck like a turtleneck.

"Trixie knows that she looks great. However, she appreciates your words." Trixie said with her head held high.

"Don't get too interested in that getup, it's bound to get cut." Applejack made herself known, walking out of a nearby crowd.

Trixie turned her head away from Applejack. "Trixie does not care for your words."

"So, where is Baldwin?" Pinkie asked, trying to break attention away. It seemed that they really hadn't made up at all. That didn't bode well.

"Baldwin isn't coming." Rainbow said.

"Why not?" Pinkie frowned. "He's part of the team!"

"Well, he said something about a holy vision, and he left for Canterlot. Said he would be back in a week." Applejack said. "He said to tell you, but I didn't get a chance to."

Pinkie sighed. Well, it looked like their biggest hitter wouldn't be showing up. That was okay, she guessed. "I guess it's just us four then?"

"Not exactly." Rainbow said. "Look behind you."

Pinkie slowly turned, for dramatic effect of course. Trixie seemed to love that. What she saw honestly surprised her.

"Pinkie! How are you?" A dark clothed figure was standing there. "You look well, all of you do! So healthy!"

"Minuette?" Pinkie asked. "You're here to join the group?"

"Of course I am! Didn't I tell you I was here to research? Oh, this is going to be so exciting!" Minuette rubbed her hooves together. "When do we leave? I am so ready for this!"

Pinkie Pie could appreciate that energy. "We leave soon actually. Are you sure you are ready?"

"Of course I am! I got everything I need in my saddlebags." Minuette's muffled voice was full of cheer.

"Another Pinkie Pie. I don't believe it." Applejack shook her head.

"I am not Pinkie Pie!" Minuette said. "I am a scholar, and Pinkie is a great friend!"

"Aww! You don't mean that!" Pinkie Pie smiled.

"We are going to kill stuff, not party." Applejack grumbled.

"Oh, I know!" Minuette said. "I am here to research, and that means I need subjects."

"Subjects?" Pinkie asked.

"Don't worry, I can pull my weight." Minuette said. "And don't worry, you aren't the subjects! I fully plan to test out my new tonics on any foes we encounter!"

Somehow, that didn't make Pinkie feel much better at all.

"That sounds... wonderful!" Pinkie Pie said. "I'm glad to have you Minuette, just make sure to stay safe."

"Are we done talking?" Rainbow said. "If we want to ever get done with this, we should start moving."

"Sounds good. I'll lead." Applejack said. "I hope you all gathered everything you needed."

"Yep! Got everything!" Pinkie said. "Let's go!"

And so, the march began. Rainbow Dash had a map, which she was using in order to guide them. They walked together towards the edge of the Everfree forest. It was dark as always, and it never got easier to enter its depths, but Pinkie felt like she was getting more used to it now. Her wounds were healed, but the memory of their origin never really went away. She glanced over at Trixie, wondering how she was faring.

Trixie stood at the edge, staring into the depths. Her hooves were locked firmly in place, and her eyes were downcast.

"Trixie?" Pinkie asked. "You don't have to come if you don't want to."

"No! Trixie is coming as well." Trixie said. She stepped into the forest, and everypony began to march inside. The darkness of the forest cloaked them once more, and lantern light guided their way. Hopefully they had brought enough oil. The shrouding darkness seemed almost alive.

"You never did tell me why you are here." Pinkie said, wanting to get her mind off of the forest. "I know there are the bits and the property, but there has to be something else, right?"

"Trixie will tell you, because you are her friend. Trixie came here not only to gather bits to restore her glorious wagon, but to show ponies that her magic is not evil."

"Why, have you had problems with it in the past?" Pinkie asked.

"Yes. The rabble thought Trixie's magic was evil, and they tried to burn her at the stake! Trixie has told you before."

"I remember." Pinkie said. "But why? It just doesn't make sense."

"Ponies are scared of the great and powerful Trixie, because they don't understand her. Her magic is mysterious and powerful, and so they are afraid."

"It certainly is powerful." Pinkie remembered the tentacles sprouting from the sky. "What does that skull have to do with it?"

"Oh, this?" Trixie smirked and leaned in close to whisper. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course I can." Pinkie leaned in.

"The candle on this skull is the reason Trixie survived that day. You making sure it was kept safe was what kept her alive." Trixie whispered. "And for that, Trixie will accept you as a true friend of hers and be grateful. Do not expect her to be grateful again."

"I don't understand. What does that skull have to do with you surviving or not?" Pinkie whispered.

"The flame on the candle." Trixie whispered. "It was attached to me when I made the pact with the thing. Should the flame go out... so shall Trixie."

"What?" Pinkie reeled back.

"Quiet." Trixie whispered. "You must not tell any other pony this. But should Trixie's skull fall out of her grasp, she is trusting you to take care of it."

"Of course I will." Pinkie said. "But still, are you sure that is safe? That flame looks like it could go out at any moment."

"It is stronger than it looks." Trixie whispered. "Just... don't try and douse it."

"I won't." Pinkie said. "Thank you for telling me."

"Trixie would tell no pony else." She straightened back up with a smirk. "When Trixie gets her magic routine back up and running, you are welcome to join her as an assistant."

"Really?" Pinkie nearly jumped on her hooves. "That sounds awesome!"

Pinkie couldn't help but feel like she was successful in getting Trixie's mind off the forest. It was also heartwarming how much the mare was trusting her. It had been a long time since a friend told her a secret that they would tell no pony else. And such a private one to boot... Pinkie would have to step up her friend game.

"What are you two whispering about back there?" Applejack said. "Simmer down, we are in a forest that wants to kill us."

That was true, and so Pinkie shut her trap for now and listened to the haunting sounds of the forest. They always seemed more chilling when ponies weren't conversing with each other. Maybe the forest liked the silence. It certainly felt that way.

"We should be there in about two hours. It's not that far from Ponyville." Rainbow Dash said.

"Keep your guards up. Remember what Shining Armor said, the slightest lapse in concentration could be the end." Applejack said. "May Celestia protect us all."

"Wait! Wait!" Minuette skidded to a stop.

Pinkie glanced around rapidly, drawing her weapons. The air grew still.

"What is it?" Applejack asked, scanning the edge of the darkness.

"I have to take a sample of this mushroom." Minuette withdrew a sharp surgical knife and kneeled next to a large mushroom.

"You can't." Pinkie said, relieved that they weren't getting attacked. "They are connected to the mushroom ponies."

"They are? How interesting..." Minuette eyed the mushrooms even more intently. "And they smell like they are rotting, and yet, they live? I just have to investigate this further."

"Maybe not right now." Pinkie eyed the shadows. "Come on, let's leave the mushrooms alone."

Minuette whined but lowered her surgical knife. "Oh fine. But I call dibs on the first cadaver!"

"What?" Rainbow asked. "Why would you call dibs on that?"

"For... science, of course." Minuette said. "Why? Does no pony else want them?"

"No. No pony wants them." Rainbow said. "Feel free to have them all."

"Oh good! That makes things so much easier." Minuette said cheerfully.

Rainbow and Pinkie shared a look. Casually, Rainbow backpedaled, leaving Minuette to walk ahead with Applejack who looked more than a little peeved.

"This pony is your friend?" Rainbow whispered.

"An old friend." Pinkie said. "But yes, a friend."

"It seems like all of your old friends turn out to be... affected." Rainbow Dash said. "Not sure how else to put it."

"Now that you mention it, that is true." Pinkie said. It seemed like all of her old friends had changed so dramatically they barely resembled their previous selves. There were still pieces of them in there, but it was hidden behind a jagged casing this new world had wrought.

"Did I do this?"

"Don't think so." Rainbow said.

Pinkie was reminded of Twilight's offer to investigate her and Trixie's mysterious powers. She really would have to check up on that soon. Maybe there was something wrong with her.

"What if it was the proximity?" Pinkie asked. "Every pony that changed was in Ponyville when evil first emerged. Maybe that had something to do with it."

"I'm not a scholar." Rainbow Dash said. "If you ask me, it's just the wheels of fate spinning again."

Fate. Maybe that is what it was. Maybe when the world was broken, their fates were as well. Maybe magic had something to do with fate. It was obvious that fate existed in Equestria. Cutie marks would roughly determine a pony's fate, names at birth would determine a pony's fate, but why had all of it gone so askew now? The loss of magic? Or was it something else? The rainboom? The thing that lurked?

All Pinkie knew was that something was broken, and it needed to be fixed. She knew the path, and so she would follow it.

"Why did you want to come even after Twilight told you about the rainboom?" Pinkie asked.

"Some theory isn't going to stop me from redemption." Rainbow said. "Besides, if the magic is really in the center of this place don't you think I need to be there to get it?"

"I didn't think of that." Pinkie said.

"Just remember, don't go saving me before some pony else if you have to, ok? I don't care what Twilight says." Rainbow said.

Pinkie laughed nervously. "Oh, that situation probably won't happen."

"You know what to do if it does." Rainbow said. "Now let's get back to focusing on the mission."

Pinkie sighed as Rainbow joined Applejack again. They were two tortured souls, on the path of redemption, a redemption that they said was through death. But when your continued existence might hold the fate of Equestria, was redemption through death even a redemption? Pinkie had to keep both of them alive, better yet, all of the ponies in her group alive. If she could save everyone, then she wouldn't have to decide who to save.

With that in mind, Pinkie kept her eye to the shadows with renewed fervor. Her watch had to be perfect, otherwise, it might end in a pony's death.

Her gaze wandered to Minuette. She would have to keep an eye on that pony as well. She was nice, but she seemed a little... eccentric about her research. It was not in a good way either. What kind of pony went into the Everfree just to research and experiment on the things in there?

The march continued, and the forest passed her by. Pinkie had heard all kinds of ghoulish noises in its depths but at the moment, none of the sources of them found their group. That was something at least.

Sometime later after they traversed more of the forest with no resistance, Rainbow said something.

"It should be just up ahead." Rainbow said.

The group was already tense from the atmosphere of the forest, but it only heightened at those words.

"I can't see anything different." Applejack’s armor clanked as she walked.

"This map says that it should be right around here." Rainbow tapped at the map she held.

"Search everywhere. The entrance was found by a previous group, so it should be fairly obvious." Applejack said. "Leave no stone unturned."

Together, they started to search. Pinkie kicked around in the leaf mulch, until she realized that her hooves immediately got coated in disgusting mud. After that, she stopped. This forest was no fun. It even made kicking around leaves a chore.

"Over here." Rainbow’s voice came from behind her. "This has to be it."

Pinkie crept forward to see what she was looking at.

Amongst the leaf litter and in the poisoned earth was a hole. It was a large hole, descending down into the ground like a yawning abyss. The presence of a rope attached to a spike on the side suggested that some pony had been down there before. Cool air blew up from it, smelling of dust. It was pleasant on the coat, a stark contrast to the warm sickness laden air of the Everfree.

"Did a pony fall in here? Why is there already a rope?" Pinkie asked.

"Twilight said that one of the adventurers that were out here did fall in." Rainbow said. "They got him out with a rope and a piton."

"Well, at least they saved him." Applejack said. "Didn't expect that much from that lot."

"Trixie has to descend into that hole? The great and powerful Trixie has no fear of it of course, but it is simply beneath her."

"That was a good one!" Pinkie nudged her.

"What?"

"Beneath you? Like, in the hole." Pinkie said.

"It seems that Trixie's genius is beyond even her." Trixie seemed pleased.

“That joke was terrible.” Rainbow grumbled.

"Enough showboating. Let's get this on the road." Applejack kicked a rock into the hole. It fell into the abyss. Seconds later the sound of the rock echoed in the depths below. Strangely- something rattled, like a set of hollow windchimes on Nightmare Night.

"Those weren't maracas, were they?" Pinkie asked.

"Didn't sound like it." Rainbow said.

The group looked at each other, and then the rope stuck to the piton. It looked sturdy enough, if you didn't look too closely. It was safe enough. The dark abyss it was descending into told a different story, however.

"So, who wants to go first?"

Chapter Twenty- Pace out the halls of your lineage...

The earth was sickly, malformed by whatever had poisoned it. As Pinkie descended down into the hole, her hooves scrambling for purchase on the loose soil, she could see the extent of the corruption. The soil was almost mushy to the touch and laced with strings of fungal mycelium. It stuck to her hooves like silly string, and Pinkie quickly wiped them off, a disgusted shiver going down her spine. It wasn't natural. It felt almost like tendons, taught and strong.

As she descended using the rope, the warm air turned cool. Pinkie tested the rope once more, hoping that it would hold. It seemed steady, and so she continued to descend. Above her, the outlines of her party members could be seen backdropped against lantern light.

Pinkie held a lantern in her mouth in order to see. She climbed blindly, unable to see the ground below her. The earth slowly turned to gray stone brick as she descended. As she passed the threshold of earth and ancient construction, she found herself hanging on the rope in the middle of a passage.

She glanced around only to see that she was just a little way off of the ground. With a breath of relief, Pinkie hopped off of the rope and onto the stone brick floor. It was hard, and cold to the touch. Foreign and unyielding. And the air, it was cold as death, sending shivers across Pinkie's coat.

"I made it!" Pinkie called up.

Her voice echoed through the pitch-black hallways. It was hard to see anything beyond the lantern-light, but the echoing spoke of large and empty hallways. Pinkie almost felt claustrophobic down here, with the darkness and stone bricks closing in around her. She found herself wincing as her voice echoed and held her breath. With a little luck, nothing had heard her...

"Trixie will lower herself to climbing this rope."

Trixie came down the rope next, slowly working her way down. With the skull cradled in the crook of her leg, it was a slow and awkward journey. Pinkie was ready to catch her if she fell, but she made it down without trouble.

Ponies came climbing down the rope, thankfully without incident. When they were all at the bottom, they all stood in a circle around the rope.

No pony wanted to speak, and Pinkie didn't either. The air of the tunnels was deathly quiet. It felt wrong to make too much noise, as every one of their steps echoed in the dark. There was a distinct air of something lurking in those thick shadows, and Pinkie felt as if every breath could be heard.

"So, we have to go deeper then." Applejack whispered. "Which way was that?"

"It has to be this way." Rainbow pointed down one of the passages. "Based on where the castle is, only this path makes sense."

"Why are we whispering?" Pinkie asked.

"Quiet!" Applejack hissed. "Don't you feel it? This place isn't right."

"We can't let it control us. It wants us to be quiet, but how are we supposed to work together if we can't talk?" Pinkie said.

"Just keep it down then, alright?" Applejack said.

"Fine, fine. I'll keep it low." Pinkie said.

"How are we going to find our way back?" Applejack asked.

"I have something for that. Twilight handed them out to me." Rainbow took out a piece of chalk from her saddlebags. "She said to mark the path using chalk."

"That sounds reliable." Trixie said sarcastically. "Very reliable."

"You're not helping." Applejack growled.

"You aren't much of a helper either, are you?" Trixie said with a huff.

Applejack narrowed her eyes behind the visor of her helmet. "I already apologized to you. What more do you want from me?"

"Trixie does not accept your apology, as you did not mean it." Trixie said.

Pinkie finally realized what the situation was between them. So, Applejack actually did apologize, Trixie just didn't accept it. That explained a lot of the tension between them. And it would have been really nice to know that while they were still in town and able to talk these problems over.

"Why don't we just take a moment to calm down?" Pinkie said. "We have a long way to go, and we all know what happened last time we set off with tension in the group."

"Well, I already apologized. I did everything I needed to." Applejack said.

"Trixie, can't you accept her apology for now?" Pinkie asked. The expedition had barely begun, and there was already conflict. That wasn't good.

"No. Trixie will not, but she will refrain from letting tensions get in the way of the task." Trixie said. "Let us continue and forget about this for now."

"Sounds fine to me." Applejack turned away. "Let us scout these halls in the name of Princess Celestia!"

They started to walk the ancient halls. Dust filled the air, and cobwebs clung to the corners of the halls. Inscribed pillars held up the sides, carved with vistas of glowing suns and moons. The finer details had been worn down due to time, but some remained.

According to Twilight, these tunnels were built by Princess Celestia in the ancient past. They were the underground of the city that used to be where the Everfree forest was, along with the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters. It was over a thousand years ago though, and knowledge on why these tunnels had been built was lost to the ages. It was said that they did reach all the way to the castle but the path there was unknown.

"I wonder what happened to all the ponies from the war effort." Minuette said as they walked. "I thought this place would have been full of bones to study, but it's strangely empty. Interesting."

"They probably decayed or something." Rainbow said.

"It's not likely. There doesn't seem to be much water down here or natural decomposers." Minuette said. "Oh, this is so exciting! Imagine if we found a perfectly preserved body from ten years ago! Flesh and all!"

"That's not something I would be excited about." Rainbow said.

"That is a shame. There is much to be learned from the dead." Minuette said with glee. "And much to be gained."

Pinkie sighed. Time really did change some ponies, didn't it? Or maybe it wasn't just time at work now, but the seeping corruption that infested their lands. Maybe some of its tendrils could reach ponies as well. It certainly seemed that way.

The sound of their hooves and breathing was the only noise in the dust laden corridors. They walked together, but Pinkie couldn't help but feel isolated. The ever-lengthening interludes of conversation instilled the feeling. Such was the will of whatever had tightened its hold on this place.

From the shadows, something made itself known. The entire group stopped, and Pinkie's heart thundered in her chest.

"Steady." Applejack said.

Pinkie took a closer look at the thing.

"It's... it's a box!" Pinkie said.

Rainbow stepped closer. "Yeah, it's just a box."

The group relaxed. Sitting in the middle of the hallway was a wooden crate. It was half shattered, pieces of it lying about the floor. Inside of it there was nothing other than an opportunistic spider that had made its web there. And in its web, a single gold coin.

Applejack cut away the web and took out the gold coin. "Think this counts as having found treasure?"

"I don't think so." Rainbow said. "We are going to need a little more than that."

Pinkie was wondering why there was just a random crate in the middle of the hallway. But the gold coin did promise future treasure to be found. They had to be on the right path.

"I wish our goal was clearer." Rainbow said.

"All we need is faith in our just cause." Applejack said. "Celestia will guide our way."

"A little hope? I like it!" Pinkie said.

"Can't believe you can still think that way..." Rainbow said with a sigh.

"I believe you can think that way too." Pinkie said. "Just got to hold onto hope, and you're already homeward bound!"

They marched forward once more, pacing the silent halls. Pinkie shivered. It really was cold. It seemed like forever that they walked, continuing on a straight path. It just didn't make sense for such a long tunnel to exist with nothing in-between. What was the point of it? Why was it built? Who built it? Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw something ahead.

The light of their lantern revealed a circular stone room. It was shaped like a star, with many different paths spreading out from each point. The floor of the room was carved with circular lines. One spiraled towards the center. Tiny inscriptions of stars surrounded the swirls, and in the center of the swirl, a resplendent sun was carved into the stone.

Mounted on top of the sun inscription was an altar. Unlike the rest of the sun and moon theme of the hallways and this room, it stuck out like a sore hoof. It was made of blackened and twisted iron. It looked coarse and sharp, like it would sand down your coat and cut you all at the same time.

The two black iron spires were carved to look like tentacles. They stuck from both the ceiling and the ground, reaching towards each other in communion. They didn't touch but instead held something in their grasping iron tentacles. It was a dark red orb, like a corrupted sun. It glowed with sin and evil and seemed to pulse unnervingly like a heart. Its inside swirled to an unheard symphony.

Around the altar were drawings and nonsensical scribbling drawn onto the stone in blood. There was a mess of broken sticks and wood, seemingly scattered around for no reason.

"What in Celestia's name is that abomination?" Applejack drew her blade. "Trixie? What do you know about this?"

"Bold of you to assume that just because it is strange magic, that it is Trixie's doing!" Trixie said.

"That is not what I was saying. Do you know what it is?" Applejack said.

"Trixie knows many things-"

"Forget it." Applejack shook her head.

"Trixie. Do you know anything about this?" Pinkie asked.

"Why of course Trixie does. It is clearly similar to the strange magic that Trixie uses. If any pony here should investigate this, it should be Trixie herself!" Trixie stood tall, seemingly unbothered by the strange altar.

Applejack just sighed. "This thing must be destroyed. It is an abomination to all of Celestia's teachings."

There was just something off about the air here. The seething shadows almost seemed to recoil from the altar not in fear, but in anticipation. There was a strange presence that could be felt nearby, but every time Pinkie turned to look, there was nothing.

"Trixie can handle this thing." Trixie strode towards the altar.

"Wait just a second!" Pinkie grabbed the back of her robe. "Let's be careful."

Trixie took a step back. "Trixie is not scared, but she will accept the worries of a friend."

"So, what are we going to do then?" Rainbow asked. "We can either go around it and take one of these random passages, or we can look closer at it I guess."

"I say we destroy the accursed thing." Applejack said.

"Trixie wishes to observe it."

The two glared at each other.

"Well, we have to look at it to destroy it, right?" Pinkie said. "Trixie did well at destroying the last effigy we found. You weren't there for it, but she destroyed an altar in just one touch!"

"Really?" Applejack asked. "You destroyed one of these things before?"

"It was not exactly like this, but Trixie did indeed destroy an altar. Her touch was simply too powerful for it." Trixie said.

"Fine then. Do whatever you are going to do, and then I will destroy it, and we can move on." Applejack said.

"Trixie will take her time."

Pinkie Pie wanted to get a closer look at the thing as well, so when Trixie walked towards the altar, Pinkie joined her. There was just something off putting about all the strange writing and glowing red orb. It didn't feel dangerous, it felt oddly warm even. Like the caressing embrace of a mother. However, it did certainly feel strange and had Pinkie watching every shadow. It called to her, all while it shunned her. Did it want something from her?

"You will join Trixie?"

"Yep! I'm not going to touch anything, but I thought that I should take a look." Pinkie said.

"Then Trixie welcomes you to join her." Trixie said with a smirk. "This is her area of expertise after all, not including the art of stage flair and being a magician of course."

"What do you call all this then?" Pinkie asked. “Your area of expertise.”

"The occult." Trixie eyed the altar before her. "Take a look friend, but don't look too close, lest the powers that be amaze you."

And so, Pinkie tried to understand the drawings on the ground. There was seemingly no meaning to them. They were composed of spinning suns, shapes drawn crudely, and stars that looked just a bit... off. Letters were written, but they formed no words and just spiraled meaninglessly towards the center of the room. There was something unsettling about it all, like a mad pony had drawn them in haste with no rhyme or reason other than the one understood in the pony's own head.

Pinkie turned away from the drawings, closing her eyes. It made her nauseous to look at, and she couldn't place why. It just felt... wrong. Off.

"Look, the great and powerful Trixie has found something!" Trixie pointed to the base of the altar.

"What is it?" Pinkie asked.

"Words." Trixie said.

"Well, what does it say?" Applejack asked. "Let's get this moving."

Trixie's eye twitched in irritation. "It says here that Applejack is insufferable."

"Why you-" Applejack growled.

"Let's calm down, okay you two?" Pinkie said. "We are in the middle of ancient tunnels that want to kill us, and there is a mysterious altar of darkness with a pulsing red orb that, in all likelihood, also wants to kill us. If I had to guess, the stones also want to kill us and drink our blood. Everything here wants to kill us. We can't be fighting like this."

"Always the peacekeeper, aren't you Pinkie?" Applejack said.

"I am just doing what I can." Pinkie said.

Applejack turned away. "Just get this over with. I can't stand much more of it."

Trixie hummed in satisfaction. "Trixie will now read the altar."

"The sacrifice of dawn is the gate to ruin!" Trixie read aloud. "Let light flourish if you crave the void!"

"Sounds like bad news." Rainbow Dash said.

"Are we done? Can I destroy it now?" Applejack grabbed her blade once more.

"Why don't we just leave it alone?" Rainbow asked. "Maybe messing around with it isn't the best idea."

Seeing how they were all at an impasse, Pinkie decided to say something. "Maybe we should leave it for now and come back to it? We can use it as a landmark on the way back."

"Trixie will accept."

Applejack had a nasty look on her face. "As long as it eventually gets a proper cleansing."

"Then it's decided." Pinkie said. "We will come back to it later."

"Sounds good to me." Rainbow said.

Those words were a relief. The more she stood around the altar, the more uneasy she felt. For a moment, she swore felt tentacles sprouting from her back. It was all in her head of course. But it was still nearly enough to make her want to scrape her back off on a wall.

"Now, which way do we go?" Pinkie gestured to the many branching hallways.

"I... don't know." Rainbow said. "Keep going straight? It's simple enough to remember on the way back."

The many paths were nearly identical other than the wear and tear on stone.

"I'll lead." Applejack strode towards the center passage and started down it without another word. It seems that she had made her decision already.

"Insufferable..." Trixie whispered beneath her breath, and Pinkie barely caught it.

As they started walking down the passage again, leaving that dreaded altar behind, Pinkie whispered, "Why didn't you accept her apology?"

"It was insincere, Trixie will not accept an insincere apology." Trixie said.

"Then do you think you could pretend to accept it?" Pinkie asked.

"No. Trixie is not a pony that will take things lying down!" Trixie said. "She is a practitioner of magic and respects herself."

"I understand." Pinkie said with a sigh. "Just try and keep it to yourself if you can, ok? We all need to be in this together or..."

"Trixie knows. She will try to curb her... resentment towards this pony." Trixie sneered. "It will be kept on the low. Unfitting for a magician such as herself, but it will be done."

"Thanks Trixie. I know I can count on you."

"Say no more. Trixie already knows." Trixie said.

And so, they walked down the foreign halls once more. There were a few stone doors on the sides of the walls, but most proved impossible to move. Those that could be opened or were already shattered open housed nothing more than cobwebs and forgotten relics of a time long past.

There were signs of life in some, the belongings of ponies from long ago. Scattered pages with unreadable words, soggy books, ancient mane brushes, and oddly well-preserved horseshoes. There were a few ancient rusty blades, in supreme condition considering their time spent in the depths. Combined with the cold, silent air, the entire system felt like a tomb. It reminded Pinkie much of the Ponyville graveyard.

Something broke the silence of the tunnels, rattling and shuffling in the dark.

"What was that?" Rainbow whispered.

"More foulness, without a doubt." Applejack said.

The infernal darkness swirled, beckoning them to explore its depths. And so, they did. Pinkie tread forward, forcing her nervous hooves to move. Her blades were sharp, and she was quick. That would protect her. Or at least, that is what she told herself.

The tunnel opened up ahead into a large room. The light caught the feet of a massive stone pony, causing Pinkie to stumble back in surprise.

"Giant!" Pinkie shot backwards.

"A giant?" Minuette asked. "Let's kill it! That will be a fascinating genetic anomaly to investigate."

"It's not a giant. It's a statue." Rainbow Dash shed light on the stone structure, and her eyes widened. "Wow. Who would have known something like this was down here?"

"By Celestia... it's beautiful." Applejack stepped forward, lowering her blade in awe.

In the center of the room was a large statue of an alicorn which nearly dominated the entire room. It was massive in size, and impeccably carved. It had a flowing stone mane and gentle caring eyes; it was a remarkably detailed statue of Princess Celestia. She was elegant, even when trapped in time and stone. Despite the wear and tear of the passing of time on its endless march, the statue was still in excellent condition.

It was as if Princess Celestia was really standing before them. Every detail, down to the fur in her coat, was carved. Her royal horseshoes, the sun cutie mark on her flank, and even the crown on her head. Though unlike the crown she wore when she ruled, this crown did not have three prongs. It had five. Perhaps due to the change in location it had been altered over the course of a thousand years.

At the base of the statue was a stone basin. There was a pile of gold coins in it, and Pinkie could guess that maybe it used to be a wishing well of some sort at a time. Alas, at the moment, there was no water in it.

Applejack trotted to the base of the statue, overlooking its impeccable design. Gently, she placed the single gold coin she had gathered from the spiderweb into the basin. It clinked against the others, finally disturbed at last from their resting place. Applejack dropped down to her belly, and muttered praying filled the room.

"Aren't we supposed to be getting treasure, not giving it?" Rainbow asked. "There is a perfectly good pile of loot right there."

"This gold is off limits." Applejack said. "It belongs to Princess Celestia."

"I'm sure she won't mind if we take it." Rainbow said.

It seemed a little weird to Pinkie that Celestia would build a statue of herself in a place like this. Who just built a statue of themselves underground? Who built a statue of themselves at all? Pinkie glanced over at Trixie. Well, Trixie would probably build a statue of herself if she had the chance, but most ponies wouldn't do that. Especially from what she remembered about Princess Celestia. It just wasn't something that Pinkie saw happening. Nonetheless, it was in front of her.

"No one takes this gold." Applejack snapped. "These are holy offerings."

"Who creates an offering shrine for themselves? Trixie thought this whole religion was a new thing." Trixie said.

"Maybe it was not an offering shrine at the time." Applejack said. "But now, you can consider this holy ground."

Holy ground. What a strange sequence of words. What a strange idea. Who decided if the ground was holy or not? A single pony? Then what wasn't holy ground, and what was? What madness. MADNESS. MADNESS. What a funny word!

Pinkie shook her head and put on a smile. The freak thoughts faded quickly as they came. Her eyes twitched. Keep calm. "Well, why don't we mark this location and come back to it?"

"We can't just keep coming back to things." Rainbow said. "We need to do something about them."

"So, you want to desecrate this holy shrine?" Applejack asked.

Something shambled in the dark, rattling, writhing. Shuffling hoof steps made their way towards the noise. Something was approaching from the dark.

"Something is coming!" Pinkie said.

The voices stopped in the room. Pinkie held her breath and drew her blades. They listened to the sound of the shambling. Armor clanked in the dark. Something clacked.

"Get ready." Applejack said. "Every pony get behind me. Whatever it is, I'll break them."

"Finally! Some test subjects." Minuette said.

Pinkie was really wishing they had Baldwin with them right about now. His powerful blade may not have been always reliable, but when it did hit it killed anything he aimed it at. And who knew what was going to come out of the darkness?

Blades ready, Pinkie waited.

From the pitch-black of the tunnels, a thing came into view. It was a pony, of sorts.

There was no flesh on this pony. This thing, this abomination of life and death, was just the shell of a pony. It was the skeleton of one. Scraps of old armor hung off of it, sheltering what bone it could beneath its tattered embrace. The bones were stark white, as if picked and cleaned of flesh by scavengers. In its cracked jaw, it held a somewhat still sharp sword.

"I think I found out what happened to the bodies of the soldiers." Minuette said.

From the darkness, more approached. Another similar skeleton, and then another. They marched forward, a wave of bones with soulless eyes.

Behind them, two more figures emerged.

Another pony skeleton, only this one was wrapped in once fine clothes of a noble. The fine yet ancient clothes were tattered and falling apart, but they still held that noble semblance of a life of luxury. It was a unicorn, and Floating next to the pony was a golden goblet, wrapped in its magic, a dark red unholy hue. It was sickening to look at, but Pinkie couldn't help but find her eye drawn to that goblet. For some reason, she wondered just what the sloshing black contents inside tasted like.

The last figure was one Pinkie recognized in part. It was clearly another cultist, with an iron crown strapped to the mare's head. She was of flesh; unlike the skeletons she was walking amongst. In her magic, she held a gnarled black iron wrought rod. Like a specter, she floated off the ground lightly.

As she saw them standing there, a rasp came from her. "Dawn... no dawn...praise the gate of ruin. Praise the blood. Praise the end. No dawn. No night. No harmony. Praise disharmony! Praise it! Praise its gestating heart! Praise its horrible magnificence! The end has come at last! The end has-"

Applejack charged forward with an inspiring cry. "A living pony that serves the darkness! You will not defile this sacred ground!"

And then, everything erupted into chaos.

A burst of adrenaline surged through Pinkie's veins. And like her, the horrors of the dark seemed to experience much the same as they charged forward.

An ominous crimson red spiraling portal opened up in front of Applejack. From it, a massive tentacle emerged, sending her flying back with a flick of its form. The cultist in the back was raising her rod high and chanting beneath her breath. A moment later, the tentacle slipped back inside the portal.

"Trixie?" Applejack yelled as she stood up.

"It was not Trixie, you buffoon!" Trixie raised her skull high. With an ominous red glow, a portal opened up above the cultist, and spectral tentacles lashed down at her. It sliced into her flesh, but she made no noise in response.

It was unnerving how similar the two's magic was.

The flash of a blade ripped her free from thought. A skeleton was bearing down on her, soulless eyes staring emptily.

Pinkie thought she evaded the slash of the blade, only for it to bite into the chainmail beneath her cloth. The rusted blade slid off of it harmlessly. Upgrades paid off.

Surging forward, Pinkie drove her dirk into the skeleton thing's skull, cracking it. It shoved her off, bone brought to bear with nothing to fuel it but dark power.

"Skeletons?" Minuette's enraged voice came through the din of combat. "How am I supposed to research skeletons?! Melt! Melt you worthless subjects!"

An orb of green liquid was drawn from her pouch, then thrown through the air in an arc. The orb splashed onto the slicing skeletons in front of Pinkie, splashing them in the green. Their bones started to smoke and melt away. Pinkie jumped back in shock. A little of the green liquid had got on the cloth of her armor, and it burned right through like a hot coal.

The skeletons tried to step forward, only for their smoking bones to break beneath them. In moments, all that was left was a smoking pile of melted bone and armor.

Pinkie stared for a moment. That stuff had almost got onto her.

"Watch out, the cultist is doing something again!" Rainbow screamed.

A volley of metal feathers punctured through the cultist who was raising her rod again. She gasped but fought through the pain. An incomprehensible swirl of words came from her mouth. Pinkie felt shadows swirl around her like tendrils, and her heart began to thrum in her chest.

As the thrum of combat heightened, a cacophony of clashing blades and armor, Pinkie's blood surged through her body, spurred on by dark energy. Time seemed to slow down in that swirling vortex. Her heartbeat thumped in an ever-increasing rhythm as the shadows grabbed at her. And in that gale of darkness and shadows, her limbs tightened. Her eyes dilated, and from beyond- she heard something speak to her. Soft as a whisper, but loud as a cannon. A cannon that would rend flesh and break bones with screams of the dying.

And yet, it was emotionless. Cold. Detached. It stated things with certainty, for it knew everything.

The voice was incomprehensible, but Pinkie understood, nonetheless. She was not welcome here as she was, salvation waited for her if only she gave herself to its horrible cause.

With a gasp, Pinkie pulled free of the shadowy vortex, her heart thrumming like a hummingbird's wings. And in that moment, Pinkie felt very, very exposed. Her gaze was drawn to the iron crown on that cultist's head.

Breathing, and feeling like her heart was going to burst out of her chest, Pinkie readied her blades once more. What was that terrible discordance of a symphony?

She leapt back into the fight, slashing away with her scythe and dirk. It cleaved through bone, but it was relatively ineffective against them. There was no blood to draw from the skeleton of a pony.

Applejack crushed through them with her blade. They almost seemed to burn as her blade cleaved through them. Their bones smoked from contact with her blade, and they fell back. The last of the skeletons were disposed of in a quick, brutal manner, leaving only the bleeding cultist and skeleton with a chalice.

A metal feather went right between the eyes of the cultist, causing her horn to flicker out and her body to slump to the ground.

"Damn! I missed your eyes." Rainbow snarked.

The noble skeleton with the chalice levitated the cup towards Pinkie. Though for some reason she wanted to drink its sloshing contents, she wasn't keen to know why. With a nimble step back, she evaded the contents which were splashed towards her. It was a tar-black liquid but smelled oddly sweet.

Applejack ended the skeleton with a single swing of her sword. It almost seemed to glow as she cleaved downwards, splintering bone like sticks. The skeleton fell into a pile like a puppet cut from its strings.

A few stomps ensured that the thing would not rise again.

Pinkie took a moment to breathe. Whatever that magic had done to her, it really did not feel good at all.

"The dead rise again. What foul magic is this?" Applejack kicked away a skull, sending it clattering across the stones.

"It's not natural." Rainbow said.

Trixie lowered her prized skull, and the ominous aura from it faded. "Trixie is... mildly disturbed."

"Your magic was oddly similar to that of the cultist's." Applejack said.

"Are you trying to say something about Trixie's power?" Trixie snapped.

"Both of you stop!" Pinkie stomped her hoof on the ground. She was getting really sick of all this arguing, and the rapid pacing of her heart didn't help her temper at all. "How many times are we going to have to do this before we are all dead because of you two?"

Trixie turned to her with wide eyes.

"Well, if the horseshoes fit..." Applejack gestured to Trixie.

"Do we need to have this conversation again?" Pinkie said. "Or are you two going to pony up and get over each other? Trixie isn't trying to kill us like that cultist, what more do you need? Would Celestia really want you to drive her away just because you're paranoid?"

Applejack stepped forward in a fury. "How dare you deign to know Celestia's-"

"Get off your high horse." Pinkie spat. "You don't know her words either, so all we can do is follow what she would have wanted."

The words seemed to strike Applejack, and she reluctantly took a step back.

At that, Trixie straightened, a smirk on her face.

"And Trixie." Pinkie said.

"Yes?"

"You don't have to accept Applejack's apology but at least try and make an effort to be tolerant of her." Pinkie said.

"Already done." Trixie said with a huff, turning her head away.

"Are we good then?" Pinkie glared at the two.

They said nothing in response. Applejack was fuming but held her tongue. As for Trixie, she looked as unrepentant as ever.

"Then let's get back to the task and figure out why the living dead are attacking us instead of arguing." Pinkie said. "And once we are done, we can all go back and relax."

She was positive that the resentment was not gone between them, but hopefully it would be a start. She didn't like speaking to ponies like that, but it was really getting dangerous and prying on her nerves. How could they just keep arguing in a place like this?

Her heart hurt. Whatever had happened to her still had her heart thundering. She felt a little faint.

What in Celestia’s name was that?

Pinkie looked down at the lifeless skeletons, detached from whatever strings moved their bones in death.

There were worse things than each other down here. Worse things than mere ponies. Or perhaps, ponies are exactly what they should fear the most...

Chapter Twenty-One- Uneasy companionship...

The scattered bones were like Pinkie's emotions. Splintered, once buried, and now close to being unearthed. She tried to reign them in, but she hadn't felt so irritated in forever. Why couldn't ponies just get along? And why wasn't she stronger? Pinkie knew that she shouldn't have lashed out like that.

"Finally! A suitable research subject." Minuette approached the corpse of the cultist.

And that. What had Minuette even thrown at those skeletons? That wasn't the same liquid that was in the syringes Redheart had given her, was it? Pinkie was starting to get sick of not being told what was going on with her. All those serums, what were they really doing to her?

It wasn't worth thinking about right now. As long as her body was functioning, then there was nothing more she needed to know. The task had to go on.

"Come on every pony!' Pinkie said. "Let's put this all behind us and figure out what is going on with these spooky skeletons!"

Applejack and Trixie didn't look happy at all, but they came forward, nonetheless. At least that was a small reprieve.

Pinkie couldn't help but feel slightly irritated by everything. The way they walked, the way the stone chaffed her hooves, the way Minuette seemed to be hacking apart that cultist's corpse... what was going on with her? She tried to clear her head and think straight again. Maybe it is the cultist's magic still affecting her mind.

"Didn't think you had it in you." Rainbow said.

"What do you mean?" Pinkie asked.

"To tell them straight how it is. Good on you." Rainbow said.

"I just wanted to make things better." Pinkie sighed.

"Well, I think it kind of worked." Rainbow said. "By the way, are you feeling okay? What was that strange vortex you were in?"

Pinkie shivered at the remembrance of the feeling. It certainly was wicked magic. She was shown just a glimpse of that terrible thing through the magic, but it was enough to make her want to never feel it again. Pinkie shook her head. "It was certainly nothing good. Let's just focus on the task, okay? And please, try not to get hit by something like that. It really messed with my heart."

"Your heart?" Rainbow asked.

"It made it beat faster, it just..." Pinkie struggled to think of the words to explain it. "It made me hear something that I'm not sure was supposed to be heard."

"You can check getting hit by that right off on my list then." Rainbow said. "Sounds creepy."

"Not like the skeletons, right?" Pinkie said with a light smile.

"Right. Not like the walking dead. Definitely not as creepy." Rainbow said.

Applejack was busy crushing their bones to dust in a fit of controlled rage. From her face, Pinkie could guess that she was probably imagining they were either her or Trixie.

Minuette was doing... something to the cultist. Based on the viscera and green goo, she really didn't want to get a closer look. Feeling bile rising in her throat, Pinkie turned away. That was absolutely wretched. What kind of pony could just hack open a corpse like that? And with such glee? Pinkie had seen a few pinatas in her time, but none made of flesh like that.

As Pinkie was looking around the area for anything of note, her gaze met Trixie's. The mare huffed and turned her head away. Her heart sank at the sight. It seemed in trying to help every pony, she had isolated herself from a friend. She had to make it up to Trixie somehow. Even though Pinkie believed that Trixie could have been nicer, it wasn't her fault entirely. Pinkie still wanted to be friends with the mare. It was fun.

"I don't understand why the dead can rise like this." Applejack said. "We have to find whatever did it and extinguish its existence."

"Where do we even start?" Rainbow was eyeing Minuette's butchering.

"We will have to do as we have been doing, scouting and searching these halls without a lead." Applejack said.

"Maybe we should turn back. We have scouted enough, and there could be more of these things down here." Rainbow said.

"We can't go back yet. Remember what Twilight said?" Pinkie spoke up. "We have rations for three days. We have to keep pushing forward, find treasure and scout out these tunnels, and then we can leave."

"Three days?" Rainbow asked. "How are we supposed to survive down here for three days?"

"It's the task." Applejack said. "Let holy light be our guidance, and we shall see it through."

"Alright then." Rainbow said. "Fine."

"If you aren't feeling up to it, then we can turn back." Applejack said.

"I'm fine. It's just not every day you see walking skeletons." Rainbow glanced back over to Minuette. "Amongst... other things."

"Let's just keep moving." Pinkie said. "The longer we stay here, the less ground we will cover."

"Fine. Fine." Rainbow waved a hoof. "This is the path to redemption after all..."

"Let me just get Minuette." Pinkie said.

She walked over to the mare, trying not to look at what she was doing to the corpse. Its wounds were being fed a green liquid, and the flesh grew pale and sickly.

"Minuette? We have to keep moving." Pinkie said.

"Already? But my experiment has not concluded!" Minuette sliced her scalpel through more flesh, as if relishing in the feeling. "There is so much to be learned from these cultists. Maybe their power comes from an organ?"

"Come on Minuette, we have to go." Pinkie said. "There will be more... specimens... later."

"Oh, I suppose your right Pinkie! Live ones do offer more results." Minuette stood up from the corpse, her black clothes covered in blood, and the beak of her mask all the same. "I hope you don't mind if I save a few pieces for on the go."

"Go right ahead." Pinkie eyed the mutilated body, her stomach churning. "Just don't let any pony see them."

"I'll try not to." Minuette said.

They all gathered together once more. A bit of gold coins had been found on the corpses, but it was not anything substantial. Just a hoof full of ancient bits.

"I'll hold onto this for now." Applejack took the bits they had gathered. "I'm strong, so I can carry more."

"Applejack..." Rainbow's voice grew low.

"I don't want to hear it, Rainbow." Applejack snapped.

"What is all this about now?' Pinkie played with one of the coins in her hoof. "It's just a few bits."

They were strange bits, that was for sure. Ancient. Celestia's sun was on the front of the coin, carved onto its face. Though weathered by water and time, it was still immutably carved. Pinkie wondered just how all of this fine hoof work could just be abandoned to rot in the ground. A pony put a lot of time and work into all the carvings on the walls, the statue, and the coin. This place should be a historical site, not left to decay.

"It's nothing special." Applejack opened a brown sack. "Just put your coins in here, and we will dole them out at the end of the expedition."

Seeing no reason to argue, Pinkie flipped her single coin into the bag. Every other pony complied as well. It seems the recent argument may have made them less likely to argue. A small reprieve, but a welcome one, nonetheless.

"Let's get going then." Applejack stood, throwing the sack into her saddlebags. "Guard up."

They started to march once more, into the dark. It had not even been a day, and they had already seen such terrible and wonderful things. These tunnels were clearly laden with ancient history, forever sealed in stone. And also laden with newer and more... malevolent forces. That dark altar came to mind. It would be on the way back, maybe it had some secrets to unveil?

Time drew on as they marched onward. The unchanging scenery was almost maddening, broken up only by the odd placed bookshelf or box. It was as if they were placed with no rhyme or reason. The workings of a mad pony. The tunnels made little sense as well. Passages seemed to go on forever, only to end abruptly, and some doors led to rooms empty of anything but dust and bones.

More of the skeletal rabble assaulted them, but it was taken care of in quick fashion. There were never more than three of them, and they all fell easily. With each victory, Pinkie felt a little bolder, but exhaustion was closing in.

It was nearly two hours later, and they had not found anything quite like at the start. Pinkie was starting to feel tired, her hooves aching from walking on the stone passage all day. With a little luck, this passage would actually lead somewhere.

With a sinking feeling in her chest, Pinkie saw that this particular passage ended in a cave in. A pile of thick stone rubble and bits of bone blocked their way, the only sign that there was another side was from a cool breeze blowing over the top of the pile. It seemed even the stone was bent on preventing their passage through the winding tunnels.

"Curses." Applejack snarled. "Another cave in. I am getting sick of this."

"Trixie agrees." Trixie looked tired, her head nodding and gaze slipping to the floor.

Pinkie was just happy that they agreed on something for once.

"I'm hungry." Rainbow said.

"I'm hungry too." Pinkie felt her stomach grumble. "Good thing I brought a cupcake!"

"You brought a cupcake?" Rainbow asked. "Did you make it?"

"Yep!"

"...Can I have some?" Rainbow asked. "I haven't had one of your cupcakes in forever."

"Oh, well..." Pinkie really wanted to cupcake to herself, but food did feel better to share with friends. "Sure!"

"Maybe we should rest then." Applejack said. "I'm done for right now."

"Trixie will rest as well."

Seeing that they were going to rest, Pinkie set her saddlebags on the floor. The weight off her shoulders was welcome. As they gathered around, Applejack took out a roll of wood from her back and set it down.

"What is that for?" Pinkie asked.

"A fire. We can cook on it, and we can save lantern oil." Applejack said.

"Ooh!" Pinkie was already anticipating a warm meal. That would certainly make her feel better. Maybe a warm soup or broth. That sounded really good right now.

One thing that the survivalist had taught them was if you were feeling tired, you had to sit down and eat something. It would reinvigorate the spirit and warm the body. Pinkie liked the sound of it. She loved food, especially sweets, but there was just something about a warm soup when it was cold.

Applejack set up the logs with little trouble but was having difficulty sparking them alight. Rainbow took the lighting mechanism, a simple flint and steel, and together they were able to spark the logs with a bit of kindling to start. Soon, a warm fire began to blossom, warming Pinkie's coat. They all gathered around it and shut off their lanterns.

Gathered around the fire together, the darkness almost lost its edge. Almost.

"Do you remember the hearth's warming tale?" Pinkie asked as she shuffled through her bags.

"Not really." Rainbow stared into the fire.

They were all huddled close to the firelight, basking in its warmth. There was just something about the warmth of the flame. It reminded Pinkie of the dawn in a way. Warm and bright, standing fast against the darkness. And yet, the flame they had was so small. It was flickering, barely staying alive in this cold crypt.

"I remember." Applejack said. "How did it go... the three pony tribes all came together and shared a cave or something?"

"Yeah. When they united together, it beat back the blizzard, and the flame of friendship thawed them from ice." Pinkie said.

"Why mention it?" Applejack asked.

"I just wonder if this is how they felt, gathered around their fire." Pinkie said. "Before the cold closed in."

The flames popped and flickered.

"But their friendship kept them warm." Pinkie poked at the fire with a stick.

"Fire tends to do that." Rainbow Dash said.

"It also tends to burn." Trixie said with a glare towards Pinkie.

Pinkie gave her a sad smile. "It does, but that isn't the only thing it can do."

Trixie huffed and turned her head away.

Pinkie took out her cupcake. It was slightly squashed but otherwise in good condition. As she held it in her hoof, the eyes of the party members turned towards it. It was not often that such a cheery looking pink sweet could be seen nowadays. Sugar was a luxury after supply lines with neighboring countries went down.

"So, who wants a piece?" Pinkie asked.

She ended up splitting the cupcake into five pieces, one for each of them. The slight smiles of their faces warmed Pinkie's heart more than the fire ever could. Especially the smile on Trixie's face. She struggled to hide it, but Pinkie could spot a smile anywhere. It was her calling after all.

"That was delicious." Rainbow Dash said. "Why don't you bake more often?"

"There aren't any supplies." Pinkie said. "I want to throw parties and bake like I used to, but I can't."

"I can relate." Rainbow Dash said with a heavy sigh. "To feel the wind beneath my wings again… I would give nearly anything. To soar the skies, unburdened, unchained. Just me and endless horizons. The speed I used to fly; it would blow the hats off ponies I went by!"

"I remember that." Pinkie giggled. "Remember how you used to crash into buildings all the time?"

"Yea. That was certainly something." Rainbow chuckled. "That can't be the only thing you remember about my epic flying, can it?"

"Of course not. It's just the funniest thing that came to mind." Pinkie nudged her. "When you were flying, no pony could beat you at it."

"Those were the good days." Rainbow said. "The good old days..."

Rainbow had a somber look on her face as she stared into the fire. Perhaps in those crackling flames, she was seeing the days gone by, and a world lost to the dark. Oh, how the sun used to shine, and Pegasi flew the skies. When magic flowed from horns like water, and when Pinkie could throw parties that sent the town into a sugar-induced joyous rampage of laughter and smiles.

"What about you, Applejack?" Pinkie asked.

Applejack was setting a metal pot on the fire. Inside, something was starting to bubble. "What?"

"What do you miss the most?" Pinkie asked. "About how things used to be."

She threw a piece of hard bread into the pot and some hay. A mysterious concoction. "Don't know."

"You have to remember something." Pinkie said. "What about sweet apple acres?"

Applejack's gaze stopped on her pot. The metal ladle she was stirring with stopped. "Those days are done. Not worth thinking about anymore."

"They are gone, aren't they?" Rainbow Dash said.

The stirring continued.

"Well, I think it's worth thinking about." Pinkie said. "If you lose sight of those days, then what is there that's good to remember?"

"Some things are best not remembered." Applejack said. "And the past is one of them."

"Well, Trixie remembers her past well. And when she performs a magic show again, she shall wow all of you with her glory and supreme magical abilities!" Trixie said.

"That sounds fun, Trixie." Pinkie said. "I'll be there."

To that Trixie puffed up, however she still seemed a little hostile. Berating her might have caused more damage to their relationship than Pinkie thought. But at least they were starting to make up, even if it was just a little.

"What about you, Minuette?" Pinkie asked.

"Oh, you wouldn't believe what I used to do!" Minuette packed away something wrapped in bloody cloth into her bags. "Before the dawn of my intellectual mind, I worked on formulas for toothpaste!"

"How did you end up doing... that?" Rainbow gestured to her. "The whole get up and the tonics and everything."

"Oh, well..." Minuette trailed off. "No ponies really cared for toothpaste anymore after the fall. That is when doctor Parcelses found me and my friends. He took me in, and together we learned the ways of the plague doctor."

"Plague doctor." Applejack said. "I've never heard of that before."

"It was a thing in medieval times." Minuette said. "Only now with all the new diseases and sicknesses, it has sprouted again. We treat ailments of all kinds, and develop tonics to both heal, and harm."

"I saw that with those orbs you are throwing at the skeletons. What is even in those?" Rainbow asked.

"I'm glad you asked! It's a mix of ninety-seven different acids, plague strains, and tonics! Developing it with my friends was really fun." Minuette said. “Of course, it all stemmed from blight itself…”

"Oh. Right. Fun." Rainbow said. "The melting things part, or the creation part?"

"Both!" Minuette giggled.

"I'm glad you're having fun." Pinkie said. "But please, watch where you throw one of those things next time. It got on my clothes."

"It did? I'm so sorry! Did you have any reactions to it?" Minuette's hidden eyes scanned over her. "Any nauseousness? Light-headedness?"

"No, can't say I have!' Pinkie said.

Hearing that such a wide variety of diseases and acids were in that globe of green, Pinkie was suddenly feeling all the more aware of her current state. She didn't feel any different, but she couldn't help but wonder just what was in those syringe's Nurse Redheart gave her. They looked oddly similar to the green globes Minuette was throwing around.

"You all should get some rest." Applejack said. "I'll keep watch tonight."

"Are you sure? You look exhausted as well." Pinkie said. "I have energy to spare."

"You always have energy to spare it seems." Applejack shook her head. "I have kept watch while in the crusade many times. I trust no one else to keep vigil."

Pinkie hummed. She looked over her friends, their solemn faces. The atmosphere was oppressive, that was for sure. But in particular, she saw the hardened look on Trixie's face. She was refusing to look at her, to acknowledge her. It made her frown. She had to do something to make it up to Trixie. After a moment of thought, she came up with an idea.

"Hey Trixie!" Pinkie said.

"What?" Trixie hesitantly looked at her.

"Want to see a magic trick?" Pinkie asked.

"A magic trick?" Trixie raised a brow. "Nothing you can do could possibly be better than Trixie's magic tricks!"

"Just watch." Pinkie leaned forward.

She stared into Trixie's eyes, uncomfortably close.

Trixie started to look uncomfortable. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Boop!" Pinkie bopped her on the nose. "Behold, a frown turned upside-down!"

Trixie's lips wavered, before a smile inched its way onto her face. She immediately turned away, hiding it. "Ridiculous! My magic tricks are far superior, that wasn't even a magic trick."

"You're right, but it's the best I got." Pinkie said with a shrug. "Did it work?"

"No. Of course not." Trixie was still hiding her face.

"How about a song then? For all of us?" Pinkie pulled out her lute.

"Why are you doing all of this?" Rainbow asked. "It doesn't really fit the theme, does it?"

"That's the point!" Pinkie said. "Maybe if we are all smiling, this place won't be so bad."

"Your song will attract the monsters to our location." Applejack said.

"Don't worry, I'll keep it quiet." Pinkie winked. "You will barely even hear it over the crackling of the fire."

"Fine. But the moment I deem it too loud..."

"Don't you worry." Pinkie gently strummed her lute and tried to think of a song. "I'll be quiet as a mouse."

She remembered one in particular. For some reason, it had slipped her mind for years. But now, surrounded by shadow and darkness and death, it seemed all too fitting. She started a gentle and calming tune, one that could barely be heard over the crackling of the fire.

It started with a twinkle, and a peaceful yet hopeful melody began to fly from her lute. Not the usual tune for this song, but it would have to do.

"When I was a little filly, and the sun was going down..."

She played until eventually, every pony fell asleep besides Applejack. She remained in vigil, and with a pony watching over her, it was easy for Pinkie to slip into a warm slumber by the fire.

For just a moment, rest could be found even in this catacomb of the accursed.

Pinkie woke sometime later, her belly full of warm stew. Her face was stuffed into a pony's side, which she groggily realized was Rainbow Dash.

She stayed there for a moment. It had been a long time since she had slept next to another pony, and the warmth was rather pleasant. It reminded her of those days back on the rock farm, sleeping next to her sisters when they were just foals. They were fine of course, still living on the farm, and they often had asked her to return to her home. However, something always told her to stay in Ponyville, to wait just a little longer. And Pinkie couldn't help but ask herself why she had done so.

Maybe it was fate. More likely it was something else.

Then, she heard a noise. It touched her ears in a whisper. A maddening chittering that sounded almost familiar. Pinkie's eyes snapped open, and she forced herself to her hooves.

"Hear that?" Applejack was still holding her sword, watching over the pile of sleeping ponies.

"Yes. What is that?" Pinkie asked.

"I don't know, but it just started, and it's already driving me mad." Applejack said.

The tittering reverberated maddeningly in the halls, grinding on Pinkie's ears. She swore it was speaking to her, whispering to her.

"I'll wake every pony up." Pinkie said.

"Good. I'll make sure nothing sneaks up on us until we are ready to move." Applejack said.

Pinkie shook Rainbow awake, who woke with a jolt, her hoof flying immediately to her blade. At the sight of her, Pinkie narrowly evaded getting gutted.

"Watch yourself Pinkie, you nearly scared me to death." Rainbow said.

"Sorry!" Pinkie rubbed the back of her neck. "Won't happen again."

Rainbow nodded and listened to the air. "What is that?"

"Let me wake the others first." Pinkie said.

She shook Minuette and Trixie awake without issue. Soon, they were all listening to that maddening voice.

"It could just be more of the living dead." Rainbow spat, drawing her blade. "Cultists, skeletons, mushroom ponies, bandits, and now what?"

"Trixie wishes to make the source of this noise disappear." Trixie said.

The noise was getting closer, and the sound of hooves echoed down the hallway over the mindless chittering. Amongst the noise, Pinkie could swear that she heard the peaceful clicking of a music box, which played a serene tune. As it got closer, the two discordant melodies heightened.

"I think you are about to get your chance." Rainbow flexed her metal wings, the sharp feathers gently poking out of their sheathes.

From the darkness, a figure stepped forward into the firelight. It was a pony, that much was clear. A mare to be exact. She was clothed in a white straitjacket which was ripped, allowing the mare to walk free. The ripped cloth was dirty and tattered. The mare herself was malnourished and walking on bone-thin legs. In one hoof, she held a music box, which played a peaceful melody. Her shadowed eyes were entranced on it, watching the pony in the music box spin on and on.

That pale yellow coat, though ragged, was familiar. Her raspberry mane, though grimy, was familiar. And on her flank, was a cutie mark of a rose.

"Roseluck?" Pinkie asked.

The last she had heard of Roseluck, she had escaped detainment in the patient cells of the Ponyville hospital. Every pony thought that she had died when she ran screaming into the Everfree forest. But now... she was standing right in front of them, muttering beneath her breath.

At Pinkie's voice, the muttering stopped, and she slowly looked up and towards them.

Her eyes, once straight and focused, were now looking anywhere but straight. Spinning on an unseen axis in a slow but methodical manner. The sight made Pinkie take an unconscious step back. It almost reminded her of Derpy's eyes. Before they were... indisposed of by the Ponyville populace.

"Pinkie?" Roseluck's gaze slowly straightened, one of her eyes locking onto her. "You're her, aren't you?"

"Yes! But what are you doing down here? Every pony thinks you are dead!" Pinkie said.

"Pony? We are no ponies... Oh Pinkie... I have such... terrible and wonderful things to show you..." Roseluck's body shook, and she covered her eyes with her hooves. "You can't go on without knowing. You all can't go on without knowing! I have to tell you, let me tell you! It's too terrible, too wonderful to not know!"

"What?" Pinkie took a step forward, only for a hoof to block her approach.

"Can't you see she's not well?" Applejack asked.

Roseluck's convulsions stopped, and suddenly, she shot to her hooves, eyes wild and sweat soaking her coat. And then, a string of words sprang from her lips, almost incomprehensible in the speed they were said, as if the words were not her own.

"I know us, I know our trueness, our form, and harmony and disharmony. It's terrible, horrible, but it is the truth! Let the flowers of truth bloom on this blood-soaked soil! I will tell you what I have come to know."

And for some reason, Pinkie didn't want to know what she had to say.