Darkest Equestria

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...