Heart Souls: The Loss of Harmony

Chapters

Chapter 009: General Gallus.
Chapter 29
Chapter 47
Chapter 001: The First Knight
Chapter 002: The soft-spoken Knight
Chapter 003: The castle atop a mountain.
Chapter 004: The forbidden jungle
Chapter 005: Macintosh Hills
Chapter 006: Appleoosa
Chapter 007: The White Mare
Chapter 008: Appleloosa 2
Chapter 010: Weapons.
Chapter 011: Appleoosa on fire
Chapter 012: Names
Chapter 013: Who do you serve?
Chapter 014: A deal
Chapter 015: Ocellus
Chapter 016: Names 2
Chapter 017: Dodge Village.
Chapter 018: Bump in the Night.
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Final chapter ( skipped content)

Chapter 009: General Gallus.

“ Burning knights, join my army, and my aid for your cause will be assured.”

The proud griffon made a deal with the knight but refused; instead, he pointed his blade at the warlord.

“ General Gallus, who gave you authority over your new title? Surely not the princess. I side with no traitor.”

“ You know me from the past? And by that, my mortal years—how long has it been since I last feared the passage of time? Ah, forgive me, old pony, for I do not recognize you, for I have forgotten many.” The warlord bowed before the knight.

“ Dearest, you have no need to show favor to this knight; he may know you from the past due to your fame. He might not have any roll at all in our time of glory.”
The knight did not let the hippogryph continue to sully his name.

“ You may be a general from the past, Lady Silver Stream, but no longer. You have become a pillow between his legs.”

The mockery enraged the hippogryph and furled up her feathers; her stance was intimidating. She growls with violent intent.

“What a waste; you have chosen death.”

Gallus quickly flew towards the knight and struck him with his spear, while his wife assisted him by lounging with her claws wide open, ready to tear apart the foul mouthed knight.

The knight parried and dodged the hippogryph’s claws, giving the soft-spoken knight an opening to strike the hippogryph from her side.

She manages to cut only her furled-up feathers, giving the dancer a chance to counter her.

The dancer's claws were not able to pierce through the knight's armor, but her small frame and light body got flunged off from the side and fell to the ground.

Her knight was able to reposition himself quickly to her side and guard her as she quickly picked herself up.

“ Are you alright, Milady?"

“Damn wench think she’s thick.”

“She has nothing on you; she’s all feathers.”

This further infuriated the couple.

Gallus would point his spear towards the sky, and lightning would strike where he stood.

“ You shall know why I have become a warlord.”

The wind became violent. A storm grew out of nowhere, making it hard for the knights to move. The sands began to pick up, and it was hard for them to see each other. But the warlord and his wife are already used to this kind of weather. In fact, they opened their wings and were swept away by the storm. They flew high above, swirling around the knight.

And once they gained distance from above, they dove in for the kill. Gallus’s spear would reach out to the knight through the sand storm.

The knight was able to parry it, but when he countered, the strong wind would buffet his blow.

Even the soft-spoken knight is having a hard time flying and dashing around. While the hippogryph could easily dance through the storm and strike the knights in succession,
“Were trap.”

“Maybe we should’ve lightened the mockery with these birds.”

“Too late for that.” The soft-spoken knight began flying against the wind and causing her own vortex. Her speed was always top-notch, easy for her to make her own storm.
With that, they broke the storm. But with a cost.

Gallus would throw his spear towards the center, and lightning would strike there, but the soft-spoken knight is directly above it.

Crash! The lightning struck directly above the knight.

She crashed to the ground, unconscious.
“ My lord, I thought you wanted that knight.”

“She has caused too much trouble for us.”

But before the hippogryph could react, the knight was able to land a strike at her back.
Silver Stream tried to swipe him off, but her movement was already sluggish by the stab from the back, which gave the knight another strike from her side before Gallus could come for her rescue.

“You bastard!" His spear was fast but was manageable to dodge.

He quickly grabbed his wife and flew away as fast as he could.

In return, he too rushed towards his lady.

“Wake up! Wake up.”

“A little lightning like that is nothing to us pegasi. Cough, cough, cough!”

“ I’m fine; I’ve been struck by lightning since I was a filly; it runs in the family. But this lightning is somewhat different."

She then tries to stand up, but she still feels like she's in a daze.

“I'm fine; go help the mage; she’s bleeding out. Go, I’ll catch up.”

Luckily, other knights have finally arrived to aid them, and one of them is the healer.

“We were trying to find you, but a storm came out of nowhere. Surely you two are involved in that. And we were right! ”The healer deducted.

“Quickly! A knight is heavily injured.”

“ heal.”

The detective was instantly healed.
“And done; you don’t need to be so dramatic about it.”

“O-oh…”

The knights present there were shocked at how fast and effective his healing was.

“Hey, why didn’t you heal me like that?” The soft-spoken knight asked.

“… I didn’t. You healed naturally, and it's not as severe as hers.”

“oh. This is the first time I’ve heard about it.” She looked at the first.

“Sorry, you didn’t ask.”

“hmm…” the soft-spoken knight pouted.

" The white essence you absorbed pretty much healed you up. And it took quite a lot, actually. So be thankful for the innocent lives you have taken for saving you."

" Why'd you have to put it that way?" she jabbed the knight at his shoulder.

He'd retaliate with a hug.

"It's okay."

"I didn't mean too."

" I know. So let's go back to the village and rest."

"Yeah, and besides, the whole town was going to get wrecked by the rhinos anyway; we might as well grab the essence and go." The looter knight added.

" What the hell are you talking about? We already stopped the rhino!" The leader announced.

"Well, the last time I checked, half of our team split and ran off to Celestia knows where, and who ever stayed in the village might as well be dead." The mapper knight explained.

" So killing the caster wasn't enough."

" Then let's go back. Save the brave ones who stayed," the first knight ordered.

" Two of you can't even fight, and we actually just fled. So you're on your own, pony." The mapper knight declined.

" Tsk. Fine, stay here; I'll be back."

" You're going to die out there!" The looter knight shouted.

" Were already good as dead with these numbers to begin with."

Author's Note

Sorry i messed up, i edited this one again. but im sure i missed some errors. Will check once in a while, if you guys have any questions, feel free to ask.

Chapter 29

Eternal night is set upon the realms inside the Everfree forest as the trees grow thick and the sky is forever clouded by storm.

The wandering ponies, now drenched and tired, as the rain and mud hinder their advance.

"The weather worsens. Do we soldier on or bunker down?" Quilt asked the rest.

The others seem to be fine, but Apple was fatigued.

Treasure's worry grew as he saw her trying to keep up.

He offered his hoof to her, but she took it differently.

She began to cry and shake.

"Forgive me, for I am weak. If you must, leave me." She bows down, with hooves shaken.

Treasure would quickly lift her and place her at his back.

"Enough with your nonsense, Apple. Why do you treat me like I abuse you?"

She too would wonder. This stallion has treated her so well, yet fear grasps her, not wanting to disappoint. And with that, she feels ashamed to be rescued once more and never contributed for the others.

"I'm sorry," she timidly replied.

She clenched tightly at Treasure as he carried her through the muddy landscapes of the forest.

Tapper, on the other hand, would have this weird idea and ask Quilt if she too wanted to be carried.

"You know... I can carry you if—" splash!
Tapper was interrupted by mud on the face and stopped him from his tracks.

"Sorry, I slipped," he said monotonously.

"It's okay. Mistakes happen," he sadly replied.

Mean while Cross has been carrying Bluebell for a while and is pretty much out of shape as well; this would be pointed out by Quilt and end up scolding the ditzy mare.

"Hey! Stop messing around Bluebell; can't you see Cross is limping already from your fat ass, digging from his back?"

"H-Hey! My ass is not fat!" She quickly went down from his back, ashamed and bashful.

Cross could only give a sigh in relief and smile at Bluebell, which she took badly.

It struck her that Cross did have a hard time because of her and is now regretting her free-willed attitude with their relationship.

She hurriedly placed herself beneath him and began carrying him.

Cross didn't have the time to react and got carried by her.

He blushed heavily and questioned her actions, as he was on top of her.

"W-What are you doing!?"

"It's my turn to carry you," she answered as if it wasn't obvious what she was doing to him.

"Chivalry is not only for stallions, you know; us mares have that too! Especially being a knight and all," she proudly announced.

"Not like this, Bluebell!"

He hurriedly tried to go down from her, but she'd try to insist, ending them both in the mud.

"Hey, why won't you let me carry you?" She genuinely asked in disappointment.

She'd soon feel something hard hit her sensitive part and soon realized how much Cross tried to control himself.

She quickly stood up and hurriedly gallop forward, ending up ahead of the others, while Cross is still in the mud, covering his face with his muddy hooves.

"Stop messing around and get a move on; we got more walking to do," Treasure pointed out.

"Im not messing around!"

____________

"Bubbles... is everything alright?" He popped the question.

The two had been walking through the forest for some time now, and both have been quiet and distant.

The mare remained silent and deep in thought.

"It was the foreplay, wasn't it?" Bright asked in defeat.

This bubble heard and left her confused.

"What? Foreplay?"

"I knew it. I was weird when you asked me to be rough. You even laughed at me and gave that awkward smile at me! I told you I wasn't good at it. Now..." He couldn't continue as the stallion has broken. He felt ashamed and embarrassed that, because of his actions, his relationship with Bubbles had turned into this.

Bubbles could not remember what Bright is talking about since she already experienced more than a century before coming back, and it was a horrendous one at that.

"Um, no. No! It's not that. How should I put this?" She wanted to tell him what happened, but Starlight Glimmer warned her that it might not be for the best. She didn't elaborate, which pissed off Bubbles. Why wouldn't she tell? She wondered.

Is she messing with me? No, she couldn't; I've messed up already, and because of my stubbornness... No... That—that never happened. Thanks to her... Her thoughts once more run in circles on what's to come.

And with her falling silent again and ignoring Bright, she neglected him, which caused him to doubt himself once more.

And because of her spacing out, she got near him and began to flinch and back away from him.

"... Seriously. What's going on?" The frustrated stallion asked.

This would not help, as it triggered something inside of her head and began seeing Gallus and the abuse she had.

Even though she was a hardened royal knight, the terror she experienced would break anyone.

"It's nothing, please! Let me be!" She yelled.

Bright sighed in defeat, not knowing what to do.

"I'm sorry. It's just... Something changed. Something happened that I wasn't aware of." He'd smile at her, trying to reassure her.

She could only look away, feeling guilty about how she treats him. "It's okay really. Just... Just give me sometime. I promise you its going to be alright. I love you; never doubt that. Now lets get going, shall we?"

Bright did not move. He sulked where he stood.

The two would awkwardly stand still.

"Um Bright?"

The stallion still slumped would turn around and continue to lead the way.

"Oh, yes.. where are we heading again?" he asked.

"Were trying to look for the others, probably heading to Canterlot, remember?" Bubble replied.

"Ah yeah, sorry. Must've slipped my mind."

They continued to walk through the forest, both distant and quiet. They've become strangers to one another.

Their distance grew as Bubbles began to tire.

"Hey... Bright? You don't mind we rest for a bit, right?"

"Hm?... Sure," he replied.

He found a spot that was dry and sat beside a tree, facing her. He stares at her, eyes focused, unwavering.

Bubbles would sit beside a different tree as well.

Bright seems to be more silent now and isn't bothering Bubbles with questions and insecurities. Has he perhaps given up on me? Questions running through her head.

Chapter 47

Pop POP!

Confettis and stringers flew from the court as the vanguards entered the court and were met by a surprise party, hosted by Pinkie Pie herself!

"Congratulations, TEAAAM VANGUARD!" The pink menace popped out of nowhere from the sky.

" Evasive maneuvers! Shes on to us!" Bright yelled in a panic.

Bubbles would try to unsheathe her blade, but she ended up just drawing a balloon shaped like a sword.

" What in—"

"Nope! Can't say that in front of the audience! And no need for pointy stuff here in a party! Unless we're doing the pop the pinatas! Ooh, that's fun!"

Apple would be hiding underneath the table, but no one is safe when it comes to her. " Psst... What are we hiding from?"

She'd look at the face of a pony, grinning with a malicious plan in mind with her. "Uuhmm..."

POOF!

A small explosion erupted under the table, and there came out a struggling pony wearing a clown suit, Apple. " Apple, NOO!!!" Treasure cried as she remained unconscious on his lap. " PINKIEEEE!!!!"

" That's me!" She then shoved some party favors on his mouth.
" TOOOOOOOOTTTTHHHH...."

Meanwhile, Bluebell was enjoying everything happening around her. "Oh, ohp
! Mmemememe me!"

Smack!

A pie lands on her face, and she laughs wildly. " Can you teach me how to do that! Please, please, please?"

" How can I say no to that? Since you have your studies with Starlight Glimmer, you should visit one of my classes!" Then she approached her and whispered through her ears. " And if yer real serious about it, I'll teach ya everything." She then winked at her, which in return made the unicorn ecstatic. " YIII!"

Meanwhile, the others are still panicing.

Diamond Tiara was taken aback by their reaction to Pinkie Pie; she had not expected such a response from them. "Okay everyone! Everyone! Uhm! Co-CONGRATULATIONS!"

Finally, the chaos died down, and all attention was to her.

"Ahm, our introduction to the world was a SUCCESS thanks to our new team, THE VANGUARDS!"

Tiara and the staff began applauding the Royal Knights in appreciation for the project's accomplishment.

" Usually a review of the performance of this project would take weeks, but seeing how quick and effective our project was, we got a go signal from the higher-ups and gave the budget already! So for today, I think we deserve a celebration!"

Everyone celebrated and partied that day. Although the knights, with the exception of Bluebell, were uncomfortable around Pinkie, they were still able to enjoy the celebration.

As the party continued, Tiara approached the team to personally thank them again.

She sat at their table and congratulated them. " This project of mine wouldn't make it without you ponys! So once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart." She gave a cheer to them.

" Oh, Teacher, you didn't have too. I'm always happy helping you out in anyway, and besides! This is all your hard work!" Bubbles simped.

" I can't take all the credit, Bubbles!" She giggled.

Meanwhile, Bright stared at her doubtfully.
" Why're you looking at me like that?" She kicked Bright secretly under the table. "Uff!... Nothing... You just got something on your cheeks," then he stole a kiss on her cheeks as a form of revenge.

" Hey!" she flustered, "not in front of the teacher..."

She'd just laugh at the two couples.

" So Boss, I can call ya boss, right?" Treasure asked Tiara.

"Sure, I guess?"

"So we're workin tomorrow, right?"

" Yes, that is if there's any available work, that is, but don't worry! Work or no work, you will be paid! As it is my duty to give you one, and it would be my fault to not provide you one," she assured him.

" Yeyeyeah, so like, is it alright if I pick my kind of work perhaps?" he asked.

" Well, that's going to lead to some problems as the work least favoured would pile up, and besides, why be like that? You know that you're one with the high remarks by our customers, right?" She questioned.

Gulp. " That's what I'm afraid off..."

Tiara would then focus on Bluebell. " And you! Miss Magician, are quite famous with the foals! Sky rocketing our name to the young ones! That was great work, protecting and entertaining the future of Equestria!" She then shaked her hooves.

" It was nothing too it, hihihi!"

Pinkie would slide at her side and join in the conversation.

" So you're the Fiery magician! Cheese Cake is such a fan of yours! Who knew you're such a party pony. Hmm, i guess I have a competition in my, HANDS." They giggled in excitement.

" Let's just say a certain pony inspired me!"

" You know what! Let's start the lecture right now, silly pony! What do you say?"

" Would I!?" They both dashed to other tables and began entertaining the others.

"Quilt! You are perfect at the office! You. You'll put me to new heights, my friend! You are sticking with me." She rested her hooves on her shoulder.

Quilt liked the praise, that it left a bit of a blush on her cheeks. "I was only doing my job, ma'am." She then secretly gave the tongue to Bubbles, which infuriated the mare. The cup she was holding was crumpled beyond recognition.

" And Tapper, thanks for the backup! Even though what you did was just picking up litter, that in it's way gave an image to us; all may it be big or small, we get the job done!" She patted his back.

" ...i guess?"

"Crosss!..."

" Don't... Just... Don't."

"I am so sorry I couldn't give you anything to do." She then quickly bowed down to him.

" Next time, I guess..." He sighed.

" And Apple... I am really sorry! I'll explain everything to the Apple family about your condition. This was all my fault. I didn't expect things to go this bad."

" I-Its okay. They were nice ponys. I- I don't mind working with them."

She'd smile and feel relieved that Apple wasn't badly traumatized by the Apple family, seeing how meek the mare was.

" Who woulda thought a rogue Phoenix from the school caused all that fire? Turns out someone was experimenting on a potion to make their pet bird last longer, which destroyed the life cycle of the phoenix, causing it to go rogue. And with that, the Phoenix was not able to revive. A lesson the student would learn gravely." She felt sorry for the phoenix and the student who wished well for her pet but would learn a much more painful lesson instead.

" So what will the students fate be?" Bubbles asked.

" She has to go through trial first in Canterlot before she could go back to campus; that's if she's allowed to go back."

"Hmm, a pity," Bright added.

" We trust in the princess' judgment."

Everyone at the table became curious.

" Oh? May we know which princess?" Bubbles asked.

" Oh right. Differently dimension. Well, its Princess Twilight Sparkle in this world, who rules Equestria, but she's aided by the other alicorns, who also rule in this world, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire and her daughter, Flurry Heart, who's actually one of the students in the School of Friendship. She lives on that castle, right over there." She pointed out the window,and there a shiny pointy castle can be seen.

"Well, this feels weird..." Tapper spoke. "Should we continue our original goal?"

" Of course we do! This isn't even our original world." Quilt reminded him.

This dampens everyone's mood as they know that they won't be staying here permanently.

Which gave Diamond Tiara an idea.
" Hey! Everyone!... What if we help you ponys out?"

Chapter 001: The First Knight

Far beyond the desert, one can see the littered bodies of royal knights and other creatures scattered throughout. It seems a war has brewed here but has happened long ago, as skeletons are all that remained from them.

A native of the desert can be seen looting through the desert, giving no rest for the dead as it rummages through their belongings. “ Aaa… a royal knight, are we? Pray tell you are doing here in the middle of the desert, with your armor and all.” The wandering creature covered in desert clothes, resembling bandages, spoke.

It stands on all fours yet uses its front legs not only for movement but for gestures as well.

It began to tap the armor of the knight to see if it was still alive, even though its body was half buried in the desert and all.

“... dead perhaps? It would be a waste if I left your armor here to rust. The dead need nothing, right? As for me," the wonderer began to grab and yank the armor off the desert to collect it off the royal knight’s corpse.

A muffled thud would be heard buried somewhere beneath the sand. This would grab the wanderer’s interest.

“ …perhaps? .... We have a live one? ” He carefully surveyed the surroundings to pinpoint the location of the sound. Then he began digging.

“Oh, great joy! Something... something alive! Oh, what great fortune! I hope it’s not damaged—!? ”The wanderer was stopped in his tracks as something hot pierced through his stomach. There dripped his blood into the sands; soon the wanderer was no more but a limp flesh skewered by a sword.

The owner of the sword would slowly come out beneath the sands and begin to push the wanderer aside. It was a royal knight.
It’s existence leaves questions, as it is not possible.

And yet it exists.

The knight began to crush the skull of the wanderer, and an essence of white mist would leak out from its body and into his, absorbing it and gaining strength.

The body of the wanderer would slowly vanish into this white essence and be fully absorbed by the royal knight, leaving no trace of its victim.

The Royal Knight stood out from the sand with its four hooves and a sword on its mouth.

It glared through the distance, lost and wondering. What awaits his sight is nothing but the glaring sun and a vast desert littered with corpses.

The knight sheaths his sword and begins to check himself, unable to understand what has become of him. He has become a deviant of his kind—a shadow pony of some sort, although hornless and wingless—a shadow pony nonetheless.

His hooves would flare up a shadowy sort of dark flame, and his breath is hot to the touch. In actuality, his whole body felt like it was burning.

He thought at first that because he was in a desert, he felt the unbearable heat, but the feeling was different. The sensation was painful to the point that he was burning, but the knight was already used to torture and had already experienced something far worse than being burned alive.

The pony began to run towards what he thought was north, so he scouted the area and tried to find a higher vantage point. But all he sees are dunes of sand, so he climbed one that looked the tallest. There, he found, at the very far distance, a mountain—his next destination.

He began to gallop towards it while leaving burnt foot marks on the sand. As he exerted himself, he felt the fire inside him burn even more violently, causing him to exhale black, purplish fire.

He began to sweat flames as it caught the wind he was running against. His strength and speed felt limitless, but so too did the pain. This was nothing new to him. He was able to push through.

But it seems his flame attracted something beneath the ground. It was his fellow knights.

He paused and observed his brothers and sisters rise from the sands, and they began feeling the burning sensation that he had felt too.

They shared the same pain, but not all are equal. Some would yell in agony and crawl. Some would strip their own armor and flesh just to get rid of the flame that’s eating inside them.

None of them could bear the pain.

Why? He thought.

He looked at his blade.
He unsheathed it and went near someone who was dying.
“Brother, let me end thy suffering.”

He quickly sliced its head off, and it began to release the same white essence as the wanderer he killed.

He absorbed it once more, and the pain seems to have diminished.

“Lift your swords. If not, then let your fellow lift it for you instead.”
He then salutes the fellow knight he just slayed.

The others, who are still able to bear and witnessed what happened, were able to pick up what needed to be done.

A mass killing was performed between brothers and sisters.

Some would pay their respects, and some would instantly go through each other’s throats. But sooner or later, it would eventually end.

Silence.

Few but remained.

“Have you quenched them burning desires?” The first who rose asked the many.

The rest would look at him and give their respects.

“Who shall lead? ”He followed up with another question.

One by one, the knights began to list their ranks, but it seems the first one still outranked them all.

“Then follow me. We head to the princess's aid. We were not pulled out of our slumber with no reason, especially our conscious intact.” The royal knights began to charge towards the unfamiliar lands that they once called home.
Equestria.

Now, black flames scorch the desert that leads north, where the only guide the royal knights have is a lone mountain in an endless sea of desert.

This would attract the warlord of the south.
Gallus, the Boastful Pillager.

News of slaughter in his desert was unheard of, especially if it wasn't him doing it.

"Generals, it seems someone is starting the party without me."
Gallus spoke as he played with his prey, who was stuck between his spear.
Lifeless...

"We move north."

Author's Note

I hope this one ain't too dark... Or perhaps i should add more dark lore to it?

Chapter 002: The soft-spoken Knight

The knights were faithful fools seeking the princess. Blessed, they thought, for they roamed the world once more. Not knowing the truth, they blindly move forward, seeking the one they promised to protect.

Their burning bodies would soon attract creatures of the desert, as they reek of the white essence that they absorbed from their victims.

The shifting of the sands caught the Royal Knight's attention and put caution to where they stride.

An ambush below the desert, a giant scorpion with wasp wings, and a centipede for a tail—one would say a variant of a chimera made of insects,leaps out and attacked. One of its pincers was able to grab one of the knights and begin to rip it apart, and its essence was eaten.

The rest of the knights would not waste this opportunity and attacked the creature.

Another would fall as the tail of the creature lashes out to another knight, costing them another casualty before they could fully fell the beast. It released an extremely bountiful amount of essence.

With that, the knights were bathed in this essence, and it was good. Some felt an addictive sensation as they absorbed a large amount of white essence.

But the first would snap them back to reality and ordered to continue moving forward, and so they did.

They continued their journey, but noticed their numbers slowly declined as they moved closer to the mountain.

It seems no more ambushes have fallen upon them... So what's the cause of the decline?

The first would ponder this and eventually leave it for another day. His goal was to reach the princess and further assist her in her endeavor. The traitors would be dealt with later.

"The princess waits! Do not abandon your faith; move!"

Although the actions of the others are traitorous, a silver lining presented itself; their burning tracks on the sand were scattered. Gallus's army would have a hard time tracking them.

___________

"Warlord Gallus, report from the front lines." A cat like creature that walked on twos bowed down to the overlord and presented a crystal, which projected an image of a wanderer covered with fine clothes, only showing its face. "Permission to speak, my lord."

"You may." As Gallus was feasting with his many wives at his banquet table.

"The tracks of our prey began to split one by one, but the majority of them seem to be headed north, to the mountains of the forbidden jungle."

"Curious..." The warlord spoke as he patted the head of his hippogryph wife, his most favorite collection.

"It's best we know what we are dealing with, correct?" He began feeding his wives some fruits, which they gladly fed from his claws.

He watched them eat it with amusement.

"Send ten of our finest warriors to pursue the ones who separated and wait for them while we send trackers for the rest. It's no fun if we finish this off quick, right?"

"Understood, my lord," replied the one in the projection.

"Update me if anything interesting happens. For the mean time, I must attend to my wives." He then shooed away the cat holding the crystal artifact.

____________

The Royal Knights would soon reach their destination, and another hurdle presented itself.

The climb.

"We rest, then we climb the mountain. There we may chart our next course to Canterlot," the first announced.

They would group themselves on the ground and rest, while some would watch on guard.

A pegasus knight would approach the first and begin to give her own ideas. Her voice was soft, but professional.
"Commander, may I suggest a few of the pegasi fly up there instead? This would be easier for the rest and quicker."
The soft-voiced knight gave out her plans with a hint of care, yet her tone hit hard.

"This would be a good idea, but we are short in numbers. We cannot afford to lose more. How many are the pegasi in our group?" The first asked.

"Fifteen, sir," she replied.

"Then what would be the best number to send above? Surely quantity would probably be safer, but we would become a large target and easily be spotted by bigger monsters. Let us not forget the abomination we fought on the desert just recently. It was quite new to us. Who is to tell that there are more, and new dangerous things await us?"

"True, but nevertheless, we still need to push on, for our promise to the princess," she bravely replied.

"Then three would be enough. Please heed that casualties must be avoided at all costs. Your kind is a priority and must be preserved. You may take charge and lead the finest pegasi up the mountain," he ordered.

"It will be done." The soft-spoken knight replied and took her leave.

Soon, three pegasi would fly up to the sky and cruise towards the top of the mountain.

"Fellow knights, we wait for them to bring good news, while we gather food for our future travels and map our surroundings."

This would soon make them notice that they do not hunger or thirst. Their cravings for a meal on their stomachs are gone, as the flames inside them burn it away, fueling strongly their other desires.

Madness is soon upon them.

___________

A giant tent would be seen standing alone in the desert, surrounded by an army of mixed races guarding every corner of it. Tis because they guard the tent of their master. Warlord Gallus.

From a distance, five more of his men can be seen approaching his tent. The rest of his army would give way and salute the five who just came back. It seems they are of higher rank than the rest.

They march proudly towards the tent of their master as they bring gifts to him. They have captured their targets and brought slaves to their master.

As they enter the tent, they quickly bow down to their warlord and present their gifts.

"Warlord Gallus, we have successfully fulfilled your mission, but with a cost. A lot of our finest soldiers were slain in the process, but it was worth it, as we brought you this."

They pulled the chains of the slave towards their lord and revealed one of the royal knights. "My lord, this knight was able to slay half of our group before we could fully detain her. I believe... This is to your liking, my lord?"

Gallus smiled. "Excellent! You know me so well! And as for that, you may take your reward tenfold!"

Ten large sacks of gold were thrown in front of them.

They began to grab the bags and bid their master farewell. "If there's anything more you need of us, we will gladly follow orders," were their final words before leaving the tent.

Now, alone with his new toy. Gallus cut off its restraints and gave it a sword that he threw in front of her.

"I want to see what you're made of. If you are worthy, then you will be one of my many wives. Disappoint me. Then off with your head."

Chapter 003: The castle atop a mountain.

Furious winds challenged the trio as they headed up the mountain.

"Do not break formation; less you tempt death itself," the soft-spoken knight told the two.

The walls of the mountain were sharp. One wrong move, and it's all over. The blinding rays of the sun do not help with their perilous travel. But they were able to manage.

As they pierced through the clouds and reach the top of the mountain, they have a wider view of where they are in the world. But lost they remained, as not one familiar site can be seen.

"This is a problem. I do not recognize these lands. How about you?" She asked the two pegasi.

One would point out a peculiar mountain, almost hidden by the horizon. It appears to have a castle on top of it.

The soft-spoken knight scanned the horizon once more; perhaps she missed something? But alas, nothing but that spec of castle atop a mountain, beyond the horizon, is the only thing that catches her attention.

"Good work; that would be our next destination. Chart a course for us to follow, the safest route possible."

One of them would bring out a magical quill and paper and began drawing a map. His skill was astonishing, as he drew the map quite well and accurate.

"Done? Then we return to the others." But that plan would be halted as the same giant bug-like chimera creature that attacked them from the desert intervened, but this one seems to be bigger.

The knights prepared their weapons, as they knew first hoof how terrifying and aggressive this creature can be.

But the creature did not take initiative, as it waits.

This was a bit unusual as how the same creature they fought was quite aggressive. Their questions would soon be answered, as it appears to be someone was riding it.

It had the same outfit as the wanderer the first had slayed in the desert. But this one seemed bigger and stronger.

Seeing this, the soft-spoken knight began to speak to the rider.

"We come in peace!" Assuring the rider of their intentions.

"Oh, but our Lord needs none of that," replied the rider.

The knights looked at each other and prepared for the worst.

"If blood shed is what you want, we would gladly give, but we have much more urgent things to do than to amuse you." She then gave a nod to the one who bore the map. A signal for him to run back to the group, which he did.

The rider attempted to block the fleeing knight; an opening, the soft-spoken knight eagerly waited.

The creature's pincer, which was about to grab the fleeing knight, was cut off by the soft-spoken knight.

The rider was shocked at the speed of the small-framed knight.

This also opened the chance for the other knight to strike the tail of the creature.

The cut was not deep, but enough to make the tail limp and inoperable.

This would make the creature's movements slow and allow it to dish out fewer attacks.

The creature screeched in pain and began to flail wildly. They put distance to their foe and watched the rider panic and fall from the creature; completely losing control, and it's ride as it flew away to escape them.

The knight quickly pointed her blade at the rider.

"Hmm. My urge to kill you is strong somehow. Speak."

Stunned, the rider tried to collect himself. "Y-You're strong. Spare me, and I can recommend you to Warlord Gallus!"

The soft-spoken knight stabbed the ridder in his mouth before cutting it in half.

"That is my answer." She struck her sword in the air to clean off the blood on it before sheathing it back at her scabbard; absorbing its essence.

"Well said," the knight who assisted her applauded. He began rummaging through the body of the rider.

"Be quick with your task," the soft-spoken knight said before leaving him with his business.

Meanwhile, as she descends the mountain, the first knight can be seen hastily climbing the mountain.

She quickly called for his attention. "What are you doing?"

The first knight halted and searched where the voice came from. "Oh, my worry was for not. Forgive me for doubting you." The first knight saluted and gave a bow of apology.

The soft-spoken knight looked below and saw where she was, seeing how fast and high the first knight had reached. He was almost one fourth high up on the mountain

"Yes, it was for not, but impressed me, you did. Is that how much you worry for me that you quickly climbed this high?" She asked.

The first knight could not reply and was stumped.

"Come, let us descend." The soft spoken knight came close and grabbed him from the waist.

"Hold tight, or was this your plan all along?" The soft-spoken knight teased.

"Maiden, manners, please," he said as he carefully held onto her.

Later, the knight rummaging the rider would catch up to them.

"Why is our leader here?" he questioned.

"Long story. More importantly, have you found something important?" The soft-spoken knight asked.

The knight tossed a small emblem at her. It has the design of a shield with a griffon's head on it.

"Warlord Gallus's banner, perhaps. What else?"

"A pouch full of gold and some bottles containing colorful liquids," the scavenger knight replied.

"Perhaps we can ask some of the unicorns about this potion," the soft-spoken knight suggested.

"Agreed," the first knight replied.

A few minutes passed, and they were able to reach their camp.

The first knight would ask for all to gather and have a meeting.

The three pegasi who climbed the mountain began to give great detail on their travels up the mountain.

"Perhaps we are not in Equestria anymore?" One of the knights pointed out.

"Perhaps..." the first knight responds. "Either we go to the castle from the distance or face Gallus. Seeing how his men act, I see no good would come upon us with this Gallus."

The rest would agree and continue to follow the first knight.

They checked the map once more and checked the routes to choose from.

"We follow the river; that way we have water to drink, although we do not thirst. We still need the sustenance the water gives us, I think." The first knight, unsure, as this too was a first for him.

He may not thirst, but perhaps he still needs water for the body to work properly.

_________

A knight, limp and tired, is seen being dragged inside a tent.

"You passed. Rest; you'll need it later, tonight," Gallus said while cleaning himself up from his fight with the knight he just captured.

"My lord," the cat once more interrupted.

"Two have returned seriously injured, while the rest did not return at all."

"They're not making it easy for me, huh. Good."

Chapter 004: The forbidden jungle

The long, winding river has brought the knights deep into the jungle, enshrouded by dark, not because of the night but because of the thick, dense jungle embracing the darkness; shielding it from light.

This would not be a problem as their bodies exude flames, which guide them through the depths of the forest, but also an alluring lure from the creatures hidden within the forbidden forest.

Their flames would reflect on the lurking creature's eyes as they followed the river, avoiding their possible ambush. Although they look at them as they pass, no one dares come close to them and attack. Probably from the flames they produced.

Luckily, the ground they stepped on was damp enough that the cinders their hoof prints left did not scatter.

"It was a wise choice that we followed the river; this way we could avoid burning the whole forest. Who knows what catastrophe we could have caused?" The soft-spoken knight told the first.

"I will be honest; I have not considered it. Please do not think of me so highly." The first knight, embarrassed.

"Hahaha, a fluke it is, nevertheless, your luck has brought us this far. You may still lead us. Fear not, I will not take your place. For now, that is." She jests.

"More than half have died and more have left us. I do not blame you if you would like to take my place; if it's you, I'll gladly follow. You have proven your worth." He bowed down to her and presented his sword unsheathed.

"Are you serious? Surely you know I jest." She blushed. "And besides, you can't always be lucky; some of that is unavoidable. If it weren't for you, perhaps none of us would have survived," she reassured him.

He smiled. "Thank you."

The soft-spoken knight could only look away.

"Ahmm, please get a room and stop blocking our way." One of the knights spoke behind them. They'd see their fellow knights smirking and sighing. Embarrassing the both of them.

"Can you be quick about it and touch his sword already? Some of us want to go home." The soft-spoken knight blushingly followed what was said, which honored the first knight.

" E-Even though you offered your sword, this only goes to show our friendship to each other, okay!" She flustered.

"You're not the only one who can flirt, you know." He winked at the soft-spoken knight. Which further flustered her.

The knights continued to bicker, chat, and horse around as they walked through the forest. It's a bit unprofessional, but it helps make the travel fast and entertaining.

______________

" My lord, it seems we have lost track of the group heading north into the forest. It appears that they used the river to hide their burning tracks and their scent untraceable as it is smoke itself, confusing our beasts," the cat announced.

"While I am disappointed with my army, more fun for me, I guess. Perhaps this is a matter that I should attend. Silver stream," he called.

"Yes, my lord."

"Join me."

"As you wish."

Gallus would take his favorite spear and armor, while Silver Stream would still wear her revealing desert dress and place her whip at the side of her hip.

"What army will you be taking with you, my lord?" The cat asked.

"The dragoons," he replied.

"The best it is then; I shall summon them right away, my lord."

"Go, for we fly in an hour."

The cat would leave, and Gallus prepared, waiting at his throne. His wife would sit on his lap and touch the burns on his face.

"Did you enjoy your new toy?"

"Not as much as I enjoyed you. In the end, she was just wild. Uncomparable to you."

The two joined as they waited for their flight.

_________

A spear within the abyss would fly and land infront of them, halting the knight's advance and forcing them to go on a defensive.

"Perhaps we can talk to the locals here?" someone suggested.

"If they side with Gallus, then I suggest we kill them instead," the soft-spoken knight recommended.

"State your business!" The first knight shouted.

"Perhaps they're savages who do not know our tongue? We should instead take their essence," one whispered.

Their answers would soon be answered as a boar-like creature decorated with cult-like ornaments of bones and skulls emerged in the abyss of the forest.

"Equine tongue, not Equine. What, what?" The boar spoke.

The knights, shocked by the revelation, questioned each other. It seems both parties are curious and confused about each other.

"A boar that speaks? When?"

"A smart savage, savage nonetheless. We should take their essence."

"They seem to have no part in Gallus."

"Then perhaps we need not fight." The first intervenes the others.

He approaches the boar and sheathes his sword in front of it. " May we cross your forest? We come, no trouble." The first tried to communicate.

"Trouble already. Sacred water. Touched by death. Trouble you are!"

" What do we do then?" The first stood his ground, his tone authoritative and unwavering.

The boar was shocked at how a tiny pony would look so big and intimidating. "M-move away! Move away!"

" An easy request. Do as the boar asked."

The first told his troops. " But sir-"

" You heard him." The rest would look at each other in confusion and eventually follow what the boar requested.

" Happy?" the first asked the boar.

" Good pony, good," the boar said happily, not knowing the consequences of its request. The first presented himself once more. " I am a royal knight, and you?" He pointed.

" Boris! Boris, many bones!" He proudly answered.

" Hmm, Boris of many bones, an honor to meet you. May we pass now?"

" Depends! Where go?"

The first knight would look at the rest of the group before saying, "To Canterlot."

" Demon Castle! Demon Castle! Crazy equine! Leave! Leave!" The boar began to back away from them, and the rest of the boars, hidden in the forest, began to slowly close in with their spears.

The knights were also preparing their swords, but the first would halt them.

"Trouble no! No trouble! Kill demons, we will!" He announced.

The boars began looking at each other, bewildered. "Even crazy! But. better. You go now!" Boris proclaimed.

It seems the first knight has gained some leverage.
" Then help and guide us, please."

"Only outside forest, finish." The answered.

" Understood."

The deal between the boar and the royal knights ended peacefully. A guide was given to them as they headed out of the forest.

Author's Note

Hmmm why did it end up with first and soft spoken flirting..... My minds a mystery...

Chapter 005: Macintosh Hills

"Tell me, guide, we kill demons, yes. What is this demon?" The first knight asked.

"Demon big, white, greedy. Eat like dragon. Gems. Eat, come out of stomach alive. Birth." Their boar guide spoke.

"Wtf was that?" The one who drew the map said.

The first would stop his rudeness and suggest that he just listen.

"Continue," he asked.

"Demon Castle, big, many child of demon.
She eat, become child. Not eat, not eat, you child; she eat you."

"What demon, spider? Horse? Monkey?" The first asked.

"Many, many but pony with horn. Ugly. Kill demon."

"Well, that's our answer; we are up against a unicorn," the mapper butted in.

"If so, then that would be easy," the first knight proclaimed.

"Im sure this one is either a chimera of some sort or a draconicous one," he continued.

The boar would stop moving and point northward. "End of forest. Cave, village, crazy ponies. Bye."

The boar then casually leaves as if nothing happened.

"Ain't they friendly?" The mapper knight added.

"Better than Gallus's army," the soft-spoken knight replied.

"Quickly, let's move. This place gives us more questions than answers, and it's giving me a headache." The first answered.

Their journey toward the cave was quick. No troubles presented themselves.

"Why have our days become so dull and boring?" The pillager knight voiced out his boredom.

"Must you jinx us? Be grateful for what fate has presented us," one of the knights answered.

"Well, we can open our flames again since we'll need it for the dark cave upon us," the first suggested.

"Neigh, we might choke ourselves if we do that, and caves tend to have weird gases that might explode," the mapper warned.

"Great, we still need that light, though."

The first would enter first and release his flames.

"I'll go first. Distance yourself a bit so not everyone would get cought in the explosion. The rest should practice limiting their flames."

"Must you always have a brave front?" The soft-spoken knight asked.

"I chose to lead; I must set an example. And besides, how else am I to impress you?"

"It would be for nothing if you end up dying, knight; don't forget who you showed your sword."

"Yes, milady." He gave a kiss at her hooves before continuing inside the cave.

Slowly, the knights trek the insides of the cave.

_______________

Up in the sky, Gallus's army blocks the sun, giving the ground beneath darkness.

"We are about to cross boar territory, my lord," one of the dragons informed his lord.

"And so?" he replied.

"I heard boar meet is exquisite."

" Onyx, they are part of my territory. If you ate them, that would be less for me, or is it that you wish to take what is mine?"

A whip would crack and strangle Onyx.

Silver stream would land on the dragon's back and continually choke the dragon.

"My dear, let him talk. It would be a waste if you killed him."

"Don't be soft, dear," she replied.

"I'm not; do not worry. Your griffon will never be soft."

" Hmhm, good." She giggled.

As soon as she released her whip, Onyx was able to grasp for air.

"AGH.. forgive me, my lord. I did not mean to take what is yours."

"I know you can be stupid sometimes, Onyx, that I can understand, but if she's here, be careful what you say, or better yet, don't talk at all. Next time might not be pretty. Even I won't be able to help you."

"I understand, my lord."

"And to me, dragon, what would you say?" Silver Stream asked while still on top of him.

"Forgive me, my lady!" He panicked.

"Good. Now behave." She sat at his back and rested there.

"Visiting the boars might be a good idea, though. They know the forest well, correct? We descend to their village; do not eat them."

As he gave the signal, they dove into the forbidden forest.

_______________

The cave was wet and damp as they got deeper inside. There were no signs of life, not even cave dwellers or insects.

"Be careful of poison; there is no reason for creatures to abandon this cave if so," the mapper warned.

"Perhaps we are ending up burning the poison in the air."

"Or perhaps it's the water itself?"

"Just don't do anything stupid while we are in here," the soft-spoken knight answered.

"I see light!" The first responded.

He quickly galloped to the source, only to be met by an earth pony dazed and staring at the distance.

It was wearing mining gear, complete with a pickaxe and a lamp. But his clothes were tattered and torn.

"Are you alright, sir?" The first was genuinely worried, as this was the first time he had met a fellow pony that wasn't burning—a citizen they were duty-bound to protect.

The rest of the knights would rush in and help.

"I have first aid!"

"I know the arts of healing!"

Everyone looked at that knight, questioning his decision to hide that skill up until now.

" W-What! No one asked!"

Everyone decided to let that one slip by, as they needed to help the miner.

"Alright, we leave the professionals to do their work while we wait."

The two would do as much as they could to heal the dazed pony while the rest watched on guard.

"Perhaps it's best we bring him out of this cave," the mage suggested.

Hearing that, the miner began screaming and violently shoved anyone away. The rest would be on alert and distance themselves from the miner. A mistake they made, as it began running off a cliff.

"The village is doomed! The village is doomed!" The miner screamed.

"Stop him!"

It was too late.

His fall would not be heard.

Tsk, it might not be too late! We might still be able to save the village! Anything would do! "

But before he could run, the soft-spoken knight would block his way.

"Calm yourself! You have a responsibility to us first before them, and especially to our princess. Your death here will be a shame to us. Now move with caution; everyone here feels your remorse." She hugged him after that.

"Forgive me, and thank you." The first knight finally calmed.

"First aider, what was your take on the miner?" she asked.

"He had no pulse, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was unfocused; he kept looking everywhere and seemed to not know we were here. Hallucination, poison, or perhaps insanity. I can't tell from the little details we have."

"And what about you, healer?"

"Oh, uhmm... I think it's a curse. The white essence we absorb, I see it leaking from him, but only a little. But not only that, a mist of black surrounds him."

"Then we are dealing with magic?" The looter knight asked.

"Most probably," the healer answered.

"How many unicorns do we have in the group?" The first asked.

About 30 raised their hoofs.

This made the first question: how many earth ponys are present, since the majority that raised their hands is a lot.

"Then earth ponies?"

The only one who raised his hoof was him.

Everyone looked at each other and whispered.

"Oh, I hope this isn't a problem," he asked.

"What's with this? Do not disrespect our leader with this kind of attitude! The three races are one!" The soft-spoken knight defended.

"It's not that," one answered.

"It's been a decade since the royal knight stopped hiring earth ponies."

Author's Note

I forgot an important line of the miner
Updated.

Chapter 006: Appleoosa

The boar village was preparing a feast for their lord's visit. Troublesome, as they have to feed the army as well.

" My Lord, such blessing, your visit." A boar decorated with colorful feathers and an armor and helmet made of gold.

He raised a claw, which made everyone silent.

" Good. I came seeking ponies made of fire. They were last seen in your forest. Details, now." Gallus commanded.

The boars would wonder and panic about how to answer their lord.
Luckily, a boar with skulls as his decorations answered.

" Lord! Burning horsy, I speak!" He quickly ran in front and bowed down.

" Pony leader burning, scary. But Lord, much scary and strong, hehe."

Gallus was not amused by his flattery, though.

" Hehe, uhm, yes, Boris, continue. Burning pony, crazy. Go to demon castle, kill demon, said. Now cave go through village. North."

Gallus would clap loudly and begin giving orders.

" Alright everyone! You heard the boar! Give this one a bag of gold, eat your fill, and let's go. We have a war to join!"

A western-type village, abandoned. And at its entrance: Welcome to Appleoosa.

" Well, we finally found something familiar." The looter knight spoke.

" Well, what's left of it, that is," someone added.

" Ready yourselves." The first cautioned everyone. But it seems no one listens to him; more likely, two unicorns would escort him wherever he goes.

"Tsk." This irritated the first, as he does not want this. He ended up lashing at the soft-spoken knight, as she tends to follow him as well.

" I do not want special treatment!"

"I don't think so either! Don't think of me as they think of you, knight!" She scolded him.

" Oh, I'm sorry. Please forgive my actions. Perhaps I should sit this one out. I am an earth pony after all; I'll be in trouble if we fought someone with magic. Please lead them."

The soft-spoken knight was a bit angry at the first knight; it can be seen through her helmet. Her eyes were glaring.

He can only look away. Ashamed.

" Fine! But only this once. When I return, I want my knight back," she said to his side, without looking at him.

" Thank you. And I will. Especially by your side."

" Words are cheap." She left and led the rest inside the village.

"Unicorns specializing in defense and detection, at the front!" Still soft but clear and loud. She was able to control the rest, and her orders ran smoothly.

A unicorn began casting detection magic, while two would cast a shield on her.

" I sense them inside the building. They seem to be alive, but they aren't moving too much. Perhaps they have the same fate as the miner we found down the cave?"

"Healer! Do you sense the curse here?" The soft spoken knight commanded.

" Yes! It's- it's everywhere!"

" Distance yourself to the town for now! Healer, can you dispel the curse?"

" Uhhh... maybe." The unicorn closed in slowly and worriedly.

He began touching something in the air and began mumbling.

"I have no idea, but it seems it's not affecting me. Maybe, perhaps all of us are immune to this."

They looked at each other and trusted the healer's judgment.

It seems they were fine.

" The black fog seems to be avoiding us, perhaps it's the..." A loud shot was heard, which caught everyone off guard.

The healer began to curl up in pain and dropped to the ground.

" Defensive position!"

The mages began casting their shields while the rest hid.

Spears and pies would be thrown from the covers of the buildings in an attempt to hit the mages but would just bounce off the shields or splatter.

" Everyone hide! We can't afford to deplete our magic here!"

They all went inside a building and bunkered down.

Meanwhile, the first would hear the shot and take cover as well. The two that decided to escort him followed as well.

Inside the building, the group panicked as the healer continued to bleed.

" How is he?" The soft-spoken knight asked.

"He's bleeding," the detection knight answered.

"Well, stop it then!"

" I don't have healing magic!"

The soft-spoken knight was panicking and didn't know what to do in this situation; she could only give commands in a rush."Well, he does!"

The healer lies unconscious.

"... That won't do, ma'am." One answered

"Damn it! Then cut it off!" She replied

" ... What?" the looter asked.

"If you cut off the part that's bleeding, then he wouldn't be bleeding from it anymore." She explained badly.

"...No!" Everyone rejected her idea.

"...Y-You didn't hear me say that, okay?
T-Then where's the knight who has first aid?"

Everyone looked, but the one who had first aid did not present himself.

" Shit, you take care of him while I take care of the bastard outside." She then rushed outside and presented herself to the sniper. It would only take a second for the sniper to take the bait.

A shot was fired, but it missed its target. The soft-spoken knight elegantly dodged the bullet and swiftly flew towards the sniper with such speed that she pierced through the building, grabbing the sniper by the neck.

Outside, she threatens the sniper she holds up high from the ground.

" Do you know first aid?" she asked.

But the sniper could only bark madly and mumble his words, struggling to get loose from her grasp and fall to his death.

She then stabbed the sniper and absorbed its essence.

"I guess you can't."

BANG!

A loud shot was heard, and the knight's chest was bleeding.

*This enfuriated the knight and focused her anger on killing the one who shot her. She pinpointed the location and dashed towards the sniper. Her speed rivaled a sonic rainboom, obliterating not only the sniper but the whole building, killing everyone inside.

Now rubble and white essence were left on her wake.

Meanwhile, the knights inside the building have no idea what's happening outside. They could only hear the intense battle happening outside.

" Remind me never to cross that mare."

" If so, then we better do what was told."

" You hear that healer! Don't you dare die on us."

They'd begin to panic and try holding the wound so that the blood wouldn't come out. But they just ended up making a mess.

They'd be interrupted as the door that leads outside would open.

The knights readied their swords.

It was the knight who knew first aid.

He looked at the mess. Caused by the knights, blood was everywhere.

" What are you guys doing!?" He questioned their actions.

" Quickly! Help us!"

" We have no idea what we're doing!"

" Well, shit. No kidding." The knight proceeded to apply first aid.

"Hmm, it went through, I see. That's good. Nothing important got hit, so that's good too. He'll be alright." He then bandaged the healer and stopped his bleeding.

" Seriously, has the school not taught you healing magic or first aid?" he asked.

The rest of the knights would look at each other, confused by what he said, but they would heed it with no mind.

Outside, the battle seemed to have stopped since it had been silent for a while.

The first saw everything. The soft-spoken knight fought elegantly and swiftly but met her demise as another sniper shot her.

As she crashed towards the building, the first rushed towards her.

There, she limps and falls to her knees, awaiting her death, as the essence circles around her.

The knight quickly went to her side, grabbing her by the shoulder.

The essence around her would enter from the wounds in her chest and slowly heal her. Soon, she would absorb all of the essence of her victims. It would not fully heal her, but it would be enough to clear her from danger.

" Wake up! Wake up!" He yelled.

Her eyes slowly opened, and she slapped the first knight.

" How dare you stare at my body indecently!"

The knight could only rub his swollen cheeks.

" Seriously, now." She tries to stand up but ends up tripping.

The knight would grab ahold of her.

" You have done enough already."

He then carried her forcefully.

"Seriously, is that how you carry a lady?" she pouted, but would snuggle at him.

He could only say, "Sorry."

Author's Note

Damn, half of this was deleted through production. Had to remake this chapter. Aaaaaaaa...
Edited Some parts.

*Here's a picture of bubbles.

https://www.deviantart.com/kujamih09/art/BUBBLES-THE-SOFT-SPOKEN-KNIGHT-1083169603

Chapter 007: The White Mare

The Church of the White Mare; the only church that stands in Appleoosa. A sanctuary for her people.

There gathered the mares and colts, protected by her walls. At the center, her priest preaches.

" The prophecy has begun. The march of the flames has begun. We will be engulfed by her flames, for we have sinned! Prey. Prey that we may have a swift death."

The worshipers cry and pray for forgiveness as they hold their colts and say their last farewells to each other.

bang!

The first shot was heard.

" It has begun!"

The worshipers, even though prepared, still shake in fear of what's to come.

Slam!

The church's door slammed open.

The spooked ponies could not help but look at who might've entered their sanctuary.

It was a royal knight.

" Oh, you ponys pray, yet you kill."

One attempted to run, but the only exit from this church is at the back of the knight.

Everyone was trapped inside.

The knight quickly stabbed the running mare and quickly absorbed her essence, and it was delicious.

The room's silence was broken as everyone screamed in fear.

" You scream, yet you fell silent when you shot my fellow knight? Scream all you want; perhaps then the statue you worship might move and save you."

He began to slaughter the mares and colts within his range. Essence rained down on him. Bathed in blood and essence, the knight grinned.

" You pray to a white statue, not resembling our princess, Blasphemy, all of you. In the end, all of you are savages."

Bang!

Another gunshot was heard.

" T-The prophecy!" Everyone inside shouted.

" Your voices are deafening. Enough!"

His body began to burn brightly, and the room began to burn slowly. The knight began to rise from where he stood, his wings wide open and burning in a purple flame.

" I shall be your prophecy!"

Everyone in the room began to scream and burn.

Bang! Another shot was heard.

The flames stopped. And the knight dropped from the sky.

Blood came out of his mouth. He could not speak.

His vision and orientation are in a mess.

There he saw, standing in front of the white mare's statue, a burning priest with a rifle.

The knight, furious, tried to move and kill the priest, but his body would not listen.

" The prophecy has been fulfilled!"

Then, for a second, a royal knight landed in front of the priest. Her coat was white as snow.

" The white mare..." But the priest was not able to finish his words as everything turned white.

Now in rubble, the church and its statue no more, where the soft-spoken knight now stands and is bleeding.

" Oh cruel fate, let me see her one last time," said the voice inside her head.

A vision of an orange mare with a hat could be seen, but it was blurry.

She focused her vision and saw that it was just the first knight holding her. But he has a white coat.

Her head and chest were in pain.

She saw that half of her armor was already gone and uncovered her chest with an injury. And it seems the first knight's gaze was there.

SLAP!

Atop a mountain, two warlords are enjoying the view of Appleoosa in turmoil.

"My lord, don't tell me you want another toy," the hippogryph with a whip told his husband.

" She blew up a building by herself; of course I want her! Don't tell me you don't," the warlord replied.

" You're right; I also want her. But it appears she is taken."

" Then we take him out of the picture."

" As you wish."

But before she could take another step and approach the knights, she would be halted by Gallus.

"Not now. We still need them."

The next day, the knights were able to rest. The healer woke up and was able to heal himself properly. They were able to rummage some food and forced themselves to eat.

The ones on guard duty report no action from the citizen.

The room was silent as the events took a bit of a toll on them. Their numbers also dwindled.

The first knight stood up and called everyone's attention.

"It seems that in order for us to work properly, I need to step down and give this burden to someone else."

The first knight steps down as the soft-spoken knight rises up.

" Anyone who disagrees, speak now," was her first command.

None would answer, but only present their sword to her.

" Good. Then the one who stands beside me will be none other than the one who gave his sword to me."

She then went towards the first knight and presented her hoof to him.

" You have a promise to keep," she reminded him.

The first would kiss her hooves and say, "A promise I shall keep."

As the ceremony ends, their mission continues.

" Now that that's over, we continue the plan. We head to the castle and slay the demon, reclaim Canterlot, and find our princess."

She unsheathes her sword and points it into the air, making a heroic pose.

Everyone was forcing themselves to clap and cheer.

" What is she, twelve?" someone whispered.

" Shh, play along, unless you want your head gone."

" I think I want the earth pony to lead."

" Yey..."

The crowd somewhat cheered.

The first knight would come close to the soft-spoken knight and whisper.

"Oh, yes... Ahmm. What is the status of the citizens here and the curse set upon this land?"

"Ahmm, as of today, the black miasma is gone, and the citizens of Appleoosa seem to calm down a bit. But they still don't like us, so avoid spooking them, especially you, leader." The healer pointed at the soft spoken knight.

" And why's that?" Her tone had a hint of frostration.

" Uhm, a witness saw you kill everyone at the church, and you resemble the white mare they worship, prophesying to punish them all."

" Oh."

Chapter 008: Appleloosa 2

Another day has passed, and the ponies of Appleoosa have gotten used to having the royal knights around.

With that, they were able to get information.

"We do not know you." The townspony reply to their name.

They are forgotten, feared, and shunned.

But they didn't waver; they continued their promise. To follow the princess and serve her people.

" We should leave for Canterlot. Get more answers."

" You heard the people of Appleoosa! They don't know us! We were supposed to be dead already!"

" And yet we are alive. There is purpose for this! Let us find the answer together." The first knight voiced out.

" We are the royal knights! We made a vow! If you dare abandon, then leave your sigil; your soul. We have rested enough, and this stagnancy is the cause of our discord. Tomorrow we leave for Canterlot, we've helped enough already, freed them from the curse. And if we do not stop the demon, our cause here would be not. Now sharpen your sword and shine your armors, if you have time for bicker and rumors." The soft-spoken knight scolded everyone.

They left the building and began their business; some would talk with citizens, and some would be on their own to meditate.

The two, on the other hand, would be alone in a room.

"I'm sorry for giving the burden to you." The first knight spoke.

" It must be done; the knights of this generation know not of unity. Which earth ponies are great at."

"I fear these urges of ours are not normal. I fear the worst for us. For all of us."

" They may not be normal, perhaps uncontrollable." The soft-spoken knight would grab his face and look deeply into his eyes.

" But this is true. Do you believe me? And yours. Is it true?" She questioned his intent.

He pondered and thought hard about his answer. And a kiss he gave. "Yes, to all of it."

Their day would be cut short as a disturbance from outside would be heard.

Panic and distress from the streets. Civilians are running, while fellow knights help and aid their escape.

The two prepared their weapons and also rushed to aid their fellow knights.

" What seems to be the commotion?"

One of the knights would respond to the first's question.

" We are being attacked by rhinos."

" What's that?" The soft-spoken knight asked.

"It's big, made of armor, and has a giant horn."

And right on que, one would ram through a building. It towers over the buildings it crushes.

Not only that, it began absorbing essence and began eating the rubble of wood from the buildings.

" Why aid when we can kill!" The soft-spoken knight charged into battle, leaving everyone behind and right in front of the rhino's face.

She quickly stabbed the center of the rhino's head and failed.

The sword could not penetrate its skin, and the recoil would cause her pain.

"Damn, it's hard!"
The rhino would retaliate and try to smash her with its horn, but with no avail.

She could easily avoid and back away from the beast.

" Milady, are you alright!" The first knight has finally caught up to her.

" The enemy is heavily armored!" She replied.

" Then the eyes, perhaps!" They looked at its head, and there were none.

They checked any holes, may it be ears or noses, anything that is soft or could penetrate its armor. Nothing. Only it's mouth is it's hole.

" This beast knows only to devour! Who made such monstrosity!?"

" Then perhaps a piercing spell! Anyone who knows lightning magic!"

No answer was given.

They were stuck on what they had, and to the rhino, they only had sticks and stones against a beast like them.

"Retreat!" one of the knights shouted.

" Who dares command my army!" The soft-spoken knight yelled furiously.

" Milady, there is a time for the traitor. We have pressing matters."

The rhinos continue to rampage, and the knights are helpless against them.

The joints are well shut; not even a fly could pass through its gaps.

It has no eyes, ears, nose, or any sort of hole except its mouth, and that place can chew rock and buildings.

Then what's its purpose? How can it move?

The first knight would head towards the knight who had a detection spell.

" Quickly use your detection magic!"

The panicked knight could only follow his orders and tumble a bit as she prepared her spell.

" Guard her!"
As soon as she began casting her spell, a sudden shift happened with the rhinos. It began targeting her.

"Milady, grab her! She will aid us!"
The soft-spoken knight quickly grabbed her before the rhinos could trample her. The rest were able to dodge the rampaging rhinos.

" Leader! Someone's controlling the rhinos!" She quickly pointed in the direction of the mountain, south of Appleoosa.

" Then we kill it. Guide me." She flew as fast as she could while carrying the detective knight, up the mountains.

The first knight would notice this and feel unease.

He wished to order some pegasi to join in, but it seems everyone is busy.

" I must not leave her."

__________

Slash!
A bipedal goat's head would be sliced up, and its essence would be eaten by the soft-spoken knight.

" Did I kill the right one?" She asked the detective knight.

As she checks with her magic, the bond this goat has with the rhino begins to disappear.

" I think we did it." The mares gave a high five for their victory.

And from a distance, someone claps along.

" Incredible! Marvelous! Such speed! Murderous intent!"

The mares became cautious about their unknown audience.

And there Gallus stands, his arms wide open, in a welcoming position.

"Ladies! I am Gallus, the warlord of the south, the pillager of cities and roses."

" A talker, I see?" The soft-spoken knight belittled the warlord.

" Feisty, I can deal with that."

Clang!
Her sword was supposed to strike Gallus, but instead a shield blocked her sword, deflecting it and putting her out of balance.

A whip would crack and strangle the soft-spoken knight.

" Your lord was not finished with his speech."

She began dragging the
Knight towards her, but the detective knight would cast a fireball on Silver Stream.

She was forced to let go of her prey and back away.

" Thanks."

" Well, I'll be dead if I let them have you."
She began casting more—a barrage of fire balls.

"Ohoho, this one is good too! She can make it rain fire!" Gallus goofed around, not taking this fight seriously.

He'd dodge, parry, and block the fire balls with his spear while the soft-spoken knight charged towards Silver Stream.

Her whips were hard to read and dodge, making it hard for the knight to close in on the dancer.

As the fight took its course, the knight's rage grew, their mane began to emit purple flames, and their hooves sparked with fire, their breath ablaze.

The mages fire starts to get intense and bigger, while the soft-spoken knight blinds them with her speed.

The husband and wife see that they're being pushed back by these two knights.

" It's time to get serious, honey."

Gallus threw his spear right through the fireball, hitting the mage at her shoulders and breaking her shoulder bones. While the dancer brought out two whips, catching the knight off guard, she ended up getting tangled and captured by Silver Stream.

The mage could not keep her senses and ends up fainting, unconscious on the ground.

Gallus took his spear off of her and carried her at his back.

" You will be saved, and you too little pony, I shall tame you."

A blade was swung at the warlord; his reaction was fast enough to barely dodging it, and blood dripped at his neck.

He was forced to drop the mage and quickly back off to his wife's side. A knife was flunged towards Gallus as a follow-up.
Gallus stood his ground to protect his wife, who was at his back.

That was all a ruse to free the soft-spoken knight.

The whip would be cut off by the first knight, who saved his lady.

" Did you miss me?"

Chapter 010: Weapons.

Appleoosa, the forsaken village, was rampaged by rhinos. Rubbles and white essence scatter.

"Evacuate everyone; we can't win this one!"

The screams and panic in the village are masked by the stampede of the rhinos.

The first knight was able to reach the village, but there was nothing left to save.

Some of the rhinos have already left and can be seen stampeding from the distance, except one.

This one is still near the rubbled village. Perhaps it's still chasing something.

The knight quickly ran towards the rhino, and his hunches were right. A few survivors are running away from the rhinos, but they're about to hit a dead end.

How will he save them? That creature is unkillable—an armor that has only a mouth with multiple teeth that can crush everything that goes inside.

He could not leave his fellow knights at the mercy of these creatures; he gambled and jumped in front of the rhino.

It began to open its mouth, preparing to eat the first knight. And there he saw the insides of the rhino.

It contains the shredded bodies and buildings of its victims, flooded with white essence.

He readies himself, setting his whole body aflame.

Before the creature could chomp him down, he jumped inside with a sword in hand, prepared to lash out inside the creature's body.

The rhino easily chomped the knight.

" What the hell was that!?" said the knights who saw the ridiculous stunt the first knight made.

The rhino would only get distracted for a while and then begin charging right at the knights and civilians, again.

" Ruuun!!"

The rhino gave chase and trashed everything in its path.

And suddenly, the rhino began emitting smoke from its mouth. It began coughing violently, to the point where it screamed in pain.

Later, the small gaps between its armor would begin to shine bright purple light.

Then purple hellish flames would come out of it's mouth and begin to burn from the inside until the flame burned its exterior as well.

Everyone was in shock and awe. What was the cause of all this?

And soon the rhino becomes ash and reveals someone coming out of the flame. It was the first knight with a battered body and armor.

As he moved forward, the flame moved with him.

The other knights would cover their faces, as his flame was too bright and hot.

Seeing this, the knight commanded the flame to come back to him once more, absorbing every fire within his body.

There stood no knight, but a monster.

His glare and exhale would release a purplish flare, while his armor showed wear and tear, revealing his fit and muscular body.

" Holy shit he killed that thing solo," a mistake the knight would soon realize.

Stab!

The loud-mouthed knight slowly turned to essence.

" Why?" were his last words.

Everyone panicked and screamed once more.

_____

" My dearest wife, do not leave me."
There, the warlord sits beside her wife's chamber bed, weak from blood loss.

She could not speak but would hold tightly to her husband.

"Have the mages arrived yet!" The griffon screamed.

" We have sent our finest pegasi to deliver our finest mages here, to do anything we can to save Lady Silver Stream," the cat replied while bowing.

The griffon was restless, as he could not do anything in this situation but wait and hold his wife's claws.

"Has it come? Is this my punishment?"

He stares blankly at his claws, holding dearly to his wife.

" These hands can only take life. Why is it so? What else can you do! Surely there is more!"

" My lord, please calm yourself."

The doors would soon open, and the mages would rush to the side of the dying hippogryph.

" My Lord, leave this to us; we will bring her back to you."

The cat would hold his lords shoulders from the back and say, "Let them cook my lord, for they are professionals."

" Yes, true. Bring her back to me! And be rewarded handsomely!"

He had to let go of his wife's claws and leave the room for the mages to do their work properly.

" I will be back, my dearest. Do not leave me."

As the doors closed. An order was given.

" General Ming, call in all my weapons; I want that knight's head as a gift to her before she wakes up," the griffon commanded.

" As you wish, my lord." The cat would then vanish into the shadows.

_____

" You know he's dead, right?" The mapper told the soft-spoken knight.

"You think so little of him just because he is an earthpony, while you, a proud pegasi, flee from battle?" was her reply.

The mapper could only scratch in frustration. Perhaps he was irritated by the knight's impractical thoughts, or perhaps she struck the cold, hard truth and hurt the pegasi's ego.

" You talk too much," the looter knight replied as he walked around gathering herbs and roots with the first aider knight.

" Anyway, I think I've rested enough." The soft spoken knight stood up and began to limp towards the village.

" Please wait," the first aider asked.

" Let me patch up some potions before you go."

" This will take too long; he might be dead before you're done." She did not heed the healers request and continued to fly off.

" Love can surely cloud one's judgment," the healer sighed.

Soon the detective knight would wake up, healed up, and well.

" I'm still alive?" She looked around and saw the knights that stayed behind.

" Pray tell, who has saved me?"

"Well, technically, the leader, but you could say I helped out by healing you?" The healer replied.

The detective knight would lounge towards the healer and begin kissing him.

"... That could've been me. Tsk," the first aider knight jealously said.

" Perhaps if you finish that potion of yours, the leader might leap for joy and kiss you," the looter jests.

The first aider thought about it and gave it a hard pass. " MmmmmNo... I guess I'll be a monk then."

Author's Note

Boop

Chapter 011: Appleoosa on fire

The soft-spoken knight flies desperately towards her lover, hoping she can make a change. But there, the village was not recognizable, for the place where it once stood is a field with rubble and purple flames.

The heat from below would force the pegasi to land.

She would scout the scorched village. There, ponies bathed in purple flame roam its streets, wandering and screaming in agony.

And one was able to spot the pegasi.
It screamed and ran towards her; its face was in agony, enraged by the fate that was set upon it. Eternal flame.

The knight would easily dodge the desperate attacks of the burning pony.

" Rest now, oh pitiful soul."

A quick slash through the neck would calm the torched pony and release its essence.
It was bountiful, to the point that it overwhelmed the soft-spoken knight.

" Ouff! What in tartarus!?, urgh..." She struggled to absorb the amount of essence.

" Poison? Cough, cough!" She choked.

Flames began bursting through her pores and mane.

" I guess that too much is always bad for you." She then collected herself and calmly meditated. She focused herself and controlled the sudden surge of power and urges.

Her body began to heal, and her strength returned.

" How do I deal with this..." she pondered.

" Kill, i shall not then." She sighed.

She began sneaking through the ruined village that once was known as Appleoosa.

Broken pipes were spewing water; what remained was slowly burned by the purple flame. The roads were covered in ash and blood, mixed with rubble and the dead.

She'd end up covering her nose as the smog and smell of death permeated through the air. Making it hard for her to breathe.

" My love, where are you? What happened here?" She worried, now regretting not stopping him.

And there, at a distance, she saw her fellow royal knights, burning in purple flames. And at the center, where they roam, his loved one, spewing white essence, is pierced by spears and swords with the royal knights sigil.

" Whats going on!?" Her fury escalated.

She showed herself out in the open and demanded answers from her fellow knights.

"Answer me! Less you want a taste of thy blade."

Her fellow knights would only look at her and jitter and crack. They moan in pain while they continue to burn in a purple flame.

" Tsk," her answer unheard.

The knights began to move towards her and were attempting to grab her.

She would dodge and block their assault, avoiding killing them, so as not to get oversaturated by essence.

As she lured the knights far enough from her loved ones, she hurriedly rushed towards him and began pulling the spears and swords from within him.

As she does, it was unavoidable to absorb the white essence he was spewing out, making it hard for her to concentrate.

And as she removed the final spear, " my love, wake up!"

Boom!

He exploded, sending her through the air and crashing through a rubbled building.

She opens her eyes, in a daze and confused at what happened.

She stood up, confused but not badly hurt.

And there, in front of her, was her loved one stood. Her love bathed in a bright purple flame, scorching everything in its path.

She was forced to move back if she did not wish to be burned alive.

" My love!" She yelled at him.

The creature would just look at her.

The flames would then dissipate. And the purple flamed knight would charge towards his loved one.

" You dare break your promise to me!" The enraged knight yelled.

Clang!

His hoof and her blade clashed.

They began exchanging blows.

But clearly, the flamed knight has the upper hand.

This infuriated the pegasi, and she was encouraged to give it her all. She, too, began exuding flames from her body and wings. The clash between the purple flamed knights raged on.

Soon, the pegasi would realize that prolonging this fight would be disadvantageous to her.

" Oh fire, time for you to drown in my storm."

She focused her strength and dashed around the knight until she broke the sound barrier and caused a sonic rainboom.

The burst and turbulence of her storm would beat up and batter the knight, causing him and his flames to get choked out of air and eventually fainting her target.

She grabs her love before he can fall to the ground.

She hugged him dearly and flew off into the distance.

______

At a round table there, the warlord's weapon awaits his order, and at the back of the table, a throne made of gold decorated by the finest smiths is where the warlord Gallus sits.

To his left, there was an empty chair where Silver Stream should have sat.

" As you can see, I have made a grave error in my battles... and this would not stand.
Henceforth, I must take proper action against these knights who have mocked and shamed me. Forgive me, as your lord has tarnished his name. Henceforth, I will show this knights my full wrath and power. If you still deem me worthy, rise my weapons and join me in combat; we shall slay the knights."

The first to rise was Smolder, who splits all, a dragon that sides with the warlord. She has orange scales and stands tall from the rest of the group, her body filled with scars and battle experience.

She proceeds to talk: "She may be a bitch, but she's my bitch." She then lifts her Axe, thats twice her size and length.

" After this, I take her sit Gallus."

The next would be Ocellus, of the Shadows. A hooded changeling.
She just stood up and said no word.

Next was Lightning Dust, the fallen angel. A pegasi who has a knack for speed and battle.

" It has been long since you called for my service. Is this how you treat us? Just your play thing at your becking call? Gold won't be enough, warlord Gallus," she demanded.

The last who'd stand was Misty Breeze, the Lord of the Fogs. A tall Kirin thats green on her left half and the other, cursed with darkness and red vibrant fire.

"Time for mating season; I demand offspring, warlord."

" Avenge her, and all your demands will be given to you. This, your warlord promise."

Chapter 012: Names

Five ponys walked the edge of the Macintosh Hills as they escaped from Appleoosa.

At the front, the mapper leads the way; at the center, the looter grabs as many resources as he can while the first aider assists him. Meanwhile, a unicorn tags along, as there is no home to go back to. At the very back of the group, the detective would snuggle and harass the healer with her seduction.

" Colt, do you even know what you're doin?"
The looter asked. The mapper.

" Being a coward, apparently. And stop calling me colt."

The mapper was surely no colt, but his age does not fit his description, as he looked quite young and short.

" Then what should I call you?"

" Just call me Quilt. There is no need to hide our names from each other. The system barely exists, and who is to say that it still does? We might've died millions of years ago, and there won't be any princess there to kill us for revealing our names."

"You know it's not about her killin us for breaking the rules, right? It's the promise we made and the dangers it'll present to everyone if we give our names," the looter explained.

" That bullshit again, you say that, but who are we putting in danger? The ones we loved who probably died a decade or so? Or perhaps they lived and are in a hellish position like what happened to her?" She pointed at the unicorn.

The meek unicorn would be shocked and confused as to why she got involved in their conversation; hence, she would just bow down at him.

"And let's not forget how we treated the earth pony knight. If the system is everything, then he outranked us. Why then did we treat him that way, huh?"

The looter knight could not reply. This too would reach everyone's ears and questioned themselves. But the detective knight is more curious in this conversation; she ended up stopping her aggression towards the healer, which gave him room to breathe.

" Tsk, the name's Treasure. Just call me Tress."

The looter knight gave in and revealed his name.

"Mine is Tapper." The first-aid knight joined in.

The healer would be next.

"Mine is Cross."

The detective knight would go wide-eyed as her loved one's name was revealed to her.

" Cross... How lovely," the detective knight mumbled.

Everyone waited for her turn, but it seems that their stare confused her.

"... Oh, me? Ohh...." The knight replied meekly. She'd lower her head and look at the ground.

" No, it's okay. You don't have to give us your name. It's our own free will that we gave our own away. I respect your decision; no one is forcing anyone here." The healer reassured her.

This deeply made the detective Knight's heart flutter and beat hard for the Healer.

She grabbed ahold of him and explained.

" It's not that I don't want to give my name away; it's because I don't have any."

This revelation shocked everyone.

" I am of lower rank after all and was born into knighthood with no lineage. I didn't even get the chance to rank up and be blessed with a name from the Princess herself." She was ashamed throughout her speech.

" Perhaps I am not worthy for you, sir Cross?" Her eyes in tears.

He could only hug the nameless knight.

"Well, that's a revelation," Treasure reacted. "And how about you, miss?" He asked the unicorn.

She then bowed her head once more without speaking.

" Don't tell me that Equestria regressed to the point where no one knows how to talk anymore?" Treasure was a bit annoyed by the unicorn at this point.

She'd see that and would not wish to disappoint them.

" T-then if you allow me, o lord-ds, will you allow this slave to be given a name?" The frail unicorn, shaken and afraid, bravely spoke up to Treasure.

"Wait, what now?"

" She said to give her a name." Tapper answered.

" No! Why would I!?"

" Because she's your slave."

" When!?"

" Just now, apparently."

" How!?"

"Don't ask me! Do I look like a slave trader?"

The unicorn would cry at this point; her cries are like those of a child who got abandoned.

" Look what you've done. You can't just take her and throw her away. What a cruel slave owner!" Tapper continued to tease Treasure.

" Stop that!" He looks at the unicorn and could not help but agree to this weird situation he got himself into.

" FINE! Just dont get in my way okay!" The flustered knight yelled.

Tapper would talk to the slave and reassure her that Treasure would be a good master.

" He seems scary and all, but he's really a big softy on the inside. You'll be fine; you'll grow into it."

The slave would just bow down in respect towards Tapper as her reply.

" Such a humble mare.... You should name your new wife Treasure."

" You... Fuck around and find out what awaits you, prick."

Tapper knew he had crossed the line and quietly raised his hands in submission.
" Hey, she's all yours, mate."

He'd look at the mare once more and could not find a name to give her.

He'd have a flashback to his grandmother, whom he cherished greatly.

" Find the apple of one's eyes. And be blessed, my love."

This gave him calm and comfort as he remembered her grandmother.

" Apple... Uhmm, because you came from Appleoosa, it's great to remember where you came from."

" T-thank you, my lord." Apple bowed down graciously to her new master.

" Stop calling me Lord; we might be lax with the rules regarding our knighthood, but calling me Lord is a no. Call me by my name instead, and if that still troubles you, sir would be fine." He blushed a bit.

" You guys get all the luck," Tapper jealously replied.

" This world gives more mysteries than answers," the mapper frustrated. "We might as well not be in Equestria; how long have we been asleep?"

" Pretty much to the point that we have no idea how the world works anymore, I guess," Cross answered.

Meanwhile, the nameless knight still clings dearly to Cross with puppy eyes. " Would you not wish to give me a name?"

" Please, i do not think of you as a slave; we are of equal."

" Then I'd rather be one, just to get a chance to be named by you."

"Well, we don't need to get to that point. If you so wish, then please let's pick your name together. Perhaps that would be more appealing?"

She'd give him a great big hug once more and assault her with a kiss.

" I gave an order..."

Everyone was shocked at the voice they heard in front of their path.

There, the white knight who burns in purple flame stood, her wings opened; blocking their path.

She points her sword at the one who was in front.

" Wait! It's not what-" STAB!

Quilt was able to dodge enough to avoid hitting his heart, but ended up hitting his shoulder. Her speed was able to topple Quilt down to the ground.

He squirms in pain as he is pinned to the ground with her sword.

The rest would try to approach and stop her, but the flap of her burning wings was hot enough to stop and push them back.

"Who gave you orders to move?" She glared at them.

" Disobedience. As your leader, I must set things right. I must set an example for you." She looked down on Quilt. And slowly drag her sword, which is still stabbed at his shoulder, towards his heart.
The slow and painful travel of the sword would make Quilt scream in pain and fear.

The rest were stunned and shocked at what has become. Are they going to let this happen? The rest could not move, except for one.

Chapter 013: Who do you serve?

Tapper would lunge towards the soft-spoken knight and kick her hands off of her blade.

Once again, she would use her wings to blow him off, but this time he evaded the scorching winds and grabbed her at the back. He began chocking her while she began to burn up and release her purple flames.

Cross saw this and began assisting Tapper. "Hold on, brother!"

"What do you think I'm doing?... aargh!"

The nameless knight would begin casting ice magic, freezing her body and helping Tapper cool off in the process.

Treasure then grabbed a ball made of hemlock and rammed it into her mouth, which exploded, fully knocking her out.

Drop went the raged pegasi. Everyone sighed in relief and caught their breath before she woke up again, and who knows what she'll do again?

Tapper began pouring a potion on Quilt's wounds. but Cross would just end up healing him quicker and wasting the potion he just used.

"Thanks, Cross," was Quilt's reply.

Tapper could only roll his eyes in frustration and let it be. "ANYWAY, what was in that bomb that knocked the leader out?" Tapper asked, curious at the contraption Treasure made.

"T'was a Hemlock Bomb, the good one."

"I guess everyone here is full of surprises," the healer added.

"Now what do we do with her?" Mapper asked. No one can answer.

" Then I say we kill her," is Quilt's solution.

"We can't just kill her!" the nameless knight protested.

"Watch me."

But she'd block his way and be stubborn about it.

"You know she's going to kill us when she wakes up, right?"

"The lower ranked are bound to follow their superiors and shall not harm them as commanded, so declared Princess Midnight Sparkle."

Everyone grew silent as she spat those words out of her mouth. Cross's expression of worry could not be painted.

"Come again?" Treasure asked.

"I mean, no disrespect, but she is our superior."

"No, not that. What princess do you serve?" he asked once more as he closed in on her.

Cross would see the fear in her eyes, which made him move to save her. He blocked Treasure's movement going forward.

"You heard her."

"Yes, I did."

"You know what must be done, correct?"

"Yes, but let me handle this."

Treasure would back away and let Cross handle this situation.

He took his blade out and pointed it at the nameless knight.

"The princess has broken her promise and fallen from harmony; now we must fulfill our promise and kill thy princess if she ever falls from grace, as Twilight Sparkle commands. Which princess do you serve?"

"T-The princess has not fallen! She had to! To save Equestria!" She bravely replied.

" If that's true, then why is the world a mess, hmm?" Treasure pointed out.

" Perhaps!... Perhaps that's why she called us! Why would the princess resurrect us?"

Quilt would get in their way.

" Halt! We need not bloodshed; we need answers. This revelation brought more questions and confusion, and killing each other won't give us the answer, perhaps regret."

Quilt continues,

" First of all, our resurrection by the princess is more of an assumption and is crumbling already. If the mare says true and our princess has turned to night, why call us who gave promise to kill her?"

" Perhaps it is so; she wished to be killed," Treasure replied.

" Then why call her as well?" She pointed at the nameless knight. Which she nods in agreement.

" Aaahhh! Shit!" He lied down on the ground, confused and lost. Apple would go to his lord's side and pat his head to help ease his worry.

" And you? Who do you serve?" he asked Apple.

" Well... I serve Fate."

" Is she the white mare in the church?"

" No, the white mare is a deity of Fate." Apple replied.

This just made Treasure even more confused.

" I shouldn't have asked, I SHOULDN'T HAVE asked..." He sighed.

Apple continuously pats his head, hoping it will relieve his stress.

" Fate?... What of Midnight Sparkle? Have you heard of her before?" Quilt asked.

" No, I do not know her." She bowed once more.

" Is that so..."

Even more questions were brought up.

Meanwhile, Tapper had lost interest halfway through, while Cross and the nameless knight were having a hard time catching up.

"So our quest is already over? No one knows about Midnight Sparkle; perhaps another force of evil has gone and made a mess of this world. We might be irrelevant at this point." Tapper ranted.

" So what now?" The nameless knight asked.

Everyone pondered.

_________

They decided to rest for today and set up camp. They decided to tie up their leader, and hopefully they can talk to her properly.

Everyone was gathered at the fire pit they made and was waiting for the night to pass.

"Hey. Is it alright if I sit beside you?" She asked.

Cross would look at her and scooch a bit for her to sit by his side.

" Thanks."

It was silent.

"Cross," she'd be interrupted by Cross and say aloud. "Bluebell..."

She blushed and looked at her, confused.

" Excuse me?"

" Bluebell, don't you like it? For your name."

She leaped at his hooves and once more assaulted him with kisses and touches.

" Mare! Behave oneself, less you sully the name I gave you!?"

" Please sully me!" The mare has gone wild.

Apple could only blush and cover her eyes. While the rest would scold and hold down Bluebell.

" Please help me!" Cross screamed.

" Hey! Get a room!" Treasure yelled, while Tapper was biting his bagcloth with jealousy and envy.

" Can't a mare get some peace and quiet when she sleeps!" Their leader bursts out of her rope, burning with fury.

She then trips and kneels on one knee.

This gave them time to get ready and prepare for the worst.

Treasure then pointed his blade at the leader.

" We have spared you, for what we say to you is of utmost importance."

She spat at the ground where they stood.

" You should've killed me, you traitorous bastards."

" Okay, I had enough of this." Treasure threw one of his bombs and scattered a powder of yellow substance on her.

" Cough, cough! What matter of witchcraft are you up to-hihi....what hihihi.... What did you do to-hihihihihi ouch! Hihihihihi...."

She began laughing uncontrollably.

"Listen or die laughing," Treasure asked.

"Damn, that looks painful," Tapper added.

" Stop!! Hihhihihi, it hurts! Hehehehe, im not used to laughing! Haaaahahaha!" The laugh was so ugly and unnatural that it began to creep them out.

" Maybe we should..." Bluebell said with a disgusted look.

" Err. We can't; just give in to our demands already!" Treasure begged her to do so.

" Never!!! Blblblrrrgrgrghhh..." Her mouth foamed.

Author's Note

Please remember that she is soft-spoken... Hence her laugh is quite meek and silent. So her laugh is quite weird and awful.
Just imagine her laughing without air. Yup that kind of painful laugh.
Its more like an Ah, ah ah ah than a hahaha

Also when shes angry and shouting,keep that in mind as well that she is soft-spoken.

Chapter 014: A deal

Author's Note

Edited name errors.

Chapter 014: A deal

"Your laugh is so ugly, it ruins the mood."

" What're you doing?"

" Can you not laugh?"

" This filly is having a seizure!"

" You should be thrown in the factory."

" Sweetie, I think it's best that you just smile."

There, a little Filly stands alone in the dark, holding her smile as she listens to the voices echoing through the void.

______

The soft-spoken knight wakes up to a day where the sun blinds her.

She tried moving, but her hooves were shackled and her abs and stomach were cramping.

" Ouch... Uugh, what happened?" she mumbled as she woke up.

She tried sitting up, and she saw her fellow knight standing there, looking at her.

" You ready to listen and talk this out?" Treasure asked.

She then remembers.

" You, SICK, BASTARD! Resorting to torture to get your way... despicable!"

This ticked off Quilt.
" You gave us no choice! Remember! You stabbed me!"

" It was a logical action; it was inevitable."

"... Treasure, give me that bomb of yours," Quilt requested, and was tossed one.

The knight sees this and recalls the horror of that yellow bomb.

She'd involuntarily tried to move away. "Y-you wouldn't? Y-you monsters! Not only that, you revealed your name! You have forsaken your promise!"

" Not this again... I'm Quilt, this is Tapper, Treasure—" " sup," "— Cross, Bluebell, and Apple."

" Blasphemy!!" The shock and disgust can be seen in her face.

This ticked off Quilt even more. He placed the bomb on the ground and approached her.

" You wanna go at me! You sava—AHAHAHAHAHA STOP!"

Quilt began to tickle her, and her memories from the past surged back.

She began to cry and was able to hold her laugh by biting her lips down, to the point where it began bleeding.

" I said... stop." Her body temperature begins to rise.

Treasure prepares his Hemlock bombs, while Quilt stops his torture.

"Now, leader, we don't want bloodshed; please listen to us," Bluebell begged as she cast a cooling mist spell to cool her off.

" You also use ice magic? Has the academia not thought you to master only one? What a waste of potential."

"Well, she lives in a timeline where that rule doesn't apply to ours; also, it was decreed by Princess Midnight Sparkle," Quilt added.

Bluebell and Cross began sweating bullets as Quilt gave the big reveal, while Tapper and Treasure looked at each other and prepared for the worst.

"C-come again?" Her soft-spoken tone mixed with infuriation and disbelief.

" you ready to listen?"

_______

"Lord Gallus..." Smolder pointed at a charred-down village.

" They started without me," Gallus smirked.

They landed at what was known as Appleoosa and were greeted by creatures engulfed in purple flames.

His army would easily slay these creatures without casualties.

" Is this it? How disappointing." The pegasi sighed.

" Of course not; this is merely what has remained," Ocellus replied.

" Hmm, this flame is unusual..." Smolder began sniffing the ashes.

" Gallus, last night, the stars were not aligned for us, and this stench is quite different... It actually resembles... Her."

" The stars never favored us, Smolder; when has it ever stopped us?"

" Lord Gallus, heed Lady Smolder's warning. She has never led us astray. Don't make me regret joining you," Ocellus warned Gallus, as his anger might cloud his judgment.

" Then what would be our action? Wait for the stars?" Gallus glared at his weapons.

" I will wait for the stars; you lot can go ahead if you wish to search aimlessly." Smolder then meditated at the corner.

" I shall wait with her." Ocellus then vanished.

" Tsk, the rest of you go search for any signs of survivors or those knights!" Gallus commanded.

The rest of his army would spread out and search while they waited for Smolder's signs from the stars.

______

" Then... what is our purpose?" The soft-spoken knight asked.

"That's the problem. We don't know," Quilt replied.

" But we made a promise: to serve the princess and her people. If we could not serve her, then we would serve her people," Treasure answered.

" That I can agree with too; what do you think, Bluebell?" Cross asked.

" That'd be a yes, silly." She snuggled.

"I suppose I'll tag along," Tapper pondered.

" I'd want to know more about this world," Quilt answered.

"Well, we can work together with our goals! This way it won't be lonely and hard!" Treasure says, excited for their next adventure, while Apple applauds her master.

" How about you, leader? Come with us. Let's learn the truth together and continue serving everyone in Equestria," Bluebell asked the leader with open hooves.

She'd look at her in the eye with soft puppy eyes while their leader would glare at her menacingly.

" With one condition," she asked.

Everyone looked at each other.

" It won't hurt to hear her out," Tapper suggested.

" Shoot!" Bluebell replied.

" Save him... Help me save him. Save my love..." She bowed down to them and begged as her tears flowed down.

Everyone grew silent and began to make a decision.

" Then a condition on our side as well."

" Name it!" She took it with no hesitation.

" What's your name?" Bluebell asked.

By then, Treasure would remove the shackles to her hooves, and Tapper would give her some potion while blocking Cross from using his heal.

Bluebell would give her a helping hoof to help her stand up, but he would lightly tap it away.

" We save him first, then I'll give you not only my name but two others as well."

Blue Bell would pout for a second and would just have to agree on that.

" Fine. Then shall we?"

" Sure, I'll lead the way."

She'd walk towards Quilt and give a punch to his stomach, enough to make him kneel.

"W-wh-,whyyyyhhhhhhh..." He gasped in pain.

" You were very punchable."

Tapper and Treasure began to give her distance as she neared them.

"Quickly, I don't know how much time he has left."

Chapter 015: Ocellus

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 016: Names 2

The cut of the wind can be heard as Ocellus missed her target; the pegasi vanished in front of her.

She calmly tried to search for the pegasi knight and would eventually see her above.

She reminded her of Rainbow Dash.

" Teache–!?" before she could finish her sentence. The mare vanished once again.

She tried to hide back into the shadow as quickly as she could, but her hoof holding the scythe was nicked, and she dropped her weapon.

She hid and began planning her actions. But her underlings alarmed her about something dripping from her chest.

" Lady Ocellus, your chest, it's bleeding!"

She was stunned for a moment and began checking herself; it wasn't deep.

" I'll live. For the mean time, follow them and report to the base. Do not lose sight of those ponies."

Meanwhile, when Treasure was about to loot the scythe, Bluebell dashed towards the scythe and grab-hugged it, piercing a bit of her skin and blood flowing out from the process.

" I CALL DIBS!" She snuggled the scythe.

" Holy shit that looks painful! What the hells wrong with you, lady? I would've given it to you if you just asked." Treasure reacted to her actions.

" Lies! I can see it in your face. This is mine!"

Treasure would give her a disappointed look before letting her be.

" Tsk, heal her up Cross, before she gets infected."

Tapper would close in as well, curious about the scythe.
" Hmm... I think this weapon is poisonous..."

" I know, right!? Isn't it cool? I just noticed it too with my detection skill, and I just had to have it! Hihi," she giggled joyously.

" Holy shit then why'd you have to get yourself poisoned!?" Treasure yelled, but it was too late as Bluebell had already fallen unconscious.

Everyone stared at her in disbelief.

" I ain't carrying her," Treasure quickly replied.

" Not me." Everyone chimed in.

" Cross, she's your responsibility," the soft-spoken knight said to him while carrying the first knight at her back.

" Quickly, before the bug comes back with a backup."

________

Ocellus was able to reach their headquarters, but it would take her until night. It seems her wounds were actually deep; she underestimated the cut on her chest. Even though she was able to bandage her wounds, blood would still permeate and drip from her bandage.

As soon as she entered. The cat that welcomed those who entered the Lord's tent was shocked.

" Quickly! Aid our lady!"

Ocellus would stop her.

" It's fine; my treatment can wait."

She hurriedly went to her lord and bowed.

Gallus was busy eating with his wives and would just notice Ocellus when she bowed down to him.

" Why do you always leave me, Ocellus, once you're done with me? Do you only think of me as food?" He jests.

Soon he'd noticed what happened to her.
He quickly stood up and was about to rush towards her. But she stopped him, so she could continue her report.

" I have found them, my lord; I was supposed to give you a gift, but it seems I underestimated them. Silver Stream's defeat was no fluke; now I see this. I have ordered my scouts to follow them. Shall we give chase my lord?"

" No, we wait for Smolder's reading, then we make our move. We move carefully this time." He then carried Ocellus and delivered her to the medic's tent himself.

" You'll need to rest. I will be needing you once we begin our plans."

" Yes, my lord."

He left and quickly went to the center of the ruined village, where Smolder read the stars.

There floating in the sky directly below the moon; Smolder, who was surrounded by the stars, aiding in her concentration.

" We're lucky she didn't die, Gallus."

" Indeed."

" Should you be here?"

" That depends on the stars," Gallus mocked.

" Good."

Two stars began to shine ominously.

" The stars of harmony, which were once dim, now shine brightly. This is not what I seek... But why?" Smolder questioned her divining.

Gallus has no knowledge of which she speaks, which just made him more confused.

"Your readings are always accurate, is it not? Don't tell me you've aged Smolder?"

" This is no laughing matter, bird."
She descended from the sky and looked at the stars again.

" Perhaps... We must meet these ponies to know more about the truth."

" So I have wasted my time just to hear you have nothing for me?"

" We are all alive, are we not?"

Gallus sighs heavily and is displeased—infuriated, to say the least.

" Then I believe the stars wish us to wait?" He stared.

" Tsk, you're always impatient." She began to grab him and forcefully drag him to a building.

" Come."

____________

Before night would fall, the knights were able to find a cave for them to rest in; Bluebell was fine, and The First Knight was able to wake.

"... Did we win?" were his first words as he saw her lover's face.

"Yes, we did," she replied.

" If you consider killing everyone and burning down the village, yes," Tapper butted in.

The soft-spoken knight would glare at him, and this was enough for Tapper to quickly shut up.

The soft-spoken knight and the others began telling him the situation they're in.

"My princess... we have failed you," the knight said, saddened.

" We don't know that yet!" The soft spoken knight encouraged him.

She then turns to everyone.

" As promised, I will give my name."

She then closed up on the first knight and gave her a deep, meaningful kiss.

"My name is Bubbles." She then gave a genuine smile towards the first knight.

The knight was a bit stunned, before he could reply,

" My name... It's Bright."
The two hugged each other. It was a joyous occasion for both of them.

Everyone began introducing each other to him, and the cave became lively as they continued to chatter and get to know each other.
But one question that Apple asked stuck out the most to them.

" Masters, I have been meaning to ask and question about your being. You all were killed at one point, yes? Brought out of your sleep and now once more roam among the living? Then are you not undead?"

Everyone looked at each other. Some pondered, and the rest would nod their heads.

"Then why do you not perish from holy magic like healing?"

"Probably by Princess Twilight's holy magic," Bright answered.

" Umm... Princess Midnight Sparkle has shunned white magic. She can summon our shadows and control the bodies of the fallen; I've seen her used that once to turn the tide against the invasion of Equestria," Bluebell answered.

" Say what!? Why are we just hearing this now?" Quilt screamed in disbelief.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hide it; I didn't even know you wanted to know about it."

"Tell us everything!"

"I-i... I don't know what to tell you! Can you be more specific? I can't think straight when I'm stressed!" Bluebell panicked.

"Hey, stop picking on her!" Cross shielded Bluebell.

In return, she'd cling to Cross as tightly as she could and flip a tongue on Quilt.

Cross struggles to breathe.

" Then.... Who resurrected us?" Treasure asked.

" Surely not dark magic, or else we would not be healed." Cross struggled to get a word in.

" Bluebell, you can use detection magic, right? What do you see?" Bright asked.

" All I see is white essence shooting up in the sky, whenever I look into us."

" I guess we'll get our answers once we're back in Canterlot," Quilt announced.

" What's left of it, that is." Tapper added.

Chapter 017: Dodge Village.

Author's Note

Made some edits; minorish

Chapter 017: Dodge Village.

As they went down the path offered by the mountain, the royal knights arrived at a little settlement.

"You know of this village, Apple?" Treasure inquired.

"I believe it's called Dodge Village."

" Are they as hostile as your village?" Bubble asked.

" I recall my aunt getting eaten alive by them," Apple casually replied.

" Say what?" Quilt was stunned at what she just divulged.

" I don't mind sleeping on the ground for another week. Maybe we should go find some other village; the ones that don't eat ponies," Tapper replied.

"Then perhaps we can kill them and take their essence?" Bubble suggested.

Bright would react to her actions and try to calm the situation down. " We should try and avoid bloodshed, and who knows, maybe they changed?"

Everyone doubted his logic.

Cross would voice his concern about Bright's logic: "You've seen what this world has turned out to be right; what made you sure that this one is sane?"

"Well, we haven't seen one; maybe the boars, but who knows, right?"

Treasure would roll his eyes and be over with it. "Well, one thing is for sure: standing here won't do nothin. You guys stay; I'll check this town out."

As Treasure walked towards the village, Bubble would walk past him and bump him on the way. " Move; it's the leader's job to be at the front, Treasure."

"You, Bi..." he says, holding his tongue less he wants it cut off.

They may have bonded and gotten to know each other, but they were still knights, bound by their oath to the princess.
They may have breached a few rules, but not all of them.

Treasure knows his place and sees how she is leagues away from him; it wouldn't even take a second for her to cut him down. " Forgive my actions."

He bows down toward Bubbles.

She, in turn, would turn off her glare towards him and continue to walk forward.

Tapper and Cross would tap him on the back and shrug.

Bright would go to their side and share his thoughts on the matter.

" She acts like that, but she cares for us all."

He bows down to them and follows his love from the back.

As he got near Bubbles, she remarked on his words towards their subordinates.
" Are you making me look soft, love?"

He'd just scoff at her and say, "Surely you jest? You've always been hard, even in bed."

Bubbles would jab him at his side; it was so fast and solid that Bright was knocked to the side.

It took him a second before he could pick himself up again. It was quite painful.

" Those two show their love differently, huh?" Cross remarked.

Bluebell would look at him curiously and wonder. " So is that the way you want it too?"

" No! Please... No, what you do is fine," he quickly replied.

And because of that, she leaps on his back and hugs him.

" Then carry me!" She gleefully demanded.

Cross could only agree and wonder how it ended like this.

Apple, on the other hand, would look at Treasure with curious eyes.

" No!..." Treasure answered before she could ask.

She'd just blush and bow to her master.

While the two head towards the village and the rest hide and scout the village from afar, nothing seems to happen.

The village looked abandoned.
It has the same design and motif as Appleoosa, but this one is more worn down and abandoned.

Bright would shout, " Hello! We come in peace!"

No answer.

Meanwhile, the rest would follow and be by their side.

This made Bubble question their actions, as she thought they were cowardly enough to do so. " What made you come out of your holes?"

Bluebell would stand in front and report with a salute. " Ma'am, my detection magic spots no life forms or magic within the range of my spells, only a faint source of magic from the ground, which is not toxic to say the least."

Bubble was impressed with how she reported and gave her quite a lot of respect. In return, she would rub her head and thank her.

" Nicely done."

She'd continue patting her head, which she deeply liked.

Tapper saw this and felt that he should get a pat on the head too. "Hey, we did our part too!"

She'd just continued to hug and pat Bluebell and didn't hear a word that came out of Tapper.

"Then perhaps it's best we rest here?" Cross suggested.

Bright would ponder this before he gave his thoughts. "Maybe we can, but we need to keep guard. Who knows what awaits us here at night? What do you think, Leader?"

She was caught looking at him dearly to her love, which caught her off guard for a bit.

"Oh uhm, YES! WE SHALL DO THAT AHM... We switch turn guarding at night while the rest sleeps. This way we won't get caught off guard. I suggest that Bluebell, Treasure, Bright, and me take turns since we are highly adapted to these kinds of situations."

Treasure was a bit uneasy about what Apple just said and was sleeping in this abandoned village.

" You guys sure we won't regret this? How bout you, Apple? Are you okay with this?"

She'd simply bow and reply, " I don't mind if I'm with you, master."

Treasure would blush a bit and agree with the plan in the end. " Fine, but if shit hits the fan, then don't say i didn told you so!"

They all explored the village and searched for a place to rest. In the end, they chose an abandoned inn found in the center of the village.

The sun is about to set, and they couldn't rummage anything in this village; it is truly abandoned.

All they could find were the run-down beds and broken stuff inside the inn.

And there they slept. The first on guard duty was Bluebell.

Chapter 018: Bump in the Night.

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 19

" you sure you ain't half asleep?" Bluebell questioned Treasure.

" I ain't the type of pony who'd kid around," he said in a serious tone. "N-Now help me out here and wake the others."

Bluebell reluctantly assisted Treasure to wake the others. "You better be right, or else we'll have one cranky Bubbles."

They tried to wake up the rest, but there was no reaction.

"... Crap."

Treasure began waking them up violently; there was no response.

" W-what's going on, Tress? I don't like this prank one bit!" Bluebell began to worry.

" It ain't one! Quickly! Grab the others and let's bolt outa here!"

Bluebell would carry the mares while Treasure would carry the stallions; luckily, their training in the military came quite handy, as they easily carried them and were able to exit the building.

There, they placed their friends on the running fountain at the center of the village.

" What do we do what do we do what do we do!?" Bluebell panicked.

"Calm down and do some magic that might help," Treasure suggested as he stayed alert and watched the vicinity for anything strange.

Bluebell would grab some water from the fountain and splash it on their faces. She'd soon notice that the water was shining and glowing white and blue.

" Oh crap... Um, Tress... I did something stupid."

As he looked at what Bluebell was talking about, he could only react with disbelief and frustration. " Damn it, Blue!"

" I'm sorry..." Her eyes were on tears.

" Help me wipe it off of them!"

And wiped, they did. Now it's on their hooves; it was one stupid action after another.

Treasure would see this error, and his reaction to it was too late. His eyes widened at how stupid his actions were. They both looked at each other, and their doom was painted all over their faces.

"At least we'll die together." She hugged Cross lovingly and further infected herself with the glowing water.

This infuriated Treasure, as Bluebell continued to make it worse for her.
"Whyiii!?"

He face-hoofed and infected his head as well.

Defeated, he sat beside Apple and held her hooves. He closed his eyes, waiting for what was to become of them.

His mind was blank; he could not even dream or imagine within his mind. He can only wait.

" Psst" he heard.

As he opens his eyes, a mare wearing a shroud can be seen. Her dullish pink, lavender muzzle is the only thing he can clearly see, and the rest is covered by her black yet glowing shroud that faintly flows ghost like.

" A, Deviant... at last awoken from slumber.
Where are the rest of your brothers and sisters?" She spoke and asked.

Treasure was stunned and afraid of the mare in front of him. She shows an incredible aura; even a non magic-proficient creature such as himself could feel the pressure she releases.

The shrouded mare waits patiently for the stallion to press X, but Bluebell would have woken up and seen the ghostly figure.

" Gh-g-ghost!" She screamed.

The ghostly mare sighed and frowned.

With a raise of her hoof, a bubble covered Bluebell, and it was silent once more.

"Hmmm... Interesting." The ghostly mare mumbled as she observed the bubbled-up Bluebell.

Treasure would snap out of his shock and quickly react to their situation. He quickly drew his sword and pointed it at the mare. " What do you want from us? Are you one of the warlord's mages sent to kill us!?"

His questions peaked the mare's curiosity, and she began pondering.

" This which you speak off. How curious..." She then looks at the bubbled mare, who has stopped yelling, is weak, and is now lying down and out of breath.

" And this lively mare, huh... I see now what must be done. She clapped her hooves, and a void emerged at the center of her gravity. It grew until everyone got swallowed up, then closed, leaving the village once more lonely and abandoned.

____________

Bubbles woke up in a frenzy, as if she were awakened from her sleep, when she was about to kill someone.

"Aaahhg! Bitch, I'll ki-!...? Where the hell am I?"

But before she could collect herself, she would be hugged by Bright. This shocked Bubbles, as if she'd seen a ghost.

" You're..." She couldn't finish her words. She cried and hugged her lover back.

" Where are we?" She asked.

" I think we are awake now, since everyone is here."

There, everyone was floating in what seemed to be outer space.

" Hi, boss." Bluebell waved with one hoof and the other at Cross's head, strangling him with her love and affection.

Treasure and Apple can be seen holding hands, and Tapper is floating and slowly fading away from envy and jealousy.

" Why am I even here..." His tears float out to space and shine like pearls.

He'd be answered by a voice echoing from who knows where.

"You are all here to fulfill your promised duties to your princess, is it not?"

There, at the center, a black hole spoke to them.

Everyone grew silent and had no means to react to what they were seeing.

The void they were in grew silent.

It was quite awkward.

" I have summoned you all so that you may once again keep that promise."

Everyone still remained silent.

"... As you can see-"

Bubbles would then cut her off and yell at the unknown being with a blade in her hoof.

" Show yourself so we may know who we are speaking with!"

The void was not shocked but relieved that someone had spoken.

"A Bubbles right hoof mare of madame Apple Jack. You have spoken."

Her blade shakes from a mere revelation of herself. Her eyes wide open, angered and in tears, teeth grinding in anger, uncontrollable feelings steaming out of her body.

Bright was surprised at how high a status she has, but shocked at her negative attitude toward it being revealed.

" H-How much do you know?" She asked.

" I know a lot, but I am not tactless as to reveal which one hides from others. A secret it shall be kept by me; do not worry," she assured Bubbles.

She began to weaken and overcome with sadness. Bright could only hug her and assure her that he was there for her.

"I know all of you, which I should not divulge so easily, right, Bright Light?"

Bright's reaction was different, as shame and fear were all over his face.
"Please, wise one, spare me. You know what I've done, and I wish to make it right. Give me this chance," he begged.

Bubbles would quickly remove him from hugging her and look into his eyes.

Fear and shame. It would only take him a second, or so, to look away from her.

" That's the second time you looked away from me."

" I'm sorry. What happened was truly shameful. Give me time, please."

At first, Bubbles gave a distasteful look at Bright, but soon she could not fault him on this, as she too has made mistakes she wishes she could change.

She'd hug him once more.

"... Thank you," he said to her.

The void continues: "I would like to comment on the rest of you, but there's not much to say about you four."

The void closed in on treasure.
" Treasure, the unwanted colt of a noble, abandoned by his parents and sent to the military, died within a month."

" And why the hell do you have to bring that up if there ain't much to say!?" He protested.

" Why? It's because it's necessary." She proceeds to hover towards Tapper.

"Hmm... A boring life you had. Very lewd of you." She then distanced herself from him.

" H-hey! Hey! Ponies will get the wrong idea about me!"

"Oh, do not worry, they don't."

Tapper became pale from embarrassment.

She proceeds to probe around Bluebell.

"the nameless knight of a puppet, born and raised by the controlling hands of Princess Midnight. The last of royal knights."

"Hey! Who are you calling a puppet? And I have a name, you know? It's Bluebell!"

The void would giggle and answer back coyishly, "No, it isn't."

Bluebell could only pout.

It was Cross's turn to be meddled with.
"Ahh, the famous healer, Red Cross. Always covered in blood. Is it because of the ponys you saved, or is it from your victims?"

"... Okay, you had your fun, you seem to know what's up. What are you god or something? Here to give us all our questions?" He furiatingly pointed out.

"God? No, draconicous perhaps. Its hard to tell, no? Anyway..." She sighed heavily as she went towards the apple.

" Poor pony, praying to a naive white fashionista, insane to the point of bewitching everyone."

Them mare still confused and worried as she listened to the void's voice.

She then floats to the center.

" I have set enough proof of my existence and knowledge to you all. Now my name revealed, no doubt in your heads i say who i am is not farfetched."

The same pony they saw wearing a shroud comes out of the black hole and revealed her face.

" I am Starlight Glimmer, and i have many names."

Author's Note

I'm at a point where i have no idea who's a pegasi and who's an earthpony... Unicorn? Godangit...

Chapter 20

Bluebell panicked as she heard her name: "The sealed witch! BIBI..BING! BING BONG! BING BONG!"

She tried to run away, but she forgot that she was in space. Everyone just looked at her, disappointed and embarrassed.

"Um, Lady Starlight Glimmer." Bright kneeled to her.

"You are always praised by the princess for your prowess and knowledge. Surely you are here to aid us? Or perhaps this world has corrupted you?" He asked worriedly.

Bubbles would instead point her blade at her once more.

She would only stare at her.

Cross, Tapper, and Treasure had nothing to add, as the name Starlight Glimmer is not known to them.

" How do we know if we could trust this draconicous? Bright might've known her, but that was from the very distant past. Meanwhile, Bluebell is the youngest of the timelines, and she is locked up and is considered a witch. We can't trust that draconicous!" Cross sided with Bluebell.

" Sweetie, do not anger the draconicous and just run!" Bluebell replied, while still floating and running in place.

"Bluebell is from Midnight Sparkles's era! If she's been locked up, then that just means she's a good guy!" Treasure answered back at them.

" ...Where the hell is Quilt?" Tapper asked.

"Usually he's the one curious for answers. He's missing out." He shrugged.

The void would silence them and drag them near her.

" Tapper, Quilt is my adopted colt, he was your guide to me. He is also my eyes and ears. Hence, he does not need to be here."

" Cross, Treasure, Bluebell, let me assure you that we will save the princess. Do not worry if she is still midnight sparkle or Twilight; as you have heard of Apple's story, nobody knows that name anymore."
Her voice rings true, as pain and sorrow can be felt coming out of those words.

" Something much worse has come up than that," she added.

She then approached Bright and Bubbles.

"Bright, do you still remember me?" she asked.

" Of course. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be alive. You are a mother to me as well." He continued to kneel.

She then looked at Bubbles, who was still pointing her blade.

" And you?" she asked.

" You left when we needed you the most." Bubbles voice may have been soft-spoken, but her anger and frustration resonate through the void of space.

" A long story, I assure you, but we are now here, and we can make a change. A change to free us from Fate, and bring us back to our glory days, where Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship, rules."

Everyone looked at each other and had different faces painted on them.

But Bright's enthusiasm and hope were enough for everyone to go along. " Oh wise one! Bring us back to the glory days."

" That we shall, but alas, Bluebell speaks the truth. I am trapped, as fate wills it."

She opens a portal, where they see their bodies lying down near the dried-up fountain and Quilt watching over them.

" You have successfully been blessed by the rivers of time, the glowing waters of the fountain that you accidentally splashed on."

Bluebell would scratch the back of her head and giggle. "Hihi, sorry about that."

" Nonsense child, inevitably you would seek that water and apply it to yourself, as we need it for you to travel through time," the void assured her.

" So... we're going to go to the past?" Tapper asked.

" That is the plan. But to go back to the time where friendship rains and everyone is united, you have to understand that it's been more than a thousand years, probably four? Time has broken since they've locked me up."

" So i guess we have to free you?" Treasure asked with doubt on this mission.

"Yes."

" And to do that is probably going to be hard," Cross chimed in.

" Yes, you have to break the seals that the corrupted guardians hold me from, then I can freely use my whole powers to bring us back to the past and end all this."

" Then I guess Quilt will aid us in that," Bright answered.

" Yes."

Bubbles could only Grunt and look away, "Then I guess we have a plan." Still displeased.

Bright could only smile awkwardly as a dispute between her mother and lover happened between his very eyes.

" Now now Bubbles, I assure you that Lady Starlight Glimmer is on our side."

She would not look at him.

" Oh, boy..."

Starlight would pat his head from the back.

They'd both look at each other and smile, but then Bright would be reminded of his past. And look away in shame. She knows.

" I love you, little one. Do not forget that. You will bring back not only your honor but mine as well. Can I count on you for that?" She asked.

" I will, mother, for our honor!"

Bubbles could not stay mad at the both of them and would sigh in defeat. " Can we get this over with? I hate it here."

" Ah yes, I will return you back. And as a gift, I have given you the ability to travel back to any pool of time you encounter. If ever you are to die, I can easily rewind time and bring you back to the point where you have touched time."

" Then why don't you just send us back to Twilight's time?" Tapper questioned.

" Do I really have to explain all of it again? My powers are limited, and the only reason I can bring you back is because you've touched the portion of time that leaked out, which I could easily manipulate for you. Good enough."

"Um, yes, ma'am."

"Oh, and also, I can bring you back to life by rewinding time, but that doesn't mean you won't remember everything that happened. For example."

A dark particle from her hoof tip appeared and was flung at the speed of sound, dead center on Tapper.

Blood and essence would spurt out of him.

" Blurgh!?" he tried to say, but blood and death just came out of his mouth. He'd soon vanish.

"!?" This alarmed everyone.

" Look at the mirror." She pointed at where their bodies were.

There they'd see Tappers body waking up and shouting in pain.

" GOD DAMN IT MARE!!??.." He heavily pants as he touches his chest. He checks to see if the hole is there. None.

" Goodmorning Tapper, i see you've met mother," Quilt asked.

But his only reply was a hoof to the face.

Quilt quickly dropped to the ground and was stunned.

" I hate your mom," he said before lying to the ground again.

Back to the void. Everyone was a bit relieved, but now they question her sanity.

" Umm... Do we have to go that way too?" Bubble asked.

" How else are you going to wake up?" Starlight Glimmer answered.

" HAUWAAAAHAHAHUUUU!" She cried, panicked, and ended up peeing herself.

And just like that, she woke up in shock and stood up from her sleep hastily.
" AAAAAAYAA!!..."

Both Quilt and Tapper were caught off guard by her sudden outburst from her slumber.

They ended up looking at each other, then below her hooves.

She blushed wildly and began floating rocks and throwing it at them.

"DONT LOOOOOKKKK!!!!!" She panicked and cried as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

Back to the void.

" Well... That's one way to go back..." Treasure mumbled.

" Better than dying," Cross added.

CLANG!

A blade would be struck at Starlight, but her hooves have blocked the blade.

" I'm sorry. Is there something that you want from me?"

Everyone who remained there was shocked at what had happened.

"I want more answers. Don't think that I haven't noticed that you're hiding something." Bubbles applied more pressure, but she did not budge.

" Not all answers need to be answered. That's what got us into this mess in the first place, little one."

She would look deep into her eyes and smile, "Then if anyone wants to know more, then stay and fight me; if you win, then a prize will be given. Any of your desire. If not," a portal would open behind them.

" Then exit my realm and be guided by Quilt."

Treasure and Cross would quickly leave, while Bright is torn between the two.

" Do not worry, little one; I will not hurt your wife."

Bright was shocked at what she said and would nod to her and leave.

" Then it's just you and me, Bubbles."

" I've been meaning to let off some steam lately; the amount of white shit I've accumulated is driving me mad, and I don't think I can hold it any longer. I think you can handle me, right?"

"Ah, the white essence you've absorbed. It's quite impressive that you still hold your sanity to this point." She then flung her hooves and pushed her a mile away.

" I shall teach you how to use it then."

She enters a black hole and exits the other side in her draconicus form.

Chapter 21

There stands a Draconicous, hands with three fingers and a thumb, the body of a human, the tail of a dragon, mismatched legs, and the wings of a rock. She grabbed a mage's hat out of thin air and placed it upon her head, but her horn would pierce through it, now sticking out of her hat. And from her other hand, she pulls out her rod.

" Give your all, fool." The draconicous challenged Bubbles.

In return, she unsheathed her sword and vanished. In an instant, she would strike at the back, but her movement slowed down and eventually froze in place, but the draconicous didn't.

She slowly faced her frozen victim and showed disappointment. " Even rainbowdash was fast enough to break time itself. You need to work on that."

She placed one of her fist in Bubble's stomach and slowly buried it in her body. The pain was incredible, as her face slowly distorted from the pain. As she removed her feast from her stomach, the dent she left was still there, and with a snap of her finger, time flowed once more, and she shot Bubbles at the speed of sound and crashed into a meteor debrie.

She slowly floated to where she punched Bubble through and peaked at the crater she made. " Are you still alive? Or have you woken up to your world?"

It seems that Bubble has not died, as her battered body is still here.

Bubbles would slowly stand up and was ready to fight once more, but once again she could not move; the time stopped once more.

In a split second, the draconicous was behind her already and was preparing to punch her once more.

Bubbles was desperate to evade this attack, as another hit like that would be too much for her. In a desperate attempt, she tried to break time. She was able to move, but it was still slow.

" Oh? You're able to move. Impressive." She held her punch and waited for her.

Bubbles movement was improving, but eventually she got tired and ended up not moving again.

"Hmm... This will be a problem. Before I kill you, I will teach you how to get stronger."

She stabbed the chest of Bubbles, and it caught her off guard and out of breath.

" Uhg..." Her essence flew out.

"See this? You absorbed it and ended up saving it into your body, your soul. Hence, when you get injured, you heal up. But if you eat it,"

She then guided it through her mouth. " Then it strengthens your mind, your spirit. Remember, you are no ordinary creatures; usually, if absorbed in your body, thy body should be strengthened. But you are dead, and you are mere lost spirits with no proper soul. The only way to gain strength now is by your spirit. So eat the essence to strengthen your spirit, and absorb it to fix your soul."

She then sliced her head off.

She woke up in shock and was pouring in sweat; her breathing was heavy.

" Huh...huh...damn it." She pounded the ground.

" Bubbles, lady Starlight, is already in a league of her own, and now she has become a draconicous of time. If you want to lay a hoof at her, you better give up your body and sanity and become a draconicous yourself," Bright suggested.

Bubbles would pout and nag at him. "Momma's boy!..." she shouted.

" Hey! That's uncalled for!" Bright blushed.

Bubbles would walk away from them and end up staring badly at Quilt.

Tapper's punch was still fresh in Quilt's mind, and he instinctively flinched away from her, as he thought she was going to punch him as well; knowing her, she would probably do it, as she had already stabbed, punched, and said that he has a punchable face.

But this time, she'd just leave him alone.

" You! Explain yourself. Everything!" She shouted.

He flinched a bit before answering. "Yeah, uhmm, where do I even start?"

_______

Equestria year 3xxx of Midnight's rain.

There, a young Quilt, pointing his spear towards the gates of Canterlot. He sides with some of his fellow knights and starving citizens, ranging from mares to colts, who either have physical or mental wounds on them.

"Are you ready, little one?" Starlight glimmer asked Quilt.

" Can you stop calling me that? I've grown since then, and I am grateful, mother. If it were not for you, I would be starving or dead."

He then closed his helmet and readied himself. " If it's for you, I will gladly die."

On the other side, where the walls of Canterlot stood, were the royal knights, who sided with the corrupt princess.

The houses and buildings that once stood were either in shambles or unkempt. The roads were broken and unclean; it was truly a demoralizing state.

A line between two opposing factions was made, and a unicorn with a mage's hat would break that line and be at the center of it.

The opposing side prepares.

" Today is the day we free our princess!" The unicorn shouted.

And there, the two forces began to clash.

________

"And as you can see, we lost and continued on until Bluebell's time."

Quilt would then approach her and bow down. " I'm sorry, I failed you... I failed all of you. And because of that, we ended up here. If only I was strong enough."

Bright would grab a hold of him.

" You did good! I'm proud of you, brother."

Quilt felt awkward and bashful towards Bright now, and he didn't like that; it was uncomfortable. " Tsk, stop that! I know you consider her your mother, but that doesn't mean we're brothers."

But this didn't bother Bright, who seems to be happy about it. To him, this is just a typical way a younger brother would rebel against his older brother.

Bubbles would be a bit embarrassed by Bright's action. " ... You can be weird sometimes, you know that."

This would discourage Bright. "No, I'm not!"

Treasure would but in and ask more from Quilt. " You know, if you told me this earlier, we could've had a clearer goal and probably didn't have so many casualties on the way, right?"

" Again, I ask for your forgiveness, as not all of my memories are clear even up to now. May I ask you: have all your memories returned?"

Everyone began to think and ponder.

" The resurrection is not perfect, and some memories might be tampered. You might not be who you are."

Everyone was dissatisfied with this news.

Chapter 22

"What the hell?" Bubbles would grab him by his armor and stare him down.

"You know, I could've easily not told you that detail and not been hassled by your abuse." He then smacked her hooves off of him, but she'd quickly counter it with a slap to his cheeks.

" Ouch!" He tumbled to his rump.

" Tsk, my bad... You have a slap-able face."

This was the last straw for Quilt, as he had enough of Bubble's bullying and power-tripping.

Before Bright could interfere, Quilt just suddenly pounced at Bubbles with her hoof, ready to punch her.

To Bubbles senses, Quilt was moving very sluggishly and slowly; she easily dodged the first strike of his hoof.

" You'll never hit me with that speed," she said while evading his strike.

Quilt was silent and would continue to strike her.

Just one strike at her face—that's all I want—just one punch to her face. I don't care if it kills me. This is what's running through his mind.

Bright watched this happen and could not pick which side to choose.

" Quilt! Stop! It's not worth it!" Bluebell yelled.

Cross and Tapper tried to stop them, but they began flying and were hard to reach, while Treasure wouldn't intervene in this and would actually cheer on

" I'll give you 5 bits for every hoof you land!" Treasure cheered Quilt on.

Bubbles would get bored with how slow he was.

But then, this situation reminded her of her fight with Starlight Glimmer. She felt something weird in her heart.

Why am I doing this? Her thoughts are messing with her.

She looks at Bright. He looks worried.

Quilt is crying and angry; he looks like a colt who had a tantrum.

Everything was numbing.

Wack!

Her face was swollen as something hit her face.

Quilt was stunned. He didn't expect this.

"Damn, if I knew that that would hit, I would've put more strength into it," he regretted.

He quickly tried to put in another hit, but his hoof would be broken.

" Aaaaa!!!??" He kneels down to the ground.

Everyone quickly surrounded Quilt and began defending him.

"Okay, everyone, that's enough... This is bad already. Let's not make this worse." Bright tried to calm down the situation.

Cross would begin healing him.

" Please, everyone, calm down. We can work this out," Bluebell pleaded.

She lashed out at Bluebell.
"You fool, how can we trust anyone here!? We might as well be fake!"

Bright would've had enough of this and tackled Bubble Down.

She'd slap him and yell, "You fuck! Get off me!" He wouldn't

She continued to beat him up until he let go, but he wouldn't. He'd continue to hold her down and let her lash out at him.

A drop of blood would stop her from hitting him.

" You had enough? Are you good now? You still doubt me?" Bright asked.

She pants and catches her breath while she is still pinned down to the ground. She could only look at Bright in wonder, her eyes wide and confused; curious of him. And it reminded her why she loves him.

She sighed heavily. " Fuck."

She covered her face and cried.

This was a sign for Bright to let go of her, as it seems she's back to her senses.
He falls to the side, battered and bruised.

" Damn it, now I have to heal him too. Hey tapper, I really need your help. Patch up Quilt while I look in to Bright and Bubbles."

" What me? What?" He looks at Quilt.

"Uhhh, sorry, umm..." He rummaged at his bag and applied some potions to Quilt's injuries.

" We won't need a cast, but we need to stop the swelling."

Quilt began touching the injured part to see if the healing went well. It seems there aren't any dents or soft muscles, but he noticed that Quilt seems to be lacking in muscles.

He shrugged it off, as he was a pegasi and small in stature; he was built for speed.

"Okay, Quilt, hold your tongue; I'm about to put back a dislocated bone."

As he sees Quilt ready himself, He then proceeds to quickly yank it back.

" Gahh~" he moaned softly in pain.

This stunned the both of them, and they looked at each other.

Quilt was flushed red, while Tapper was wide-eyed and stunned.
They would both fall silent for eternity if it weren't for Treasure, who just noticed them staring at each other.

He asked, as he was worried that the two had fallen silent for quite a while and that perhaps Quilt's situation was worse than they thought. " Hey? Is Quilt okay? You guys have been really silent."

Quilt panics and could not reply, and Tapper sees this.

" W-were good!... Were good."
He looked at Quilt once more. But he couldn't look at him the way he could before. He blushed and tapped her back.

" D-don't be shy, and tell me immediately if your injury's acting up, okay?"

Quilt could only nod and agree.

As Treasure was assured by Tapper of Quilt's well-being, they continued to focus on both Bubbles and Bright.

Bright's face was quite swollen, and Bubble's hooves seemed to be sprained. Nothing a little quick healing could fix.

As everyone got patched up, Bright tried hard to lighten everyone's mood and lessen the tension.

But everyone seems to have too much on their mind lately.

But Quilt would beake this silence as he wishes to add more on what they needed to do.

"Let's not waste time here, as the sun just rose. We should make a move towards Canterlot so we can have more answers before freeing her," he suggested.

"You doubt her?" Bright asked.

"Yes."his reply.

" Are you not with her, or is this another trick of yours?" Bubble scoffed.

He stood up and voiced his thoughts.

" If my memory serves me right and if it wasn't tampered with, I know when mom is hiding something from us. Ever since the civil war, she has been hiding something important to us."

" I would like to believe you, but I'm not sure if I'm that kind of a person." Bubble's jest.

"Well, fake or not, that's the only thing I have. Now it's up to you if you're going to sulk and shit. But I'm going to go up there and get the answers I seek." He then moved north, where the castle on the mountain is.

The others would look at each other and wonder what they should do.

Tapper would stand up and leave without a word. He heads north with Quilt.

Treasure would stand up as well and join his buddy. Seeing this, Apple would follow where Treasure goes.

Bluebell would look at Cross, and he too would follow them.

Bright and Bubbles were the only ones left in the village.

It was quiet.

Bright waited for a while and would suggest that they should follow them soon, but he would be cut off by her.

" Leave."

Chapter 23

Everfree forest, a land no one can own. Untamed and wild, it's known to be left alone, as entering the forest is perilous.

" Bluebell, it's no use waiting for them," Quilt yelled.

At the very back, Bluebell can be seen sulking.

" I know... But... What if they got lost?" she worries.

Quilt felt a bit awful seeing Bluebell lonely since they'd parted ways.

" Tsk, well, rest a bit here before we enter the forest. Cross, can you deal with her?"

He'd scratch his head and go over to Bluebell. They'd be seen talking for a bit, and then Bluebell could be seen riding at his back.

Treasure would sit beside Quilt as they camped.

" Hey, im all up for answers and what not, but you too aint that diffrnt from yer mom," he said while chewing a peace of leaf.

Tapper would also sit near Quilt, as he seems eager to listen in as well.

But he was too near for Quilt's comfort.

" Ahmm, back a bit, will you?" Quilt scowled at him.

" Sorry." He whimpered.

" Look, its not that I'm hiding anything from you... I just don't wanna... Well, I actually did already mess it up." His face gloomed as he thought about it.

"She said that she knows the cause of all this mess, but she won't say what it is because something about it changing time, fate, and whatnot. So she won't say what it is, but her plan back then was to go back in time and stop it."

" Hmm, yeah, I can see that fixing the problem, but there's a but to it, right?" Tapper asked.

"Yeah, but the princess wouldn't allow that plan to happen. And that's what's bugging me. What is it that they're hiding?"

" So... Thats what caused the civil war, I recken." Treasure asked.

" Yeah. But we can see now that the princess was able to lock up Starlight Glimmer, and yet the world is still in shambles. I guess whatever she planned didn't work out well."

" So..." Bluebell asked.

" So I guess the only way we can fix this is if we follow Starlight Glimmer's plan, since it seems the princess's plan didn't work."

" Is that really it?" Tapper asked.

" Heck should I know..." Quilt would pout and rub his head in worry.

" Ya think we'd be enough?" Tapper asked.

"Well, we'll have to do and if what she said is true, we don't die."

" Hey, that's cool and all, but you didn't die that time, and yeah, we died before, but dying the second time was NOT cool. And who's to say it's real?"
Tapper voiced out his concern.

" Yeah, so it's still best to be careful," Quilt agreed to him.

"... What if we've already died before and this isn't the first time this happened; we just didn't know because we went back in time without knowing?" Bluebell said in a creepy trans like state.

Cross would tap her head.

" Ouch."

"ANYway, so what's the plan now? We've been in a lot of shit that we didn't get to hear it properly," Tapper asked.

" Well, I didn't say it back then because I wasn't sure yet who to trust."

He looked at everyone and nodded.

" Since you guys are still here, I guess I can trust you all."

" Hey! So you didn't trust us when we saved you from Bubbles?" Tapper complained.

" Hey! I appreciate that. But next time, can you be quick about it? That shit hurts."

" I can't do a sonic rainboom in command Quilt; thats was the fastest I could do in that situation," he said bitterly.

" You're right, I'm sorry..." She wondered why she lived through that. If she was that strong and fast, she could've quickly killed her. She shivered as she thought of how sadistic Bubble really was.

She began shaking his head and removing those thoughts. " Anyway, the plan; we're getting sidetracked again."

Everyone quieted down and listened.

"We just need the elements of harmony to free Starlight Glimmer. Simple."

"....oh" everyone was excited before the lackluster revile.

"So... It's just a boring fetch quest," the disappointed Bluebell doubted.

" It would be a blessing if it were. You have to understand that we are taking it from someone, and those someones are the guardians of harmony."

"What would a bunch of old mares gonna do against us knights?" Tapper jinxed them.

"Keep that up, and complacency will kill you Tapper," Quilt answered.

" Hey! Are they really that serious to deal with?" he questioned.

Quilt thought about this before answering. " Well... I haven't met any of them before, now that you mentioned it..."

Why? Quilt pondered. But to no conclusion, he puts it to the side for now.

"Anyway, let's just say that they were able to lock up a literal god of time. Even when Mother was just a unicorn, she was able to rival against alicorns and draconicous. Now that she is one, she'd be unmeasurable, and they were able to lock her up."

" Good point. So we're screwed then," Tapper added.

Treasure was listening in and was pretty disappointed in what's upon them. " We were already screwed since the beginning."

He then stood up and stretched, ready to traverse the everfree forest. " I guess this is enough waiting for them, right? They ain't comin Blue."

Bluebell was a bit sad that Bubbles and Bright didn't join up.

She'd look at Cross and wonder for a bit before asking him a question: "Hey, Cross? You won't leave us, right?"

He'd smile and hug her before answering, "I can't promise that. But I'll try my hardest not to; I don't wanna be apart from you."

This would give a wide grin in Bluebell's smile.

She'd then hops on his back and rides Cross like a horse while hugging.

" Hey? That ain't fare; am I supposed to carry you the whole trip of the forest?"

She'd give a kiss and plead: " pleaaaase?"

He'd give a sigh and just march on with a smile.

Chapter 24 Author's Note

Please take note that only, Tapper "knows Quilt is hiding her gender.( He's like 80% sure.)

The rest do not. So if you see the others calling quilt out as a she, then that's probably my error. I made some edits.

Chapter 24

At the top of the inn, Bright watches over a window. "Do you think they're okay without us?"

Behind him was Bubbles, lying on the bed. " If what she says is true, then there's nothing to worry."

She went over to her lover and hugged him from behind.

" You think we'll get some answers from them?" Bright asked.

" If not, then we'll try out what that witch told me. If we can't get information, then they'll be of good use to us."

She'd grab his head and force her lips toward her.

Bright would try and break free.

" Sweetie, we just finished; what if they come?"

" They can watch; now come."

___________

Deep inside the Everfree forest, five lit ponies can be seen marching through the forest.

" Our flame manes sure are handy. I wonder why our manes don't get burned?" Bluebell questioned.

" I'm just glad that the creatures here still fear fire," Quilt added.

Meanwhile, Treasure would stick close to Apple, eventually putting his wings behind her shoulder.

Apple was glad and happy as she blushed at her master's action towards her.

Tapper sees this and would try to attempt it with Quilt. But before he could do that, Quilt easily saw his approach and gave him a scowl. He quickly gave distance, as he didn't want to piss Quilt off.

Cross was a bit off put at what Tapper is up to.

"Hey, what's up with them?" he asked the unicorn riding him.

" Maybe that's how he floats?" she said.

" Oh? Oh!... I didn't see him that way... Are you sure?" He asked, but she'd just give him a shrug and hum, " iduno?" and just kiss him instead.

"Hmmm... Well, Tapper needs to cut it out; I think Quilt is getting bothered." is what Cross observed, but Bluebell thought otherwise.

"Hm? Well, I think he's a tsundere, or probably a masochist. He moans like a horny mare whenever he gets injured. So weird."

Cross was taken aback and a bit embarrassed at what Bluebell was spouting out of her mouth.

" Bluebell, I think you said too much; that's quite rude. I didn't expect you to be that kind of a mare."

The thought of Cross hating her would put tears in her eyes." B-but it's the truth; I wouldn't lie about that!" She tried to convince Cross; which didn't take much.

"I know, but please be tactful with what you say next time."

Bluebell would nod and hug him again. "Sorry, I'll be more proper."

The two had gone quiet for a bit, but Cross's curiosity would get the better of him.

" So he really moaned?"

Bluebell would smack him in the head.

Eventually, their travel through the forest would be uneventful until they reached a ruined castle.

" Should we camp here or venture forth? It's hard to tell the time here in this dense forest," Treasure asked.

"Well, I'm sure we haven't taken more than 5 hours since we entered the forest. Perhaps we can take a quick look at the top to see where we are." Quilt Suggested.

" A quick tour wouldn't hurt, I guess?" Cross added, while Bluebell would act like a filly, going to an amusement park while riding on him. "Yey!"

Quilt would lag behind while Tapper seemed to slow down as well, so he could follow him behind, while the rest would head first into the ruins.

As soon as distance was made between the group, Quilt would turn around and stare down at Tapper, which would halt his movement.

" Look here, Tapper. I have no problems with you; in fact, I'm grateful to you. But if you keep on shoving your dick in my face, I'll fucking cut it off, so if it's alright with you, I'd like the old Tapper back, the one I consider a friend."

Tapper was stunned; as he was threatened, friend zoned, bustedand shamed at the same time.

" H-ey Quilt, I'm sorry. I-i don't know what's gotten over me." He sulked and quickly excused himself.

Quilt would not leave his sights and coldly stared at him. As soon as he left his sights, Quilt gave a heavy sigh and flew up the tower.

______

Inside the castle, rubble and dust remained, as time has taken mostly everything from this ruin.

Treasure and Apple would be resting for a bit in the corner, while Bluebell would be busy exploring the ruins, like a curious filly.

Cross, on the other hand, would notice the sulking Tapper enter the ruin and join them.

He'd give Tapper a pat on the shoulder, which just left Tapper confused.

He looked at Cross curiously at the pat on the back.

Cross would look back at him as well and shake his head." It's nothing," he said, giving a reassuring smile, which just further confused Tapper.

" So, where's Quilt?" Cross asked.

" Oh, she's still back there. Ahm, he's still checking things up, you know, mapping stuff. HIM being a mapper and all *cough*. We don't want to get lost now, do we? Ahrm...It sure is dusty here." He fidgets.

Cross shrugs it off, while Bluebell's eyes pierce him with doubt, to the point that her face wrinkles.

This did not make Tapper comfortable one bit.

Cross would sigh a bit and approach Bluebell. "You'll age quickly if you keep on doing that, Bluebell." Cross then quickly tried to iron down her wrinkles with his hoof.

Bluebell gasped. "You'd still love me though, right?" She worriedly asked.

" I'd prefer we age together, if that's alright with you," he replied with a smile.

Bluebell began to drool. "I want ten..."

Cross was a bit shocked by her sudden request." T-ten?" he questioned, although he had a faint idea of what she meant, which was the reason why he tensed up.

Bluebell would just blush, continue to drool, and give Cross her puppy eyes.

She'd hug him once more, snuggle at him, and grab him by the neck. " Excuse me, Tapper, I need to be alone with Cross for a while."

Tapper would then see Bluebell drag the struggling Cross into a corner, tapping and asking for help. But who was he to stop Bluebell?

Tapper would close his eyes to this crime that Bluebell was about to commit. " May your soul rest in peace, my friend."

To give them privacy, he left them and went towards Treasure and rested with them. In response, Treasure asked the same question as Cross, and he'd give the same answer.

" Hey Tapper, you look like shit; have you not been taking care of yourself lately? Are ya sick?" he asked.

" Nah, it's just probably one of those days, you know?" he said as he lied down and covered his eyes.

" I got some herbs here if you want."

" Nah, I'm good; I just need some proper rest."

A few minutes would pass before a loud crash could be heard above the ruins.

SLAM!

The ruin would shake, and small debris would fall from it.

Everyone was alarmed and wondered what it could have been.

Tapper could only worry about Quilt, since he hasn't returned yet.

Chapter 25

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 26

The spear of lightning struck the soils of Dodge City, ready to strike the flamed ponies in front of it, waiting for its master to be picked up.

Gallus stands in front of Bright and Bubbles, waiting for them to make their move. And on his 1 are three of his weapons: Smolder, Lightning Dust, and Misty Breeze.

On the opposite side, two flamed knights challenge them.

Bubbles would whistle in amusement.
" Wow he brought three this time, and he didn't speak first; he must be serious now." Bubbles mocked the warlord, who still remained silent and stood firm.

The two ponies looked at each other and wondered. "Well, this is new," Bubbles questioned.

This time Bright would join in on the conversation, not to chime in on the mockery, but perhaps to get some answers from them.

" General Gallus—"—"It's Warlord, you peace of Dung." Gallus interrupted Bright and took his spear, ready to fight.

" Hmm..." Bright was stomped and could only be ready for a fight.

Both sides would size up one another before they clash. Bright would remember the scholar of their school. Smolder, who reads the stars. She was highly praised by Starlight Glimmer, a top student.

" Bubbles, I believe we will get our answers with her. If we must spare someone, it would be her."

"Lady Smolder? Hmm. I never liked her. But yes, I'll keep that in mind."

The two readied their swords.

Gallus starts to raise his spear, and the clouds begin to follow its command. The rest of the weapons would pan out, attempting to surround the flamed ponies.

Bubbles would charge towards Gallus in an attempt to stop him first, but would be quickly intercepted by Lightning Dust.

" What's the rush, honey?"

" I have no time for a reject like you."

Bubbles began to glow of bright purple and began to heat up. She then grabbed Lightning Dust so she would not get away.

"Trash like you should be burned."
Bubbles explodes into flames, catching Lightning Dust off guard and taking the full blow.

Gallus's side was taken aback by the explosion, which gave Bright the chance to go up close to Misty Breeze.

Misty Breeze was able to flame up, block Bright's surprise attack, and hold him off.

" Underestimated you did, little pony." She began burning brightly and intensified her flames, which caused Bright to flinch.

With that, Smolder took the opening and readied to swipe her axe towards him. But his flinch was a fake. The flame didn't bother him at all.

He parried the axe to a point where it would hit Misty Breeze. This forced Misty to dodge Smolder's heavy swing, not giving her enough time to parry Bright's blade.

Slash!

Her head, gone.

Bright was successful at decapitating the Kirin's head, but at what cost?

Before the blood would land and stain the ground. Gallus's spear was already aimed at Bright's head, inches away from piercing through.

He sees Gallus's resolve to kill him. But his resolve will not be met, as Bubbles would not allow it to happen.

Gallus was caught unaware as the mare lunges out from the smoke the explosion produced. Her blade pierced his side and pushed him off, causing the spear to miss Bright by an inch.

Smolder tried to follow up on her attack, but it was too late, and Bright was able to dodge.

Bright and Bubbles backed away and collected themselves. They have the time to be patient in this fight, as it seems that they are at an advantage.

Smolder, angered, but sees she is not in a situation to be careless around these ponies.

Gallus stands injured and bleeding, while a headless kirin stands, and a burned-down pegasi quickly regenerating from its burned-down corpse.

" As expected, they aren't normal." Bubbles sighed and scowled.

"Well, we aren't either," Bright added.

" We shouldn't wait for them to get their bearings back," Bubbles suggested.

And Bright agrees; they don't want to lose the opportunity they made and need to press on.

He noticed that Gallus was not regenerating and continued to bleed.

" We deal with the weak one first; the bleeding one," Bright whispered to Bubbles.

Bubbles would dash towards Lightning Dust, grabbing her and skidding her body to the ground like an eraser, but she's the one who's getting erased.

Bright would kick the Kirin's head before it had the chance to grab it and slice off one of her legs, toppling the giant kirin.

Smolder would not let this continue, as he tried to swat Bright with her axe.

" You dishonorable dirth!"

Woosh! She missed.

" You were always a hot head, Smolder; you never learned to control that temper of yours." Bright mocked the dragon while throwing knives at her.

She was able to block some of it, but one would hit her shoulder. It wasn't enough to phase her, but enough to distract her.

This was his chance to go after Gallus.

Stab!

But it was not his turn.

He looked at his stomach, and there, the spear of the warlord pierced his stomach.

Without even batting an eye, he quickly grabbed the spear and shoved it in deeper, forcing Gallus to go close to him and slamming at his back.

"FRY, CHICKEN!"

He released his full essence and began burning brightly. Gallus was forced to abandon his spear, but it was enough to badly burn him.

" You peace of sh*t!" He screamed.

Bright, on the other hand, could not hold his balance and would take a knee. He'd then forcefully remove the spear and try to regenerate, but he has depleted his essence quite a lot and is now losing conscience.

Smolder closed in on the pony to deliver the final blow. But Bubbles was once again in time to ram against Smolder, knocking her down to the floor.

"Bright! Bright!, damnit." She'd grab a hold of him and was about to fly away, but Bright would stop her.

" Finish the job."

She grabbed the spear and stabbed it in Smolder's tail.

" AAAA!!!" She screamed in pain.

She then zoomed towards Gallus, slamming through him and eventually exploding into many peaces.

There, the bloody mare stands victorious.

Chapter 27 Author's Note

I don't know, but it got dark all of a sudden...

Chapter 27

Stab!

Bubble's back slowly numbs as something hot and painful pierces it. She looks at what caused it, and there, the head of a Kirin's horn pierced her back. And at a distance, there stands a headless kirin with one leg missing.

" Wha....!?" Smack! A leg flew through the air and hits her on the head. She'd fall down and hit her face first on the ground. She starts to lose consciousness, but someone would grab her head.

She'd look up and see that it was Lightning Dust. Bits and pieces of her are slowly regenerating.

" Hoooowwwi! You almost killed me; I thought I was done for." She grinned.

Bright would try to rescue her, but half of him is between an axe.

" Blurgh!!"

"You ain't dying yet, Dirt, until Gallus sees this." Smolder grabbed Bright's head and dragged his bleeding half-body.

And from the side, Gallus stood, unharmed.

"Let him watch!" Gallus commands as he closes in on Bubbles.

He began ripping her wings.

Her scream in agony would put tears in his eyes.

Then he began with her legs. He slowly and painfully forced it out of her body, twisting and tearing her apart. She has become voiceless from the pain, but her face yet screams from agony.

" Now bend her over."

Lightning Dust followed, and Gallus positioned himself at her back.
He began to play with her body violently in front of Bright.

Her face could not be painted.

Hate, pain, revenge, anger, embarrassment, guilt, regret, humiliation, fear, and sorrow are all going through her mind. And now, hopelessness. She stares blankly at Bright, seeing him slowly die and watching her get humiliated.

Gallus, on the other hand, would grin and ride her wildly.

" This is perfect."

Bubble's tears would fall.

" Hahaha... I'd like to have some privacy now, Smolder."

He then grabbed her head and forced her to watch what he was about to do to Bright.

SWOOSH. His head is no longer on his body. And with that, everything has gone deafeningly mute.

" Keep her alive; Silver Stream would love to play with her."

A headless kirin holding its head would begin attaching her head.

" Should we let her have her... parts?"
Misty Breeze asked.

" We only need her holes."

" Understood."

Misty began burning her open wounds, charing down where her hooves and wings were.

She then made her drink a vile potion and choked on it.

" The deed is done... Welcome to hell, Pegasi."

Her body was dragged and played with. Passed down from one creature to another. Months would pass, and she would not die; forced to drink the vile.

Her body was put on a stake and carried like a flag to be shown.

Eventually she would not be alone, as one by one Gallus would hunt down every last one of the Royal Knights and hang them up on a stake.

He would parade it as he invaded Canterlot City. To show mockery of the Alicorn's once great army.

She would witness everything, even though she was already dead inside. A horrible faith was given to her by the kirin.

There, she witnessed Gallus's strength.

He fought the white mare, the weeping mare of the bog, the insane, and the last alicorn of the north.

Gallus has burned down Equestria and raised it through the ground.

Now he sits atop the world, his ambitions know no bounds, and he begins invading the land of dragons at the east.

Then west of the Changeling colonies. Then underneath, where the dogs are, and eventually Tartarus itself.

But then the heavens gate opens.

A lone draconicous of humanoid-like entity appeared. Her name, Fate.

" Rest now..."

_____________

There, Bubble stares at the eyes of a unicorn named Starlight Glimmer.

" So how was it?"

Bubbles would collapse where she stood, and cry like a mad filly.

" B-Bright!!... T-treasure....everyone..."

Her cry would turn to anger.

" Gallus..."

Starlight would flick her head and warn her.

" Upupup, I suggest you avoid having too much trauma; you won't get used to it."

She grabs her head. And whispered to her. " Maybe this time, let's be smart about what we have to do, okay?"

"Oh, by the way, a little heads up for you. The other's won't remember what happened. And you... You need to remember, or else we'll just go on a loop, plus if they remembered what you did... They'd probably kill you, not Gallus. Thaaaats not the timeline we want now, right, miss Bubbles?"

She listens and agrees, but her body trembles.

Perhaps trauma? Or rage? Probably both.

"Head Mistress...."

"Oh, I thought I'd never hear you call me by that name again."

" I see how foolish I was," Bubbles said, full of regret.

Starlight giggled as she saw her student in this state.

Bubbles was miffed but held it in.

" Is there something I missed that amuses you?" She asked.

" Ahahahaha, forgive me. It's just that. It took this long to regain our friendship and a lesson you finally learned."

She looked amazed at her and would feel ashamed.

" Well then, thank you for being patient with me."

" I am your teacher. What else can I do but be patient with you?"

" Hmmm... But I still want to punch you." Bubbles, still as hardheaded and petty.

" You'll get your time, eventually."

" So now what do you want me to do? Follow Quilt? That Trans?" Bubbles asked.

" Oh? You know about her? And why with that tone? You should know she was forced to hide her gender, or else she wouldn't be picked as a royal knight."

" When i was stabbing her, it showed. The only reason why I didn't cut her and kill her quickly enough is because of her cries of pain, which kind of ticked me off and were quite weird and off-putting." She explained.

She pondered on what lead to this kind of events, for the royal knights to implement this, but eventually would shrug it off. " So, I guess at her time, they're being sexist at being a knight, huh? We've sunk that low?"

"Oh, you wouldn't imagine how low we actually got."

" Ummm... I think I can," she thought of Bluebell.

" Anyway, sorry... for everything. So... Quilt? I didn't mean to give a tone about it. So i guess I follow her? Him?"

"Him for now, she's a bit shy and got used to being one of the colts, so let's let it be and have Tapper fix that problem, okay?
Also, Quilt doesn't know the full plan."

This peaked Bubbles curiosity.

" You've met her, right? Fate?"

Chapter 28

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 30

"I only saw what you showed me. Who knows what'll really happen!"

" I've seen it a dozen times; things don't turn out well in Equestria without my friends."

"Oh, what's so special about your friends? How can a group of ponies that are so different be so important!?"

There, a witch, stuck on limbo, reminiscing about the past.

____________

The rain continues as the two ponies rest and weather the storm inside the Everfree forest.

The mare felt guilty about how she treated her partner. Before he would try to talk her, now... Nothing.

I must do something.

She mustered up her courage and stood up. Bright was asleep, beside a tree opposite to her.

She slowly and carefully went up to him, avoiding disturbing his sleep.

Her memories return from the future she once came from. She starts to sweat heavily, but she endures. She begins to shake, not only because it's cold and raining, but because she is having an episode and fighting the fears inside of her.

Why am I afraid of him? I love him.

Slowly but surely, her confidence grows; she was able to go near him. She still shakes, but to her, this was a good improvement.

Shing! STAB!

Bright unsheathes his sword. Bubbles eyes widen; stunned and afraid. He quickly plunged his sword towards Bubbles.

Splatter...

Blueish blood would splatter at the back of Bubbles.

It would take her a few seconds before she could snap out of her shock. She followed the blade that Bright was holding, and it missed her head by an inch. She looks at her back, and there a wasp the size of her hoof was stabbed by Bright.

She collapsed at where she stood, and her fear came back.

" Pull yourself together; you're a royal knight. You should act like one."

He began to clean his blade before sheathing it back to his scabbard.

Bubbles, still in a daze, could only look at Bright in shock and confusion.

Bright would just stare at her, muddied on the ground.

" If you got time playing in the mud, then it's best we get a move on." He grabs her from the shoulder and lifts her up; her thought process and trauma weren't fast enough for her to react, and she stood up, still in a daze.

" Let's move."

_____

Ponyville. 200m.

"We finally made it!" Bluebell yelled at the top of her lungs, which would soon be met with a clobber from Quilt.

" What's wrong with you!?"

" Awuu..." Bluebell yipped in pain and hid behind Cross, but she wouldn't find an ally from him, as he too thought of her actions as immature and careless. He'd shake his head in disapproval of her actions, for which she genuinely felt sorry; it's like a brother scolding his little sister.

"Well, it's safe to say that no one came out to greet us.... So that's something." Tapper gave his 2 cents on the matter.

" Tsk! Don't patronize her," she scowled at him.

" What? I wasn't!... really!"

Treasure wasn't amused at what she also did, but what's done is done.
" Well, best be on our guard since we ain't got the elements of surprise no more..."

Quilt would lead the way and follow the creek, which he knew so well, but something was different.

Quilt would be stopped by the massive tree blocking their way. The creek passes over its roots and onto the other side. The tree seems to be a house of some sort, as wooden steps present themselves going up to a door that leads inside the tree.

They have three choices: they either swim under the tree on the creek, go around and hopefully do not derail them, or explore the interior of the giant tree house.

" It's a no-brainer; go round the tree. Much safer and open," Treasure suggested.

Most would agree, but Quilt remained silent and out of focus.

" Hey, we need to get goin," Treasure would shake him up to snap him off of his daze.

This would catch him off guard and fall from his rump.

" Wohw, Quilt, you okay? I didn't mean to do that to ya." He gave a hoof for him to hold and stand up, but Quilt would just glare at him and stand on his own.

" Please, you just cought me off guard. It's best you take care of the dead weight if you care so much," Quilt replied quite hostilely.

Treasure was taken by surprise by this and could only wonder, Where did that one come from?

Quilt would continue to walk away from the tree and eventually talk to the others.

" I think it's best we take a rest here for now. I remember this place, and I believe we'll find one of the elements that we are trying to find: kindness."

Everyone looked at each other in surprise.

" Oh... Well, that's convenient; good thing you remembered?" Cross replied.

" Are you sure? We've been dead for a long time, you know?" Tapper added.

" True, but it won't hurt if we explore her home; it might give us more clues," she replied.

" I guess we head in then?" Treasure would begin to head towards the door but would be stopped by Quilt immediately.

" Stop! I said we rest for now!" She shouted.

" Jeez! Sorry, I didn know youwr that tired. My bad." Treasure couldn't get a break from him.

" Now that that's settled. Apple, Treasure, you go and prep our fire. Cross, Bluebell, you prepare the tent, if you don't mind. You—" he pointed at Tapper."—you come with me. Were going to scout ahead... I wanna check on something." The group agreed and began their duties.

Tapper and Quilt has scouted quite a distance and pretty much circled the giant tree house half way already. Not much was going on inside and pretty much around the vicinity. It looked abandoned.

" So, we're going to check the giant tree house? Won't it be best for you and Treasure to partner up for this kind of assignment?" Tapper asked.

" You never shut up, do you, Tapper?" A question Tapper couldn't answer.

He could only sulk and scratch his head.

What I do this time? His thought's wondered.

Thud.

Tapper would bump on Quilt's behind.

"Oh, shit! sorry... Why'd you stop all of a sudden?"

She'd turn around, looked directly into his eyes, and ask. " You'll never betray me, right?" She asked, unmasking her real voice.

Her voice was quite sweet to Tapper's ears, and he blushed as it tickled his ears.

" Uhmm whats- what's going on?" He'd look around, confused if he was missing something or if he was being pranked.

She'd grab his armor and once more looked deep into his eyes, and her face closed up to him. " Well? Don't keep a mare waiting."

Gulp.

Cold sweat drips down his body.

" Of-f course! Even though im like this, im serious on being a knight, you know."

" I know... Promise me your blade, Tapper... And only to me."

" U-uhm u, what's going on?"

" Say yes to me, Tapper," she asked seriously.

Something was not right. Tapper was having a feeling that something happened.

He started to calm down and be serious as well.

" Is this for our mission? Then ask no further." He stepped back, kneeled, and presented his sword. " I will be your blade and shield, Quilt.

She began to blush a bit.

" Hmm... I didn't expect this to be... A bit embarrassing." She then went up to him to touch his sword. They both looked into each other's eyes.

Tapper's eyes were full of resolve and readiness to serve her, while she looked down on him with the eyes of a craving mare.

Tappers resolve quickly turned to confusion and wonder; whats with her face?

Quilt won't just stop from just holding his sword, but would then push him ever so gently and sit above him.

" Umm, Quilt?" Her hooves would shush his mouth and gently caress his body downwards.

She began removing his armor. Tapper could only watch as things advanced and escalated too quickly.

This was definitely a trap... Something was wrong. His thoughts warned him that this is too good to be true.

But what the hell? This is a once in a lifetime, and he already died a virgin; he wouldn't miss this opportunity even if it killed him.

He began helping her remove her armor.

There they looked at each other. And Quilt cried.

" !?" I haven't done anything yet, and I already made her cry. Am I that bad!? Tapper questioned his existence: is he forever fated to be a virgin?

" Quilt... I don't know what's going on, but lets not do this if you don't wa-"

SMACK.

Her lips crash towards Tapper's lips, her hooves strongly hugging him. He was utterly stunned.

Chapter 31

A pony floats in an underground tunnel, alone and bleeding, in death's doorstep.

Her face pale, her eyes slowly fading to nothing.

What I did was noble, right? Then why do I feel so betrayed... I-I wanted to be saved. Saved by you, Treasure...

The pony sank and died in despair.

Soon after, she'd feel the loving, warm embrace of her mother.

" Little one... you now know what to do. Wait for your brother."

Thud!

She fell on her rump and landed on a soft patch of grass.

___________

" I expected more from you," the mare on top of the stallion mocked.

The stallion remained silent and tired.

She'd leave him be and began wearing her armor.

The stallion, still tired, would soon follow her lead.

" Hey Quilt... You can tell me right?"

She paused for a bit and took her time to give an answer to him.

" There are things I can't say for our quest to be successful; I hope you understand and trust me on the decisions I'm about to make, and one of those is choosing you to be mine."

She finished wearing her armor while he's still unfinished and gawking over her.

Quilt would smile and give a bit of a giggle at the gawking stallion.

" Silly pony."

She then went to him, helped him dress up from his armor, and gave him a kiss.

" Now let's go back. I'm sure they've finished with their duties."

_____________

"This is not what I want."

" This is for the greater good..."

" No..."

Stab.

A blade pierces Bright's back.

" This is not the outcome I wanted..."

"Bright... I love you...."

His eyes slowly fade.

" Bright..."

Life slowly drained; his flames flickered.

" Bright!" A tap to his shoulder could be felt. He jerked the hoof off of his back and unsheathed his blade.

This took Bubbles by surprise and she fell from where she stands.

She cowers and guards herself from him.

He stares at the cowering mare.

What am I doing?

He slowly put his guard down and sheathed his sword.

He gave her a hoof for her to reach so she could stand up once more, but she cowered and remained seated.

" You won't talk; you walk like a newly born, and you detest me." He forcefully grabbed her and made her stand up. She would try to reject it, but he was too strong. Her face shows pain in how he treats her.

He'd let go of her hoof. " We dont have time for this; we need to keep moving." He then left her and moved westward.

She looks at his back as he slowly disappears from her view.

What do I do?

She could only follow behind.

The two's relationship is in turmoil, not knowing what's happening between them.
The sun sets, and nothing was resolved.
The distance grew, and their love was lost.

_________________

" We've finally made it out," Bright declared as they exited the forest and were met with a sign that says:

Ponyville. 200m.

And at a distance, a camp can be seen.

Bright would move forward, but Bubbles would warn him of the dangers.

" Wait! It could be a trap."

Bright would look at her for a second before ignoring her and continuing on.

She was stomped and couldn't do anything about him. So she followed.

And there he'd see Quilt, waiting outside.

The two stared at each other, waiting for something.

" Sister..."

" Brother..."

The two would hug for a bit and tap each other's shoulders.

"It's nice meeting you again."

" Same here, brother."

" And the others?"

" Resting. What about Bubbles?"

He'd look behind, and there the confused Bubbles stood, not knowing what to do.

" She is weak. I'm not sure if rest is what she needs. But her condition is quite troublesome."

" Then she'll be a hindrance to our mission. We'll let Treasure babysit Apple and Bubbles for now."

" Why him?" Bright asked.

" ... We don't need him for this mission."

" Understood. Then we shall proceed with kindness."

"Yes, brother. Now take your rest. We have a big day tomorrow." Bright proceeds inside as Quilt guides him to a tent where he can rest.

Bubbles, on the other hand, walked slowly towards Quilt.

" Umm... Quilt... I wanted to apologize," she was quickly interrupted by her.

" I don't need it; go and rest. I only prepared one tent for Bright, so you have to sleep with him, unless you two aren't on good terms?" She questioned her.

Does she know?

" Look, I don't give a shit about you, but don't give my brother a hard time. So whatever it is, you two should kiss and fuck up before things go sour."

" O-okay?" she timidly replied.

Quilt didn't like her response and smacked her back.

" What the hell, mare? Suck up and pounce on him already! Why are you like this? You'd've punched me in the face as a greeting already, or is my face not that punchable for you?"

She then gave a quick jab to her face.
The mare fell to the ground, and her nose bled.

" I'm expecting my punch tomorrow, okay? If not, we are all screwed. We don't need the weak Bubbles." She'd then leave her alone and return to her post.

I hope that's enough to bring her back to her senses; if not, then I'll gladly punch her again.

Quilt would then feel a tap on her shoulders, and before she could properly see who it was, a hoof to the face greeted her. She dropped hard to the ground and looked back to see who punched her.

" Thanks, Quilt... I needed that." Bubbles greeted her.

"Phetoo" she spat some blood before answering.

" You're welcome, bitch."

She'd then close in to her and give her a hug. Before leaving to go inside the tent.

" The things I do for you..." Quilt sighed as the night continued.

Chapter 32

"Bright!" The mare yelled.

Mean while, he was minding his own business and readying himself to sleep, but it seems Bubbles has other plans on mind.

He'd just look at her and wait on what she'd do next.

"I! Urgh!?" she chocked.

This left Bright confused but still remained silent.

Embarrassed, she still pushed on to face her fears. She approached Bright and grabbed ahold of his shoulder.

He remained unfazed and continued watching her.

She shakes.

"Don't force yourself." He'd try to stand up and give the bed to her, but she'd pin her down and push him back, putting herself on top of him.

She slowly inserted it in and began to cry and shake.

" H-hey Bubbles, stop! What are you doing? I told you not to force yourself; you've done enough." He once more tried to force his way out of it, but Bubbles was like a giant boulder pinning him down.

He was shocked to find out that Bubbles was fully concentrated and was burning up; her mane was lit in purple flames.

What the hell is going on? I don't want this; she's clearly in pain for some reason. Im like raping her, but shes doing it herself!? Self-inflicted rape!? Is there even such a thing!? Bright was scared and worried for Bubbles, but there was nothing he could do.

She began to vomit on Bright.

" Uweeegghh..." She convulses and continues to go deeper.

" Ah! Bubbles! I don't swing that way! I don't swing that way!"

Meanwhile outside the tent, Quilt regrets peaking on the two. She quickly left them alone and went back to her post.

What the hell?

Quilt could not sleep properly on that day.

Meanwhile Bubbles has finally put it all in, and her memories flashed before her eyes.

She began to scream in pain.

Bright was afraid; she looked like she was possessed.

She began to lift her hip and rammed it in again. The pain of being raped returned with every stroke she made.

But she continued and endured.

She continued and endured.

This is what she did when she became his toy.

But now....

but now...

She stopped humping on Bright, and her flames stopped.

She began to giggle, then laughed; it was still ugly to look at.

She began to grin. Her face was going red from anger. Yet she smiles.

Rage.

Revenge.

ANGER.

She remembered all the hate that was building up on her—her hate for Gallus.

She then looked menacingly at Bright, then smiled in a vicious way.

" You wanna know? You want to know right, Bright? Then perhaps I'll show you instead rather than tell you..."

Within a split second, two blades would stab at Bright's hooves.

"AAAA–!?" His screams would cut short as a piece of wood would be lodged on his mouth.

" No no! I couldn't scream either... You can't too..."
Two pieces of wood would pierce his remaining legs. He'd squirm and moan; his look towards Bubbles was in genuine shock and disbelief.

Whats going on!?

" Ah... So that's what I looked like? Hehehe you look... Cute Bright..." Something unpleasant grew inside Bubbles mind; perhaps she is starting to break.

She began riding him once more, but this time she is enjoying it.

" Oh i forgot you don't have wings... That's not fair." She'd stab two knives at his back.

Bright could only endure so much. He began to light up and try to burn Bubbles off of him.

" Ahh... I did that too..." She too began burning up.

Both of them struggled to burn each other up to gain control over the other.

As Bright struggled, Bubble enjoyed every second of her liberation.

She can finally enjoy sex.

As their climax reached, a final burst of their flames would explode and die out.

And so did the tent.

Bright remained defeated, while Bubbles remained on top of him, panting in victory.

" Huff...huff.... Thank you, Bright."

He gave him a kiss and slept on top of the unconscious Bright.

The rest of the group was already awake and watched the whole thing.

Bluebell's face was painted red. While Apple shivered and looked at Treasure.

" No... I would never," Treasure assured her. But it seems she was a bit disappointed from that answer, which took Treasure by surprise and worried.

Quilt was boggled on how it all led to this. " This... This is not what I meant. I am so sorry, brother," she sweated and regretted her actions.

Tapper felt sorry for his comrade who fell in combat and would salute to the fallen.

" He's in a better place now..."

Quilt would smack him on the head.

" Don't kill him off."

Quilt would shake her head and sigh, "Okay everyone, the shows over. Let's get back to sleep. We got a long and awkward day ahead of us."

___________________

A bipedal cat would suddenly appear in front of his lord and kneel down to him.
"A report from the everfree forest, my lord."

" Go on."

" An explosion was spotted near Ponyville."

" Why would they be there?"

" Ponyville has always remained unknown and stagnant, so nothing really happens there. This event is highly because of them, for sure."

" True... but if a battle happens there, then perhaps they have awakened the elements of harmony. For what reasons do they have there, estranged ponies? There must be a reason."

Gallus continues to ponder, but no answer comes up in his mind.

" Continue to investigate them."

He then left and entered his quarters.

" As you wish, my lord." The cat vanished.

Inside the room, the weapons guard the bed chamber of Silver Stream.

"Has she taken the potion?" Gallus asked the Kirin.

" Yes, but her body, rejected she has. You know of this already. She shielded you from fate."

"I KNOW!" he scowled.

" We must hurry then. Come! We are heading to Ponyville."

" Are you sure, Gallus? Or are you sending us on another wild goose chase?" Lightning Dust mocked.

Gallus was not in the mood and would like to vent his frustrations. And so he did.

He quickly grabbed his spear and was about to point it at Lightning Dust. But before he could turn his back, she was already behind him with her dagger.

Smolder and Ocellus have already pointed their weapons at Lightning Dust, warning her not to even dare make a move.

"You're lucky you have Bitches to back you up. If you're alone, I would've gotten your head already."

Gallus would not stand this and smashed his claws on her face.

"Yeah, and you're one of them!"
He pounced on her and tore her to pieces, doing whatever he pleased with her.

Chapter 33

A stallion wakes up, covered in dirt and soot, confused; unaware of what happened to him.

" Good morning, Sugarcube," a soft-spoken mare whispered behind his ears.

The shock and terror from last night came and hit him like a truck.

He quickly rolled away from her and faced her to fight her off.

But the mare stayed put and looked at his beloved.

" Whats with that reaction of yours?" she asked.

" You! Wha-what kind of mind fuck did you put me into!?" The stallion questioned the mare.

" You wanted to know what happened to me, right? So I gave it to you; I shared the pain I had, and now I'm freed from it thanks to you," she answered.

To Bright, whatever she said made no sense. But perhaps it must have something to do with Starlight Glimmer.

" What do you mean!?" The stallion would not finish as his lips would be shushed by Bubble's hooves.

He'd try to run away from her, but she'd instantly grab him at the waist.

" Now that I want you close by, you reject me? You can be a cruel sadist sometimes." She grinned in an evil way again, as if she had plans in mind for him.

This would send shivers down Bright's back.

What have I done?

Luckily, he was saved by Quilt, who came over to call them for breakfast.

" Hey, you two! Enough with your horsing around! We need to eat and get a move on."

" That can wait." She told her off and continued to move forward.

But this time, Quilt had to butt in.

" I'm sorry, but he really needs a time out."

Bubbles would glare at her, but she'd remember the torment she went through because of her. Disgraced and stabbed at the stake.

She shivers ever so slightly. " Yes. Forgive me... Perhaps a meal is needed."

She'd stop on her assault and lift Bright up.

He was easily lifted up, and his butt hole seems to be cramped up. " Ouch my back.

Bubbles would slap his butt and wink at him before heading out first.

" Quilt... What did she do to my butt?" He worriedly asked.

" I don't even wanna know, let alone look at it. You're on your own." She looked away and hurriedly left.

Bright would try to catch up and plead to check his ass. " You don't want your brother to look bad now, would you!?"

____________

The reunion was supposed to be a joyful moment, but everything got weird that night.

So now they're circled around the burned-out campfire, wondering who would break this awkward silence.

Treasure, Cross, and Tapper would just look and glance towards Bright, but he felt a bit conscious about his ass and if the guys knew about it, so he avoided making eye contact for now.

Apple had always been quiet and never tried to strike up a conversation, so their hopes for her to do it were zero.

And Quilt had enough for today.

Everyone was hoping for Bluebell to break this silence, but she was focused on eating up her hay and fruits.

Sooner or later, she'd finish her food. " Oh my gah! Im so full! You always make the best dishes, Tress! Can ya teach Cross?"

" Hey!" Cross did not like that one bit.

" What? Your taste in food is quite mute. A few fruits and variety won't hurt; look at what you're eating." She pointed at her plate and mouth that have only hay in them.

" I-I'm on a diet..." He coughed.

" And here I thought this silence would never be broken; thanks, Blue, and with that I'll grant your request." He gave a nod.

"Thanks, Tress!"

Meanwhile, Cross would just give a displeased face and shrug it off.

" So how bout you two? What made you guys come back? Missed us?" Treasure asked in a snark-ish manner.

" Yes, I did." Bubbles spoke clearly and precisely.

They thought they'd never hear those words come out of her mouth, but they did.

The stallions were stunned to hear this from her; they couldn't believe it.

" Hahaha, good one! I didn't know you were a joker." Tapper laughed.

The others would laugh along, but Bubbles paid no mind and easily shrugged it off.

" I know I've been hardheaded. But I've learned a very hard lesson just recently." She then grabbed a hold of Bright's hooves, which scared the living hell out of him; worried what she'll do next to him while everyone is around.

" You are the only family I have..."

The stallions have that discreet what the fuck is she talking about look on their faces.

While Bluebell was on tears, she jumped on her and gave a hug.

Quilt, on the other hoof, was giving none of her time to them and continued eating.

" Can I call you mom then?" Bluebell asked.

This ticked her off and gave a controlled angry voice to her. " Do I look that old to you?" She hugged her back with greater force.

" Urk elp!" She yelped as she slowly strangled her.

" You can call me big sister instead, right?" she grinned.

" Y-yes Big SIS! D-on-ht kill meh." She taps on her hoof for submission.

"Good." She gleefully released her victim from her clutches.

Bluebell could finally gasp for air and looked at her in fear.

This bitch lied... her thoughts of her as she regrets her words.

The others would just laugh at her predicament, which embarrassed her a bit, and sulk beside Cross, for which she received a pat on the head.

The team got to talk more, and their bond with each other grew, but not enough to remove their doubts from each other.

They've finished their meal and began to clean up. They headed in front of the tree house and made a quick briefing, which Quilt started.

" Okay team, we're here for the element of kindness, Fluttershy. We need that element to free Starlight Glimmer; there's a probability of us not finding her in there, but surely we can find some clues inside her house. So once we enter, we do not split up at any cost, be cautious, and grab as many clues as we can. Am I clear?"

" Everyone saluted and gave a "YES, MA'AM! "

" Then let's go!"
The team is complete and ready for their first mission together.

Chapter 34

Slam! A mare busted through a wooden door and entered a dusty old room. Dust would puff and fog the room as the place was quite stagnant.

" I said, we didn't need to do that! Now you just made a mess!" Quilt clobbered Bluebell for her antics.

The mare, in tears, rubbed her clobbered head.

Now, the rest would try to traverse the dust-ridden room.

It was an average cottage filled with nick nacks and cages. The designs of the cages were clean and nicely made, but the abundance of them and their stacking was quite eerie and weird.

Bluebell would be the first to start touching stuff, as her curiosity is one of her weaknesses.

"Touch, touch, touch." She hummed.

" Cross!" Quilt yelled.

" Why me?" Quilt would just glare at him, forcing him to take care of the youthful mare.

Crash!

A disturbance occurred. Everyone looked at Bluebell, but it seems she was not the cause. "Don't look at me." She quickly defended herself.

Following the noise, it led them to another room. Everything inside was covered by a white sheet of cloth.

" Everyone, draw your swords."

Bright would see a slight shake and hesitation in Bubbles. He'd grab a hold of her hoof. " Can i count on you?" He asked.

Bubbles gave a deep breath and adjusted herself. "Yes, you can. Sorry for making you worry."

" Good." Although they struck up a conversation, a tinge in her heart was felt. It wasn't the same anymore—the way they talked to each other.

Meanwhile, the rest was on alert, except for Bluebell, who kept on touching the white clothes. She'd peek inside and be disappointed that nothing was inside it. " There's nothing in here."

Everyone got curious and began pulling the nearest curtains, and one by one, nothing was inside them.

This boggled everyone until Quilt pointed out something out of the ordinary. "Then what's keeping them up?"

The clothes began to drop and sag on the ground. Bluebell panicked and was about to set the clothes on fire; luckily Cross was near to stop her. He'd grab her hooves and place them down, distracting her and canceling her fireballs.

" Bluebell! A little detection magic would be nice right about now," Quilt commanded.

" Oh! Yes!" As soon as she did, she yelped and went pail. She hid behind Cross, afraid of something.

" G--ghostss-s," she murmured.

Everyone quickly ran towards Cross and used him as their shield.

" Hey what the!? Why are you all suddenly hiding behind me!?" He protested.

" You're technically a priest; isn't this your specialty?" Treasure answered, and everyone nodded.

" You guys have a point." He began casting a spell, and a circle of light would surround him.

" Ouch, ouch, ouch, oh holy light, ouch, please guide these wayward soles, ouch!" The room was blasted by light, and everyone except by Apple was singed and burned.

" AAA MY EYES!" Bluebell rolled at the ground as her body felt hot and burning.

The rest would also be afflicted by this and distracted everyone.

" Dear Celestia, what did you do!?" Tapper yelled.

Meanwhile, Treasure would flinch and fall to the ground., while Quilt, Bright, and Bubbles easily endured the blast of light.

" Everyone focus! " Quilt yells in command.

Ghosts of animals started to materialize out of thin air, and they were not happy about it.

Cross couldn't believe his eyes. "Wait! This shouldn't happen! They should've crossed to the other side!"

But Bright and Quilt quickly took action and began stabbing the ghosts with their burning sword. Giving the ghost no time to completely materialize, a stab here and there quickly turned the lagging ghosts into white essence.

Bubbles mustered some courage before trying to give it a go and followed Bright and Quilt's lead, but her sword would only phase through the ghosts. Her miss would greatly confuse her as she is lost on how to fight these creatures, but the siblings would not have the time to explain and continued the slaughter—to not miss this chance they've got.

The rest would watch as the two finished up the wayward spirits inside the room.

As the last ghost was slaughtered, they invited the others a share of the white essence.

" Hey Apple, have you ever experienced
Having one of these?" Treasure introduced the white essence.

" I-I'm but a common folk, only a select few are allowed to eat the remains of our loved ones," she humbly refused.

Hearing her say that, he didn't push her on consuming one. But Quilt would push it on to her. "Are you refusing our generosity?"

" Oh, no, sir... It's just... too much." She graciously bowed down.

Quilt did not agree to this. "No! You should have some; in fact, you should have more. The rest of you give your half to her; we don't intend to keep you as you are; weak and useless. Eat up the essence we give you and get stronger," she ordered.

" I agree," Bright supported her command.

The rest would look at each other and think about it; they'd soon agree to this as it is more beneficial that Apple could hold her own.

Bluebell, Tapper, Cross, and Treasure began absorbing half of the essence they got into their bodies, while Bubbles ate hers, which Bright and Quilt noticed. The others began giving their share to Apple, which flustered the poor mare. "This is too much, my lord."

Bright would just glare at her, like a father forcing his child to eat her vegetables. She could only comply with his demand, and she too ate it. Her body was noticeably healthier, and her small and sickly nature got better.

" Why is the effect on her greater or somewhat different?" Treasure questioned.

"It's probably because she's alive," Quilt answered. Bright would look at her, which in turn would flicker her ears. Bright would not contest her explanation.

" And what is this white essence anyway? Why didn't the witch tell us about it? Hey, I know that she's like your mom and all, but can we really trust er?" Treasure asked Bright.

" Do not doubt her, for she is wise and loving; she cares deeply for us and especially for the princess. I wouldn't have devoted myself to become a royal knight if it wasn't for her." Bright would've continued on, but Treasure knows that this'll just drag on and cut him off.

" Right! Right. Sorry I asked, mah bad. I trust you, so i trust her too." He gave a pat on his shoulder.

" So now what?" Bluebell asked. " Should we hunt some more ghosts? And how?"

" Just put magic on your weapon, and that'll do it."

" Then why didn't my spell work?" Cross asked.

"Well, that's on you, i guess; I don't know how healing magics or exorcising works." Quilt has a point which made Cross ponder hard. "True..."

" So when did you get magic powers?" Bubbles asked.

Bright glared a bit at Bubbles before answering, "Since I have purple flames as part of my body, you too can easily do this technique where you shift the flames to your weapon; i mean, you just did that last night, remember?" His face displeased, while she blushed.

"Anyway, we're burning daylight; we should quickly explore this house; clearly something's not right here.

And so they continued to explore and headed to another room.

Chapter 35

The knights find themselves in an abnormally spacious room where a giant tree stands at the center of a flower field, caged by thorns filled with roses.

They cautiously explored the room and spotted a mare sleeping in an open casket underneath the giant tree.

Both Bright and Quilt looked at each other and gave a nod. " It's her." They slowly closed in and carefully watched their every step, as they do not trust the bed of flowers covering the room.

As they got near, Bubbles and Bright's chest began to glow. Bubbles was in shock and panic, while Bright expected this.

The mare inside the casket began to glow as well and woke from its slumber.

As she stood out from her casket. She'd stretch her wings and yawn as loudly as a whale. Everyone was forced to cover their ears as the pegasi wailed and flew above.
Her eyes open, and she sees the two glowing ponies, the same as her.

" My sisters, I've been so lonely since you left. Come to me, so I may hug you all once more."

Her hooves opened wide, inviting them to her. She descends slowly for them to reach her, but her body changes by the second. Horns grew, her wings morphed, body parts began growing, and slowly she became a draconicous.

Her wings were a mix of a griffin and dragon, wings. Paws of a lion and a hoof of an equine. A body and tail of a serpent and horns made of branches that bloom a single flower.

"Come to me."

Bright would unsheathe his sword and point it at the mare. " Forgive me, lady Fluttershy, but we came here for your element."

The draconicous halted her movements and was saddened. " You did not come for me?" She cried.

The room began to shake.

Bluebell was about to cast her fireballs, but Quilt held her off. " Stay at the walls; we will need you for later." She hurriedly pointed her to stick close to the door and continue commanding the others. "Tapper, Cross, Treasure, Bubbles, do not engage, let Bright handle this.

Everyone except Bubbles would heed her commands, as she is trapped inside her mind once more.

I shake once more. Oh, how frustrating this is. I thought I'd overcome you. Perhaps I have to kill you...

The draconicous approaches Bright with an intent to grab him with her embrace.

" Please, sister... I have missed you so dearly," the draconicous cried.

Bright readies his sword as she approaches. " Do not worry, Fluttershy, you will be with your sisters." When he was about to strike his blade, Bubbles intervened and struck the Draconicous, kicking her off from the side.

Bright's eyes grew in shock as well as for Quilt. "Damn it, Bubbles! I told you to not engage!"

" Shut it!" She yelled as she shook with her sword in blood. " I... I need this."

Her eyes flared up, and so did her mane.

" You fool! You messed up our only opening!" Bright yelled.

" If it's an opening you want, then it's an opening you'll get." Bubbles dashed once more towards the draconicous with such incredible speed that it was hard to track her movements. Afterimages of her are the only thing was left to see, before blood would spurt out of the draconicous's body.

All was going well in Bubbles mind as she was getting back her confidence, but the two would continue shouting for her to stop.

" Stop Bubbles!"

" You're making it worse!"

She gave them no mind.

I'm winning; why would I give her room to breathe?

A drop of tear echoes through the whole room. A wave pulses out of it's heart that echoed through their very being, chocking them in the process. Time slowed down, and tears fell from their eyes. Their hearts ache and beat with hers.

" Know how much it hurts. How much it hurts to be forgotten." Another wave echoes throughout the room as the draconicous's heart beats, causing them to feel the pain that she had. Tears would fall and impair the others as the pain was unbearable. The only ones left standing were Quilt, Bright, and Bubbles at this point. As the rest were knocked out.

"Why'd you have to get in the way?" Bright yelled. But Bubbles could not hear him.

Her eyes were filled with rage and super focused on Fluttershy. "Is that it? Is that all?"

Bright was taken by surprise by her action.

Quilt and Bright tried to move and take action against the draconicous, but their movements are like in underwater: slow and heavy.

This is nothing compared to Starlight's

Bubbles on the other hoof moved slowly at first but gained momentum and speed at the second.

When she was about to strike her, she wasn't fast enough and was grabbed by the hoof. " Why do you point your sword against me, sister? You always shielded me." Bubbles would flick her hooves off to get loose and try once more, but the draconicous would sink into the flower bed.

She would look around, trying to find her, where she'd probably show up.

And behind Bright, there the draconicous would whisper. " Sister, I have always looked up to you, respected. "Bright would try to move, but his movements were limited, he was wide open.

Bubbles would be there for him though. She'd dash towards Fluttershy and slam her to the ground.

" Are you alright, Bright?" she asked.

" Focus on the fight! Hit her chest! Her element is there!" Bright struggled to reply.

And so she did and followed his command.
She lounges at her, her sword straight to her chest. The draconicous tried to counter by grabbing her, but her speed doubled.

Ting!

As her blade pierced her chest, something hard was inside her. This has deeply affected the creature, as it started to cry in pain. Echoes of her cry would resonate and be felt by everyone in the room, causing them to uncontrollably cry.

The ground continues to shake and crack until it all falls down into the abyss.

Chapter 36

Cracks formed and the abyss opened, and there the element of kindness floats alone, at the very depths of her heart.

Quilt, who was barely conscious, tried to give command to the others, but they were out cold; only Bright, Bubbles, and her remained.

The heavy weight she felt was gone and could freely move now; it doesn't feel like they were under water anymore.

As soon as she tried to move and run towards the element, she tripped. It seems fatigue has affected her body. " Damn it!" She pushed herself and struggled to move.

Meanwhile, Bubbles continued her assault on the draconicous.

Bright too was having a hard time moving, but not as badly as Quilt; seeing her predicament, it was up to him to grab the element.

The floor cracks and crumbles, descending below, leaving a crumbled mess of a path leading close to the bottom of the abyss where the element was left alone.

Bright would hop down to the stairs of crumbled flooring. As he descends, the path of debris becomes less and narrower, making it easy to slip in the bottomless abyss.

He carefully trots close and was within hoofs reach, but he would be stopped by another draconicous, trapped at the bottom of Fluttershy's abyss. "Discord!?"

The draconicous was lifeless and zombie-like, grabbing anything it could; its eyes were grey and lifeless.

He'd quickly try to yank his hoof off of him to grab the element, but the corpse would not let go. " Shit! Get off me!"

Quilt, on the other hand, was busy saving the others who fainted from falling. She'd see that Bright was in a predicament and wouldn't be fast enough to save him, so she yelled, "Bubbles! Below!!"

As she sees his love in trouble, he quickly dove down and left Fluttershy alone.

She was able to stab Discord right at the center of his head.

The impact was enough to let go of Bright, who hurriedly grabbed the element, but he couldn't yank it out as someone else had grabbed a hold of it, Fluttershy herself. "Why, sister? Why take what is mine?"

" So you won't be lonely no more."

Fluttershy's tears would fall and would let go of the element. The once dark abyss burns brightly and blinds everyone. And in a split second, the collapsed room was back to normal, and the abyss was once more closed.

Everything was back to normal, except there was no mare at the coffin, but a pendant—the element of kindness.

" I- I guess we did it?" The tired Quilt announced. The others who fainted started to wake up as well and were confused about what happened.

"Damn, mah head hurts," Treasure complained.

Meanwhile, Bluebell was crying, and Cross, Tapper, and Apple were a bit down and tired.

Bubbles would fall to her knees as the stress and fatigue of the body would take their toll. Her blade drops and she is looking for Bright to help her out. But he would instead rush towards the coffin and grab the amulet. "Bright..."

"We... We did it... We finally did it!" Quilt cried.

" What did we actually do though?" Tapper questioned. And the rest would ask the same question.

But Bright would cut everyone's celebration as they aren't out of the woods yet. "Everyone! We need to get out of here before the ghosts of every pet Fluttershy has hunt us down."

As he finished those words, the ground shakes once more. " Don't tell me she woke up again!?" Quilt worried.

" I think this is different. Hurry everyone! Let's leave!" Everyone began running back to the exit, except for Bubbles, who was still tired from the battle she had.

Perhaps they should leave me here. Her thoughts filled with miss-informed conclusions.

But a hoof would grab her by the arm; she'd look up and see Bright, lifting her up.

"Quickly!" He'd grab and place her at his back and run to the exit.

_________

The Knight's successfully acquired the element of kindness and was just on time, exiting the collapsing tree house.

" Woo wee, that was close!" Bluebell gave a sigh of relief.

Cross, on the other hand, is still confused about what just happened, as everything happened so quickly that it's giving him a headache.

Tapper would shrug it off while Apple tried to catch her breath.

Bright holds the element on one hoof and Bubbles at his back as he watches the tree collapse from the distance. " Dry your tears, lady Fluttershy; you are not alone." He hides the trinket and calls for Bubbles attention. "And you; what were you thinking?"

Bubbles was a bit flustered. "W-what do you mean?"

" You should've listened to Quilt, and let me handle it. This would've been easier if you hadn't butted in."

" B-but..." Her voice was in deep regret.

Bright would not continue his scolding and just give a sigh. " You know what? Never mind. Thanks, Bubbles, for saving me."

Everyone watched as the tree finally sank to the ground, and a giant hole has replaced its place.

" I bet there's more secrets to be found in that hole," Bluebell pondered.

"Yeah, and I'm sure there's something lurking there that's going to kill us," Tapper replied.

"When did we never have that problem though?" she asked.

" True." Now Tapper's on board at Bluebell's idea of exploring the hole as he ponders about it too.

But Quilt would suggest otherwise. " We don't have time for that. Lets move before the animals catch up to us; the birds are already here." They'd notice that there's an abnormal abundance of birds perched in the trees.

"Okay, that's kinda scary now; let's get a move on then." Treasure agreed to the idea of leaving, and so did the rest.

_____________

Everyone was a bit tired and worn down from the emotional battle they had with Fluttershy; the sorrow and fear she shared with them lingered longer as they pondered and wondered what happened to her.

" I've heard how loving and kind Fluttershy could be, and facing her was kinda scary; she never did try to attack us, right?" Bluebell asked.

" No, she didn't. Lady Fluttershy was the kindest of the guardians of harmony; she was able to tame Discord and became friends with that draconicous; a fitl no one but her could accomplish. Even at his death, he lingered at her side protecting her." Bright replied.

"But the thing is, she'd accidentally kill us by either sharing the pain and sorrow she had, or hugging us forever," he added.

" Talk about killing us by guilt and kindness, yeesh." Tapper cringed.

" I've always loved the stories my parents told me about her. Now that I've seen her, she doesn't deserve this." Cross grieved to the mare she looked up to.

Bluebell was able to know more about Cross and understand a bit about him. She'd give him a hug. "Well, she was a bit boring in my story, but seeing her now and all the pain she endured and shared with us, she was brave, and I respect her more now." Cross would smirk a bit and hug back. " Thanks... I guess?"

Treasure listened to them and wondered if they'd meet all of the guardians at this point. " So we be collectin all the elements right? That means we'll be fightin all the guardians then. And Fluttershys the kind one here, and she could've easily killed us by accident. Then what would the rest be like!?"

" There was a point I pissed her off and joined the army; she gave me the stare that could petrify anyone. So don't think she's the weakest of the group," Bubbles added.

" You knew that, and yet, you still provoked her?" Quilt was a bit miffed.

" It's just... I needed to know something... and sadly, I did." Bubbles tone became sad and lonely.

" No matter, she's not alone anymore, right?" She asked Bright.

" Yeah... I guess so, Bubbles..." He spoke with a tone of doubt, mentioning her name.

But then... A sign post would put a pause to their conversation, and there it says, " WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" A pink earth pony welcomed them with balloons and cupcakes at hoof.

Chapter 37

Bright and Bubbles sweated as they met the pink menace—the professor that they both disliked the most.

The pink pony smiles lovingly to them all, but to Bubbles and Bright, hers was a grin that sends terror to their very souls.

" To you–!?" Bright falls silent as he feels a presence that creeped to his blindspot, a sense of malicious killing intent slowly appearing out of nowhere. He would've reacted and tried to counter it somehow, but the hardened knight stallion was struck by fear and hopelessness as it was too late to react. Its hoof has already gotten a hold at his back, and as he slowly looked behind him, the grin that can beat a serial killer's smile was right at his face; Pinkie Pie was already at his back.

Everyone was caught off guard that the pony was already behind Bright and was already getting a hold of him. Is this a show of power? A show that she can do whatever she wants with them at anytime? With the feat she showed, she could definitely do.

As they returned to their senses, they tried to go on a defensive and would attempt to draw their weapons at her. But she would not allow them the opportunity to do so.

The others would not feel her presence, but a sudden chill in their backs would be felt as she appeared behind them.

And the dread that Bright felt would soon be realized by Tapper as the pink mare appears behind him.

Hopelessness and dread engulf Tapper and accept death as the mare behind him begins to grin and open its mouth: "WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!–" Tapper dropped his weapon as he got an earful of Pinkie's singing while she vanished out unnoticeably by his back and appeared behind Bluebell in the same manner, which caused her to jolt in shock and misfire her fireball to the air. "–TO ALL MY NEW FRIENDS HERE!–" She does this to Cross and Treasure as well, causing them to panic and jolt "– I WELCOME YOU, TO PONYVILLE–", "What in tarnatio–!?",—"–WITH A KISS FOR YOU–" smack. A kiss was given at the forehead of Bright, "–AND YOU–" Then Bubbles, " AND DEF-NIT-LY FOR YOU!" And lastly, she gave a kiss to Bluebell, with balloons and cake given to her.

" HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO!" The pink hurricane catastrophe ended her song with that and back at the entrance of Ponyville.

" I hope you all visit the stores and sites in Ponyville to fully enjoy your vacation here!"

She then appeared behind Quilt out of nowhere and whispered, "This isn't a shameful insert or anything, but do visit Sugar Cube Corner, alright? I'll give you a five percent discount, NO, make it ten percent, and a buy one, take one promo as well! She ended up yelling at her ear and a wink to them as she hopped back in their village.

Everyone was exhausted with that short exchange with her as everyone was tensed and was trying to react to her movements, which even Bubbles couldn't follow.

" I, I still can't match her speed..." Bubbles was wide-eyed and stunned.

" It's not speed, Bubbles; it's not. If even the great rainbow dash couldn't outrun her, what makes you think anyone can?" Bright answered.

" Oh... So if I beat her, then I practically achieved what Rainbow Dash couldn't then?" She grinned and had an idea.

" How did she do that?" Cross asked.

" The real question is, why are we still alive?" Treasure replied.

" I have cake!" Bluebell yelled and ate the hole thing in a second. " I like her!"

" To answer all your question, it's because she's Pinkie Pie," Bright answered, and Bubbles shook her head in agreement.

"So how're we supposed to handle her then?" Treasure asked.

" Yeah, shes like a ninja or something?" Tapper added, while Bluebell misunderstood. " What's a ninja? Is it this cake?"

Quilt would quickly swat the cake, whats left of it that is. " Hey!"

" You shouldn't be even eating that! What if it's poisoned?"

" Well... I do feel weird... Like, I want more."

Everyone would argue and panic on how to handle this pink menace, as she was very unpredictable.

" So how do we stop her and get her amulet then?" Quilt ended up asking.

" We can only get lucky, or put her off of her mood; in other words, we observe her and find a weakness, and besides, she hasn't killed us yet. So I think we can afford to observe her and not be on her bad side, right Bubbles?"

" Hey, I prefer not to mess around with her," which sends shivers down her back just thinking about it.

" But what about the town though? What's going on? Why is it so... clean?" Cross pointed out, and everyone was astonished as the place was very peaceful and nice, as if it wasn't affected by the chaos happening in Equestria in a decade.

The sky was clear and blue as the pegasi worked to maintain the weather. The trees and grass are greener and healthier. the flower blooms, where the birds and butterflies fluoric to the air. The homes are clean and maintained, making the place more welcoming, warm, and calming.

" This place...are we just used to chaos and destruction that we question this place's existence?" Quilt doubts the place as it was too good to be true that Ponyville regained their peace.

Apple, on the other hand, would have tears in her eyes. " It is true. Ponyville IS paradise! Thank you, my lords, for saving me." She bows down and begins kissing their hooves.

" Ey ey! Don't do that!" Tapper reacted first.

Meanwhile, Bluebell didn't mind and kind of enjoyed it.

" Ey hold yer horses, we ain't sure yet if this is real or not. And howver you lookit, it's too good to be true," Treasure pointed out.

" Yes, very impossible... In your time, what was the state of your world? Mine, although it wasn't as bad as yours, we were already being attacked by creatures from another dimension, destroying most of the settlements, including Ponyville," Bright asked.

" That's true, as it seems bright and my time line seems to be near each other. What I recall is Canterlot, Manehattan, the Crystal Empire, and Cloudsdale remained." Bubbles Added.

" What... That fast!?" Bright reacted. Regret and frustration can be seen in his face.

Bubbles tried to pat his back and calm him down. He slumped, and his mood grayed, but his mood slowly got better thanks to her.

"Um, well, I don't know what's happening outside the castle. The only time I got out of the castle was to march through the desert..." Bluebell reported.

Tapper cringed. " Damn kid... Well, the Crystal Empire and Canterlot were the only known cities standing against the invasion."

"Well, I guess we had a civil war, and Ponyville was at the center of all of it."

"Well, fuck Cloudsdale, Canterlot didn treat me any better. Haven't heard of them Civil War nor the invasion, just slave work and abuse."

"Well, I've heard about the Civil War. It was really chaotic," Cross shared.

" Oh? So which side are you on then?" Quilt casually asked.

" Uhh. Pass." Cross remained confidential.

" Hmm..." Quilt was really curious and seems to be looking for trouble at this point, which Cross saw and tactfully avoided conflict against Quilt.

"Hey, the past is in the past, and what's important is now, okay? I don't wanna end up ruining our friendship because of having sides," Cross defended himself.

" Hmmm... That's friendship talk right there." Quilt began doubting him.

This frustrated Cross a bit and didn't like where this conversation was going." Hey! No! You know what? I'm not talking directly to you anymore."

Bright had to intervene at this point, as this is causing a divide in the group. " What'd you think you're doing, Quilt? That kind of behavior is uncalled for, especially from you," he scolded.

She too thought so as well and was frustrated by her actions. " Sorry! It's just. It's all my fault. Sorry Cross, I don't know what got in to me." She hurriedly got near him and gave a pat on the shoulder.

"Well, that's good then," he gave a hoof shake, while Bluebell pounced on both of them and gave a hug.

The group would continue to mess around the entrance, not noticing that they're blocking the way of an earth pony carrying a cart full of apples. "It's nice y'all getting along, but i much appreciate you don't block ma way."

Chapter 38

Tears would fall from Bright's eye. He'd slowly walk towards her and kneel. The mare with a cart full of apples was taken aback; is this some kind of prank she wondered?

"Oh, is this some rolepayin the young folks doin? Seriously, arnt you fellas too old for this? Although I do admit yer costumes are quite fancy; very nice." She pondered as she observed Bright's armor.

" Milady, I have failed you... Please punish me so I may repent!" Bright blurted out of nowhere.

" Now wait just a garsh darn moment here! You're adults that fillys would look up ta, especially when yer cosplayin. So ya better set a good example on the yungins, or else they'll end up copyin ya. And we don't want em overdoin it like what yer doin now. Now grow up and act like an adult, ya hear me? None of this over the top playin, capish?" She stared hard at Bright to get an answer from him, and he gave a nod.

" Good, now get out of the way; I have some work to do, and so should you lot. Good day." The mare waved farewell and went to the village to do her errands, while the knights still loitered at the village entrance.

" Umm. Who's that?" Bluebell asked.

Quilt also wanted to know this but didn't want to look like she was prying on her brother's life. She was glad that Bluebell brought this up and is all ears on the story; the rest felt the same, except for Bubbles.

" That mare was Lady Applejack."

The nosy ponies didn't expect her to answer that.

" Wait... Isn't she one of the elements!?" Tapper yelped.

" Wai-wait wait... We fightin two of em!? We just gut lucky from Fluttershy!" Treasure complained.

"excuse me."

Bright didn't like what came out of Treasure's mouth. He unsheathes his sword.

"oh my..."

" What are you implying?" He points his sword towards Treasure.

" Hey! What's yer problem!" Treasure seems to not back down.

" Oh, please, don't fight..."

Bubbles would try to go between the two. "If we're pulling ranks, then I outrank you all. Bright, Your blade is mine! Lower it right now!" She commanded.

Tapper would scootch near Quilt and ask, "Shouldn't you also stop them?"

Quilt didn't care and was actually anticipating a fight. " Yes, I should," she said with a cold look towards Treasure.

Tapper felt something was wrong and didn't push it and let it be. While the others are stomped and panicking on what to do.

Eventually Bright would calm down and sheath his sword, but his gaze is still glared towards Treasure.

" Get yer priorities right. Remember, we're here to get them elements and save our dyin world. Or ya gunna fail us again and throw your troubles to the next generation?" Treasure pointed out.

This struck a cord on Bubbles. "Oh? Big talk for a spoiled brat?"

Treasure gulped as he accidentally involved Bubbles.

" Uh, nevr mind, forget I said anythin..." He retracted his previous scuff.

" Friends shouldn't fight..."

Meanwhile, Bluebell remained silent and wide-eyed, as she's the only one who noticed Fluttershy there, who's trying to calm the situation with her small and timid voice.

Quilt saw the situation die down and decided to enter the conversation, "Now that everyone calmed down, I think it's best we retreat and camp at the forest. There we should plan our next course of action." Everyone agreed and followed her back to where they came from, except for Bluebell, who continued to stare at Fluttershy.

"I guess it all went well for you all. How nice."

She'd wave goodbye to Bluebell and went inside the village. She too would wave goodbye and follow the rest back to the forest.

As they trotted back, the tension with each other didn't stop, as they were in a problematic state. Bright could not be trusted; two of the elements are together, and they are outmatched by their opponent.

" We better find a spot near the river and also a good patch of grass for us ta eat." Treasure suggested.

" Shouldn't we worry about Fluttershy's animals hunting us down on the woods?" Cross asked.

"Well since we got to Ponyville, I barely sensed their presence. Actually, I barely feel any of them followed us at all, except for the birds, but they stopped too." Bubbles pointed at the sky, and there are no birds following them; there's actually no birds at all, even on the trees; not even a chirp, which was quite awkward as random birds varying from sweet to creepy would be the background noise of the forest, but now. It's eeriely quiet.

" Hey Bluebell, Cross, can you do a check for us for ghosts or anything?" Quilt requested.

They both looked at each other and gave a nod. They began to cast their spells, and their answers would be given.

None.

" That's weird... There's nothing here; I can't even detect you guys; did I cast it wrong?" She questioned herself.

Meanwhile, Cross couldn't answer if his worked or not and just gave a shrug for an answer.

" Bluebell, even with your childlike behavior, you've been dependable and trustworthy, as a knight should be. You better not be messing around now." Bubbles gave caution to Bluebell's action.

" Wa-wait... Let me try again." But still nothing.

" That's strange. I'm sure I did it right..."

" Everyone, I think we have a bigger problem." Quilt pointed at a treehouse that they had previously sunk to the ground—Fluttershy's tree house. But this time it looked different.

It was smaller, had a nice look to it, and was quite homey. One would say it looked cute and lovely, unlike the haunted look it gave before.

" Oh if you thought that's big, then you won't believe that Fluttershy's still alive," Bluebell added.

Everyone looked at her either angrily or shocked.

" What? When?" Cross asked, confused by the events.

" And you told us NOW?" Quilt questioned.

The frustrated Treasure sighed and vented out his frustration. "So we're faitin Three of em... I bet we fightin all of em at the same time. I bet my guts on this!"

"Hey, don't jinx us!" Tapper complained.

" W-why were you the only one who noticed her?" Bubbles asked.

"Well, everyone was busy fighting each other; she was actually trying to help calm the situation, but she was too meek."

"Where did she go?" Bubbles then asked.

But before she could answer, Quilt would interrupt. " Please, before we go on our separate ways, I suggest we make camp so we know where to meet later. I have a bad feeling that a lot of you are going to do something stupid; the least you guys can do is know where to meet up."

"Then a camp it is," Bright agreed.

But as soon as they set hoof at Everfree Forest, they were blocked by a haze that they couldn't go through.

Tap tap, tud tud.

" Yup, that's solid alright," Tapper announced.

Bluebell cast a fireball, but that one just went through. "Well, I guess my magic still works. Although... I'm not sure if it's just me.... But, why?" She pondered.

"More problems. So what now?" Quilt asked.

" Well, I guess we'll ask for shelter." Bubbles pointed to Ponyville.

Chapter 39

Everyone went back to Ponyville, arguing with each other on what to do next.

" I say we jump on er while we still can."

Bright would disagree with that proposition, as that was an impossible task. " You've seen firsthoof what she can do, right? We have to plan this strategically; take this seriously, ponies!"

" Look, let's take this one step at a time and focus on finding a place to stay first." Quilt cuts in.

" Then perhaps an inn or tavern in Ponyville?" Tapper suggested.

Cross would disagree. " I think that'd be dangerous, and besides... We don't have any bits."

Everyone paused, looked at each other, and began looking in their pockets. There were no bits. They don't even have pockets.

" Not to mention, we don't have any rations," Bluebell added.

" I-is Ponyville not a paradise? Perhaps they'll kindly share some food for us?" Apple asked.

" The world is not as kind as you think, Apple; I suggest you change that point of view before you get us in trouble," Quilt scolded.

" Hey, chill, wilya?" Treasure defended her.

Quilt wouldn't back down on this, but luckily Bubbles would cut in. " Actually, Apple, that's not a bad idea."

Everyone gave a doubtful look at Bubbles, except for Bright.

" You've noticed it, right? The houses and streets are clean. It's like the place isn't affected by anything at all."

" It's like what Equestria was like before all this shit happened; peaceful," Bright added.

" So we beg? Have we gone so low?" Quilt asked.

" It's best we made that kind of facade. We don't want to attract her attention now, do we?"

Quilt sees his point and reluctantly follows the plan.

Once again, they're at the entrance to Ponyville, a very colorful and nice place to be; in fact, it was so bright and vibrant for them that the place was so blinding, the air was clean and stenchless, and the scents of the flowers were nauseating to them.

" Is it me or is this place just too clean?" Tapper asked while he shielded his eyes from the vibrant view.

Meanwhile, Bluebell didn't shield her eyes and took the full blast of the shine, making her tear up. " It's beautiful... Too beautifuuuuulll..."

Cross would save her by shielding her eyes. "Shield your eyes, mare! Even your innocence can't handle the purity of this place."

"Okay, enough fooling around... Let's get this over with so we can leave." Bright scolded the rest.

The knights as they entered took the attention of everyone they crossed paths with—a stare and a hello from a few strangers, a wave here and there.

" I love it here!" Bluebell shouted.

Quilt, on the other hand, was a bit paranoid of the place. "You sure would..." she sarcastically remarked.

Meanwhile, Bright and Bubbles would be flooded by nostalgia for the past they once fought to attain.

" So now that we are here... what now?" Tapper asked.

And right on que, an Earth pony would approach them. A blue-eyed mare with a magenta coat and violet mane.

" Welcome to Ponyville. Judging by the looks of you ponys, you seem to be new here. My name is Diamond Tiara, and I'm the mayor of this small town here. And here at Ponyville, we prioritize to maintain the spirit of friendship, making it the hub of every creature and prosperity! Now how may I help you folks?"

Everyone was either awestruck or confused at the well delivered advertisement of her village. But they'd soon snap out of it and greet her in kind.

" Ahmm, we are the Royal Knights of Princess Twilight Sparkle; we came from a perilous journey seeking aid and refuge. Perhaps you can aid us?" Bright answered.

" Royal knights?" Tiara questioned the stallion. " I haven't heard of that unit before. A branch from the royal guards perhaps?" she asked.

The knights would look at each other, confused on what next to say.

Bright was stumped on what to do next, but Bubbles took action and began to remove her helmet. " Teacher, do you not remember me?"

The mare was surprised to be called in such a way. "Well, that takes me back. Are you a former student of mine?" She took a closer look.

" I don't recall you, sorry. Im not the one who usually forgets a face, but..." She questioned and took another good look at her.

Bubbles would give a sigh of dismay as she was not remembered by her favorite teacher.

" What's going on here? Am I being pranked?"

"No, not at all; it's just... You might not believe us," Bright answered.

"Try me; I've seen weird stuff happen in this world that its hard to faze me." She challenged them.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Quilt interrupted Bright.

" We can always restart." Bright shrugged Quilt's remarks and continued. " It seems we don't belong in your world, as a lot of this doesn't make sense to us, like ponyville existing and the lack of war happening in your world."

" War? Hmm. Interesting," Diamond Tiara pondered. " I may not have the answers, but perhaps a certain pony can help you."

"Wayway wait... You believe us ... Just like that?" Treasure asked.

" It's not the weirdest thing that ever happened here and definitely not the first, might I add. But yeah, just like that." She shrugged.

"So you'll help us then?" Cross asked.

" Well... As much as I could? Yeah. But don't expect me to cast a portal for you or something okay, hahaha." She jests. " The one who's really going to help you out in your kind of situation would be the head mare of the School of Friendship, Starlight Glimmer. Come with me and I'll show you the way." She began trotting north, deeper into the village, encouraging them to follow her.

But before everyone would move forward, Quilt would once again advise them to be doubtful about this. " This could be a trap! What're you guys doing?"

"What else but to learn more about this place?" Bright answered and shoved her gently to the side. "Sister, we don't have any other choice but to go with the flow for now, unless..." He began to whisper. " Is this not your first time here?" he asked.

"... This is..." she answered.

" Then we have no choice but to follow this path and hope we get it right the first time."

Chapter 40

The School of Friendship is a wonderful school that looms over the surrounding hills with gardens, a lake, and a waterfall at its entrance, highlighting the school's impressive engineering and creative features.

"It's as beautiful as it was when I left it." Bright spoke as he marveled at the beauty of his school once more and reminisced about the days he was in this school.

Bubbles, on the other hoof, wasn't as excited as Bright was. She'd look at it as if it had no worth to her. Despite attending this school, she had no attachment to it.

" So this is the School of Friendship, where mother was still the head mare?" Quilt gawked at how beautiful and clean the school was.

The others were curious as well, as this place is only told through stories and legend.

" Well, I guess them fairy tales pale in comparison when ya look at em up close." Treasure marveled the school.

While Bluebell remained silent and confused, which was pretty much out of character for her said, "So this is the school of friendship from the past?... I feel cheated for some reason." She was in awe mind you, but in an envious way.

Cross would comfort her and pat her in the back and give a smile, which gave the mare a bit of relief and eased her feelings a bit.

Diamond Tiara would look at the group and give a bit of a smirk to them as they look like tourists wearing armor.

" If you ponys are already amazed outside the gates, wait till you see what's inside," she excitedly announced.

And what she spoke was true, as the garden and lake that led through the school were broad and would likely take a minute or two to reach the school itself. The garden and lake were so lush and clean that you could practically eat it as it is, which Apple was tempted to do so.

As Treasure would turn around, he'd see Apple already nibbling on the grass.

" Wa! Hay! That ain't proper Apple!"

The mare, startled and humiliated, halted her acts and began to apologize. "I'm so sorry! The grass was luscious and tempting; I couldn't help myself but eat it." Her eyes welled up with tears, and she sulked her head in sorrow.

Meanwhile, Bluebell can be seen drinking at the lake like a savage would. Both Treasure and Bluebells eyes would lock. Treasure would give a look of disappointment to her, while she in return would give a 'don't judge me' look back at him.

Treasure would cringe and look away and focus on Apple's discipline. " You see that? Does she look appealing; someone to look up to?"

" Hey!" Bluebell objects. While Apple looked at her and felt disgraced. " Don't look at me like that!" Bluebell complained.

"Sorry, Treasure, I will further discipline myself." Treasure agrees and gives her a pat in the head, happy that she learned her lesson on how not to act like Bluebell.

" Give me a break; I was thirsty!"

Diamond Tiara was taken aback at first because someone had eaten the grass outside. Sure, it was edible, but no one in their right mind would do that, especially when there is a plethora of other more nutritional meals available here that are also inexpensive.

While it was a bit entertaining, Diamond Tiara couldn't take it much longer as she felt sorry for them. "You know what? Maybe we should go to the cafeteria and have a quick bite on something?" She asked and suggested.

"Oh no need, ma'am, and besides... We do not have enough bits and were not really that hungry... Right?" Bright stared down at Bluebell.

It was time that Bluebell stopped her shenanigans, and so she did. " Sorry..." She apologized.

Although the knights do not hunger, Apple, on the other hand, is not like them. "But perhaps our friend Apple here can have some proper food?" Treasure asked.

" We do not have the currency though." Quilt intervened.

Treasure is becoming increasingly frustrated and perplexed by Quilt's aggressive behavior toward him.

But before the tension rose, Diamond Tiara was able to postpone their fight by saying, "Not to worry everyone, it's on me. Everyone should have some food, hungry or not, it appears you've traveled far and haven't had a proper meal in days." They couldn't deny Diamond Tiara's assessment of them because they looked miserable and hungry as they looked at each other.

She'd continue, "What would the princess and head mare think of me if I didn't show hospitality to our new guests, especially other worlders? We wouldn't want to set a bad example from, uh... wherever you were? At?....been?"

Bright would bow down and thank the mayor. "Your generosity knows no bounds. We will not forget your kindness."

Their actions and manners were quite weird for Tiara, "Uuhhh yeah. Lets put it at that then." But her interest in them just peeked as they were quite entertaining to be with.

As they entered the school, they quickly headed towards the cafeteria, where students and teachers usually gather to eat their food, but the place seemed to have a few of them there eating.

" I thought that the school was the hub of all creatures to learn friendship? There's barely anyone here." Quilt was disappointed at what she saw.

"Well, usually there's a time for studying and eating. This is not the time and day where the place would usually be crowded. Its Sunday, and most are in rooms at this time." Tiara explained.

They began to line up and grab some food, and Bright and Bubbles instructed the others on the procedures for acquiring the food and how they should behave while eating here.

And again, Bluebell would be the most curious and noisy while Apple would be the same, but is more behaved.

As they sat down. This was an opportunity for Diamond Tiara to ask more about them. " So tell me about your world?"

The others would hesitate and begin thinking of an excuse or lie for her. But because of this, they forgot to control Bluebell, who began blabbering about her world.

" Well, I was born a knight as Princess Midnight Sparkle dictated for our fate for the glory of Equestria." She continued to munch on the food. "Oh, also, we have the School of Friendship, but ours was more ugly and dungeony, and it stinks there! They say if you fail, you'll be studded. Whatever that is." She continued eating.

Everyone looked at her, surprised and embarrassed.

"... What? Did I say something?" She asked.

Cross sweated bullets and gave a quick answer to her. " Oh no no... Not at all."

Meanwhile, Diamond Tiara would look at them shocked and confused at what the mare just said.

"Yeah, we have a really bad um... dimension. But not like hers, okay?" Quilt added, and the rest agreed.

" Seriously? Did I say something wrong?"

"... You sure are lucky for passing though," Tapper said to her.

" Lucky? Im just skilled is all."

" ...true." Tapper could not deny.

" Then I guess I shouldn't pry anymore. Sorry, that was insensitive of me; I didn't know..."

Bright would cut Diamond Tiara off and made sure she wouldn't blame herself for this. " No need for apologies, but I think it's best we head towards the head mare's office next. Touring the school is nice and all, but we should prioritize asking for the head mare's assistance on our problem."

" Seeing that everyone finished their meal, then perhaps we should head to her office."

Chapter 41

The knights pranced through the halls that lead to the head mare's office. Fewer students would be seen here, since these halls are usually reserved for the faculty.

Tiara would pause at a specific door that doesn't look that special. The knights wondered why she stopped.

"Well, here we are." She proceeded to knock.

"Wait... This is the head mare's... office?" Quilt asked.

"Yes; it says so on the door," she pointed out. "Why'd you ask?"

Quilts expectations were put in place as she saw how simple her mother's room was. She was embarrassed to think that she thought that her mother would be the type of pony who values status and brags about it. "Oh! Uhm, its nothing, just... curious."

"Hmm..." She'd then continue to knock on the door.

And there, on the other side of the door, a familiar voice can be heard. " Come in."

She proceeded to open the door, and they went and entered.

And there on the other side, Starlight Glimmer sits upon her chair, doing some paper work on her table.

She looks up and sees Diamond Tiara in front of her. "Tiara? It's been long since you last visited, I'm happy to see you again!" She quickly put her pen down and approached her and gave a big hug. " And here i thought you hated me for some reason." She chuckled.

" Of course not, head mare! I was just busy being the mayor, is all." She scratched her head and apologized.

" I was only kidding; I know you've been busy and saw how well Ponyville improved! I'm so proud of you. Yes, we lost a great teacher, but we gained a greater leader; to lead us to a better future. And don't forget you're my boss now." She then proceeds to bow down. " Please take care of us and school from now on, Mayor."

Tiara blushes and imposes not to lower herself to her. "Please, head mare, this is embarrassing. You know how much great respect I have for you. I'd do my finest to not let you down."

The two almost got lost in their own world before Bright intervened on their long-awaited reunion. " Ahmm..."

" Oh! Where are my manners, sorry. Head mare, may I introduce you to the Royal Knights? I believe your expertise is in need for their situation."

" Oh? We haven't met in a while, and you're starting to ask favors on me?" Starlight asked.

" O-of course not, well maybe, but!" Starlight would stop her there and laugh, " I'm only kidding you, Tiara; loosen up a bit or else you won't last long on your job."

"I'll keep that in mind," the flustered pony replied.

Starlight would then put her attention to them. " Royal knights, you say?" She observed them from head to hoof and gave a look of curiosity to them. "Well, I believe you'd need rarity's expertise on their situation. I may not be well on fashion, but even I could tell that they do need a makeover," she answered.

It took a bit of a second before Tiara could process what just happened. " Oh, no! Not that head mare." She face hoofed. " They're from another dimension!"

" Oh, why didn't you say so?" A book then appeared out of nowhere and began turning its pages in front of Starlight.

" Do you know which dimension you are? Star location? Limbo point, time and day?" She bombarded them with questions.

The knights looked at Quilt for answers.
" Why me? Uh, um, uh... No? I mean, we have no idea, mo-'AM! ahm."

Starlight gave a curious look at her and began focusing on the book once more. "I see, this is going to be difficult, as you are one of the dimensions who are not aware of the existence of another dimension then, since you do not know what your dimension is called, correct? And yet you say you do not come from this world? Interesting." She then closed her book, poofing it out of existence.

" Good news and bad news. Bad news, you have no choice but to jump through dimensions to find your own world, and I can't afford doing that or lending one of my students or anyone from my dimension to do that for you. It's that dangerous. Good news, i can teach it to you unicorns."

"Wait, so we're just going to have to go find it? How?" Bright asked.

" That's if you can learn the spell, and yes, you have to find it. That's IF you can find it. Sometimes you think you found it, but it actually just looks the same but not really your world. Those can happen too."

Everyone is confused and lost at this point that they just looked at each other then gave a look at Starlight again for answers.

" There's a zero percent chance you'll find your world."

"... So that's it? We lost? I mean, we lost lost? Well, technically, if we got lost here, it means we lost the fight there, so... We're lost and we lost." Tapper prattled, and Quilt just lightly clobbered him. "Stop that."

" What now?" Bubbles asked.

Everyone was at a loss.

The dread of defeat slowly comes to a realization.

Tiara and Starlight were a bit sad to see them slowly losing hope, but what else can they do?

Diamond Tiara then clapped her hooves hard, which grabbed the attention of the moping ponys.

" Alright everyone! Moping won't get you anywhere! So I suggest if you can't find a solution for your problems, take a pause and do something else! Get back to it when you're all okay and attack it with a different approach! Does that sound like a good plan?" Tiara suggested.

Bubbles would smile and be glad. " Even though you aren't the Diamond Tiara, I know, you're still wise and ever the inspiration to me." She bowed down and gave a " thank you for your guidance."

Bright agrees and gives a bow as well. " Truly wise words. But then another problem remains. What else are we to do?"

" Not a problem!" Tiara stepped up and became the light of hope for them.

" I've been busy with this project of mine and am in need of a lot of helping hooves to start this PROJECT."

Chapter 42

"Welcome to filthy rich manor!" Diamond Tiara, introduced her father's estate.

" I'll be letting you guys stay here while you help me with this project of mine! It's a win-win for everyone! You work for me to keep the town happy and safe, and you get to stay here and get paid!" She happily announced.

" Hmm. Pretty good deal on our side, miss. What's in it fer you? There's gotta be a catch in this deal of yers." Treasure doubted her generosity.

" Don't be rude, Treasure; I know you have a thing with the nobility, but don't lump all of them as irredeemable," Quilt scolded.

" Hey, I'm just saying what it is, Quilt!" He replied.

Tiara sees the tension and was forced to swoop in. "Of course there is. You get to work for me. Make my town good, have a good name, and eventually have higher titles. Also, this way, we won't have ponys roaming the streets as beggars. I don't want none of that in my village. Everyone works, or you won't have a meal on your plate."

"... I can't argue with that," Tapper agreed.

" Very wise indeed." Bubbles simped.

Quilt, on the other hand, felt a bit off at what she just said. " Did you... just insult us?"

" Weirdly enough, I kinda agree." Treasure chipped in.

" Well, it's because you two are already in a negative state of thinking, and everything you see and hear is already negative. Have you noticed that you two are the ones who always have a problem?"

" Hey! I'm just worried is all! I ain't gonna be the gullible one and just trust what you just say." Treasure Blurted.

But someone would not stand for this kind of behavior towards Tiara. Bubbles hooves would dent into Treasure's shoulders, making the stallion squeak in pain. Her gaze through Treasure's eyes was enough of a message for him to shut up and behave towards Diamond Tiara.

Quilt sees this and was lucky that she did not speak first, or else she would have the same fate as him. But Bubbles would glare at her as well, making sure that she wasn't out of the woods yet. She'd quickly avoid her gaze as she sweats prefusingly. She too has gotten the message.

" Forgive me, Teacher, for I have not disciplined my squad properly." She bowed down to her.

" Oh, that's fine, you guys are fun to be with anyway. And I don't blame Treasure for doubting me, but at least give me a chance to earn your trust, will you?" she asked.

Treasure looked at the kind mare, asking for his trust. She has that appeal of a leader that you just have to follow, which makes Treasure uncomfortable. Then he'd feel the pressure of the hooves on his shoulder once more. As he looks up, he'd see death herself forcing him to agree to the kind mares helping hoof. " ...S-Sure" He then shook her hooves.

"Well, that seemed forced. Sorry. Maybe next time we can have a proper agreement without your boss looming over you." Tiara gave a smile, while Treasure opened up a little to her. Meanwhile, Bubbles was devastated, as Tiara might've misunderstood her and painted her as a bossy kind of person.

Bubbles starts to plan a punishment for Treasure after this, which he felt.

As they entered the manor, they requested that they'd just have one room and a shared bed; that was enough for them and rejected having a room for each of them.

It was not a problem for Tiara to provide them each with a room, but they insisted. "Anyway, get used to your rooms and the layout of the village, because tomorrow we'll start the project I have in mind and begin a soft opening of it. There I'll give a more detailed orientation of this project! Don't be late tomorrow at 8 am at the mayor's office!"

Diamond Tiara would leave them as she waved good-bye, giving some time for the knights to have some alone time for themselves.

They share one big room and four bunk beds. The arrangements for who shares a bed are: Bubbles and Bright, Treasure and Apple, Tapper and Quilt, and lastly Bluebell and Cross.

As the coast was clear and no prying ears or eyes in sight. Bright requested a meeting.

" Now that we have a base of operation, we begin to plan our next action. Quilt, let's start with you. Anything to report? Is there something you noticed?" Bright gave Quilt the chance to report.

" Well first of all. Our situation is hell of a confusing. When did we jump to another dimension? Did we? What's with the fog at Everfree Forest? And lastly, no one knows us here. My head hurts and I think I want to sleep for now." Quilt would lie down on her soft bed. " Holy sh*t, this feels good..." It wouldn't take a minute for her to fall asleep.

Bluebell would close in on her and tap her forehead. "Yup, she's asleep, alright."

" Leave her be, Bluebell. And you, Bubbles?" he asked.

Bubbles this time was cought deep in thought, which took her a while to answer back. "... The elements of harmony... Our mission... Fluttershy is here again. And Starlight? I thought she was trapped in Limbo or something. Did we travel back to the past perhaps?"

Treasure would raise his hoof at this point, which Bright allowed to interrupt. " Well, I think this is all a trap, ever since we entered this village here! This is Pinkie Pie's territory ain't it?"

" Don't worry, that's everyone's thoughts at the back of their heads—" "Not me though I like it here!" "—except Bluebell... and probably Apple, but the rest aren't turning a blind eye to your worries, Treasure, but for Celestia's sake, please put a facade!"

" O-oh... Sorry then," the embarrassed pony replied.

"How bout you, Cross? You've been silent. Anything caught your attention?"

He'd give thought to this, but nothing.
"No... It doesn't..."

"Tapper?"

It was his turn to answer, but somehow he felt reluctant to say and kept on looking at Quilt sleeping.

" Tapper, I asked you a question. The least you could do is speak up."

" Well..." He looked at Treasure and asked. "What's up with you and Quilt?"

Everyone got curious, as the aggression between the two was apparent, and that got everyone confused, except Bright, as he has an inkling of an idea to why.

Then right on que Bluebell would butt in and make the situation even worse. " Not only that, you and Quilt became really close JUST LIKE THAT! He even called you his brother! And why are you even calling her your SISTER! The plot thickens..." She gave a suspicious look towards them.

The others did suspect about this but didn't have the courage to ask this sensitive stuff... Luckily, someone in the group was insensitive. This was the time everyone was happy about Bluebell's loose tongue.

"And don't get me started with you two! You haven't fucked each other since you burned down the tent! And that tent happens to be my favorite! That's the last time I'm sharing anything from you!... I really liked that tent." Bubbles would be at Bluebells back at this point and clobber her head.

" I'll give you a gift in exchange for that tent then, but never bring this up again, okay?" She stared down at Bluebell. "Yes, ma'am."

Tapper would give a big sigh.
" When the world we walk around isn't confusing enough, the bonds we made seem useless as we try to get to know each other," he worriedly told everyone.

Bright at this point felt a bit guilty, but for some reasons he just can't tell them unless he was sure that they have restarted as well. But it seems it was just him and Quilt that he was sure, but perhaps Bubbles as well; he wasn't sure. But if she does have the same situation as them, then perhaps she too can't tell everyone.

He'd look at Bubbles, who was also looking at him. Their locked eyes would break, as it seems they can't look into each other's eyes.

" Hey... Bubbles, I'm sorry. Perhaps... Perhaps I've been too harsh on you... I—" a hug would be felt as she lunged towards him.

Their moment would be ruined as others are watching. "Hey, this is sweet and all, but remember, we share a room here. Better do it somer else."

" And don't burn Tiara's house; it's expensive," Bluebell added.

Chapter 43

The sun, ready to set, as the sky turned orange. Ponies from the streets prepare the town's nightlife, as some stores would open and some would close, others prepare for work, and others would go home. Guards change shifts, while others finish up their day.

" It's peaceful." Bright reminisced and watched the village from a bench near the fountain, alone.

He'd see ponys greet each other and have a day of peace, not worrying about war and chaos.

A mare would approach and sit beside him. A fellow knight who had a soft voice.
" This is the future we were fighting for, is it not?" Bubbles asked.

" A future we have not achieved. Yes." was his reply.

Bubbles would lean at his side and hold his hoof. "This place, it's perfect, is it not? It's tempting to stay here instead of the world we live in." She then looked into his eyes, trying to look for answers. "Is it selfish to stay?" she asked.

Doubts in his mind still cloud his judgments. Who should he really trust?

He'd give a hug to Bubbles and try to make her feel safe.

" I'm sorry. To tell you the truth, I too wish to stay. But we have a duty."

"I know... I just... wanted it off my chest. My duty as a knight is still my priority. Our priority." She'd give him a look of confidence and give a heartfelt kiss to Bright.

" Thank you."

At the school of friendship, students began to go their separate ways, except for Cross and Bluebell, who are still finishing up for their enrollment.

"Do we really have to go to school and work as well?" Bluebell asked while lazily filing up her enrollment papers.

" If we want that spell learned, that's one of her requirements. And aren't you excited? Not only are we students of the school of friendship, but we are personally being lectured by Starlight Glimmer herself!" Cross excitedly explained.

" I am excited about Starlight Glimmer, but not going back to this school," Bluebell pouted. " So what do I write in my birthplace and birthdate?" she asked.

Above Filthy Rich Manor, a lone pegasi sits atop the building, watching the sunset. Memories, good and bad, would be remembered, making him wonder what the point of all this.

The cold breeze of the night would slowly try to lull the pegasi to sleep, making him yawn and heavy-eyed. But the stallion would stubbornly stay awake and wait for the night to come.

Clank.

He heard something falling from behind.
There she sees Apple struggling to climb up the roof.

It took Treasure a bit to process whats happening before taking action. "... Holy shit, Apple!" He quickly fluttered towards her and carefully lifted her up beside him.

The mare was shaken and would look to her master, thankfully. " T-Thank you kindly for your rescue."

" What're ya thinkin!? You could've gotten yerself killed!" He scolded the mare.

" Forgive me! I didn't mean too. I mean... Even though you said you wished to be alone. I was still worried and wished to check upon you. Maybe perhaps I could accompany you? That is, if you... You don't mind me?" She sheepishly asked.

Treasure could only look at her in wonder and question her motives. But she was already here, and the view would be a waste if ye viewed it alone. " Fine, let's watch the night together then."

The two sat together and watched the sun slowly sink at a distance.

"... Hey, Apple. I know we haven't talked a lot and we aren't really that close and all. But..." Treasure somewhat stopped and reluctantly continued what he wanted to ask. Perhaps he was shy or thought he was intruding, but one thing is for sure: a lot is going on in his mind. " Never mind..."

The mare would lean at him, which caught Treasure off guard, as he looked at her, Apple was flushed in red. He knows it took quite the courage for the mare to be this brave and forward.

" I-I... I don't mind... Whatever that is you want to ask of me that is," the flustered mare insisted.

Hearing that, Treasure felt relieved in a way. He doesn't know why he felt relieved, but he felt something heavy has been taken away from him. He continued to look at the mare in awe and wander, making him more curious about her. The mare, in return, would try to hold her look towards him, making her heart beat even faster, turning the mare even redder by the second.

The stallion noticed that he had been staring at the mare for quite a while now, which made him embarrassed at how he acted in front of her. " AHMM. Um, sorry. I didn't mean to stare at you for that long." The stallion flustered.

" I... I don't mind," she said, but in actuality her limit of embarrassment was already overflowing.

The stallion would try to look away and look at the distance once more, trying to calm down and subside the awkward situation he put himself into.

" Hey, Apple... Do you really like the name I gave you?" he asked. But the mare seems to take long to answer.

He sees the mare looking at the distance as well, contemplating the question he asked.

" At first, honored. But as time went on with everyone, it became important to me."

The two looked at each other again, stealing a glimpse of what they really felt with each other.

The lights from the village would soon light up one by one, grabbing the two's attention.

" Is it selfish to ask? Why are they not like us?" Apple pondered.

" I too think it's unfair." He looked at the village with mixed feelings.

" Perhaps it is selfish... Sometimes... Sometimes it's okay to be selfish, right?" He asked.

The mare would hold Treasure's hoof and look at his eyes deeply. Eyes locked, and both slowly drifted close to each other.

" Then... Can I be selfish for a bit?" she asked.

Treasure would just look at her. He neither agreed nor denied, but his body said otherwise.

As their lips closed in,

" AAACHOOO!!" Apple sneezed, ruining the emersion between the two.

She couldn't forgive herself for ruining this special moment that she courageously built up for. She was sad and embarrassed for putting them in this now awkward situation. She wished that she could shrink to the point that she'd vanished. But before her thoughts would bombard her with worry, something warm wrapped around her.

Treasure's wings would give warmth and protection from the night's cold embrace.
Treasure would give the kiss to Apple and make memories viewing the charming lights of Ponyville at night, while Quilt, who was alone looking through an open window beneath them, contemplating the decisions and actions she has taken, stares at the same Ponyville, glared by light.

Chapter 44

Three ponys in a room, waiting for the time to pass by.

" Hey Apple, instead of just standing there at the door, why don't you go outside and be alive for once? Do what you want to do. Looking at you makes me sick." Quilt scowled.
The timid pony panicked, as she did not wish to anger her. " I-I'm sorry." She bowed.

" You say that, but you're still not doing what I said. Do I have to give a command or something?" She gave a deep breath and spoke slowly but clearly to her. " Go outside and DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! THAT'S AN ORDER!" She screamed at the end.

" B-but—" Quilt began to stand up from her bed and gave a serious look into Apple's eyes. She knows if she didn't leave this second, she'd definitely beat her up.

" A-A-AS YOU W-WUH-WISH M-MY LADY!" Apple quickly skedaddled out of the room.

" FINALLY!" she then dropped on her bed once more.

The room is empty for both of them now.

" Hey." Quilt called on the pony above the bunk bed.

"... What?" Tapper answered.

She'd then kick the top bed.

" Hey! What'd you do that for?" he looked below and saw a petite mare inviting him to come to her.

He thought about it, but he felt a bit uncomfortable since he was there when she was scolding Apple and all, just to get some alone time.

" Did you have to be mean to her though?" he asked.

" Get here before I end up putting my hilt on you," the frustrated mare replied.

" Yup, going down." He quickly flew down his bed and sat beside her.

Both of them looked at each other. " What the hell?" She asked.

" What?" Tapper was confused.

She stood up from her bed and smacked his shoulder. " Do I have to do everything?"

" Wait now?" Tapper asked.

" Stop acting like I'm the horny one here!"

" Wai wai wai wait! I may be horny, but there's a right plac—" The mare had enough and shoved Tapper to the bed and assaulted him.

She began stripping him of his armor.

"Hey, are you sure? We don't want to end up burning the bed; we just got a n—!?" the mare would shove her lips and tongue inside the noisy stallion and proceeded to do as she wished.

Sadly, the stallion did not last long enough for her to reach her climax.

" Tsk..." Her look of disappointment was enough to crush the stallions ego.

" He-hey I wasn't ready!"

" Then give me more."

She began to move without giving a thought of rest for her partner. It was painful as he tried to move away, since it was very sensitive at this point.

" H-hey... Quilt, l-let me rest." She ended up putting her hooves on his mouth and just looked lustfully at him. "Shhh," she whispered.

The mare continued to enjoy the ride while her victim remained uncomfortable. "Damn it!..." As she was about to climax, she ended up pounding at Tapper's chest.

She'd soon calm down and look at him. " Now Wasn't that fun, Tres-" she'd see the face of a sad stallion, defeated and miserable.

Tapper would look away and keep his mouth shut.

"He-hey! Why are–!" a drop of her tears would fall on Tapper's chest.

And soon after, she could not hold it in. She panicked and didn't know what to do.

Tapper's wings would wrap around the mare and press her into him. He'd then give a hug. " Hey... You can talk to me, okay?"

Those words pierced her heart and had a violent reaction to her feelings. " Shit!" She forced herself away from her and rushed out the door.

" Hey wait!" But he was too late. He tried to chase after her, but it seems he can't move as well. He didn't know until now how much it affected him. He too was hurt.

" Hey Cross? Who do you think is using the room right now?" Bluebell asked. While they walked the streets of Ponyville at night.

Curious, Cross wondered why she asked that. "What brought that up?"

" Well, It's definitely nighttime, and those two are definitely going to do it. I mean, have you tried the bed? It's friggin soft!" Bluebell exclaimed.

Cross would give a smirk to her remarks. "It's probably going to be Tapper since Bright and Bubbles might be going through something," he replied.

Bluebell would snicker and look at Cross Dubiously while smiling, which in return flustered the stallion. " L-look at what you made me say!"

" Hahaha, what? I didn't force you to say anything." She mockingly flipped her tongue on him. " You can be a foal sometimes, you know."

The mare continued to mock the stallion without looking where she pranced.
" Whaat? Doesn't that make me charming? Or do you like a Trot like the captain?"

Thud.

Bluebell carelessly bumped into someone at this point. "Oh, sorry, I-!?" The mare silenced and turned pale as she stood in front of the Trot.

" Come again?" Bubbles asked. Daring the mare to repeat her words.

" i said how trotting of a captain y-you are, hehe."

The mare did not have time to react as the trot's hooves were already wrapped around her neck. She began to beg for forgiveness and asked for help, but she could only see Cross praying for her before her consciousness faded.

" Well, now that this filly is asleep... Why am I hearing my name and Bright in your conversation?" Bubbles demanded an answer.

" That's all hers, ma'am; she tricked me."

The mare continued to stare at Cross while tightly gripping the neck of Bluebell. "Uncle! Uncle!"

" W-we were just wondering who's using the room, ma'am! That's all!" He saluted.

" I see." She proceeded to give the corpse back to Cross.

" Maybe we should wait a while? We don't wanna end up intruding," she said to Bright while she embraced his hooves.

" I'd love to treet you to dinner, but, all we can afford is the park for now."

" The park sounds great!" Bubbles began to drag the stallion, giving it little to no chance to react. " That's not WHAT I HAD IN MIIIIINNNDD!!"

The two were once again alone in the streets.

"... Wanna go peek at them?" Bluebell asked.

"Who the captain?" he replied.

" Noo! The one in the room! You want the captain to cut our heads off?"

"Hey, that's no better either—hey!" Bluebell could be seen in the distance rushing back to the manor, while Cross would try his darndest to stop her.

Knock, knock, SLAM!

The door slammed open and revealed an overly excited Bluebell.

" I hope I'm not interrupting anyone!"

But there he'd just see Tapper lying down on the bed, looking shocked at her. "Uuuuh... no?" he replied.

" Damnit! I was too late..."

And behind her was Cross panting and out of breath.

" Dang it, Cross, we were too late; maybe we should've gone to the park instead."

Cross could only give the face of a tired and confused pony to Bluebell. " You said it yourself, huff... Heads would roll!"

" You should exercise more, Cross..." she replied.

" Sigh..." In his thoughts, she was right.

Behind them, Quilt would appear. "Hey! Were you two the ones who made that noise? You guys better behave before I put some discipline into you!"

"Sorry, we didn't mean too."

She'd just stare at Bluebell and know she didn't mean it. She'd point her hooves at her to give a final warning before shrugging her off.

She'd approach her bed, where Tapper was lying. He'd proceed to stand up without trying to look into her eyes.

But Quilt's body would prevent him from going anywhere; she proceeds to hug him in front of the others, which caught Tapper off guard.

" Sleep beside me, won't you? I think I'll have nightmares today."

" S-sure."

"You two should go to bed as well; we have a long day ahead of us," she suggested to the two before she went to sleep with Tapper.

" Hey Cross! I'm having nightmares too!" Bluebell gleefully reported.

He sighs and gives a stuffed unicorn doll who looks identical to him. "Good night, Bluebell," and proceeded to go up their bunk bed.

It's not what she expected, but she was happy nonetheless.

Chapter 45

7 am, and the sun greets the mayor a good morning as she heads towards her office.

"Good morning, mayor!" One of the bakers greeted, handing over a fresh batch of bread.

"Thanks, Miss Cake!" she greeted back.

Diamond Tiara today was delighted, as one of her projects was finally moving forward. Everyone noticed her dazzling smile and her skip to her trot, which piqued their interest while also making them pleased for her.

But that would soon change, as one of her secretaries was waiting outside the office. "That's strange; what may be the reason she's waiting for me outside?"

8 am, and the day has just started, but the office is already in full swing. Everyone is already at the rendezvou, but Tiara has not greeted them yet.

" For a general, she sure is late." Bubbles impatiently waits at the court.

" She isn't in this world, but she is the mayor; perhaps we should give her a few more minutes," Bright suggested.

" I only needed that one point, and I would've outranked her. I'm telling you there was favoritism in that test." She pouted.

Bright doesn't know what to do to relieve her frustration. "Sweetie, its already in the past, and this is a different Tiara we know. And I thought you liked her."

"I know, and I do... but that doesn't mean I can't be petty, right? And why are you defending her?"

She would stare at him with dagger eyes. " Hey... Back then, the stallions have always been simping over her, always praising the most beautiful general, the rising star and shit... You better not be one of them."

" Hmp, perhaps it's the other way around; you might've heard of me back then." He flaunted.

" Who, you? Famous?" She'd give a peck in the cheeks. "Perhaps."

The two began flirting, and some are not amused.

" Was the past that shameless before?" Cross questioned their morality while Bluebell took down some notes and enjoyed the show.

They hear hooves tapping in the halls as they rush towards the court. "Sorry I'm late! Busy busy day! Phew!" She dashed to the center and handed each pony a piece of paper.

"Alright, every pony! Welcome to the project, Vanguard!" She said in a rush.

" Perhaps you should catch your breath before we continue?" Quilt suggested.

" I'm okay, phew! Thank you. Now! Ahm..."
She took a pause and read her notes once more.

"Project Vanguard is a line of defense that aids everyone in Ponyville! From guard duties to hunting creatures to helping the old and protecting the young, we aim to serve and protect Ponyville!"

Bluebell would alone clap, while Quilt began to raise her hoof.

"Yes, Quilt. What's your concern?"

" ...so mercenary work?" She shrugged.

" N~no. Not to an extent! We are here to help. Not to fulfill someone else's desire and whatnot. We're like, um... Aids! We help other people out! Sure, mercenaries also help others, but they also do a lot of QUESTIONABLE things... We don't." She pointed out.

" It's like adventurer's on a guild or something then?" Tapper spoke.

" In a way yes! But! Unlike a guild, the village handles what happens, meaning me, the mayor is responsible for holding this project."

" And what's the difference?" Bright asked.

"Hmm, lets just say less hands, less mistakes. And this is all backed up by the village and approved by the Canterlot high council," she bragged.

" This is just police work," Bubbles pointed out.

" Not entirely! As the police is there for specific tasks, you, on the other hand, will be dealing with the things that they do not cover, same as the fire protection ponies and doctors who have a specific task that they can and can't do. You will be the one picking it up! Pretty much the gray and dark area."

" But that's what the mercenaries are for?" Treasure questioned her logic.

" No! Nono, we aren't! Ohh... Wheres that paper?" She began scrolling down her papers to find what she wrote about her project. But gave up in the end.

" Okay! We aren't mercenaries! We are VANGUARDS! Say it with me! VANGUARDS!"

" BANG GARDS?" Everyone was already messing around at this point.

" Fine, lets give it some time and eventually you'll see how cool it is. Now! We have an urgent mission in our hands! Just the other night reports of loud moaning can be heard from the park, and a sudden outbreak of fire happened; luckily the fire didn't spread that much and the fire department was able to put out the flames."

She began giving them some papers for them to read—an early copy of the newspaper.

"Reports say it wasn't made from wayward dragons or unicorns, as the flame was hard to put out and different in magical components as the flames burned of purple."

"Pfft cough! Cough!" Something was caught on Bright's throat as it was hard for him to cough it up.

" Oh my, are you alright? Do you need water?"

" Oh no no! He's alright, right, sweetie?" Bubbles nervously assured Diamond Tiara.

The rest of the knights would look at them doubtfully.

"Now that you mentioned it... You two were late going back home," Bluebell inquired, but when she observed Bubbles glaring at her menacingly, she knew speaking any further would land her in hot water. "Oh... nevermind me."

"... Are you ponies hiding something from me?" Tiara grew suspicious.

" Don't worry! We'll take care of these mysterious arsonists!" Bubbles gave her hoof of approval.

"Hm, okay, so we need this to be a success, to show this project's worth and get greenlit. So I'm assigning everyone to this mission since this one was the most controversial of them all."

" No no! Um I— we can handle it on our own, me and Bright! While the OTHERS can do something... else? This way! Not only are we finishing one mission but multiple! missions, yes? Wouldn't that super greenlit uhm this project?" She stuttered.

Tiara pondered on this idea and liked it.
" Instead of giving a hundred percent... we give a thousand percent! That, is, PERFECT!" She quickly hugged Bubbles. " Snort, oh, it wasn't that impressive; I learned from the best!" She blushingly said.

" This is going to be perfect! With you by my side everything will go smoothly! And with that, I give you this badge!" She pulled a box out of her saddle and opened it up; it looked like a police badge but was more circular and silver. Like a knockoff or a toy of some sort.

" Oh... Thanks?" Bubbles was not amused, as the badge did not match her armor.

While Bluebell was ecstatic and quickly flaunted the badge around.

" You know we have the same badge, right?" Treasure poked at Bluebell.

" You're no fun sometimes, Tress."

But that was not all, as someone would deliver a few boxes in the court and be given to them.

"And don't forget your matching uniforms!"

Inside the box is a reflector suit of blue in color and some bands that have a weird symbol on them.

" Wait... We're going to wear this?" Tapper asked.

"Does this make me look fat though?" Bluebell was already wearing the uniform, asking advice from Cross.

" Wait, we prefer the armor... We... We don't feel comfortable... Wearing... This." Quilt declined.

" This is a must as you work for the government, and as such, you need to be visible for the rest to see. I mean, as knights, you know the importance of a uniform, right?"

Bright would nod and agree. " She is right, let's get this over with everyone and make our mission a success!" She'd then give a pat on Quilt's back. " It's okay; as long as we control our flames, we won't be burning anything."

" Says you?" She gave a look of doubt on him.

" Ahm! I assure you, whatever it is your thinking! It's all a misunderstanding. We're innocent, okay."

" Until proven guilty, right?"

" Hey, I thought we were cool."

" We are, we are..." She gave him the benefit of the doubt. And gave a hoof bump. "Thanks, sis."

" O-kay! Sorry to interrupt, but there's a lot of things you need to learn, things you can do and not do! So all of this is just the introduction; now we're going to the next step, the briefing!"

" Can't we just do the work and avoid all this boring stuff?" Tapper asked.

" Nope!"

" I bet them mercenaries don't get to deal with this crap," Treasure added.

" Hey! Language!"

"Can we be mercenaries instead?" Bluebell butted in.

" Nnnoooh!"

Chapter 46

"Meow." A cat purrs atop a tree while a white mare panics for her cat.

"Oh, Opalescence! Mommy has called the brave and noble and handsome to boot fire department to save you and rid me of this grief!" An over acting unicorn would cry in despair.

"Uhm, miss? Here's yer cat." Treasure, already holding the cat, was trying to pass it to her.

" Oh? Thank you, kind stranger, but you didn't have to since I've already called the fire department."

"Oh, they won't be comin, since we'll be the ones doing that job for now on, the VanGuards..."

"..." The mare remained silent.

The embarrassed stallion was now forced to explain his line of work, to avoid further embarrassing himself. " Am sure ya heard about the mayor's project, right? That's us."

"Oh? Oh! I see, she truly is impressive, isn't she?"

" She is? Well, I haven't met the mare fer that long, so I can't tell... Well, maybe she is; id giver that." He pondered.

" Well... Would you like some tea and biscuits? You know, as a thank you for saving my Opalescence." She invited. "Just a quick bite is all."

" Well, alright. A lil bite won't hurt, I guess?" The foolish stallion lured into the white mare's den.

" So yer names Apple?" The mare asked.

" Yes." She replied.

The earth pony began looking at her from head to hoof. " And yer a unicorn?"

" Y-yes," she replied with deminishing confidence.

The mare was confused but curious at the pony in front of her. "A see..."

She walked to her side and looked at her resume. "It says here Yer from Appleoosa, correct?"

"y-yes?"

"Well, yer definitely an apple alright, but I don't recall anyone there marryin a unicorn before, and I haven't seen ya in any of our reunions."

" Well, I guess I wasn't invited before?"

"... Gasph!, perhaps... no way!" She jumped on her and gave a big hug. " You poor theng!"

" E-excuse me?" The confused unicorn questioned.

" May you be earth pony er not, discrimination is NOT allowed in the apple family! Come with me cuz! And let me introduce ya to the family!" The mare dragged Apple to the barn.

"wwwwaaaaaiiiiiiiittt....."

" Alright, class, we have a visitor with us here from the Vanguards! The new village project our mayor has made. Give a round of applause to Miss Bluebell!" The foals began cheering and clapping, which made the mare extra excited and happy that she wanted to give a banger of an entrance, and so she did.

POOF! A puff of smoke appears and is engulfed by a purple flame.

The foals were a bit frightened at first, but as soon as she revealed herself from the smoke, the foals were entertained and continued to cheer.

" Greetings! For I am Bluebell, the great magician!... Vanguard!"

The foals were confused for a bit but continued to cheer on.

"Wow, what a great entrance from... Um miss, your uniform is on fire." The teacher worriedly warned her.

" Part of the show, miss! Continue on!"

"... The firey magician, Bluebell!"

Stab... Stab...
" Does Quilt hate me?" Tapper continued to stab the litter on the park.

" What the hell are the vanguards for anyway?" He continued to recycle.

" I must've done something... definitely."

"ACHOO!" Quilt sneezed.

" You okay there, partner?" Tiara asked.

" Yeah... Must've been someone talking about me." She continued to help file the papers in the mayor's office.
" What should I do with the damage report here?"

"Give the red ones to Bob and the rest at my table."

"Done."

" Thanks; now please give a quick check of these papers before sending them off to Milly."

"... You forgot your stamp here, ma'am, and the date on page 12."

" Thanks!"

Scorch!

A battlefield erupted near the school grounds of the School of Frienship.

" I told you it wasn't us, officer! It was that phoenix!" Bubbles yelled while hoof cuffed with Bright at the back of the police vehicle.

" Fine! I believe you!" He began uncuffing the pair.

"See, I told you that staying calm will make them see that we aren't the ones who caused the fire." Bright lectured Bubbles.

"Oh, shut up, Bright! Im pissed as it is. Now that troublesome phoenix wished it can die."

The enraged phoenix relentlessly attacked anyone in sight. It was abnormally bigger than the ordinary phoenix and its flames were able to hurt and badly burn even a dragon. The police were forced to put up a barrier, but even that did not deter the phoenix.

Shingg! Bubbles blade rings true.

" You've caused enough trouble, little bird."

Smash!

Bubbles slammed the back of her swords hilt at the neck on the phoenix and crashed it through the ground, causing a crater to form.

Everyone was shocked at how fast the mare was. It only took a blink for her to be behind the weary Phoenix; it couldn't even react on time.

But that was not enough for the phoenix to faint.

KRAAA!!!

The bird was enraged and began releasing an unimaginable amount of heat and flames. The rest could not stand the heat and ran, except for the two, who kept their ground and stood against the phoenix. It was Bright's turn, and he continued to smash the head of the phoenix with his sword and its cover intact.

It's like hitting a rock, and the bird seems to be unfazed. He then flung it to the air for Bubbles to finish it off.

" Bubbles! Kill it!"

She sheaths her blade, and the bird turns to dust before exploding into nothing.

"I didn't expect that you'd actually kill a phoenix. I guess that was my fault." He face hoofed.

" Just turn it back into an egg next time," he added.

"Nah... And I also wanted to blow off some steam. That shit ruined our night at the park."

" Shhh..." Bright warned her.

" Oh, right. Sorry. Well then officers! Looks like your job here is done, sooo... Don't forget who helped you! Vanguards!"

"Yup. That's us, i guess..."

Chapter 48

"Hey Taps, ya think she's lyin?" Treasure asked.

Meanwhile, Tapper felt awkward being called that. "The hell are you calling me Taps? And I don't know. This place is too happy; I don't think they're lying, but I'm sure they're biting more than they can chew, which worries me. The last thing I want is involving them in our mess."

The two pegasi were given a task to assist the students in gathering herbs on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest, as Quilt recommended them for this.

" This just like back then, huh, Tapper? You and me just gatherin junk in the wilds."

"Has it been that long? And what else were we supposed to do? It's not like we can use magic or fight like monsters like those two. All we can do is capitalize on our talents." Tapper shrugged.

A student would come up to them and ask about the herbs they gathered. "Sir, this is the trick, flower, correct?" one of the Kirin's asked.

Treasure would instruct the student.
" If you flick it gently and it changes, then it is; be careful though; they sometimes explode." The kirin has gone pail as she heard what the flower can do.

Tapper would then hand over a stick to the kirin. " This'll be enough to test it without blowing your hooves. Now be careful; that's why the school gave you that robust container. Have you any idea what you got yourself into?" Tapper questioned the Kirin.

The day would end without any trouble, and the students would thank and wave goodbye to the two vanguards.

" I think that's proof enough, right, Treasure?" Tapper asked.

" Proof n wha exactly?"

"That they're good to a fault. That they won't be lying to us."

" You say that, but that mayor is practically using us. Im just saying something feels wrong in this situation we're in."

" Yeah, us." He gave a displeased look at Treasure.

" Now you giving me that kinda attitude? You're usually on my side. What's goin on? First Quilt, then you? We were a team of three back then..." He sulked.

Tapper would give a glance towards Treasure and give a sigh. " Sorry, there, ya happy." He snickered.

Treasure pouted. " You don't have to be an asshole about it... But hey. What's with Quilt anyway? Why's she on my throat all-uva sudden?" he asked.

" I should ask the same question to you," was his reply.

" No clue, ey?"

" Mares."

" Are they really like that?"

" Don't know..."

They both stared at the same crimson sky and decided to head back to the office.

" Lady Apple Jack, we have finished our delivery."

The stallion returned early while Apple was still behind, trying to catch her breath.

" Quickly now, Apple, don't think that I've forgotten your training now. You need to build up your strength so you won't be left behind."

And at a distance, there lies a fallen pony named Apple, who failed to catch her breath.

"Daw, look at her, a lil more hard work and a muscle herenthere, and she'd have a physique of a buck toothen hard workin Apple!" She praised. " Thanks fer puttin our long lost cuzin into tiptop shape, en not only that, youreable ta deliver all em apples early, in recrd timin too! You sure you ain't an apple too? Huhiuk!"

"All I can say is I had a great teacher; strict and disciplined."

" A fine teacher you had."

" Yes."

"Well, since ya done yer work early, I have no reason ta keep ya hear."

" Oh? We don't mind doing other works for you; that is why the Vanguards are made."

Meanwhile, Apple finally reached them and heard the bad news. " W-what? More work?"

" That's not the right attitude to have Apple," he scolded the worn-out mare.

" Now, now, overworkin the poor fella ain't gonna do us any good." She then had an idea: "Before you leave, how bout ya get some apple cider to quench yer thirst? That way, it ain't all hard work and no gain."

The stallion humbly refused. "Oh, no need for that, ma'am; doing service for you is enough of a reward."

" Too much of humble pie will ruin any mood, ya hear? Now stay put while I wip ya a batch." The mare went inside the barn to prepare a batch of apple sider for the two hardworking ponys.

" See that Apple? That mare is someone to look up to."

"Huff... Sir Bright. I would love to look up to her, but I'm just too tired." Her knees would give way, and she ended up lying on the ground.

" Hey, that's bad manners, Apple." But the mare could not care otherwise.

" Hey, Apple. You do know we aren't for this world. So I suggest taking every advantage we can get here. And for you, while you still have the chance, you should grow even stronger. Understand?"

She looked up at him and understood why he's doing this to her. "Yes, sir."

" Again!"

" Y-YES SIR!" She cried.

"Uuuhhhh, Help! I NEED HELP, BUBBLES!" Cross pleaded as a bug bear chased him down from Fluttershy's sanctuary.

"I can't; I'm busy!" She said as she held down and protected the injured animals. " And besides, I don't think mom would like me to kill the thing."

" I'm more of a healer than a fighter, you know!" He replied while dodging the attacks of the bugbear.

" Oh comeon, that things are so slow and weak; you're giving the Royal Knights a bad name, Cross!"

Sigh...

He placed his hoof in front of the bugbear, and a pulse would erupt, causing the bugbear to fall asleep. This would heavily tire down Cross, as it drained him heavily. " AAAGH! COUGH!!!... Shit." He was in pain.

" Ohh? Thats the first time I heard you curse Cross... Didn't know it was in you?" She then looked at the downed bugbear. " What'd you do to it? You better not have killed it..."

" I just put him to sleep is all. Phew..."

"Strange, you have a skill like that. What is it with you hiding your skills from us and all that shit? Trust issues?" she asked.

" You guys just didn't ask." He scowled. " And besides, sometimes putting a patient to sleep is needed, okay? It's not uncommon for healers to have these skills," he lectured her.

" Hey, sorry, okay? And good work," she said as the birds perched on her and the animals would snuggle close to her.

" Hmm... They say animals only approach calm and nice individuals." He curiously looked at Bubbles.

" And your point?" Her tone with warning?

" NOTHING!... nothing," he worriedly replied.

Chapter 49

The sound of chalk scraping the board can only be heard as Starlight Glimmer jots down notes for the two unicorns who wish to learn about jumping through dimensions.

One of those students was Bluebell, who was struggling with her lessons and slowly breaking down. " I still don't get it, head mare!" The frustrated mare panicked.

Cross, on the other hand, was calm and patient, but he, too, was unable to understand the matter. "It won't help by yelling and panicking either, Bluebell, so concentrate on the topic and don't make it worse for the both of us," the irritated stallion advised the mare, continuing to focus on the books and the headmare's notes on the board.

Tap! Tap! Was heard from the board. It was the head mare trying to grab their attention.

"Look, students, these are just things you need to remember, things that are good to know and would help you along the way. So don't treat it as a burden or else you'd just end up forgetting it either way. You have to stay calm and just read it. And if you aren't that confident enough, just read it once more. And if you think you still don't got it, well, that's why I'm here for, right? So if you don't have any confidence in yourself, then have some confidence in me!" The proud mare insured them.

The stallion was deeply impressed and was speechless, except for his partner.
" I have no idea what you just said, lady, but I'm hella inspired by that!" She joyously replied.

" Good!" She replied back with a smile.

This just impressed the stallion even more.

" Anyway, since we've tackled half the introduction on teleportation, I'm giving you the books on the basics. This way, in your free time, if you want too, you can have a quick read and exercise your brain muscles." Her horn began to glow, and a book would phase into existence in front of them. She began to magically split the book into two, giving them both a copy.

" Learn wisely, unicorns, as equestria magic lies within your hooves." She then bows gently to the two students and begins leaving the room.

The two in return would bow down as well, and soon after, would leave the room as they packed their belongings.

" That mare surely is a great teacher," Bluebell marveled.

" Surely, and very patient too," the stallion added.

" Hey! What's that supposed to mean? Meanie!" She pouted.

The two had a bit of fun with each other as they continued to go back home.

Clear skies were met as the couple, Bright and Bubbles, walked along the path leading outside Ponyville.

"Must we be the ones to escort the Royal Guards returning for whatever friendship mission they've been?" Bubbles was not amused.

"This is very important as this is Princess Flurry Heart's first mission she finished. They must be tired. A friendly welcome and assistance would definitely be appreciated, would it not?" Bright asked.

" Tsk, disgustingly weak," was her reply.

" What's wrong with you?" He smirked and laughed. "This is a time of piece and harmony, might I point out my lady?"

Their conversation would end as they met the returning guards with the princess in sight.

" Speak of the devil..." His smile would slowly frown as so too with Bubbles, but hers was of rage as they saw who was with the princess. Gallus, Smolder, Ocellus, Silverstream... And a Yak and an earth pony

He'd noticed that Bubble's flame was showing and out of control.

"Hey, hey!" He tried to look and lock his eyes on her, but she continues to glare at them. " It's not them!... Not them," he emphasized.

She tries to cool off, but with difficulty.

As they got near, they bowed down and greeted the princess.

"Princess Flurry Heart! We the Vanguards have come to congratulate and aid you back home." Bright alone greeted, while Bubbles glared at Gallus menacingly. The princess and the others were greatly distracted by Bubbles as they were lost for words.

" Uhh, um, pay no mind with her, as she is such a big... fan of yours that she ends up... glaring?" Bright tried to make things good, but not.

"O-oh, I see..." Gallus awkwardly replied.

" It's more like she hates you though, Gallus. What you did this time?" Smolder jockingly smacked his shoulder.

" Hey! I don't know her," the griffon replied while trying to distance himself from the glaring mare.

Meanwhile, Silverstream would invade Bubbles space and grab her hooves and give it a shake.

" Hi there, new friend!" she greeted joyfully.

Bubble's glare would shift at Silverstream's way, giving her a confused and pissed-off look before switching from a grim and scary, scheming smile.

" Heh." Is what the Hippogriff's last heard before her claws were swatted off by the mare.

" Noo!" Bright yelled but was too late. Bubbles has already hoofed the bitch on the stomach, sending her flying by the group and flunged and tossed at the river, bouncing like a skipped rock before slowly sinking down.

Everyone was caught off by surprise and unable to process in time for the others to react.

The princess's horror slowly shows, while the rest slowly reacts and tries to defend the princess, while the dragon and griffon wish for revenge and begin lunging towards the aggressive pegasi.

The mare's eyes were bloodshot with anger and vengeance, and she coldly stared at the spears slowly going towards her.

Sparks would come up on her body as she moved swiftly, as fast as lightning.

"I'll definitely kill you." She quickly dodged the spear and kicked the griffin and the dragon back. The griffin flew farther and in pain, while the dragon was able to brush it off.

" W-what is the meaning of this!?" The princess panicked. " Quickly Sandbar, Ocellus, save her!" She ordered.

"Yes, princess!" They obeyed and followed orders.

" Yona, stay as my shield. Smolder, at my back, and Gallus, my spear!" The group started making a formation, which Bubbles just laughed at.

" What child's play..." As she mocked and prepared to strike once more, Bright was able to land a blow at the back of Bubbles neck, stunning her for a bit.

Smack!

He began restraining her and forced her to kneel. " Forgive her princess as she has... trauma."

" Trauma? Trauma! I'll show you trauma!" She released her flames, blasting Bright away.

The princess did not let her guard down at this point and began casting her spell and released a shockwave of magic of her own.

Both magic collided and reacted violently, but the princess's magic was stronger and engulfed the rage. As soon as it hits Bubbles, her rage slowly dissipates, confusing her in the process.

She begins to kneel down and be ashamed. "F-forgive me, princess."

Seeing that the mare calmed down and her rage de-escalated, she rushed to Silverstream's side and began healing her.

The unconscious Hypogriff began to wake from her unconscious state as soon as she was healed by the princess. "G-good m-morning princess? Where am I?" The dazzled royal guard asked.

" Thank hoofness." The princess said in relief.

Bubbles, on the other hoof, would soon be surrounded by the princess's royal guards as to detain her; their spears and swords pointed at her.

" By the order of the royal guards, you are under arrest!" Smolder began to shackle the neck and wings of the mare.

But the princess did not like this.

" Halt your actions! Can't you see that she has surrendered?" She approached the mare and began unshackling her.

Gallus was alarmed at the princess's action and began shouting at her. "Princess, what are you doing!? She is dangerous!"

" If so, she should have continued and massacred us all. My spell was to calm and put into just. Hence only disrupting magic and the chaos that lingers in ones mind. If so, this pony was in pain and in need of much help, not additional shackles for her to bear." The princess's words and order to all.

Everyone of her guards understood and no longer hindered her actions.

"Are you alright?" The princess asked Bubbles. And her reaction was in awe and disbelief of a pony like her existing right infront of her.

Chapter 50

The princess walks with the sinner while her guards are ever vigilant to move in case the sinner would think otherwise.

Surrounded by Gallus, Smolder, and Yona. The three protect the princess while Occelus and Sandbar escort the injured.

"Thank you, but your worries for me is not, see?" Bright began stretching and showing off that he could move just fine, even though his uniform was partially burned down.

" W-wow, Bright! You're pretty strong. I-I, on the other hoof, just blacked out and can't even move properly, even with the princess's healing." Silverstream smiled while holding her chest where the dent in her armor was.

Sandbar, the earthpony who is assisting Silverstream as she walks, would comment,
"No ordinary creature would be able to handle that kind of beating Silverstream; it just goes to show the caliber of the vanguards. Although impressive, it worries me." Occellus the changeling would silently nod in agreement while keeping an eye on Bright, which worried the royal knight that they might've already given a bad impression.

"It is true that we are impressive and have shown our merits in Ponyville; I hope you can forgive us for this very unfortunate and serious incident we have caused." He bowed down to everyone.

It seems Smolder and Gallus are the only ones who didn't take his apologies to heart and remained doubtful of them, while the rest seems to lighten up to them.

"Apology accepted. What of you, Silverstream?" The princess asked.

"As long as she gives me a hug, that's fine with me!" She joyously replied.

She then opened her arms up and waited for her hug from Bubbles, which she was uncomfortable with.

"Oh wait, Silverstream, that might not be a good idea as there's something that's messing with Bubble's feelings inside." The princess disagrees with her request for a hug and would suggest against it.

but Bright would intervene on the suggestion of the princess and would scold Bubbles in return. "A hug is a small price to pay, is it not, Bubbles? Or will you let your pride cloud your judgement once more? We are professionals, and not only that, you'd end up sullying the name of our employer."

Bubbles would nod and raise her hooves on Bright. "I understand; I am calm now."

She gave Silverstream a hug, which caught the hypogriff off guard. "O-oh, thank you?" Her hug was not warm and cuddly; it was like something out of courtesy and very formal, so it was a bit disappointing for Silverstream, as it did not give her joy or happiness, just empty.

"Does that mean we're friends now?" The hippogriff asked.

" S-sure..." the mare reluctantly replied.

This gave relief to the others as things seemed to have settled, except for Gallus and Smolder; they did not lower their guard.

"I know a pony when I see one, and you're no pony, lady. The others may be too forgiving, but you ain't fooling me," Gallus warned the pegasi.

But Bubbles would not take it lightly, and her mane starts to spark.

Bright hurriedly intervened, "I know we are at fault here, but may I suggest you back away." The griffin didn't notice that he was getting a bit close to the mare and decided to back away as the pare's glare was beginning to intimidate him.

Smolder would back his fellow guard and be by his side, though. "As my friend has said, you two aren't normal." She glared back.

The atmosphere and mood once more became dark and chaotic; this did not please the others, especially the princess.

She intervened and stepped between the two. "Seriously now, you all act like colts; shouldn't you adults set a good example for me?" She looked at both of the quarreling group. And would be supported by Yona: "The princess is correct; why do Gallus and Smolder resort to violence? We have learned and grew from love and friendship by the ponies. Have both forgotten?" She began scolding the two guards.

The two embarrassed and looked away and quietly apologized. But her scolding did not end with them alone.

"And you two. Yona did not forget what you have done, pegasi. You may have been forgiven, but a punishment is still in order." The yak glared at the two Vanguards.

"Yes, lady Yona, I understand. I am sorry..." Bubbles apologized once more.

The group would finally approach Ponyville, as it wasn't that far to begin with.

"Now that we're here, remember to behave everyone. Our priority now is to head to the town hall and report our travels to the mayor, so she may send our message to the princesses." Ocellus began instructing everyone.

She continued: "It is a given that we would attract a crowd, so we may great and wave for them only for a while, since our mission is not finished until we've done our report, so Vanguards? Can we count on you as our escort?"

Bright and Bubbles bowed down to her and replied. "That is why we are here; you can count on us," Bright replied.

"You better not knock their hooves out, pegasi." Gallus mocked the pegasi, which in return got him a glare.

"Now, now, behave you two. Gallus, you're not helping. You stay at the very back," Ocellus kindly instructed.

"Why me!? You're supposed to be on my side!" But the griffin was shoved gently at the back by Yona.

"Fine!" The griffon pouted.

The group entered Ponyville and was met by a warm and joyous welcome. The place was crowded, but in order, as they can easily walk past the town hall.

As they got cheered upon, the vanguards were at the front, ever vigilant, while the royal guards and the princess waved at their adoring fans, oblivious of the dangers they would encounter in the future.

Knock, knock.

The doors to the town hall opened, and the princess entered with her entourage.

Inside the halls, the staff were already lined up to bow and greet the princess, while at the very back, Diamond Tiara waits for them.

"Welcome home, princess! How was your mission?"

"It was quite the adventure teacher, but all in all it was a success."

"Glad to hear! Then I guess I wouldn't have to worry about making the report back to the rest of the princesses."

"Weelll... not quite," the princess added.

This gave the atmosphere in the room quite an ominous and uncomfortable feeling.

Final chapter ( skipped content)

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