The Evil That Lives Among Us

by VampWolf

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Queen Chrysalis
Length: 7200

Evil and terror have returned to Equestria and only those shunned by society can make everything right.

When evil and terror grip the lands of Equestria enemies become friends and friends become enemies.

Published 2013-01-23 12:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-06 23:44:35 UTC

Prolouge: The Day Equestria Fell

“It’s almost finished my dear sister.”

Princess Celestia was lying on the couch with Princess Luna’s head resting on top of her.
“Oh my Luna you must have been so tired and lonely. I left you on the moon for so long and I’m ashamed to say that I was the one that sent you there. Thankfully all that is behind us now.”

Celestia stroked Luna’s mane softly only lifting her hoof to look at the crimson red blood that stained her once gleaming white hair.

“Ahh but soon we shall be together as one as it should have been when you decided to go rogue and disobey me by blotting out the sun. But now that your back we can continue were we left off.”

Celestia lifted Luna’s head and stood up to get some water. When she came back she put her head near Luna’s heart and gave a satisfied nod when she noticed there was still some life left.
She walked over to the curtain and flung them open as wide as they could go and stared into the sun without blinking. She turned around and walked back over to where she and her sister had lay. The sun was in the center of the sky and Celestia whispered “Tempus est”. The room they were in burst into flames and the room started to glow and the flames turned from black, to green, to white, and kept changing until finally the flames stopped moving. The room was thrown into darkness but the flames still held light. There was a symbol carved into the floor that surrounded the flames. The symbol drew closer dragging the flames with it. It kept getting smaller until it surrounded Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Princess Celestia spoke two words “Merge mecum.”

Then she screamed “MERGE MECUM.”

Then a voice came from the flames, “You know what must be done”

Celestia bit off some flesh from her leg until she started bleeding. She then walked over to were Luna lay. She bent her head and licked some blood from her leg and then licked some of the blood from Luna’s neck. With the blood from both her and her sister on her tongue she kissed Luna.
The Room burst into flames once more and both Celestia and Luna were engulfed in the fire. The last sound that came from the royal chambers was Luna screaming and Celestia laughing, both sounds soon becoming one sadistic laugh.

Gasp*

Twilight sat up in her bed, sweat dripping from her body. “Was that just a dream?”
____________________________________________________________________________________
“Good morning Twi”, Spike said as he threw open the curtains to let the sun’s rays flood her room.

“So what would you like for breakfast? We have toast with apple jam, fruit salad, and if you feel like it Derpy brought by some blueberry muffins earlier. “

Thanks to Spike flooding her room with light she couldn’t see, much less respond to Spike’s question. When her eyes finally adjusted to the light she looked around to tell Spike that muffins sounded pretty good but he had already left downstairs to do what he usually did, make a bit of everything. In all honesty Twi wasn’t hungry at all, in fact she felt horrible. She thought to herself “Hopefully a nice shower will make me feel better”.

The warmth of the water as it caressed her body had always put her mind at ease. She had already forgotten that terrible nightmare and was ready for some delicious muffins. That was one good thing about Derpy coming by, her muffins were delicious.

After that relaxing shower she was ready for just about anything, except that she forgot to bring a towel.

“Spike! Can you bring me a towel please?”

There was no answer.

“SPIKE! Hey are you listening?”

Twi guessed that Spike was probably making breakfast and enjoying himself a bit too much. No problem though, it wasn’t as if she was incapable of getting the towel herself. Twi headed downstairs with her mane brushed and looking great. Twi’s stomach began to growl when she smelled those delicious muffins and she almost sprinted downstairs at the thought of warm blueberry muffins with melted butter dripping off the sides. It was too good a thought to pass up.

“Hey Spike are you ready for break…”

As she rounded the corner into the kitchen she noticed something was wrong. Spike wasn’t here and the counter was littered with his usual mess. The only problem was that Spike always cleaned up after himself. Disregarding his disappearance she helped herself to some muffins, much too hungry to worry about it. “He probably went on an errand with Rarity. She stops by sometimes to pick him up so I’m sure he’s alright. Haha. Silly love-struck dragon.”
After she had finished her breakfast she decided to go into town to see Pinkie Pie about some cupcakes. After the night she had Twi was ready for some mind numbing sugary confections made by her good friend Pinkie.

Twi headed out towards Sugarcube Corner with cupcakes and pastries’ dancing through her head when she noticed something was definitely wrong. The town was usually packed with ponies roaming the streets and doing odd jobs here and there. She rushed over to Sugarcube Corner hoping to Celestia that Pinke was alright.

“Pinkie!” she cried as she burst through the door.

“Oh hi Twilight. Whoa , whoa, whhhhoooaaa.”

Thanks to the sudden interruption Pinkie fell right into the giant cake she was preparing.

“MMmmm vanilla with chocolate frosting and strawberry topping my fav!” Pinkie said as she licked the cake off her lips.

“Pinkie, where is Mr. and Mrs. Cake? Aren’t they working today?”

“Can you believe them? I woke up this morning and they had left me here. They took the babies too and let me tell you they had a long list of orders piled up from cupcake hungry customers, and I’ve been here making all the orders by myself.”

“Pinkie Pie have you been outside recently?”

“No why?”

Pinkie walked outside with Twi and was astonished to find the entire town was deserted.

“Twilight this is a HUGE problem”

“That’s why I ran over here,” exclaimed Twi.

“That’s great and all but how am I going to sell all these cupcakes now that nopony’s here!?!”

“Pinkie now is not the time to worry about that. An entire town vanished and we had no idea that it was happening. Come on we gotta go make sure the others are all right.”

Twi and Pinkie ran as fast as they could to Sweet Apple Acres hoping that the other’s noticed the sudden disappearance and that everyone was ok. They arrived at the barn just in time to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash rush out to meet them.

“Thank Celestia you guys are ok, where’s Rarity?”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash just looked at each other.

“Ya'll best come see fer yurselv’es,” said Applejack.

The barn was filled with a silver light that shined like diamonds. There was a small crowd of ponies all nudged up in the back under some kind of force field.

“Rarity?” Twi asked.

“Over here darling”.

Twilight rushed to the side of the barn where Rarity was lying down; her horn radiating with a magical light.

“Rarity, are you ok? Why is there a force field and where is Spike and Fluttershy?”

“I’m fine darling and you will have to ask Rainbow dash for the details on what’s going on. As for Spike….”

Rarity’s mane started to turn a bright orange color and her eyes burned with rage. Twilight walked over to where Dash and Pinkie were talking and Pinkie, being Pinkie, looked as happy as when she had when she left the bakery.

“So Dash what happened here and why is everypony behind that dome?” Twilight asked.

Dash let out a long deep sigh before answering her question.

“Twi something bad is going on right now and I have no idea how to explain it. It started this morning when I went out for my morning weather patrol and I noticed ponies started disappearing left and right. I tried to save a few but they just...*sniffle*... disappeared right outta my... hooves.” Dash broke down and Pinkie threw her hoof around her to try and comfort her.

Applejack walked over to where Twi was.

“Maybe I can patch up the rest fer ya. Dash flew straight over here and asked me fer help with the whole disappearin problem so we rounded up all the ponies that were left and put them inside the barn. We didn’t know what was causin the problem so we came to ask you fer help but when we got there, yer house was empty so we thought you had disappeared to. That’s when Rarity came by and stormed into yer house and started ripping books of the shelf until she found what she was lookin fer. Some kinda spell that made it to where you were kinda get put to sleep for a long time.”

Twilight had a dumbstruck look on her face as she glanced over to where rarity was lying.
“Rarity mastered a perpetual stasis spell that took me years to learn. How in Equestria did she do that?”

“Yep, Rarity burst into flames and magic engulfed her entire body and this dome thing appeared around everypony and that seems to have stopped the vanishin fer now.”

Twi just stared at the people inside wondering how long this would last.

“What the…”

The wall near Rarity exploded and the dome that was protecting everypony dissipated. The ponies inside disappeared as quickly as the dome dissolved. Twi couldn’t figure out what just happened. Rarity was on the ground unconscious and bleeding, Dash was trying to help Rarity but was attacked by some strange creatures and both Rarity and Dash were dragged away. But where was Applejack and Pinkie? Twilight glanced up for only a second to see a large beam come falling towards her when Applejack pushed her out of the way and got hit by the beam instead. Twilight rushed to the aid of her friend and started pulling her towards the entrance.

“Come on move faster. Who knows if those creatures will come back for the rest of us? Where the hell is Pink…”

The ground rose up to meet her as she hit the floor next to Aj, her head exploding in pain. The last thing she saw through the smoke and blood was Pinkie fighting off those creatures and yelling at someone to hurry up. Then everything went dark…

Ch 1 Darkness

“Twilight can you hear us?”

“Who’s there?”

“Twilight wake up. Come on sugarcube please wake…”

“Was that Aj?”

Twilight tried to scream out for her but all she could manage was a hoarse cough. Her throat felt constricted and dry. She looked around and saw only darkness, pure cold unrelenting darkness. Twilight had no idea where she was, her only hope was to move forward. She tried to stand but her legs just wouldn’t respond. Twi tried again using all her strength but, she was pushed down by some unseen force. She tried to scream again only succeeding in another hoarse cough. Tears started to stream down her face, the fear and uncertainty of her whereabouts slowly crushing her.

“Twilight stand up when being called!”

Twilight looked up to see Princess Luna Standing in front of her, the room filled with bright stars that dissipated the darkness.

“Twilight you have work to do and you cannot complete your task by taking a nap,” Luna said.

“Twi! Twilight! TWILIGHT!”

“Do you hear that Twilight. Your friends are calling you and you shouldn’t keep them waiting.”

Twilight just looked up at Princess Luna and stared into her eyes. Twilight could see fear and anger and uncertainty in the princess’s eyes.

“Twilight dear you must wake up, for evil forces are at work.”

The darkness was starting to consume the stars that lit up her dark prison. Twilight tried to scream again but to no avail. She reached out for Luna but the princess was no longer there.
The darkness kept closing in faster and faster, consuming everything in its path. Twi struggled to escape the vast darkness enclosing around her. She could feel consciousness slipping, but she faintly remembers Luna pushing her further into the darkness.

Why?

For Twilight time seemed to go on forever. No light, no warmth, no friends, just… space. Every so often she could here someone’s voice piercing through the darkness but, she couldn’t reach them. Twi felt hopeless as she drifted along,a way out now seemed impossible.

“Twi….”

Sigh,Twilight thought, There’s that voice again.

“TWILI….”

Hmmm. I don’t remember the voice being so loud.

“TWILIGHT!”

Ok now I know that voice from somewhere…!!

Twilight looked were she thought the sound was coming from and a bright light shown through the veil. Without thinking she used what was left of her magic to propel herself towards the light and……

*GASP!*

Her vision blurred as she tried to focus on the object in front of her. Still woozy she could make out the shape of three ponies standing in front of her. One of the ponies grabbed her and squeezed her until she thought she was going to pop. The other two just stood there not saying a word.

As Twilight’s vision began to focus in on her surroundings she noticed she was in some sort of hut. There were weird masks and pictures on the walls, and there were shelves full of some sort of bottles filled with different colored liquids. In the middle of the room was a big black cauldron
……wait a sec.

“Zecora!?!” Twi exclaimed.

“Aye child tis me. The only zebra you know who saved you from catastrophe. For monsters there were that attacked your friends, and sadly this is where your true journey begins.”

“So then is everyone de…dea…” It made Twi sick just thinking about the possibility that everyone she knew was dead. She didn’t even want to consider this possibility; it was all just too weird. What had happened anyway…. *Gasp*

“Where’s Applejack?!? Is she ok? Did she make it?!?! Is she mhmhmpph” Twilight was silenced by an amber colored hoof.

Since Twi had been out for a while it took her a while to register what just happened.

“Applejack?” Twi said timidly.

“Yea Twilight, it’s me,” Aj said.

Tears streamed down Twilight’s face as she hugged her friend.

“Aj … I… I thought you were dead”

“Well I’m here ain’t I? Unless I’m a ghost”

Suddenly Twi was tackled by a blur of pink and was assaulted by the smell of various sweets.

“Omigosh did someone say ghosts? Don’t worry I’ll save you from the ghosts. In fact just laugh at ghosts it makes them much more bearable. Ow wad did I land on anyway. I tink I hurd my nose. HUUUUUUHHHH TWILIGHT YOUR AWAKE!!!!!”

“Hey Pinkie,” Twilight said with as much enthusiasm as she could muster.

“So Twilight whatcha dream about? I bet it was a fun dream cuz you were out of it for like days. I had to drag you and Aj here by myself and let me tell you, you guys should lie off of the pancakes and apples they’re very filling but you should definitely eat cake. Oh we should get some cake. CAKE ANYONE?” Pinkie said happily.

Twilight grabbed Pinkie’s tail before she rushed off again. “You said I had been out for day’s right? How many days was I out and … what happened?”

“Well I wouldn’t say days, more like a week,” Pinkie said.

“A WEEK?!?” Twilight nearly fainted in shock. An entire week had gone by and Celestia knows what was happening. Twilight sat back down on the bed so she could regain her balance.

“So what’s happened since I’ve been out?” Twilight asked.

“Well therewasammmpphhh”

“Pinkie ah think ah should explain this un,” Applejack said.

“While you were out Equestria has been taken over by Xanthus”

“Xanthus? Who in Equestria is that?” Twilight asked.

Zecora answered, “Xanthus my child was only a legend. She is forged of loved one’s blood that lives in the present. By consuming the blood from the one that was sought an ancient evil power will be unleashed in thought. But not until today did I think the legend rang true, for believing in disaster in not something one must do.”

“Ok but that doesn’t explain what happened while I was out cold, FOR A WEEK,” Twi said impatiently.

“Now calm down sugarcube and let me explain,” Applejack said. “While you were out all of Equestria was overrun by what Zecora calls, Barghest’s, or Hellhounds. They were led into the cities by their leader Karkadann. He is a pure black unicorn with yellow hooves and eyes that are as red as Granny Smith’s ripest apple’s.”

“Wait a second how on earth do you know what he looks like?” Twi asked skeptically.

Zecora answered, “Young Applejack was gathering herbs for me at the edge of the Everfree forest when Karkadann and a band of hellhounds made quite a big ruckus. Thankfully she walked through some poison joke and became very small when Karkadann spoke.”

“He was hootin and hollerin about how he wiped out Ponyville without even breakin a sweat,
Aj said. “I wanted to beat him to a pulp right then and there but I guess it was a good thing that I ended up turning tiny again. If he had found me I doubt there woulda been much ah coulda done.”

“Ok so that explains what happened to Ponyville but what happened to everypony else?” Twi asked. “I mean they can’t have just vanished into thin air like that, and what happened to Rarity, and Spike, and Fluttershy...” Twi stumbled backwards as her vision blurred and a sharp pain shot through her skull.

“Now don’t go pushin yourself Twilight. You’ve been out fer a long time and ah think you should rest a bit before you go runnin off tryin to save anypony. Plus we don’t even know what were up against and our friends are missin so now isn’t the time to go rushin into things without takin some time to think.” Applejack said.

Pinkie helped Twi back into Zecora’s bed with a bit too much enthusiasm. Twi’s head was spinning with everything that had happened while she was out. Ponyville is in ruins, all her friends are missing, an evil army has risen, and Princess Luna appeared in her dream only to push her farther into the darkness. Twi’s world was crumbling around her and all she could do is ask the same question over and over.

Why?

The maze of tunnels that made up Canterlot’s dungeons were dark and treacherous but one such figure traversed it like it had been born there. The torches on the walls gave only enough light for that small portion of the wall, but its pale yellow eyes pierced through the darkness leaving nothing that was to be unseen. The figure rounded a corner that opened up into a large chamber were the only light to be seen was that of the flames from a fire in the middle of the room.

“So I hear your friends are all dead. We overrun Equestria now I can’t think of a better pastime than speaking with you. Covered in blood like almost makes me want to do dirty things to you but that’s not something one such as myself should do considering how hard your little soldier fought for you,” it said with a voice cold as ice.

One of the torches from the wall flew over to the place where the figure was speaking.

“You think I believe your lies that they’re dead?”

The blood soaked mare spit blood in her captor’s direction.

“They’re a hell of a lot stronger than you give them credit. In fact why don’t you take your sorry ass back to the hellhole you came out of KARKADANN!”

“Yes,” Karkadann said. “You truly are a Rarity. The sight of blood running down your matted mane soaking into your soft white fur makes me shiver. Unfortunately your little spitting party cost you.”

Using his magic he pulled a white hot iron from middle of the fire. Slowly he carved into Rarities hide the heat causing the wound to seal up as soon as it was made. Her screams drowned out any other and caused those that could hear its terrible pain to cringe in fear.

Karkadann moved forward to taste his unconscious captive’s blood. His eyes glowed ever brighter with a sadistic light as the sheer enjoyment from this repulsive act caused him to tingle with excitement for his next victim.

“Goodnight my dear Rarity. I shall enjoy another arousing chat with you tomorrow but for now my bedchambers wait and I shan’t keep my missus waiting.”

Karkadann left the chamber satisfied with another brutal torture. Equestria has truly fallen but a small spark of hope remains. As Karkadann leaves a small purple dragon races to Rarities side. Whimpers of sadness that could break anyponies heart were heard only by the walls that enclosed them. The small dragon reached into Rarities purple mane to find a purple letter addressed to Twilight Sparkle. The room filled with darkness as the fire died out but a green flame released the letter to ride the wind, all the while hoping that all was not lost.

Ch 2 The Letter

“So what do we do know?”

Not knowing the answer to her own question Twilight looked towards Zecora for answers but she just shook her head. Equestria has fallen, her friends are missing, and that strange dream. Was that the answer? Was this all just a dream? Maybe she would wake up soon in her own bed with the sounds of Spike noisily making breakfast or one of Pinkie’s new recipes exploding in a cloud of flour and sugar. Sadly the answer she yearned for was not that of a happy ending. She racked her brain for a possible answer to the questions that befell her but none came to mind.

“Twilight my dear do not fear the despair and anguish of this land. Your mind is frail and limited thus you sanity erodes like sand. Let me check my cauldron for a possible solution so we do not delve into our own self delusions.”

Zecora walked over to her cauldron and threw in a few potions that Twi could not identify. As Zecora chanted in an ancient language, smoke began to rise changing from blue to green, she asked for answers from the spirits of her ancestors. The contents of the cauldron caught fire and burst into a flame as green as grass and a purple scroll fell from fire.

“This is most strange,” Zecora proclaimed,” For i did not know my ancestors knew your name”

The scroll had Twi’s name inscribed in bright white letters that seemed to shine brighter under her touch. She opened the scroll to find a letter and a map that lead deep into Equestria. The letter reads as follows:

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

My presence is clouded by the misjudgment of those around you. I am not an enemy but a friend yet to be made.
If you are reading this then calamity has befallen and there is no turning back for the journey that you have yet to begin. Your magic is not strong enough yet to take on this great task but i’m sure you have seen this for yourself. Be wary of your friends and trust your enemy's for only you can decide which path you must follow and trust is something only you can give. Follow your heart and you will not stray but beware of the one who can change your way’s.

sincerely,

“Well who’s it from?” Aj asked.

“It doesn’t say. That part was never written,” Twi said.

Zecora looked over the parchment and closed it with a nod.

“Despair and Distress and calamity cannot be good for one such as thee. If you are prepared to take up this task then you shall take a drink from this flask,” Zecora said producing a small flask of odd colored liquid.

“Is it safe?” Aj asked concerned.

“Twilight is not the only pony leaving on a quest for a companion, you would suit best”

“Say what now?”

“OOOO that sound awesome! So where are we going or better yet where are we headed or even where is the cake or cupcakes or candy or pie have you ever had Zecora’s pie it’s amazing! it’s..” Pinkie was silenced by a glare from Zecora.

Sigh*

“Fine. Applejack you are the only one who can accompany Twilight on her journey and I trust you with this task.”

Aj and Twi looked at each other in confusion. They haven’t ever heard Pinkie be so serious about anything before. It was disturbing in a way. They exchanged glances and nodded to each other in agreement. Aj took a sip from the flask and nodded at Twilight that it was ok to drink. Twilight also took a drink and the both of them stepped back.

“So what‘s this here stuff in yer flask supposed to do cuz I reckon it…. hey…. wh….” Applejack collapsed in a heap, unconscious form the drug.

Twilight, still recovering from her previous problem, instantly fell to the ground without a sound thanks to Zecora’s sleeping potion.

Both Ponies were dragged from the cottage, as well as two knapsacks filled with supplies. Where they were going was not someplace that could be followed but also a secret place that nopony else could know about. All except for two particular ponies.
__________________________________________________________________________
Karkadann hurried back to the chambers that held Rarity captive. He was starving for something that only she could satisfy. He lit the torches around Rarity so he could get a look at her face. Her mane was caked with dry blood and tears from their previous session and it gave him chills of delight. He admired his handiwork and liked off some of the blood that had yet to dry. Delicious. Rarity stirred due to tongue upon her flesh.

“I see you have awoken my sweet,” He said with sadistic joy.

Rarity said nothing, she just stared at Karkadann. Her once gleaming eyes now shone with the brilliance of a dull knife, the only light coming from deep within. Her gaze was piercing as if they were daggers. Karkadann smiled at the anger she held towards him. It made him almost squeal in delight. He picked up his usual carving instrument and, using his magic, cut a nice long slit across her stomach. Rarity didn't scream. She just kept staring at Karkadann, her gaze never shifting.

“ I see you grow tired of your treatment and demand something a bit more interesting. Am I correct?”

Not a word was spoken.

“ I understand I mean what could I possibly do that could ever hurt the precious queen of Ponyville am I correct? I mean you don’t love anyone enough to give your life for so what can I possibly do to make you scream? Hmmmmm let me think, oh ya! I actually have a present for you. A new roomy if you'd like. You might like him he’s a real firebrand.”
Karkadann’s horn lit up as a body was dragged from behind him. It was still moving but was gagged so as not to make a sound. A torch was lit up on the wall perpendicular to Rarity's position so she got a clear view of who this mystery captive was. The gag was removed from the second captives mouth. The only sound that came out were two words.

“I’m sorry.”

A bloodcurdling scream filled the chamber as the captive was nailed to the wall one limb at a time in the manner befitting a crucifixion.

“You Monster.”

“I’m sorry what did you say my dear?” Karkadann asked.

“You stupid monster.”

“I’m sorry what?”

“YOU SON OF A BITCH! HOW IN TARTARUS COULD YOU DO THAT TO A CHILD YOU REEKING PILE OF CRAP. IF I COULD GET FREE I WOULD KILL YOU IN AN INSTANT. hahahahah.” Rarity snapped.
“I would kill me now if I were you because, hahahhaa, because, hehehe, you’ll finally be able to see your true self and i’m gunna help you do that. You may have Spike but I will not die. Let me ask you something have you ever tasted the blood of a rotting child dipped in cake batter? It tastes like chicken, hehe hehehe hahahaha.” In her uncontrolled rage she broke mentally, the only sign’s of her former self was the hot tears that ran down her face as she said Spike’s name over and over again.

Karkadann left the chamber pleased with his work. Sometimes seeing someones physical pain is not the only pleasure one can partake in.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

“AJ, AJ,..... AJ!!!!! WAKE UP!”

Applejack opened her eyes to find herself at the edge of the Everfree forest near Mount Sol. Her head was spinning from the drug’s after effects. Her mind slowly became aware of her surroundings as time passed. Light shown through the tree’s at an angle that proposed it to be around morning time.

‘How long was I out?’ Aj thought.

She got up and walked around only to find that she was completely alone. She shouted for help but none came to her aid. Sad and alone she sat down under a tall oak that stood near the mountain. Exhausted she plopped down trying to think of what to do next. She looked up towards the mountain hoping that Twilight was safe wherever she was.

‘ggrrrrrr’

Aj jumped up after hearing the low growl. She looked around trying to find the whereabouts of the strange noise. There was a rustle in the bush near where she had woken up. two sets of glowing red eyes shown through the leaves and a howl pierced the morning air. Timberwolves.

She had to get out of there but she was backed up against the mountain, there was nowhere to run. The timberwolves left their hiding spot and slowly made their way towards Aj, while she frantically looked for a way out. The timberwolves cornered her under a small plateau that seemed to hang off the mountain as if floating in air.

‘Well Aj looks like this might be yer last rodeo. But I ain’t gunna die without a fight!’

Aj steadied herself in a traditional fighting stance. The timberwolves circled around her looking for an opening. Aj stood still waiting for an opportunity to strike back. Time seemed to slow down for her, what seemed like hours was only seconds in comparison. The first timberwolf lunged at her backside hoping for an easy kill. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she moved her body forward picking her legs up off the ground as if pushing a spring together. The wolf was almost on top of her and she let loose a kick that could have shattered an apple tree. The wolf flew back exploding into tiny pieces as it hit the oak she had recently laid under. Taking advantage of the sudden burst of energy she sprang into the air landing a face crushing blow to the second timberwolf. Pieces of the timberwolves were scattered everywhere. For some reason the timberwolves didn’t bleed so the area was surrounded by branches and leaves instead of flesh and blood. A whistle pierced the air and a horde of timberwolves erupted from the underbrush.

“Shit”

Aj took the out the first two with a swift kick to the jaw. The next three stayed back and surrounded her. Her adrenaline was pumping too fast for her to let them corner her again. She leaped into the air and landed a blow on the first timberwolf’s head. She sprinted to the side and headbutted the second wolf. The third one ran away. She chased it towards the woods her heart racing and her mind completely void of thought. Right as they reached the oak the wolf stopped dead in it’s tracks. It swiftly turned around and clawed through Aj’s torso. Blood poured from the open wound. She reeled slightly at the rapid loss of blood, her vision blurring. Her thought’s slowly came back to her, and fear started to grip her reality. Three more from the pack came straight at her. She lashed out and struck two in the jaw but the impact was far less than her first blows. The loss of blood was draining all the strength from her body. All she could do now was run. One of the wolves latched onto her leg tearing off more of the skin, blood now soaking her amber colored fur. She shook off the wolf and limped as fast as she could towards the mountain hoping she could make it up towards the plateau before she was ripped to shreds by the hungry timberwolves. She fell on the ground her sight fading. A pool of blood started to form around her body soaking into her fur as she lay in wait for the pack to devour her completely. She used the last of her strength to position herself to face the oncoming wolves. Her brother had always told her to take any problems she had head on and to never turn your back on trouble.

‘Ah think this counts as trouble’ Aj thought.

Her ears rang with the pounding of the wolves running toward her. A flash of pink light erupted off the plateau. It raced down the mountain at lighting fast speed. It dove straight into the heart of the pack. Wolves flew in every direction. One particular wolf landed directly in front of AJ. Her heart jumped back since her legs could not. The wolf got back up ready to jump back into the fray. A blur of pink flew past her and time seemed to stop.

‘Pinkie?’

The wolf's head came clean off, black blood spouting from the now headless neck of the timberwolf. The sight of this seemed to cause fear in the horde as they all ran back into the woods.

“Haha the only way to kill one of these guys is to behead them you know,” Pinkie said with a smile.

Aj could only smile weakly at her savior and friend before passing off into darkness.
Pinkie looked at the unconscious form of her friend. She didn’t have a smile on her face, instead there was a look of pain as she touched her friend. Her body glowed with the light of life and some of Aj’s wounds started to heal. Pinkie jumped back in surprise.

‘Aj isn’t skilled enough to know this power yet’ Pinkie Thought.

Pinkie got a shiver up her spine.

‘This can’t be good’

Pinkie looked towards the woods as a towering mass sauntered towards them. The branches on the ground moved towards the mass as if attracted by some sort of wood magnet. Pinkie stared into the figure, fear clearly displayed in her eye’s, though not from the looming giant but from the possibility of not protecting her friend. She stood directly in front of Aj with her sword drawn. The figure finally stepped into view. Towering above them was a gigantic timberwolf, it’s mouth dripping in anticipation at the prospect of pony meat. Pinkie zipped off towards the wolf slashing at it feet, hoping to topple it so she could get a clear shot at it’s head. Branches flew everywhere as her sword zipped in and out from underneath the beast, but it would not fall. It regenerated at breakneck speed branches attracting back as soon as they flew off. Pinkie panted in exasperation, urgency gripping her as the wolf drew nearer to where Aj lay. The wolf stopped in its tracks. It just stood there. Pinkie stood off to the side waiting for the next move. The wind stopped blowing and Pinkie got another shiver. A bell sounded off in the distance. The wolf launched itself at Applejack, it’s fangs glinting in the sunlight. Pinkie launched herself at the wolf hoping to make it in time. The wind stopped. The Wolf bit down as Pinkie’s sword was shoved into the roof of its mouth. The fangs sank deep into Pinkie’s flesh piercing her ribs. The wolf flung her to the ground next to AJ. The wolf stood above the bleeding figure of Pinkie. Pinkie pushed herself upward to face the wolf again, but the pain and loss of blood was too great. She coughed up copious amounts of blood onto the ground. The smell of blood reached the wolf’s nostrils, it’s mouth salivating in anticipation.

‘Is this the end?’ Pinkie thought as she collapsed on the ground.

A bright light shone through the darkness illuminating the forest.

“Twilight?” Pinkie said weakly.

The light was golden in color. Aj stood in front of the wolf, her eyes no longer holding that emerald glow. Just like a Jack-O-Lantern it seemed as if the light poured from within her. The Wolf reared back at the sudden appearance of the golden pony. It came back down in a crouch and pounced upon the two. Aj’s hooves radiated with power. The air around them seemed to ripple as Aj pointed a hoof towards their attacker and a blast of energy shot through the wolf sending branches and black blood showering down upon them. Aj turned around and nuzzled her hurt friend sending some of her energy to Pinkie. Her wounds started to heal but Aj’s light faded before they were done. Aj collapsed entering the same state that she had been before she underwent her power surge. The branches began to move back together, and in a few seconds the wolves once again surrounded the two. Pinkie managed to lift Aj onto her back and in a cloud of smoke they vanished leaving the wolves beaten and confused.

‘I had no idea she had this much power. Training her will be difficult but in time she will learn to harness it. I can only hope that she is able to control it or nopony will be able to stop her.’
________________________________________________________________________________________
Twilight sat on the grass soaking up the sun that shone through the trees. After she came to, Zecora told her everything about what had happened and what she was here for. It took some time before she finally started to come to realize that this was not a dream but reality. She was sitting on a small hill that overlooked a vast sparkling lake. Trees surrounded her allowing light to only shine on Twi. She breathed outward, slowly, a small cloud forming. Spring was only just about to finish but it seemed as if fall was already upon them.

“I have brought food for the weary soul as i’m sure yours is not full,” Zecora said carrying a basket full of various fruits and apples.

Twilight stared at the apples, wondering if Aj was ok. Zecora had already explained her training but she couldn’t fathom what could be happening to her if Pinkie Pie was there. Silently she took a bite of a particular ripe apple that caught her eye. It took her only a moment to devour the rest of the fruit, not realizing how hungry she was until now. Finally satisfied she trotted down to the lake to get some water. She stared into the lake’s reflection of herself and drank some of the water.

“Are you ready to begin my dear? The training will be difficult I fear. If you want to quit just let me know. No one will judge you so,” Zecora said from atop the hill.

Twilight stood there thinking of her friends, her family, her home and of course her mentor.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Twi said.

“Good then let us begin.”

Zecora walked over to where Twilight stood and gave her a small vial to drink.

“You're not going to knock me out again are you? Cuz I think i’ve passed out enough and it’s getting kinda old,” Twi said skeptically.

“This potion will block the magic in your horn,” Zecora said.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because you must learn to use the magic that flows within your soul instead of your horn. While it holds great power you must learn to channel that power through your entire being instead of holding it all in one place.”

“Ok so how do I do that?” Twilight asked.

“The answer you seek is part of the task, I cannot give you the answer even if you ask.”

Twilight sighed in exasperation and drank the fluid in the bottle. Her body tingled slightly, she suddenly was aware of the magic flowing through her. It felt as if someone was running water over her skin, and it left her with lots of energy. She felt as if she could run for miles and never stop, it was exhilarating.

“Zecora… this feeling it’s… incredible! Ok I think i’m ready just tell me what to do.”

Zecora smiled at her new founded pupil.

“Your must first follow me if you wish to succeed,” Zecora said.

Zecora walked into or onto the lake as if it was solid ground. Her hooves made no splash or sound as she walked to the middle of the lake. In the middle of the lake was a small island. Zecora sat on it’s sandy shore and stared at Twilight as if challenging her. Twilight stared back dumbfounded. She shook her head and gathered her thoughts. She took a few steps back and galloped towards the lake, running straight into the watery depths. She swam back to shore soaking wet. She tried again and again until nightfall came yet, no progress was made. She needed to find some shelter before she froze to death. Using her knowledge she made a small tent using branches and some big leaves that she found in the forest. She laid inside the shelter shivering, not from the cold but from a nightmare that continued to plague her.

She woke up the next morning feeling only slightly refreshed. She trotted into the forest in search of food and found a few nuts and berries that seemed edible. While she ate she thought about a solution to the problem at hand. How is she going to make it to the middle of the lake without falling in again How was she supposed to regulate her magic throughout her entire body? How is she going to survive without the use of magic?

Twilight headed towards the lake determined to succeed today. She looked up to the sky wondering if Applejack was having as hard a time training as she was. As she trotted towards the lake she thought she could hear Pinkie Pie’s name echoing through the mountains. She smiled knowing today was going to be a good day.