Into the Night

Chapters

Chapter 2: Chasing Legends
Chapter 3: A Shining Example
Chapter 4: Cavern of the Setting Sun
Chapter 5: Mission Impossible
Chapter 6: Shattered Skies
Chapter 7: The Guardian of Everfree
Chapter 8: Rain of Fire
Chapter 1: Welcome to Ponyville
Chapter 9: The calm before the Storm

Chapter 2: Chasing Legends

I've always believed that with enough dedication and practice, you could achieve anything. Even though all the other ponies laughed at my research in Canterlot, I still believe. Even though Shining Armor dismissed my concerns as a waste of time, I still believe. Even though I was shunned by the Princess, I still believe. I will always believe, no matter how many times i'm knocked down, humiliated, left alone in the dark, something good will come out of this. I will continue practicing, researching, questioning everything that just doesn't fit. Even if nopony takes me seriously, even if I become a complete shut in, I still won't give up. There is a way to fix all of this, somepony just has to find it.

Twilight Sparkle continued to run her hoof along the ancient pages of the book she'd been looking for. It was an extremely detailed novel concerning the Legend of the Sun. Although it was considered a filly's tale, many authors would create books such as this, in order to show ponies what might of inspired the original creator, whose name had long since been forgotten. She continued to ponder the thought Celestia? It must be related to the princess somehow. She placed the book back onto the ground as she levitated the crown back over to her, examining it once more.

"This crown certainly isn't common jewelry, but I have to make sure that colt's judgement can be trusted."

She then levitated a small backpack over towards her and slid it over her shoulder, placing both the book as well as the crown inside. She took a deep breath before trotting hesitantly towards the door. She gulped peering down towards the lower left then lower right, memories of the outside weren't that great. SHUT IN SHUT IN, MAD SCIENTIST, COOCOO, she recalled being called such things throughout her entire life, she took in a deep breath then exhaled, a determined expression on her face as she shook herself. "Alright, calm down, you can do this Twilight, it's just Ponyville, nothing too bad." she gulped once more before pushing open the door, last time she'd been out here was to pick up food for her stash 4 weeks ago.

As she took a few steps outside she had a bored expression on her face. She went up to a small metal contraption located at the side of her house, pushing a button that deactivated the barrier surrounding it. She then looked forward, the path led straight into Ponyville, once again that hesitant expression appeared on her face as she lowered her head and proceeded to trot straight into town.

As she walked a steady pace, she could feel the stares of all the other Ponies around her, she lowered her ears, trying to block out the constant gossip that was going on. "Isn't that Twilight Sparkle, Probably just going to pick up more food, It hasn't been a month though has it?" She tried her best to ignore them, but it was harder than it seemed. As she trotted, trying to keep her cool, she accidentally bumped into somepony OOF they both said upon impact as Twilight raised her head to face the pony she'd bumped into.

The mysterious figure lowered it's hood as it was none other than Zecora the zebra. "Oh! Why Twilight Sparkle? Isn't this a surprise!" Twilight sighed, as she just attempted to walk past Zecora with an irritated expression. Zecora raised a hoof grabbing Twilight by her tail exclaiming in curiosity "Now hold on Twilight Sparkle! An event such as this is truly unique, to bring you out here, there must be something that you seek!" Twilight rolled her eyes with a grunt "I don't have time for your games Zecora, let me go!" Zecora let go of her tail, but still wasn't finished with Twilight.

"If that is your wish, I will abide, but I really must know what is it you hide?" Zecora eyed the backpack specifically as Twilight's eyes widened, a panicked expression on her face as she bolted off away from Zecora deeper into town. Zecora called out to her as she ran "I wish you luck Twilight Sparkle, may the infinite night bare you no trouble!" As she continued her sprint she scurried into a small cramped alley between two houses, sliding off the backpack hugging it against her chest. She breathed heavily checking to see that the crown and book was still within. "I gotta keep these a secret, who knows what the lunar guard would do if they found o-" suddenly a small voice cut in "Whoa! Look who came out of the cave!" Twilight shrieked in surprise, jumping middair then landing back on her flank.

The soft yet raspy voice chuckled "chillax, i'm not gonna hurt you or nothin!" Twilight blinked rubbing the top of her head muttering "ouch," readjusting her glasses as she looked at who she'd bumped into this time. There standing on a scooter was a short little filly, accompanied by another filly. "Names scootaloo" she exclaimed as the other chimed in "And i'm Applebloom!" Twilight sighed grabbing up her things and putting on her backpack. "Listen here little filly's it's nice to meet you and all but I have really important business to attend to." Scootaloo and Applebloom merely stared as Twilight readied herself to get on the move again as Scootaloo shrugged "So what's in the bag?"

Twilight uttered in discomfort "Ugh, it's, it's none of your concern!" her voice began to trail off as she muttered to herself. "It's always about the bags, bags bags bags, can't i just be going for a stroll for pony's sakes, yeesh!" she exclaimed as she continued walking. Scootaloo and Applebloom just stared at each other for a few more seconds then shrugged.

As Twilight continued moving towards her destination she took in a deep breath. Looks like things are finally looking up, nopony bothering me, sure i'm still getting a few stares but i should be there in no ti- suddenly a large boom rang out, a siren echoed all throughout Ponyville. Twilight's eyes snapped wide once again as she rushed to the nearest hiding place, a wooden porch leading into a house, she hid beneath it cloaked by the shadows. Oh no, a checkup? Now!? she stayed hidden under the porch as everypony else scurried about, majority of them forming up near the center of town.

Suddenly descending from the sky were squadrons of lunar guards. They all flew down to the pathway, standing firm and in formation side by side. Majority of the ponies of Ponyville gathered up near the fountain as two citizens whispered to each other "Least it's not like fillydelphia, I heard they have these like everyday." the other nodded as suddenly somepony yelled out. "Form up you ponies!" all the citizens immediately stood in place, looking straight ahead. From the sky descended a large white stallion adorned in black armor. He had the tiniest wings and a small military cut to his mane. He was extremely muscular, almost humorously so, he spoke in an intimidating tone "APPLEJACK! STEP FORWARD!"

Exiting from the formation of Ponyville citizens, Applejack stepped forward, an annoyed look on her face. As she continued her march towards the large commanding stallion she grunted "Present Sir," The large stallion placed two hooves behind his back, trotting left to right with his lower lip puckered and a serious expression on his face. "Report!" suddenly a panicked PinkyPie launched herself midair waving her arms "I KNOW NOTHING!" landing back onto the ground as the stallion blinked a bit, confused. Applejack rolled her eyes continuing with her report "All Ponies present and accounted for sir, anypony else is sleeping." The stallion continued "And what of the energy supply?"

Applejack nodded "We could use more energy sir, many ponies are running out of magic supply, it's getting cold and the crops could use more fuel." the stallion laughed "It's only been a few months, how is it you're all running out of power already?" Applejack looked highly upset "Everypony has been doing their best to preserve as much energy as they can but its getting cold and ponies need the heat." The stallion grunted in discomfort "You know the rules, Applejack!"

Twilight remained hidden beneath the porch as she just blinked, eavesdropping on the situation. "Fine! We will voice your concerns to the princess but don't expect any special treatment! DISMISSED!" With that the large stallion flew off as the lunar guards soon joined him following behind. As they left everypony remained in place for a few moments longer, as Applejack was approached by a sad Applebloom. "Applejack, you think the Princess will help us?" Applejack looked off into the distance for a second, seeing the flickering lights from the lamp posts, the luminescent glow all across Ponyville, powered by pillars of strange magic. She then turned to face the citizens as she put on a smile, rubbing the top of Applebloom's head "Course she will sugarcube, the Princess always comes through for us in the end, now hurry along now."

Applebloom smiled softly at her sister then rejoined Scootaloo on her scooter, everypony else had also started to dismiss themselves going about their usual business. As Applejack stood there for a few seconds Pinkie Pie soon bounced over to her chuckling "I knew you wouldn't break silly!" Applejack looked at her confused "What you talking about Pinkie?" Pinkie nudged her playfully "About us being spies now duuuuuh." Applejack just rolled her eyes as they walked on ahead.

Eventually they passed by the porch Twilight was hiding under, Twilight eyeing them as they passed. "We aren't spies Pinkie, we don't even know if that whole second princess thing means something." Pinkie Pie gasped then smirked at Applejack "Oh! I got ya, keeping a low profile huh?" Applejack just sighed as they walked on. Twilight cocked a brow from beneath the porch wondering where'd that little colt go? As they passed she crawled from beneath the porch patting herself off. She then continued walking either way I have to get this to her, she can confirm any doubts i might have.

Twilight had already been walking for a good hour or so, she eventually would arrive at her destination. Finally, she thought to herself as she looked upon the large peculiar home. The house was large, and didn't even look like a house in a way, more like a giant carnival tent. Twilight proceeded inside as the pony she sought was there, sewing, although at the moment concentrating on her sewing machine she spoke out "Hello~ who is it?" Twilight remained silent, an impatient look on her face as she approached the counter the pony worked. "Rarity, I need your help." Rarity's eyes widened at the sound of that voice. She gulped before turning around, seeing Twilight she shrieked in absolute horror "EEK! S-Stay back! I want nothing to do with your experiments!" she backed herself up against a wall before grabbing a broom stick pointing it at Twilight.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a humored expression "I'm not going to experiment on you."

Rarity's teeth chattered as she kept the broomstick fixed on Twilight's position. "D-Don't be daft! I've heard the rumors! What other reason would you come to me?" She gasped "Unless you want to ponynap me! Twist me into one of your dreaded horrid creations? It would be the perfect scheme!" Rarity fell to her back talking to herself in an overdramatic tone, she'd raise a hoof to her head "Ponynapping I, one of the most beautiful, perfect ponies in all of equestria. It's brilliant, of course only you would be able to-" Twilight couldn't help but interrupt "I came because of this."

Rarity looked at Twilight lower the bag onto the ground. Twilight using her magic, hesitating before opening it, then hurriedly rushed to Rarity. She pressed her nose against Rarity's with a serious expression. "This remains between us, got it?!" Rarity squealed in fear nodding. "Nopony else can know about this, not your sister! Your parents! Your closest closest friends, only me and you, alright?" Rarity nodding once more in contempt as Twilight sighed, backing away from her and levitating the bag in front of her, lowering it to the ground.

Rarity kept her eyes fixed on the bag as Twilight flung it open. Rarity rolled her eyes with a bored expression "I can't possibly imagine what can cause such a big deal, I mean really what is there-" Twilight lifted the crown from within the bag as it's shine gleamed across the entire room. Rarity's jaw dropped as she practically drooled at the sight of it. She scurried to her hooves and over to Twilight snatching the crown from Twilight, a small monocole poofing over her right eye. It was just like when Twilight had first seen it, Rarity examined every aspect of the crown in disbelief.

"Where could you have acquired such a fine piece?! This, this, is beyond words, too beautiful to describe!"

Twilight nodded with a pondering expression. "I agree, I was hoping you could fill me in on its origins?"

Rarity laughed pointing to herself "Aha darling, you certainly came to the right pony! If I can't deduce this little escapade of yours, then nopony can!" Twilight smiled a bit rolling her eyes muttering "mhm," Rarity continued examining the crown.

"This is certainly royal craftsponyship, whoever this crown belongs to was most certainly royalty!" She continued raising the crown over her head as she seemed to be pondering many ideas. "I have seen pictures of kings and queens of old, there is no piece unfamiliar to me yet, this one is?" Twilight would lower her back hooves sitting on her flank listening to Rarity as she continued to attempt to deduce the origins. "Whoever wore this was most certainly a larger mare, it's shape does not match the style of any kings." Twilight smiled realizing she certainly did make the right choice.

Rarity continued "As for why she is likely large," Rarity dropped the crown over her head as it easily slipped through swinging around her neck. "I'll let that speak for itself," Twilight nodded approaching Rarity with a smile "Thank you Rarity, I wouldn't have been able to confirm these things without you." Rarity looked at Twilight as if surprised by her behavior, she looked down a bit with a somewhat guilty look then smiling back at her "o-of course darling, anytime!" She closed her eyes giving a firm smile looking upward. Twilight's eyes widened "Oh! I almost forgot, could you also explain this?" Twilight pointed at the center gem with her hoof, Rarity stared at it, focusing on it with her monocle. "No, sadly i cannot, I have never seen a gem such as this before, if i must take a guess i'd have to say it came from the land of dragons."

Twilight's eyes widened at the sound of this, she then slowly took the crown from Rarity before placing it back into the bag. Rarity stared at the crown go into the bag with hungry, craving eyes. "Sorry Rarity, can't let you have this, very important I continue my research." Rarity understood, sighing then looking to Twilight "but still, darling you never answered, how did you come into possession of such a thing?" Twilight headed towards the door as she looked back to Rarity with a sly smile "A little pony let me borrow it!" with that she was gone. Rarity cocked a brow then smiled softly to herself. She most certainly did not match any rumors i've heard. I wish you luck, Twilight Sparkle.

Rarity had certainly provided Twilight with more than enough information to please her. As she trotted back into Ponyville Twilight wasn't afraid to pull out the book she'd been carrying all this time. She continued to trot while flipping through the pages of the book, looking for something in specific. I'm now certain this crown belonged to a queen of sorts, but that colt couldn't have just stumbled upon this, i'll certainly have to ask him about it next time i see him. OOF Twilight shook her head looking up as her book skidded across the dirt, in front of her stood a large black stallion, a lunar guard in specific. "Watch where you're going citizen!"

Twilight in a hurry levitated the book over to herself, then shoving it in the bag. "oh uhm! Yea, sorry about that, clumsy me, haha definitely my fault!" The lunar guard had an angered expression "Is that supposed to be a joke?" Twilight shook her head with the cheesiest smile. "N-NOPE! NO, not at all, sorry for bumping into you, if you'll excuse me i really, gotta, gooooo~" She bolted off into the distance once again breathing heavily as the lunar guard just watched her run off, shrugging.

Twilight slowed her pace as she lowered her head. "Gosh what was a lunar guard doing here, wasn't the checkup over a long time ago?" She calmed herself down before opening the book once again. "Rarity said that the gem likely originated from the land of dragons, according to history books Princess Luna defeated the tyrannical dragons single hoofedly, of course we all know that's where her crescent moon was likely crafted but" She continued flipping through the pages. "That doesn't explain this crowns gem, there was no pony royalty in the land of dragons." Twilight sighed, the more I learn the more I realize a second princess must be real. Yet how does one track down a princess whose practically been erased from existence!?

Twilight had a frustrated look as she searched for any clues in the book. It had been around 3 hours since she told the other ponies to return to her home in 10 hours. She's now convinced there is certainly another Princess, but still isn't certain whether that Princess had any relation to the legend of the sun or Nightmare Moon. That word Celestia, also wasn't much help considering the fact there was no mention of what Celestia even was, just a page with the sun. Twilight sighed heavily looking at the ground placing the book in her backpack, she trotted muttering to herself "I can't expect to head to the land of the dragons, so where?" She sat on her flank, contemplating her next move.

"Hmmm, wait, Celestia, obviously in relation to Celestial" Twilight gasped "Of course!"

She cheered in delight as she pulled out that same book. "Celestia, obviously in relation to the sun or another word for being the sun but that's not what's most important." She flipped through the pages "Everypony considers the legend of the sun a simple filly's tale, but if you look at it from a completely different perspective" she went to a particular page with the sun and moon side by side. She recited the words in her head And so the sun would share the sky with the moon, ponies would gather around to witness the spectacular sight. At the Castle of Filly, in The Tower of Mane, from The Trees of Everfree, everypony would see, the setting sun festivities. Twilight would smirk realizing her next clue as she hugged the book. "of course, the answer has been in front of me the whole time!"

She hurried back home as she gathered more of her things. She was stuffing multiple items into her backpack, vials, potions, books, food "Everything is connected, the colt's word rings true, i can just ask him when they return about how he acquired the crown but now I even confirmed it's related to a princess somehow." Twilight squealed in delight "This is so exciting, what an adventure, I know where we must go to find the next clue, I just have to wait." Twilight smiled looking up slightly, speaking to herself in a soft tone "Oh, second Princess, whoever you are, if you truly do hold the power to bring the sun, I promise, we'll find you."

Twilight smiled looking in the bag at the crown and book "I certainly won't give up now."

As time passed, Applejack and Pinkie Pie would meet in front of the inn. Applejack would look to Pinkie with bags under her eyes as she yawned raising a hoof to her mouth. "Aye, Pinkie did ya get much rest?" Pinkie also looking dreadfully tired, her head lowered as she looked towards the ground. "Not enough," they both looked towards the entrance of the inn. "So wheres the kid?" Applejack yawned shaking her head "don't know, but it's almost time to go see that Twilight." Pinkie let off a moan of discomfort at the thought, soon none other than Eden would appear with a smile on his face obviously having rested quite a bit. "Hey guys," he laughed a bit seeing how tired they were as they weren't entertained by his humor.

Applejack merely yawned "Alright you two, let's get this done and over with then." They trotted to Twilight's house, apparently Pinkie could sleep walk seeing as she followed the two of them with her eyes closed while snoring. As they arrived they noticed that false barrier had been deactivated, Applejack prepared to knock as Eden just decided to do it for her. No more then a few seconds later an excited, anxious Twilight rushed to answer the door "There you guys are! I thought i told you not to be la-" she blinked noticing both Applejack and Pinkie were sound asleep while standing, Eden giving her a cheesy smile "Eheh."

As he noticed Twilight with a large sack of Items he couldn't help but ask "where are we going Twilight?" Twilight smiled at the colt before putting the backpack over her shoulders, struggling a bit in doing so "We, are mmph! Going to the Everfree Forest." she said as she fastened the large bag over her shoulders. Eden cocked a brow "The Everfree Forest? What could possibly be there?" Twilight merely chuckled pushing up her glasses "Our next clue of course!" with an excited expression she made way for the door. Eden laughed "Uhm Twilight, what're we going to do about these two?"

Sleeping in a corner was Applejack and Pinkie, sound asleep, muttering and snoring. Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes as she trotted over to them, levitating a large pile of books over them then dropping them. As the books crash landed on the two ponies Applejack jumped in surprise "CHOCOLATE MILK?!" Pinkie rising right after, peering left to right "WHERE?!" Twilight had an annoyed look as she sighed. "Comon you two, this trip is far too important for half the team to miss it." Applejack yawned once more looking at them both "You'll have ta forgive me ya'll I guess i needed some more rest." Applejack climbed to her hooves as she nudged Pinkie who kept falling in and out of consciousness. Pinkie said in a exhausted manner "Can't we just hold this off for a couple more hours, pleeeeease?"

Twilight looked up sighing heavily "No you two, this is one of the most important tasks, we've wasted enough time already." Eden nudged Twilight with a saddened look "It doesn't look like we might have much choice in this matter." He pointed to the two ponies who had already fallen back asleep. Twilight groaned as she lowered her bag "I hoped to save these for later, but i guess we'll have to sacrifice two!" She pulled out two large vials of an amber colored substance. She walked over to Pinkie and Applejack, nudging them once more waking them up "Here you two, drink this, it'll wake you up." Applejack smiled grabbing one of the vials "Thank ya kindly," Pinkie snatched the other from her hooves "Orange Juice!"

As they both chugged it down, there was a silence in the room. Both Applejack and Pinkie had looked completely lost as Eden couldn't help but ask "They gonna be okay?" Twilight blinked unsure of what to say "uhm, I think so."

Applejacks eyes snapped wider than ever, her pupils dilated as did Pinkies. She burst to her hooves, practically bouncing all over the tree house. "What in tarnation are we sitting around here for?! We got a trip to make don't we! YEEHAW!" She burst out the front door as Twilight and Eden merely blinked with shocked expressions. They cringed at the thought of what Pinkie would become as they looked back to see how she was doing "She's gone?" muttered Eden. Twilight cocked a brow as suddenly Pinkie called out from behind them "Nope here I am!" They turned around quickly as when they did she was gone once again. "Wha-" suddenly she called out from behind them again "What'cha ponies staring at!?" Both Eden and Twilight embraced each other from the surprise as Pinkie moved at such speeds it looked like she was teleporting.

"On second thought, now i'm not so sure," exclaimed Twilight with a nervous yet cheesy smile.

As the lunar guards formed up in Canterlot, practicing their march in front of the black citadel, Nightmare Moon was busy in her throne room. She stood, surrounded by large panels of decorated glass. The glass was etched with peculiar designs, some would assume these were meant to be key events or places in the Princess's life. She stared at one glass panel in particular, it depicted a large black mare with striking resemblance to the Princess, standing over what seemed to be a large pool of complete darkness. She gritted her teeth somewhat, this was not what irked her, what upset her was the fact that also in the glass panel was a small yellow piece. It had a circular shape to it and rested in the center of the dark pool, Nightmare Moon squinted her eyes at this, as she suddenly heard somepony approach.

She shouted in her loud intimidating voice "Who dares disturb me?!"

The visitor showed no fear and wore a cowl to mask her appearance. When she spoke, it was obvious she was female "Forgive me for disturbing you your highness but, my sources tell me there are four ponies in particular heading for the Everfree forest. It was my judgement that this would be something you wished to know."

Nightmare Moon squinted her eyes as she'd raise a brow. "Four ponies? Ponyville locales?"

The visitor continued "Two of them yes, although one is actually from here." Nightmare Moon questioned her in surprise "Oh here? I know of all my subjects, which one is it?" The visitor grinned "Twilight Sparkle, your highness."

Nightmare moon gasped "Twilight Sparkle?! And tell me, what of the fourth?" she demanded.

At this point the mysterious visitor shook her head. "I know nothing of this fourth pony your highness, he must come from a land quite far from here."

Nightmare Moon shook her head "No matter! My student, I want you to follow these four ponies into the everfree forest, I have taught you much, if they find anything-" the visitor revealed as a student of Nightmare Moon cut in. "I know what I must do, thank you for this privilege your highness," she bowed "If i find anything of your concern i'll be sure to take care of it." Nightmare Moon sighed before shooing off the mysterious mare "Very well then, now begone! I have much business I need to attend to." The mysterious mare nodded, leaving the room.

Nightmare Moon continued to stare at the giant glass panel, a hint of discomfort in her eyes "Whatever it is you've planned, it will not work, dear sister." She trotted over to the balcony, staring off into the distance once more "Twilight Sparkle, to think she'd show her face after such an event." The princess chuckled softly to herself "either way, she best hope I do not become personally involved in this matter, that would be quite, unfortunate."

Meanwhile as they were approaching the entrance into the Everfree Forest, one could hear the chattering of somepony's teeth. Twilight first looked to Applejack and Pinky Pie up ahead "YEEHAW! LET'S ROCK!" Applejack yelled as she rode on top of Pinky Pie, who paced like a dog as her flank was continually whacked with Applejacks hat. Twilight then shook her head looking behind her, Eden was cowering as he looked into the everfree forest, his teeth chattering.

"Hey, nothing is gonna happen to you, not while i'm here," she exclaimed with a smile. Eden nodded "Alright, I just don't do so good with large, dark, creepy forests." Twilight laughed "there are much worse things to be scared of little pony." She nodded as she continued down the path, as did Eden, trailing behind Applejack and Pinkie Pie who were already further ahead.

Not far behind them stood the mysterious mare, the student of Nightmare Moon. Her face was still concealed by the cowl, she grinned as she watched the four ponies descend into the dark forest. Without saying a word, she vanished, disappearing into thin air, as if she were never there at all.

Chapter 3: A Shining Example

Things have been getting much harder recently. I don't know how long it's been since i've seen Twilight face to face. I cannot give up now though, not after i've made it so far, sacrificed so much. The Princess has been acting very strange recently, I cannot deduce why exactly, but I think I'm finally getting somewhere. If I can just keep this going awhile longer, I just might be able to prove you weren't crazy little sis. I wish I could tell you what I'm really up to, but I just can't, you'd do anything to help and I can't allow that. I promised i'd keep you safe, take care of you, no matter what the cost. Just wait for me Twilight, and soon we can be together again in that sense you've dreamed of for so long. You're not crazy, the odds are just stacked against you.

As Shining Armor stood on the peak of the highest tower in the area, the scenery looked much different from Canterlot. He wasn't surrounded by medieval architecture, but more peculiar things, houses made of thick clouds and identical buildings all around it. No, this wasn't Canterlot, this was the city of Cloudsdale, home to the pegasi. The city however looked fortified, locked down, it looked more like a military bootcamp rather than a home to all the Pegasi of Equestria. As Shining Armor looked at all the ponies below, training and practicing their wing speeds across the course, he had a contemplative look on his face. He looked as if he were dwelling on something quite personally, giving it much thought, as he was approached by another pony from behind. As a sign of respect, this pony would salute him before speaking "Shining Armor, sir!"

"At ease Rainbow Dash, you know you don't have to act like that around me." he said with a dull expression.

The other pony revealed as Rainbow Dash laughed a bit, she wore knightly armor with a strong resemblance to Shining's. "Haha, sorry, it's kind of become natural and all," she shrugged.

Shining continued to look down towards the other ponies as he let out a deep sigh. "Rainbow, how is everypony else doing?" Rainbow looked at him, quite confused by what he'd meant. "What do you mean sir?" She questioned. Shining looked to her "I mean is everypony in high spirits?"

Rainbow cocked a brow, she was still confused, "uhm yea, sure I guess."

As Shining proceeded to look down at the view of Cloudsdale he spoke in a soft reflective tone. "When I was a colt, things were much different back then, as you can expect Magical energy wasn't as easily harnessed as it is now." Rainbow lowered herself, no longer flapping her wings as she stood next to shining, just looking up at him. "You can actually say things were a bit chaotic, compared to the system we have today." Shining looked up with a slight smile, muttering "Aha, I remember it like it was yesterday."

There he was, a younger version of himself as he stood looking at his father touch his horn to a large glass orb as it glowed with a blue aura. The much younger Shining couldn't help but ask in his heightened voice "hey dad, what is it you're doing exactly?" Shining's father smiled looking down at him as he proceeded to trot around their home, repeating the orb process. "Ensuring were comfortable for the days ahead Shining." Shining raised a brow "and lighting orbs will do that how?" His father laughed as he spoke while continuing the process. "You see Shining, a lot of Ponies depend on our unicorn magic, it's what brings light, warmth, and power you see." Shining blinked, attempting to follow what he was saying.

Shining continued to listen as he sat, "without it, a lot of ponies would go cold and hungry." He smiled at Shining, approaching him rubbing the top of his head as suddenly Shining's mother entered the room. "Don't say those types of things to him love, he's still but a colt." she exclaimed with a worried look.

As she entered the room she lowered herself gently, she had a rounded belly. Shining's father approached her as she smiled looking up at him, he peered down towards her belly placing his hoof gently on it. Shining merely stared at his parents curiously, not exactly sure what they were doing. Suddenly she spoke "It's an equal effort love," she looked at Shining with a gentle smile. "We may provide much of the energy Shining but it's the pegasus's job to transfer it to ponies that may not have much of a unicorn population." She closed her eyes taking a deep breath then continuing "earth ponies also help in the effort, they use the energy provided to help plant and grow crops."

Shining's father smiled "well said sweetie," she chuckled "well thank you love, rrk!" she uttered in pain. Shining's father rubbed her belly gently again as Shining approached the two of them with a worried expression "what's wrong mom? Are you okay?" She looked at him with pain in her eyes but a smile "y-yes, i'm fine darling, your sister is just being a little feisty," she uttered humorously. Shining lowered his head closer to her belly as he exclaimed "hey! sis if you're in there stop moving! You're hurting mom!" His father laughed rubbing the top of his head. "Calm down now Shining, she's just eager to meet her family is all."

Shining's father smiled, "come on sport, I got something to show you." His mother smiled "you two have fun," as she lowered her head back onto the carpet. His father exclaimed as he lead Shining towards the front door "just give us a few minutes sweetie, we'll be back in a jiffy!" She laughed softly "take your time, i'll be fine love." Shining and his father exited the house, as they did they trotted along the streets of Canterlot. The beautiful city was lit with power, the streets a vibrant yellow color as strings of orbs decorated the terraces above. In the distance one could see the castle where Nightmare Moon resided.

As they trotted, many Canterlot unicorns were also enjoying themselves. The air had a calming wind and the warmth could be felt from the powered orbs, some were out dining as others were just taking a stroll, much like Shining and his father were. As they trotted, Shining's father took him to a particular spot at the edge of the city, it was a large platform, much like a balcony. As his father came to a halt, so did Shining, he then sat pointing up at the sky with a hoof. "You see that Shining?" Shining blinked a bit, confused by what exactly he was pointing at "see what dad?" he laughed "everything, Shining."

Shining raised a brow then looked back up "yea i guess, but what's so important, I don't get it?" His father smiled looking down at him. "You see Shining, this world we live in, it's beautiful, such as the stars in the vast night sky. They shine, glimmering down over the rivers and lakes, the terrestrial fields of grass." Shining laughed a little giving his father a humored look "alright dad I get it, the world's beautiful haha."

His father shook his head "no, the thing is Shining, this world is so beautiful, it can often be very deceiving. There are things out there, hidden in plain sight, deep in the darkness." Shining looked at his father, a hint of fear in his eyes "dad? What's this abo-"

He then moved to the front of Shining, lowering himself and placing a hoof on his shoulder looking into his eyes. "Shining, me and your mom may not always be around to protect you and your sister." Shining listened, that same look of fear in his eyes. "I want you to be strong for her, as if you were a second father. No matter the cost you must always protect her okay? You have to ensure the both of you are safe, promise me that." Shining then shook his head, that hint of fear disappearing, as he gulped then nodded. "Of course I will dad, I promise" his father smiled "alright sport."

His father laughed as he stood back to all fours stretching "Now let's hurry back, your mom might be worried!" he exclaimed as Shining laughed following close behind "Alright!"

As months passed, it was only a matter of time before that fateful moment would arrive. Shining stood outside the waiting room, trotting nervously left and right as did his father who was practically in the fetal position, rolling around on the floor in circles. Shining who was just as nervous couldn't help but laugh however "dad calm down, i'm sure she's just fine." He burst to his hooves, grabbing Shining's face "just fine? JUST FINE? Shining you're just a colt, t-this is way too big for you to understand! Oh I knew I should of made her eat some more I just kne-" suddenly a pony nurse entered the room with a gentle smile on her face raising a hoof. "Oh hello uhm, sir! If you'd come this way please, your wife and child are ready to see you." He gasped as he was so excited he ran in middair for a few short seconds, bolting past the nurse and towards the room where Shining's mother resided. Shining just rolled his eyes, trotting along at a steady pace.

"Isn't she just lovely darling?" muttered Shining's mother. His dad was practically speechless, when soon Shining entered the room. He looked at Shining signaling him over "S-She's gorgeous sweetie...our beautiful little mare, come on over Shining, say hello to your little sister." Shining trotted over, slowly and quietly, there wrapped in a small blanket was a little purple foal, sleeping peacefully. Shining's mother spoke in a soft tone "What should we call her love?" His father merely shook his head "i'm not so sure just yet." She smiled, slight tears in her eyes "isn't she just beautiful, look at that lavender coat she has" she muttered. His father continued "and look at that mane, it stands out just like the streets of Canterlot, with that soft twilight hue."

Shining blinked a bit, as he just said straight up "How about Twilight?"

Both his mother and father's eyes snapped wide, surprised looks on their faces. Shining's father looked at him shaking his head with an embarrassed expression "haha oh no Shining, that was just a word she reminded me of-" Shining interrupted looking down at his newborn sister "I don't know, I kind of like it, it seems fitting." He smiled at her muttering "Twilight..." as his mother took notice of that, looking up at her husband "It does sound surprisingly fitting love." He looked down at both Shining and his newborn daughter as he smiled softly "Twilight huh, alright then, Twilight it is."

Shining smiled up at him as both his mother and father laughed softly. She however continued "Twilight, my little Twilight Sparkle." They noticed she added on the Sparkle but didn't question it, as it was also extremely fitting for the name. Shining smiled at his little sister "Twilight Sparkle" he said softly, as his voice trailed off.

As months then years passed, Twilight would soon be coming into her own, although at this moment she was still just a little filly. She cried out, complaining utterly "Shining, do we have to do this?" Shining looked at her, also looking a lot older than before, he held a ball in his hoof. "Yes Twilight, it's important that you practice your use of magic daily, a lot of ponies depend on it you know!" he exclaimed. Twilight let off a moan of discomfort "fiiiiine," she crossed her hooves staring at the ball. Shining tossed the ball into the air as Twilight easily took control of it, levitating it all around the yard. "Great job Twilight, wow you really have a knack for the telekinetic school you know." He pointed at her somewhat with a smug look "that takes a really strong mind and lot's of talent."

Twilight used her levitation magic to bounce the ball onto the ground continuously, she placed a hoof on her chest looking up in pure confidence. "Well I have studied a lot you know!" Shining chuckled a bit approaching her then rubbing the top of her head "I know you little tyke! Haha fine come on then, you don't have to practice today." Twilight lit up with joy as she hurriedly trotted over next to Shining as they both entered their home.

As they entered, they all sat together as an entire family at the table as their father questioned "So Shining, how'd our little Twily do?" Shining spoke in a tone as if he were impressed "Absolutely amazing, i'm telling you pops she's like a prodigy for somepony her age." Twilight blushed as she ate her food as their mother laughed "Alright you fanponies, hurry up and eat your food before it freezes over." suddenly there was a hard knock on the door.

Shining's father smiled "wait here everypony, i'll get it" as he answered it was a pair of lunar guards. Twilight, Shining and their mother remained silent as hopefully they'd leave soon. As he conversed with the lunar guards they soon nodded and left, he shut the door behind them. He sighed heavily sitting back at the table "I swear, these darn checkups have been getting so tedious lately." Shining nodded "yea, they really need to have more respect for privacy" he exclaimed in an annoyed manner. His mother pointed at him with a fork slightly "Now come Shining, they're only doing their jobs, it's what's best for everypony" she replied as she continued to eat her food. Shining rolled his eyes "yea i guess."

As they all went upstairs to head to bed, Shining accompanied Twilight into her room. He called out to their parents "Rest easy mom, dad!" they responded saying "have a good rest!" as Twilight climbed into bed scurrying then snuggled herself into her blankets and smiled at Shining "read me a story Shining."

Shining smiled as he levitated a book from her counter over, whispering quietly "what do you think I came in here for?" She chuckled as he opened the book, going through the pages. "Hm, let's see, ah! Here's one, it's one of my favorites, The Legend of the Sun." Twilight blinked a bit, surprised "you never read that one to me before?" Shining shrugged as he looked up slightly "I don't know, guess I just never got around to it, but it's a good story so listen closely." Twilight leaned up a little as she began listening to him tell the story.

After some time, Shining neared the ending "and so the light would fade along with the sun. Then the moon would rise, gracing us with a harmonious night." He'd close the book as Twilight would blink "w-wait! so why doesn't somepony today just make the sun?" Twilight questioned as Shining laughed. "Twilight the sun is a massive orb of energy and light, nopony has enough magic power to pull something like the sun off, not even the princess," he uttered.

Twilight then looked at Shining puckering her lower lip "but then the world would be so much happier, we'd have no need to use so much of our magic!" she complained. Shining smiled at her "that's the point of filly's stories Twilight, to make you little tykes happy, now go to bed, I'll see you in a few hours."

As Shining exited the room shutting off the lights and closing the door behind him, Twilight just stared at the ceiling. "The Sun..." she muttered to herself before turning to her side and closing her eyes.

As time went on, Shining himself would eventually join the lunar guard. At his initiation ceremony his parents would embrace him in a tight hug "congratulations son," his mother smiled "you'll do great!" Shining laughed as he saw Twilight approach as well, a sly smile on her face as she raised a brow "wow hard to imagine this is the same Shining that claimed to somewhat despise the lunar guards hmmm?" Shining blushed lightly as he gave a cheesy smile whispering to Twilight "haha, come on now Twilight this is my ceremony, and mom was right, they're just doing their jobs."

Twilight chuckled as she nudged him softly "I'm just kidding you big goof, no need to get all offended." Shining ruffled her mane as he smiled looking at his fellow guards converse amongst each other at his ceremony. "To become a lunar guard is to receive one of the highest honors, we are the guardians of the night, who knows one day i might even report directly to the princess." Twilight scoffed at him sarcastically "don't get ahead of yourself now." Suddenly all the lights in the room shutoff, they were currently in a public sector in the Princess's castle, suddenly a pair of lights would focus on a stairway towards the back of the room. Descending from the stairs would be Nightmare Moon herself as immediately everypony in the room would bow. Twilight would stare for a few seconds, her jaw dropped as Shining would forcibly push her head down.

The light's would all come back on.

"Rise my faithful subjects!" to this Nightmare Moon would repeat, stomping a hoof. "I said RISE!"

Immediately everypony rose as she then called out "Shining Armor, step forward at once!"

To this command, Shining obeyed, rising and approaching the Princess cautiously. As he arrived at the foot of the stairs he lowered himself once more out of respect, she smirked down at him. "Quite impressive, for somepony so young to make it into my fleet, I see a bright future for one such as yourself Shining Armor."

Shining kept his head lowered "thank you for your humble words your highness, I will serve you to the best of my ability."

Nightmare Moon nodded then doing a shooing motion "yes yes, that you should, anyway aren't you going to introduce me to your family? I am quite eager to meet them."

Shining rose to his hooves as he turned around then nodding at the crowd. Soon his entire family would exit the crowd, approaching the staircase as they stood next to Shining, who soon began to introduce them one by one. "This is my father, mother and my little sister." Nightmare Moon looked curiously at Twilight with a slight smile, who looked back at her with a highly nervous expression. "What do you plan to do for the empire little one?" questioned Nightmare Moon.

Twilight nervously spoke, a stutter in her voice "u-uhm, i'm not so sure yet..." she muttered. Nightmare Moon raised a brow as if she were offended by her answer as Shining immediately chimed in "W-WELL, she's very talented in magic your highness, I believe she might be a prodigy amongst her peers." Nightmare Moon still had that curious expression "a prodigy hm, very bold choice of words Shining, now then let's test that theory shall we?"

Shining Armor would gasp as Nightmare Moons horn would begin to glow a pitch black color, a massive sphere of magic at the tip of her horn. Twilight and the rest of his family would stare in awe as suddenly Nightmare Moon would fire the sphere straight towards Twilight. Shining called out to his sister in a panic "NO!" as Twilight reacted on impulse, suddenly surrounding her was a identical sphere, or more like a bubble surrounding her entire body. Nightmare Moon's spell would shatter upon impact with Twilight's shield as her eyes would widen.

Shining would snap angrily at the princess "Your Highness!" Nightmare Moon would chuckle looking down at Twilight "oh calm yourself Shining, I knew she would be able to counter such a meager spell. This still does not prove she is a prodigy but it certainly proves she is quite talented." Both Shining's parents would also be gritting their teeth angrily at the princess, but holding their tongues for the moment. "Now don't be so crude, I would never have hurt your darling little girl."

Twilight smiled as she released her own spell smiling at her family "It's fine everypony, really, I could feel the amount of energy put into the Princess's spell upon impact, she isn't lying, I was never in any real danger." Shining sighed with relief as he rushed over to Twilight embracing her in a hug as did her parents. The rest of the ponies observing the event just stared as Nightmare Moon spoke once more "sorry for having to break up such a touching moment but I must say, Twilight Sparkle you are indeed talented, would you care to join my personal class? I believe you'd make an excellent student."

Twilight's jaw dropped as did her parents, Shining merely stared at the princess with a baffled look. Twilight nodded in agreement, her eyes wide, glimmering with joy "o-of course princess! I would be honored!" she lowered herself. Nightmare Moon clapped her hooves "Excellent then, but you will have to compete with many other ponies, only one of you in the end will be able to become my student. Two initiations in one gathering, how amusing. Now if you'll excuse me my subjects I must be off, I have important business to attend to, enjoy the rest of your, squabbles." POOF

With that Nightmare Moon vanished into thin air, leaving some dark essence behind where she once stood.

Shining sighed approaching Twilight "are you sure you want to do this Twilight?" Shining Armor looked at her with a worried expression as Twilight nodded eagerly "are you crazy Shining, of course I do, this is the princess were talking about!" She exclaimed "all those other ponies call me a bookworm and geek, this is my chance to show them what it's worth!"

Shining smiled gently at his little sister as she spoke on about the subject, he cut her off as he laughed a bit "Alright, I understand, but i want you to be careful, the Princess's methods can be a bit harsh as you just experienced."

Twilight shooed him away "Bah! That was nothing, I had that in the bag, you saw."

As their parents approached her dad uttered "Twilight, it's as Shining said, you need to be more careful from now on, i'm not so sure I want you doing this." Their mother nodded "yes, you must be cautious Twilight, I don't know what i'd do if you were hurt."

Twilight chuckled "i'll be fine you guys, you don't have to worry so much okay?"

Time only continued to flow as on a quiet moment in particular, Twilight and Shining would be at home, eating their food as their parents would begin packing their things. Twilight raised a brow as she looked at them gather their suitcases "oh are you two going on a romantic getaway?" their father would sigh heavily as he dropped one of the suitcases in front of the door "Oh I wish, but sadly it's just business, it seems the northern kingdoms are low on power." their mother continuing "yes, so as you know consisting mainly of earth ponies, they requested some Canterlot unicorns." their dad sighed once again "So me and your mother along with a few others will be heading out there under the Princess's orders, it should only take us a few months, you two take care of each other while were gone okay?"

Shining cut into the conversation, he looked quite disappointed "Alright, we'll be fine, I wish I could go to assist you guys but the guard is keeping me here, seems we got lots of drill sessions coming up." Twilight looked down shaking her head "and I got my studies I need to focus on."

Their mother laughed "oh it's fine you two, were more than capable of handling this, we won't be the only ones you know." Shining nodded "I guess that's true, but you guys be careful up there." They nodded to him "we will," as they said that they opened the doors and levitated their suitcases. They took one look back at their children before waving goodbye "love you Shining, Twilight! Take care of each other" exclaimed their mother as their dad smiled closing the door. Twilight and Shining merely smiled going about their business, continuing to eat.

Twilight was cheerful in the times ahead as her studies with the princess seemed to be going swell. She was a little peeved about all the competition she had alongside her during her studies but it wasn't so bad. Mother and Father were still out in the northern kingdoms as Shining also seemed to be doing great in the lunar guards. Life seemed to be just fine, although other ponies still considered her a weirdo and bookworm she was still studying under the princess who was pleased with her skills. Twilight smiled to herself as she trotted, she looked up at the starry night sky "lovely, as usual."

As Twilight was eating dinner with Shining, she looked at him with a annoyed expression. Shining attempted to ignore her for a few minutes until he felt compelled to ask "What's wrong with you Twilight?" Twilight groaned as she began levitating her fork, rotating it a bit over her plate "when are mom and dad coming home, it's been forever." she exclaimed looking at him with a hopeless expression. Shining sighed as he continued to eat "you know they're busy, they'll be back the moment they're off, you know they're too kind to leave those ponies without power." Twilight sighed "yea it's just I wish sometimes they'd think more about themselves for once, they're always helping others..." Shining smiled at her "that's what good parents do Twilight, it sends the right message to their kids." Twilight groaned once again "I guess," Shining laughed a bit "fine if you really want to state your opinion to them, just send them a letter, i'm sure they'll get it in a few hours time."

Twilight smiled happily as she clapped her hooves some "of course Shining! haha I'll get to work on it right away!" Shining laughed a bit continuing to eat as Twilight just headed straight upstairs and into her room.

After about 48 hours Twilight would finally complete her perfect letter. She'd stare at Shining who'd just roll his eyes, humored by how excited Twilight was who was basically bouncing in place in front of the mailbox. Shining did the honors of opening the thing as Twilight immediately shoved it inside, closing it right after. She actually began to open the mailbox then close it continuously, groaning every time she still saw the letter, as if it would actually arrive to them in mere seconds. Shining burst out laughing as he rubbed the top of her head "let's go, they'll get it when they get it alright?" he exclaimed as Twilight trotted next to him away from the mailbox, her head lowered with an impatient look. "I know, I know, I just have to wait is all."

As Twilight was returning home one day after her sessions, the city lights seemed a bit more dimmed than usual. Twilight continued to trot softly along the empty streets of Canterlot as she shivered a bit "ugh somepony really needs to recharge the orbs," she uttered. As she walked she saw a old newspaper glide across the street, some ponies in the distance going into their homes. It seems with many of the ponies absent helping in the north, magic supply was a bit on the low side. As Twilight approached her home she noticed Shining standing outside with two lunar guards, they wore peculiar armor meaning they were likely higher ranking officials. Twilight raised a brow as Shining had a somewhat shocked expression, his eyes were wide as he stared at the two officials.

Twilight slowly trotted over, calling out to him softly "uhm Shining, you okay?" she questioned. Shining blinked a bit as he looked over to Twilight, the two lunar guards lowered their heads closing their eyes as Shining shook his head. Twilight approached him hesitantly as she had a worried look "w-whats going on?" Shining gulped before then putting on a brave face, looking Twilight dead in the eyes. "Twilight, it's about mom and dad, you see, there's been an accident."

As Twilight listened to what he had to say, her heart sank, tears filled her eyes as she lowered her head. She merely trotted straight into Shining resting her head against him softly as she sobbed. Shining wrapped a hoof around her comforting her, as the lighten orbs flickered in the distance.

Since the news a few more months had already passed, Shining was now a higher rank in the lunar guard, but Twilight still wasn't coping so well. Shining came home one day to find Twilight once again, locked away in her room as she was studying and working on the subject of energy conservation. Shining knocked on her door softly "Twily, you okay in there?" Twilight called out to him in a cheerful tone "o-oh! Yea i'm fine Shining, just studying!" Shining sighed as he then proceeded towards his own room "Alright, wait, isn't your closing ceremony later? Have you already decided what you're going to ask the princess about?"

Twilight remained silent, ignoring his question. Shining sighed as he just entered his room, shutting the door behind him. Meanwhile Twilight remained at her desk, she now wore rounded glasses as her mane was quite torn and misshapen, she'd looked like she hadn't been out in awhile. She was messing around with many substances, mixing them as she began filling glass orbs with them. She kept muttering to herself "no no no no, still not enough..." She continued to mix the components and ingredients as soon some of the vials and orbs exploded. She coughed while getting flung back, slamming against the door, some of her books and other homely items falling off their shelves. She sighed as Shining called out to her "TWILIGHT?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?" he yelled from outside the room as Twilight replied "y-yea, i'm fine!"

Twilight slowly climbed back to her hooves her body trembling as she did so. As she saw what a mess her room was, she noticed a piece of broken glass laying upon her wooden floor. She picked it up, as she stared at it her reflection stared right back at her. She saw how much of a mess she'd became, but she didn't care, she had a dull expression, bags under her eyes as she placed the small piece of glass on her desk. As she prepared to sit down once again she couldn't help but notice a damaged book that had fallen from her shelf. She peered at the text The Legend of the Sun she slowly trotted over to the book, leaning down as she picked it up. She began to flip through the pages, running her hoof along the pictures of the sun and moon. She smiled gently at the pictures as her eyes began to swell, filling with tears. She then turned the page, looking only at a picture of the sun, bright and yellow in the center of the page.

"If only you were real, then everything might of been different." she muttered. She then took in a deep breath, exhaling as she noticed out of her peripheral vision a family photo nearby. It laid on the ground, the glass shattered as the picture remained unscathed. In the photo, Twilight was a little filly, Shining not even in the lunar guard yet, their parents each standing next to their respected genders. Twilight's dad had his hoof around Shining as her mom had her hoof around Twilight, the stars decorated the background. Twilight stared at the picture for a few seconds before biting her lower lip, quivering, she slowly hugged the book and picture to her chest. As she did this she thought to herself Mom, Dad...

The tears rolled down Twilights cheeks as she laid on the floor, gently sobbing to herself. Outside her room stood Shining, who was prepared to knock again but overheard her in her room, he took a few steps back quietly, lowering his head then re-entering his room.

Sometime, Shining proclaimed to Twilight in a hurry "Twilight! If you don't get there soon the princess will be highly upset!" Twilight was rushing as fast as she could "I know Shining I know alright?" She looked like she hadn't slept in forever, she gathered up a bunch of papers and files into her bag as she rushed downstairs and out the door. Shining looked at her run off towards the castle as he just sighed closing his eyes and shaking his head.

As Twilight finally arrived, everypony else was already gathered. They all stared at her awkwardly as she was breathing heavily, trying to get to the front of the room. As she got there she saw the Princess was already situated, along with all her other possible choices aka Twilight's competition. Twilight went to where the others were as she sat next to them. A blue mare in particular nudged her "about time you showed up, sparkle." Twilight grunted "tch," as Nightmare Moon coughed "Ahem, Now that we've all finally arrived it's time to finish up the closing ceremonies!"

All the other Ponies cheered, stomping their hooves creating a loud clapping commotion. Nightmare Moon then raised a hoof, immediately all the stomping stopped, she then focused her attention on her likely students. "Now then, I will have each of you step forward and proclaim something important you've learned while under my dashing leadership."

After a few minutes it would obviously be Twilight's turn. Shining armor would smile at her as she approached the Princess, another pony backing away as Nightmare Moon would nod to that other pony. "Well said young one, you have a bright future ahead of you, aaaah Twilight Sparkle, you look like you've seen better times." Nightmare Moon would chuckle. Twilight smiled at the princess nervously, bowing before dropping her bag "y-yes princess, i've been very uhm, busy," she'd give a cheesy smile as Nightmare Moon would role her eyes with a sigh. "Now Twilight Sparkle, what is it you'd like to tell us you've learned?" Twilight would pause, having a serious expression as there was a long silence in the room.

Shining had a worried look as Twilight looked back up at the Princess "Something important i've learned is, is, that this world just isn't good enough!"

The crowd would gasp as Nightmare Moon's brow would twitch slightly before she muttered "come again?" Shining armor would have a speechless expression, covering his face with his hoof.

Twilight peered towards the ground with that same serious look "I learned, that although we have a beautiful world, and a working system, there's still just too much that needs to be fixed princess." She'd look up at her with a saddened look "We rely utterly on magic, ponies are still going hungry and cold in other regions of Equestria. I, I've been researching, about the legend of the sun-" Ponies began muttering amongst each other, many of them laughing as they heard Twilight mention the sun. Twilight continued rummaging through her disorganized files "there are key points in the sto-" suddenly Nightmare Moon cut off Twilight with laughter.

First it began as a light chuckle, then it only grew and grew until she was laughing maniacally. She looked to Twilight "So let me get this straight Twilight Sparkle, instead of showing your grateful for receiving such an opportunity, you question the way I run my empire, then proclaim the solution lies in an old FILLY'S TALE?!" she exclaimed, her voice boomed nearly shattering the windows.

"You are delusional Twilight Sparkle, the sun does not exist nor will it ever. You need to stop obsessing over children's stories and learn to grow up. You have disappointed me and your fellow ponies with this display." Twilights expression sank as she began to tremble, her peers trying to contain their laughter. "You have failed utterly and you will no longer show your face in my presence, do you understand?" Twilight muttered, tears filling her eyes as she feared to look back at the large crowd, absolutely refusing to look at her peers "but if you just-" Nightmare Moon roared "DO, YOU, UNDERSTAND?!" Twilight backed away lowering her head "yes..." Nightmare Moon snarled, stomping her hoof "GOOD, NOW BEGONE!" Twilight quickly snatched up her things as she turned and trotted towards the exit. She pushed her way through the crowd who let off light chuckles as Shining tried to grab his sister "T-Twilight!" he called out. Twilight didn't hear him and just ran further into Canterlot, refusing to look back.

Shining scowled angrily at the princess who just scoffed looking towards the upper left. Long after the opening ceremony was over Shining made his way up towards the throne room. He had a dark look upon him, anger and hatred fueled his very being as he wasn't even considering keeping his cool. He soon arrived at the large throne room doors, as he proceeded inside, he then called out "Princess I-". He then stopped himself and hid behind a obscure statue. He remained silent, the princess was arguing with herself?

Shining remained still and silent as he peeked a bit further down the throne room, the Princess was trotting back and forth frantically, a infuriated expression on her face as she was yelling about something. "What a humiliating display! And from a petty little mare no doubt! I spend so so long, perfecting everything and then here she comes barging in here with her what? RESEARCH?" Nightmare Moon then proceeded towards one of her large glass panels as she stared at it. "Gone from existence, erased from time yet, you still continue to pester me all these centuries later..." She then began to chuckle as she stomped a hoof, then looking up laughing with her eyes closed. "Look what you've been reduced to! A filly's tale! A mere filly's tale!" Nightmare Moon then shot her glance towards the same glass panel as it shattered. "YOU, WONT, GET OUT" Shining continued to eavesdrop as Nightmare Moon sighed. She then made her way towards her balcony, looking off into the distance, Shining took this chance to make his escape out the same doors.

As he scurried down the stairs he breathed heavily Who was she talking about? he pondered in his head. Shining made his way out of the castle and back home as he heard Twilight upstairs rummaging through her things. Shining went up there as he debated about telling her what the princess said, he opened his mouth then paused No, you can't Shining, this is far too dangerous, w-whoever she was referring to, she'll stop at nothing to- he closed his mouth. He then approached Twilight who was going through her papers sniffling. Twilight looked up at Shining, rushing over to him grabbing him by his armor. Shining looked down at his little sister with cold eyes I have to kill this idea, here, and now.

Twilight spoke to him in a weak, raspy tone "I, I'm not delusional Shining I swear, please, j-just take a minute to look at my theories, they make sense if you actually take some time to-". Shining backed away raising a hoof "No, Twilight." Twilight looked at him with a blank expression at first, as if she weren't hearing him right "but shining I-" Shining cut her off once more "Twilight, I told you that story a long time ago because I'd hoped you'd take it for what it is, a filly's story..."

Twilight's eyes widened at him as she began tearing up again, she lowered her head, looking ashamed. "I never imagined you'd become obsessed over it," he looked at her with a guilty expression. He continued "I know mom and dad's deaths have been hard on you, but insulting the princess? This is taking it too far Twilight." Twilight looked up at him, utterly crushed be his words as she bit her lower lip. "You need to let this whole sun thing go Twilight, you're chasing after legends, its a complete and utter waste of time!" he proclaimed with a motion of his hoof.

Twilight backed away, more tears just flowing from her eyes as her head was lowered and her eyes closed, she was silent. Shining sighed "pack your things, I'm getting you away from this place, staying here will do you no good." Twilight looked at him, shocked as she shook her head "what, you're sending me away? W-Where will i go? Shining, wait please!" She rushed over to him as he raised a hoof "I'll arrange for your transport, theres a small village not far from here, you'll remain there until you get your thinking straight and that whole performance of yours has died down."

Shining turned around exiting her room, taking a look back at her one last time "It'll also give you time to get over mom and dad, take it as a blessing Twilight, you could sure use one." He shut the door on his way out as Twilight just stared blankly for a long while, she soon would fall to the ground and cry to herself out loud.

Shining paused as he heard her on his way downstairs, a look of remorse covered him entirely as just as quickly as it appeared, he just as quickly shook it off. Shining then had a cold, calculating look, as he continued trotting.

Hours passed as Twilight stood at the gates of Canterlot, a chariot of lunar guards awaiting her. She had her things packed as she just proceeded towards the chariot, remaining silent. Many other ponies around her chuckled at the sight of her as she just entered, shutting the chariot door behind her. One of the lunar guards spoke to Shining "sir were ready for takeoff," Shining nodded as he looked at Twilight who just stared at the chariot floor. The gates soon opened and they proceeded out, Shining sighed looking at the chariot fade into the distance, he muttered "sorry Twily."

Shining would then make his way to the Princess's throne room, Nightmare Moon would sigh looking at him "have you come to scold me Shining Armor? If so get it over wi-" Shining interrupted "No I haven't your highness." Nightmare Moon would raise a brow at him as he continued "I've come to apologize for my sister's erratic behavior earlier, and also to tell you she's left town for the time being to dwell upon what she's done." Nightmare Moon smiled "Oh? I see, impressive Shining, I didn't imagine you to see reason when it came to family matters." Shining nodded "Thank you your highness."

Nightmare Moon smirked at him "Very impressive, outstanding work, Shining Armor."

Shining Armor blinked, he looked back down realizing he'd stopped telling a story halfway through and was merely reflecting on past memories. He noticed pegasi were still training down in the courtyard below, he peered to his left slightly to see a snoring Rainbow Dash sleeping on her back. He rolled his eyes then nudged Rainbow Dash lightly,"hey get up."

Rainbow stretched upward then blinked a bit, yawning and flapping her wings as she flew beside Shining looking at the pegasi below. "Aaah, sorry Shining sir, it's just that story was getting really boring..." Shining smirked at Rainbow, humored by her personality. "It's fine Rainbow, anyway did you have anything else to report?" he questioned. Rainbow saluted before shaking her head "No sir! Nothing is out of the ordinary, all pillars were delivered on schedule and the pegasi are training hard." She smiled widely at Shining before giving him a hooves up. "I see, carry on Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow saluted him one last time "Sir yes sir!" with that Rainbow flew down to the courtyard at an incredible speed. She proceeded by yelling at multiple training pegasi, encouraging them to push themselves harder.

Shining smiled as he turned around approaching his Chariot, he sighed with his eyes closed as he thought to himself Looks like everything is clear in cloudsdale, off to- VRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM! Shining looked back, his eyes snapped wide with a shocked expression. What?! The siren?! A level 6!? How?! Headlights all around cloudsdale began to spin, the city's main lights shutting down. Shining trotted over looking down at the courtyard once more as Rainbow seemed just as puzzled. She flew around frantically giving orders to other pegasi.

"You hear those sirens! Move move move, form up in the center everypony!" Rainbow squinted her eyes How do we go from fine and dandy to a threat level 6. Suddenly a large black chariot would descend down into the center of Cloudsdale. Shining would continue to peer down to see what all this commotion was about. Rainbow would raise a brow as would every other pony as they saw the chariot doors swing open. As somepony stepped out Shining's eyes would widen, surprised expressions washing over every other pony's face as well as Rainbow's when they saw who it was.

"You?" Rainbow questioned with a confused tone, a hint of discrete in it as well. "What're you doing here?"

Her cowl still raised, it was Nightmare Moons student. She chuckled "That is none of your concern Pegasi."

She passed Rainbow smiling "Now shouldn't you be moving pillars?" Rainbow gasped as she raised her hoof about to punch the cowled pony right in the face "Why! I OUGHTA!" a random pegasi grabbed Rainbow holding her back. "calm down now Rainbow," he said.

Rainbow gritted her teeth as the cowled pony proclaimed "Put a leash on that dog."

Shining called down to the Cowled pony, impatient "What are you doing here?"

The cowled pony chuckled "I'm securing my prisoner for interrogation of course."

Shining raised a brow "Prisoner?"

As the cowled pony smirked she called back to the chariot "You can bring her out now boys!" Shining peered towards the chariot as his expression sunk. It was as if his whole world had shattered, there exiting the chariot, with chains around her hooves and cuts, bruises, scars, alone and determined was none other than,

"T-Twilight?"

Chapter 4: Cavern of the Setting Sun

And so I was like "wait what? No way! Then she was like, yes way then I was like no-". Wait, wait wait wait, it's my turn already?! Wow I don't even know what to say! I never really been allowed to be the narrator before! I mean, everypony always says nopony would want me narrating because what? I talk too much? Isn't that what narrators do? Talk talk talk talk talk talk, I mean really? Why Applejack doesn't give me a chance is beyond me, YEESH! I mean at least i'm not being a party pooper like the rest of these- wait what, out of time? WE JUST STARTED! Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! Uhm, brush your teeth! File your hooves! Don't stay out past dark, wait it's always dark. Always look both ways before crossing and, just between you and me! I don't think Applejack really likes the taste of apples....LATERS!

As they trotted steadily deeper into the Everfree forest, Applejack and Pinkie Pie seemed to have calmed down by now. They all trotted along a surprisingly simple dirt path that led them deeper into the unknown. Twilight raised a hoof over her eyes, squinting off into the distance, still, nothing but darkness. She sighed as she looked down while trotting along, Eden couldn't help but approach her, asking with a worried look "What's wrong Twilight?" Twilight just looked to the lower left, she uttered in disappointment "well we've been walking this path forever, and it seems to be getting us nowhere.."

Pinkie Pie bounced over to Twilight, "what are we doing here again?!"

Twilight looked over at Pinkie in slight annoyance "were heading towards the next clue Pinkie." Twilight would then open her sack and levitate the book out flipping through the pages "if i'm right, the next clue to finding the Princess should be in here somewhere, we just have to keep searching, i'm sure of it."

Applejack raised a hoof and brow "not to burst your bubbles yall but walking along some dirt road don't seem like much searching to me." To this Twilight groaned "I know Applejack, but you can't expect us to just waltz right into the heart of the forest!" She came to a halt pointing her hoof at the dark trees to the side. Eden and Pinkie just hid behind Applejack cowering as Twilight pointed this out. Applejack rolled her eyes as she eyed the two cowering ponies behind her, she muttered "point taken."

As they continued to trot Twilight did look down in contemplation however. Ugh but Applejack is right, we can't just keep walking this path forever, this forest is huge, the old festival ruins could be anywhere.

Suddenly as Pinkie and Eden were conversing up ahead, Applejack decided to approach Twilight. Applejack looked a little hesitant at first but finally spoke. "Hey Twilight, why don't you ever come out often?"

Twilight's eyes widened as she lowered her head, looking embarrassed "ha, maybe it's the fact nopony wants anything to do with me and they all think i'm crazy?" Applejack raised a brow "Now that just aint true! Looky here?" Applejack wrapped her hoof around Twilight as they trotted along. She pointed another hoof towards Eden and Pinkie, where Pinkie at the moment was trying to tear off the colt's mane.

"Sure Pinkie can go a little overboard sometimes, but she does that with everypony!" Applejack exclaimed. Applejack then let go of Twilight before smiling down at her "and for the record, I don't think you're crazy, sure you can be a bit different sometimes but that's what makes a pony unique."

She then sighed looking at Pinkie who was still tormenting the blue colt "I mean just look at who I hang with!"

Twilight couldn't help but smile a little as Applejack continued "and that little blue fella," Applejack paused as Twilight merely stared at him up ahead. "He came all the way from manehattan just ta see you, ta him, you were the last pony he could turn to." Twilight smiled up at Applejack with guilty eyes.

"Thank you Applejack..." she muttered. Applejack smiled "No need to thank me."

Suddenly Pinkie let off a screeching yell, Applejack and Twilight stopped then peered forward with wide eyes. Surrounding the two frightened Ponies up ahead was a pack of, "Timberwolves?" questioned Twilight.

Applejack had a horrified expression as she immediately began rushing towards the two surrounded ponies. "Hold on you two! I'm coming!" Twilight held out a hoof calling to Applejack "WAIT! Applejack, I have an idea!" Applejack halted as she had a worried expression glancing back at Twilight "Well you best hurry sugarcube, them wolves don't look like they fancy waiting!" while Eden and Pinkie just embraced each other while their teeth chattered. The Timberwolves continued their approach, licking their chops as they did so.

Twilight then began to tap her hoof lightly against herself as she pondered her idea. She smirked with confidence as Applejack merely chewed her hoof in a nail biting motion nervously. Twilight called out to Eden and Pinkie "Yell you two!"

Eden and Pinkie raised brows at one another as Pinkie yelled at Twilight "Are you crazy?!"

Suddenly the pack of Timberwolves all halted, lowering their heads, they seemed much more hesitant in their approach. Twilight smirked "stomp your feet! Make loud noises!"

Pinkie looked utterly confused as Eden shook her "comon Pinkie, hurry act like a dragon or something!"

Pinkie's expression lit up "A dragon?! I can be a dragon!" Pinkie suddenly let off a loud roar as the Timberwolves whined, backing away from them slowly. Eden let out a sigh of relief "It's working," as Pinkie continued to roar. Applejack took notice of this and rushed into the situation herself "Yea you mangy mutts! GET GET! GET OUT OF HERE!" she yelled fiercely as she stomped her hooves into the dirt.

Soon the Timberwolves turned and ran in fear, scurrying back into the forest as Applejack approached Twilight. "Quick thinking sugarcube, them wolves ran off like a bunch of lil'filly's." Twilight shrugged with an embarrassed smile "Oh it was nothing I just-" Pinkie tackled Twilight hugging her and sobbing like a newborn foal "OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH, I THOUGHT I WAS DONE FOR, THEN THEN, WAAAAAH." Twilight smiled patting Pinkie, "you had it all along Pinkie."

Pinkie immediately stopped crying then smiled "I know," then continued bouncing down the path. Eden then approached Twilight with a smile "thanks again Twilight, you really are amazing." Twilight turned slightly red as she rubbed the top of his head "oh it was nothing, just a study on Timberwolves I did back in Canterlot, apparently loud noises scare them." Eden just smiled up at her "well it worked." He then continued trotting.

Twilight had a cheesy smile as she lowered her head looking embarrassed as Applejack winked at her.

As they all continued down the path, they still weren't running into anything too peculiar. The four ponies were conversing amongst each other enjoying themselves. They were telling humorous stories and ultimately having fun. Twilight smiled as she looked at the three of them, she seemed to be reflecting on things. These three ponies didn't constantly call her a book worm or claim she was a shut in. As they got to know her, things only got better. It wasn't like those times in Canterlot.

As she walked at some point Twilight placed her hoof over her chest this feeling? she thought.

Soon the four ponies came to a peculiar stop in their travels. The path cut off?

Twilight then had a shocked expression as she pulled out her book and flipped through the pages "What, a dead end? This isn't right, something is terribly off here."

Applejack just looked around the area, the dirt path just stopped, they were in what appeared to be a small patch of open land completely surrounded by forest. The only path was the one back. Twilight shook her head, she looked completely puzzled as Eden and Pinkie were just playing tic tac toe with sticks and rocks. Applejack approached Twilight with a somewhat confused look "uhm Twi, there's nothing here." Twilight sighed "I know, I'm trying to figure out what's the matter, I mean if there was a festival, I'm sure ponies weren't required to run blindly through the forest to find it. There has to be something i'm missing." Her eyes widened as she then peered towards Eden who cheered "haha I win!" as Pinkie gasped "What?!"

Twilight then rushed to the blue colt lifting him with a shocked look "I can't believe I totally forgot to ask, where did you get the crown?!" Eden blinked a bit laughing then shrugging "oh of course Twilight, you see that's a long sto-" Applejack interrupted as she pointed to the trees up ahead. "Twilight! Something's comin!"

Large booming footsteps could be heard with a fierce growl to follow. The trees were being pushed aside like nothing, whatever was coming, it was big, and it was fierce. Twilight gulped as Applejack had a fearless look, Eden and Pinkie once again embraced each other trembling. Coming out from amongst the trees was a large blue bear, it's body in the form of the constellations. Twilight muttered in disbelief "an...u-ursa minor?"

Applejack just laughed, stomping a hoof in front of the large bear. "HAH! Watch yourself big fella! We may look small but we make an unstoppable team." Twilight was trying to signal Applejack to stop from behind but Applejack wasn't paying any attention. All of her attention was focused on the bear.

"So you best run along now, before we decide to get all serious on ya." As the Ursa Minor just blinked at Applejack, she shrugged "Well, fine then, you wanna play hard ball that's your choice!"

Applejack smirked looking up at the Ursa Minor "So Twilight, what's the plan this time hm?"

Twilight spoke in a very low, barely audible tone with a squeak in her voice. "Run..."

Applejack burst out in laughter, barely able to contain herself as she looked down shaking her head. "Haha, you funny Twi, anyway, seriously, what's the plan sugarcube?"

Twilight gulped repeating herself "Run, definitely Run..."

Applejack raised a brow "I beg ya pardon?"

Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs "RUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!"

Applejack's expression sunk "oh," with this the four ponies then bolted to the left, into unknown territory of the Everfree Forest. They just sprinted as fast as they could as the Ursa Minor roared, chasing after them in pursuit. Applejack snatched up Eden throwing him onto her back as Pinkie bounced like a rabbit powered on methane. They just ran and ran, the bushes and branches blocking their lines of sight and smacking them in their faces along the way.

"Any idea where were heading?!" screamed Applejack. "NOPE!" screamed Twilight. Pinkie chuckled calling out to them "This is so exciting!" as Eden shrugged, then clinging onto Applejack's mane.

As they sprinted they all came to an unfortunate slope, tripping and tumbling down the bumpy sides. They happened to fall straight into a deep dark crevice in the ground, as they fell into the darkness they screamed, their voices trailing off as they disappeared from sight. The Ursa stopped at the slope, sniffing then looking down, seems he'd lost his prey. It turned around snarling a bit as it went back in the direction it came, perhaps it's home deeper into the forest.

As they fell, Twilight looked around, they were falling too fast for her to identify anything. She saw Pinkie who was just laughing swinging her hooves as she fell and Applejack who was screaming as well as Eden. Twilight's horn began to glow as she casted thin barriers around everypony. This protected them from sharp rocks along the sides of the walls. As they fell for practically an entire minute, they actually hit water. Twilight gasped, bursting her head out breaking the surface of the rapids as she noticed majority of the things in her bag were gone. She coughed looking around as the strong current was forcing her to move with it.

They were in a deep underground cavern it seemed, it was large and spacious, the rocky ceiling a towering distance above. Twilight didn't really have time to think but she couldn't help but wonder Where are we?. Her eyes then widened as she'd remembered The others! she looked around as best she could but the powerful rapids threw her around like a rag doll. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Applejack who had a good hold on the colt. Twilight coughed then yelling "Pinkie?!" Pinkie then passed Twilight, actually backpedaling with her hooves through the Rapids. She waved at Twilight "Sup!"

Twilight just looked at her for a second, covered her face with her hoof, then just continued screaming.

As the four ponies were flung and tossed through the fierce current, Twilight desperately tried to figure out a way to get everypony out of this situation. She noticed lots of her things floating in the water moving along with them. Twilight then caught a glimpse of THE CROWN!

Her horn glowed a faint purple color as she levitated the crown towards her. She hugged it against her chest as she closed her eyes, trying to think of a plan.

Applejack was breathing heavily as she did her best to keep her head above the water. She noticed Eden was still clung onto her as he had his eyes closed, remaining silent as he just held on tight trying not to look at what was ahead. Applejack spoke in a reassuring tone "d-don't worry sugarcube, we'll get out of this." Applejack then looked around herself, she looked up, nothing but a rocky, cavernous ceiling. She then peered to her right, there it was, a island?! It was ways away but it was still a miracle something such as that piece of land was here in an underground cavern.

Applejack raised a brow, as she looked in the direction the island was in. She noticed the rapids swung around it, like one large circle. It was as if they were stuck in a giant whirlpool and that island was sitting dead in the center of it. She then looked around in the distance, the direction they were being forced to in particular. There were many other alternate paths the rapids would lead them through if they didn't get out of it soon. Applejack gritted her teeth, she wasn't going to take the chance of getting lost in the dark. If they got caught in those tunnels, they might never get out.

Applejack called out to Pinkie "Pinkie! Pinkie!" Pinkie who was still backpedaling turned to look at Applejack with a smile "Yep?!" Applejack took a deep breath then continued "you see anything long in particular, like a rope?!" Pinkie raised a brow and then looked around, she gasped in delight as she saw flinging through the water, long torn pieces of leather, scattered around and twisted. This was most likely what remained of Twilights large backpack, Pinkie smiled tossing it over to Applejack who quickly turned that long torn leather into a reliable lasso.

As they were still being pushed through the rapids, the island in the distance was only getting further and they were only closer to getting pulled down some random passageway. Applejack moved as fast as she could, in the distance she saw a possible route out, the jagged walls of the open cavern had pointy rocks on them, more than enough to pull them to safety. She attempted to swing her lasso at them a few times but couldn't, she was too busy trying not to drown. Eden then peeked a bit, noticing what Applejack was trying to do, his expression lit up as he looked to her "Applejack I got an idea."

Meanwhile Twilight continued pondering what to do as she hugged the crown, she was coming up with nothing. She panicked in her head what do i do, what do i do? suddenly she heard somepony calling out to her. She opened her eyes and saw not far away Eden and Applejack, Eden was using magic to hold the lasso over the water. Twilight immediately caught on and helped keep the lasso up above the water, as they passed by one they quickly flung the noose around the pointy edge of a rock. Applejack smiled, this was her time to shine, she then pulled tight on the lasso pulling her up against a rock wall. She grabbed Twilight who was nearly forced past them while she kept her grip on the lasso with her teeth.

Applejack then looked for Pinkie as did Eden and Twilight. Eden pointed "THERE SHE IS!" Pinkie was still practically enjoying herself as she was coming close to passing them. Twilight yelled to Pinkie "Pinkie grab my hoof!" her voice barely audible over the roaring rapids. Pinkie chuckled reaching out her hoof to Twilight as everyone sighed with relief, Twilight smiling as unexpectedly, SHE MISSED?!

Pinkie's hoof tapped Twilight's but she didn't fully grab hold. Pinkie was flung past the three ponies who now had panicked expressions, Applejack's in particular sunk, her eyes filled with dread. She yelled to Pinkie "PINKIEEEEE!!!" she called out as Pinkie merely continued to chuckle, fading into the distance and then being pulled down another path disappearing from sight, with the rapids, further into the unknown.

Twilight's hoof trembled as she couldn't fully process what just happened. Eden merely stared in the direction Pinkie just was then looked down at Applejack who had a tragic look on her face. She closed her eyes, shaking her head as she grunted, looking ahead with a determined look. She continued to pull them closer to the large piece of land and after repeating the lasso process, they eventually made it. After a long and frightening experience, they finally made it out of the rapids.

As they finally crawled onto the island, they coughed water, breathing heavily, they were indeed exhausted. Applejack stood to her hooves remaining silent as Twilight looked up at her, guilt written all over her face. "I'm, I'm sorry Applejack, I thought I-" Applejack interrupted "IT'S....it's not your fault Twilight, don't you dare blame yourself for something like this," she looked back at Twilight with a weak smile. "Just...just make sure this wasn't for nothing please."

As they all got to their hooves, Eden turned around for a second. He looked off into the distance, watching the raging waters and multiple caverns, then the one Pinkie got pulled into. He lowered his head closing his eyes as a quick tear hit the ground, Applejack walked over moving him along "come on sugarcube, let's go." They all walked, depressed as they began to try to figure out where exactly they were.

After some time Twilight had a frustrated expression on her face, they walked around the large piece of land but so far there was nothing but towering boulders and small mountains. They continued their trek, Twilight looked up in confusion "what exactly is this place? This can't just be some random natural occurrence." She looked around "judging by the landscape, any other crevices in the area would eventually lead you here, but why?" Eden and Applejack remained silent as they listened to Twilight. "Were missing something, but what?" she pondered as she sat. Applejack sighed "seems were also missing something at this point."

Applejack then questioned Twilight while leaning against a boulder "ya never told us exactly what it is were looking for besides a clue Twilight, care to fill us in?" Twilight then nodded "y-yea, sorry about that, now that my book's gone It's best to use outside sources, were all out of options here. What I was hunting for was the last remnants of the setting sun festivals." Applejack raised a brow "wait, like from the story?" Twilight nodded "yes, we've already deduced that this crown is related to some unknown princess, this princess must be connected to the sun somehow, we just have to find her. Apparently the setting sun festival was where ponies would gather to worship the sun and moon at a particular time of year."

Eden and Applejack nodded as they understood what she had to say.

"So if we can find those ruins, then we can perhaps find a clue to how to find the princess."

As Twilight trotted back and forth, after some time she eventually came to a halt, her eyes widened, everything she said flashing through her head as she lit up "OF COURSE!" She then turned around running her hooves along the boulders. She then lit her horn by some, then others, repeating the process until one revealed Ancient Markings? her eyes widened in disbelief. Applejack and Eden looked just as shocked, Twilight smiled in excitement proclaiming "these are the ruins! were standing on them!"

She raised a hoof "This strange island, in the middle of a supposed whirlpool? This is the result of a cataclysm caused by powerful magic, this whole underground fortress! It was buried away practically erased from existence, it's incredible!"

Twilight would prance, looking around "of course, this was hidden! Erased, forgotten, Princess Luna has managed to practically erase all traces of this princess it's only natural she'd turn anything related to her into rubble." Twilight looked down smiling, muttering to herself "I wasn't crazy, i'm not crazy, I'M NOT CRAZY!" she exclaimed happily.

She ran her hoof along the markings "if we can just manage to find a way out and lead everypony down here then we can prove-" Eden interrupted "Twilight?" Twilight smiled at him "yes what is it?" Applejack pointed at the crown which was glowing a radiant yellow, the glow fading in and out like a beeping signal.

Twilight's eyes widened as she grabbed the crown, she studied it for a few moments before Applejack questioned "what's it doing?" she shrugged. Twilight examined the crown intensely as she muttered "I believe its reacting to something." Eden's eyes widened at this, he then looked away hesitantly, he was hiding something. "This way guys," as they walked, they eventually arrived to a more open area, there were more sleek boulders, more like destroyed walls.

Twilight took notice of this, as she walked closer to them, the crown began to glow dramatically. Applejack exclaimed "careful Twilight, you don't know what that thing could be doing." Eden gulped as they continued to trot, as they arrived at a center-point area as Twilight blinked, the crown wasn't fading in and out of it's glow anymore, it was glowing permanently.

Eden and Applejack backed away as a faint rumbling soon began to echo around the cavern, they lowered their heads as the rumbling only got louder and louder. Applejack called out to Twilight "get down Twilight! Looks like we might be getting a big quake!" Twilight shrieked as she lowered her head covering it and closing her eyes as did the other two. Suddenly there was a loud outstanding boom as yellow vibrant rays exited from the crown.

They all eventually opened their eyes slowly but were speechless by what they saw. They slowly stood to their hooves, their jaws dropped as there was a long silence. They were no longer in that cavern, but someplace, indescribable. Applejack uttered in disbelief "this can't be real."

As they stood upon the mountainside of a beautiful land. The colors were diverse, the sky was a beautiful light blue and the clouds were a puffy white. The grass was bright green and birds flew through the sky, animals frolicked through the lands in the distance.

As Applejack felt the warmth on her face, and saw the beautiful condition the land was in, she was at a loss for words. This was what she'd always dreamed of as a filly, a world that could thrive off something such as the sun. A world earth ponies could actually prosper themselves in.

Eden hugged the ground, barely able to contain his overwhelming happiness. Just like in the stories pops

Twilight merely stared as her eyes lit up as she saw what was in the sky, there, large and beautiful, so bright she raised her hoof over her eyes. The Sun

Soon a mysterious voice replied to Applejack. "That's because it isn't..."

All their eyes widened as they immediately turned around on impulse, their jaws dropping at the sight of her. There stood a beautiful, tall, agile mare beyond the definition of majestic. Her long silky mane flowed with the wind, possessing beautiful bright colors. Her coat was a snow white, and she possessed a kind and gentle face.

She spoke in a elegant voice, wise and caring "So you've finally arrived, my little ponies."

Twilight spoke, her voice barely audible, still trying to come to the realization this was all truly happening. "Y-You, you're, you're the-"

The large white mare looked at Twilight as if waiting for her to finish "I am Princess Celestia, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight's eyes snapped wide Princess, Celestia?! as Applejack just came in with a somewhat angered and confused look.

"Now wait just a darn minute! So you're tellin me not only did you know we were comin, but you also know who we are?" Applejack questioned.

Celestia shook her head, walking past the three ponies, then staring off into the distance. "To be completely honest with you, I've expected you ponies for a long time." She continued to look off "ever since that colt over there found my crown."

Applejack and Twilight looked over at Eden who just smiled back at them.

"There is something I must know however, how did you three come to arrive here?" Twilight stepped up shaking her head "I'm not sure Princess, we just took your crown to the Setting Sun Ruins in everfree, then we ended up here."

Celestia looked at Twilight as if surprised then looked ahead once again. "I see, then my time is short, but I still have more than enough to let you ponies know what must be done." She looked up some "I assume my sister is in charge of things at the moment in Equestria. Is this correct?"

They all kind of laughed a little as Twilight shook her head questioning "wait a second, your sister?"

Princess Celestia was not humored, she merely replied "Yes, Princess Luna? She rules over the lands correct?"

Applejack's jaw dropped as Eden raised it for her, Twilight nodding "uhm yes, she is."

Princess Celestia sighed "I see, then this will be that much harder." Celestia turned to face the three of them "My little ponies, what I ask of you is beyond the threshold of difficult, It pains me to do so, but you are the only ones who can accomplish such a feat. To the lands far in the east, you know what lies there."

Twilight looked down pondering what she meant for a second then looking at her questioningly "the, land of dragons?" She raised a brow.

Princess Celestia nodded "you must head there, find a dragon known as Mythos and tell him what has occurred. He will provide you with what you need, I will see you all again, with time."

Twilight shook her head as she looked up at the princess "w-wait, what? Where are you going?"

Applejack spoke as well "please don't go, we need you in Equestria."

Celestia looked down, saddened by their words "I know my little ponies, I wish I could join you on your way back but I must remain here. What you see now is merely a shade of my former self, a drawback of powerful magic, created by the reaction of what you all found. It is only temporary, soon it's essence will fade from here, as will I."

Twilight objected, a hint of defiance in her voice "tell us how to free you!"

Celestia shook her head "only by creating a similar experience such as this, and far more powerful will I even have a minor chance of permanently returning to your world. The true answer lies with my sister, in the heart of darkness. That however, is something you will learn about in time."

Twilight still objected "b-but how can we go against the Princess?! It's impossible!"

Applejack continued "Yea not ta burst your bubble or nothin princess but your sister ain't exactly no pushover, she does got like, a million ponies backing her up, we ain't nothing but a bunch of ponies from ponyville."

Princess Celestia chuckled at this "something i've learned during my time here my little ponies is that, as long as you believe, anything is possible. You all have proven time and again that if you work together, you can accomplish feats beyond your imagination's. With the power of friendship and love, you will never be alone in the darkness. You will run into tragedy, sadness, pain, these things are unavoidable it seems. But so long as you have each other, so long as you continue to not lose hope, there is no force in any world that will be able to thwart you." She nodded to them.

As she finished, the world around them had begun to glow a bright white, eventually everything becoming so bright it'd become impossible to see. Twilight, Applejack, and Eden stared at the Princess as she began to disappear. Trying to focus on her as the world around them faded.

"Ah, it seems it is time for me to go."

Twilight called out to her "wait princess!"

She gave them all one last gentle smile "Each and every one of you has a role to play, and not everything is always as it seems. Do not be afraid Twilight Sparkle, you were never alone."

With that, the princess was gone.

Twilight, Applejack, and Eden opened their eyes to find themselves back in the caverns. They all stood to their hooves, unsure of what to say. Applejack just shook her head "tell me I wasn't dreaming yall," Twilight sighed "you weren't, I think we can all agree what we saw was real." Eden remained silent, he simply stared at the ground, not really sure how to express how he felt about all of this.

Applejack looked at Twilight who had a serious expression. "What now Twilight?"

Twilight looked at them with a smile "you heard her guys, were going to the land of dragons!"

Eden shrugged "but we have to get out of here first."

Twilight nodded looking up at the cavernous walls, and the darkness that engulfed them "that's for sure."

As they trotted, exploring everything about this small island that there was, It took them awhile but they found a possible exit route to the outside. It was pairs of jagged rocks sticking out of the water and stretching across the rapids, they led to tunnel that seemed pretty steep, it was the most likely place to escape. As they hopped from rock to rock one by one, Applejack said in a cautious manner "careful yall, these rocks are real slippery! Fall into that water and you're done for!"

Twilight then trembled as she hopped, muttering to herself "go to your happy place, go to your happy place!"

Eden was doing surprisingly well as he made it from one rock to the other. Soon as Twilight hopped she tripped, letting off a scream, Eden and Applejack's eyes widened as they yelled in sync "TWILIGHT!" Twilight then poofed immediately towards the edge on impulse. She chuckled looking at them embarrassed as she sat on the rocky terrain "hehe, forgot I could do that." Both Applejack and Eden placed their hooves over their faces shaking their heads.

As they all climbed throughout the tunnel, it was only a matter of time before they finally arrived on the outside. Applejack took a breath of fresh air "oh I never been so happy to see that same ol'night sky!" Eden laughed nudging her gently "second to that" They turned around to see Twilight kissing the ground.

As they trotted through the forest Applejack questioned "hey Twilight? Can't we just do what you said, and take everypony down to them here ruins, and show em the markings? Won't that get them on our side?"

Twilight shook her head "sadly no Applejack, I realized a bit after we talked to the princess that that's only a temporary fix to the problem. Eventually the princess would win over everypony again by the same means she used whenever she first became the only ruling princess. No, the only way to end this is by releasing Princess Celestia, then she can make everything right again." Applejack smiled looking up "ah that sun, I never felt anything so nice in my entire life." Twilight nodded with a smile "agreed." Applejack looked down with a saddened look "I'm sorry for doubting you two, I only wish pinkie was around to see it." Eden lowered his head closing his eyes as Twilight nodded "don't apologize, and we all do Applejack."

Twilight smiled as the three of them came to a peculiar spot in the forest. They were basically at the forests edge, it was an open barren field yet all the way to the left of them, was a very jagged cliff. Eden walked over to the cliff looking down, a river far below and trees off in the distance. The forest was more massive than they thought. Twilight turned to face them, a confident expression on her face "but we have one thing now guys! The element of surprise! We can arrange for a trip to the land of dragons, and then-" suddenly a voice would cut her off "I beg to differ, Sparkle."

Eden's, Applejack's and obviously Twilight jumped at the sound of another pony nearby. They all turned around as a shadowy figure emerged from the forest. It was the cowled pony, her face still concealed by shadow. Twilight squinted her eyes at her "Sparkle? Why does that seem so familiar?" The cowled pony laughed leaning her head back "Perhaps because it's your name, you clueless girl!" Twilight stepped in front of Eden and Applejack "whoever you are, i'm not going to let you hurt my friends!"

The cowled pony laughed once more "I have no quarrel with those lowly rebels, you however, you will be coming with me along with that crown." Twilight gasped looking at the crown in her hoof, she gritted her teeth at the mysterious mare "in your dreams!"

The cowled pony chuckled "I was hoping you'd say something like that."

Suddenly Twilight would be knocked back, flying midair from the amount of force put into the mysterious mares attack. Twilight coughed as she skidded across the dirt Telekinesis? she rolled and tumbled off the cliff as Applejack caught her by her hoof and swung her back over onto the ground. "whew close call!"

The mysterious mare laughed "Good catch."

Applejack gritted her teeth as she stomped a hoof "why yoooou-"

Twilight focused as she looked at the cowled pony.

Applejack and Twilight stood together, not far from her as she remained silent. "Applejack, we need to work together, whoever she is, for her to be able to cast such telekinetic force, she is very skilled in magic."

Applejack had a somewhat nervous look nodding "I got you Twilight,"

The cowled pony could only chuckle hearing how seriously they were taking her. "I'm flattered, really, fine, i'll play with you upstarts for a few minutes then we really must be heading back, the princess can be quite the impatient pony."

Twilight raised a brow "the princess? What have we done to upset the princess?!"

The cowled pony just sighed "oh I think you know," Twilight snapped back "No, I don't!"

Applejack stomped a hoof "What, is spending some time in the forest against the rules now?!"

The cowled pony laughed "fine, play dumb all you want, but tell me, what is that crown you have there? What business does four- oh? What is this? There is only three of you now." As she noticed Applejack's expression sink she leaned her head back some "oh, I see, how tragic, either way it makes my job easier."

Applejack was becoming infuriated with the pony as Twilight held her back whispering "calm yourself Applejack, we can take her down but we have to be cautious. I don't know how the princess caught on to us but we can't let her smug persona get to us, we'll be playing right into her hands." Applejack nodded as Twilight continued to whisper "just follow my lead."

Twilight tossed the crown over to Eden who caught it with his mouth.

They continued to whisper as the cowled mare raised a brow. She peered over at Eden who was sitting on the sidelines now holding the crown for Twilight, he just stuck his tongue out at her as she gasped, obviously offended by the display.

As Twilight and Applejack finished discussing their strategy, the cowled pony just scoffed "finally finished?" Twilight smirked as she nodded "oh yea, were finished alright." Applejack smiled lowering her frame "Now sugarcube?" Twilight pointed "yep now is fine," Applejack bolted forward, sprinting towards the cowled mare who just laughed. "Rushing head on against a unicorn? Learn your place earth pony!" She readied her horn as Twilight squinted at her. "LEFT!" she yelled as Applejack rolled to the left, a blast of telekenetic force pushed past the ground like a strong gust of wind where Applejack previously stood. The cowled mare gasped "what?!" As she fired another blast of telekinetic force towards Applejack, Twilight began to sprint herself on the outer perimeter but still keeping a close eye on Applejack, she yelled "RIGHT!" Applejack rolled right, dodging the cowled pony's spell once more.

The cowled pony chucked "let's stop playing games shall we?" As Applejack jumped, preparing to tackle the cowled pony Twilight stood not too far from her side. She readied a magic spell her horn glowing a violet hue! Applejack yelled a few inches from grabbing her "GOT'CHA!" and with that the cowled pony vanished. Twilight's eyes widened Teleportation!

she however continued with her spell blasting it at Applejack, the spell would place a small force field around Applejack, ensuring nothing could get in or out. As the cowled pony reappeared at the opposite side of Twilight, she blasted a beam towards where Applejack was, Applejack's eyes widened as the beam engulfed her position, destroying the very ground around it. Luckily Twilight's shield protected her from the blast.

The cowled pony smiled "nice one." As Twilight appeared above her, using teleportation of her own. Twilight then fired a beam straight down at the cowled pony who merely teleported out of the way reappearing by the cliff's edge. At this point Twilight and the Cowled pony were just firing blasts of magic at each other, teleporting to dodge each others attacks. Eden hid in the bushes while Applejack irked, she yelled at Twilight "Twilight get me out of this thing!" Twilight nodded, too concentrated to speak as she teleported to Applejack's position, tapping the shield quickly as it popped.

Applejack smiled "thank ya Twi-" Twilight yelled "watch out!" Applejack's eyes widened as she rolled out of the way of the blast. Twilight gritted her teeth at the cowled mare who stood at the edge of the cliff. "You are definitely skilled Sparkle, I can't recall the last time i've had this much fun."

Applejack rushed towards her "why you!" she merely teleported out of the way causing Applejack to skid and nearly fling herself off the cliff. She reappeared behind Applejack raising her back hoof about to kick her off, she uttered "you're in the way, earth pony." She kicked towards Applejack while Twilight and Eden gasped "APPLEJACK!" as Applejack smirked, pushing against the ground forcibly turning herself quickly grabbing the cowled ponies back hoof. "About time ya got physical!" The cowled pony gasped "what?!" As she teleported taking Applejack with her. As she reappeared midair Applejack laughed "I'm not letting ya go!" as she pulled on her mane putting a beating to her.

Twilight and Eden cheered "Go Applejack!" as Applejack continued to hold on, the cowled pony was getting highly frustrated, as she reappeared in the middle of the field of battle she gritted her teeth as Applejack prepared to pull off her hood. The cowled pony then screamed as she raised her front hooves standing on her back ones proclaiming "ENOUGH!!!" with that Applejack flew off her as the very air grew thick and heavy.

Applejack stumbled to her hooves, lifting herself up, bruised and cut from the attack. "What, was that?"

Twilight's eyes were wide with horror as she saw the cowled pony possessed something far more dangerous than Applejack and Eden realized. "but that's impossible, thats-" The cowled pony chuckled maniacally "familiar sparkle?"

Surrounding the cowled pony was a black essence, a dark aura, it twisted the very air and placed an indescribable pressure around any too close to it's perimeter. It twisted and writhed as if it were a living thing. Her horn cracked with black lightning.

"D-Dark Magic?" she muttered.

The cowled pony chuckled "yes sparkle, are you scared yet? You know what this is."

Twilight shook her head in denial. "But that's impossible, the only two ponies to ever master dark magic were"

The cowled pony interrupted "yes, King Sombra and our dear favorite, Princess Luna."

Twilight breathed heavily, her eyes widening "t-then that means you're!-"

The cowled pony laughed "does it really come as such a surprise? Come now, i'm highly disappointed I was forced to use this against you, and because of an earth pony no doubt, I'm no longer in the mood for small talk." She raised a hoof at Twilight who froze up, merely staring.

Eden then suddenly came rushing in "Get away from them!" yelling as his horn glowed.

The cowled pony rolled her eyes as she merely swatted the colt away like a fly. He tumbled then flying off the cliff "oops," she chuckled, Eden plummeting down into the river below along with the crown. Applejack's eyes widened with a horrified look "N-NO!" she then rushed over jumping off the cliff herself, diving down into the same river. "What a moron, to take such a risk."

Twilight herself then tried to rush to the cliff "APPLEJACK! EDEN" with a worried look as the darkness stretched from the cowled mare. She shook her head "I, don't, think so" grinning afterwords.

In a few moments Twilight would be laying on the floor, beaten and bruised as the cowled pony sighed "if only you came quietly, all of this could of been avoided sparkle." She then whistled, as a black chariot would emerge from a dark portal. The cowled mare would poof on strange chains around Twilight's hooves then a dark tendril would wrap around the violet mare, tossing her into the chariot.

The cowled mare would smirk, entering the chariot herself as she then flew off, Twilight now her prisoner. Twilight was barely conscious as she peered out the window while laying down. She saw clouds, even some lightning. As time went on she eventually heard sirens, she couldn't hear so well but it sounded like multiple ponies were yelling about something. As they landed the cowled pony exited the chariot with a smile "i'll be with you in a second sparkle."

Twilight could overhear some conversations as the cowled pony walked outside the chariot.

"What're you doing here?" somepony questioned "That is none of your concern Pegasi"

"Now shouldn't you be moving pillars?"

"Why! I OUGHTA!" , "calm down now Rainbow"

"Put a leash on that dog."

"What are you doing here?"

Twilight's eyes widened "S-Shining?" she pondered.

"I'm securing my prisoner for interrogation of course."

"Prisoner?"

As the cowled pony smirked she called back to the chariot "You can bring her out now boys!" as the cowled pony said those words, two lunar guards escorting the chariot came and grabbed Twilight. They forced her to her hooves, making her walk out slowly, as Twilight exited the chariot, bright lights blinded her. She could see the thick blue clouds however, they were so close, where was she? It was pretty cold, as she adjusted her vision she saw all eyes were on her. She looked around as Shining had a look of dread standing on a large platform at a high cloud tower. "T-Twilight?" he muttered.

As Twilight walked down the path, she replayed Princess Celestia's words in her head over and over again.

"Do not be afraid Twilight Sparkle, you were never alone."

Chapter 5: Mission Impossible

When I first joined the Lunar Guard I admit, I should have been more confident from the get-go! I mean you can't blame me though, I was up against practically every pegasi in Cloudsdale! Haha, I remember when I received my first assignment, I was shaking in my armor so much it sounded like a hailstorm! But as usual, In the end I came out on top, because nopony, and I mean nopony, Is as fast as me in delivery! I do owe a lot to Captain Shining though, he always had my back when times were tough. Heck, without him I'd probably still be moving pillars. I'm proud of being a lunar guard, I won't deny that, but my friends will always come first! I will always remain loyal to Captain Shining, to me, his word is just as important as the Princess's if not more.

Twilight squinted as she tried to adjust her vision to everything around her. There were multiple pegasi just staring at her with confused looks, majority of them didn't even know who she was. As she walked, she noticed there were countless headlights all focused on where she was standing. She looked down at the floor, she was standing on a metal platform? The lunar guards nudged her as she continued to walk, she noticed the military like setup the place had as well as the multiple pegasi. Cloudsdale, she immediately thought to herself. The greek style architecture and buildings made of cloud were also a dead giveaway when she could finally see them. The multiple pillars and large interconnecting tubes flowed with magic power, giving the city it's massive energy supply. This allowed ponies to walk on the flat surfaces that were built into the city some time ago, unicorns and pegasi alike, even earth ponies.

If i'm here, then whatever they believe, it must be quite serious. Cloudsdale is meant only for high level threats, I guess it is the perfect place huh? Trapping somepony like me so high in the sky, there is no way to escape. Twilight sighed, looking down in discontent as she was forced along. There is *no way*, i'm getting out of here, sorry Applejack, Eden, you'll have to find a way to the land of dragons without me.

As she was forced down the metal pathway through the courtyard, everypony was still discussing the situation. Multiple pegasi whispered to each other, muttering things such as "Who is she? A unicorn? She looks so young, she's a level 6?" Rainbow Dash seemed uninterested at first, she merely had her hooves crossed as she stared at Twilight accompany the cowled mare. Rainbow then peered up at Shining, this caused her to raise a brow What the? Shining looked utterly shocked. He looked like he was frozen in fear, unable to move. Rainbow then had a worried expression as she looked back over to Twilight. Rainbow pondered for a few moments before her eyes widened.

"No way," she muttered, pieces of Shining's story flashed through her mind. Rainbow fell asleep halfway through but she recalled Shining dwell upon the memories of his sister's birth. Rainbow replayed the scenario in her head, taking away key pieces of the story Violet, Mare, Twilight? Rainbow took one more look at Shining, he was still frozen as she took one more look at Twilight. Rainbow gritted her teeth, an annoyed expression on her face as she uttered "darnit," before bolting up to Shining's position.

As she flew up to Shining she then spread her hooves.

"Mind telling me what your sister is doing as a chained up level 6?!"

Shining shook his head, unable to describe, he merely muttered,

"I...I don't know? She was safe and sound in Ponyville, I made sure, I..I-"

Rainbow smacked him with her hoof "get a hold of yourself sir! We still don't know the entire situation! It can just be a whole misunderstanding." Rainbow placed her hooves on her hips as she flapped her wings, giving Shining a confident smile. Shining looked to the left a few seconds before shaking his head, then looking at Rainbow seriously. "T-Thanks, I needed that Rainbow, you're right! We need to hurry down to the interrogation wing and see just what the heck is going on!"

With that Rainbow saluted him with a smile "heck yea!" as she dashed after Shining who'd already ran to the left, inside a large facility connected to the tower he was standing on.

"We have a lot to discuss on the way." Shining exclaimed as he trotted, having a hesitant, guilty expression.

Rainbow looked at him curiously, just nodding as she followed him inside.

As Twilight and the cowled mare trotted along, the cowled pony simply smiled looking up. "Beautiful isn't it? I simply adore this city, it stands as a symbol, of the empire's power. It's a sign of order, a sign of fear. You will make an excellent addition to the asylum they have here Sparkle." Twilight grunted at this "tch!" as the cowled pony stopped, using her hoof to turn Twilight's head towards her. Twilight looked to the upper left, refusing to look her in the eyes. "Resist all you want, soon you'll be screaming to me all your sad, little, secrets...BAH!" with that she turned Twilight away, the lunar guards still forcing her along.

They trotted steadily atop the long platform, to their left they walked along the side of a very large and fortified facility. It had astonishing pieces of metal as well as cloud construction mixed together, alike. You could tell the facility had many levels considering the fact there were large rectangular blocks sticking out the sides, as if sectioning off the floors. Twilight knew that's where she would be going for the time being, she looked off into the distance of the city, she couldn't really see much from her position but it certainly was beautiful. She could see the gleaming lights piercing into the night sky, the countless towers in the civilian sector of Cloudsdale. There was a large dome in the distance with webbed designs wrapped around it, that was the asylum, Twilight stared at it for a few seconds. Least it looks cool she thought.

Cloudsdale may have consisted of many of the Empire's military bases of operation, as well as Instructional facilities, prisons and the likes, but it was still the home to many Pegasi. It's greek architecture stood out just as much as it's newly enhanced urban buildings powered by magic. Twilight actually admired the sight, even for being in such a crummy situation, she'd still never visited Cloudsdale before. She'd only read about it in books. Sure she wished the circumstances were better but she was still grateful, even after all this. Twilight's concentration was cut off as she heard the cowled mare yell "OPEN THE GATES!"

Twilight's eyes widened as she was forced in front of a pair of large gates. These gates led into the facility once at their side, but they were now standing in front of. As the gates slowly creaked open, Twilight peered up at the massive building, she gulped slightly before being shoved along. They continued to trot as surrounding them were multiple pegasi, outfitted with strange military uniforms. The pegasi have really changed over time. Twilight thought to herself as she raised a brow. They were so militarized now it was as if their traditional ways only remained in whatever old style buildings were left.

Twilight was soon shoved through a pair of doors, it didn't hurt so bad since they were made of puffy clouds. As she trotted through the facility still in chains, many intimidating dangerous ponies were at her side, trapped in cages like wild beasts. They spoke to her in a disgusting manner as if infatuated with who she was.

"Hey there beautiful, mind joining me in paradise? Heh heh heh!"

"Where ya goin? Let's get to know each other!"

"Oh how I'd like some of dat cutie mark!"

"Wait come back! Let me spank that flank!"

Twilight cringed at the sight of them, what disgusting ponies, but she sighed guess it's understandable, I wonder when the last time they saw a female was. Twilight's eyes widened as a pair of lights focused on them at the end of the hall. A robotic voice suddenly called out "I-DENTI-FICATION" Twilight raised a brow once more as the cowled pony spoke "Pony ID: 3494958, CODENAME: Nightmare's Shadow!" Twilight chuckled at that "hehe" Nightmare's Shadow? as the cowled mare snapped at her "SHUTUP!" suddenly a large elevator would rise at the end of the hall. It beeped with a red light, the robotic voice appearing once again.

"WEL-COME!"

As Twilight was forced onto the elevator, she was utterly fascinated with the setup of the place. She'd never seen such advanced technology, was all of this really possible just with the power of magic? The ponies here were so much more different from the Canterlot ponies and Ponyville ones it was hard to imagine they were still ponies. If Cloudsdale was like this, what was Manehattan like, Fillydelphia? Twilight sighed looking down, the Princess's grip on all of equestria seemed ever more firmer now.

How am I possibly going to get out of this?

Twilight then peered at the metal floor she stood upon as the elevator descended deeper into the facility. She then shook her head, having a determined look once more. No Twilight! You can't lose hope, you can't give up! This is why Princess Celestia is counting on you, this world, it's not meant to be this way. This sense of corruption, fear, ponies left alone and forgotten, in the cold, in the dark...we CAN fix this! You just have to not lose faith, not, lose, faith- FREWWWWW! Twilight's eyes widened. The elevator came to a halt, letting off a peculiar noise like a steam-vault.

The cowled pony smirked at Twilight, this level was very different from the others. She looked around, it was so empty, and dark, there was a single door that led to another room. As they proceeded through the door there was a single large table within the room. Twilight blinked a bit before sighing Interrogation. The cowled pony moved to the opposite side of the table as she shooed off her escorts "off with you boys, I can handle things from here." They nodded leaving the room and going back up the elevator as the cowled pony smiled. In the room there was also multiple levitating orbs in each corner, radiating with magical essence. Twilight squinted her eyes as she approached the table then sat, looking into the eyes of the cowled pony. "So who else is watching this?" Twilight immediately questioned.

The mysterious mare shrugged "anypony whose interested, I mean this is their city, i'm just here to deliver."

Twilight glared at her with an annoyed look.

Meanwhile in another part of the building stood Rainbow and Shining Armor. They looked on the pony vision screens, bordered with magical auras, they could see Twilight and the mysterious mare's session. They could also see other parts of the facility such as the prisoner wing, the research wing, the armory, as well as the infirmary. They peered down, in front of them was a large board like desk consisting of many buttons. Shining looked at Rainbow with saddened eyes "I'm sorry for having dragged you into this Rainbow."

Rainbow laughed giving Shining a hooves up.

"It's no problem boss! This seems more awesome than boring old work anyway!"

Shining laughed some "yea, you remember what we discussed?" He raised a brow at her.

Rainbow nodded crossing her hooves "of course, it's etched in my brain entirely!"

Shining sighed lowering his head "hopefully it doesn't come to that...."

Rainbow looked to the lower left as Shining approached the exit to the room, he looked back to rainbow.

"Rainbow, I've been in the guard for a long long time, yet you're still the only pony I feel I can really trust in here. What i'm asking of you is above and beyond the call of duty. You're putting everything on the line for me, and if there was anypony else I could put into your position id do it in a heartbeat. I pray that it doesn't come down to it but if it does, thank you Rainbow, i'm eternally grateful, and, goodluck."

Rainbow just laughed saluting Shining one last time with a sly expression "don't sweat it boss, you'd do the same for me. Well whatever happens, see you on the other side?"

Shining nodded with a confident smile "yea..."

Rainbow closed her eyes some & laughed "we'll be fine, it's me, remember." Rainbow twitched her brow as Shining laughed, then leaving the room "just be careful you goof."

Rainbow was silent for a little while "you to, captain..."

As Twilight and the cowled pony continue discussing things, the cowled pony looked at her hooves as if inspecting them. "You're not worth the princess's time Sparkle, but before this is over i'd just love to know why you were willing to go so far as to roam through the Everfree forest. What was in there that was so very important?"

Twilight remained silent looking at the floor "nothing you'd comprehend..."

This irked the cowled pony as she grunted "what, was that?!" as a long black tendril exited from her back, whipping Twilight on the shoulder violently. Twilight shrieked in pain as the cowled pony stood "remember whose in charge here Sparkle!"

Twilight breathed heavily as the cowled pony continued "now tell me, what was so important?!"

Twilight gritted her teeth at her "what's it matter to you what I do with my life anyway?! All I was doing was relic hunting with my friends and you come and attack us for no reason! There was nothing important!"

To this the cowled pony just scoffed, laughing hysterically afterwords. "Do you really play me for the fool Sparkle?! When was the last time you hung with friends? Oh no no, I think it was far more than mere Relic Hunting, you see, the Princess has been interested in you for a very very long time..."

Twilight raised a brow "the princess?"

As the cowled pony trotted back and forth she nodded "mhm, ever since your humiliating display at the closing ceremonies, the princess has kept a close eye on you. For good reason to, just look at you, a rebellious little pony, going by any means necessary to find a way to dethrone our darling princess, you've broken the boundary of shameful Sparkle."

Twilight yelled in denial "dethrone the princess?! Are you insane!?"

The cowled pony raised a brow "insane?"

Suddenly the cowled pony poofed up some documents, throwing them onto the desk. As Twilight took a second to look at them, her eyes widened, she looked shocked, a stutter in her voice.

"W-Where, where did you get these?"

The cowled pony smirked, gazing to the left slighty "oh, thooose? It seems they must of slipped out while you ponies were making that dashing escape from the Ursa Minor you happened to run into." she chuckled.

Twilight proclaimed infuriated "You lured that Ursa Minor?! What is wrong with you?!"

The cowled pony cackled maniacally looking up before snapping back at Twilight in anger.

"DON'T TURN ME INTO THE VILLAIN SPARKLE!"

Twilight backed away, a little taken back by her sudden intimidation.

"LOOK AT THESE DOCUMENTS, SECOND PRINCESS? LEGEND OF THE SUN? YOU TRULY ARE STILL DELUSIONAL! YOU INSANE PONY MAD MARE!"

To this Twilight raised a brow Delusional? she looked down, smirking.

"Wait, so, what have you told the princess?"

The cowled pony scoffed "You think i'd tell her the details of your insanity? No, you are not worth the Princess's time! All she must know is that you are dealt with, a mad mare rebel, thrown into the asylum for going against her rule!"

Twilight began to laugh as the cowled pony questioned "WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!"

Twilight shook her head smiling "Nothing, I just think it's amusing how you think so highly of yourself." Twilight looked down slightly, good, this means Applejack should have an easier time without the whole lunar empire on her back, that's good, it just ends with me. Suddenly the cowled mare irked as she yelled "HOW DARE YOU, I'LL-" suddenly the door swung open, the cowled mare's eyes widened as Twilight turned to see who entered.

"Shining?" Twilight questioned in disbelief, gazing at her brother as the cowled mare sighed "Oh Shining Armor? Of course you'd be here to tend to your psychotic little sister."

Shining looked at the cowled pony with annoyance "don't you have a report you should be getting to?"

The cowled pony scoffed "hah! I still don't see what the princess sees in you, say your farewells Shining, for the next time you see this mad mare she'll be in the lowest parts of Cloudsdale Asylum!"

The cowled pony then left the room, slamming the door behind her as she took the elevator up, preparing to go deliver her report to the princess. As she left, there was a long pause, Twilight stared at the floor unsure of what to say, Shining just looked at her with a serious expression "what's the meaning of this Twilight? Why, are you here?! As a level 6 at that?!"

Twilight remained silent, looking more guilty as he spoke. "You have to talk to me Twily, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on in your life."

Twilight then yelled at him with tears in her eyes "Is that why you kicked me out?! Sent me to live alone in Ponyville?! So you can know what's going on in my life?!" she questioned.

Shining looked down, he wasn't going to deny he deserved that. He then looked back at Twilight seriously "Twilight there's a lot you don't understand about the situation." Twilight interrupted "yea, I bet." Shining got closer to Twilight as he lowered his head, nuzzling her softly as Twilight looked a bit confused and embarrassed, she blushed "S-Shining?" Shining looked Twilight in the eyes "Twily, you're my little sister, and i'll always take care of you, i'll always do what's best for you but you have to tell me what's going on."

Twilight looked at him with wide eyes, a little hesitant as she sighed then looking at the ground "I...I was looking into the legend of the sun." Shining gasped as he backed away looking highly upset "what?! Twilight, I thought I told you to let go of those darn filly's stories!" Twilight yelled at him in anger "No Shining! They're not just stories, we found something! We talked to the second princess, her names Celestia!" Shining's eyes widened as he raised a brow "what?"

As Rainbow watched from the room Shining left her in, she also looked highly puzzled with crossed hooves as she just hovered, listening to the conversation.

In one of the security rooms, two guard pegasi were chuckling with a bucket of popcorn. One laughed "haha, this girls crazy! 20 Lunarians that Captain Shining sends her to the asylum in the next 5 minutes!"

The other pegasi grabbed a hoof full of popcorn munching on it. "Nope! Watch, he's going to say something really brotherly and stupid."

They watched as Shining exclaimed "T-Twilight, please, don't do this."

The guard merely munched his popcorn "Told ya."

The other guard shook his head watching "poor guy, I don't know what id do if my sister was that nuts."

The other agreed "truth to that, Brohoof?" the other guard tapped his hoof "Brohoof!"

Twilight looked at him desperately as she shook her head "Shining i'm not crazy! I've never been crazy! It's all real, everything, If only I just had a little more time. I...I, I'd never lie to you Shining, you know that."

She looked at him with wide eyes as Shining looked at her reluctantly "I need you to believe in me, now more than ever, I need you big brother." Shining looked at Twilight, a pondering expression on his face as he just sighed, shaking his head then approaching Twilight. Shining then gave a serious look to one of the magic orbs within the room, nodding slowly.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as she then looked serious as well, readying herself to push some buttons.

Shining lowered his frame a bit, to look at Twilight eye to eye, he sighed speaking quietly. "Truth is Twilight, I know you're not crazy, and it pains me to do this, but, I realize now this is what's best for you, no matter how much I don't like it." Twilight looked at Shining worried "Shining?" Shining just continued "I don't know what exactly you found, but I do believe you, you said you needed more time? Well, little sis..." Twilight's expression began to light up "you got it..."

At this moment Rainbow would slam down on certain buttons, suddenly all the orbs in the room would shut down and the screens in the security room would shut off.

The two guards yelled "WHAT?! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!"

Rainbow continued messing with the buttons, soon all the Prisoner doors in the Prisoner section opened. An alarm rang throughout the entire facility as all the pegasi formed up, rushing inside. A commanding pegasi yelled to the others.

"CODE RED CODE RED YOU PONIES!"

Alarms rang throughout the entire sector of Cloudsdale as red lights spun in circles.

RED ALERT! RED ALERT! RED ALERT! RED ALERT!

Twilight looked at Shining puzzled "Shining?! What're you doing!?" Shining laughed removing the chains from Twilight "getting you out of here little sis, what's it look like?" Twilight shook her head "but your career!" Shining smiled at her "not nearly as important as you."

Shining then trotted over to the door as he signaled Twilight "comon! let's hurry!"

They trotted through the doors as Shining called down the elevator. Many sirens and alarms were going off throughout the entire area, it was absolutely chaotic. As they got on the elevator Shining looked to his sister "so where to little sis?" Twilight looked up at him with a smile "The land of dragons!" Shining's expression sunk "what?! The land of dragons?! Do you know how far that is?!" Twilight looked down saddened "yea, but that's where I need to go." Shining sighed "what's in the land of dragons that's so important?" Twilight continued "a dragon known as mythos." Shining raised a brow "mythos?"

They suddenly arrived to their floor as in the halls they saw multiple pegasi fighting off freed prisoners. This pained Shining because he realized with that stunt he was putting many pony lives in danger, but he had confidence in the Pegasi battalion. He then hurried past them who were all too concentrated on the prisoners to notice him or Twilight.

Meanwhile in a more private sector of the building was the cowled pony talking to Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon was on a floating picture, much like a telescreen except more transparent like a portal. She questioned the cowled mare eagerly. This was a way for them to communicate from afar.

"And what have you figured out my student?"

The cowled mare smirked "nothing that should concern you your highness, Twilight has been captured, and the crown she had has been lost in the Everfree, nopony will ever find it i'm sure."

Nightmare Moon's expression darkened as she yelled "A CROWN?!"

The cowled mare suddenly had a look of fear "y-yes a crown your highness but, it was lost, it didn't look like anything too importa-"

Nightmare Moon scowled at the mysterious mare then turned around muttering to herself "that is impossible, how, how did she manage to...MY STUDENT!" She turned to the direction of the cowled mare once more.

The cowled pony's expression lit up "yes your highness?!"

Nightmare Moon raised a brow "you said Twilight Sparkle is captured? Good, I will head over there this instant and then I will-"

Suddenly the alarms rang off in the room as Nightmare Moon questioned "what's happening?!"

The cowled pony looked just as puzzled, "I'm not sure myself?" She then gasped "Shining..."

Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth then stomped her hooves. "DO NOT LET THEM ESCAPE MY STUDENT! MAKE HASTE!"

The cowled mare nodded "y-yes your highness!" as she cancelled the spell, the Princess's image disappearing as she hurried out of the privateroom.

In Canterlot, Nightmare Moon sat at her throne, a pondering yet furious expression upon her. "What have you learned Twilight Sparkle?" she then began casting a spell of her own, similar to the cowled ponies form of communication.

Suddenly, in a small nightclub somewhere in Equestria, three mysterious figures would be conversing at a rounded table. The three figures would laugh and chuckle, telling stories to one another. As they talked, around them the nightclub was quite wild, ponies were dancing on the dance floor and bartenders were serving drinks. Other ponies and creatures alike were just talking or most likely flirting with each other. The three figures just kept to themselves at a corner table with their drinks.

As they were talking one of them laughed "haha, and then she said!" suddenly, small magical devices all on their person began to blink. They each grabbed theirs right away remaining silent as one pondered "The Princess?" the other two shrugged.

As they activated their magical devices, an image of Nightmare Moon appeared in front of all three of them. "You three, I have need of your services," she exclaimed.

One of the mysterious figures spoke in a serious tone "of course princess, but what is it you need us to do?"

Nightmare Moon sighed "I believe that at this very moment, a level 6 pony is making her escape from Blackwing Facility."

All three of them gasped as one exclaimed "YO YO YO, wait, Blackwing Facility?! That ain't possible man!"

Nightmare Moon Nodded "Yes, that's normally the case but due to the unique circumstances of the situation, it seems we not only have a level 6 on the loose, but we also have a traitor in our midsts."

One of the mysterious figures sighed "this is indeed a serious situation princess, what is the state of the facility?" he/she asked this while rubbing his/her head, obviously stressed.

Nightmare Moon shook her head "i'm not sure as of this moment but I believe they are in condition code red."

The three figures all sighed in unification as the serious one nodded "Alright Princess, we'll handle it. Could we get some information on the target?"

Nightmare Moon nodded "A violet mare, unicorn, average with a dark mane, pink and purple streaks."

Another of the mysterious figures questioned "and the traitor?"

Nightmare Moon continued "you need not worry about him, he will be taken care of by other means."

One of the mysterious figures laughed "yo, no worries princess we'll take care of this, you just relax!"

Nightmare Moon scowled a bit at the three "don't be so sure, this pony has come to surprise me time and again, approach the situation with caution, and do not, fail me..."

With that Nightmare Moons message was over.

The mysterious figure who'd just spoke raised a brow "Yo? Was she doubting us?!"

Another of them sighed "No, she was telling us not to treat this as a joke."

The third shook his/her head "I don't know, seemed like she was pretty doubtful to me."

The serious one just sighed once more "comon you two, let's just go get this over with."

With that all three of the mysterious figures rose, exiting the nightclub, one yelled to the bartender. "Yo! Jeeves, cash is over here, were out, PEACE!" he/she gave a peace sign to the bartender who just waved as they exited the place.

As everypony continued to enjoy themselves, suddenly a loud boom could be heard as if three jets just took off. All the ponies in the nightclub paid no attention to it however, they just continued dancing.

As Twilight and Shining rushed outside they paced heavily, running for the courtyard as everypony else continued to hold off the countless prisoners. "Shining where are we going?!" Shining breathed heavily as he answered "The courtyard! I got a plan, don't worry!" Twilight nodded, trusting the judgement of her big brother. As they finally arrived at the courtyard, Rainbow Dash was already waiting, she fastened her goggles as she nodded to Shining. "Nice to see you made it sir!"

Shining smiled widely at Rainbow "likewise!"

The roaring sounds of the alarms and everypony fighting made it hard for them to communicate. Twilight yelled at the top of her lungs "Shining! What is this? Who is she?!"

Shining yelled back "She's a very good friend of mine! Her names Rainbow Dash, she'll get you to where you need to go!"

Twilight gasped shaking her head "WHAT ABOUT YOU?!"

Shining shook his head "i'll meet you there! Don't worry about me!"

Twilight refused "no! I'm not leaving you out here!"

Shining laughed hugging his sister "i'll be fine Twily! Now go, get out of here!"

Rainbow yelled to the two of them, annoyance in her voice "COMON TWILIGHT! WE NEED TO GO NOW!"

Twilight's eyes saddened as she looked at Shining who simply nodded with a smile. Suddenly, teleporting straight into the fray was the cowled pony, she yelled "SHINING ARMOR!"

Shining merely smirked at her as he nudged Twilight "GO NOW!"

Twilight hesitated for a second, before turning away, running towards Rainbow who exclaimed "about time!"

Twilight questioned "where's your chariot?!"

Rainbow burst into laughter, the alarms and sirens still going off around her "HAHAHA! CHARIOT?! Twilight, all I need for you to do is hop on my back and hold on tight!"

Twilight raised a brow doing as Rainbow said, strapping herself onto Rainbows back since she was already wearing a harness it seemed. "Okay but I don't get what your do-WHOOOOOOA!!!"

Rainbow blasted off into the distant sky, away from Cloudsdale and booming like a jetplane, leaving a Rainbow trail behind her.

Suddenly slamming down from the sky, straight onto the spot where Rainbow once was stood the three mysterious figures. The cowled pony's eyes widened "you three?! what're you three doing here?!" Shining turned as his eyes widened as well, shocked.

"No time to explain, where is the level 6 prisoner?!" The cowled mare realized what this meant, she knew the princess found out she lost control of the situation. She hesitated at first then just answered, pointing in the direction Rainbow Dash flew in "She's escaped east! If you go now you will be able to catch them!"

"Them?" questioned one of the mysterious figures as another nudged his/her comrade as he/she readied him/herself for takeoff "no time! let's go!" with that they blasted off like jets, after Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Shining looked at them go with a worried look sorry Rainbow, seems you got a lot more trouble heading your way. Suddenly the cowled mare yelled to Shining whose eyes widened as he turned to look at her, almost forgetting that she was there.

Shining merely smiled at the cowled pony who gritted her teeth infuriated "you will pay dearly for this Shining Armor!"

Shining laughed as if humored "gosh, I remember when you were just a filly. My how you've changed."

The cowled pony yelled at him "shut up! This is no time for jokes, I will punish you for this!"

Her horn began to glow vibrantly.

Shining just smirked at her as his horn did the same "you're out of your league kid."

As Rainbow Dash and Twilight zipped through the sky, you could see the mountainous regions below, Twilight's skin was flailing back due to the speed, tears flying from her eyes as she yelled "SLOOOOW DOOOOOWN!" Rainbow didn't hear her at first as she lowered her head by Rainbow's ear "SLOOOOW DOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWN!!!!!!" Rainbow came to a screeching halt as she rubbed her ear. "Ouch, could of asked a bit nicer you know!" Twilight sighed "comon, we have to go back, Shining is going to need us." Rainbow raised a brow as she ignored that order, just continuing to fly at a steady pace "what? Tch, you know, for his sister you don't have much confidence in him." Twilight was highly offended by this as she questioned "what do you know? He's my brother!" Rainbow suddenly stopped as she now looked just as upset "HEY! I may not be related to him but I care about the Captain just as much as you! So don't tell me I don't understand!" As Twilight listened to Rainbow speak, she looked down in guilt "s-sorry Rainbow, i'm just worried about him is all." Rainbow shook her head as she continued to fly "don't sweat it, listen I've seen the captain fight against countless baddies, and I know he gots what it takes to get himself out of that situation!"

As Twilight listened to Rainbow she smiled, those reassuring words comforting her "y-you're right." Rainbow laughed "of course I am, I always am!" Twilight raised a brow, humored by Rainbow's persona, much like Shining is. Rainbow smiled as she continued to fly "so where we off to Twilight?" Twilight smirked "the land of dragons." Rainbow stopped once again, a little baffled by what she just said "wait, did you just say the land of dragons? Like THE land of dragons? The same land of dragons crawling with the dragon king and all his creepy followers?" Twilight nodded "yep!" Rainbow yelled flailing her hooves "ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Twilight shook her head "nope, actually, i'm not" she looked ahead with a sly smile as Rainbow glanced back at her curiously. Rainbow then just continued flying you have one weird sister boss.

Twilight smirked looking ahead Wait for me guys, I'm on my way! I just hope you make it there before me.

"HALT!"

Rainbow and Twilight's eyes widened as Rainbow turned around, Twilight still strapped onto her back. Rainbow looked shocked as she saw the three figures flying in place before her. Twilight looked confused as they just stared at Rainbow for a few seconds, then they looked just as confused as she did.

"Wait, is that? HAHA it is! Yo guys that's Rainbow Dash!"

The other two figures scratched their heads as the other was ecstatic "YO RAINBOW! WHAT'S UP GIRL!"

Rainbow laughed a little nervously, as she responded "uhm, hey gilda..."

One of the figures revealed as Gilda smirked, the large gryphon female laughed as she was happy to see Rainbow. She had a black jumpsuit on as well as a black pair of goggles fastened over her eyes. "Check her out guys, she already caught the dweeb as well! Awesome, Rainbow, why don't you just join us already?"

Rainbow remained silent, then looking at Gilda with a defiant expression.

Gilda raised a brow "yo Rainbow, what's wro-" she was interrupted by her squad mate "Gilda...."

Gilda looked to her squad mate "what's up Spitfire?"

Another of the figures revealed as Spitfire just focused on Rainbow, a serious look in her eyes. "She didn't catch the target, it's her passenger."

Gilda laughed, shaking her head as she looked at Spitfire as if she were joking "what're you talking about Spitfire, this is Rainbow were talking about here! Haha, comon, tell her Rainbow!"

Rainbow just remained silent as Gilda then mumbled with a look of disbelief "Rainbow?"

Suddenly the third squad member cut in with a confident tone "Sorry to upset the touching moment here Gilda, but i'm eager to get this whole thing over with! Isn't that right, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow looked at all three of them, defiance in her eyes. "So, now even the Shadowbolts are involved huh?"

The third squad member laughed "so you're the traitor, that's a surprise, no wonder the Princess called on us."

Twilight raised a brow The princess again?

Spitfire crossed her hooves as she sighed "Rainbow Dash, hand over the target and you can walk away from this with a clean conscience, defy us and you will be taken down."

Gilda still seemed pretty shocked as she yelled at Rainbow "y-you can't be serious Rainbow! You betrayed the lunar guard for that dweeb?! Who the heck is she?! What the frick- AAAAAH!"

Gilda sighed ruffling the feathers on her head as the third member of the shadowbolts chuckled "what's wrong Gilda? Feeling under the weather since your hero betrayed the princess?"

Gilda snapped at her "SHUTUP LIGHTNING DUST!" Gilda snorted "she's no hero of mine, she's just some lame dweeb!"

The Shadowbolts, Lightning Dust, Gilda the Gryphon and Spitfire, not far from Rainbow dash, confident and serious expressions on their faces. Spitfire sighed once more, as she leaned her head back some.

"So what's it gonna be Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow remained silent for a few seconds before laughing "Hah! You guys talk as if i'm already caught."

Gilda gritted her teeth as Lightning flash squinted her eyes in discontent, Spitfire just had that same expression.

Rainbow readied herself "you guys are going to be left in my dust, just like always."

Spitfire sighed before unfolding her hooves, readying herself as well while focused on Rainbow "very well then Rainbow Dash,......" Gilda sighed as Lightning Dust chuckled "hmph!"

Rainbow Dash smirked at the three of them, as if eager to get this started herself. She whispered back to Twilight "hold on tight now Twilight...its going to get bumpy." Twilight just nodded "okay, I understand." With that Rainbow blasted ahead, shooting through the clouds leaving faint holes in the middle of them, leaving a long Rainbow trail behind her as she did. Her voice echoed as she disappeared "CATCH ME IF YOU CAN! HAHAHA!" fading after a few seconds.

With this, The Shadowbolts fastened their goggles, as spitfire yelled out to the others.

"SHADOWBOLTS! ON MY MARK, 3, 2, 1, LET'S GO!"

They to bolted off into the distance, flying forward at amazing speed, in pursuit of Rainbow, and Twilight.

Chapter 6: Shattered Skies

We are the best of the best. Personally chosen by the princess as a team of the most talented fliers in all of equestria. Our prestige resounding, our talent undeniable. We are the biggest and baddest in the skies, and everypony knows it. Our confidence is not misplaced, we have a right to be smug. To be one of us you have to show dedication, intimidation, attitude, skill, and you likely don't have it. Don't feel bad, not everypony is destined for greatness. So just sit back and watch as we tear up the skies, and if were coming for you just wait on the sidelines. You can't outrun the best of the best, were the Shadowbolts, we'll never be outmatched.

Scootaloo was riding all throughout Ponyville, doing flips and tricks on her cherished scooter. She smirked as she passed ponies, dodging them left and right. They had annoyed expressions as they yelled at her as she continued to nearly hit them "watch where you're going you darn filly!" Scootaloo just laughed "I am!" as she continued to shred. She jumped over obstacles and performed countless feats, her skill was astounding. She smirked for a second, closing her eyes as she rode, can I be anymore awesome-"Scootaloo!" somepony called out as she gasped opening her eyes, crashing into the fountain.

"Scootaloo Scootaloo!" the other pony continued as she trotted over to Scootaloo who was rubbing her head. "ow," she muttered as the other pony stood beside her. "Scootaloo Scootaloo!" Scootaloo protested "what Applebloom?!" Applebloom was attempting to catch her breath, her face filled with worry "have you seen Applejack?! I can't find her, I've searched everywhere!" Scootaloo just raised a brow getting back on her scooter then shrugging "calm down, she's probably just hanging with Pinkie or something." Applebloom shook her head "no, I can't find Pinkie either! And that's just weird!"

Scootaloo groaned rolling her eyes "ugh, calm down Applebloom you're taking this way too seriously." Applebloom lowered head, saddened "m-maybe you're right." Scootaloo rode closer to her nodding "of course I am, comon, let's go ride around, I got a bunch of awesome moves I want to show you!" Applebloom did as she said, wrapping her hooves around Scootaloo.

As they rode, Scootaloo noticed Applebloom was still dwelling on about Applejack. Scootaloo sighed "comon Applebloom cheer up, when you're down it get's me down to." Applebloom frowned "i'm sorry, i'm just so worried, it's not like Applejack to go disappearing on me." Scootaloo gave a reassuring smile as she glanced back "hey, it's your sister were talking about here, she can handle herself." Applebloom shook her head "Applejack told me we'd always have each others backs, It's what's most important, that and teamwork." Scootaloo raised a brow at this, laughing a little confidently "hah, teamwork? That's nice and all but it's all about skill Applebloom." Applebloom objected "no teamwork is! Applejack said skill is important to but it's nothing without working together!" Scootaloo just rolled her eyes "yea yea, I get it."

Applebloom looked down "I just don't get where she could of run off to? How can I watch her back if she doesn't tell me where she's going!" Suddenly Scootaloo came to a halt as Applebloom looked ahead to see why. There standing in front of them was Sweetie Belle and Rarity, each levitating small bags of groceries as Sweetie Belle cheered "hey guys!" Scootaloo smiled "hey Sweetie Belle, hi Rarity!" Rarity nodded at the two fillies. "Hello darlings, out and about I see." Applebloom stuck her head out "Rarity! Have you seen Applejack?" Rarity shook her head "i'm sorry sweetheart, can't say I have." She then looked to Sweetie Belle who also shook her head "no, sorry Applebloom."

Applebloom looked down, saddened once again as Scootaloo felt sorry for her. Scootaloo then shrugged at Rarity and Sweetie Belle "well if you guys see her can you tell her Applebloom is worried sick?" Rarity nodded "will do darling, now come Sweetie Belle, I would hate to have to recharge the pillars before making some dinner." Rarity trotted on ahead as Sweetie Belle chuckled running after her sister "okay, seeya guys! Goodluck finding Applejack!" Scootaloo nodded and waved "thanks! You two have fu-"DOOM!

Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo stopped whatever they were doing and peered upward all at the same time. Scootaloo squinted her eyes "what the heck is that?" it sounded like fireworks were going off during the middle of a thunderstorm. The sound was faint but noticeable, Applebloom blinked staring at the same thing as Scootaloo "i'm not so sure." As Rarity and Sweetie Belle looked up, Rarity eventually looked to her sister "Sweetie Belle, you never told me there was a light show tonight!" Sweetie Belle objected "that's because there isn't!" Rarity looked back up "hmmm, strange, perhaps it was unscheduled."

There, high in the sky was the most peculiar thing. Faint yellow sparks, going off like a trail of explosions, following what appeared to be a rainbow trail. The four ponies just stared up at it confused, unsure what to make it out as. Scootaloo eventually smiled widely, cheering "haha this is AWE-SOME!"

As Twilight clung to Rainbow, Rainbow had a focused expression, going as fast as she could, zipping through the clouds. The amount of force she was creating from her speed was almost unbearable. Twilight could feel the cold wind running along her coat, recreating a similar sensation to when she was forced into the rapids. Her mane was flailing about wildly as she could tell that if she weren't strapped she'd have flew off a long time ago. The sound created by such speed sounded like they were standing next to a waterfall. She peered back as she noticed The Shadowbolts were still on their tail. The lightning symbols on their chests were glowing profoundly, much like those magic devices they activated in the nightclub.

Twilight squinted her eyes, as suddenly from those symbols shot bolts of thunder that flew past Rainbow, Rainbow had been dodging these strange attacks for some time now. Twilight lowered her head towards Rainbow's ear "RAINBOW! THEY'RE USING MAGICAL REACTORS!" Rainbow squinted her eyes, raising a brow "MAGICAL WHAT?" she questioned. Twilight tried to yell so Rainbow could hear her "THEY'RE ATTACKS ARE COMING FROM MAGICAL DEVICES!" Rainbow blinked a bit, confused "WHAT'S YOUR POINT?" Twilight shook her head "YOU CAN'T KEEP DODGING THEM FOREVER! THEY'RE TOO FAST!" Rainbow sighed as she continued to fly "WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE DO THEN?!" Twilight smiled "WORK TOGETHER!" Rainbow looked puzzled once again, just remaining silent as Twilight smirked with a nod "TRUST ME!"

As the Shadowbolts continued their pursuit, Spitfire received a com message from Gilda. These were similar to radios which made it easier for them to communicate to each other if forced into such a situation. Spitfire pressed her hoof against her ear as she spoke "what is it?" Gilda questioned in an impatient tone "how long do we have to shoot at these dweebs?!" Lightning Dust joined in the conversation, her static voice buzzing within the communication device "Yea? I'm getting tired of this!" Spitfire just continued flying, speaking in a calm manner "just keep your cools and remain focused Shadowbolts, they can't keep up this chase forever, we'll hit them eventually." Suddenly Rainbow Dash came to a screeching halt as Spitfire smirked "as I said."

As the Shadowbolts stopped, Spitfire crossed her hooves and stared at Twilight and Rainbow, Rainbow breathing profusely. Gilda and Lightning Dust just flapped their wings beside Spitfire, remaining in place, Spitfire sighed "have you finally decided to cease this foalish act and hand over the prisoner quietly Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow looked at her with a defeated expression, glancing down as if given up hope. She peeked a bit to see what was below as she then looked back to Spitfire. "If I do then what happens to me?" she questioned, Twilight gasped "R-Rainbow!? No!" Spitfire smirked "we'll put in a good word for you, hopefully the princess makes your punishment less severe but I won't make you any promises." Gilda shook her head as if annoyed "what made you think you could get away with something like this Rainbow?! And now just to give up so easily?! I never took you for a coward, you really are a dweeb." Lightning Dust just chuckled humorously speaking in a smug tone "if I were you Rainbow, after handing over the prisoner I'd just keep flying, fly as far away as you can, I could use the warmup." Rainbow just glanced back at Twilight, unhooking her strap, she shrugged, agreeing "sounds good to me, sorry about this Twilight." Twilight gasped shaking her head, a terrified expression upon her "please, wait Rainbow! W-We can work things out!" Rainbow shook her head holding her up in front of her as Twilight just flailed screaming as if scared from the height. "Nope, sorry, I'd rather not go to pony jail, well anyway, here, you can have her."

Spitfire raised a brow "give her to us."

Rainbow Dash smirked with a sly expression "sure thing, catch." Rainbow tossed Twilight at Spitfire whose eyes widened.

As Twilight flailed her arms flying straight towards Spitfire, it was as if the world went in slow motion as then Twilight suddenly stopped flailing about and just smirked as well. Spitfire then muttered "huh?"

POOF! Twilight was gone in a cloud of purple smoke.

The Shadowbolts eyes snapped wide as they peered left and right frantically. Gilda yelled "where'd she go?!"

Suddenly Spitfire looked shocked as if coming to a realization "aaaah, buck..."

Twilight suddenly poofed behind them chuckling "here I am" as her horn was glowing a vibrant purple.

She let off a magical blast that shot straight towards Spitfire, engulfing her left wing and tearing off practically the entire upper left portion of her uniform. This blast also destroyed half of the thunderbolt shaped device on her torso, rendering it useless. Spitfire let off a tormented scream as she immediately began plummeting downward in a trail of smoke in a steady yet frantic descent. Gilda yelled "SPITFIRE!" as Lightning dust grabbed Gilda "leave her! Look!" Gilda looked down, seeing a large lake below them, Gilda looked somewhat worried still as Lightning Dust screamed. "Snap out of it, she isn't a moron, even with one wing she can enter into a steady glide! Our mission still stands! Retrieve the prisoner!" Suddenly their eyes widened as they peered back at Twilight who was still falling. Rainbow then zoomed past them causing them to spin uncontrollably as she snatched up Twilight and flew upward once more.

As Gilda and Lightning Dust regained control of themselves they gritted their teeth looking back at Rainbow and Twilight who was once again clinging to Rainbow, who was just smirking at the two remaining Shadowbolts. Gilda screamed "YOU TRICKED US!"

Rainbow shrugged then smiled "yea, so what?"

Gilda was growing infuriated as Lightning Dust smiled "calm down bird brain."

"She's just messing with your head."

Rainbow and Twilight just smirked, as did Lightning Dust "smart move going for Spitfire, I admit I didn't see that coming."

Lightning Dust shrugged "i'm guessing you think it's easy play now huh? Take out our most skilled member then the other two are just nothing right? Well, wrong! Me and Gilda here are still more than enough to take you two on! Isn't that right Gilda!?"

Gilda smiled "yea, these dweebs got nothing on us!"

Lightning Dust still smirking raised a brow to Gilda "hey, how about a little competition while were at it?"

Gilda blinked "eh?" Lightning Dust smiled looking at Rainbow "first to take them out wins, it's simple, and proves a point." Gilda smirked "and what's that?"

Lightning Dust yelled "that just one shadow bolt surmounts these amateurs!"

The remaining two Shadowbolts then crossed their hooves into an X shape, talons for Gilda.

Gilda and Lightning Dust then roared, their bodies glowing a profound yellow as they continued to yell.

Twilight stared for a few seconds before looking utterly shocked "are they really?"

This caused Rainbow to raise a brow as she blinked "are they, charging up or something?" Twilight looked at the two of them as if fascinated and curious "you can say that, but if my assumption is correct, what they're doing is highly dangerous." Rainbow glanced at her curiously "how?" Twilight continued "they seem to be taking in all the magical energy from those devices, much like how unicorn's expend magical energy into the pillars, they're doing the exact opposite." Rainbow blinked looking at Gilda and Lightning Dust who were still in the middle of their process. Twilight continued "that means they're extorting high amounts of magic from those things, absorbing it. They're not unicorns, but those devices are adapted to them specifically. Has princess luna truly gone so far?" Rainbow still looked pretty confused sighing "what?" Twilight rolled her eyes "this means they can let off large amounts of dangerous magic just by making contact with something. Much like how I can release magic from my horn, and how they could previously shoot bolts of magic from those devices!" Rainbow gulped as she stared at Gilda and Lightning Dust finish their preparations. They exhaled, smirking at the two ponies as Rainbow laughed a bit nervously then nudging her head back signaling Twilight "so eeerhm Twiliiiight, what's the plan here?"

Lightning Dust chuckled "they're lucky they destroyed Spitfire's, not even we have seen her use this much of her supply." Gilda looked at Rainbow Dash confidently "see this Rainbow, if you joined the Shadowbolts when you had the chance you could of been the greatest, it's really too bad." She leaned her head back some, stretching her claws which erupted with magical energy like lightning. "We can only use this for so long, the princess has made it clear that prolonged exposure to non-unicorns such as ourselves can be very damaging. Around how long Lightning?" Lightning smirked "around 10 minutes I believe." Gilda laughed a bit "more than enough time to capture one dweeb,....and erase the other." Rainbow's eyes snapped wide as Gilda and Lightning prepared to strike "T-Twilight! Plan? Anytime now!" Gilda and Lightning then bolted forward, cracking the very air around them as they erupted like thunder, Twilight screamed "DON'T LET THEM TOUCH YOU!" Rainbow yelled "VERY CREATIVE!" as she swayed immediately to the left, barely dodging Gilda's grasp. Rainbow irked as the area around her ribcage burned just from being near Gilda.

Lightning was going for Twilight whose eyes widened as she couldn't comprehend the unicorn's sudden speed boost. As Lightning was close to touching Twilight, it was as if the world went into slow motion again, Twilight's pupils dilated at the sight of that approaching hoof one touch and you're done Twilight. Twilight poofed once again, dodging Lightning's attack as she continued forward, it took herself a few seconds to stop herself considering how much magic power she put into that thrust. Lightning gritted her teeth "SHE DISAPPEARED AGAIN!" Rainbow then spun herself in a circle and released a powerful flap from her wings as if pushing on the air itself to create some distance between her and Gilda. Twilight suddenly reappeared a few meters above the three of them as her horn was charged once more, she shot a beam towards Lightning who just smirked. As the magical beam approached Lightning, she dodged it with ease. "You're going to have to do a lot better than that level 6." Twilight raised a brow noticing this.

Gilda was more focused on Rainbow, and Rainbow couldn't let Twilight just fall. Twilight plummeted downward again as Twilight screamed to Rainbow "RAINBOW I'VE GOT ANOTHER IDEA!" Rainbow bolted upward towards Twilight as Gilda yelled at Rainbow grinning "no you don't dweeb!" She shot forward towards Rainbow once more as Twilight shot another magical beam in Gilda's direction this time. Gilda's eyes widened as she made sure to dodge it. She then went next to Lightning as Lightning sighed "how did you not catch Rainbow?" Gilda looked upset "Rainbow was never any pushover you know, even Spitfire saw that." Lightning had an uninterested look "excuses excuses." Gilda snapped at her "and how did you not catch that unicorn! She has no wings!" Lightning looked at Gilda with an annoyed expression "she has magic! It's much more complicated than dealing with a normal pegasus!" Gilda rebutted "SO DO WE!"

As they were arguing with each other Twilight was caught by Rainbow who was a few good meters above Lightning and Gilda. Rainbow glanced to Twilight "so what's the plan Twilight?" Twilight nodded "so did you see how they dodged my spells? That doesn't make any sense." Rainbow looked confused "uhm Twilight, If I were them I wouldn't want to get hit by your spells either." Twilight shook her head looking down at them "no, that's not what I meant, you see that there?" Twilight pointed her hoof at them as Rainbow squinted her eyes. "That magical essence bordering their bodies? Look how it cracks and distorts itself, it's highly unstable." Rainbow raised a brow "yea, what's your point?" Twilight pondered the thought, speaking with a curious look "I already figured that those devices they're using are adapted to them specifically. This means their bodies have been trained to withstand those large doses of magic, probably focused from many different unicorns. It's like their chemicals, very stable at times with the right formula, but very combustible if mixed with the wrong one at times." Rainbow sighed heavily, she wasn't getting any of this as Twilight noticed her frustation. "To make it simple Rainbow, what they've done to themselves grants them amazing capabilities, but contact with other large quantities of powerful magic would cause them to overload."

Rainbow's eyes widened as she looked back down at Gilda and Lightning who were still arguing.

Twilight raised a brow "I wasn't certain of this until I saw Lightning dodge my attack, if they were as powerful as they seem to boast, she could of easily absorbed or deflected my spell. I don't doubt that that device gives them amazing enhancements but I knew it had to have some weakness to it. Princess Luna must just be using them as experiments for this idea. If it proved successful, then-..but it's way too risky! I can't believe she's even considering such a dangerous method." Rainbow had a serious look "well what do we do? Just keep dodging them until their time runs out?" Twilight shook her head "no." Rainbow shrugged "you keep firing at them?" Twilight shook her head again "no, they'll just dodge." Rainbow sighed before questioning with a temper "what then?!" Twilight smirked "we'll take down two birds with one stone!"

After a minute or so Twilight called down to Gilda and Lightning who were still fighting. "Hey, lovebirds! You two done bickering yet? Aren't you running out of time?" Gilda shooed Twilight as if preoccupied and then yelled at Lightning "you think you're better than me Lightning?!" Lightning nodded profusely "I KNOW I AM!" Twilight rolled her eyes "or are you guys just too incapable of capturing a flightless pony?" This caused the two to stop fighting for now as Lightning and Gilda looked at Twilight, as they said in sync,

"what....did you just say?"

Rainbow laughed then looked at her hooves as if inspecting them, bored. "You heard her, and I must agree, you two got all these funky magic doohickies and your both still too slow to keep up with me. I guess some just can't be born with talent such as mwah!" Rainbow kissed her hoof.

Lightning and Gilda looked infuriated as they screamed, then bolting after the two ponies. As expected their speed was great, Twilight and Rainbow had only a 1-3 second window of utter concentration to dodge. They couldn't try to outrun them like in the beginning, no, this was a pure dodging game now. Rainbow tossed Twilight up, who was confident she could rely on her teleportation magic for the time being. This would also help her achieve the plan she'd come up with. Twilight poofed three times in a row consistently creating some distance between herself and Rainbow. She was getting tired as the overuse of magic while trying to control it so well during her fall was physically draining. Lightning immediately turned course and went for Twilight as Gilda went for Rainbow as expected. Rainbow had a certain technique not even Gilda could master, the talent of wind mastery, Rainbow was superb at controlling herself during flight, she was not only fast but highly coordinated. As Gilda approached like a flash, Rainbow squinted her eyes at her, she spun her body again, looking smooth in her motion as her wings flapped and she kicked her hooves as if kicking on the air itself. Rainbow swayed to the left like a leaf in the wind as Gilda who while even empowered didn't have complete control over her direction at such speed. Rainbow dodged her as her wings flapped and she looked at Gilda who stopped herself once more. Gilda gripped her talons and had begun turning red, she was highly frustrated. "BUCK OFF!" she cried as she dashed to Rainbow who just said "you first." Rainbow did the same turning motion, flapping her wings, spinning and kicking her hooves in one swift and calculated move, causing her body to bolt to the left in the form of a sway. It had to be 100% accurate for Rainbow who although dodging Gilda, was only doing it by mere inches, Rainbow's body was still being harmed by the powerful magical aura surrounding Gilda so she knew she couldn't do this forever.

Twilight continued to poof consistently as Lightning was still looking confident. "You can't dodge me forever level 6, sooner or later you'll slip up, I see it in your expression." As Twilight continued to fall but teleport herself up a few inches and in a certain direction she laughed "aw how sad, you require me to slip up in order to catch me, some shadowbolt." Lightning's face darkened as she chuckled, she had a evil grin "you'll regret those words level 6..." As Lightning crossed her hooves into an X shape again she began to scream, large streams of magic in the shape of bolts of lightning stretched from her body. It was like a circular field surrounding her as Twilight's eyes widened. Twilight began teleporting at a massive rate, the amount of strain was obvious in her expression as she was breathing heavily. Her world slowed as every second she reappeared, was another few milliseconds she had to calculate the best possible position for her to teleport to. Twilight saw with her peripheral vision how close she was to hitting Lightning's attack. Much like Rainbow, she was only mere inches as she had to concentrate as best she could to prevent from this becoming a total disaster. Twilight teleported, as she reappeared a few feet from Lightning her horn glowed, her body was turning midair as she intended for that motion. One of Lightning's bolts of magic shot over Twilight's torso, coming so close to her she could feel the strands of her coat burn. Twilight released a magical beam of her own as it went straight for Lightning whose eyes widened as she noticed it, She immediately stopped her assault and made sure to dodge Twilight's move.

Twilight noticed she'd moved herself to her position as Rainbow was continuing her swift motions into hers. Soon Lightning gritted her teeth and just completely lost her cool "ENOUGH WITH THESE STUPID GAMES!" she exclaimed. She bursted towards Twilight giving it everything she got. As Rainbow continued to make a fool out of Gilda, Gilda roared "YOU STUPID DWEEB! I'LL END THIS NOW!" Rainbow ignored her words as she merely flew backwards. Gilda did the same as Lightning, bursting forward at full speed as they did they didn't notice the unique setup of the situation. Only mere feet from each other was Twilight and Rainbow who were looking in the opposite directions. Rainbow was backing away and looking at Gilda come after her from a upward position. Twilight was falling and saw Lightning approach from a downward position. Rainbow and Twilight's backs would be facing each other as Gilda and Lightning would continue their pursuit. Twilight and Rainbow then said in sync "now!" as Twilight disappeared once again and Rainbow swayed out of the way. Lightning and Gilda's eyes widened as their targets disappeared and all they saw was each others faces, they were going to run straight into each other. They also had something to say in sync but not like Rainbow and Twilight, their expressions sank in those few short seconds they realized they'd been duped, strategically navigated into those positions to produce the following result. "Buck..." they said as they came into a grand slam. As Gilda and Lightning slammed into each other the magical auras bordering their bodies began to writhe and crash and twist together violently. They screamed as they boomed like thunder, their bodies being overwhelmed with a unbearable burning sensation due to the negative reaction of the magic from their devices. As this continued for a few more seconds, Lightning's device finally cracked, and shattered.

Down from below, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Rarity were still watching the sky, now accompanied by many more Ponyville citizens. It looked like a dashing thunderstorm as if a field of thunder was focused on a single area. They could only stare in awe as they wondered just what the heck was wrong with the weather. It was unbelievable.

The combustion between the two ended, Rainbow hurried and caught Twilight once again. She smiled "it worked Twilight, just as you said!" Twilight blinked as she and Rainbow stared at the auras fade from the two remaining shadowbolts. They remained in place for a few seconds, looking down saying nothing as if frozen in time. Their bodies were darkened, as if burned, smoke emitting from them like used charcoal as soon they just began their descent. Falling limply down towards the lake far below. Twilight smiled at Rainbow as she said "we did it." Rainbow nodded laughing "yea, I knew we could." Rainbow then waiting for Twilight to secure herself on her back again. As Twilight did this, Rainbow began flying off, Rainbow questioned happily "so where to Twi-" she was interrupted "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING DWEEBS?!"

Twilight and Rainbow's eyes widened as they turned around, there, still flapping her wings, still radiating with black smoke, her feathers burned and her uniform torn, was Gilda, unwilling to give up. Rainbow shook her head as she sighed "it's over Gilda, you've all lost, you should go make sure your friends are okay." Gilda began to laugh "haha those losers aren't my friends! They're amateurs, i'll finish this mission myself!" Twilight looked at Gilda with a saddened expression "please, just stop this, were not going to entertain you." Gilda smirked as she pointed to her device "mine still isn't broken dweebs." Rainbow and Twilight looked uninterested in what she had to say. Gilda sighed looking down "the princess is going to be very upset with us since we destroyed 2 of the only 3 magic batteries in existence." Twilight raised a brow as Gilda sighed "but if I accomplish this mission, then it'll all be worth it. I guess I'm not surprised, i always knew you were good Rainbow, but that dweeb you're carrying, heh, no wonder she's a level 6."

Rainbow looked at Gilda as if guilty, seeing her like this pained her in a sense.

Gilda smiled "well, as usual, we didn't tell you dweebs everything, there's still one more thing, this little baby can do." She coughed as she slightly tapped the device with her talon, breathing heavily as she did so.

Twilight looked puzzled "what do you mean one more thing?"

Gilda looked exhausted as she spoke "the princess trusted us with these, we were her chosen, were her best. Were above the lunar guards, you're small fry compared to our status. The princess herself created these, it's only natural she'd leave us with some of her personal taste in magic. I guess it's crazy though."

The air began to grow thick and heavy just like that one time in the Everfree forest. Twilight's eyes widened as her pupils dilated no, this is. Rainbow looked around with a raised brow.

"Huh, why is it getting so much darker?"

The ponies in Ponyville merely watched as the clouds and the sky in that area began to be engulfed in a pitch black whirlpool. The darkness was more intense than that of the very night already, it was like a orb of pure black energy, like a small world of it's own in a sense.

Gilda smiled as she began to chuckle, her wings flapped as her feathers began to change from their natural brown and white color into a blueish black. Her eyes even turned into a fiery sapphire. The thunderbolt shaped device in the center of her uniform a pitch black color now. Her wings were emitting blue flames she yelled in a intimidating voice "IT'S OVER YOU BUCKING LOSERS!"

Twilight and Rainbow's eyes snapped wide as Gilda disappeared and reappeared in front of Rainbow less than a second later. Rainbow was in shock as Twilight quickly reacted by summoning a shield spell, as Gilda's talon made contact with the shield, it shattered like glass. Twilight and Rainbow couldn't gather their thoughts as Rainbow was blasted back by the pure force of Gilda's strike. Twilight shot downward, plummeting at an accelerating rate deeper into the darkness. Rainbow cried out to Twilight in desperation "N-NO!" Gilda's sapphire eyes continued to burn as she looked at the two, it was as if she were now a different being.

Rainbow bolted to Twilight at maximum speed, Twilight was speechless, this was beyond her, beyond Rainbow, they stood absolutely no chance and she knew it. Rainbow caught Twilight smiling at her reassuringly "y-you're okay, I got you." Twilight looked at Gilda who merely stared at them with cold eyes, she disappeared. Twilight yelled at rainbow, "RAINBOW, MOVE!" Rainbow tried to do as she said but it was too late, Gilda reappeared and Rainbow attempted to do her air push but it was useless, in the few seconds she had, it managed to get her only hit in her back hoof around the thigh area. The blow caused Rainbow to cry out in pain as her body once again flung through the air like a ragdoll, Twilight kept her grip.

Rainbow's back hoof was basically broken, she breathed heavily, her mane in tatters as she had a nervous look yet still filled with hope. Rainbow wasn't giving up as she stared Gilda straight into her new dark eyes. Rainbow flew up, going as fast as she could, she was trying to escape as she was now going at such a speed she'd broken the sound barrier. Twilight's grip was loosening as Rainbow screamed "HOLD ON TWILIGHT!" She boomed through the air, it was the spectacular sonic rainboom. As Rainbow shot upward, she looked exhausted I have to get us out of this black sky!

The ponies of Ponyville were still peered up at the Sky. They're eyes widened as they saw the gorgeous rainbow ring explode in the air. It was the most amazing thing some of them had ever seen. Scootaloo in specific was in awe, she was speechless as she stared up at the spectacular rainbow trail, she could only stand there and wonder, who could of performed such a spectacular feat. Whoever it was she thought, she/he had her admiration. Scootaloo didn't understand what was going on but she could feel it, deep in her heart, something about this entire light show, something just wasn't right. She wasn't sure herself why she thought these words but she thought them anyway Goodluck as her eyes focused, gleaming at the wondrous night sky.

As Rainbow tried her hardest to escape, she nearly passed out as she'd finished her sonic rainboom. Rainbow came to a depressing halt, she slowed down, she was beat. She just flew in place, wheezing, her deep gasps for air painful to listen to. Twilight's eyes began to tear up as she looked around, they were still deep in the darkness. Gilda appeared not far from them as she unsheathed her claws, she had a serious expression "looks like, this is the end of the line, Rainbow." Rainbow just looked at Gilda approach, her expression exhausted, drained, deep bags under her eyes as she coughed. Rainbow could barely support herself, let alone the two of them, she began to descend as Gilda just looked at Rainbow begin to fall. Twilight yelled "j-just go Rainbow! Run! Get out of here! I'll be fine!" Rainbow refused to give up as she looked at Gilda, Gilda squinted her eyes at the rainbow mare, her determination annoyed her. Rainbow laughed "I'm not going to let you, or the captain down, you crazy..." she muttered. These words crushed Twilight it's over! she screamed in her head.

Nightmare Moon had created new boundaries. As Twilight stared at Gilda she realized, this was no normal gryphon anymore, this was a monstrosity. The essence of magic was never meant to be used this way. Tears streamed down Twilight's cheeks as Rainbow laughed glancing back at her. "Shining told me, you could be a real, crybaby.." she coughed. Twilight looked at Rainbow, pained, the sight of her struggling was heartbreaking. Twilight looked back at Gilda, infused with dark magic let alone the twisted combination of all the other unicorns essence flowing through her. This was a formula that was never meant to exist, not even be dwelled upon by anypony, how was this even possible?

Gilda continued her slow approach, Twilight could only run these horrid thoughts through her head. Gilda was a experiment, a sign of what's to come, and Twilight feared the worst, how can I stop this? If Nightmare Moon was successful in future attempts, any creature, could abuse the power of magic like a drug, empowered by dark magic to serve Nightmare Moon in her vast army. Gilda's magical capabilities at the moment were beyond conceivable. Twilight in desperation shot multiple beams of magic at Gilda from her horn, Gilda just ignored them, as they fazed through her like she wasn't even there. Twilight's eyes widened as the black phoenix had raised her talon with a bored expression "game over." Her talon lit with a blue and black fire as Rainbow closed her eyes as did Twilight who clenched onto Rainbow.

Gilda's eyes widened as she shot forward at Twilight and Rainbow, finishing this with the final strike.

"..........." There was a long silence, the only sounds being those from gusts of wind.

The ponies of Ponyville stared up at the black void in the sky as it began to slowly disappear. Soon shining behind it would be the normal starry night sky. The clouds were normal as the loud booming that sounded like thunder had ceased. The rainbow trail was no longer there. As they waited for awhile everypony began to leave, including Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Rarity called out to her little sister as she walked away from the scene "Sweetie Belle! Come, the shows over darling." Sweetie Belle trotted over to her sister, joining her. Applebloom stared at the sky for a few seconds before blinking "wow! That was so cool, wasn't it Scootaloo!....Scootaloo?" Applebloom peered over at Scootaloo who was still concentrated on the sky. Scootaloo just stared at that same area, then muttering "yea, it was." Applebloom looked at Scootaloo worried "Scootaloo you okay, you look sick?" Scootaloo smiled at Applebloom "y-yea, i'm fine, comon Applebloom, let's go shred!" Scootaloo hopped on her scooter as Applebloom smiled eagerly "sure thing!" As they both got on the scooter, they rode off back into Ponyville, deeper into the peaceful town.

Twilight and Rainbow remained silent, they thought it was over. Twilight could feel the air around her becoming easy to breathe in again, the cold winds running along her face. Rainbow then peeked slowly, she blinked a bit as she then opened her eyes. "W-What the?" she questioned as Twilight did the same. They peered in front of them but there was no sign of Gilda, or the darkness that had just surrounded them. Twilight said curiously "huh, w-where did she go?"

"Over here dweebs," exclaimed a tired Gilda, she was behind them, her talon still stretched forward as if she were still in the process of finishing them off. She was facing the opposite direction but she didn't care, she spoke to them anyway. As Twilight and Rainbow turned around to take a look at the Gryphon, they saw her color had returned to normal. Gilda's device then cracked slowly, shattering into pieces, falling down into the sky. She remained silent, as she spoke softly, she seemed a bit more kind than before.

"Hey Rainbow," she said as Rainbow raised a brow "uhm yea, w-what?" Gilda sighed "I still don't understand, how did a couple of ponies like you two manage to best the Shadowbolts. Were the best of the best. We don't lose, yet, we did, we were outsmarted, outplayed, outmatched." Rainbow shook her head "we worked together." Twilight cut in "teamwork." Rainbow laughed a little looking to the lower left, still pretty tired but motivated. "You guys were so busy fighting majority of the time we had time to come up with some good strategies. You were all also pretty darn cocky." Gilda remained silent as she laughed a little herself "I guess we should've just stopped arguing and beat the pulp out of you dweebs huh?" Twilight smiled "yea, that'd probably have been better on your guys part." Since things seemed less tense between them Twilight raised a brow, still looking a little hesitant to ask "uhm, Gilda, w-what happened, why didn't you end things back there?" Gilda sighed "I would've, but, it looks like my time ran out just as I was about to do it." She looked up "I guess I stalled too long." She glanced back at Rainbow with a reflective look, who just blinked at her a bit, she then looked forward again. "Hey, can you dweebs check on Spitfire and Lightning for me, we may not get along well but i'm kind of worried about them."

Rainbow raised a brow "can't you do that yourself?" Gilda shook her head as she peered into the sky "no, I wish, seems like my body won't take me anywhere, i'm just stuck here, like this, here in the sky."

Twilight and Rainbow were a little confused as Gilda looked at her talon, then eyed her torn and destroyed uniform. "Hey Rainbow?"

Rainbow blinked "hm?"

Gilda smiled a bit "that sonic rainbow was stellar. I can't imagine if you had one of our magic things."

Rainbow laughed a bit blushing, a little embarrassed "Haha, wow gee, uhm, thanks Gilda, it means a lot, but you had wicked moves back there as well, I was super impressed!" Gilda just gave a cheesy smile glancing back at Rainbow "tch!"

Gilda looked up "hey Rainbow,....were friends right?" Rainbows eyes widened at this, she looked down "well ugh, this was a pretty big fight but you guys were just doing your duty, i'm not ashamed to still call you my friend." She smiled at at her. Gilda continued to look up as she just said "thanks."

Gilda looked at her talon once again as she clenched it, a contemplative look on her face. For the best flight team in equestria, we sure lacked teamwork, huh, it's too bad. She looked ahead "hey dweebs, thanks for checking in on the other two for me, I'm getting real tired of chit chat so, I guess I'll just keep it simple."

Rainbow and Twilight's eyes widened as Gilda began to disappear, her body from bottom up was beginning to fade, blowing and dissipating like dust in the wind.

Rainbow looked shocked as Gilda was rapidly fading away.

"Later,....and good job."

With that she was gone, some of her feathers scattering into the clouds.

Rainbow scurried to where Gilda once was as she looked around frantically for her. Even though they were enemies for this short while Rainbow still cared for the gryphon. Rainbow was a bit in disbelief as she yelled out "Gilda?! G-Gilda what happened? H-Hey stop messing around, seriously! What was that, some new trick?" Twilight remained silent, closing her eyes as she held onto Rainbow who was still a little in denial. Rainbow bit her lower lip, her eyes wide with guilt as she looked around muttering "Gilda?..." Twilight knew what had happened, but, now was not the time.

Twilight and Rainbow eventually flew down to the lake where Lightning Dust and Spitfire had fallen. It took them a few minutes but they finally caught a glimpse of the two Shadowbolts resting on a nearby shore. Lightning Dust was still unconscious but Spitfire was awake, tending to her comrades wounds. Her wing was hurt pretty badly, making flying not possible at the moment. As she saw the two ponies approach, Spitfire sighed looking down, but surprisingly she smiled up at them. "I won't lie, i'm disappointed I fell for your tricks and I want nothing more than to just capture you two myself right now but, It looks like that won't be happening." She eyed her broken device.

Spitfire raised a brow at Rainbow, peering to the left and right a bit "so, where's Gilda Rainbow?"

"Where was she downed at?"

Rainbow's eyes widened as she looked at Spitfire guilty, then lowered her head and closed her eyes.

Spitfire laughed a little "Rainbow, what're you doing?"

Rainbow just shook her head slowly, sighing.

Spitfire looked confused, puzzled, annoyed as she stood to her hooves.

"Rainbow, where's Gilda? Where's my flier?!"

Rainbow remained silent as Spitfire yelled at her, desperation in her eyes "RAINBOW!...ANSWER ME!....ANSWER ME THIS INSTANT YOU TRAITOR!"

Twilight cut in "Gilda, depleted her magic supply."

Spitfire shook her head yelling "what's that matter?! Tell me where she is!"

Twilight looked shocked, surprised they didn't know that overusing would produce such results? But Gilda seemed aware of the risks, did, she not expect them to be so severe? "s-sorry, Gilda isn't coming back."

Spitfire's expression sank, she lowered her back hooves sitting, she shook her head. "No no no, i'm, i'm their leader I'm supposed to protect them!"

She looked at the ground with saddened eyes "leave me...."

Twilight wanted to say something but Spitfire didn't give her any chances "LEAVE ME!"

Rainbow then flew off in the opposite direction with Twilight as Spitfire remained there, staring at the grass, filled with remorse as well as guilt.

As Rainbow flew, she was still hurt as Twilight gave Rainbow a worried look "Rainbow are you going to be alright, we can rest if you want to." Rainbow shook her head "I don't need rest, i'm fine." Twilight nodded "okay," she looked ahead and then pointed towards the everfree forest. Rainbow flew over the massive landscape, Twilight was looking for any signs of Eden and Applejack but the forest was far too vast for them to see them. Twilight lowered her head fearing the worst, but she knew she couldn't force Rainbow to do this forever and landing in everfree was far too dangerous. She sighed nodding to Rainbow who nodded back, heading east. They were on their way to the land of dragons.

Chapter 7: The Guardian of Everfree

The Princess said we all have our part to play in this whole mess. I ain't one to dwell on the specifics so I'm just gonna keep moving along doing what I do best. Even if I'm an earth pony don't mean I ain't just as capable as them here unicorns or pegasus fellas. I know how to take care of myself, and take care of ponies I care about. I admit I'm not into the whole fairytale thing majority of the time but them words from the princess sure are comfortin. I'm not just some farmer, i'm one of the ponies whose gonna see this thing through to the end. I reckon things are just gonna get more complicated but I don't care, I'm not one to just give up. I'm gonna keep moving along and just let whatever happens happen, because I know whatever happens, I'll be able to handle anything they throw at me. I'm an earth pony and we, we persevere.

As he floated in the water, Eden wasn't yet aware he was unconscious. He laid there, surprisingly with the crown in hoof and just remained absolutely still. In his mind he was recalling past memories, they flashed like pictures in an album. He recalled images of him and his father, in mysterious ruins. He recounted a frightening experience he had with a few other anonymous ponies important in his life. Him and his father had found the crown, but something had happened that caused him to be the only one to return. He remembered a shadowy figure, a creature covered in darkness, smirking. His memories then went dark, he heard a faint noise in the background. All he saw was black, he tried to listen closely to the sound.

Pops, is that you? he thought to himself.

"Eden!"

The faint voice yelled as Eden just continued to see black.

As time went on the voice had only continued to get louder.

"Eden!"

The voice kept repeating his name, Eden was confused, he couldn't make out why somepony was calling his name. He listened again as the voice sounded right next to him. It was definitely female?

The voice called out to him again.

"Eden!"

Eden thought to himself in that next second, Applejack?

Eden's eyes snapped wide as he peered at the dark night sky, Applejack was shaking him profusely. Eden leaned up, recalling what had happened, they were still in the water as he peered over at Applejack. "E-Eh!? wha-" Applejack sighed with relief, giving Eden a light noogie as he looked down to see they were floating through a river. Eden lifted the crown out of the water as Applejack laughed "glad to see you're alright sugarcube." Applejack then dragged the colt through the easy river as Eden irked in pain as he climbed out onto shore with Applejack. He had a large gash on his side, Applejack looked at him with a worried expression as she also turned around glancing in the direction from which they came.

Further into the distance, high up, one could see the cliff that they'd fallen off of. Applejack lowered her head as she sighed I'm sorry Twilight, I hope you can handle things on your end for now. Applejack turned back to Eden, lowering herself by him as she inspected the gash he had. He sighed breathing a bit heavily, he staggered to all fours as he smiled up at her "I'll be fine," he muttered. Applejack raised herself again looking down at him seriously "injuries like that don't just become fine, we need to find you a place to rest." Eden looked down in shame, he'd gotten them into this crummy situation. Applejack walked around the area for a bit, she saw the countless trees engulfed in shadow, she looked around, trees, trees, and more trees.

There was no way they could climb the rocky cliff in the distance, and they had no maps or way to figure out how to get out of the forest. Applejack sighed heavily, going back to the colt and nudging him "comon, let's go find us someplace safe to sleep, not so out in the open." Applejack led the way, as through the forest, so far they'd only encountered small critters, some abnormally large bugs and a few other strange animals, but everything was going good so far. Eventually the two ponies had found what they were looking for, a small part of open land, there wasn't much grass, mostly dirt and stone, there must have been some sort of cave nearby. Applejack was more than delighted however with this small area.

Eden smiled as Applejack trotted merrily, she nodded while looking around "oh yea, this will do nicely." She signaled Eden over who trotted over to her, she led him over by a pretty large rock and nudged him. Eden lowered himself, leaning his side against the rock as Applejack continued to work on making the place more homely. Around them one could hear the sound of crickets, birds chirping and other animals making noises.

Applejack smiled at Eden as she trotted over by the trees "alright, you stay right where you are sugarcube, I'll come back with some stuff." With that she disappeared into the trees. Eden remained where he was, leaning against that rock, he looked around although there wasn't much to look at. The area seemed safe, pretty open like a circular field of some grass, and rocks and dirt. Eden yawned as he stared at the crown which he'd placed on the ground. So much trouble for such a small thing he thought as soon enough Applejack came back with some wood. Applejack smiled as she placed the wood down in the center nearby Eden "there we go," she muttered joyfully. Eden then staggered to his hooves once more, approaching the wood as his horn glowed, Applejack held out a hoof stopping him then smirking. "Nope, no magic, we been using it for so long we often forget the joys of everything around us." She then grabbed two small stones with her hooves, clacking them together until eventually a small spark would light the wood on fire.

Eden's eyes widened as he saw her do that with surprise "wow..." he muttered as Applejack laughed some, raising her head confidently. She took pride in his astonishment "yep, don't need magic for everything kiddo."

As the hours continued to creep on, Applejack and Eden remained in that same spot for some time. Eden was silent as he stared at the fire, as if dwelling on something. Applejack wasn't a fan of awkward silences so she eventually spoke "so uhm, Eden, what exactly is your fascination with the sun anyhow?" Eden looked at her curiously, he had tired eyes as he smiled, looking back at the fire "my dad." Applejack raised a brow "yea, I was wonderin bout that, where are your parents, they shouldn't be lettin ya run about all by yourself, I mean just look where we ended u-" Eden interrupted "they're not around anymore." Applejack's eyes widened as she then looked at the colt saddened, a little unsure what to say "oh, uhm, sorry to hear that sugarcube." Applejack then remained silent, looking down at the fire as she to leaned against her own stone. Eden laughed softly, shaking his head "it's quite alright, you couldn't have known."

As the two ponies remained silent, keeping to themselves for the time being nearby the fire, Eden eventually spoke to Applejack, sounding apologetic. "I'm sorry, for getting you into this Applejack," he looked down sniffling a little. Applejack looked to him with a soft smile "all good sugarcube, it ain't over yet, and i'm grateful I came along with ya. I mean, just think about what we saw." Applejack raised a hoof to the sky, looking up in admiration "we felt the warmth of the sun, nopony has probably felt that in I can't imagine how long. We met the second princess, and now, even if were in a crummy situation, were doing somethin that matters." Applejack smirked looking at the colt "were doing something that'll better the lives of everypony in equestria, and that's nothing to feel sorry about." Eden nodded with a smile "y-yea."

Applejack laughed a bit lowering her head, then closing her eyes "now get some rest sugarcube, we'll move again in a few hours." Eden just gave a simple nod, laying down and closing his eyes as well.

As they were resting up, Applejack even while asleep was quite on alert CRACK! She opened one eye right away, peering left and right quickly. She then blinked a bit, shaking her head and then standing to all fours. She glanced back at Eden who was still sound asleep by his rock. Applejack then trotted over to the origin of the sound, it wasn't far, in the grass there was a broken stick nearby their small setup. The stick was broken but there was nothing nearby. Applejack called out softly "is anypony there?" she received no response. Applejack then yawned, shrugged, then headed back to their area and went back to sleep. Suddenly in the darkness of the forest, a pair of blue eyes shot open, peering at Applejack and Eden's mini camp site. The eyes focused on them intently, squinting as the figures body was concealed in shadow. Whatever it was it eventually stepped back, closing its eyes once more and going back into the forest, out of sight.

As a phew hours passed, Applejack yawned, rubbing her eyes with her hooves as she looked back to Eden, her eyes snapped wide WHERE'D HE GO?! Applejack scurried to her hooves and had a panicked expression as she frantically began searching. "H-HEY! SUGARCUBE! WHERE ARE YA?!" Applejack got ready to run through the forest as suddenly he appeared in front of her "no need, here I am." He laughed some as Applejack sighed with relief "don't go running off like that, where were you?" Eden looked to the upper left "nowhere just went to go check out the forest a little is all." Applejack gasped lowering her head to eye level with him "now don't ya go running off into the forest! You need to notify me with what your doing next time ya do it." Eden rolled his eyes laughing a little looking humored "alright alright, sorry I won't do it again." Applejack sighed looking annoyed as she nudged him along, "jeez give me a heart attack why dont'cha." They were continuing their trek into the forest, looking for any possible way out and hopefully back to Ponyville.

They went through a montage of unfortunate events over the course of the next few days. They walked through the rain, getting soaked as Applejack practically received a shower from giant leaves dropping rainwater, this caused Eden to laugh some. They came across a murky swamp, with small creepy eyeballs watching their every move as they attempted to cross and not fall in. They even managed to find themselves near another cliff, it fell deeper into another crevice and they were required to hop on small stone pillars to get to the other side. Applejack sighed as she'd made it across "don't want to have to go through that again". They continued their adventurous trek, even coincidentally finding themselves by a small lake and waterfall, Applejack cheered as she ran in. Eden rolled his eyes with a sly smile as he to went to join her, the water was peculiarly warm, but they didn't question it, only enjoyed themselves. Applejack eventually went to check out the waterfall as she laughed "now ain't this a little slice of paradise?" Suddenly Eden's eyes widened as he screamed "APPLEJACK!" Applejack glanced back then saw a giant hydra head staring at her. It licked it's lips grinning as Applejack's expression sunk "eep..." in the next moment the two ponies were bolting back into the forest, Applejack yelling "go go go go!" The fact that it was always night made navigating that much harder, Applejack sighed as she'd eventually just lowered her back hooves and sunk into a depression.

"This is getting us nowhere sugarcube..." she muttered.

Eden smiled, placing the crown back down and sitting next to her "don't worry Applejack, we'll get out."

Applejack looked saddened as she just stood to her hooves, she just mumbled "comon, let's setup camp..." She'd found another area similar to their first makeshift camp site. It wasn't as rocky at least, they repeated the fire process and had just laid down and gone to sleep once more. At some point during their rest, there was another CRACK! Applejack shot upward, suddenly she noticed surrounding them was a familiar threat Timberwolves! Applejack nudged Eden, hurrying him to wake up. Eden was a little dazed at first as she kept screaming to him "up Eden! up up up!" Eden's eyes snapped wide as he noticed the Timberwolves. He began to tremble as his teeth chattered as she shook her head "oh no, there's no reason to be scared this time." Applejack immediately began to roar and stomp her hooves, yelling at the wolves "get! Go on you mangy dogs, get out of here!" The Timberwolves just like before, began to whine as they backed away, Eden smiled yelling at them "yea get!" The Timberwolves soon ran away, heading back into the forest.

After that incident, Applejack no longer wanted the two to sleep outside, she was going to find a vacant cave. After searching for a little while they eventually did find themselves a vacant cave, or so they thought at the moment. They headed inside, deep into the back, when they spoke they could even slightly hear their echo. Eden smiled, lowering his back hooves and sitting down, then looking up "wow, this place is great, nice find Applejack!" His expression sunk as he saw Applejack nearby the cave wall, looking down and depressed. "Applejack?" Eden approached her as he sat next to her, looking at her saddened, she sighed closing her eyes. "I'm sorry sugarcube, it's just i've lost track of how long we've been here, we don't know what's happened to Twilight and we've already lost Pinkie. Applebloom must be worried sick about me. It's just, i'm starting to think, maybe I am meant just to be some farm pony." Eden gasped shaking his head "what? Don't think like that Applejack, you've taken care of me all this time! You saved my life countless times!" He raised a hoof, looking up "you're a hero Applejack, you're my hero, you're not just some regular earth pony to me." He smiled at her trotting to the front of her and looking in her eyes "we'll get out of here, don't worry!"

Applejack smiled up at him softly "thanks sugarcube."

Suddenly a large thumping sound could be heard, Eden and Applejack's eyes widened as they peered towards the entrance of the cave. There was a large ominous figure coming inside, Applejack shook her head standing to her hooves mumbling frantically "no, oh no no no." Applejack stood in front of Eden pushing him back as the large figure approached them, she mumbled "stay behind me." As the creature approached revealing itself, it was a Manticore. A large lion with a scorpion tail and wings of it's own. Applejack gulped "whoa nelly..." she kicked her hooves up some "n-now stay back you! I'm pretty good at square dancin and it can be a pretty useful fightin form!" Eden just looked at Applejack with a really? look, blinking with his eyes halfway closed. Applejack glanced back at him shrugging with a cheesy smile "eheh." The Manticore just stared at them for a bit before letting off a fierce roar, Applejack and Eden gulped, but realized there was no other way, they prepared themselves to fight. Eden's horn was glowing a bright blue as Applejack began to kick her hooves onto the ground. The Manticore snarled, preparing it's charge as it roared once more, then suddenly-

"STOP!" a mysterious voice yelled from the entrance of the cave.

The Manticore stopped in place, sitting down obediently as if a pet. Eden and Applejack's noses wrinkled as they raised their brows at each other in disbelief, then stared at the manticore.

Suddenly a figure approached the manticore, it trotted and wore a large brown cloak to hide it's appearance. Eden and Applejack stared at it for a few seconds before gasping then saying in sync "A PONY?!"

The figure was indeed another pony, she ignored the other two for the moment and just went right in front of the manticore, pointing a hoof at it. "Bad kitty! Bad bad bad kitty..." the pony spoke in a soft, barely audible tone, yet still somehow gentle and caring, she was obviously female. The Manticore puckered it's bottom lip at the pony as if it looked highly ashamed and about to cry. The manticore then pointed at Eden and Applejack, muttering sounds as if talking to this pony. The cloaked pony just nodded continuously as Eden and Applejack stared at them like this was all some big joke. "Mhm, mhm, mhm, I understand, but that doesn't mean you can go hurting others. Remember what i've taught you?" The Manticore sniffled, nodding at the pony as the pony raised a hoof. "Sharing is caring...now go, go along, go play as I talk with your guests."

The Manticore nodded happily, it then pranced out the cave, flying off into the sky. Eden and Applejack's jaws were dropped as they were at a loss for words.

The cloaked pony approached them, speaking in her soft, barely audible tone.

"oh uhm,...hello there, you have to forgive him...he's a very good kitty, he's just not so good with strangers..."

Applejack blinked, still a little baffled "errrr...uhm...sure.." She gave the cloaked pony a cheesy smile.

The cloaked pony continued "well uhm...I noticed you two have been lost for a long time now....and i'm not so good with other ponies, but, I really, really, reeeally, wanted to help." She then looked at Eden "and I noticed you had a baby with you, so I couldn't just leave you two out here to starve...."

Eden looked offended as he raised a brow muttering "baby?" as Applejack cut him off "WELL! Thank ya kindly stranger! You don't know how joyed we are ta hear them words! Names Applejack, and this be Eden!"

The cloaked pony just lowered her head some "oh uhm....i'm....the guardian of everfree..."

Applejack just stared down at her as she blinked, then smiled "WELL! Pleasure ta meet ya guardian, erhm uhm, yea, so enough with the chit chat! How about we get ourselves out of here!"

The guardian of everfree shook her head "oh uhm, I was just going to take you to my home. I already have another guest there, it seems she's like you two, just a little...different...I was hoping you could pick her up.."

Applejack raised a brow at this "oh uhm, sure thing, well ugh, let's go then," she glanced back at Eden who just shrugged back at her as they trotted along.

They trotted along through the forest as the Guardian of Everfree had led them to her home. She lived in the most peculiar place, a large tree that led into what appeared to be a private garden. The roof was made of leaves and the pale moonlight shined through them, giving the place a dreamy glow to it. As they walked along the vines floor, they noticed all of her furniture looked like natural outgrowing. She had tables and chairs made of twisted vines. Her fridge was made of wood and leaves as was majority of her other things. Applejack blinked a bit, glancing around the place "this is crazy." Eden nodded as he agreed, the Guardian of Everfree smiled as she walked towards a table near the back of her home.

"Make yourselves at home...I have plenty of room and don't have visitors of-"BOOM! she tumbled along the floor as she was pinned by another pony, her supposed guest. "-ten...."

Eden and Applejack just stared for a bit with uninterested looks as they slowly came to the realization of the situation. Applejack and Eden's eyes were wide, gleaming at the sight, Applejack's lips began to quiver as she just yelled. "PINKIE!!!!"

The guest revealed as Pinkie gasped as she raised her hooves in protest at the Guardian of Everfree "YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WAITING?! I WAS SO BORED I COULD EAT VINES! WHICH I DID." As Pinkie heard her name called she peered over at Eden and Applejack who were overwhelmed with disbelief and happiness at the same time. Pinkie just blinked at them for a few seconds before chuckling with a wave "oh, hey guys!" BOOM! Pinkie was tackled by Applejack who just embraced the pink mare in a tight hug. Pinkie looked like she was struggling to breathe as it looked like her eyes were about to pop out "too much, squeeze!" Applejack cried as she hugged Pinkie "oh Pinkie I coulda sworn you were lost forever!"

As Pinkie wiggled out of Applejack's hug she took a deep breath before speaking. "Lost forever? What made you think that silly?" She raised a brow at Applejack.

Eden cut in as he spoke as if confused "you disappeared Pinkie, into the tunnels."

Pinkie blinked a bit as she giggled "oh well duh! I just swam around until I found a way out! Then I ran into fluttershy!"

Applejack raised a brow "flutterwha?"

Pinkie laughed pointing a hoof at the Guardian of Everfree "Fluttershy silly! The pony who brought you here!"

Eden looked puzzled "I thought she was called the Guardian of Everfree?"

The Guardian of Everfree, revealed as Fluttershy, stood up, taking off her cloak and lowering her head with a deep blush. She peered to the left and right as Pinkie bounced over to her, wrapping a hoof around her.

Pinkie laughed, chuckling "pfffft! Oh that? I told her that's her new nickname since Fluttershy was so boring!"

Applejack just rubbed the back of her mane in confusion "erhm, alrighty then, well uhm, thank ya for everything Fluttershy, especially for saving Pinkie here."

Fluttershy blushed, looking extremely recluse as she kept her head lowered "oh uhm, you're welcome."

Eden raised a brow at Fluttershy as he questioned "uhm Fluttershy, I have to ask, what's a pony doing out living in the middle of the everfree forest?"

Fluttershy looked hesitant to answer "oh yea, uhm, that's because I-"

Pinkie interrupted her "SHE LOVES ANIMALS!"

Applejack shrugged "well, that explains a lot," Eden nodded at her.

Pinkie bounced around for a bit before her eyes widened, she bounced over next to Applejack. "Hey, Applejack! Where's Twilight?" Applejack's eyes widened as she looked down shaking her head "wish I could tell ya, I only hope she's doing okay, we were in quite a pickle last time I saw her." Pinkie just continued to bounce as Eden joined in the conversation.

"Yea, apparently we found out where we have to go next Pinkie. The land of dragons."

Pinkie shrieked "THE LAND OF DRAGONS?!" she bursted upward, getting her head stuck in the leafy roof as Fluttershy's eyes widened as she approached Eden. "The Land of Dragons? Uhm, i'm sorry to question but, uhm, why do you need to go to the land of dragons?"

Eden shook his head "apparently we need to find some dragon called?" He couldn't put his tongue on it.

Applejack cut in "think his name was Methos or somethin along them lines?"

Fluttershy's eyes widened once again as she looked at them surprised and interested. "Mythos? Oh, I don't meet many others who wish to see Mythos....he's kind of uhm, reserved."

Pinkie Pie yelled from the roof as she was still attempting to wiggle herself out "wow! That sure sounds indifferent!"

Applejack gasped "wait! You know this Mythos fella?!"

Eden looked just as interested as he peered up at Fluttershy who just shrugged.

"uhm, yea, he's very nice, I see him sometimes when I head there to help the dragon king."

Eden just raised a brow, looking baffled at how calmly Fluttershy just said those words.

Applejack's jaw dropped as she just suddenly screamed, prancing around in circles overwhelmed with happiness. "HOOOOOOO NELLY! WE SURE HIT THE JACKPOT WITH THIS MARE! TAKE THAT PRINCESS LUNA BAHAHAHAHA"

Eden sighed shaking his head "but how do you get there?"

Fluttershy just blinked a little "well, there's a river not far from here whose current leads to the main watering hole in the land of dragons, I can take you there..."

Pinkie Pie finally managed to wiggle herself loose, tearing a gaping hole of dirt and leaves into the roof. She exhaled then screamed "ARE YOU PONIES CRAZY!" Her eyes practically bounced out pressing against Fluttershy "go, to the land of, DRAGONS?!" Pinkie just bounced around frantically flailing about "do you all wanna get eaten!?"

Fluttershy shook her head, looking a little offended by Pinkie's words. "H-Hey, they're not monsters, they're just misunderstood, now you apologize," she lowered her head "w-well uhm, if you want to that is."

Applejack stopped prancing about as she to paused "well, if you're able to go there all the time, then if we just go with you, we don't need ta worry about any of that stuff!"

Fluttershy gasped shaking her head "oh uhm, I can't, I have to feed my animals, they need me..."

Applejack approached Fluttershy with desperation in her eyes "oh please sugarcube, we could really use your help here. If we don't get to this mythos fella, all of equestria can be at stake." Fluttershy still looked a little hesitant as Eden then approached her "please Fluttershy, we really need you."

Fluttershy looked down at the colt, his wide eyes defeating her as she sighed, lowering her head "fine, for the baby..." Eden raised a brow again "baby?"

Applejack then wrapped her hooves around Fluttershy in excitement "whoo boy! I love you more every second!" Applejack then gasped, her eyes widened as she looked down in contemplation "we gotta get back to Ponyville first."

Eden looked at her confused "Ponyville? Why?"

Applejack sighed "we gotta find Twilight, i'm sure if she managed to defeat that masked unicorn, she's probably waiting for us at Ponyville."

Eden smiled "yea, that would make sense!"

Fluttershy was suddenly cowering, covering her head with her hooves. "P-P-Ponyville, I, I, d-don't do well around other p-ponies!" Eden approached Fluttershy with a smile "don't worry Fluttershy, they're all really nice." Applejack laughed a bit "yea sugarcube, and if you want you can just stay by the forest, we just gonna go to pick up Twi and then we'll be straight off to the land of dragons."

Fluttershy peeked at them as she reluctantly agreed "o-okay..."

Pinkie then cheered "HOORAY, PONYVILLE!"

Fluttershy managed to guide the three other ponies to Ponyville with ease. She flapped her wings steadily as she gasped, the town could be seen in the distance. Fluttershy scurried to the back of a large tree and trembled as she hid there, whispering to the others "o-okay, go, take care of your business, i'll wait here."

Eden and Applejack nodded as they began to walk back into Ponyville. Pinkie attempted to follow them as Applejack suddenly called back to her "no, Pinkie you stay here! We need somepony to stick with Fluttershy!" Pinkie gasped in defiance "whaaaa? Why me?!" She looked at Applejack with a saddened face. Applejack sighed "because you're the most likely one to cause attention Pinkie and were not exactly legal according to a special cowled pony." Fluttershy trembled as she pointed her hoof at Eden reluctantly "n-no, the baby, leave him here." Eden's eyes widened as he objected "wait what?!" Pinkie cheered as she ran over, snatched Eden and placed him next to Fluttershy, she then bolted next to Applejack bouncing happily. Applejack just looked back shrugging "sorry sugarcube." Eden's jaw dropped as Pinkie looked back sticking her tongue out at him, proclaiming "baby!" as Eden gasped in annoyance, then crossing his hooves as Fluttershy pulled him close and began patting his mane happily, he still looked annoyed.

As Applejack and Pinkie walked back into Ponyville, Applejack took a breath of fresh air "aaaah never been so good to be back home!" Suddenly they saw something that caused them to bolt behind one of the many houses. They peeked out as there were countless lunar guard patrols. Applejack raised a brow "what the doo hicky? What are patrols doing out and about in Ponyville?!" Pinkie Pie blinked "they're probably playing hide and seek!" Applejack sighed looking at her hoof, seeing she still had the crown she muttered "aw shoot, I forgot to leave the crown with Eden." Suddenly they both heard somepony arguing with a guard not far away.

"No I have not seen Twilight Sparkle, nor have I heard anything of this crown you're talking about, now good night! HMPH!" Rarity trotted away with class, looking up and her eyes closed. The lunar guard who was practically interrogating her moved onto another pony. Applejack and Pinkie then looked at each other with a nod, heading in the direction of Rarity's house.

As Rarity was trotting home, she sighed before walking through her front door. It was dark inside so she couldn't really see anything, she shook her head calling out "Sweetie Belle! I swear these patrols will be the death of me-MMMMPH!" Her eyes widened as suddenly somepony's hoof covered her mouth preventing her from speaking. The pony behind her whispered in her ear "make one sound and next time somepony says Rarity they'll be referring to a medium rare piece of meat on my stove!" Rarity shrieked in absolute fear shaking her head with tears in her eyes as Applejack just sighed turning on the lights in the house "cut it out Pinkie." Pinkie just chuckled "oh sorry! I thought we were still spies!" She let Rarity go as Rarity gasped, scurrying to to her desk panicking. "A-Applejack?! Pinkie Pie?! What's the meaning of this?!"

Applejack sighed raising her hooves to Rarity nervously "haha caaaalm down now Rarity, were just here to ask you some questions." Pinkie immediately looked sinisterly at Rarity, getting all in her face "YOU HAVEN'T RATTED US OUT RIGHT?! BECAUSE I SWEAR IF YOU DID!" Rarity gasped "I am no rat! And I have no idea what you two are even talking about?! Leave my house this instant!" Rarity's eyes widened as she saw in Applejack's hoof, there was the crown. "W-WHAT?! THAT'S!" Applejack blinked a bit as she looked at the crown, then back at Rarity with a puzzled expression "wait wha? You've seen this thing?" Rarity rushed over to Applejack snatching the crown and inspecting it again "oh my darling piece of royal craftsponyship, I never thought id see you again!"

Applejack looked confused as did Pinkie who just had no idea what was going on anyway. Applejack shrugged at Rarity "wait a second Rarity, so you've seen that thing before?" Rarity blinked a bit, peering to the left and right then gulping, "oooh uhm, nope whatever do you mean?" Applejack raised a brow "huh?" Rarity chuckled nervously as she handed Applejack back the crown "nope, never seen that before in my life!" Applejack just looked at Rarity puzzled "uhm...oookay? Anyway erhm Rarity, we were gonna ask you, why are there so many patrols out and about?"

Rarity's eyes widened as she sighed "well for one they seem to be looking for that crown, as well as Twilight Sparkle!" Applejack and Pinkie gasped "Twilight? Wait so they don't have her already?!" Applejack laughed happily giving a hooves up yes that must mean she defeated that mysterious mare! Nice job Twi! Rarity looked highly puzzled and curious "wait you know more about why this is happening? Now you must tell me, what is going on? Why are they after Twilight?" Pinkie chimed in "WELL! PROBABLY BECAUSE SHE'S, CRAZY!" Applejack slapped Pinkie in the back of the head in annoyance "now will ya just stop saying that." Rarity was growing impatient as Applejack replied "well we need you to promise you don't tell anypony about this." Rarity shooed them "yes yes, now hurry, tell me." Pinkie suddenly got in her face, a psychotic expression upon her "PINKIE PROMISE?" Rarity gulped "y-yes...I pinkie promise.." Pinkie gave a cheesy smile "good! Nopony breaks a Pinkie promise!" She then continued to bounce around.

Applejack then spoke "well for awhile now we been helpin Twilight uncover the secrets of this here crown. We found out there's actually a second princess and the legend of the sun is real." Rarity looked at Applejack like she was crazy at first "uhuh." Applejack shook her head "no I swear, Rarity i'd never lie bout somethin like this, you know me, i'm all about honesty." Rarity looked Applejack in the eyes who had a serious expression. Rarity then puckered her lower lip, exhaling afterword "bah, well no matter how far-fetched that story sounds It totally makes sense." Applejack raised a brow "wait ya really think so?" Pinkie blinked "wow that was easy, expected it to be harder."

Rarity looked down shaking her head "well it would of been, had Twilight not come and show me that crown beforehand." Applejack gasped "what, Twilight's been here with this thing?!" Rarity nodded "mhm, she made me promise not to tell, but you two already know what she was trying to hide so, eh." Applejack's eyes were wide with curiosity as she questioned Rarity impatiently "Rarity! What did she say?" Rarity shrugged "she just wanted me to slim down the origins of the crown, and I told her the gem came from the land of dragons."

Applejack began to prance in circles happily again as she gave a wide grin looking at the roof "HOOO NELLY, Princess Celestia must be shining on me, my luck been going uphill ever since we got in that cave!" Rarity raised a brow with that same baffled look "Princess, who?" Applejack grabbed Rarity as she laughed "I'll explain on the way!" Rarity protested as she was dragged along "where do you think you're taking me?!" Applejack laughed "the land of dragons, you comin with us definitely, Twilight might need ya!" Rarity's eyes snapped wide "w-w-w-what?! The land of dragons?! Are you mad?!"

Suddenly as they were in the process of leaving, Sweetie Belle came downstairs rubbing her eyes. "Rarity, what's going on why are you yelling? Oh! Hi Applejack!" Applejack waved at Sweetie Belle "hey sugarcube! You lookin as cute as ever!" Sweetie Belle smiled at Applejack "Applejack, Applebloom wanted me to tell you that she's worried sick about you!" Applejack looked down saddened, then gave Sweetie Belle a serious look. "Sugarcube, can ya tell Applebloom for me she don't need to worry, and i'll be home soon?" Sweetie Belle raised a brow at her "well sure, but why can't you tell her that yourself Applejack?" Applejack sighed then smiled "i'm going on a much needed trip! Also i'm taking your sister with me for awhile!" Rarity shook her head, denying Applejack's claims as Sweetie Belle smiled "sure thing! Take her, then I can have the house all to myself!" Rarity gasped as Applejack smiled "thanks sugarcube! Pinkie, grab her back hooves!"

Rarity continued to let off muffled noises as Pinkie grabbed her back hooves and they bolted out the door. Sweetie Belle waved at them as they left "see you Applejack, Pinkie Pie, have fun sis!"

They snuck through the city, as if covert pony ops. They remained hidden in the shadows, as Rarity at this point just looked grumpy and remained quiet. The first chance they got they made way for the Everfree Forest.

As Eden and Fluttershy were still sitting by the tree, Fluttershy was still patting the young colts head softly and telling stories. Eden still looked highly annoyed "and so I decided to name him Angel, he is quite spoiled but such a sweetheart. Oh oh, and let me tell you about the pet squirrel I named-" suddenly bolting towards them from the distance was the two ponies carrying another. Eden raised a brow as he questioned Applejack who just ran past them "whose that?" Applejack yelled back to him "i'll explain on the way there!"

As Fluttershy led them to the river that would lead them to the land of dragons, Applejack smiled eagerly "oh boy, I can't wait to get over to this place actually, everythings been goin so swell, I feel nothin can stop us!"

Rarity scoffed in annoyance "did you truly have to drag me along? I mean you couldn't have let me grab my bags at least, this is truly dreadful, TRULY dreadful, I don't have my items, my hat, my jewelry, ooooh this is the WORST, POSSIBLE, THING!" Eden just blinked at her with a humored expression "drama queen much?"

Pinkie Pie then bounced happily as soon a large wooden boat would arrive, beneath it a average sized hydra would poke it's head out with a smile. Fluttershy would fly over towards the hydra's head and pat her softly "good girl bubbles, thank you so so much, i'll be sure to reward you properly when we get back." Fluttershy would hug the hydra as Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack and Eden just continued to stare at her, baffled by her experience with animals.

Fluttershy's rabbit Angel soon appeared from beyond the trees. Fluttershy nodded to Angel with a soft smile "now remember Angel, you're in charge while i'm gone, make sure everyone knows i'm out on a trip. It's very important they know that i'll be back as well." Angel nodded at her with an annoyed look while tapping his foot. Fluttershy just smiled happily patting her rabbit "good Angel, I love you." With that she waved goodbye to her rabbit who went back into the forest.

They all soon climbed into the boat, the current leading them east. Pinkie Pie was bouncing frantically all over the place "wow wow even though were going to get eaten, this is so exciting!" Rarity was moaning in discomfort in the corner as she kept whining about not being able to grab her things. Fluttershy was below deck, perhaps checking on bubbles. Eden was enjoying himself staring at Rarity complain, he found it highly amusing. Applejack just smirked as she looked off into the distance, she crossed her hooves.

Land of Dragons here we come, looking forward to seeing you again Twilight.

Chapter 8: Rain of Fire

It's not that I don't like anypony else, no no no, that's just not true at all. It's just that I, I always freeze up during conversations. I just don't want anypony to get mad at me, I always worry about what they'll say. What happens if I offend them, or If I accidentally make them sad? I just don't think I'd be able to be happy with myself. Oh and the pressure, It's just that stuff out there, is too tough for somepony like me. I never wanted Rainbow to think something bad happened, I would of told her if I knew they cared. I thought I was just a burden, until I met all my babies. Oh they're just so precious, with their funny little noses and beady little eyes. They're just so fluffy and cute, I could never leave them forever. They need me, they'll always need me.

As they passed through the river that would lead them into the land of dragons, it was only a matter of time before Applejack noticed something fishy was going on. The river was wide, and a few hours earlier one could see the thick trees at each side and ways ahead, but now it was different. Applejack peered to her left and to her right, she couldn't see anything, nothing but a dense and shrouding fog. She trotted over to the back of the boat, she raised a hoof over her eyes attempting to gaze at the distance behind them, but she couldn't, once again, nothing but a thick dense fog. Applejack sighed shaking her head.

She began muttering to herself "oh please oh please, let her say something not totally obvious of a bad situation." Applejack tipped her hat, taking a deep breath as she then turned around, and approached Fluttershy. Fluttershy was actually steering the boat forward at the moment with a large paddle, & bubbles, her pet hydra, was still guiding the boat from underneath. As Applejack approached she prepared to speak, although before she could, Fluttershy spoke first. Fluttershy lowered her frame close to the water off the side of the boat, muttering "bubbles..." Bubbles, the pet hydra would poke her head out once again, she stared at Fluttershy with wide eyes. Fluttershy smiled patting her head "you head on home now, you know you can't swim through the water up ahead." Bubble's eyes saddened as she just stared at Fluttershy. Fluttershy gave the hydra a gentle kiss on the nose "i'll be back home soon...now go, hurry, I don't want you getting hurt." Bubbles reluctantly agreed, lowering her head back down into the water, removing herself from beneath the boat and then making her way in the opposite direction. As Applejack eavesdropped on that entire situation, she gulped, scurrying to the back of the boat, watching as Bubbles left them to fend for themselves.

Fluttershy continued to steer, thankfully it wasn't so tough due to the powerful current of the water helping them move along. Applejack then rushed over to Fluttershy, chuckling nervously "erhm hey sugarcube, why'd ya send off your little hydra friend?" Fluttershy just shook her head looking forward "because, I don't want her getting hurt." Applejack's expression sunk as her ears lowered "f-from what?"

Suddenly there was a large BOOM! up ahead. Applejack just placed a hoof over her face and shook her head, she looked up at the sky how come something like this always happens? Suddenly Pinkie as well as Eden came rushing up from below deck, looking at the two ponies. Pinkie who was just bouncing with a curious expression remained silent, as Eden questioned "what was that?" Applejack just peered back at the colt with a sigh "wish I could tell ya." Suddenly Fluttershy spoke in a serious tone, her eyes squinting "you ponies might wanna hold onto something." Applejack's eyes widened as did the others. Applejack hurriedly glanced back to Eden and Pinkie "where's Rarity!?" Eden shook his head "oh don't worry, she's below deck, still trying to calm down." Applejack nodded in relief "good, now you two hurry and get down there yoursel-"BOOM! Another crashing noise up ahead, it sounded as if cannonballs were being shot off into the water. Applejack scurried to the side of the boat, looking over, ripples? A ring of ripples in the water, whatever landed in the water, landed near this spot from the first sound. Applejack also noticed the water was Steaming? She lowered her hoof down a bit, reaching as far as she could, she touched the water "OUCH!!!!" she yelled, flinging herself back and bumping herself up against the center mast. She placed her burnt hoof in her mouth then pulling it out and shaking it "hooo nelly! That water is hot!"

Fluttershy glanced back at Applejack angrily, for once actually raising her voice "do NOT, TOUCH THE WATER!" Applejack bit her bottom lip, looking at Fluttershy with frightened eyes as did Eden and Pinkie. Fluttershy then peered forward, squinting her eyes as if concentrating. Fluttershy then yelled out to the other ponies "HOLD ON TIGHT!" Pinkie bounced with joy as she pointed forward, the dense fog clearing up somewhat "LOOK YOU GUYS! GIANT JAWBREAKERS!" Eden and Applejack's expression sunk, as Eden shook his head "those aren't jawbreakers..." Up ahead falling from the sky into the water and some crashing onto the landscape, giant flaming meteorites?! As they exited the dense fog, they could only stare in awe at what they were seeing. The clouds were a pitch black yet the sky was a firery red, the landscape at their sides was still a little blurry but they could tell it was vast, and rocky. Fields of stone torn asunder, as the meteorites plummeted from the sky, landing at random points all over. There were numerous craters spread throughout the place, this was it, this was the land of dragons. Eden, Applejack, and Pinkie gulped as Fluttershy still spoke in a commanding, surprisingly intimidating tone "MARE UP YOU PONIES!" The three just trembled listening to Fluttershy's words as Fluttershy smirked muttering quietly "lets...dooooo this."

BOOM BOOM BOOM! The meteorites crashed at three separate points in the river. Fluttershy maneuvered the boat with mastery, dodging the boulders as Eden, Applejack, and Pinkie tumbled rolling around topside. As the meteorites continued to fall at an accelerating rate, the boat at one point leaned some. Eden rolled, tumbling and falling off the boat. He screamed as Applejack caught him swinging him back over "watch yourself!" Fluttershy still had a look of pure concentration, as they continued down the smoking river, at this point the current was taking them so fast, it was much like the rapids back in that cavern. Pinkie just continued to bounce happily as she spun midair "this, is, freaking awesome! A candy sky and cherry flavored jawbreakers galore!" Applejack and Eden just yelled at Pinkie in frustration "SHUTUP PINKIE!"

ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAR!

Applejack, Eden, and Pinkie's eyes widened as they heard a frightening roar come from the sky. Their jaws dropped once again as they saw the massive beasts, only three at the moment, but they glided through the sky high above, dodging the meteorites with ease. They looked frightening yet beautiful at the same time. They all just glanced up in awe, as Fluttershy looked back at them, then looked forward rolling her eyes "psh, noobs." Suddenly up ahead, a spectacular sight came into view. Further into the distance, one could see towering mountains, hundreds if not thousands. It was like a city made of stone, and these ponies were the ants. They all stared, the three new ponies at a loss for words once again. Suddenly emerging from below deck would be Rarity, she'd come up with a tired expression. "Now what, is with all the commotion up here, can't a pony get a little shut eye?" As she saw the bundled towering mountains ahead, the firery sky, the dragons, the meteorites, Rarity just blinked for a bit, then passing out onto the floor. Applejack yelled at Eden "Eden! Take Rarity down below, you two stay there, Pinkie! We got topside just in case Fluttershy needs help!" Pinkie saluted "Aye Aye CAP'N!" Pinkie then climbed the center mast as Applejack rushed over to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, what'cha need? I may not be a sailor, but I'm a fast learner!"

Fluttershy peered at Applejack hesitantly before sighing and then giving in. She pointed her hoof towards the bow of the ship "o-okay, go get that extra paddle over there, and help me steer." Applejack saluted her with a cheery smile "will do!" Applejack then retrieved the paddle, rushing back to Fluttershy with a determined expression as she placed it in the water on the opposite side. Fluttershy then had her serious tone once more "when I yell backleft, you move the paddle in that motion, got it?" Applejack nodded anxiously "I got ya sugarcube." Fluttershy smiled as she peered ahead with Applejack "good." As they accelerated forward towards the cavernous city of mountains, Fluttershy made sure to call out her commands as Applejack was golden in her performance. They sped, the boat speeding towards the mountainous city.

Eventually after repeating that same process, they came to a slow, easy current. As they were now cruising slowly inbetween the towering mountains, it was obvious this was the home to dragons. Applejack gulped as she saw the gaping holes in each mountain, massive, dark, mysterious, there was no telling what type of scaly reptilian was awaiting within. It was like they were eels, lurking in their holes along the side of the rocky mountain. It was as if each towering mountain was a apartment complex housing the winged beasts. Applejack felt like a simple bug, waiting to be squashed. Fluttershy however was not worried at all. The towering mountains shadowed over them, and at this point the river expanded sideways to the point it looked like a large, very very long lake. They were in the center of this massive city, just cruising through this river, it was hot and Applejack pondered this place is steaming, ta think there were places like this here in equestria. Did these dragons come here to escape the Princess's infinite night? This place is barren, it lacks resources, how do they even survive? Suddenly the boat came to a halt, Fluttershy then flew off, onto a rocky shore nearby. In front of her the massive mountains still towered, except one in particular was even larger than the others. It was like a carving, a makeshift castle made of stone, the stairs leading through the entrance were absolutely grand scale in size. One step made the ponies look like they'd be rock climbing. Applejack just stared as Pinkie then fell from the center mast, gasping "OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH! THIS PLACE IS HUUUUUUGE! THIS IS THE ULTIMATE HIDE AND SEEK PLAYSPOT!" Applejack grabbed Pinkie placing a hoof in front of her mouth "quiet Pinkie, we may not be in friendly territory! Now hurry along now, go get the others." Pinkie nodded quickly as she then dashed to the lower deck.

Applejack exited the boat, onto the rocky shore alongside Fluttershy. Fluttershy just stared up at the castle, as if expecting something, Applejack couldn't help but ask "what'cha doing Fluttershy?" Fluttershy simply shook her head, speaking in that soft caring tone she had from the beginning "oh, n-nothing...just waiting." Applejack raised a brow at her "waiting? Waiting for what?" OOF! Pinkie fell face first onto the rocky terrain. She bounced up suddenly with a smile stretching out a hoof "here they are!" Exiting from the ship as well onto the rocky shore would be Eden and Rarity, Rarity was still trembling as Eden just looked around in awe. The four ponies stood in place, just staring around, the mountains wrapped around the large body of water, as if enclosing it. The water they came in on apparently led to a giant watering hole in the center of their rocky city. Applejack sighed as her eyes snapped wide, she peered back at the boat, it caved in, snapping in two and sinking into the water. Applejack's jaw dropped as did the others as they looked at Fluttershy who still had a calm expression. Fluttershy shrugged "it's hot water..." Applejack pointed angrily at the spot the boat once floated "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TA GET BACK NOW!? WE STRANDED IN THIS PLACE?!" Fluttershy raised a brow "they'll give us another." Applejack looked puzzled "they?" CRASH, SLAM!

The four ponies huddled up as suddenly two massive dragon's landed at their sides. Their size was astounding as they made the ponies look like small puppies, they obviously weren't as massive as the ones they saw flying in the sky earlier but still quite large. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Eden trembled as Fluttershy still kept her calm and composed stature. The dragons spoke in loud, booming, intimidating voices, their breath exhaled smoke. One leaned down to look at the ponies.

"Ha, ha, ha, four little scrumptious ponies decide to just waltz right into the land of dragons, aye brother?"

The other dragon laughed "yes, what did they expect, a picnic? AHA HA HA HA"

At this point Fluttershy seemed a little impatient as suddenly the dragon's eyes widened at the sight of her. One gasped as he leaned back, brushing himself off "L-LADY FLUTTERSHY!? I-IT'S YOU!...I'm, I'm sorry, I was not aware!"

Applejack, Pinkie, Eden, and Rarity's nose's wrinkled at the sight of this.

They raised their brows at each other, baffled.

The dragon's were now looking nervous, speaking in panicked tones "w-we were just messing around, if we knew it was you hahaha." The brother replied "y-yes! We didn't expect you until a few months down the line!" Fluttershy simply sighed flapping her wings as she flew up a bit, looking the dragons in their eyes. She slapped each of them on their nose's and exclaimed "bad, bad! Both of you!" The dragons looked down ashamed as Fluttershy put her hooves on her hips "now where is your father? I wish to speak with him."

The two dragons raised brows as one scratched it's head "oh uhm, I think he's inside Fluttershy, just resting."

Suddenly large booming footsteps could be heard, the shadow of a towering creature came over the five ponies as well as the two dragons. They all gazed at the shadows origin with wide eyes as it was revealed to be another dragon. He was large, the size of a normal mountain in pony terms. He smirked lowering his head at the visiting ponies, he wore a giant crown made of spectacular giant gems. Rarity's mouth watered at the sight of them as he spoke in his grand, booming voice "why, Fluttershy? You're here quite early hm?...And I see you've brought friends...what brings you to my city?" He raised a brow as Fluttershy prepared to speak, he hushed her "oh wait, this place is far too unprofessional, come come, inside my castle, we shall speak there." Fluttershy simply nodded as the two other dragons laid out their hands and scaly palms for the ponies to climb onto. Eden, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy climbed onto their large claws as they carried them into the castle, following close behind the king of dragons.

Meanwhile, laying on the rocky ground in what appeared to be a large geyser field, Rainbow and Twilight just stared up at the burning red sky. They looked worn, tired, scarred, bruised, and dirty. One of Rainbow's wings was wrapped up in what appeared to be black bandages. She also had a red bandana wrapped around her head. As they looked at the sky, just staring up at the meteorites fall, it was beautiful. Twilight muttered in a humored, soft tone "being in this place....almost makes me just wanna chuck this whole adventure out the window,....its hot.." Rainbow laughed some, her voice weak and raspy "too hot." They stared up at the sky for a few moments longer before Twilight muttered "ready to go?"

Rainbow suddenly had a serious look, squinting her eyes at the sky "yea...."

BOOM! A geyser only a few feet from them exploded, molten magma shooting upward into the sky. Rainbow and Twilight rolled back onto their bellies as Twilight yelled "LEFT SIDE!" Rainbow nodded "got ya!" They bursted to their hooves dashing forward. In front of them, one could see they were in a massive field of geysers and craters, they were traveling by land?! Rainbow did a shoulder roll to her right, dodging a spool of falling lava. The ponies were trotting as fast as they could through this deadly field of earth and fire. In the distance one could see the city of dragons, apparently they were still attempting to get there.

Twilight yelled to Rainbow "RIGHT SIDE RAINBOW!"

Rainbow nodded once again as she rolled to her left dodging another blotch of falling lava. As they continued to sprint, Twilight exclaimed "were nearly there! Were practically in the last stretch!" Rainbow remained concentrated as she sprinted alongside Twilight. Twilight suddenly noticed a smoldering meteorite heading in their direction, she squinted her eyes. "RAINBOW, ON ME!" Rainbow nodded, apparently they'd been doing this for awhile, seeing as they mastered these commands by heart at this point. Rainbow then hugged onto Twilight, she teleported as the meteorite slammed into their previous position. She reappeared as Rainbow hopped off and they continued sprinting. The mountains that the dragons called home still seemed pretty far.

Another geyser exploded as Rainbow suddenly tripped onto the ground, a blotch of lava falling right over her. Twilight gasped as she then pointed her horn at Rainbow, she looked pained casting this spell as she irked, but managed to be able to finish it. A small shield wrapped around Rainbow as the lava landed atop of her, sliding off like melted butter.

Rainbow smiled at Twilight "thanks Twilight!" Twilight smirked back at her "no problem!"

Rainbow got back to her hooves as they continued their sprint. Twilight smiled as they looked off into the distance at the rocky city, Twilight glanced at Rainbow quickly, breathing heavily "if we can keep this up for awhile longer then we'll definitely make it!" Rainbow laughed looking at Twilight "sweet, let's finish this then!" Twilight smirked "way ahead of you!"

CRASH, SLAM!

Twilight and Rainbow came to a screeching halt, having to kick their hooves against the dirt some to stop themselves from flying forward. In front of them stood two large dragons, puffing smoke in the ponies faces. It wasn't the same brother dragons who'd known Fluttershy, no, these two were much different. They lowered their heads smirking at Twilight and Rainbow. Twilight just stared at them with wide eyes, unsure of what to say. Rainbow was being protective as she stood in front of Twilight, even somewhat snarling at the two dragons.

One of the dragons spoke "now what's a couple of ponies doing out in the geyser fields?"

The other spoke "looks like they were trying to infiltrate the city if ya ask me..."

His fellow raised a brow in curiosity "wow, they have some pretty big guts! What do you say we do with them Vel'drook?"

Vel'drook smirked "I say we smoke them here,...just look at their faces, their bodies, they've been trying so so hard, how unfortunate if they were to fail this close. Heh heh heh."

The other dragon shook his head "no Vel'drook, that would be a waste! We should take them to the king, they could be spies! It has been awhile since a pony has been seen in these parts, besides Lady Fluttershy of course!"

Rainbow's eyes snapped wide, she blinked at the two dragons "F-Fluttershy? Did you just say Fluttershy?"

Twilight looked at Rainbow puzzled, she wasn't certain what the heck was going on so she just then looked to the dragons, seeing what they would say.

Vel'drook looked to his comrade "oh, smart thinking saegrath! We just might be rewarded for our services! Come, Come, grab them, let's make haste."

The dragon's just ignored Rainbow's question as they snatched up the two exhausted ponies. Rainbow screamed at them "ANSWER ME YOU BIG STUPID LIZARDS!" Twilight attempted to teleport out of their grasp but she was too weak, she also realized she couldn't get Rainbow out of this situation and the last thing she was going to do was leave her behind. Twilight looked down, then peered ahead, well at least were going to get to our destination, even as prisoners. Twilight and Rainbow were helpless, as Vel'drook and Saegrath flew to the city of dragons, ponies in hand.

As the king of dragons led Fluttershy and the others to his massive throne room, he sat upon his throne, a curious expression upon his face. He signaled his sons to lower the ponies, they did as commanded, placing them upon the hard stone floor.

The king of dragons simply stared at the ponies "so Fluttershy, tell me, what brings you here?"

Eden attempted to speak pulling out the crown as the king hushed him immediately "I am not speaking to you young one, I ask Fluttershy, now, silence." Eden hushed himself, backing away and going next to Applejack.

Fluttershy then flew up towards the king "y-you see, King Dragoul, t-these ponies, they seek an audience with Mythos, I,..I wanted to help them."

King Dragoul blinked a bit, surprised "Mythos? Oh, now that is indeed interesting." At this point he lowered his massive head to look down at the four other ponies "why do you require a audience with Mythos young ponies? Is there something he possesses that I do not?" Applejack spoke up "well you see King Dragoul sir, were not entirely sure what he has ourselves, ya see, this here crown." Applejack lifted the crown as King Dragoul's eyes widened, his sons just stared at the crown, then shrugging, crossing their arms & continuing to listen. Applejack continued "this here crown belonged to a long forgotten Princess! She told us-" King Dragoul raised a claw, signaling her to stop, which she did. He closed his eyes for a few seconds as he gazed up So, you finally return to us, eh Celestia? He then looked back down to Applejack and the others "I understand the situation, young pony, I never would have imagined." King Dragoul smirked at them "that this day, would come at the hooves of ponies such as yourselves. You're all so young, so inexperienced, I can only wish you luck in your ventures. I, would provide aid but we have, much larger concerns we must deal with in our lands. Your audience with Mythos won't be denied however, Vaegoth, Khal! At my si-" SLAM!

Bursting into the throne room would be Vel'drook accompanied by Saegrath. Vel'drook smirked as he approached the king who was annoyed by their presence "Vel'drook, Saegrath? What is the meaning of this interruption?" The two dragons laughed some before holding up Twilight and Rainbow Dash in front of the king. "Sorry for disturbing you King Dragoul, but we found these ponies roaming the geyser fields! We thought you'd want to see them for yourself!"

King Dragoul's eyes widened at the ponies curiously as Applejack, Eden, Rarity, and Pinkie pie gasped in surprise "TWILIGHT?!" Twilight peered down at them as her eyes widened, she teared up at the sight of her friends "G-GUYS! YOU, YOU'RE ALL OKAY! YOU ALL MADE IT!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks "P-PINKIE?!...RARITY?!..w-what's?" She was at a loss for words as she was overwhelmed with happiness and confusion at the same time. Twilight looked at Pinkie "Pinkie, I thought you'd, I thought I-" Pinkie just raised a brow at Twilight, confused. She then stomped her hooves in annoyance and looked to the others "WHY THE HECK DOES EVERYPONY THINK I DIED?"

Twilight just smiled, not hiding back her feelings.

Rainbow was also staring at somepony in particular with wide eyes. Fluttershy lowered her head, looking quite nervous and trying to avoid eye contact with Rainbow. Rainbow just continued to stare as she said in a hushed tone "F-Fluttershy? Is that really you?" Fluttershy looked quite sad as she continued to stare at the ground "y-yes..." Rainbow didn't say anything, she just continued to stare as King Dragoul hurriedly signaled his subjects to lower the two ponies. King Dragoul may have been a dragon, but ultimately he had quite a soft heart. He smiled as he happily allowed the two ponies to be reunited with their friends.

It didn't take a genius to connect the pieces to this puzzle.

Twilight ran over to Applejack, Eden, and Pinkie giving them hugs. She looked at Rarity smiling "R-Rarity, I never expected to see you here, what are you doing here?" Rarity chuckled some nervously before looking up confidently "w-well I came to offer my assistance of course darling!" Applejack raised a brow saying sarcastically "offer?" Rarity snarled at Applejack who then kept her mouth shut, biting on her lower lip. Twilight was still so surprised to see them "I, I can't believe you guys made it here before us, and, an audience with the dragon king at that!" Twilight peered up at King Dragoul who just smiled back at them. Twilight looked to the others curiously "how did you manage to get here so fast?" Eden leaned his head a bit in Fluttershy's direction "it's a long story." Twilight looked over at Fluttershy who was busy avoiding eye contact with Rainbow who was just standing in front of her, looking down at her.

Fluttershy kept her head lowered, nervously twirling her hoof a little on the ground. "L-Listen, Rainbow...I..." Rainbow just didn't say anything, she wrapped her hooves around the shy pony and just embraced her. "You don't have to explain Fluttershy, I'm just so happy to see you. I needed something like this after what happened to Gilda." Fluttershy raised a brow "G-Gilda, what about her?" Rainbow just shook her head with a smile "it's, it's nothing Fluttershy, we can talk about this later. For now i'm just going to be grateful you turned out okay." Twilight smiled at the two pegasi reunite, they obviously had some past history, with that the entire group of ponies turned to face King Dragoul. The dragon king merely sat upon his throne "truly touching, but I assume this audience with Mythos requires your utmost attention yes?" Twilight was a bit confused but then realized that the others must have talked to him about this by now. She spoke politely "y-yes sir! We have an urgency to speak to him." King Dragoul just smiled "then don't let me keep you waiting, my sons will take you to him. Vel'drook, Saegrath, leave us, and apologize for the misunderstanding." The dragons blinked a bit before sighing "were sorry for nearly deciding to eat you two.." the other continued "yea were sorry..."

Rainbow wasn't so forgiving as she prepared to say something as Twilight just said "It's fine." With that the two dragons departed as the king's sons lowered their claws onto the ground once more. The ponies all climbed on as they made their way deeper into the castle, King Dragoul just smiled as they walked off with them goodluck ponies, I look forward to seeing you again someday, and you to......Celestia.

As the sons arrived at Mythos's chamber, it was a massive library made of stone, even the ancient scriptures were massive. Twilight was practically in heaven as she looked around "amazing." As they were lowered, they thanked the sons who then made their exit while conversing with each other. The seven ponies then trotted steadily into the chambers when suddenly a deep and powerful, yet wise voice spoke to them from above.

"I see you've finally arrived, young ponies."

They all looked up as a large white dragon flew down, he touched upon the floor looking at the ponies with an inquisitive expression. "We have much to discuss," he began running his claws through his beard while steadily flapping his massive wings. They all just stared up at him as Rarity sighed "this just can't be real." Eden nudged her softly as she exclaimed in an annoyed tone "heeeey!"

Twilight stepped forward as she looked up at Mythos "Ancient Mythos! We seek your help to-" Mythos interrupted "I know why you're here, young pony."

So, after a thousand long years, they finally appear Celestia? They are indeed a diverse bunch.

"I realize we have much to discuss young ponies, and I will lay out your path for you, but before you begin the next step of your journey, there is another, who I believe is eager to meet with you all."

Twilight and the others raised a brow as they looked at each other curiously, mumbling about who it could possibly be. As they talked, Mythos went to retrieve this mysterious somepony from the shadows on a second level of his library. As he lowered the pony, the pony walked out from Mythos's claw.

He stopped, smiling at the group softly.

As they stared, Twilight and Rainbow's eyes widened, shocked, surprised, in disbelief. Twilight shook her head "w-what?" Rainbow stared a bit before smiling widely then cheering "HAHA! AWESOME!!!!"

There he was, as he'd promised, Shining Armor had already arrived.

He smiled at Twilight and Rainbow "told you two i'd meet you here."

Twilight shook her head a bit "S-Shining?! How is it even possible, you were?"

Shining laughed some "Nothing will keep me from me from fulfilling a promise to my baby sister..."

Twilight's lips began to quiver as Rainbow Dash bolted forward hugging Shining. Shining laughed some "whoa whoa, calm down there Rainbow, been awhile since i've seen you this unprofessional." Rainbow burst out in laughter "well after our little stunt I think it's safe to say were out of the job!" Shining laughed "you got that right, give me some!" The two ponies did a high hoof as they bumped shoulders as well.

Rainbow exclaimed in excitement "Awesome, now were practically unstoppable!"

Shining just continued to smile softly at them as Pinkie blinked, then looked at Eden, Rarity and Applejack questioning "Twilight had a brother?" Eden shrugged "guess so," Applejack just laughed "aw shucks, makes me miss my little sister." Rarity had tears in her eyes with her lower lip puckered "oh, how sweet! If only I wasn't dragged away from my family!"

Applejack gave a corny smile as Eden chuckled a bit. As Shining joined the other ponies, he'd hugged Twilight, who simply smiled looking up at him, she muttered "I know." Mythos then spoke once more. "He is quite strange, that one, to make it to me and past all the dragons here, I have never seen one so skilled at such an age. Protect them well, young stallion." Shining smiled "oh trust me, I will."

Mythos turned as he continued running his claws through his large beard.

"Now, the crown you hold young one, you may leave it here, It will no longer be needed for the next step of your journey." Eden blinked a bit, feeling a little nostalgic looking at the crown as he placed it on the floor. The ponies all looked up at Mythos as he sighed Celestia? They are so young, can they truly go to such a place alone. Mythos looked to the ponies saddened "the road you all must trot is a harsh one, the enemy you wish to defeat, powerful to say the least. You will require an army, and magic beyond your own comprehensions. A different type of magic, but the Princess will never leave such a thing unguarded, to vanquish the heart of darkness, one must first journey into-" Mythos paused.

The ponies just looked at him, continuing to listen "The Heart of Fear."

Chapter 1: Welcome to Ponyville

I've heard stories of a world before this one. It's a story that describes a world filled with vibrant colors, and a sun high in the sky. The sun would glow like the lamp posts scattered across the streets of manehattan. It could give life and warmth to all that basked in its presence. I'm not that fond of filly's stories, I see most just as a way to deny or run away from reality. This story in particular however, is different. I can't really explain why but whenever i imagined that bright yellow sun in the sky, illuminating the dark world around us, It felt real. It's a story that doesn't feel like a way of coping, it's a story that gives me hope, one i can believe in. It's a story of a world that actually existed, apart from the world I've known. It's a world without eternal night, and where all ponies can stand together in harmony, and love.

Eden's eyes shot wide open as he'd heard a loud screeching noise and the train came to a sudden halt. He'd look outside his window, noticing a large platform and station beside the train. "We're here," he muttered to himself, anxiously levitating his suitcase and making his way for the exit doors. Along the way he was shoved left and right by countless ponies, this wasn't uncommon since it was so crowded at the stations. As he made his way onto the platform, Eden took a moment to take a breath of fresh air and admire the scenery of the station. "Finally i'm here," he exclaimed as he began to approach the turnstiles that led to Ponyville.

"Thank you for riding with us on the Equestrian Express, we hope you had a pleasant ride and may the stars guide you on the rest of your journey."

Eden rolled his eyes and scoffed "Still as cheesy as ever." He'd heard that same intercom message countless times before, created by the Lunar Empire no doubt. He went towards a large booth not far-off from where he was, this was known as an exit booth. Ponies were required to check into these booths before leaving the station, to confirm they were at the right location and that their business was clear. He reached up as far as he could sliding his ticket upon the tall counter, greeted by a gentle mare.

"Why hello there little one, are you all alone?" he nodded "Yes, i'm here visiting some relatives ma'am."

The mare didn't question the colt, seeing as he didn't seem suspicious and sent him on his way. As he passed through the turnstiles, Eden noticed pairs of lunar guards stationed at multiple sectors of the area. He sighed in disappointment, I guess its not much different from manehattan he thought to himself. He didn't want to stick around here any longer and walked the path to Ponyville, eager to finally get to the small town.

As he finally arrived he couldn't help but express pure joy. He was finally standing in Ponyville, so close to achieving his objective, or so he thought. As he finally finished taking in the situation, Eden continued his short trek towards the center of town, where a large magnificent fountain stood. He lowered his suitcase and relaxed, he was young and even simple levitation spells strained him. The sound of the water running through the fountain was calming, for a short moment just that simple sound made it feel like this entire trip was worth taking.

Ponyville was different from other parts of Equestria. It was a small town outside the interests of the Lunar Empire. The only reason most Ponies would ever visit such a place is to get away from everything, the rules and regulations of the big cities. Princess Luna otherwise known as Nightmare Moon had her grasp on practically all capitals of the world, and her ruling was harsh and firm. Nopony dared question her, and everypony made sure to stay loyal to her.

Eden realized these small facts about Ponyville, he cherished them. He looked off into the distance, relishing at the sight of lush forests, kept alive by the empires strange magical pillars. He then looked towards the rest of the town, no guards, gates, checkpoints, barriers, everything was so peaceful. Eden however wasn't here to just admire the scenery, and certainly not here to visit any relatives, but more like somepony in specific.

As he finally stood to all four hooves, he began levitating his suitcase once again. Time to move he thought, the staring from the locales was also getting him a bit uneasy. Even though it was the dead of night, the town was still vibrant with life, everypony was awake and going amongst their business. This was due to the fact night was eternal in Equestria, ponies everywhere tended to just head to bed whenever their bodies told them it was time to rest. It isn't a very fortunate process but they had no other choice. As Eden walked among the locales through the town, he was looking for an inn, however he couldn't help but cock a brow when he overheard somepony yelling.

"Wait a second Pinky! I said wait dang nabit!"

Eden couldn't help but be confused as he'd begin to turn to see what all the commotion was about. No other pony seemed to be looking in the direction he was turning, what was the big deal? As he turned to see who was causing such a ruckus his world suddenly went black OOF he tumbled and crashed, rolling into the dirt, his suitcase skidding and clanking off to the side. It took him a few seconds to regain his sense of direction as he blinked a bit, his eyes widened as he noticed the most peculiar thing pinning him to the ground. There was a giant pink mare on top of him, the amount of confusion Eden was feeling at the moment was indescribable.

"Uhm would you mind getting off me please?" The pink mare nodded "Sure thing Trixie!" Eden blinked "My name isn't Trixie."

The pink mare looked utterly confused by his response "Huh, you're not Trixie? but you have the colors, and, and-" The pink mare gasped "Of course you're not Trixie silly!" she exclaimed with a giggle as she crossed her hooves and closed her eyes. "Trixie doesn't have a suitcase!" shoving her off softly, Eden staggered to his hooves as he saw another pony clamoring towards the both of them in a hurry. He gasped, quickly levitating his suitcase over to him and keeping it close by his side.

This pony looked more organized and less frantic about everything. She wore a straw hat and had an orange coat as well as an apple cutie mark. "You'll have to excuse her sugarcube, she's a bit on the wild side." The orange mare would look at the pink one with an annoyed expression before looking back towards Eden. She continually pat him down, dusting him off before tipping her hat in a fair introduction.

"It's a pleasure to run into ya, names Applejack of the Apple Family." The pink mare would appear behind Applejack "and i'm Pinkie Pie!" she exclaimed. "Welcome to our neck of the woods." Pinkie Pie would look at Applejack as if she were confused "Woods don't have necks!"

Eden smiled at Applejack and Pinkie Pie somewhat nervously, looking to the lower left "I'm Eden Eclipse." Applejack feeling inclined to help visitors, continued to converse with the young unicorn. "So what brings you to Ponyville Eden?" Eden smiled up at her as he spoke in a soft tone "I'm looking for a unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle, perhaps you know of her?" Pinkie Pie immediately gasped as she bounced, pressing her face against Eden's, her eyes wide with horror. "You want to see Twilight? Nopony ever wants to see Twilight! She's crazy, loco, coocoo, a mad scientist!" Applejack grabbed Pinkie by her mane with a disappointed look, pulling her back "Now that's enough Pinkie."

Eden found this humorous, it was ironic to think Pinkie Pie could consider anypony else insane. He smiled looking specifically at Pinkie Pie "I've heard the rumors Pinkie, but i still want to meet her myself." Pinkie gasped raising a hoof to her face as Applejack stepped in for a second. She had a worried expression as she whispered to Eden "Listen here, Pinkie may be right about this one, Twilight isn't too kind to taking visitors." Eden looked at her lowering his ears "Well, I have to at least try right? It's all i came here for."

"Well if it's what ya wanna really do, i won't stop ya. I'm going to keep watch just in case though, case she tries any funny business, this way." Eden had a bright smile upon his face following close behind Applejack. Pinkie had a look of utter disbelief as she saw them walking off in the distance, she held out a hoof "Wait you two! You're not really going are you? Are you guys crazy!" she asked as she hurriedly trotted towards them, hesitantly bouncing along.

As they walked Eden looked up at the beautiful night sky, the stars overhead. He eventually turned to look at Applejack. They had already been conversing for a good hour or so, apparently Twilights house was further than expected.

"Hey Applejack, have you heard about the Legends of the Sun?" Applejack smiled at him. "Yea of course I've heard the stories! When i was but a lil'filly, i remember those stories clear as the night sky!"

Eden's expression lit up with excitement as he listened to her speak. "I remember just sitting on the barn, just dreaming of the day when something like the sun would come up. Where we earth ponies could tend to our farms in the vast light without no supervision of lunar guards or use of magic." Applejack's voice began to trail off as she finished. "I dreamed and dreamed sugarcube, but that's all they were, dreams."

Eden looked down, his ears lowered after hearing Applejack's response. He eyed his suitcase in particular. She took notice of this and immediately began to ruffle his mane "Hey don't let it get ya down, the lives we still have are good ones." Eden muttered "Yea," suddenly Pinkie shrieked in fear, obviously frightened by something ahead. She pointed at the large obscure tree house, adorned in strange metal contraptions and surrounded by a violet forcefield.

"Are, you, guys, happy now!?" she exclaimed. "whoa," uttered both Eden and Applejack as they stared in awe at the large fortress, home to Twilight Sparkle. "You guys seriously wanna go messing with some crazed pony mad mare?!"

Applejack had an extremely cautious expression as she held out a hoof, signaling Eden and Pinkie to stay back. Pinkie had no qualms about the idea as she hid behind Eden who rolled his eyes in response to her fear. As Applejack approached the barrier, she then proceeded to touch it with her hoof. Surprisingly it slipped right through, as if the barrier was just for show. Applejack stepped past the barrier then signaled the other two over "come on y'all!"

Eden nodded, quickly trotting over to join Applejack, diving through the barrier. Pinkie Pie extremely hesitant looked up to the sky "Oh why me, why me?" She then shook her head placing her hooves on her hips "No Pinkie! Now is your time to shine!" She took in a deep breath before letting off a mighty yell, jumping forward in a karate kicking position and tumbling through the barrier, crashing into some surrounding objects inside. Applejack simply placed a hoof over her face shaking her head as Eden stared in confusion.

As all three of them stood in front of the wooden door they all gulped in unification. "So whose gonna knock?" Eden and Pinkie merely bit their lower lips remaining silent, as Applejack rolled her eyes "Darn babies." As she prepared to knock a loud commanding voice echoed around the treehouse, although intimidating it was still soft and obviously female, this must've been Twilight they all thought.

"Who approaches my fortress? Speak your names or begone!"

Applejack decided to speak for everypony and responded "It's me Twi, Applejack, accompanied by Pinkie Pie and a young fella from manehattan, he's eager to speak with ya!"

"Manehattan? Who could possibly be looking for me from- uhm, fine! You may enter, but be careful!"

As the door slowly creaked open, Applejack once again signaled Pinkie and Eden to follow her. All three of them entered cautiously, watching their every step as they peered around from within Twilight's home. As all of them were a few feet within, the door slammed shut. Pinkie Pie overreacting as usual, jumped in fear so high that she clang to the top shelf of a large book cabinet near the door. Both Eden and Applejack sighed but were suddenly distracted by the appearance of none other then. "Twilight?" with a puff of purple smoke, and soon the clearing, there stood the violet mare.

She coughed slightly "Aheck! Aheck! Ugh, that's not supposed to happen, uhm, anyway what is it you want? Colt of manehattan?" She pointed dramatically at Eden as he cocked a brow, stepping forward.

Eden gulped, then speaking to Twilight, who wore a peculiar lab coat and had rounded glasses. "Uhm, you see, rumors of your wisdom stretch as far as even manehattan Twilight. I've come because you're the only one who'd be able to help me concerning the legends of the sun."

Twilight continued to dabble with multiple vials and potents, mixing chemicals as she came to a sudden halt. Pinkie blinked a bit as she landed back on the floor "OOF!" then stared at Eden as did Applejack who said with a sad tone "Hey now." Pinkie exclaimed "Like those old filly stories legend of the sun?" Twilight had an uninterested expression as she sighed continuing to mix her concoctions "It's as the Pink one says, that's no more than a filly's story. Now if you ponies don't mind i have lots of research to do."

"Wait," exclaimed Eden. "I know you don't truly believe that Twilight Sparkle, my pops also had sources, how do you explain the second princess?" Twilight's eyes snapped wide as she immediately poofed to the little colt, covering his mouth. "Be quiet," Eden merely let out muffled noises then nodded as Applejack looked confused and shocked. "Wha- What's this about some second princess?" Pinkie Pie yelled "Second Princess?! Where?! Can't possibly be as bad as our prin-" Twilight cut everypony off yelling at the top of her lungs.

"I said QUIET!"

Immediately Pinkie Pie, Eden, and Applejack sat like dogs following orders. She sighed taking off her glasses and levitating a few books over. "The Legend of the Sun is supposedly a filly's tale, but as he said i've questioned key points strange in the story. There are also many aspects to things that seem exactly like our world." She continued flipping through the pages "These things could be perfectly explained with the possibility of a second princess but that, that's just not possible, there is no physical evidence leading to such a theory." Twilight had an inquisitive expression as she pondered the thought walking back and forth. Eden smiled as he'd finally lowered his suitcase onto the ground, opening it. "Until today Twilight Sparkle."

Out of the suitcase he raised a golden crown, embedded with a royal gem. All the other ponies jaws practically dropped as Twilight's eyes glimmered from the sight, she immediately rushed over to the crown examining it, every aspect, every detail, she was practically speechless. "Where did you get this? This is royal craftsponyship the likes of which i've never seen! This, this is beyond words." Eden smiled "I've done my hunting as well Twilight Sparkle. How I obtained that piece, well it's a long sto-"

Twilight hurriedly rushed all three ponies out the door with a panicked expression. "You all gotta go go go go! Come back here in 10 hours time and I will have everything set up, don't be late! Stay away from lunar guards, and keep everything we've discussed here a secret! You got that?" They all nodded as she slammed the door in their faces.

"Told you she was crazy." exclaimed Pinky Pie.

Deep in the kingdom of Canterlot, there looking off into the distant lands from her castle, stood Nightmare Moon, the princess of Equestria. She stood on the balcony of her throne room, smirking at the sight of her beloved kingdom consumed by eternal night. She heard trotting from behind her, somepony approached. She turned her head slightly to see who it was as she then sighed looking forward once more. "Why it's just you shining armor, what of your report?" she said in her elegant tone. Shining armor now adorned in black plate armor saluted the princess before speaking, "Nothing out of the ordinary your Highness!" She looked at him with a concerned yet serious look "What of your sister?" Shining armor shook his head "Nothing strange, she just had a fan come visit who she kicked out soon after." Nightmare Moon looked ahead once more "I see, carry on shining armor." Shining saluted before turning around and walking off.

Nightmare Moon continued to smile looking off into the distance "Oh dear sister, if only you could have been here to see the world i've created. You claimed it was not possible yet here i am." She let off soft cackles before bursting out into pure laughter. Shining Armor took a quick look back, a contemplative expression on his face as he saw the princess filled with laughter, he looked ahead then just left the throne room.

Back in ponyville, Eden had finally made it to his inn. He smiled at Applejack and Pinkie Pie softly before departing "Thank you both of you, if it's no problem uhm, would you care to join me later as well?" Applejack tipped her hat with a smile "It would be my pleasure." Pinkie Pie responded just as quick "And mine!" bouncing around Applejack soon afterwords. The young unicorn smiled at them "Okay, then i'll see you both later." They waved farewell as he entered the building, he then went up the stairs and plummeted into his bed. As he laid there, old memories flashed through his head.

A younger Eden sat upon the lap of an old stallion. The stallion smiled as Eden said anxiously "Then what happened next pops?" The older stallion laughed ruffling his mane as he looked above. "You see, in his world, the sky was a vibrant blue, the clouds a puffy white like marshmallows. The stars would come and go, the sun would sit there in the sky, giving us the gift of warmth and the light of dawn." Edens eyes widened with fascination as he continued to listen. "And when it was time for it to go, it's closest companion the moon as we see now would rise in the sky for an equal period of time, it was a world of wonder and color, a world of equality this was the world he knew." Edens jaw dropping just at the thought. Then just like that, his flashback was over, Eden thought about such times a moment longer, before falling into a deep sleep. He was eager for the days ahead, whatever they may hold.

Meanwhile back at Twilights home, she was constantly rummaging through old stacks of books. She squealed in delight as she found one book in particular, the book was covered in dust and the pages looked ancient. As she flipped through the pages she muttered to herself "What was that other word for it, what was it! They called it," she paused running her hoof along the page "Celestia?"

Chapter 9: The calm before the Storm

I am Mythos, ancient guardian of the kingdom of dragons. We dragons have seen much of the world, much more than creatures such as ponies, gryphons and the likes. Only a handful of us were actually around to bare witness to the day the sun fell from the skies, never to return. That day was a thousand years ago, I feel I was much younger back then. I always knew the day would come when an unlikely bunch would seek to restore order to this world, but I never thought it'd come at the hooves of some young ponies. We dragons are powerful, but this is not a fight we can seek to participate in ourselves. Within our borders, something sinister lurks, but that is a story, better left untold. These ponies wish to change the very foundation of the world they were born in, now that, is a story worth mentioning.

Nightmare Moon was once again staring off her balcony, off into her distant kingdom, some would say she seemed calm, reflective. As she did this, the cowled mare would frantically burst into the throne room, Nightmare Moon would ignore her presence, realizing she'd explain the situation anyway. The cowled pony trotted over to Nightmare Moon, bowing before speaking, it was only common courtesy.

"Your Highness,...I.....I've lost them...both of them, I'm nothing but a fail-"

Nightmare Moon raised a hoof, interrupting the mysterious mare. She sighed, as if tired.

She simply looked ahead, off into the distant sky.

"I know, what has transpired, my student. That Shining Armor, and his little sister Twilight, truly seek to go against me it seems. I admit, it is truly, a regrettable situation.

"It also seems my Shadowbolts have fallen in battle to them as well."

The cowled pony just looked at Nightmare Moon, her head lowered. It had been awhile since she'd seen the princess like this, it pained her, annoyed her. She cherished the princess deeply, and her own failure fueling her disappointment only made her that much angrier. She looked up curiously as she soon heard the rising sound of pellets of raindrops gathering outside. It was beginning to rain, Nightmare Moon just continued to stare off into the distance, she then looked up at the sky. The expression on her face was cold yet, remorseful. It appeared just as quick as it'd gone, but, if anypony might have seen that look she'd just had, they could believe, a shred of regret flashed from within, but now, it'd disappeared, once more into her dark heart.

The cowled pony just stared at her mentor for a few moments longer before asking curiously "y-your highness? What do you plan to do?..I will make preparations at once for-"

Nightmare Moon interrupted her once again, shaking her head. "Nothing is required, all I require you to do, is inform the earth ponies of the other kingdoms I require their assistance at once. Inform the pegasi of the same, I require many battalions down in Canterlot. We shall face this problem, vanquish it, as a empire, together."

The cowled pony looked puzzled "but your highness, why don't you just go!? We can search the lands, everywhere, they must have gone somewhere, if we only continue to double our search we can!"

Nightmare Moon hushed the mysterious mare, "now that!....Is something, I absolutely cannot do my student. Not at this point in time, I lost my chance the moment Twilight sparkle had escaped from Cloudsdale."

This irked the cowled pony, painfully she looked as if a dagger were plunged in her heart. Those words, those definite words made her failure that much more obvious. "I shall leave you your highness..." Nightmare Moon nodded "that you shall." As the cowled mare left the throne room, Nightmare Moon continued to stare off into the distant, pouring night.

You've sent them beyond my reach, somewhere I am uncertain of. It is quite poetic actually, dear sister, I almost feel sorry I must do this. They will come, their hearts will be in it, then they will fall, crushed by my absolute power. Just like you dear sister, their foolish hopes, dreams, will crumble before them, then they will realize, it was all for nothing. I will be waiting, little ponies, for whatever you seek to use-

"it will never be enough."

Twilight and the others were actually beginning to relax themselves. It had been some time before any of them had felt positively safe somewhere. As the other ponies were just discussing things amongst one another catching up, Twilight looked to Mythos, she beckoned to know.

"The heart of fear? What is such a place guardian Mythos?"

Mythos was reluctant to speak at first, he simply turned his head away for a moment. "It is a kingdom of legend, one that had been long forgotten since. Due to it's horrid past, I'm sure you know of what I speak."

Shining raised a brow, confused by the dragon's words as Twilight's eyes widened in realization.

Twilight stomped a hoof in protest "w-what?! What requires us to go there!?"

Shining looked a little irritated by their knowledge of things he was unaware of. He looked to Mythos "go where, where is he telling us we need to go!?"

Applejack noticed the two ponies somewhat in a panic, she couldn't help but raise a hoof in defiance with a sarcastic expression. "Well shucks yall, I don't believe anywhere we go should be surprising after all we been through."

Eden laughed softly beside her, nudging her some "totally right?"

Rarity sighed, rolling her eyes as she listened to them "well I don't know about you ponies, but i've simply had enough of dangerous adventure and perilous doom. I say we chalk this whole thing up and head back to ponyville!"

The others just stared at her with a really? expression as Rarity just gave a cheesy smile to them, a bit embarrassed.

As Shining was still anxious to know what exactly the Heart of Fear was, he looked to Mythos. "Please, inform us who don't already know about it Mythos, I'd like to know what were getting ourselves into."

Twilight suddenly spoke "The Crystal Empire....."

This caused everypony to gasp, Applejack stomped a hoof "what?! Now that's just some old ghost story used to prevent little fillies from playing out in the dark too long. Don't you dare tell me that legend is real to!"

Pinkie Pie laughed as she bounced "Hah! Wouldn't be surprising! But hey, what the heck, plotkai right?" she shrugged.

Mythos sighed "the young pony is correct, according to all of you younglings, this would certainly just be an old forgotten tale. A dark one indeed, only some more informed ponies will come to realize, just like myself, this is indeed true."

Twilight looked down, as if she knew where this conversation was leading.

Mythos continued "the crystal ponies were consumed by infinite darkness, being reborn as dreaded monstrosities that now roam the ruins of their once great empire."

Rarity fainted once more as Eden rolled his eyes. As they'd listened, they felt their hearts racing, that feeling of dread slowly creeping its way over to them.

Mythos dimmed the room, as if the wave of his mighty claw controlled the very lights. He sighed "they were once a prosperous kingdom, until-"

Twilight muttered in a hushed tone "King Sombra...."

Mythos nodded "that,...is regrettably correct, King Sombra was unlike other ponies, his lust for power and pure mastery over the ways of dark magic earned him his frightening reputation. Some would even claim his skill in the ways of dark magic even surpassed those of the ruling Princess Luna."

Twilight shook her head as if confused "but wait, this is all just not adding up! King Sombra was defeated long ago, obviously not like how history today claims it, so it must of been Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna who defeated him in the past! He is no longer around so why worry about him?"

Mythos spoke in a hushed tone "you are correct, young pony, but the tendrils of darkness, make habit of working in mysterious ways. King Sombra may be gone, but, I could never shake the feeling that something dreaded still remains in that vast broken place, left to be forgotten, undisturbed, yet, I am telling you younglings this is where you must go. If only there were some other way, but, no, you cannot falter, this is what you must do."

Shining protested in anger once more stomping a hoof "whats so important in some abandoned kingdom we need to risk our lives for it anyway?!"

Mythos nodded to Shining, realizing his frustration and providing an answer "it is an object of immense power, forever left to stand upon the peak of the black castle, a beacon of hope that one day the kingdom may return to its former glory. It is an object known as The Crystal Heart."

Shining raised a brow as did the others, Mythos continued his explanation. "In order to fight back the darkness, you first require the key to the light. More answers will be provided to you when you retrieve the Crystal Heart, it is not my place to say. After you've succeeded in this feat, you will be directed to go to the lands northeast of the Crystal Empire, into the the Rift Canyons."

Rainbow Dash gasped "the Rift Canyons? AAAh this just keeps getting better and better doesn't it!?"

Mythos smiled "luckily these canyons are not as dangerous as they're portrayed to be. I will not say but what's awaiting you within, I will let your hearts guide you to the solution."

Twilight nodded firmly, as she'd already accepted what they must do. Shining was a bit reluctant to put his sister and friends in the middle of a dangerous situation but knew he couldn't talk them out of it. Rainbow seemed a little more anxious and excited to get this started, as Fluttershy hid behind her. Applejack and Eden simply sighed, but nodded to one another, they'd been through much already, just a little extra icing on the cake in their terms. Pinkie bounced happily as Rarity looked down, tears in her eyes "oooooh this is absolutely dreadful...."

Suddenly Mythos looked at them curiously "young ponies, is any among you a tailor of sorts?"

Suddenly they all looked at Rarity, who laughed some as she raised a hoof. Mythos smiled at her "good, I will require you then young pony, to stay here with me, your role will be very important in the days to come."

Rarity gasped in delight, jumping to her hooves, she pranced happily as the others just rolled their eyes at her. Mythos chuckled some, actually a bit delighted he could keep at least one of them here under his watchful eye. Mythos then spoke again once more "you will work alongside my assistant, he will help you with what you must do and follow you wholeheartedly. Spike, come, meet our friends, I know you've been watching."

Twilight chuckled a bit whispering in Rainbow's ear "who names a dragon Spike? Hehe."

Rainbow chuckled some herself "totally, what a random name."

Suddenly appearing from the shelves of one of the many, a small purple and green dragon would appear. He'd be standing, somewhat smug as he looked at the ponies "hah! Sorry, coudn't help but eavesdrop, these ponies seem a little soft for such an adventurous task!" Spike then hopped down the shelves masterfully, approaching the ponies with a smile.

Rainbow raised a brow at the tiny dragon "what a cocky little dude."

Fluttershy suddenly dashed to Spike, hugging him softly "oh oh! A baby dragon! I always wanted one, it's so very cute, and-" Spike pushed her off of him "hey, hands of the merchandise lady." Suddenly Spike's jaw dropped at the sight, of the most beautiful creature he'd laid eyes on. Rarity just stared at him, puzzled by his expression as Spike was basically drooling at a loss for words. Mythos laughed "spike is quite straightforward, but he will assist you to the best of his abilities, and he has many." Spike practically gliding to Rarity, just staring up at her with hearts in his eyes. Rarity was a bit skeptical at first, but then scoffed in delight, delighted by his fascination. Twilight looked at Spike, as if interested in who he was for a few moments but then she shook her head, this wasn't what was important.

Mythos looked down, regrettably at the other ponies once again. He sighed heavily "and you, our young brave ponies, will be attempting something, that nopony has attempted in the many decades i've been alive. I can only wish you the best, and give you warning, that the road you must travel, must be through the cavern of the twin lions. This will lead you through a secret passage into the heart of the empire, you must not travel on land, too many dark remnants roam the area, you will not make it far. The hidden passage is indeed dangerous, but far less than roaming to the castle through the empire itself."

Twilight nodded "then, we will make our way there right away."

Shining smiled rubbing the top of his sisters head "hah, and i'll keep you all safe."

Rainbow smirked dashing around them "and i'll stick by you guys until the end!"

Fluttershy trembled as she'd muttered "I-I...t-think I will be going home now..."

Mythos laughed "ahahaha, Lady Fluttershy."

Rainbow then shook her head in defiance "NUH UH! I don't think so! I'm not losing track of you again! Nope!" Fluttershy did a light "eep!" as Rainbow grabbed her.

Pinkie chuckled as she bounced "and I'll be the life of the party YEP YEP!"

Applejack laughed some "Aw shucks, well I ain't gonna let yall get yourselves into any trouble without me there to back ya up."

Eden laughed a little, just smiling at them softly "I'll do what my best to help."

Rarity approached the group, a saddened and ashamed expression on her face. "I'm, I'm sorry darlings, I truly would have gone, it's just that I-"

Twilight raised a hoof interrupting her "it's fine Rarity, you proved to me a long time ago how generous you are. I wouldn't have had the courage to pursue this without you, and once again, here you are, helping me. Thank you Rarity, I'll never forget your kindness." Twilight wrapped a hoof around the the mare softly, then giving her a tight affectionate hug, Twilight looked almost pained to have to leave Rarity alone. Rarity blinked a bit, wide eyed as she eased up, smiling softly and returning the hug, squeezing Twilight and muttering "oh, how they were so wrong about you, Twilight Sparkle."

Spike laughed some, looking at Rarity, "heh and gives me plenty of time to get to know my long lost love."

Rarity gasped then looked down at the baby dragon "now darling! You are far too young for me, hmph!"

Applejack laughed some "ah shucks, Rarity you take care of yourself now ya hear? We'll be back for you in a jiffy."

Pinkie bounced in joy "YEP! IN A JIFFY, LIKE IN A FLASH!"

Mythos sighed, he looked at the ponies, pained by the fact they had to pursue such a journey yet joyed by their live unique personalities. He spoke "you all will rest here for now, then in a few hours embark on this last little hoorah. A storm is coming you ponies, and you all will be in the center of it."

Twilight smirked "the eye of the storm." Rainbow chuckled "heck yea!"

The group of friends would spend a few last hours relaxing, eating, conversing and enjoying themselves before they embarked to the crystal empire. It was a touching moment between them, as many had found friendship in what happened to be the darkest time of their lives. They were now closer than siblings after such experiences, although some were still forming into the feeling of being with the small group, they all couldn't help but feel connected to each other in some strange way. They laughed, they played, they talked of the future they would achieve.

These were moments they would cherish forever, whether they knew it or not.

As the hours drew closer in, Twilight and the others smiled as they had healed their injuries from previous escapades. Rainbow's wings were now healed as well as Twilights bruises and cuts although she was still bandaged a bit. Even the scars and whatnot on Eden, Pinkie, Shining, and Applejack, everypony was ready to go. As they looked ahead the path, exiting the kingdom of dragons that would take them north, they smiled. It was as if they were anxious to finish this, these two last tasks would complete the cycle. They were ready, Twilight took the first step as the others followed close behind.

"We'll do this, together."