Project Hope

Chapters

Prologue: The Heroic Trails
Chapter 1: Lurking in the Light
Chapter 2: Not-so regal return
Chapter 6: Blinded by the Fight
Chapter 3: Pie-flavored Peace

Prologue: The Heroic Trails

Some quests are all sugar and nice... Others, are not...

~RarityBell

“What in tarnation is this supposed to mean Twilight?” Applejack said confused as Twilight was done reading the letter.

“As the letter stated Applejack, we need to go to the Castle for an audience with both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Nopony could believe it, the normally detailed letters from the Princesses, are all so vague now.

“What should we do? Go, or stay?” asked Rarity.

“I say we go, they want to see us, so we can not dissapoint them right?” said Rainbow Dash.

“Oh! Maybe a surprise party! Wait a minute, why am I not making that party then?” said Pinkie with her usual joyful voice. Fluttershy just giggled a little when she heard that.

“Well, it looks like we don’t have much of a choice do we?” said Twilight as she looked through her living room and saw her friends sitting there. “Saddle up, we are going to Canterlot, today.” she added.

Everypony saddled up with some necessary things and met Twilight by the train station. “Everypony ready?” she asked. Applejack nodded and entered.

“Ready as I will ever be Twilight.” said Rainbow while she landed and entered the train.

“I am ready as well. Oh, don’t tell me I forgot...” said Rarity, but before she could go back, Pinkie pushed her in the train.

“She will be alright Twilight.” Finally Fluttershy showed up just before the train left, she entered and Twilight went in as well.

The six friends always took this train, but every time they entered, it felt so magical to them. This was supposedly because of the breathtaking valley the windows had to offer. Eventually the train came to a halt at the palace. Naturally, Rainbow Dash was the first to exit the train. After Fluttershy came out last, the gang was on their way into the palace without a word.

“Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! We are here, what do you wish of us?” Twilight entered the throne room only to see Princess Celestia with a very serious look beside a newly constructed throne to match Princess Luna’s mane.

“Oh Twilight! And your friends came! Very well. Dear sister, would you enlighten the subject to them?” Princess Celestia seemed too concentrated to speak, so Princess Luna did it for her.

“Alright then. Everypony, thou have a very serious mission thou must face. As thou knoweth, an outbreak in population has occurred.”

”Luna is right, and we can’t hold all of these ponies in a contained space. This is what I ask of you six: Heed my words and search for more land so we may expand our home. Hurry along now, for we are counting on you.”

And in an instant, the six friends bowed gracefully. “Yes, your highness's...” They trotted out of the throne room talking about where they should look first.

“Ooooh! Are we going to party with new ponies far away? I’m going to need more cake!” Pinkie Pie obviously took the mission the wrong way.

“Uh... Pinkie, I don’t think that’s what the mission- nevermind.” Rainbow Dash is a bit annoyed.

“I hope there is going be some quality landscapes out there...” Rarity spoke up.

“Quality? Hah! Sugarcube, land is land. I just hope there’s going to be apple trees as far as the eye could see!” Applejack said as she couldn't hold herself any longer.

“Oh trees are wonderful...” replied Fluttershy.

“Let’s go everypony!” The gang was boarding the train again, ready for adventure.

Meanwhile in the throne room, the two princesses are getting worried. “Big sister...will they be alright? You of all ponies should know what’s out there...”

“Yes Luna, I know what’s beyond our town... I’m sure if they have each other they can do it...” Princess Celestia glances through the door with a worried expression as the head guard closes it.

“But that look tells me otherwise...” said Luna when the door closed.

Chapter 1: Lurking in the Light

Love... A powerful bound... Yet, so easy to be blinded by it...

~RarityBell

After a long trip through forests, mountain chains, cliffs and a trip through the sky, the six friends finally reached a place unknown; a desert. “Twilight, what is this place called?”, asked Rainbow curious.

“I... I... I don’t know Rainbow. It is not known on any of my maps.” said Twilight who looked at a couple different maps at the same time.

“Then we are truly in the unknown.” said Rarity.

“Rarity, you might be right on this one.” replied Applejack.

“Do we, uhm, have, to cross it? No way, around it?” asked Fluttershy.

Pinkie just giggled and went straight in, “Are you all coming?” They didn’t had a choice, and thus they followed Pinkie in the desert. Not knowing what lies ahead of them. All they saw, was sand, rock and the almost killing heat of the sun.

“Ugh! Can’t you walk any faster?” said Rainbow annoyed from the sky.

“Well I am sorry Rainbow, but we don’t have wings!” said Applejack annoyed with her face all covered in sweat.

“Easy you two... fighting won’t help us here. How long have we been here, in the first place?” said Twilight who was sweating all over her body.

“A couple hours, much less it won’t be.” said Rarity. They all wandered through the desert for at least a way not seeing anything. Eventually the killing heat of the day was replaced by the chilling cold of the night. Everypony helped to set the the tent big enough for all six of them.

“And I thought deserts were supposed to be hot, but this, this is just plain strange here.” said Applejack who was almost freezing.

“Deserts are hot in the day yes, but the more the night advances, the heat gets lost and is replaced by this coldness.” explained Twilight as she made a small fire outside.

“And just how are we supposed to find any life in here?” asked Rainbow who took place by the igniting fire.

“I wish I knew Rainbow, I wish I knew.” said Twilight who ignited the fire. Everypony took place around the fire and Rarity had cooked some dinner.

“Now, it may not be as good as you normally get, but I did my best. With help of Fluttershy I must admit.” the white Unicorn said.

“Oh, uhm, it was nothing Rarity.” added Fluttershy. Rarity smiled at Fluttershy and she blushed a little.

Everypony looked at the delicious looking dinner the Pegasi and the Unicorn made. Everypony took a plate and filled it, they all eat as much as they could. It took them some time, but eventually, all their bellies were filled. “That, was, delicious.” said Applejack after which she burped a little. “Sorry for that”, and she let a soft giggle go.

“I have to agree with Applejack here, you two are great cooks.” said Twilight with a smile on her face.

A loud burp was heard. “What? I am sorry okay. I just couldn't hold it any more.” said Rainbow while looking at the others. Everypony stayed up for some time but then they all went to bed, in the warm tent, they all fall asleep almost instantly, deeply in their dreams, they thought of everything what would happen.

The next morning Twilight was the first to wake up and looked at her friends, still deeply asleep. She smiled at the sight of it and went outside to take some fresh air, but she got met by a neon green stallion with brown eyes and a dark brown mane. “Can I, help you with something?” she asked.

The stallion answered in a deep voice. “I am sorry miss if I disturbed your sleep, I was just curious, the name is Axel.” and he stook out his hoof to shake.

Twilight shook it and made her reply. “The name is Twilight Sparkle.”

“A pleasure to meet you miss Sparkle, might I ask though, what are you doing out here in Dustroll Desert, because you don’t look like you are from here.”

Twilight didn’t know what to say on that, but came up with something. “Me and my best friends are on a little vacation through the land, but might I ask you a question, where are you from?” she asked.

Axel smiled and said, “I am from the town Dustroll, the biggest and only town here, it is rough, but the ponies are nice, if you look passed the bar-fights that is... But you mentioned friends, is it possible to meet them? Sorry if I am getting too curious here, I am just interested.”

Twilight smiled. “I understand it Axel, I hope they are awake already.”

Soon everypony was up shaking hooves with Axel. Twilight introduced the gang.

“This is Rarity.”

“Good morning to you Mr. Axel.”

“This is Rainbow Dash.”

“You can call me: Fast.”

“Here’s Pinkie Pie.”

“Hiya!”

“I’m sure Fluttershy is in the tent: she’s not used to new ponies.”

Axel peeked inside the tent only to see Fluttershy wrapped in blankets shivering. “H-H-Hi there...”.
Applejack was last. “And finally, meet Applejack.”

Axel stood in place, staring at Applejack. “Howdy!” Applejack placed her hoof out for a shake. “Axel is it? Uh... you ok fella?”

Axel snapped out of it and slowly shook hooves with Applejack. “Oh, excuse me. The pleasure is mine.”

“Say um Axel? You say there’s a town ‘round these parts?” Now it’s Applejack’s turn to be curious. “Why yes Miss Applejack! Shall I guide you there?”

Twilight packed the supplies and rushed to join the rest of the gang as they took off for Dustroll Town. They arrived within a hour or so. “Welcome to my home!” Axel was proud of his old and dusty village. It reminded Applejack of Braeburn’s home, so she got used to it quickly.

“Any saloon ‘round here? I’m parched!” Applejack was thirsty from the heat.

“Applejack! We are going to sign into a motel. If you’re that thirsty, Axel can show you the way. When you’re done come find us at our rooms.” With that, Twilight was off with the others following her.

“Alrighty then Axel, show me the way!”

“Perfect! Just follow me...”

It wasn’t the cleanest bar around, but Axel assured Applejack that they serve the best cider in the town. “Hey Drew! I’ll have the usual and one cider for the Miss here.” Drew the bartender served the drinks with blinding speed. Applejack hesitated to drink the green beverage, but after a quick sip she took a liking to it. Just then, a strongly-built stallion sat right next to Applejack. “I’ll have what she ordered.” Applejack blushed and looked away. This made Axel irritated. “Ralof? Ralof what are YOU doing here?”

Ralof was gray with a jet-black mane and had deep blue eyes. “What? Can’t I get some quality time to know some strangers?” Ralof glared at Axel but then turned to Applejack. “So, what’s your name missy? I never seen the likes of you around here.”

“Heh, name’s Applejack hun. Remember it...”

“It goes without saying.”

Now Axel was furious. “Excuse me Applejack...but I’ll be back...” Axel left the bar muttering harsh words under his breath.

“Ah forget him AJ, he’s always like that. But what I wanna know is what you’re like...” These were the last words Axel heard Ralof say before he stepped out the bar doors.

“Hey Axel! Oh, why do you look so frustrated?” Twilight came to get Applejack but ran into Axel instead.

“I-It’s nothing... Applejack’s in there if you need her...” Axel stormed off leaving Twilight in the dust. Twilight looked a little confused at him and let Axel be, she went inside and looked for Applejack.

“Applejack, we got a room it is right across the street, we will be there if you need us” she said, but Applejack, had more eyes for Ralof.

“It is fine Twi, I will come soon.”

Twilight looked at Ralof and she saw, something, something horrible. She turned around and left, hoping to find Axel soon enough. “Applejack, allow me to introduce myself properly, the name is Ralof. There is something I want to show you, but it is out of town, my home, a landhouse. And I want you to come with me.” said Ralof with a somewhat evil smile on his face, but Applejack didn't notice it, she was blinded, blinded by the love.

“Hehe, I would love to see it.” said Applejack with heart pretty much in her eyes.

“There we go, Drew, one more round!” said Ralof. Drew looked at the both of them and sighed, but they didn't hear it and he gave them their drinks. After a couple drinks Applejack wasn't really her sober self anymore and Ralof took her to his landhouse. “Drew, I will see you soon again, I owe you this” said Ralof as he paid and left with Applejack half asleep on his back.

“Axel! Axel! Oh come on... Where are you...” said Twilight as she ran around town and then, she found him, entering the hotel where they stayed. “Axel!”

Axel looked up and saw Twilight. “Evening miss Sparkle.” he said.

Twilight galloped towards him and stopped just before him and spoke under her heavy breathing. “Ralof...isn’t...the...most...cleanest...is...he?”

Axel sighed and shook his head. “No, he’s not, but as long as she... Oh no... Ralof!” Before Twilight could say anything, a sandstorm came setting in, both of them went inside and Axel asked to everypony the same question, did Ralof left the bar with a mare? All of them, nodded. “If I get him in my hooves, I shall... I shall... I need to find them, miss Sparkle, stay here, I will make sure she comes back.” he said while covering his mouth with a bandanna and went outside, in the most violent storm so far. Twilight went up to her room and asked the rest of her friends to come as well. She explained all she knew and heard. The others were shocked.

“I am not going to fly through that, not in my life Twilight.” said Rainbow before Twilight could finish.

“Rainbow, we know nothing here, the best we can do, is wait and hope for the best.” Twilight said. Everypony signed deeply to that and hoped, hoped to see their friends back again.

Applejack slowly woke up, she couldn't move, she looked where she was, a cellar, a cider cellar to be exact, she looked at herself and saw she was tied up to a chair. She shook her head a couple times and saw a figure standing by a work bench, looking at some things hanging there. “What in tarnation is this supposed to mean? Who are you and what am I doing here?” she asked. But got no answer from the figure.

A light turned on and all is revealed. Applejack looks down and notices her legs are tied up and that she is laying in a dusty corner. Applejack noticed Ralof approaching her. “Oh thank the stars! Ralof, did you come to save me? And how’d I end up like this?” Applejack waited for an answer but all she got was a chuckle of disappointment.

“I took you here sweetheart. I’m the one who did this.”

“But why would you...?”

“See here lass, I don’t take a shine to newcomers ‘round here. You know what I do to trespassers?” Ralof is clearly angered. He picked a switchblade up with his mouth.

“R-Ralof! Please no! Twilight!? Rainbow!? Help!” Ralof was getting closer each second. “Rarity, Pinkie Pie? Fluttershy...?” Applejack was now crying with desperation.

Ralof was right over her head. He pulled back the blade and was ready to strike. “...AXEL!!!” Just then, the door to the cellar burst open.

“Ralof, move away from her, and nopony gets hurt. Do it now!” said Axel angry.

“Make me.” said Ralof with an evil smile. Applejack looked up and saw Axel. She couldn't believe it, he was here, for her.

“With pleasure Ralof.” said Axel as he stormed towards Ralof. With a swift motion, Axel bucked Ralof’s cheek sending him to the ground. “Now, come back up and fight like the stallion you are!” said Axel angry. Ralof got up and stormed towards the stallion. Axel jumped aside and Ralof ran into the wall.

“I have more then enough of you, you little pest!” said Ralof while he came out of the wall. Axel taunted Ralof a bit and he got furious, charging again, only to hit another wall. Now Ralof had more then enough of him, he walked up to Axel and gave him a smack in the face. And another one, and another one, he just kept beating the poor colt up. After a couple punches, Axel just laid on the ground, lifeless. Ralof turned back to Applejack. “Now, where were we missy.” he said while grabbed his blade again.

“Hey Ralof, think fast.” And before Ralof could do anything he was knocked out by Axel.

“Axel!? But, I, how?”, was all Applejack could say.

“ I've known him for a long time, he wasn't the smartest one in town. Strong yes, but smart, not at all. Stay still long enough and he thinks you’re dead.” said Axel while untying her. Applejack hugged him and started to kiss him. Axel was surprised by this, but kissed back.

“I love you Axel, I truly do...” said Applejack in a sweet voice. And with those words, Axel kissed Applejack deeply and she kissed just as deeply back. “We should head back.” said Axel who is now blushing. Applejack nodded and together they went back to Dustroll, they loved each other so much and they confessed their love for each other.

When they came back in Dustroll the others were waiting. They never were so happy to see Applejack again, they all hugged her and Applejack did her story. Everypony was surprised by it, that it all happened, they still couldn’t believe. “Hehe, and the best part... Me and Axel, are together now.”, said Applejack and started to kiss Axel again.

Everypony’s mouth fell open as they could almost hear the fireworks of love emitting from the new couple. After some time they broke the kiss and Twilight said, “You know we have to leave right? I mean, if you want to stay here it is fine. But we can’t stay here.”

Applejack’s ears went flat against her head, she was faced with the hardest choice of her life, her friends or her love. “Uhm, miss Sparkle, I can’t stay here either, if I stay and Ralof finds me, I am dead for sure. Might I, join your group?” asked Axel.

“I see no problem in it, is anypony against it?” said Twilight while looking at the others, nopony had a problem with it and a smile came to Applejack’s face and started to kiss Axel again, for a long time.

They packed their gear and went back out, leaving the town of Dustroll behind them, an experience richer, a friend richer, and a romance richer. They went onward, heading into the deep unknown parts of the lands.

Chapter 2: Not-so regal return

Stories are to be told... But some stories, are best left, untold...

~RarityBell

“Hurry up you two! I can’t fly in circles waiting for you forever!” Rainbow Dash was getting irritated. Applejack and Axel were so lost in each other. After the kidnapping, Applejack could not choose any other colt. Soon the adventurers set up camp in the cold of the desert night. Nopony could sleep, except for Applejack and Axel who were nice and warm. It was adorable seeing Applejack with her partner cuddling to keep warm.

Morning came sooner than everypony expected. They all packed up and started to head out. “Twilight...do you even know which way we are going?” Rarity was very concerned.

“Hmm...let me triple check the map... um... everypony stop.” The gang did as Twilight instructed. “Rarity I need to speak with you...now!” Rarity trotted over to Twilight’s side. Rarity saw the map and nearly fainted.

“B-But Twilight... we can’t go there! I don’t want to!”

“I know Rarity... I don’t want to either. But we both know it must be done...”

Just then, Axel came over to investigate. “Uh what’s wrong here?” Axel glanced at the map and saw a shining bright palace. “Oh! I know what that is! It’s the Unicorn Capital isn’t it? I always wanted to go here.”

“Well if my Axel wants to go then so do I.” Applejack walked up to Axel and kissed his cheek. All Axel could think to do at the time was to blush.

Axel headed for the direction of the Unicorn Capital with Applejack. Eventually everypony else except for Twilight and Rarity were following them. “Twilight...”

“I guess it’s ok for them to see it. They won’t know...” Twilight and Rarity were very cautious about this Capital. Soon after agreeing, the two mares rushed to join the rest of the pack. Eventually they found the walls of the Unicorn Capital.

“Well good evening to you brave adventurers! My name is Warden. Please come inside these...bright colored...walls and rest; surely you are all tired!” a tall blue unicorn with a brown mane strode up to the gang with a welcoming expression.

“Now enter please. Oh not you two unicorns. I must speak with you...” Warden suddenly got this evil look in his eyes, but the earth ponies and pegasi didn't notice.

“Rainbow Dash, take the others to the hotel here...” Twilight was sounding gloomy, so Rainbow Dash did as she told her to.

What seemed like a nice place to the non-unicorns was really a horror story come to life to Twilight and Rarity.

“Unicorns...? Hold up... show me your faces” Twilight and Rarity did not want to open their eyes, but they did anyways. What they saw was not the brightly colored walls and decor around the place. What they saw was like a living nightmare; black and spiky walls with a horrid atmosphere.

“Twilight Sparkle!? Rarity!? What are you doing back here? Do you know how long it’s been since I helped you two escape?”

Twilight sighed deeply and said, “We both know that Warden, and the both of us rather did not want return to this place, but they wanted to see it so badly.”

“She is speaking the truth Warden, we rather avoided this place but our friends just wanted to see it.” said Rarity while she looked a bit ashamed.

“And you two couldn't stop them? Ugh... Nevermind... The two of you need to stick together here and only you two. If they start to see, how we see it, I have no idea what will happen.” said Warden a bit angry. Rarity and Twilight nodded and into the city, followed by Warden.

“I will look into how your friends are doing, you two can walk through the city, but don’t get that much attention to yourself.” said Warden as he went into the hotel to check on the others. Twilight and Rarity wandered through the cold, dead streets of the Capital.

“I almost forgot this place... Almost.” said Rarity quite sad.

“I know what you mean, living here, is a true hell... I mean, look around you. Nothing good can be seen here... It is thanks to this place, I am sometimes ashamed to be a Unicorn.” spoke Twilight softly as they walked through the dark and lifeless city. There was but one figure hidden in the shadows that kept following them, Twilight and Rarity both didn't know it. After some time the sun started to set and the moon to rise. It was time, time to return to the hotel.

“Now I will never be able to forget this place... Coming back after so many years...” said Rarity.

“I know Rarity, it is a shame we had to go here, but they wanted us to go...” said Twilight rather concerned. When they reached the hotel, the both of them had the feeling they were being watched, but couldn't see anypony looking for them. They went inside and went to the dinner room.

Somewhere, in an alley not far away from the hotel, a laugh was heard, “So the great Sparkle has finally come back home...” The figure stood by a poster of Twilight, but that poster, soon went up in flames, blue flames. “Soon enough, I shall do the same with you. Making an end to MY ordeal. You caused my downfall, now I shall make sure, the same happens to you. This place isn't big enough for the both of us Sparkle.” then the figure just started to laugh again.

“Look at that meal!”, said Rainbow as the meals were served.

“My goodness, they really know how to cook here don’t they?” said Rarity.

“The best place in town to eat, is right here.” said Warden.

“Rarity, is it true, you once had a little, crush, on Warden?” said Applejack with a teasing voice.

“Well, uhm, how do I say it... well, yes...” said Rarity as she became red of blushing.

“She indeed once had, but then we found out we weren't really each other's type. What can you do, and when she left town, the contact between us, slowly went gone. It is nice to see her back though, we have quite a lot of catching up to do.” said Warden with a joyful voice.

“But, why did you leave this place to come to Ponyville, the both of you?” asked Pinkie curious.

“Well, I got an invitation to ‘Princess Celestia’s School of Gifted Unicorns’ and thus had to leave for Canterlot.” explained Twilight.

“My parents moved to Ponyville when I was very young, so my memory of my hometown is kinda vague, but I always remembered it as a happy place.” lied Rarity to them all. But she brought it so believable that nopony questioned it. If they only knew how the Unicorns saw their capital.

“But for now, let us eat these delicious looking meals shall we?” said Warden. Everypony agreed and ate until their bellies became full.

It was morning in the hotel and everypony was feeling great, except for Twilight and Rarity. The two mares sensed each others concern and met up alone away from everypony outside of the hotel. “Twilight...we haven’t been here in a long time... I want to find my old home again...see what has become of our old houses.”

“I guess Rarity, I’m curious to see what’s become of our homes here after we...left.” Twilight and Rarity agreed and set off for their only good memories of the capital.

“Warden, could you tell the others that Rarity and I are going shopping for ‘supplies’?”

“Twilight... I know you want to see your old home... Fine. Just come back safely alright?” Warden was a hard unicorn to lie to. His wisdom is very high, but he has a good heart. Warden allowed Twilight and Rarity to explore.

The two unicorns stepped outside the hotel into the sudden rain. The bone chilling atmosphere was hard enough, but a downpour was not going to stop even Rarity from finding her childhood house. All of the streets and alleys were the same in this nightmare of a city. It was not hard to get lost in the maze of corners and roads. Twilight did not want to lose Rarity, especially in this poor community.

“EEEEK!” Rarity let out a blood-curdling screech that scared Twilight half to death.

“Wha! Rarity what happened?”

“D-did you see that...? I saw something move in those shadows!”

“Don’t be so paranoid Rarity...it was probably just a rat. Just ignore it and keep going.” Twilight did not believe Rarity. Rarity whimpered and continued to follow Twilight while keeping an eye on the darker parts of the alley. Poor Rarity...at that time she should have been paying attention to what wasn't dark. A giant glowing blue cage crashed down onto Rarity; locking her up! She was so scared she didn't scream, she fainted. “WHOA! Rarity! Where did that come from? Hang on... I’m coming to get you out of there!” Twilight was ahead of Rarity when the cage struck, so she doubled back to get her partner in crime.

Twilight was almost there until she heard a laughter coming from behind her. This was a very familiar laughter to Twilight. She stopped in her tracks to turn and see who was there. A speeding black shadow zoomed around Twilight. “W-Who’s there...?” Twilight now readied her horn for a fight.

“Hahahah! Oh miss Sparkle... what ever are you talking about? You know who I am. Besides, how could you forget after the Ursa Minor?”

The shadow stopped circling Twilight and turned on a light. A blue light. “...You... Trixie!” A blue unicorn stepped into the light and revealed herself in her signature magician’s outfit.

“Ahahahahaha! That’s the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie to you! And now it’s time for you to see why... the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie is on home turf now; there is no escape now!”

Meanwhile at the hotel, Warden was waiting for Twilight and Rarity to return. “Um, excuse me Mr. Warden? Does shopping normally take this long in the capital?” Rainbow Dash was getting impatient again.

“Oh why of course miss Rainbow. There can be very... picky shoppers... so it takes time to find the right goods... (If there is any good around here...) Stay here... I’m going to look for them.”

“But Mr. Warden, you said it takes time-” Axel suddenly replied.

“I know what I said Mr. Axel but time can be of the essence these days!” Warden now with a worried tone rushed out the hotel door.

“Strange fella, that Warden.” said Applejack who came standing next to Axel.

“You said it honey.” said Axel and her gave Applejack a little kiss. Applejack looked outside and saw a wonderful city.

“I don’t get it though... Uhm, it is nothing...”, said Applejack and kissed Axel full on the lips slowly guiding him back to their room.

Rarity shivered in fear in the cage and could nothing but look at Trixie and Twilight. “Twilight, last time we met, it was I who ran away, but this time, it is you who shall perish, forever!” The blue mist became sharp and cutted Twilight all over her body, not deep, but painful. “You feel the pain Twilight... That is the pain I have been feeling for such a long time now. A pain, I shall repay you with.”

“Ugh... AAAHH! How, about... A little, dance, Trixie?” said Twilight while the mist disappeared but let one last big cut in her skin. Her horn stated to shine purple and she blasted a couple beams towards Trixie, all missed on purpose.

“Ha, is that all the great Twilight Sparkle can do? Allow me...” said Trixie as her horn shined bright blue and a powerful beam blasted Twilight away, sending her in the nearest wall where she got stuck.

“Ugh... Isn't bad enough we are here again, we see you again... What is next? Drop us there, so we can become magic?, said Twilight angry as she tried to climb out of the wall.

“You, no. I have a personal account with you which I rather check in myself. As for little miss Perfect, I might do that.” said Trixie as she slowly came up to Twilight and blasted her again with a powerful beam. All Twilight could do, was scream in pain as Trixie’s magic slowly burned her fur away and reached her skin. Trixie just laughed at the hopeless Twilight, “This is MY home, and here are my rules.”

Twilight started to smirk but slowly busted out of laughter. Trixie hold her magic and looked a little strange. “YOUR home... Trixie please... I AM a Unicorn as well remember...” said Twilight as she came out of the wall. “Allow me now...” and before Trixie could say anything back, she got blasted away by Twilight’s magic.

“Oh, now, it, is, on!” said Trixie as she came back up. Both of the mares blasted their magic at full power, the middle point shifting all over the place. “Give it up Twilight... You will never win against Trixie!” said Trixie whose eyes stood on thunder.

“Give me your worst Trixie, I am ready!” said Twilight who hold her hooves firmly to the ground.
Rarity just sat there in the cage, not knowing what would happen, but she saw something and dived for cover. And not much later, at the middle point of the two beams, a giant explosion, which turned into a implosion just as fast, sending all three of the mares into it and teleported them away. To a unknown place.

Warden heard the explosion and went to the spot, he saw the damage done and he knew where he had to go to. Only one place could have them now. He ventured out of the alley and looked to a grim building in the middle of the Capital. “I just hope I am not too late...” A strange blast left the chimney of the building as Warden gulped a bit. He galloped as fast as he could to the place and entered.

“Have there been two mares brought in in the last, fifteen minutes? If so, I need to see them, now. A mulberry one and a white one.” asked Warden to one of the desk employees.

“Hmm, yes, they are just brought in. Cell number 10, seventh floor. Might I ask, what do you need from them?” asked the employee.

“They never had to come here, they are going back with me.” Warden showed his badge and was given access to the cell. He rushed to the cell and saw them.

“W-W-Warden?” said Rarity.

“Yes, and where have the two of you gotten yourself into... I don’t even want to know it. The important thing is that you are out of here, out of this infernal place.” said Warden as he opened the door and let them out. As they left the building, Warden started to explain. “Do the both of you know where you just got out? I just saved your sorry flanks for the ‘Pretender’. That, thing, shoots out magic and makes this place look like sugar and nice. Biggest design flaw, Unicorns see right through it. And if you end up in one of those holding cells and nopony comes to get you within a certain amount of time, you will end up killed and feed into it. Do not ask how I got you out of there, but you need to go now. And promise me, to never return to this cursed place.” Twilight and Rarity nodded and they all three went back to the hotel, one more night, and then, it is out of this place. Warden hold Twilight and went into a shady alleyway with her to heal her cuts and bruises. When they came back, Twilight was as good as new.

“Welcome back you three. How went the shopping?” asked Applejack as they entered the dining room.

“We saw a lot of nice things, and kinda got carried away by it so Warden had to drag us here.” said Rarity with a smile on her face.

“Everypony, can I have your attention please? I want to make an announcement.” said Twilight and everypony looked at her.

“I say this with pain in my heart, but tomorrow, we have to leave. This was not a vacation after all. We need to look for more places.” Everypony agreed on that and eat their served meals. Some of them stayed for a couple drinks while others went to bed shortly after the meal.

Chapter 6: Blinded by the Fight

Mother Nature might look innocent and harmless, but when needed, she can fight with the fury of Gryphon's...

~Raritybell

As the ponies all kept walking they encountered a forest, a forest unmatched by anything in beauty. “Twilight, what is this place? Don’t get me wrong, but it looks so, peaceful, untouched.” said Rainbow in awe. Axel and Applejack did the same and so did the rest, the beauty of the forest, made their eyes tear up.

“In all my years of exploring, I have never seen a place like this before.” said Daring as she took of her hat to admire the sight.

“Hhm, according to the map, this forest, shouldn't even exist!" said Twilight while looking at all her maps. Rarity signed and signaled to Warden, who understood it and raised Twilight’s head with his magic, giving Twilight the full view of the mystical quality of the area. “It is... Amazing...” said Twilight while looking at it.

“Uhm, can we, go in?” asked Fluttershy.

“I don’t see why not.” said Twilight as she made herself ready and did a little headcount. “Everypony ready? Then we go.”, she asked and everypony nodded. All of them walked into the forest quietly, not wanting to disturb any animals that might live there.

All of them looked amazed at the sight of the forest, even Rainbow, who was flying through the branches, wiped a small tear of joy away, she never had seen anything this beautiful. “You know Rarity, after the Capital, I forgot how beautiful the world really is, and this, proves that fact.” said Warden whispering to Rarity with a tear in his eyes.

“I know dear, this place, is magical...” said Rarity softly.

“This place is wonderful, but I see one thing, more wonderful.” said Axel.

“Oh, what might that be then?” asked Applejack with a smile on her face.

Axel gave her a kiss on her cheek and said, “You.” Applejack blushed a little and gave a kiss back. Fluttershy walked next to Twilight and couldn't believe her eyes.

“This place, so, untouched, so pure... So, magical. I love it!” said Fluttershy with a smile on her face.

Daring formed the rear guard and kept an eye out for Rainbow. “Hey Rainbow, watch out where you fly, those branches can hit you pretty hard, would be a shame that you lose your ability to fly!”

Rainbow stopped from where she was and waited until the rest of the group passed by and flew alongside Daring. “Don’t worry about me Daring, I know how to avoid branches.” she said with her usual cocky voice. But in her mind, it was chaos, the Daring Do, warned her, showing she cared for her. Rainbow just wanted to scream in joy. But she tried to hold herself of as much as that could and kept flying.

After a long time of walking and sightseeing they reached a open field in the middle of the forest. “Everypony, how about a small rest?” asked Twilight to all of them, they all agreed and Twilight set up their gear. “We might stay here as well for the rest of the day. Everypony just laid down in the grass, thinking about this magical place. A butterfly landed on the nose of Fluttershy, who tried not to sneeze and waited just as long until it was gone when she released a very adorable sneeze. Everypony looked to her and giggled a little, even Axel did it. Applejack could forgive it since it was rather cute.

“Dinner is ready everypony.” said Twilight as she made the dinner table ready. Everypony took place and enjoyed the wonderful dinner made by Twilight.

“Twi, this is very good, where did you learn to cook like this, sugarcube?” asked Applejack out of curiosity.

“It are not only informative books I read Applejack.” said Twilight while she winked to Applejack who knew enough and they continued their meals.

As the sun, slowly started to decent in the forest and the moon started to raise, they didn't feel the need to make a fire, it just felt safe. After spending some time talking to each other about what happened the past weeks by now they all found it was time to go to bed. Twilight was the last one to enter the tent and took one last look at the forest, so calm, so peaceful, it reminded her of home. She sighed a little and went to bed, drifting off to her dreamworld.

The next morning, everypony decided to let Twilight sleep and made a huge breakfast with things found in the forest. Everything was set and Fluttershy was sent to get Twilight. Who did not really want to go. She tried her best to talk herself out of it, but Daring pushed her over to do it.

“Uhm, Twilight, are you, are you awake?” she asked softly. The mulberry mare moaned a little bit and Fluttershy slowly shook her awake.

“Uhm... Ugh... Wha... Oh, morning Fluttershy.” said Twilight yawing.

“B-B-Breakfast is ready, if you want to join us, that is.” spoke Fluttershy quitely.

“Thank you Fluttershy, I,” Twilight let go a big yawn and sat right up in her bed. “I will be there in a second.” Fluttershy nodded to her friend and left the tent, waiting for her friend to come out and enjoy the breakfast.

Twilight was greeted by everypony and the mare looked at the table, it was one of the most beautiful things she ever saw. “Y-you all, you all made this?” she brought out a little in disbelief. Everypony nodded to her words.

“Please darling, take a seat and enjoy it.” said Rarity with a smile on her face. Twilight walked to the head of the makeshift table and slowly took place on her seat.

The rest of them slowly sat down as well and began to help themselves. Twilight looked at all of them and chuckled lightly, their different style of helping themselves, it was just a sight she loved. But eventually even Twilight started to help herself and enjoyed the wonderful breakfast her friends had made for her.

After a while everypony was done with their breakfast and Daring asked an obvious question. “So, what is the plan for today?” Everypony looked at each other and pondered their heads a little.

“Well, we could of course venture a little deeper in the forest to see what lies hidden in it.” said Twilight. Rainbow got a twinkle in her eyes upon hearing those words.

“If we do that, I will be next to Daring!” she spilled, but quickly covered her mouth after she realized that.

Daring let go a friendly chuckle and said, “It is alright Rainbow, you may stand by my side.” Now Rainbow just couldn't hold herself anymore and squealed. Everypony giggled at her as a maroon red blush appeared on the cyan colored coat.

Axel looked a little around at the trees and field. “You know, we could make a house here, I mean, more than enough wood, maybe make a small house for all of us.”

A loud moan was heard from behind them and everypony shocked up. “What in...” said Daring. Rarity hide behind Warden who rolled his eyes and looked what the sound could have been.

“Show yourself!” said Twilight as she charged up her horn. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Axel all hid under the table.

“I wish not to hurt you...” moaned the voice.

“Then please, show yourself.” said Twilight which still had her horn charged.

The voices moaned again but then sighed deeply “I will show myself, if the Unicorn discharges her magic...”

Twilight looked around trying to find out where the voice came from but couldn't find it. She looked at her friends who hid under the table and to Warden and Daring who both nodded. “Discharge it Twilight, we don’t want to cause trouble.” said Warden as he gently stroked Rarity’s mane to calm her down.

Twilight sighed and slowly the charge of her horn took off until it was just the horn. “I have discharged my horn. Now please, show yourself.” she said into the nothingness of the forest.

The voice moaned again. “And I shall keep myself to my end...” Suddenly one of the trees started to bend in different shapes and twists until it looked like a pony. Everypony who saw it looked with a dropped jaw on the events unfolding before their eyes.

“How in the world...” Branches turned and twisted, leaves hide away, eyes and mouth emerged out of nothing.

“We... Are Tree-Ponies...” said the Tree-pony. Twilight was hit by surprise and everypony else came from under the table and looked at the Tree-Pony which was five times bigger than they were.

“What in the world...” said Rainbow who spoke what everypony thought.

“Please, ask questions later, you have somepony to visit...” spoke the Tree-Pony.

“And who might that be if I may ask?” asked Warden, still holding Rarity who had calmed down.

“The oldest of us all... The Elder Tree...” spoke the Tree-Pony. “It might be better... That you pack your things... As we have to venture... Deeper...”

Twilight felt something in her, something said to her that this, thing, this Tree-Pony, spoke the truth. “Everypony, pack up. We are going deeper.” Everypony was a little surprised but also had that feeling it spoke the truth. Slowly, they started to break down the tent and pack everything again.

It took them quite a while, but eventually everything was packed, they turned their attention to the Tree-Pony who nodded and spoke once more. “If you want to follow me...”

They didn't had that much choice as to do it. The formed a line and walked behind the tree pony who started to walk deeper in the forest. Fluttershy was oddly enough the one who walked next to the Tree-Pony. The two kept talking to each other for hours. Everypony was surprised at it, but just let the mare have her way.

After a long walk they reached a place, which looked like the middle of the forest. “I must leave now, for I am not granted to come here... I wish you the best of luck... See that tree in the middle...?” the Tree-Pony spoke while pointing to a large tree, “That is... The Elder Tree... You are allowed... To go...” The Tree Pony left the group and walked back into the forest, only to disappear out of sight within seconds. Everypony looked at each other and nodded, they knew they had to go, there was no way back now. The all walked in, towards the tree in the middle. Hoping to find out why they were brought here, why they were needed.

And then they saw it, the biggest tree of the forest. “That, is the Elder Tree, the one who keep this forest alive and hidden.” spoke an unfamiliar voice.

“Wait, hidden? Then how, did we find it?” asked Twilight.

“Show yourself, coward!” Rainbow felt the need to get that out of her system, only in a low voice to keep quiet.

“That is something, you have to ask him, yourself.” said the looming, unknown voice and one of the nearby trees twisted into another Tree-Pony. It walked up to them and brought them in front of the Elder Tree, where they awaited patiently.

“Elder Tree, here are the beings, you wished to speak to.” a tree bowed deeply and so did everypony else. The Elder Tree sighed deeply and opened its eyes. “You nine, are true at heart, something that hasn't been seen, for a long time. I normally hide us for everybody, but you nine... Are worthy, of entering, and share its beauty...” spoke the Elder Tree with a old and deep voice. “Arise please, I am not of royal.” Everypony raised again and just looked in awe at the tree. None of them, had seen something so old, yet, so beautiful.

“But, there is one, more true at heart, than any of you. The one, with the pink mane and yellow coat... Would you, come here, for a minute, my child?” the tree spoke towards Fluttershy.

“He is talking about you Fluttershy.” said Twilight. Fluttershy slowly stood up and walked towards the Elder Tree, getting more confident of herself with every step she took, until she sat down by the big trunk.

“You, are truer at heart than any of them... I believe you to be the kind-” Before he could speak further a bright orb of blue and red fire came down and hit the Elder Tree right in its chest.

Everypony broke out in gasps as the Elder Tree slowly started to catch fire, other trees rushed in to help him, given their own water to put out the fire. “I wouldn't do that if I were you! It is a fire that get heavier with water!” spoke a voice high up in the sky.

Fluttershy looked up and her eyes, got filled with rage, nopony had ever seen this side of Fluttershy. “How dare you, how dare you!” she yelled at the voice. “Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Axel, Warden, Daring. Help them to put out that fire, cover it with something. I have business to settle up there.” said Fluttershy while she looked at her friends. Nopony could believe what she just said, but they all agreed to help. Fluttershy spread her wings and she was off, high off into the clouds.

As she flew higher and higher she encountered them, the very beings which set the Elder Tree on fire. “Trixie, Gilda. I should have known.” said Fluttershy. Trixie and Gilda looked at each other and started to laugh,

“Wait, wait, wait, they send you, to beat us?” said Gilda through her laughing, “What is it? Dash too scared to face me again?”

“Or what about Twilight or Rarity? Trixie would love to end them.” said Trixie chuckling.

“But we have to do with you.” said Gila as she whistled and more gryphon's appeared in full armor.

“Just who, do you think, you are, destroying this whole forest?” said Fluttershy angry.

“Ha! We only hit one tree.” said Gilda.

“A tree, just, a tree? That tree is the reason it’s alive!” said Fluttershy who was on her boiling point now.

“Trixie and Gilda do not care for a pretty tree, we want the big ones, all of you.” said Trixie. That, made Fluttershy snapped.

“I will give you a jackpot.” she said and she flew towards Gilda and Trixie, passing the other Gryphons and started to beat the living hay out of Gilda. “Nopony, hurts, a tree, while, I, am, still, breathing!” she said, now with flares erupting from those now not-so-innocent eye. Every punch, buck, and choke hold she gave was effective. At this point, Queen Chrysalis and her entire army looked like a tiny insect compared to Fluttershy’s boiling anger.

Gilda tried to fight back but Fluttershy was getting the upper hand. “Trix! Guards! Help, me!” Gilda yelled while Fluttershy was on the point of throwing her to the ground. She dropped Gilda and looked to the others.

“Come on then, mamma is angry!” Fluttershy said. All the other Gryphon's started to attack her, but Fluttershy evaded all their attacks and countered them with heavier blows. Punches, kicks, even headbutts were delivered, and soon enough the first Gryphon's started to fall out of the skies, landing on the ground below.

“What in tarnation! A Gryphon!? What is going on up there?” asked Applejack out loud while looking. “As long as Fluttershy doesn't fall down, we are good, right now, we have a fire to put out! Pinkie! Prepare your party cannon, I have an idea.” said Twilight while Pinkie prepared it.

“Though I do not see why you want a party now Twilight.” chuckled Pinkie.

“It is not a party, fire!” said Twilight.

“Why aren't I up there fighting!? Lemme at ‘em!” Rainbow Dash, cocky as ever, was held back by Warden’s magic hold.

“Not now, we need you down here.” Warden said under a loud bang of the party cannon fire. The wind generated by the ‘bullet’ caused the fire to weaken by a lot.

“Twi, I have no more ammo for it...” said Pinkie with a sad face.

“Doesn’t matter, the fire is weaker now, everypony, you know what to do!” yelled Twilight to all of them.

“Uhm, Twi, this Gryphon here, is out cold... You think... Fluttershy...” said Applejack scared.

“Fluttershy can handle herself Applejack, we need to fire out, now!” demanded Twilight. And they all went back to work trying to get it out.

The last wave of Gryphons was out cold on the ground. Trixie, who rides the weakened Gilda still, is out of options. “B-But... how? Trixie does not understand-” Trixie was the raging pegasus cut her off.

“Well TRIXIE can go back home to where Trixie belongs. And she can take her little pet bird with her before they both become snacks!” Fluttershy raged as Gilda helplessly fluttered away with Trixie. Fluttershy snapped and regained her normal attitude as she hovered back down to the others.

“Good job Fluttershy...” Rainbow winced as the others put out the remaining fire with dirt.

“W-Whatever do you mean, Dash?” Fluttershy said in her cute, natural tone. She clearly does not remember the brutal fight.

“What’s important is, you've all saved the forest, I, and all of the inhabitants. How may we ever repay your gratitude?” the Elder Tree spoke its words of wisdom.

“I think I speak for all of us when I saw that we need nothing in return. I believe it best to leave the forest so no one ever follows us in here again. This place is to remain untouched.” said Axel as he followed the six friends, Warden and Daring out of the woods. The trees and the elder wave their goodbyes. “Thank you... Fluttershy.”

“They told me I can be anything I wanted... so I’ll become a pegasus. When I grow up, I wanna be just like Fluttershy.” a young Tree said as Fluttershy smiled back at him.

All of them waved back at the trees and also said their goodbyes, as they started to walk out of the forest. They walked to the edge of it and kept walking out of it, eventually they all turned back, slowly seeing the forest disappear before their eyes.

Chapter 3: Pie-flavored Peace

A single blow can sway the leaves, yet a single word can save a life.

-FlutterShyanna

A cool, valley breeze filled the air as the confident eight moved along. As Twilight struggles to find their location on the map, Rainbow Dash flies overhead Axel and Applejack, who are lost in each other. “Aw, but yer th’ sweet one...” Applejack and Axel were playfully arguing about who is better, which made Rainbow feel sick, forcing her to fly ahead to Twilight and the others.

“Where exactly are we going!?” said the cyan pegasus.

“I’m working on it- huh?” Twilight was interrupted as she heard the excited shriek of Pinkie Pie, rolling down a nearby hill.

“Pinkie, we have to stick together! It would be most convenient if we keep track of one another.” Rarity gawks at Pinkie.

“Awww, don’t be a strict-frowny-faced-stick-in-the-mud! You gotta cheer up Missy!” Pinkie Pie giggled and picked up speed down the hill.

“Um, Pinkie, Rarity is right here... not to be rude, but we don’t wanna-” Fluttershy was obviously trying to keep the group together as well, but at this point Pinkie was long gone.

“Ugh, just great!” Rainbow exclaims as everyone heads off in Pinkie’s direction. Rainbow looks back to find Axel and Applejack, behind and still enjoying each other’s company. She backtracks to interrupt the couple in mid-kiss. “AHEM!? C’mon lovebirds...” Rainbow dragged Applejack away, leaving Axel to follow at a quick pace.