Tales of Equestria: Friendship is Magic

by Sapphire Valley

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, Second Person, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Sex, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 31426

Legend speaks of a Guardian who will save all of Equestria. She will be a pony with a white coat, and possess a sword and shield on her flank. This pony will light Equestria's darkest hour. That pony... is you.

THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HOOVES...

An evil never heard of has be accidentally reawakened through the efforts of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, and a darkness unlike anything they have ever seen threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. Legend speaks of a powerful alicorn called The Guardian. She will be a pony with a coat white like a cloud, and will bear a sword and shield on her flank. Upon awakening she will gather the Elements of Harmony and light Equestria's darkest hour.

The time has come to begin your quest...

An epic adventure from the one behind Inner Demons (will feature characters from Inner Demons in a different setting as well)

Fight enemies in real time and team up with up to three ponies

Form powerful bonds with characters from the show, like Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and others

T for teen:
Violence
Strong Language
Suggestive Themes
Use of Alcohol

Published 2013-03-09 05:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-06 22:31:11 UTC

Phase 1

All music is from Tales of Symphonia unless specified otherwise.

(intro: White Wishes/Tales of Graces)

SapphireLibra3 presents...

Tales of Equestria

Friendship is Magic

New Game

Continue

Phase 1: Welcome to Ponyville!

Wake up...

Hey... wake up...

"I said WAKE UP!"

You are startled awake by the high pitched voice. You look around to try and find the source of the voice, which turns out to be a tiny red fairy floating around you.

"Good, you're finally awake. My name is Emma. Do you remember your name?" Emma asks you.

What's your name?

(input name) V-A-L-E

Is your name Vale?
Yes
No

"Vale huh? Nice to meet you!" The little fairy says to you. She said her name was Emma, but why is she here? For that matter, why do you feel so... weird? You look around at yourself, finally seeing what's wrong. You're a PONY! You have white fur all on your body, your mane is beep blue with light blue highlights and goes down to both sides of your head and is really long, and your tail matches your mane in color and length. You're both a pegasus and a unicorn, shown by the horn on your forehead and the wings on your back. On your flank is a design shaped like a shield with a sword diagonally behind it.

"I guess you're wondering about the form you took," Emma says, "You see, this world is called Equestria, and ponies are the dominate species here. When you arrived, the magic of the world changed your form."

Wait, arrived? What does Emma mean? Where did you come from, and why are you here now?

"I don't fully understand myself, all I know is that I was pulled here to help you. Let's be good friends."

You nod happily. It looks like you and this little fairy are going to get along great.

"I think there's a town nearby. We might be able to learn more about this place there," Emma says, "Let's go." You follow your new friend to the town ahead. Like she said, you might be able to learn more about why you're here in that town.

~Ponyville~

As you and Emma enter the town, you take a look around you again. There are ponies of all kinds here, but do any of them know about you? You decide to walk around town and search for somebody who might know who you are. You go over to one random green unicorn sitting on a bench.

"You're a new face?" she says, "My name is Lyra Heartstrings. What's yours?"

"Her name is Vale," Emma says sweetly, "She can't remember where she came from or why she's here?"

"That's horrible," Lyra says, "I hope you remember soon. Either way, welcome to Ponyville."

You thank Lyra and continue to explore the town you now know to be "Ponyville". As you continue to walk you see a pink pony with puffy hair and three balloon symbols on her shaft walking around in small circles.

"Twitch – a – Twitch... Twitch – a – Twitch... Twitch – a – Twitch..." she keeps saying to herself over and over.

"Ooookay..." Emma says as the two of you stare at the unusual pony, "I doubt she's going to have anything useful to say. We should leave her alone." You nod in agreement.

You continue to explore the town until you see a tree/building. The sign reads "Golden Oaks Library". You try to enter, but it's locked.

"It says 'closed for special research'," Emma reads, "What kind of librarian closes the library to do 'research'?"

That's... a good question actually. You decide to let that one go and continue to explore the town.

You eventually come across another pony. This one is orange with a long blond mane and tail, both of which tied in a pony tail, wearing a cowboy hat and has three apple symbols on her flank. She's trying to pull a large cart of apples, and it looks like she's having a hard time.

"Hey Vale," Emma says, "That pony looks like she needs help," you nod and trot over to the blond pony.

"Hey, are you okay?" Emma asks the blond pony.

"Ah'm... jus... fine..." she says. She has a southern drawl in her voice.

"You don't look fine," Emma says, "does she Vale?" you shake your head, and then turn back to the blond pony, who by the way has been trying to pull herself along all this time, and has only moved half an inch. Just how many apples are in this cart?

"Now listen... here..." the blond pony says, "If I needed... help... Ah'd 've asked... ya'll fer help... Now if youd'... 'scuse me... Ah've... got... apples... ta... pull..." she continued, really struggling now.

"I'm sorry Vale," Emma says turning to you, "but this is really sad, and I don't mean in a boo hoo kind of way. What do you want to do? She's not going to accept our offer."

You look at the blond pony as she struggles with the cart.

What do you do?
Wait for her to ask
Help her anyway

Despite her insistence that she's okay, you go behind the cart and begin pushing it while she pulls. It takes a while, but eventually you two begin to make progress.

!!!

"Huh?" the blond pony says when she realizes that she's moving now, clearly taken aback. Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, she continues to move toward her destination.

~Sweet Apple Acres~

You stop when you reach a barn. It looks like the pony you helped lives here.

"Thank ya kindly, Sugar Cube," she says with a smile, "Perhaps Ah really did bite off more than Ah could chew there."

"Think nothing of it," Emma says, "But if you need help then you should really ask, don't you think?"

"Yea, I guess..." she looks embarrassed, "Usually Big Mac does that run, but he ain't feelin well so I felt I could do him a favor."

"Big Mac? Who's that?" Emma asks.

"He's mah older brother. Since he's so large he usually handles the heavy labor."

"But since he's sick today you decided to do it for him. He's lucky to have a good sister like you, but you need to be careful not to overwork yourself," Emma states.

"Yeah, Ah reckon yer right," she said looking down, "Well, ya'll were kind enough to help me out, so why don't Ah return the favor."

"Oh, no need for that. Vale and I were just trying to be helpful," Emma explains, you nodding in agreement.

"Nonsense," the blond pony says, "Here in Sweet Apple Acres, we always show gratitude to those who help us. Come on."

She trots off. Emma looks at you.

"Well, I guess we're not in a hurry. Why don't we stay here for a while?" you nod and walk after the blond pony.

~A few minutes later~

She sat you down at a table, and you are now looking at a slice of apple pie. Emma has a slice as well, but her's is much smaller as she's so tiny. It looks like it was just made, because it's smells so fresh. Is this what she meant as gratitude?

"Well," she says with a smile you swear is full of pride, "Dig in."

You look at Emma, and then you both take a bite out of the pie. You gasp. This is the best apple pie you've ever tasted! The flavor, the texture, everything is perfect, like you just bit into heaven itself. You can't stop yourself. You take another series of bites out of the pie. The blond pony bursts out laughing.

"I reckon that means ya like it?" she asks.

"Like it?" Emma says, "This is the greatest apple pie I've ever had!"

"Well thank ya for the compliment, Sugar Cube," she says tipping her had forward in triumph. You get the feeling that she had a lot to do with this pie.

"I'm guessing you made this pie, right?" Emma asks.

"Ya guessed correctly," the blond pony states, "Apple pies are my specialty," she then looks shocked at something, "Oh mah stars! Ah've been so caught up in what ya'll did fer me Ah plume forgot to ask yer names."

Emma is laughing, "That's okay. My name is Emma, and this is my friend Vale."

"Vale and Emma huh? Mah name's Applejack," she holds out a hoof, "It's nice ta meet ya."

You shake hooves. You have a feeling you're gonna like this pony.

"Not that we expect you to know much, but we're trying to find out who she is," Emma explains, "You see, Vale and I aren't from around here, and we suspect we were sent here for something important, but we don't know what."

"Ah see," Applejack says thoughtfully, "Ah ain't gonna lie, any other pony would insist ya lost it. But ya'll don't look like liers. Tell ya what, Ah may not know much, but if nothing else ya'll should talk ta Twilight. She's probably the smartest pony in Ponyville, and this seems right up her ally."

"Twilight, huh?" Emma asks, then turning to you, "Looks like she's our best bet. Okay then, could you take us to this Twilight?"

"Well Ah don't expect ya to go find her yerselves," Applejack says with a smile, "Come on you two, follow me."

You nod and begin to walk after her. After a few seconds you stop and she turns to look at the mark on your flank.

"That's a mighty interesting Cutie Mark you got there. What do ya do for a livin?" Applejack asks you.

"That strange mark on her hip? What does that have to do with her career?" Emma asks Applejack, who looks at her like she is insane.

"Only everything! That mark represents what yer supposed to excel at," she turns around and shows off hers. Sure enough, the fact that her's looks like three apples makes sense now, but why is yours a sword and shield?

Before you can question anything else, you hear a crash in the distance, followed by a deep whinny. All three of you turn to the direction of the noise, but Applejack looks really worried.

"That sounded like Big Mac!" she says before galloping off.

"Vale, we need to go to!" Emma says. You gallop after Applejack. You arrive at the fields in front of her house, where you see three small troll monsters holding large forks surrounding a large red stallion with a yolk around his neck. He's lying down and looks really hurt.

"Big Mac!" Applejack shouts in horror, "Ya'll be messin with the wrong ponies! Jus 'cause we sell apples don't mean we're sweet!" in a shocking turn, Applejack runs in and begins fighting the monsters. It looks like she's having a hard time.

"Applejack! That's too dangerous!" Emma shouts, "Vale, what are we going to do?! She's going to get hurt if she tries to fight those things herself!"

What are you going to do? She needs help, but if you run off now she might die.
Help her yourself
Find somepony else to help

"Wait, WHAT?! Are you crazy?!" you tell Emma why you want to help, "Well, I guess that's true... What the hell. Let's go!" You run into the fight and stand next to Applejack.

"What are ya'll doin?!" she asks shocked.

"What does it look like?!" Emma asks, "Helping you!"

"Ah'm fine!" Applejack says, "Ah can take these-"

"Will you shut up and let us help!" Emma shouts, "Pulling apple carts is one thing, but this is life or death!"

"Ahh..." Applejack looks down in shame, "Alright. Vale, Ah'm countin on ya!"

You nod and brace yourself for battle.

~Battle: Troll x3~ (play song: Full Force)

"Get out of our way!" Vale shouted.

Vale and Applejack ran forward. Vale kicked one troll with her hind legs and then jumped back. She then began firing small darts out of her horn at the troll she was fighting. While that was going on Applejack was going to town on the first troll she faced, first jabbing the troll, then stomping down hard with her hooves, then doing a back leg horse kick. The second troll walked up to Applejack and began attacking her, causing her to cry out in pain.

Vale charged up her magic and then stood pointing her horn forward, "Lightning!" she shouted firing a stream of lightning at the troll she was fighting, killing it. She then galloped over to Applejack and horse kicked one troll away from her.

Applejack, now able to focus on her fight, continued to do her usual combo on the troll she was fighting. That lasted until she started glowing a bit, "Stampede!" she shouted charging at the troll knocking it to the ground, then stomping it while on the ground. It died shortly afterwards.

Vale fired darts out of her horn. And then got on her hind legs and kicked the troll with her front legs. Applejack ran up to the fight and jabbed at the troll, killing it instantly.

(Play song: Won the Battle)

Applejack sat up straight and tipped her hat forward, "Don't come back now, ya hear?"

~End Battle~

With the trolls dead, you and Applejack relax a bit.

"Well, that takes care of those vermin," Applejack states before turning to you, "Ya'll were mighty helpful in that fight. Most of mah skills are self taught, but you look like ya fight things like that fer a livin."

"Applejack is right," Emma says flying over to you, "You really handled yourself there. By the way Applejack, we should check on your brother."

"Ahh! Mac!" she then completely forgot what she was doing and runs over to her brother, "Mac, ya alright?" she asks sweetly, nudging him up.

"Eeeyup..." he says getting up slowly.

"What are ya doin out here anyway? Ya supposed to be in bed restin!" Applejack scolds.

"Well, Ah started feelin better," Big Mac begins, "And since Ah was bored anyway Ah decided to do some work in the fields. Besides, who are YOU to scold me on workin too hard? Don't think Ah didn't see ya tryin to pull that cart. Ah reckon if these two hadn't shown up, we'd still be waitin on them apples."

"Why you!" Applejack says angrily. You can tell these are usual conversations between these two.

"Is everyone alright?" a sweet voice asks. You turn to see a purple unicorn with a long dark purple and pink mane and matching tail and a star shaped Cutie Mark walking up to you guys. She has a baby dragon on her back.

"Everything's fine now, Twilight," Applejack states, "Vale and I took care of them critters," sensing Twilight's confusion, Applejack continues, "Oh, that's right. Vale, Emma, this here's the pony Ah told ya'll about, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight, this is Vale and Emma."

"Nice to meet you, Twilight," Emma says.

"Likewise," she goes to you to shake hooves, but stops when she sees the mark on your shaft, "Oh my... Spike! Send a message to Princess Celestia!"

Wh-what?" the dragon says in shock, apparently he's Spike.

"Tell her we found the Guardian!" Twilight continues, confusing the hell out of you.

"Wait, Guardian?" Emma asks, "What's going on here?"

Spike finished writing the message, "Got it!" he then takes a deep breath and sets the scroll ablaze, it's ashes being guided by a magical green haze, "Twilight, are you sure it's her?"

"That Cutie Mark is all the evidence we need," Twilight Sparkle says.

"Um, excuse me," Emma says, "But Vale and I have no idea what you're talking about. What's going on? What's this 'Guardian'?"

Before Twilight could explain, Spike gives a loud belch, but another scroll materializes in front of him. He opens it and reads aloud, "I understand, please bring her to Canterlot immediately."

"Great," Twilight Sparkle turns to you again, "Princess Celestia can explain things a lot better than I can."

"Princess Celestia?" Emma asks.

"She's one of two rulers of Equestria,"Applejack explains, "If anyone can tell ya who ya are, it's her."

"Come on," Twilight Sparkle says "There's probably a carriage waiting for us in the town square."

Twilight Sparkle walks ahead. You're about to leave but...

"Vale, wait," Applejack calls out. You turn to her to see her smiling at you, "Ya helped me out twice today, the second time savin my life. Thanks again. If ya'll ever need anything, ya'll can come see me anytime."

"Thanks Applejack," Emma says, "We'll remember that." Emma turns to you, "Well, it looks like we're finally about to learn our reasoning for being here. Let's get moving, Vale."

You nod and run after Twilight Sparkle and Spike, towards your destiny.

Phase 2

Phase 2: The Guardian's Quest

~Canterlot~

It took a few hours, but you finally arrived at Canterlot. It is a beautiful city, filled with every kind of pony you could think of. Twilight Sparkle and Spike got off the carraige first, and turn to you and Emma.

"Vale, welcome to Canterlot," Twilight Sparkle says to you.

"It's twice the size of Ponyville," Emma says, "This is amazing."

"Princess Celestia's castle is up north," Twilight Sparkle states, "Spike and I will wait for you there. You can look around in the meantime, but try not to keep her waiting too long. Come on, Spike," she and Spike leave afterwards. Emma turns to you.

"Gee, I don't know where to begin. I thought Ponyville was nice but this place is just... wow..." she's clearly amazed by the sights, "Sorry, where I come from we don't have places like this. Anyway, Vale, you lead the way."

You begin galloping through Canterlot. A lot of the ponies are watching you in shock as you run. Do they know who you are? You decide to stop for a second and talk to some of them. The first one you approach is a pink unicorn with a book strapped at her side.

"That cutie mark... are you..." she almost asks, but stops short. Since she didn't seem inclined to finish her thought, you decided to move on. The next one you talk to is also a unicorn, only she's white with blue hair.

"Yeah, I've heard of the Guardian, but that's just a myth. There's no way it's you," she says. Seems like not everyone believes this whole Guardian thing, but it would be nice if someone could explain a few more things. Princess Celestia will tell you everything though, so you don't pay them any mind.

One more, you think, then you'll make your way to the castle. You look around until you see a fancy looking unicorn (sure are a lot of unicorns here). This one is white, with a long fancy purple mane and tail. She's wearing mascara and blue eye shadow, and her cutie mark is represented by three diamonds.

"Wow," Emma says looking at her, "She looks like a super star. You could learn a thing or two about fashion from her." You give Emma an annoyed look. Like you aren't pretty... You go over to her.

"Oh, hello," she says, speaking in a very proper tone, "I think I saw you arrive here with Twilight."

"Are you friends with Twilight?" Emma asks.

"Yes, very good friends actually," the fancy unicorn says, "My name's Rarity."

"That's a pretty name. I'm Emma, and this is Vale. Apparently she's something called "the Guardian". We're supposed to meet Princess Celestia in a little bit so she can explain what that is."

"Wow, that sounds important, especially with you meeting the Princess herself," Rarity states enthusiastically, "The Guardian, huh? I wonder if that means you and I will cross paths at some point in the future," she says with a sort of enigmatic smile.

"Huh?" Emma asks.

"Well, I'll see you around, hopefully," Rarity then trots off, leaving you bewildered. It seemed like she knew something, but what? She knows Twilight as well. Is she an official pony of some sort?

That's enough sight seeing, you think. It's time you went to Princess Celestia's castle. You take one last look at Rarity as she saunters off (that is an impressive walk) and then gallop onward to the castle.

~Celestia's Castle~

You walk up to the castle doors, where you see Spike standing there waiting for you. There are two pegasus guards with him.

"Oh good," he says when you get to the top of the stairs, "You made it. Twilight is inside talking to Princess Celestia."

"We didn't take too long did we?" Emma asks.

"Not at all. She just asked me to wait out here so I could get you inside," he turns to the guards, "Hey, this is the pony I'm waiting for."

"Got it, Spike," one of the guards says, and both of them move aside, "Remember to mind your manners around her, Spike. She may be relaxed, but she is still the Princess."

"Yeah, yeah," Spike says dismissively. He then walks into the castle.

"Relaxed, huh?" Emma asks, "Now I'm really curious as to who this Princess Celestia is."

You walk after Spike into the castle, the guards closing the door after you and Emma.

"Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle are probably in the study area catching up," Spike explains.

"Catching up? Are they good friends?" Emma asks.

"Yeah," Spike says with a bright smile, "She was Twilight's teacher. Twilight and I report to her everyday on our findings about friendship."

"Wait, you're studying friendship?" Emma asks.

"More so, we're studying the magic of friendship. Twice so far Equestria was saved solely on the power of friendship, which has lead Princess Celestia to believe that there's some sort of magical power associated with it."

"Huh..." apparently Emma isn't sure how to take this study of theirs and honestly, neither are you. Could friendship really be that powerful?

"Anyway, we should probably meet up with the Princess. Follow me," Spike said. He then begins walking down the hallway. You follow closely, silently thinking to yourself how cute Spike looks as he walks ahead of you. It's a shame dragons can't stay this adorable.

"And that's all I have to report," Twilight Sparkle says to the magestic looking mare sitting across from her on the other side of the table. She's really a tall and white winged unicorn, with a flowing rainbow colored mane and tail, wearing a golden necklace, crown, and matching armored hoof guards on all of her feet. Her Cutie Mark is really large, and shaped like the sun.

"Currently," Twilight Sparkle continues, "I still don't know what caused it to awaken, nor am I even sure friendship will be enough to stop it."

"You need to have faith," Princess Celestia says, "Friendship has never failed you before. Besides, this time we have the Guardian with us. Speaking of which," she says when she notices you, Emma, and Spike walk in.

"Your Highness," Spike says with a bow, "I bring you Vale, Guardian of Equestria."

"Wow..." Emma says, mesmerized by how majestic Princess Celestia is, "It's truly an honor," both you and Emma bow, simply because it feels like it should be an honor just to be in the presence of such a beautiful mare (it almost seems degrading to call such a beautiful creature a pony).

"Please, at ease," Celestia says with a laugh, "I must say, I didn't expect the Guardian to have such an adorable partner. You know, fairies are my favorite creatures," Celestia says with a smile.

"Aww, heh, heh," Emma is giggling uncontrollably. Celestia walks over to you.

"My name is Celestia Galaxia, watcher of the sun and one of two rulers of Equestria."

This is major, everyone is eyeing you right now. The way you greet her will shape everyone's opinion of you.

What will you say to her?
Nice to meet you
The honor is all mine Your Majestey

You and Celestia shake hooves, she's smiling at you.

"See, that wasn't so hard," Celestia says, "Honestly, I find a simple hoof shake works better than bowing any day."

"You're cool," Emma says, "Nothing like what I thought royalty would be like."

"Well thank you," Celestia is smiling awkwardly, "I... think..." Her expression changes to a semi serious one now, "Now, let me see that mark."

Is she talking about the Cutie Mark? You turn to your side to show her. She takes a close look, and then smiles with a nod.

"This confirms it," Celestia says, a sense of ease coming over her.

"Wait, so she is this Guardian?" Emma asks.

"Yes, Vale is indeed the Guardian of Equestria," Celestia begins laughing, "Twilight, Equestria is saved."

"Thank goodness," Twilight Sparkle says, now also looking relieved.

"Um, excuse me," Emma says, "This is all still really confusing. What is this Guardian, and why does this world need one. Except for the trolls that attacked Sweet Apple Acres a few hours ago, this place doesn't seem to be in any danger."

"That's because of Princess Celestia's presence," Twilight Sparkle says walking up to you, "Her very existence keeps the shadows of darkness from getting too strong."

"I should probably explain," Celestia begins walking up to a bookshelf, "Thousands of years ago, this world was the complete opposite of what you see now. This peace has come as a result of my sister Luna and I choosing to fight against those shadows."

"Before that time, Luna and I were regular ponies," she explains as you imagine everything she describes, "While every other pony had simply accepted the state of affairs, we decided to challenge said affairs, and their root cause, a demon named Discord. While he was simply a prankster, his influence caused much disharmony and chaos among the ponies of Equestria.

"Luna and I ventured out across Equestria in search of the Elements of Harmony, which we used to seal him away. The light of the Elements of Harmony is was caused our evolution, turning me into the form you see me in now, and my sister into a similar form. What many ponies don't know, is that the light of the Elements created two other forces. Our determination is what sprouted the Element of Courage, but the shadow of that light was so dark and strong, that it also created a negative element, known as Chaos.

"After that moment, Luna and I decided to seal away the two Elements, using them as a scale to cancel each other out. This meant that no further evil could harm Equestria, that is until my sister became poisoned by the darkness of Chaos herself, becoming Night Mare Moon. I used the Element of Courage to seal her along with the Element of Chaos on the moon, but in the process the Element of Courage broke up into three pieces and scattered throughout Equestria. After Twilight and her friends used the Elements of Harmony to return my sister to her normal state, Chaos was expelled outward throughout Equestria. It took a while, but eventually Chaos seeped into the pores of the creatures of this world, causing the birth of certain monsters."

As she finished her story, you feel a heavy weight in your heart. Somehow you have a feeling that your destiny is somehow related to this story. You look at everyone around you; Emma's wings are drooping downward a bit, Twilight looks depressed, and Spike is trying to comfort her. It seems she feels somewhat guilty about her actions.

"So even a peaceful world such as this has it's problems," Emma states, "And apparently a lot of them."

"If things keep up as they are now, Chaos will engulf the world, and turn Equestria into a world filled with darkness and misery," Celestia continues, now looking at you with an expression of hope, "But legend speaks of a Guardian who will be summoned by the Elements of Harmony. She will arrive in the form of a white pony, as majestic as the Princess herself. She will have a Sword and Shield on her flank, and possess powers like no other pony. Her appearance will correspond with Chaos' full awakening, and she will light Equestria's darkest hour."

"And you think that's Vale?" Emma asks.

"Well, all the signs point to it. Her Cutie Mark is evidence enough," Celestia states. True, the mark on your flank is a sword and shield. You are a white pony. And the same kind as Princess Celestia, having both pegasus wings and a unicorn horn.

"I'll give you time to process this," Celestia continues, "Talk to me when you are ready for me to continue."

From this point on you decide to talk to everyone else about this news. It might be in bad taste to leave the study, so you decide to remain here at least. First you turn to your fairy friend, who has been really silent since hearing the news.

"Here we thought this world was peaceful," Emma says, "I should have sensed something when Big Mac got attacked, but I didn't put two and two together. What do we do, Vale?" she asks you. Sadly you don't have an answer to that question yet, so instead to go off to talk to Twilight, who walked off by herself after Celestia stopped.

"For so long I thought my friends and I were doing a good thing. But our actions were the prelude to this. There wasn't another way, but..." she doesn't pay you any mind really. It seems she's really taking all this to heart. You go off to Spike and ask him why she's so upset.

"Two years ago," Spike begins, "Twilight and her friends took on Night Mare Moon using the Elements of Harmony to return Night Mare Moon to her true form as Princess Luna. Princess Celestia had been imprisoned, and at the time we didn't know about the Element of Courage, so there wasn't any other way. Last year after Discord's revival, Princess Celestia told Twilight the rest of the story. Ever since that day, she's devoted her life to finding you. No one blames her, but that's just the kind of pony Twilight is. Vale, please take Twilight with you. I don't like seeing her so upset."

You take Spike's words to heart, and return to Princess Celestia, ready to hear the next part of the story.

"So, are you ready to continue?" she asks you.

Are you ready to learn the rest?
Yes
No

"So what are we supposed to do?" Emma asks Celestia.

"As I said," Celestia begins, "The only way to stop the Element of Chaos is to find the Element of Courage. The first part of your journey is to find the three pieces of Courage, and take it in as your own."

"The first part?" Emma asks, "What else is there?"

"The second half of your journey is to gather the six Elements of Harmony," sensing you and Emma's confusion, she continues, "I am aware that the Elements of Harmony have already been found, which is why I why I desire for my faithful student, Twilight, to assist you."

Twilight perked up when she heard that, "Wait, me?"

"Twilight's friends are the ones who now possess the Elements of Harmony," Celestia explains, "She herself possesses the Element of Magic."

"Wow, this means we're already getting a head start," Emma says excitedly.

"Princess, I don't know if this is a good idea," Twilight says looking down, "It's because of me all of this is happening. What if I mess up again?"

"Twilight..." Celestia walks over to Twilight Sparkle and lifts her head with her hoof, "Whether it's your fault or not, nothing will change if we stay still. Besides, I believe in you. Always have, my faithful student."

"Princess..." Twilight Sparkle actually tears up a bit. You can sense her sadness and fear.

What will you do?
Comfort her
Leave her to her thoughts

You go over to Twilight and nuzzle her face in a comforting way.

"!!!"

"Vale..." Twilight Sparkle says, now looking at you with a smile, "Does this mean you'll accept me?" you nod, prompting Twilight Sparkle to bow to you, "Thank you for this honor, Guardian Vale."

"Yeah, you can come," Emma says, "Under the condition that you don't treat us any differently than any of your other friends. We're not royalty or anything, and not even Princess Celestia likes to be treated like that."

"You guys..."

"So..." Spike says looking at everyone, "Does this mean we're all friends now?"

"Yes Spike," Twilight Sparkle says now laughing, "I think that's exactly what that means."

"Excellent," Celestia says suddenly, now catching everyone's attention, "Spike, make a note."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Spike says happily, pulling out a quill and scroll.

"I, Princess Celestia, hereby appoint the safety of all of Equestria to Guardian Vale, Twilight Sparkle, Emma the fairy, and Spike," when he heard that Spike stopped and looked up at Celestia in shock.

"Wait, me too?" he asks happily.

"Of course. Every noble pony needs a noble assistant. Vale has her fairy companion, and Twilight has you," Celestia explains.

"Well you can count on me!" Spike says giving an over zealous salute. Everyone laughs at that, including Twilight Sparkle, who you believe may have been laughing the hardest.

~A few minutes later~

You're all standing outside next to the carriage about to depart. Princess Celestia is also here to see you off.

"I'm going to compile a map for you to use once we figure out where all the pieces of Courage reside," Celestia states, "We of Canterlot will do everything we can to assist you in your quest."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Emma says, "We'll take all the help we can get."

"Then I'm sure you'll also be able to count on the ponies of Ponyville to assist you as well. Please use that as your base," Celestia turns to Twilight Sparkle, "Until we can arrange living quarters for her in Ponyville, is it alright for her to stay with you?"

"I think there's a spare bedroom in the library," Twilight Sparkle says, "That is, if Vale and Emma don't mind."

"Not at all," Emma says, "We'll just be happy to have a roof over our heads, right Vale?" she asks you. You nod in response.

"Well then," Celestia says, "I leave the rest in your hooves," in a shocking gesture, Celestia bows to you! "Good luck, Guardian Vale, and godspeed."

"Don't worry Princess Celestia," Emma says, "You can count on us."

"Yeah," Spike says, "Equestria is in good hands- er... hooves now."

"We'll stop Chaos, and save Equestria," Twilight Sparkle proclaims. You nod in agreement.

At that moment, the carriage begins to move. Celestia watches you as you ride off, her smile slowly turning into a look of concern.

"Be careful, my faithful student..." she says to herself.

Now your carriage is in the air, making its way back to Ponyville.

"It looks like for now, we're partners," Twilight Sparkle states looking at you, "All of Equestria is counting on us, so we can't let them down. Vale, I promise to fight by your side for as long as it takes to complete your journey. Let's do our best."

You nod and shake Twilight Sparkle's hoof. It looks like it's going to be a long journey, but now you have Twilight Sparkle by your side, and you might even be able to count on that other pony, Applejack as well. Your journey to save Equestria has begun. It's going to be hard, but hopefully, your new friends will help you gallop to victory.

Back in Ponyville, three ponies are walking down the road, one of which is the pink pony with the puffy mane. She stops and is looking down with a smile, as if she just realized something amazing.

"Pinkie Pie," one of the ponies with her says, "What's wrong?"

"My heart is racing!" she states happily, then jumping up and down excitedly, "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I can't wait! She's finally here!"

"Who's here?" the other pony asks her.

"Why, the one who's going to grant my wish, silly dilly!" she says, as if the whole world was supposed to know what she meant.

Phase 3

Equestria corresponds with the World Map, in case you were wondering.

Phase 3: Through the Everfree Forest

It's been a rough ride, but you're about halfway back to Ponyville. Spike and Emma spent the entire ride talking, it looks like they're becoming good friends. Twilight has her face glued to a book right now. She looks up from her book and smiles at you; a friendly gesture that means a lot. In only a short few hours you and Twilight Sparkle have become really good friends. This might be a good time to reach out to her.

What do you say to her?
What are your friends like?
Tell me a bit about yourself

"My friends?" she asks, you nodding, "You actually met one of them. Remember the pony with the hat? She owns the Element of Honesty."

So she was one of the weilders of the Elements? No wonder she sprang into action so quickly. You wonder if ponies possessing the Elements are different than other ponies. Since you're curious, you ask her about her other friends.

"Well," she begins, "Alongside Applejack, there's Rainbow Dash who represents Loyalty, Pinke Pie who represents Laughter, Fluttershy who represents Kindness, and Rarity who represents Generosity."

Wait, RARITY?! Of course, she even said she was one of Twilight's friends. You tell Twilight that you ran into Rarity in Canterlot.

"Oh? You met her? Yeah, she's quite the character, isn't she? She was the first one I told about the Guardian after I found out," Twilight looks down, "She and Applejack were my crutch after finding out. I blamed myself for causing Chaos' awakening, but it was Rarity who told me to keep up hope that you would come. I can't wait to tell her that she was right. She may seem prissy and conceited, and to some degree she is," she says rolling her eyes smiling, "But she's probably one of the most faithful ponies I know, and she really is the embodiment of her element."

You wonder if that's why she didn't seem too shocked when she found out that you were the Guardian. Maybe she'll help out as well. She goes back to her book, and for the next few seconds the ride is silent. That is until a large crash is heard, followed by the carriage beginning to shake.

"What the?" Twilight says getting up.

"Twilight! TWILIGHT!" Spike calls out.

"Vale!" Emma cries out as well. You and Twilight Sparkle go over to them. They're looking out the window in fear.

"What's wrong?" Twilight Sparkle asks.

"Twilight, look!" he says pointing outside. You look outside to see a black bird flying around the carriage.

"Chaos knows!" Twilight states, "That bird is one of Chaos' monsters!"

"How do you know?" Emma asks.

"That mark on it's head is Chaos' symbol," she explains. She must be referring to the two red back to back crescent moons on it's forehead. Looking at that makes your heart race, as if it represents your very opposite, the very thing that can destroy you, and with ease.

The bird flies around over to the carriage screeching loudly.

"Twilight!" Spike screams.

"What are we going to do?" Emma cries out.

"Only thing we can do, brace ourselves!" Twilight Sparkle shouts as the bird crashes into the carriage. You and everyone else scream as the carriage falls down to parts unknown.

...ke up...

Wake up...

"Vale! Wake up!"

You wake up suddenly by Emma's voice. You look around you and see both Spike and Emma around you. They look worried, yet relieved at the same time. You must have been out for a while. It looks like you guys are in a forest, but it's dark now.

"Thank goodness," Spike says sighing in relief. He then turns around, "Twilight, she's awake!"

Twilight walks out from where Spike was looking.

"Vale, are you okay?" Twilight asks you as you get up. You nod in response, and Twilight's expression softens, "Good."

"Where are we?" Emma asks.

"My guess is the Everfree Forest," Twilight replies, "That's why it's so dark here."

"I'm confused by that," Emma states, "It was daytime a little while ago."

"The Everfree Forest is the only place in this world where Princess Celestia's magic doesn't reach," Twilight explains, "Normally, she's in charge of rising the sun, and her sister rising the moon. Here though, the weather and light are all out of their hands. Lately though, an eternal darkness has come over this place."

So maybe you haven't been unconscious for hours. An eternal darkness though? This world is stranger than you thought. But instead of pondering how it's possible for a single place in the world to have an eternal night, maybe you should be more concerned with getting out of here.

"Spike, do we know which direction Ponyville is in?" Twilight asks.

"I think we were headed in this direction," Spike says, pointing north.

"Good," Twilight says, then turning to you, "I saw some more monsters up ahead. It looks like we're going to have to fight our way out. Do you think you can fight?" she asks you. It doesn't feel like anything is broken, so you nod, "Great. Spike, you and Emma need to stay close to us."

"Yeah, like I'm going to wander off here," Spike says sarcastically, "I'm staying real close to you Twilight."

"Vale," Emma says flying over to you, "I'm worried what will happen if we run into that monster again. We need to be careful," you nod to her and then walk over to Twilight Sparkle.

"Are you ready?" she asks you. You nod, "Then let's get out of here."

Current Active Party

Vale

Twilight Sparkle

~Everfree Forest~

You begin galloping through the Everfree Forest. It's a straight path for right now without any obstacles. As you continue to run through the forest the path begins to wind a bit. You reach a clearing, where three large bats are seen.

"No..." Twilight says, "Those bats have been cursed by Chaos."

"Twilight," Emma asks, "Can you fight?"

"I'm not that good hand to hand, but I can use magic," Twilight states.

"Vale," Emma says, "You're gonna have to protect Twilight in battle."

Spell casters usually don't have many hit points, and it takes time to power up their spells. Front line fighters should protect spell casters.

"Let's go!" Twilight Sparkle shouts as you guys brace yourselves.

~Battle: Batty x3 (Play Song: Full Force)

"Think we can do it?" Twilight Sparkle asked, a book hovering next to her.

Vale rushed forward and began fighting the Batty in the center while Twilight Sparkle crouched down, her horn glowing. One Batty got by Vale, who was fighting two Battys at the same time. Right before it got to Twilight Sparkle, she stands up, "Fire Ball!" she shouted, sending three fireballs at the Batty in front of her.

Vale turned around to face the second Batty while Twilight Sparkle ran off to get away from the Batty near her. "Harpoon!" Vale shouted, charging forward through the Batty leading with her horn, killing it. Now there are only two.

Twilight used her telekinesis to slam the book into the Batty chasing her, killing it. She then charged up another spell. Vale ran up to the last Batty and shot her darts out of her horn. The Batty then flew over to Twilight and rushed her, making her lose focus onher spell, "Harpoon!" Vale shouted, killing the Batty.

(Play Song: Won The Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said, waving her mane to the side.

~End Battle~

"That was close," Twilight says, "You're pretty good in a fight, Vale," you nod, "Let's keep it up."

The journey continues. Now you guys are moving even faster knowing the hazards of being in the Everfree Forest. It might be best if you avoid combat for a while. After a while of exploring you reach a cliff over a lake. Looking out you see Ponyville in the distance.

"Look Vale, Emma says, "Ponyville is right there!"

"See? I told you," Spike says with a sense of triumph.

"If we keep this path up then we should get there in a few minutes," Twilight says.

"Good, because this place gives me the creeps," Emma says.

With that said you start making your way down the hill. Right when you make it to the bottom though, you see two Trolls and a Batty waiting for you. It can't be avoided. You and Twilight Sparkle prepare for battle.

~Battle: Troll x2, Batty (Play Song: Full Force)

"Stay out of our way!" Vale shouted.

Vale galloped forward while Twilight began charging a magic attack, "Harpoon!" Vale shouted charging through the Trolls. She then began fighting both Trolls by herself.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, hitting the Batty with her spell. She then ran futher back and began casting her spell again.

Vale destroyed one of the Trolls she was fighting. Right afterwards she ran off a bit to get away from the second Troll. She turned around and began firing darts out of her horn.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, sending the attack after the Troll that was after Vale. Unfortunately the Batty got to her and began attacking her. It did a weird super sonic attack trying to confuse her. It only did serious damage without confusion, leaving her on her lastr legs.

Thankfully Vale had been charging her magic the entire time, "Lightning!" she shouted, killing the Batty before it did any damage to Twilight.

(Play Song: Won The Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said, waving her mane to the side.

~End Battle~

You and the group continue to make your way out of the Everfree Forest. It's a clear road now, you can even see daylight on the otherside. You try to just run out as fast as you can, but you hear a familiar screech forcing you to stop.

"What the?" Emma asks as you all look around. Spike looks up and points to something above in shock.

"Guys, look!" he shouts. You all look up to see the black bird fly down on top of you. You all jump back in time, but now the bird is standing in your way.

"Damn it!" Twilight shouts, "We were so close!"

"Wh-what do we do?" Spike asks, apparently scared out of his mind. Truth is you don't know what to do. The bird has red eyes, black feathers, and is at least three stories tall. Can you guys defeat that thing?

"Here it comes!" Twilight shouts.

~Battle: Condor (Play song: The Struggle to Survive)

"Be careful, everyone!" Twilight shouted.

Twilight began charging her magic while Vale ran up to the Condor. "Harpoon!" Vale shouted tacking the Condor, only doing minor damage though. The Condor flapped its wings really fast creating a gust of wind pushing Vale back, and then swooped down and tackled Vale with its beak.

"First Aid!" Twilight shouted, casting a healing spell on Vale.

"Thank you," Vale responded as she ran up to the Condor. She then stopped and backed away so she could charge up her spell at the same time as Twilight Sparkle. The Condor flew over to Twilight and shot feathers at her, causing her to lose focus.

"This is not good!" Twilight Sparkle stated, as she was on her last legs now.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted firing her spell at the Condor, once again only doing minor damage. She was able to catch its attention though so Twilight could run off and cast First Aid on herself. Vale continued to fire darts out of her horn, keeping its attention on her. Twilight Sparkle then cast Fire Ball on it, finally doing a good deal of damage, as it screeched loudly.

"Is that it's weakness?" Twilight Sparkle asked. She then began charging up for her spell again, but now the Condor noticed her and began flying over to her again. Vale tried to run over to her as fast as she could, but the Condor took off and tackled Twilight Sparkle, causing her to fall back and scream in pain.

"Harpoon!" Vale shouted hitting the Condor from behind. Now it turned around and flapped it's wings really fast tossing her in the air. When she landed the Condor shot it's feathers at her for extra damage.

"First Aid!" Twilight shouted, casting it on Vale. She then quickly charged up for another spell while Vale continued to fight the Condor close quarter (she had begun to run out of magical power). The Condor shot its feathers at her, but Vale crouched down to brace herself for the attack, reducing the damage it would have done.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, hitting the Condor, once again doing massive damage. Now the Condor was getting angry, which was bad as they were both running out of options. Vale continued to attack it normally, until she felt strong enough to get it with another Harpoon attack. The Condor then did it's tackle attack on Twilight, knocking her out.

"Princess..." Twilight breathed out as she fell out. Vale then ran up to the Condor and in a last ditch effort did her Harpoon attack, hitting a vital point as the Condor finally fell.

(Play song: Won The Battle)

Both Vale and Twilight are hunched over breathing heavily, "That was... rough..." Vale breathed out in relief.

Vale felt like she had gotten stronger. She learned the technique "Arrow".

~End Battle~

The Condor falls down dead. As it falls, it shatters into tiny pieces of darkness.

"Is it over?" Spike asks from the tree he and Emma were hiding from while you and Twilight Sparkle fought.

"Why don't we get out of here before anything else tries to kill us?" Emma pleads.

"Good idea," Twilight says turning to you, "Come on!" you nod. Spike jumps on Twilight's back, and you all make a serious break for it to the outside world.

~Equestria~

(Play song:The Land of Sylvrarant)

Thankfully it isn't that long from Ponyville. You begin to gallop to Ponyville, trying to avoid all monsters in your path. While you run. Twilight Sparkle strikes up a conversation with you and Emma.

Title of Skit: Thank you for protecting me

"Vale," Twilight began, "I never did thank you for protecting me."

"Don't mention it," Emma stated, "We were just doing what we felt was the right think to do."

"But even still," Twilight Sparkle said, "I would have died there if you guys hadn't helped me. So thanks."

How do you respond?
I was just doing my job
What are friends for?

"Friends..." Twilight Sparkle took that in, and then nodded happily, "Right, friends."

End Skit

~Ponyville~

You finally made it to Ponyville. It wasn't until you stepped foot into town that you realized how tired you were.

"Home..." Spike says as if he had seen heaven, "Home!" he then jumps off of Twilight's back and begins kissing the ground. Sheesh, you think, it wasn't that serious, was it?

"I never thought I would be so happy to see this place," Twilight breaths out in relief, "Vale, are you okay?" she asks you. You nod in response.

"Twilight! Twilight!" you hear someone call out. You look foward and see two other ponies you never saw rushing up to you. They're both pegasi, but while one is flying, the other one is actually running, which you find strange for a pony her age (your only excuse is that you haven't figured out how to fly yet).

"Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy!" Twilight calls out happily as her friends run up to you guys. The one who was flying is obviously Rainbow Dash. She is light blue and had a straight rainbow colored mane and a rainbow colored tail, making her look like a tomboy. Her Cutie Mark is a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt coming down. The other pegasus is almost the complete opposite, being cream colored and having a really long and beautiful pink mane and matching tail, which is so long it runs on the ground a bit. Her Cutie Mark looks like three butterflies, and she looks really sweet and innocent.

"Are you alright?" Fluttershy asks in a sweet voice that's almost a whisper.

"I'm fine Fluttershy," Twilight replies, "We ran into a little trouble, but we're alive, and that's what counts."

"Oh, good," Rainbow Dash says sighing in relief, "The Canterlot pegasi flew in and told us that you, Spike, and somepony named Vale fell into the Everfree Forest. I was ready to fly in after you myself."

"Aw, thanks Dash," Twilight Sparkle says with a smile. Apparently this Rainbow Dash really loves her friends, as she was ready to run right in and save Twilight without any regard for her own life. No wonder she represents Loyalty.

"Well, I expect that from Rainbow Dash," Spike says walking up, "But what about you, Fluttershy? Why were you running after her?" he asks, which is strange to you. Shouldn't she be worried about her friend as well?

"Oh, uh..." Fluttershy says looking away shyly, "I was worried about Rainbow Dash getting hurt... so I was trying to catch up with her to calm her down... I wanted to ask Applejack to come with us..." you can just barely make out what this pony is saying, because her voice is so soft she practically is whispering now.

"Well, that makes sense," Twilight says with a laugh, apparently used to this Fluttershy's mannerisms. Have they been friends for a while? If she's the same Fluttershy who traveled with Twilight to gather the Elements of Harmony, then they must have been.

"Speaking of surprises," Rainbow Dash says now walking up to you, "Who's the new face?"

"This is Vale and Emma," Twilight says, "Vale is the pony I told you guys about."

"You mean this is the "Guardian" of Equestria?" Rainbow Dash asks, almost as if she's incredulous, "I was expecting someone a little more... you know... tough."

"What do you mean?" Emma pipes up, "Vale is plenty powerful! She already fought a giant bird in the Everfree Forest!"

"Ooh, amazing! "Guardian Vale" fought a giant chicken!" Rainbow Dash says sarcastically. You get the feeling it's going to be a while before you and she become friends, "Well, whenever you want a real hero to show you how it's done, give me a holler," she says holding out her hoof, "Nice to meet you, Vale."

She wasn't the nicest to you just now, but she doesn't seem like a bad pony, just arrogant.

How will you respond?
It's nice to meet you too
Real hero? YOU?

You decide to be the bigger pony and shake hooves with her. Everyone else can tolerate her attitude; why can't you, right?

Fluttershy has been staring at you the entire time from a distance. It looks like she wants to say something to you.

"Hi there!" Emma says suddenly flying up to Fluttershy, who screams suddenly and hides behind Twilight, now trembling.

"It's okay, Fluttershy," Twilight says, "They're really nice people," she explains, "Go on and say hi," Fluttershy looks out from behind Twilight, but then hides behind her again when she sees you looking right at her, now shaking her head.

"Oh, come on, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash says rolling her eyes, "She's not going to bite." Rainbow Dash then flies behind Fluttershy and begins pushing her forward to you. Now without the protection of her friend, Fluttershy begins trembling uncontrollably. Is she really this scared?

"I-I-I" Fluttershy begins, still trembling, "I'm Fl-Fl-Fluttersh-sh-shy..." she says, looking away from you as if your gaze is painful. She's seriously breaking your heart with how timid she is. When you hold out your hoof for a hoof shake, she backs away squealing in fear. It seriously looks like she's about to cry right now, so you decide to leave it be for now.

"Typical Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash says shrugging her shoulders, "I swear she'll cry about anything." You notice Fluttershy look down in shame. Now you have to say something.

What do you say?
Hey, ease up on her
Not everyone is strong like us

!!!

Fluttershy looks up at you suddenly, aparently shocked that you defended her. Rainbow Dash looks a little annoyed, as she crosses her front hooves while hovering in mid air.

"Hmph," Rainbow Dash says looking away, "Well, it's true."

"Anyway," Twilight says, "We've had an exhausting day, and I'm actually really tired. Vale, we should get going to my library." She says, you nodding in response.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash says, "I gotta jet too. Came up with a new move the other day, and I have to perfect it for the Wonderbolts! See ya Twilight, Spike, "Guardian" Vale!" she says before turning to Fluttershy, "Want me to walk you home before I head off?"

"That's okay..." Fluttershy says shaking her head smiling meekly, "I'll be fine. Besides, the more you practice, the better you'll be when the Wonderbolts see you."

"Alright, thanks Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash says before flying off. You're amazed at how she's still so nice to Rainbow Dash even after being made fun of. She's the pure definition of Kindness.

"Take care, Fluttershy," Twilight says.

"Don't stay out too late," Spike adds.

"Take care Twilight, Spike..." Fluttershy says smiling. You're about to walk off with them, but then...

"W-wait!" Fluttershy surprisingly calls out, stopping you, "Um... thank you Vale... You're a really nice pony..." she says looking away from you, but smiling. You nod thanking her, and then walk off after Twilight and Spike. Could this be a friendship in the making?

~Twilight's Library~

"Well, here we are," Twilight Sparkle says as you walk in.

"Wow, you actually live in the library?" Emma asks.

"Not only that, but I'm the town librarian," Twilight Sparkle explains, "You two should get some rest. Tomorrow we can go out to Sweet Apple Acres to tell Applejack who you are if you want."

"That'll be nice," Emma says, "I really liked her, so it'll be great to see her again. Also, I want to check on Big Mac."

"Well then, let's get some rest so we can be ready for tomorrow," Twilight Sparkle says, "Spike, send a message to Princess Celestia, letting her know that we made it safely."

"Already on it," Spike says, writing in a scroll.

"Good night you two," Twilight Sparkle says, Spike also waving to you." They go upstairs, leaving you and Emma alone.

"Boy, today was a busy day," Emma says, "That Rainbow Dash is sort of cocky, but she seems nice. Fluttershy though... I don't know. She must have a phobia of some sort of meeting new people," you nod in agreement, "I really like this place, Vale. Let's fight hard to protect it," Emma states. You nod and go over to a journal lying on a desk. There's a note next to the journal, written by Twilight.

It's important to keep the Princess updated on everything. If I ever lose my way I know she will pull me back.

Why don't you try this, you think. You decide to write a quick letter to Princess Celestia (save) and then locate you bedroom, ready to put this crazy day behind you.

Phase 4

Phase 04: The Journey Really Begins

You wake up with a yawn. After rubbing your eyes you jump off the bed and stretch a bit, ready to face the day.

After taking a quick shower you trot downstairs, where Emma is waiting for you.

"Good morning," she says to you, "Did you sleep well?"

Before you can answer that question, you hear the bell on the door ring.

"Oh, hey Pinkie Pie," you hear Twilight say.

"Pinkie Pie?" Emma asks, "Isn't she one of the ponies who has the Elements? We should go meet her too, don't you think?" you nod and start walking to the door. Once you get there you see the pink earth pony with the puffy mane poking her head in constantly, Twilight trying to block her entry.

"Where is she? Where is she? Is she here? I bet she's here! Oh boy! I can't wait to meet her!" she says happily.

"Hold on, hold on!" Twilight urges, "I don't even know if she's awake yet first of all, and second of all, how did you know the Guardian would be here?"

"Ooh, the Guardian is here too?" Pinkie Pie asks, "That's great! This means we both get what we want!"

"Um..." Twilight sounds so confused, as are you. Pinkie Pie pokes her head in and spots you, her eyes lighting up instantly.

"I KNEW IT!!!" she screams gleefully running past Twilight over to you, "I knew it was you! My name is Pinkie Pie, but of course you probably knew that. I mean, you would have to know that if you were to grant my wish. But if you didn't know, now you know, and by the way, I love your mane, and your fairy is really cute. I always wanted a fairy, but instead I have a pet gator. His name is Gummy, and he's reeeealy cute, and cuddly, and-"

"Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!" Emma cries out cutting Pinkie Pie off, "First of all, I am NOT anyone's pet, and second of all, SLOW DOWN!!! You're giving me a headache!"

"Sorry about that," Twilight says walking up to you guys, "Pinkie Pie is... special... to say the least. Pinkie Pie, this is Vale and Emma. Vale is the Guardian of Equestria."

"Wow..." Pinkie Pie says with an oooh-like expression on her face, "Wait! So that means... OH MY GOD!!!"

"WHAT?!!!" Emma screams out.

"I have to get to work!" Pinkie Pie turns to Twilight, "Could you bring these two to Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow?"

"Um... sure?" Twilight says, sort of questioning the whole thing herself as well.

"Great!" Pinkie Pie turns to you again, "Bye bye! See you tomorrow!" she turns to the door, "This is going to be the bestest one yet!" with that she runs out of the library. You just stand there completely bewildered by what just happened.

"Um..." Emma begins, "I'm literally too afraid to ask..."

"I am so sorry you had to meet her like that," Twilight says, "She's a pony who follows the beat of her own drum. She's really special though. Often times she knows about a crises before anyone else in Ponyville, and more times then not has saved Ponyville with her unique way of thinking."

"She certainly seems like a character," Emma says, "Was she really the same Pinkie Pie who traveled with you to get the Elements of Harmony?"

Twilight sighs, "The very same. She represents the Element of Laughter. I don't care what the situation is, she has this innate ability to laugh in the face of danger. I bet she'd even laugh at the bird we fought yesterday."

"Sheesh, she sounds unrealistically perky." Emma says rolling her eyes.

"Actually I have seen her upset a few times," Twilight states, "It's rare, but I've seen her get really angry at people, and I saw her cry once, only once since I've known her. It can happen, but usually, it's all what you just witnessed.

"Well, she scared the bejeezus out of me," Emma says, "Can we avoid her for a while?"

"Sorry Emma," Twilight says, "But we're gonna have to see her tomorrow. Trust me, it's worse if you don't show up."

"Geez..." truth is, unlike Emma, you sort of like that funny pink pony. She's weird, very weird, but you get a really interesting vibe from her.

"Hey, at least today you guys get to see Applejack again," Twilight says.

"That's true," Emma states, "At least she's normal."

"Sweet Apple Acres is west of here," Twilight says, "I'll let you lead the way," she then turns to the stairs, "Spike, come on, we're leaving."

"Coming!" Spike calls out from upstairs. He runs down the stairs and immediately jumps on Twilight's back, "Why was it so noisy down here?"

"Pinkie Pie," Twilight says simply, getting a nod from Spike. Apparently that's usual for them. What else is there that you need to get used to? You all leave the library.

~Ponyville~

While you walk through Ponyville, Emma and Spike strike up a conversation.

Title of skit: Pinkie Pie is Pinkie Pie

"Sheesh," Emma says, "That Pinkie Pie is scary."

"Yeah, that's usually the first impression she gives off," Spike explains, "The day Twilight and I met her was sort of weird like that."

"What happened when you guys met?" Emma asks.

"Well, Twilight and I had just landed in Ponyville, and we were walking through town. Twilight saw Pinkie Pie in front of her and tried to talk to her."

"Wait, tried?" Emma looks confused now. Spike laughs awkwardly.

"Well, Twilight said hi, but Pinkie Pie looked at her, gasped loudly, and ran off. We didn't see her again until the end of that day," Spike explained, Emma looking incredulous.

"She... gasped..."

"Another time, everyone was arguing about something. I couldn't quite hear what anyone was saying, but Twilight got everyone to stop, and I remember Pinkie Pie shouting 'and I said, Oatmeal! Are you crazy?' I never did find out what she was talking about."

"She's not just scary," Emma says looking terrified, "she's insane! Seriously, how do you guys deal with her?"

"Truth is," Spike says shrugging, "I just tell myself that Pinkie Pie is being Pinkie Pie. She's strange, but she always comes through, and she's only concerned with making others happy. You should give her a chance, I bet you'll like her."

"Yeah... maybe..."

End Skit

After that conversation, you begin to wonder about the two other ponies you met yesterday. You and Emma feel now is the time to ask Twilight and Spike about the other two ponies.

Title of Skit: Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy

"Those pegasi yesterday were interesting," Emma says, "It was like looking at two sides of a coin."

"Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?" Twilight asks, "I know, and seeing them together is something else. Hard to believe they've known each ohter since they were fillies."

"Wow, that long?" Emma asks.

"Yep, apparently when they were kids Rainbow Dash would protect Fluttershy from the bullies," Twilight explained.

"Somepony had to, I guess," Emma says, "I mean, she looked utterly pathetic trying to say hi to Vale the other day," Emma crosses her arms and looks down thoughtfully, "Personally, I agreed with Rainbow Dash. It seriously looks like she cries about anything."

"Not necessarily," Spike chimes in, "She is really sensitive, but she's really, really nice. Honestly, I wonder if she just bottles up the negative thoughts, or if she's just really that nice."

"What about Rainbow Dash?" Emma asks, "Is she really that arrogant?"

"Yep," Twilight says quickly.

"Absolutely," Spike also says at the same time. You and Emma are shocked by their quick responses.

"Geez, I guess that was a no brainer," Emma looks at you now, "What do you think of those two? Honestly, I like Rainbow Dash myself, even if she is kind of full of herself."

Who do you like?
I liked them both
They were both annoying

"You seem like a really friendly person, Vale," Twilight says, "I'm glad you like them. They may be flawed-"

"Seriously flawed," Spike says rolling his eyes, right before getting bonked on the head by Twilight, "Ow!"

"But they're both wonderful ponies," she continues, "I hope you get the chance to know them better soon."

End Skit

You're almost at Sweet Apple Acres now. Right before you reach the gates leading to the acres you see Rainbow Dash lying down on a lowered cloud. She's right there so you figure 'why not talk to her'.

"You may be the so called 'Guardian of Equestria', but you've got a lot to learn before you reach my level of awesomeness," she brags.

"Oh please," Emma says rolling her eyes, "I bet Vale could show you up any day."

"Oh really? Well, those wings look impressive, but..." she gives you a quick up and down look, "They obviously don't get much use. Tell you what, after you get a little bit of practice with those, come look for me. I'll race you anytime, anywhere," Rainbow Dash says with a competitive grin.

"All I can say is: Bring. It. On! Vale, kick her into next year!"

"See you around, "Guardian" Vale," Rainbow Dash says with a laugh. Once you learn how to fly and get some practice in, you decide you'll challenge her to a race. With all of that said, you keep moving to your original destination.

~Sweet Apple Acres~

Out in the open area of Sweet Apple Acres, you see Big Mac in the fields plowing the ground. You were wondering how he was doing so you decide to go over to him and talk to him.

"Big Mac!" Emma calls out once you get to him, "You're feeling better now?"

"Eeeyup," he says simply.

"Fantastic. Vale and I were worried about you, right Vale?" she asks you. Resisting the urge to say "eeeyup" you just nod.

"Do you know where Applejack is?" Spike asks him.

"She's prob'ly in the house restin up. I swear, that sister of mine pushes herself too hard."

"So we noticed," Emma says rolling her eyes, "Anyways, thanks Big Mac, and you try to take it easy too, alright?"

"Eeeyup," he says, apparently leaving it at that. Clearly he's a stallion of few words. You go to the house and Twilight knocks on the door. When it opens, the cutest filly walks out. She's yellow, and has a long red mane and tail. She's extremely tiny, apparently only six or seven years old, she has a red ribbon in her mane, and she doesn't have a Cutie Mark. Her's must have not come in yet.

"Hey there, Apple Bloom," Twilight says sweetly.

"Hi Twilight! Hey Spike!" she says in a sweet voice full of southern pronunciation, maybe even more than Applejack, "Who's the new face?"

"Oh, this is my new friend Vale and her fairy friend Emma," Twilight says, you nodding to her.

"It's mighty nice ta meet ya!" Apple Bloom says, "You must be here fer mah sistur, hold on," she then turns around and walks back inside, "Applejack! Twilight is here! She brought some other pony with her! Get yer fat butt down here!" she calls out, her voice fading into the house. You hear her and another female voice yell at each other for a few seconds, before Applejack walks to the door still looking inside.

"An' my butt ain't fat, either!" Applejack calls into the house before looking at you guys completely composed, "Hi ya'll."

"Hi Applejack," Emma says awkwardly, "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yea. Everything's fine. That's jus normal talk 'tween me an' mah sister."

"Geez, I'm glad I don't have a younger sibling," Emma says.

"Vale," Applejack says turning to you, "Mighty fine seein ya again. How ya been? Twilight treatin ya right?" you nod in response.

"Actually Applejack," Twilight says, "We need to talk. It's about Vale."

"Well, Ah'm all ears," Applejack says. You, Twilight, Emma, and Spike fill Applejack in on everything that happened yesterday. After the conversation Applejack looks down thoughtfully.

"So it's true then," Applejack says seriously, "Vale's the Guardian of Equestria?"

"Yep, it's true," Twilight says sighing, "This means things are about to get really serious here soon."

"Aw now, stop with that look," Applejack says walking up to Twilight, "Look here, hun, Ah said it once, and Ah'ma say it 'gain, it ain't your fault. We jus did what we felt was right. Nopony can blame yal fer that."

"I know," Twilight says, "I just want to get this done so we can put this whole thing behind us."

Almost on cue, Spike belches, and a scroll materialized in front of him. He opens it and looks really happy.

"We won't have to wait long," Spike says, "This is the map Princess Celestia said she was making. Look, it has three places in Equestria marked." He shows you and Twilight the map, and sure enough, it does have three areas marked off: one back in the Everfree forest, one in the sky, and one actually really close to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Looks like there's one nearby," Emma states.

"Applejack, do you know any places here in Sweet Apple Acres that stands out at all?" Twilight asks.

"Well, Ah know there's a really weird tree over yonder," Applejack says pointing outward, "I reckon what ya'll 're after is over in that tree."

"Thanks Applejack," Twilight says, "Let's go, Vale." You nod and gallop off a bit, but...

"Now hold up one COCK. PICKIN. MINUTE!" Applejack calls out running after you. You all stop and turn to her, "Ah ain't 'bout ta let ya'll go in there alone. Ah'm goin wit ya!"

"Applejack?" Twilight says, confused with Applejack suddenly jumping into action.

"Vale and Emma saved mah life yesterday, and it's like I told them before, we at Sweet Apple Acres always remember our depts. If she's goin on a mission to save Equestria, then damn it, Ah'm gonna be a part of it too!" Applejack looks at you, "Come on, Sugar Cube, take me wit ya."

"Well, what are we going to do?" Emma asks you.

Will you take Applejack along with you?
Yes
No

"Now we're talkin!" Applejack says happily, "Ya'll won't regret it."

Apparently when she said you could count on her for anything, she really meant anything. Still, you welcome the new addition to your team with open arms. You and your party now begin running to the fields, where Applejack said she saw that weird tree.

Phase 5

Even though Vale is the main protagonist of the story, there will be times where POV switches to another pony. Just a note for the future.

Phase 5: First Piece of Courage - Learn to Fly Vale!

Applejack lead you deep through Sweet Apple Acres. You had no idea that her land extended so far, it doesn't even look like you're in Ponyville anymore. The trees have begun to close in on you, and in the distance you even see monsters.

"So this must be where the monsters that attacked yesterday came from," Emma reasons, "Look Vale, I even see those trolls over there."

"Applejack," Twilight says, "Why didn't you tell me your family lived so close to a monster's nest?"

"Cause it wasn't nobody's business," Applejack says seriously, "Me an' mah family've been takin care of this land for generations, an it's up ta me ta look after this land," Applejack looks away and closes her eyes, "Now that Granny Smith..." you notice Applejack tense up a bit. You're worried about her.

"Applejack? Are you-" Emma asks, but Applejack trots forward a bit cutting her off.

"That tree is right up ahead," Applejack says suddenly, "It's the biggest tree at the end, ya'll can't miss it," she turns to you, you can see how much she's pushing herself, "Somethin up?" she asks you. She probably shouldn't be here, but knowing Applejack, she's probably trying to deal with some sort of inner pain on her own, and telling her otherwise would just make things worse.

What do you say?
Are you going to be alright?
Let's get going Applejack

"Right," she says nodding, and then walks off, Twilight and Spike following her. Emma flies over to you as you watch Applejack.

"She's hurting a lot on the inside, don't you think?" Emma asks. You nod and then walk after her.

Current Active Party

Vale

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

~Deep Acres~

As you all run through the forest, you and Emma decide to open up to Applejack a bit.

Title of Skit: Head of the Family

"Wow Applejack," Emma begins, "You're amazing. You've lived out here all this time with these monsters. You must be really strong."

"Mah family don't breed no weak ponies. Whether they growin up ta be stallions or mares, everybody in mah family's strong an independent," Applejack explains.

"Are you the head of the family?" Emma asks.

"Well, sorta. Mac an Ah spilt it up fifty-fifty, as we the oldest children. Mac though insists that Ah'm pushing myself too hard," Applejack looks down a little aggravated, "Jus cause he's bigger than me don't mean Ah'm weak."

What do you say?
You just have to show him your strength
I don't think your brother thinks that

"Ya don't, huh?" Applejack asks, not really convinced.

"I think he just worries about you. You push yourself so hard, you might collapse one day," Emma says.

"Well, Ah ain't gonna," Applejack says defiantly, "Ah'm made of tougher stuff than that. You'll see, Ah won't let ya down."

"Well," Emma says, "I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Same here," Applejack says with a smile.

End Skit

As you run through the forest, you see a troll pacing in front of you. You walk up to it, and it calls two bird monsters to aid it.

~Battle: Troll, War Rooster x3 (Play song: Full Force)

"Ya'll must be fixin for a beat down!" Applejack shouted.

Vale and Applejack rushed forward while Twilight began charging her magic. Applejack began fighting the Troll and one of the War Roosters by herself while Vale used Harpoon to tackle the third War Rooster. She then began fighting it close quarter.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, hitting the Troll. It was weak, so after that all it needed was a jab from Applejack to kill it. Applejack turned around and began fighting the War Rooster, "Stampede!" she shouted, knocking it down to the ground and beating it to a pulp.

"Arrow!" Vale shouted, firing a larger dart from her horn, knocking the War Rooster she was fighting back. Applejack was having trouble, so Vale ran over to her and began firing darts from her horn at the War Rooster fighting Applejack.

"First Aid!" Twilight cast that on Applejack, healing her. Applejack noticed the second War Rooster approaching Vale, so she rushed over to that one and started fighting it.

"Heavy Stomp!" Applejack shouted slamming her hooves on the ground hitting the War Rooster, eventually killing it. While that was going on Vale was hitting the last War Rooster with her horn darts. It got a few good pecks in, stopping her assault.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, firing at the War Rooster, killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

Twilight sat up straight and chuckled to herself, "Was that a bit too much?"

Twilight felt a little stronger. She learned the spell "Icicle".

~End Battle~

After the fight you proceed forward. Emma noticed how strong Applejack was and wanted to compliment her. Twilight was there listening to the conversation as well.

Title of Skit: Applejack the Strong

"Wow Applejack," Emma says, "You hit hard!"

"Well, thank ya kindly, Emma," Applejack says tipping her hat with a smile.

"Applejack has always been the strongest of us," Twilight states, "She can kick a tree so hard that she knocks all the apples out of it in one go."

"She's that strong?" Emma asks in shock. Applejack looks embarrassed.

"Now, it ain't that special," she says with a smile, "Every one of the members of mah fam'ly can do that. Honestly, Big Mac's stronger than me. That plow of his is so heavy, only he can pull it."

"So Applejack's family is all just really strong. Well, your definitely the strongest one here, so I'm gonna refer to you as Applejack the Strong!" Emma stated with a smile.

"Wh-wha?" Applejack says looking shocked.

"Definitely," Twilight agrees, "Applejack the Strong is a fitting title!"

"H-hold up!" Applejack is smiling awkwardly, "Don't Ah get a say in this?"

Applejack earned the title Applejack the Strong

End Skit

After that conversation you're almost at the giant tree. As you approach it, you finally begin to notice how creepy it looks. It looks like it has a creepy smiling face on the front, and the bottom opens up to reveal a staircase made of roots.

"W-we're not going in there, are we?" Spike asks trembling.

"Come on," Emma says, "You're starting to sound like that Fluttershy."

"It's okay Spike," Twilight says, "You can wait out here if you want."

"Yeah," Applejack adds, "All alone, with all these monsters roamin about, an nopony ta defend ya," she taunts, making Spike looks at her in fear.

"All alone? You mean you're all going?" Spike asks.

"Well yeah," Twilight says, "Vale is the one leading us, we're going to need Applejack's strength, and they're both going to need my magic."

"Wh-what about Emma? Can't she stay here?" Spike urges, making Emma roll her eyes.

"Yeah, cause a fairy's going to be soooo useful against a giant rooster or a fork wielding troll," she says sarcastically.

"Don't worry Spike," Twilight says, "We'll be back before you know it."

You, Twilight, Applejack, and Emma begin walking into the tree. Spike looks around in fear, and then hears a bird call out. He screams and runs in after you.

"Guys! Wait for me!" he shouts running after you guys.

~Deep Acre Tree~

It's surprising inside. It looks like a complete dungeon made of stone, filled with a pit below you, and overrun with monsters. All of you marvel at the sight of the dungeon around you.

Title of Skit: Under the Woods

"I had no idea all of this was under the farm," Applejack states.

"You never explored it?" Emma asks.

"Naw. The farthest I ever got was right in front of the tree. I wanted ta explore, but Mac caught up wit me an brought me home."

"I wonder if Princess Celestia knew about this place," Twilight asks looking down confused.

"Twilight?" Spike asks with a worried expression.

"It's... nothing..." she looks up at you, "Vale, let's get going." You nod in response, feeling just as determined as everyone else.

End Skit

You proceed down the only known path straight ahead. At the other end of the hallway was a staircase leading further down, but on the staircase you see two War Roosters waiting for you.

~Battle: War Rooster x2 (Play Song: Full Force)

"Get out of our way!" Vale shouted.

Vale and Applejack each chose a War Rooster, Vale rushing forward with her Harpoon attack, and Applejack leading with her Stampede attack. All the while, Twilight was charging her magic.

"Icicle!" Twilight shouted. Afterwards, a block of ice appeared over the War Rooster Vale was fighting, pushing it back. Vale then led with her Arrow ability killing it.

"Heavy Stomp!" Applejack shouted stomping the second War Rooster into the ground. Vale ran over to her fight and began helping her fight the second War Rooster while Twilight charged her Fire Ball spell. She didn't get to finish her spell though, because Applejack got in the finishing blow killing the War Rooster.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Ya'll picked the wrong pony to mess with!" Applejack said as she threw her hat in the air, did a back flip, and let her hat fall on her head while striking a suggestive pose.

~End Battle~

With that fight in the bag you come across a large door. There are two pathways on either side of the door, but they look like they all go down other paths. Twilight goes over to the door and tries to push it open, to no avail.

"Guess not..." Twilight says.

"Outta mah way," Applejack says trotting over to the door. Twilight moves out of her was like requested, and Applejack turns around and does a back leg kick to the door. It still doesn't budge, which is surprising considering how hard she kicked it.

"Well that didn't work," Emma states.

"And I bet the piece of Courage is right behind this door," Spike says with a sigh.

"Hm..." Twilight looks down the two paths, "There's a way to open this door, I know it," she turns to you, "Vale, what do you and Emma think we should do?"

"Well, seeing as there's no other way forward than that door and the other two passages," Emma says, "I say we choose a pathway and see if we can find another way in or a switch."

"Hold up," Applejack speaks up, "That's gonna take forever. I say Vale an Ah each choose a path an investigate. Twilight can stay here an use her magic to keep communication open between us an her."

"I see," Twilight says nodding, "That way I can also let you guys know if the door opens."

"Is it okay for us to be here alone though?" Spike asks, "What if monsters come here?"

"This place seems pretty safe," Twilight says, "And if monsters do show up there's enough room for me to charge up a spell before they get here."

"Okay..." Spike looks scared, but he seems to be okay with the plan.

"Vale," Applejack turns to you, "You okay wit the plan?" you nod, "Alright. Ah'll take the path on the left. Vale, you and Emma got the path on the right."

"Got it. Be careful Applejack," Emma urges.

"Same ta ya'll," Applejack says seriously. You, Twilight, and Applejack stand in a circle, "Remember, stay in touch at all times."

"Right, good luck you two," Twilight says. You nod, and you and Applejack proceed down you're chosen individual paths.

Vale's POV

Since you're alone right now, you decide to avoid fighting groups of monsters and focus on one at a time. It feels strange with only Emma as your company, which is strange as it's started out with just the two of you. You guess you just got used to Twilight, Spike, and their friends. The pathway up ahead is straight for the most part, but it turns down a corner up ahead.

At the corner you see a staircase going up. As you walk up you see a new monster, this one shaped like a small plant.

~Battle: Sprout (Play Song: Full Force)

"Get out of our way!" Vale shouted.

"Harpoon!" Vale shouted rushing forward and tackling the Sprout. Vale then stepped back a bit and began using her horn darts to attack, but the Sprout shot out seeds from its head at Vale, hurting her.

Vale decided to try a different tactic running back and then charging a spell. The Sprout wasn't able to move very quickly so while it waddled over to Vale, it wasn't able to get to her in time. "Lightning!" she shouted, firing at the sprout. She then ran over to it and kicked it with her front legs, killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said, waving her mane to the side.

~End Battle~

Thankfully that monster wasn't hard, so you were able to kill it with ease. Now that the way was cleared you run up the stairs. At the top you see a closed door (of course). There's no known way of opening it, so you call Twilight.

"Twilight," Emma says, "there's a closed door in front of us. We can't move on."

"Another one?" Twilight asks, "Princess Celestia wouldn't have sent us if she didn't think we could solve this puzzle. Hm... Applejack, see if there's anything on your end."

Applejack's POV

"Ya'll got it," Applejack says before running forward herself. Her pathway is more indirect, yet as she's more athletic than you she's able to go through a lot faster than you. She eventually runs into a War Rooster, which seems to be guarding a switch of some sort.

~Battle: War Rooster (Play Song: Full Force)

"Ya'll 're barely worth mah time!" Applejack taunted, as this fight looked easy.

She rused forward, and simply did her three hit combo a few times on it. The War Rooster retaliated with it's pecking attack, but she crouched down in a defensive stance blocking the attack.

"Stampede!" she called out, rushing up to the War Rooster knocking it down, then stomping on it a few times until it showed no signs of getting up.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Don't come back know, ya hear?" Applejack said sitting up straight and tipping her hat forward.

Applejack felt a little stronger. She learned the skill "Vigor".

~End Battle~

After the fight, Applejack had to sit down for a second before she proceeded on.

Title of Skit: It is harder alone...

"Damn it," Applejack said to herself, "Maybe Vale and Emma're right. Pulling an apple cart's one thang, but fightin monsters... I didn't realize how tired I was till I was alone..." she instantly pulls herself together and looks up determined, "Naw, that talk's nothin but hogwash! Granny Smith fought all the way till the end, an Ah'm her grandaughter! Equestria's countin on me as well, an I can't let it or Granny Smith down!"

End Skit

After Applejack forced herself up she walked over to the switch.

"Ah wonder what this thing does," Applejack says looking at the switch. She then puts a hoof on the switch and pushes down on it, "That do anything on your ends?" she asks.

"Sorry," Twilight says, "The door is still closed."

"Hold on," Emma says from your end.

"What's up?" Applejack asks.

Vale's POV

"The door Vale and I ran into just opened," Emma states as you two look at the now opened door.

"I guess you had the right idea, Applejack," Twilight says, "I bet this place was designed where at least three ponies were needed to explore this dungeon."

"Applejack," Emma says, "We're going to go on ahead. If we find anything like a switch on our end we'll let you know."

"Alright."

You and Emma decide to proceed onward through the door, which opens up to another staircase. At the top you find yourself approaching a large pit, two sprouts along the side. You go in their direction to face them.

~Battle: Sprout x2 (Play Song: Full Force)

"Get out of our way!" Vale shouted.

Vale rushed over to the Sprouts and began shooting on with her horn darts. "Arrow!" she shouted, firing at the Sprout in front of her. She then turned around and began fighting the second Sprout.

While she fought it, the first Sprout shot out seeds at Vale, causing her to flinch. When she did the second Sprout got in a few good on her, actually knocking her back. Okay, that was bad. Vale gets up and backs away from both Sprouts and begins charging her magic.

"Lightning!" she shouts, hitting both but only killing one. She then immediately follows up with a Harpoon attack, killing the last one.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said waving her mane to the side.

~End Battle~

You and Emma make your way to the edge of the pit, and look down.

"Well, that's the end of the line I guess..." Emma says with a sigh. She then looks up and begins bouncing up and down excitedly, "Vale! Up there!" you look and see a switch up on a raised platform, and two closed doors: one in front of it and one to the side. Only problem, it's above the giant chasm, and it's too far to jump.

"I bet that's important," Emma says, then looking at you, "Well, you are a pegasus. Give it a go?" she asks you. You jump up flapping your wings, actually rising up a bit, but then you immediately fall to the ground, landing awkwardly on your flank, "Guess not, huh?" Emma looks back up at the switch, "It's gonna take forever to learn how to fly, and who knows how strong Chaos will be by then. What are we going to do?"

Applejack's POV

"Alright," Applejack says, "Ah'll see what Ah can find."

Applejack then gallops off. Once she gets upstairs she arrives in a room with a closed door and a golem walking around, "Dead end?" Applejack asks herself. She then looks at the golem walking around, "What would you tell me, Granny Smith," Applejack says softly to herself, she then shakes off her sadness, tips her hat forward, and them begins stomping the fround with her front right hoof, "Her spirit, and the spirit of may ma all rests in me! Let's do this!" she then rused up to the Golem.

~Battle: Golem (Play Song: Full Force)

"I won't back down!" Applejack shouts, talking herself up as the foe looked a little tough.

She ran over to the Golem and began doing normal attacks. The Golem wasn't flinching, so it was able to throw a punch at Applejack, knocking her into the air, but Applejack flipped in the air and landed on her feet.

"Stampede!" she shouted, not knocking it to the ground, but pushing it back. When she stopped her assault, she jumped back from the Golem, just in time too, as its upper body started spinning with it's arms out. When it stopped it slowly began making its way over to Applejack.

Applejack crouched down and then stood straight up giving a loud high pitched whinny, causing her body to begin glowing for a second, and raising her own attack (this is Vigor). She then began hitting the Golem, now doing more damage. The Golem threw a punch at Applejack, but she crouched down in a defensive stance.

She then ran around to the other side of the Golem, and did her Stampede attack again, this time causing it to fall over, allowing her to get the most of her attack by stomping on it a few times.

"Heavy Stomp!" she said shouted, once again stomping on it while it was downed. She then jumped away letting it get up, and ran around to the other side of it again. The Golem's upper body began spinning again, this time actually getting Applejack in passing. After shaking off the pain she ran up to the Golem and did her Stampede attack again, this time knocking it out, and hopefully killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

Applejack hunched over in exhaustion, "Dang, no more o' that..."

Applejack felt that she got a little stronger.

~End Battle~

After she defeats the Golem, she notices a treasure chest appearing a bit in front of the door, "Well, that looks promisin," she says. She then slowly makes her way to the chest, thankfully it wasn't locked so she opened it, revealing a golden necklace of some sort with a purple gemstone in the center. The stone looks important.

"Hey, Twilight," Applejack asks, "What's this weird purple stone?"

"Purple stone... I wonder if that's the Flight Stone," Twilight says.

"Flight Stone?" Spike asks.

"I read about it in a book once. Somewhere in Equestria is a stone that has the knowledge of the greatest flyer in Equestria. Best worn by a pegasus, it could make even an amateur fly like the Wonderbolts."

"Hey, I bet Vale could use that!" Emma cries out, "She can use that to cross the chasim and get to the switch we're looking at. Applejack, do you think you could find us?"

"Ah ain't got no use for this thang," Applejack says, "Give me a second, Ah'll be right over."

You received the Flight Stone

Applejack continues through the door, which now opens. On the other side she sees you and Emma, and the giant pit in between. Thankfully the pathways connected.

"Applejack!" Emma calls out.

"Ah see ya'll!" Applejack calls in response, "Vale, Ah don't know when yer birthday is, but at least consider this an early gift!" she then surprisingly throws the Flight Stone over the pit, and right over to you. Emma flies up and catches it.

"Nice throw, Applejack," Emma says, then flying down to you, "Here, I'll put it on for you."

After she puts it around your neck, you look around seeing if anything changed. Nothing looked different physically, but mentally though... you see exactly what you were doing wrong before. You know how to flap your wings, and you even know how to get the maximum speed.

You walk back away from the pit, and then get a running start and soar into the air, flying right up to Applejack. As you elegantly land you hear Emma clapping in amazement.

"Vale, that was amazing!" she cries out.

"Ah'll say," Applejack says walking over to you, "You looked as good as Rainbow Dash there." After saying that you notice that she's limping a bit.

"Applejack! Are you alright!" Emma asks.

"Ah'm fine. Just had a bit of a scrap before Ah got here, is all. Don't worry, Ah'll manage. Besides, Twilight's waitin for us."

You nod, and then walk over to the switch. The second you push it the door in front of you guys opens.

"That did it," Twilight says, "The door just opened."

"Guess that finally did it," Applejack says, "Let's get what we came for an get outta here."

You and Applejack walk through together, Emma flying after you.

You a wandered into a really large room, sort of shaped like a temple. Below you Twilight and Spike walk in as well. Spike looks up and points to you guys.

"Twilight, I see them!" Spike calls out. Twilight looks up at you and smiles.

"Vale, Applejack, Emma, good to see you guys," Twilight says. You and Applejack use a nearby staircase to run down to where she is waiting for you.

"This looks like the last room," Twilight continues, "If the piece of Courage is anywhere, it'll be here."

You guys look around for a little while. After a while, you all break off and look around.

"Guys! I think I found it!" Spike calls out. You all run over to Spike to see what he's looking at.

"Where is it, Spike?" Twilight Sparkle asks.

"Up there," Spike says pointing to an altar up front. In the center of the altar is a glowing triangle with a rounded bottom side, making it look like a piece of a circle.

"That must be it," Emma states.

"Ah'll get it," Applejack says running up to the altar.

"Applejack!" Twilight calls out holding out a hoof.

Applejack runs up to the altar, but the room starts shaking.

"Wh-what's that?" Spike asks in fear.

"Something's coming, I can feel its presence," Twilight says looking around. You look up and notice the ceiling above Applejack about to fall.

"Applejack, look out!" Emma calls out. Applejack looks up and freezes in fear when she sees the ceiling about to fall. Acting fast, you run over to her and push her out of the way, right before the ceiling broke.

"Vale... thanks..." Applejack breaths out. You nod in reply and help her up. When you turn around you see what looks like a larger, spikier version of the Golem that Applejack faced (only Applejack recognizes it as such).

"OH MY GOD!" Spike cries out, "That thing is HUGE!"

"It's probably the guardian," Twilight says, "Something that important is going to be guarded."

"Applejack, can you still fight?" Emma asks.

"Ah'm fine," Applejack says walking forward, "C'mon! Let's take this vermin out so we can go home!"

You nod, and you, Twilight, and Applejack all run over to the monster, prepared for battle.

~Battle: Gigas (Play Song:The Struggle to Survive)

"Everyone, stay sharp!" Vale said, as the fight looked like it would be difficult.

Vale charged Forward with her Harpoon attack, and Applejack led with her Stampede attack, neither one really doing much damage. While this was going on Twilight was charging a spell. The Gigas spun around hitting both Applejack and Vale away.

"Icicle!" Twilight shouted, casting the spell onto the Gigas, actually doing some damage, but not a whole lot. Vale began firing her horn darts at the Gigas, while Applejack rushed over to the Gigas and began hitting it close quarter.

"Arrow!" Vale shouted firing her attack at the Gigas, knocking it forward a bit, "Heavy Stomp!" Applejack shouted, trying to hit the Gigas into the ground, but the Gigas punched Applejack really hard back, and she was already really hurt, so...

"Ah'm sorry... Granny... Smith..." she breathed out as she passed out.

"No... No! NO!" Twilight shouted looking at her friend fall. The Gigas then turned to Twilight and began slowly making it's way to her. Vale ran over to in front of the Gigas and defended Twilight while she reached into her bag and pulled out one of the assortments of items she bought before they departed for Applejack's place.

"Use this!" Twilight shouted, throwing a Life Bottle at Applejack. It's magic gave her enough energy to get back up. After helping Applejack, Twilight began charging up her magic again, this time casting First Aid at Vale, who right now wasn't looking too good against the Gigas.

Applejack gave a loud whinny, using Vigor to raise her own attack. She then rushed over to the Gigas, "Stampede!" she shouted, this time actually knocking the Gigas onto the ground. While she did that Vale charged up her magic alongside Twilight.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted.

Both spells hit the Gigas, doing moderate damage, but not enough to really matter. After that, Vale ran up towards the Gigas, then using her Harpoon attack to close in the distance, and do some more damage. From here she used basic attacks along with Applejack. The Gigas' upper body spun around with it's arms out and hit both Applejack and Vale away. They both hit the ground hard, but they were able to force themselves up.

"Jus' die already!" Applejack shouted as she and Vale ran up to the Gigas again.

"Fire Ball!" Twilight shouted, once again the spell not doing a lot of damage, "It's not working!" she shouted in fear, even as she and Vale both charged up other spells. The Gigas flailed its arms around moving forward, hurting Applejack, and knocking Vale out.

"NOOOO!!!" Vale screamed as she fell out.

"Ya'll 're gonna PAY!" Applejack shouted. She then gave another loud whinny as she recharged Vigor, and then rushed over to the Gigas and began hitting it with her basic combo (jab, hoof stomp, buck kick).

"Use this!" Twilight shouted, using another Life Bottle, this time waking Vale up. Vale got up and ran back away from the Gigas, and charged another spell.

"Lightning!" she shouted, firing at the Gigas, still only doing moderate damage, but now it looked like it was getting tired. Were they almost done?

Vale ran up to the Gigas and began hitting it with her horn darts, followed by her Arrow ability. Applejack needed to catch her second wind, so she ran back a bit and pulled out an item she had herself, an Apple Gel.

"Watch out, 'kay?" she shouted, actually throwing it at Vale, healing her.

"Thank you," Vale said. At the same time, Twilight cast her First Aid spell on Vale, healing her completely. After eating an Apple Gel herself, she ran up to the Gigas with her Stampede attack. After that hit the Gigas, it fell down and fell apart. They did it. They beat it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

Applejack threw her hat in the air, "Ya'll picked the wrong pony ta mess with!" she said as she did a back flip, landing elegantly and giving a suggestive pose as her hat fell onto her head.

Vale felt stronger. She learned the skill "Rising Falcon".

Twilight felt that she had gotten a little stronger.

Applejack felt that she got a little stronger.

~End Battle~

The Gigas falls out, and crumbles to pieces.

"Alright!" Spike cries out in triumph, "You three were amazing."

"Are you guys okay?" Emma calls out flying up to you, Applejack, and Twilight.

"Yea," Applejack breathes out, "Ah'm... fine..." she then faints right in front of you.

"Applejack!" Twilight cries out as you all gather around Applejack to make sure she's okay, thankfully she's still breathing, "Vale, go and get the Element Piece," Twilight says to you, "Spike and I will take care of Applejack."

"Let's go, Vale," Emma says to you, "We'll check on Applejack in a second." you nod and run over to the altar. Once you reach it the Element Piece flies up a bit, breaks up into tiny pieces of magical light anf flies into you, filling you with a warm light.

You received the first Piece of Courage. Your journey is still long, but with your new friends Emma, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and even Spike, you feel that victory is close at hand.

You and Emma head back to where Applejack collapsed. She's waking up, but she still doesn't look too good. Twilight turns to you.

"Vale, Emma," she says to you, "Applejack is exhausted. We need to get her out of here."

You nod, and help Twilight move Applejack out of the dungeon.

~Sweet Apple Acres~

Applejack is on your back as you walk her to her house. It's dark now, showing how long you guys were in the tree.

"Ah'm fine now," Applejack says to you, "Ya'll can set me down now."

You nod as you kneel down so Applejack can get off your back.

"Are you sure you're okay, Applejack?" Spike asks.

"Yea, Ah'm fine. Jus... a little tired, is all," Applejack states.

"You probably pushed yourself too hard in there," Emma says, "If you were tired then you should have told us."

"Well," Applejack says looking away a bit, "Ah didn't want ta slow ya'll down."

"Applejack," Twilight says, "Fluttershy slows us down, and I don't mind. Why would we mind it if you needed a little bit of rest?" Twilight turns to you, "Right, Vale?"

How do you respond?
That's right
I'm not in this

"You guys..." Applejack says, looking touched, but a little pained for some reason.

"Remember Applejack," Emma says, "We're a team now. You're needs matter just as much as Vale's."

"R-right," Applejack says still looking away, "Ah've gotta get home 'for Big Mac gets in mah face 'bout how late I was gettin back," Applejack turns to you, "Remember, mah offer still stands. Ya'll need anything, don't hesitate ta call."

Applejack turned and began making her way to the house, it was clear that she was still tired.

"I better go after her," Twilight says, "She's a horrible lier, and I have a feeling she's going to need an excuse for why she looks so scrapped up. You coming with me? Or are you going to head on home?"

What are you going to do?
Go back to the Library
Go with Twilight

"Okay then," Twilight says, "Spike and I will see you back at home," she turns to Spike, "Come on, Spike." she says.

"Got it. Good night Vale," Spike says before they make they're way after Applejack.

"I hope Applejack will be okay," Emma says, "Come on, let's go get some rest."

~Ponyville~

You and Emma just left Sweet Apple Acres and are on the pathway between the Acres and Ponyville. As you walk you hear a woman singing. Who could that be?

"Wow..." Emma says, "Whoever that is has a beautiful voice. You want to see who that is?" you nod.

At the end of the voice is that cream colored pegasus, Fluttershy, who's also surrounded by various animals. She doesn't look too busy right now, so this might be a good time to get to know her better.

Do you want to talk to Fluttershy?
Yes
No

Fluttershy continues singing as you and Emma go over to her. After her song ends, the animals slowly make their ways back to their homes, "Good night then," Fluttershy says, "I'll see you all tomorrow." She gets up and turns to you, jumping when she sees you, "Ah!" she then looks away awkwardly, "Um... hello there..." she says in her sweet whisper of a voice.

"You have a pretty voice," Emma says.

"Oh... thank you..." she says smiling nervously.

"What are you doing out here? It's kind of late, don't you think?" Emma asks.

"Oh, I know," Fluttershy says, "I couldn't sleep... so I decided to see my friends..."

"Your friends? You mean the animals?"

"Yes," Fluttershy says nodding, now looking at you, "I've always been able to talk to animals, that's what my Cutie Mark represents," she elegantly turns to her side and shows you her Cutie Mark, three pink butterflies.

"It's beautiful, just like everything else about you," Emma says, making Fluttershy blush.

"Oh, stop..." Fluttershy says with a giggle, "There are ponies much prettier than me."

"You're too modest," Emma says turning to you, "Right, Vale?"

How do you respond?
I guess a little
Way too modest

That statement makes Fluttershy blush uncontrollably, "Oh... uh... thank... you..." she seems flustered, but it makes her look even cuter, if that were possible.

"Its getting late," Emma says, "So we better get back to the library."

"Oh," Fluttershy says, "Are you two staying with Twilight?"

"At least until Princess Celestia gets us our own place," Emma explains.

"That's nice..." Fluttershy says, "Twilight is a really nice pony. She'll take care of you..."

"I'm sure. Maybe we could meet up one day and hang out. Vale and I would love to get to know you better," Emma says, you nodding in agreement.

"I'd..." Fluttershy looks away, but she's smiling and blushing again, "Like that..."

"Great. It's totally a date then," Emma says, neither one of you noticing Fluttershy suddenly looking shocked at the statement, "We'll see you later Fluttershy."

"Um... bye..." she says. With the conversation over, you and Emma make your way back to the Library. Once there you decide to make a note to Princess Celestia (save) and go to bed.

Author's Note

Please review! I need to know if this chapter was good!

Phase 7

To get a feel for how Vale sounds, imagine her being voiced by Christina Vee in this game. Everyone else has the same voice.

Once again, all songs are from Tales of Symphonia unless specified otherwise.

Phase 7: Once Again Through the Everfree Forest

~Equestria~

(Play Song: Land of Sylvarant)

As you and your party make its way to the Everfree Forest, you hear Rarity and Emma start to conversate, Pinkie Pie really close to their conversation.

Title of Skit: Why Are You Even Here?

"I hope Fluttershy is okay..." Rarity says with a worried expression.

"Are you two good friends?" Emma asks, both of them unaware of Pinkie Pie's slow approach.

"Best friends," Rarity says, "She and I spend the day together every Saturday at the local spa. I'm one of the few people she'll open up to."

"You seem to really care about her. But sheesh, I'm kind of worried having her out there alone. What happens if she runs into the chimera?" Emma asks.

"If that happens, then that chimera better watch out. Her stare can scare even an Ursa Major!" Pinkie Pie shouts out, not making any sense as usual. Emma seems to be having a hard time with something.

"What... but... Argh! WHY ARE YOU HERE?" Emma shouts, shocking everyone (Yet Pinkie Pie is still smiling for some reason).

End Skit

With that conversation over, and a new question looming over your head (why is Pinkie Pie here?) you continue to gallop to the Everfree Forest. It only took a few more minutes to reach it.

Current Active Party

Vale

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

~Everfree Forest~

You don't waste any time. You and your party begin to make your way further through the forest. As you run, you see three Batty's in your way. You can't avoid it.

~Battle: Batty x3 (Play Song: Full Force)

"Ugh! How hideous!" Rarity shouts, refering to the monsters.

Vale and Pinkie Pie ran forward, while Rarity stepped back. Vale began shooting arrows at one Batty while Pinkie Pie began frolicing around hitting the other Batty, though she looked more like she was playing. The third Batty slowly made it's way too Rarity, who began whacking it with her hooves as if slapping it.

"Harpoon!" Vale shouted, tackling the Batty she was fighting, killing it. She then turned to help Rarity.

"Pow Hammer!" Pinkie Pie shouted, a red hammer appearing out of nowhere and hitting the Batty. The Batty tackled Pinkie Pie knocking her back a bit, but after Vale and Rarity killed the Batty in front of them, Vale ran over to Pinkie Pie and shot her Arrow attack at the Batty, dealing the finishing blow.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said waving her mane to the side.

~End Battle~

After that fight you continue to explore the Everfree Forest, hoping to get some sort of sign of either Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy. While searching, Spike begins to look around in fear, Emma and Rarity nearby.

Title of Skit: It's Nothing Serious

"I can't believe I'm back here..." Spike says to himself, unaware that Emma is slowly approaching him, "It was okay before, but that was because Twilight was here."

"Are you afraid Spike?" Emma asks, making Spike jump.

"Whoa!" Spike shouts.

"It's okay to be scared, you know," Emma explains.

"I know, but Rarity is here, and I can't let her see me being a scaredy dragon."

"Rarity, huh?" Emma looks at Spike with a taunting manner.

"I-i-i-it's nothing, okay! I just really like her, that's all."

"That's all?" Emma asks.

"Yes, that's all," Spike says, unaware that now Rarity is walking up to him.

"What's all?" she asks, making Spike jump again.

"Whoa!" Spike cries out.

"Is everything alright, Spike? You know, the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place these days. If you want, you can ride on my back," as she speaks, Spike looks up at Rarity with a love sick expression, Emma seems to notice, "I'm not Twilight, but I can at least offer my hoof for protection if you need it."

"Um..." Spike pipes up when she says that, "I'm okay, Rarity! I uh... don't need protection. I'm a big dragon."

"Oh, well okay," Rarity says, beginning to walk away, but Spike runs up to her.

"Uh, if you ever need me to protect you, then please let me know," Spike says, making Rarity giggle, and Emma shake her head.

"Okay Spike," Rarity says with a sweet smile, "Thank you, my 'knight in shining armor'," with that she walks off, Spike watching her as she walks off."

"Oh, Rarity..." Spike says to himself.

"Yeah, it's nothing, huh?" Emma asks with a raised eyebrow.

End Skit

You and your party continue down the winding path through the Everfree Forest. After you reach a clearing you see two Trolls and a Batty in front of you. You decide to engage them.

~Battle: Troll x2, Batty (Play Song: Full Force)

"It's party time!" Pinkie Pie shouted happily.

Vale and Pinkie Pie ran forward and each took on a Troll while Rarity began casting a spell. Vale turned around and fired an Arrow at the Batty, and then followed up with a Harpoon attack, killing it. She then went back to the Troll she was fighting.

"Barrier!" Rarity shouted. A blue crystal appeared around Pinkie Pie, raising her defence. The Troll Vale was fighting didn't stand a chance, so it fell pretty easily. Pinkie Pie crouched down to defend an attack, "Surprise!" Pinkie Pie shouted after guarding, blowing a streamer at the Troll, actually killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Huh? Where'd everybody go?" Pinkie Pie asked looking around.

Rarity felt like she got a little stronger.

Vale felt a little stronger. She learned the skill "Demon Fang".

~End Battle~

You continue to run forward. You see what looks like somepony in the distance lying down on the ground. You run forward until you see exactly who it is. It's Fluttershy! You run over to her to make sure she's okay.

Fluttershy!" Emma calls out as you, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, and Emma rush over to her.

"Hang on," Rarity said kneeling over her, "First Aid!" she called out. A small light comes out of her horn, and Fluttershy begins to glow herself. A few seconds later Fluttershy begins to stir a bit, looking a little healthier.

"Rarity? Guys? What are you..." she slowly asks.

"That's a dangerous place to take a nap you know," Pinkie Pie says.

"I wasn't napping..." Fluttershy says softly, "Rainbow Dash and I got attacked by the Chimera... I got hurt, but Rainbow Dash said she was going to stop it from getting to Ponyville... so she lead it to the shrine far south..."

"And she just left you here?" Emma asks.

"I told her too..." Fluttershy explains, "She wanted to wait for me to recover... but I didn't want to slow her down... so I told her to go on without me..."

"Do you know where this shrine is?" Rarity asks.

"Yes, I do..." Fluttershy says with a nod, "but we need to hurry. That Chimera wasn't too hurt when it ran off.... Rainbow Dash could be hurt..."

"Are you sure you're okay though?" Spike asks, "Maybe you should stay back with me."

Surprisingly, Fluttershy shakes her head, "You're going to need my help to stop the Chimera..." Fluttershy says.

"Alright!" Pinkie Pie shouts happily, "Now it's a party!"

"You do realize that this is a rescue mission, right?" Emma asks.

Party Adjustment

Vale

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Fluttershy

Now with Fluttershy with you (can she fight?) you resume your search for the Chimera, now heading for the shrine at the far end of the forest. As you get a little deeper in the forest you see stronger monsters, some of them looking like wolves. Two wolves run over to you, followed by a Troll and even a monstrous bear.

~Battle: Lobo x2, Grizzly, Troll (Play Song: Full Force)

"Can't we avoid this fight?" Fluttershy asked weakly.

Vale, Pinkie Pie, and even Fluttershy ran forward. Fluttershy did a shocking move though, stopping mid way.

"Tempest!" she said, soumersaulting into the enemies kicking them with her hooves. She then began fighting the Grizzly, getting on her hind legs and kicking it with her front hooves. Vale shot her horn darts at one of the Lobos, and Pinkie Pie froliced around the second Lobo hitting it. The Troll made it's way to Rarity, who had been casting a spell the entire time, and couldn't move from where she was standing.

"Beast!" Fluttershy said, tackling the Grizzly. At the same time, a lion's head magically appeared biting the Grizzly, knocking it back. She then ran over to help Rarity.

"Demon Fang!" Vale shouted, doing a back flip sending a shock wave at the Lobo.

"Pow Hammer!" Pinkie Pie shouted, hitting the Lobo she was fighting right in the head, actually stunning it. Vale switched targets, running over to that Lobo.

"Harpoon!" she shouted flying through the Lobo, killing it, "One down!" Vale shouted.

Fluttershy was able to make quick work of the Troll, letting Rarity charge up her magic again. She then ran back to the Grizzly and continued to fight it, Pinkie Pie helping her.

Vale got attacked from behing by the Lobo, which knocked her down.

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, healing Vale.

Vale ran off, and began charging her magic. While that happened, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were able to kill the Grizzly, and were now running over to Vale.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted, casting her spell on the Lobo, killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Alright, we win!" Vale said, waving her mane to the side.

Pinkie Pie felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the skill "Prank".

~End Battle~

After the fight, you can't contain yourself. You and Emma go over to Fluttershy and tell her what you thought of her fighting prowes. Rarity and Pinkie Pie are there as well.

Title of Skit: Unexpected Skill

"Fluttershy, that was amazing!" Emma cries out, you smiling in agreement.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Fluttershy asks sweetly.

"YOU! Fighting those monsters!" Emma continues, making Fluttershy blush.

"Oh... It was nothing... really..." Fluttershy insists.

"Fluttershy, you're too modest," Rarity says.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie says with a bright smile, "Everyone knows you're the best monster tamer in Equestria!"

"Um... really though... I bet there are much better fighters in Equestria than me..." Fluttershy says, now looking down.

"How did you learn those skills?" Emma asks.

"W-well... I learned a lot from my animal friends..." Fluttershy explains, "But Rainbow Dash taught me a lot more about hoof to hoof combat... I don't have a lot of skills, and I don't learn very fast..."

"None of that matters," Rarity says, "Because the skills you do have are really something."

"I feel a lot safer with you here Fluttershy," Emma says.

"Of course you do. With Fluttershy protecting us, we don't have anything to fear!" Pinkie Pie says, all of these statements making Fluttershy blush uncontrollably.

"Um... Um..." it looks like Fluttershy is really uncomfortable.

What do you say?
You'll protect me too, right?
If you ever need help, I'll be there for you

Everyone looks at you, a little taken aback.

"Wow, you're really brave, Vale." Pinkie Pie says.

"Well, she is right," Rarity says, "We can't just hide behind Fluttershy here. We need to try our hardest too."

"Well, I'm inspired!" Emma shouts, "I'll try my hardest too!"

"Then let's go!" Pinkie Pie shouted, rallying everyone. They all part ways, but Fluttershy walks over to you.

"Vale, thank you," Fluttershy says, you nod to her with a smile.

End Skit

You get the feeling that you should avoid fighting for a while, so that's what you do. Besides, you can see the shrine in the distance. Before you go any further, you go over to Spike.

"Do you want to send a letter to Princess Celestia?"

Send a letter to Princess Celestia (save)?
Yes
No

Spike writes down everything that you've done so far, and then sends it to Princess Celestia.

"Done," Spike says, "Come talk to me whenever you want to send something to her."

After sending the letter to Princess Celestia, you and the team proceed onward. After gallopping a bit, you hear what sounds like an explosion.

"What was that?" Spike asks.

"The Chimera had fire abilities..." Fluttershy says, "If it's allowed to go out of control it could create a forest fire."

"If that happens then Rainbow Dash is in even more danger than we thought!" Rarity stated.

"Unless she and the Chimera decide to have a barbeque, then the fire is put to good use!" Pinkie Pie says with a smile, as if she said something really thoughtful, "Maybe he'll invite us!"

"Yeah, cause I'm so sure that the Chimera is thinking about having a barbeque right now," Emma says rolling her eyes, "Vale, we need to move!"

You nod and lead the team over to where the explosion was.

Rainbow Dash is thrown into a tree, and falls to the ground. The monster walking over to her is a large creature with black fur, and two heads: one being that of a lion, and the other being that of a goat. Both heads have red eyes, and the same symbol on their heads as the Condor.

The beast's lion head begins charging up fire in its mouth, but a red hammer falls on it, breaking its focus. The Chimera looks around, but is when it looks to its side, it sees you flying up to it and kicking it away from Rainbow Dash.

"Dash!" Rarity calls out as she, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike run up to her.

"Are you alright?" Fluttershy asks.

"Yeah... I'm okay..." Rainbow Dash says forcing herself up. Unfortunately she falls again, showing how hurt she really is, "Okay... maybe not..."

"Hey guys!" Emma cries out, "I don't think he's done!"

The Chimera is starting to get up, and it doesn't look happy. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all run up to your side, all ready for battle.

"Rainbow Dash, you should sit this one out," Rarity says, "We'll handle this."

"But-" Rainbow Dash was about to argue, but Fluttershy turns to her.

"Please, you're hurt," Fluttershy begs, "I... I think with Vale with us... we can beat it..."

Rainbow Dash seems a little surprised at how confident Fluttershy is at your skills, but a little more surprised at the fact that she's right there next to you.

"Well then," Rainbow Dash says looking down, but then looking up at you, "I'm watching you. Consider this your test," she says directly to you. You nod and look back up at the Chimera.

"Here it comes!" Emma cries out. The Chimera roars loudly before looking at your party. Looks like the fights about to start.

~Battle: Chimera (Play Song: The Struggle to Survive)

"Wow... that's really big..." Pinkie Pie said, mesmerized by its size.

"Pinkie Pie, please focus," Rarity scolded as Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Vale ran over to the Chimera. Rarity herself began charging her magic while everypony began hitting the Chimera with basic attacks.

"Pow Hammer!" Pinkie Pie shouted, throwing the hammer at the Chimera, only doing a little damage.

"Barrier!" Rarity shouted, raising Fluttershy's defense. She then began casting again.

The Chimera used its claws to slash everypony back, but Vale and Fluttershy were able to catch themselves in the air and land on their feet. Pinkie Pie, not so lucky.

"Demon Fang!" Vale shouted. The attack hit the Chimera, but it only did monor damage. Rarity cast Barrier on Vale as she was charging up for her magic. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie both ran over to the Chimera and gave it a few basic attacks.

"Beast!" Fluttershy said, sending the Chimera flying back a bit from the attack and doing a good deal of damage. She and Pinkie Pie both ran over to it to continue their assault.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted, hitting the Chimera and finally doing a good chunk of damage. Apparently though, the Chimera had enough of getting hit, so it shot a fireball at both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, both of them screaming in pain as they fell down.

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, casting it on Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy ran back a bit, pulling out an Apple Gel to heal herself. As that was going on, Vale had to change strategy, and switched from magic to skills for a little while.

"Arrow!" Vale shouted, firing at the Chimera. It took damage, but it was still able to get a good slash in. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran over to the Chimera and began attacking it to help Vale, who was able to go over to where Rarity was and help defend her.

"Sharpness!" Rarity shouted, this time sending a red wave over to Fluttershy raising her attack, who apart from Vale was doing the most damage actually.

"Tempest!" Fluttershy said, flying and soumersaulting into the Chimera and doing a lot of damage. The Chimera's goat head fired a series of fire balls at Fluttershy, who hunched down covering her head blocking the attacks.

"Prank time!" Pinkie Pie shouted before giving the Chimera a slap, electrocuting it with a small shocker on her hoof, surprisingly that did a good deal of damage.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted. The spell actually stunned the Chimera a bit.

"Beast!" Fluttershy said, tackling the Chimera, and surprisingly, she took it out.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"I wish we didn't have to fight..." Fluttershy said looking down in sadness.

Fluttershy felt like she got a little stronger.

Rarity felt like she got stronger. She learned the spell "Field Barrier".

Vale felt like she got a little stronger.

Pinkie Pie felt like she gota little stronger.

~End Battle~

The Chimera falls back, yet it's still breathing.

"Is it over?" Emma asks.

"Not quite," Rarity says. At that moment, the Chimera slowly gets up.

"Now what?" Spike asks, he sounds really scared.

"Damn it. If I could stand then..." Rainbow Dash says looking down in frustration.

Fluttershy looks at everyone, and then at the Chimera. At first she looks scared, but soon that fear turns into determination.

"That's IT!" she shouts, stunning you. She then walks up to the Chimera, "You hurt my friends, you attacked me, and your threatening Ponyville! I'm not going to stand for it, buster!" the Chimera tries to roar, but Fluttershy puts her hoof up, "Nuh uh, don't you give me that tone! I don't care if you came from Chaos, you will not, and I repeat, NOT. HURT. MY. FRIENDS!" she looks right in the beasts eyes, "Now what do you have to say for yourself?" she asks sternly, giving it a death stare that even makes you cringe a bit, and she's not even looking at you.

The Chimera backs away, both heads actually looking at Fluttershy as if they're afraid of her! Just who is she? No, what is she?

After a second, the Chimera actually disappates into tiny bits of darkness, as if its running away. Now its done, you think.

"Fluttershy, what did you do to it?" Emma asks.

"Oh, I just... well..." Fluttershy looks like she's having a hard time finding the words for what she did.

"Good job, Fluttershy," Spike says, "You showed that thing who's boss!"

"Um... I... I mean..." Fluttershy continues to stutter.

"Well, either way," Rarity speaks up, "We're finished now, so we should head back to Ponyville and report to Twilight Sparkle. Also, we need to get Rainbow Dash out of here."

"Aw... but it was just getting fun..." Pinkie Pie says looking down.

"You truly scare me," Emma says simply, looking at Pinkie Pie. You're about to leave, but something glows from inside the shrine, "No way," Emma says as you all turn back around. Sure enough, a small glowing circle third flew out of the shrine over to you. You go over to it to claim it.

In a shocking turn of events, you found the second Piece of Courage. Two down, one to go. You're at the end of your search, but with your new allies Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, you feel that you'll be able to see the end of this journey soon, at least... you hope...

"I don't believe it," Emma says, "We weren't even looking for it. Wait till Twilight hears about this."

You nod in agreement to Emma's statement, and you and your new friends all leave the Everfree Forest. As you leave, Pinkie Pie stops and takes another look at where the Chimera was. She, as strange as it is, glares a bit, and then hops after you, her original mood returned.

~Ponyville~

As you and your team return to Ponyville, you see Twilight Sparkle and Applejack running up to you.

"Guys!" Twilight calls out.

"Are ya'll alright?" Applejack asks.

"We're fine," Pinkie Pie says, "Fought monsters, saved Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash-"

"I totally had that thing by the way!" Rainbow Dash retaliates quickly, making everyone laugh.

"Well, I'm glad to see that you guys are okay," Twilight says, then looking at you, "Vale, you seem a little stronger. Did something happen while you were there?"

"You won't believe it, but we found a piece of Courage while there," Emma explains, shocking Twilight and Applejack.

"What in tarnation?" Applejack cries out.

"I already knew that there was a piece in the Everfree Forest," Twilight says thoughtfully, "But what are the odds of finding it on your own."

"That glowing thing?" Rainbow Dash asks, "The Chimera stood right in front of it as if guarding it."

"That's weird..." Twilight says.

"Not if Chaos knows that Courage can kill it," Spike says with a shrug, "It was trying to keep us from getting to it."

"I don't know Spike," Rarity says, "Didn't it seem a little more like it was leading us to it?"

"This is getting really weird," Emma says, "But at least we're almost done."

"I'll look at the map to try and find the last piece," Twilight says, "Vale, I'll let you know when I've found it so we can go immediately." You nod in response, and Twilight turns to everyone else, "It looks like we're all involved now. Let's be ready to move out any time."

Everyone nods. It's kind of touching knowing that they all have your back. After saying your good nights to everyone, you decide to head back to Twilight's Library. There, you send Princess Celestia a letter (save) and then hit the sack.

Phase 8

The controls here are written with the PS3 in mind.

Phase 8: Unfinished Business

As usual, you wake up the next morning with a yawn. After rubbing your eyes you jump off the bed and stretch a bit, ready to start your day.

After your routine shower you trot downstairs, where Emma is waiting for you at her usual spot.

"Good morning, Vale," Emma says, "Did you sleep well? I know I did. Hey, I'm worried about something. Don't you think what happened yesterday was strange?" you're a little confused and ask Emma to continue, "Well, I thought about it a lot before I went to bed, and Miss Rarity is right. It was too easy to find that Piece of Courage yesterday, almost like the Chimera wanted us to find it. I don't know... maybe I'm reading into it a little too much...

How do you respond?
It'll be fine
I'm worried too

"You too, huh?" Emma asks, "Well that's good. Now I feel better. Let's go to Twilight Sparkle and see how she's doing."

You nod and go over to the main study room, where you see Twilight Sparkle standing in front of a book reading it. You go over to her and ask her what she's doing.

"Oh, good morning guys," Twilight says, not looking away from her book.

"What are you doing?" Emma asks.

"Well, I know that the last piece is up in the Pegasi domain, but I don't know where exactly it is. I'm looking for any temples or monuments near Cloudsdale," Twilight explains.

"Cloudsdale?" Emma asks.

"That's the capital city for pegasi in Equestria. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were both born there. Normally only a pegasus can enter Cloudsdale since the whole town is made of clouds, but I have a spell that will fix that. All I need to do is find the darn place," Twilight turns to you, "I'm probably going to be a while here. Why don't you two go into town for a bit?"

"Sure," Emma says, "This is a good chance to finish up anything you want to do before we get the last piece, Vale."

You nod and walk out of the library into town.

~Ponyville~

Once outside you take a look around. It's rather busy around right now, so it shouldn't be too hard figuring out what to do. You walk around until you see three young fillies standing together at the town square. One of them is Applejack's sister, Apple Bloom. You don't recognize the other two, but the unicorn looks a little like Rarity. The pegasus there is leaning on a scooter while the three of them seem to talk about something really important. You decide to go to them first and see what they're talking about.

"So I was thinking," the pegasus with the scooter says, "This time we should try something really big."

"Okay, like what?" the unicorn asks.

"Well, mah sistur wus talkin 'bout this really strong alicorn in Ponyville," Apple Bloom says, "Ah think her name is Vale. She's been wantin ta help her out with sumthin."

"You talking about us?" Emma asks, catching their attention. When they turn to look at you, all three of them look at you in awe.

"Apple Bloom, is that her?" the pegasus asks.

"Yea, that's her alright," Apple Bloom says.

"She's almost as beautiful as Princess Celestia," the unicorn says, making you blush almost as much as Fluttershy.

"You're Applejack's sister, right?" Emma asks.

"Yep, mah name's Apple Bloom. These are mah friends, Sweetie Belle," referring to the unicorn, "and Scootaloo," referring to the pegasus, "and together, we're..."

"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" they shout loudly.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders? What?" Emma asks.

"We go all around Ponyville helping ponies so we can get our Cutie Marks," Sweetie Bell explains. You look at their flanks and see that sure enough, all three of them are without Cutie Marks.

"That's a strange Cutie Mark," Scootaloo says looking at yours, "What does it mean?"

"Oh, Vale's Cutie Mark is her calling card. It let's ponies know that she's the Guardian of Equestria," Emma explains.

"So you are the Guardian?" Sweetie Bell asks, "That's why my sister has been so happy."

"You're sister?"

"Yeah, you met her the other day. Her name is Rarity," Sweetie Bell explains.

"Wow, it's a small world, isn't it?" Emma says looking at you.

"Hey, we wanna help you too!" Scootaloo says, shocking you and Emma.

"Excuse me?" Emma asks raising an eyebrow.

"Yea, we can fight too!" Apple Bloom says.

"We want to help you protect Equestria as well!" Sweetie Bell says.

"Hang on, how old are you three?" Emma asks.

"Well, I'm eight," Sweetie Bell says.

"So am Ah," Apple Bloom says.

"W, well, I just turned nine last week!" Scootaloo says suddenly.

"Yeah, ain't happening," Emma says quickly.

"Aw, come on!" Scootaloo shouts, "Why can't we help?"

"You three are foals!" Emma says, "If we let you three fight, and anything happened to you, then your sisters would have our heads!"

"But we love Equestria too!" Sweetie Bell says, "Shouldn't we also do what we can to help?"

"Besides, this could be our chances ta get our Cutie Marks," Apple Bloom says, "and Ah'm tired of bein called a blank flank."

"Blank flank?" Emma asks.

"We're the last three in our classes to not have our Cutie Marks," Sweetie Bell explains, "That's the term the other kids use to describe us."

"Boy Vale, it sounds like this whole Cutie Mark thing is really important," Emma says to you.

"That's why we have to get ours," Scootaloo says, "So we'll know what we're good at."

"Also, we really want ta help you, Miss Vale," Apple Bloom says.

Looking at these three is breaking your heart. You can feel the strong desire to make a difference in Ponyville, if not all of Equestria, and the need to help their world is strong and respectable. They're young, but there might be other things they can do to help.

"What should we do, Vale?" Emma asks you, "We can't put them in the battle field, but I have to admit, I kind of feel for them."

What do you say to them?
I'd love it if you helped
You can't help us

"!!!"

All three of them look up at you suddenly, and start smiling.

"Really?" Apple Bloom asks.

"We can help?" Sweetie Bell asks.

"As long as the three of you find a none violent way to help that doesn't put any of you in danger, then yes," Emma says. All three of them start jumping up and down happily, and then turn to each other.

"Hey, let's think of ways to help her back at the club house!" Scootaloo says.

"Great idea," Sweetie Bell says. All three of them turn to you.

"Don't worry Miss Vale," Apple Bloom says, "The Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the job!"

"Um, great," Emma says, "Glad to have you three on board."

"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ARE GO!" they shout before they dash off at high speed. Emma looks confused.

"What have we gotten ourselves into?" she asks.

You decide to go to Applejack's farm. On your way there, you see Rainbow Dash right in front of the gate. Rather than see Applejack, you decide to go see Rainbow Dash.

"Hey Vale," Rainbow Dash says, "I've gotta say, you've gotten a lot better. You might be ready to take on the fate of the world."

"Uh, yeah! She is the Guardian!" Emma says.

"Hold on, there's still one more test you've gotta pass. So, how about it? Quick race through the apple orchard?"

Challenge Rainbow Dash to a race?
Yes
No

"I ain't gonna go easy on you just cause you're a rookie," Rainbow Dash says.

"Vale, show this arrogant bitch who's boss!" Emma says, making Rainbow Dash laugh.

"Look at that, you've got your own cheer leader! But enough talk, let's do this!" Rainbow Dash says.

You and Rainbow Dash are standing at the entrance of the orchard, ready to begin the race.

"The race is simple," Rainbow Dash says, "Follow this path all the way back here. We'll both get a running start, and then take off at about two feet off the ground. First one bacck here wins. You got all that?"

Do you understand?
Yes
No

Use the left stick to run forward. Once you've reached your top speed, push and hold both L2 and R2 at the same time to fly.

You can push the X button to tackle Rainbow Dash and make her lose balance.

Do you know the controls?
Yes
No

3...

2...

1...

Start!

Vale and Rainbow Dash took off as fast as they could, which in the case of Rainbow Dash, even that was really fast. Rainbow Dash tackled Vale, making her lose balance before she took off with her wings.

"Later!" Rainbow Dash said. Vale began running as fast as she could, until she was fast enough to take off and fly after Rainbow Dash.

The path was turning to the left, making Rainbow Dash have to slow down in order make the turn. This allowed Vale to catch up a bit. Slwoly, she was able to catch up until she was right next to Rainbow Dash. From there she tackled Rainbow Dash, making her fall behind a bit.

"Not bad! But I'm not done with you!" Rainbow Dash called out. She was able to catch up to Vale and returned the favor and tackled her. Both Rainbow Dash and Vale were neck and neck, pushing at each other as they flew.

The path turned to the side again, this time trees and rocks getting in their way. Instead of trying to get past each other, they had to worry a little more about the obstacles in their way. Rainbow Dash ducked and dodged like a pro, while Vale had a little bit more trouble. Eventually they made it past though, Vale a little behind Rainbow Dash.

It was the home stretch, and Vale had to win NOW. She flew as fast as she could until she and Rainbow Dash were right next to each other again. From here, they began shoving each other again, continuing all the way until they saw the gate in the distance. Vale nodded, and took that as her chance. She gave Rainbow Dash one last shove and then made a mad fly over to the gate, making it through mere seconds before Rainbow Dash.

"!!!"

"What!" Rainbow Dash called out, looking absolutely shocked.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"I... lost?" Rainbow Dash said falling to the ground as Vale threw her mane to the side.

~End Mini Game~

Back at the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash falls on her back and groans in anger.

"I can't believe you beat me!" Rainbow Dash shouts, "ARGH!"

"Awesome, Vale!" Emma cries out, "You were amazing!"

Rainbow Dash calms down, and then starts laughing, "Okay, I admit defeat. I hate it, really hate it, but you beat me. You earned my respect, Vale. If you want my help, just ask. I'll try and not steal your thunder."

"Ugh, you're incorrigable!" Emma cries out, "For all your talk, you better not suck!"

You figure Twilight's about done with her research now. Maybe it's time to go and check on her. You say your good byes to Rainbow Dash and head back to Twilight's library.

~Twilight's Library~

When you enter the library, you see Twilight and everyone waiting for you.

"Good, I was just about to send Spike to get you," Twilight says.

"Is something up?" Emma asks.

"Yea, that there Piece of Courage," Applejack says.

"So, you found it?" Emma asks.

"Yeah, there's a temple to the far east of Cloudsdale," Rainbow Dash explains, "If the Piece of Courage is anywhere, then it's going to be there."

"Great! So why are all of you here?"

"You can't be serious," Rarity says, "This is the most important moment in all of Equestria."

"There's no way we're going to miss this!" Rainbow Dash says.

"I don't want to be left behind..." Fluttershy says sweetly.

"Ah missed the last one! Ya'll ain't leavin me this time though!" Applejack states.

"But this could get really dangerous," Emma says, "and you guys are civilians."

"Silly, we're friends first though!" Pinkie Pie says, "and I'm bringing cupcakes, and I know you don't want to miss that."

"We're in this now, so you aren't doing this without us," Twilight says.

You look around at the six friends you made on your journey. It's touching to see how much they care about you, even though they just met you. It's going to be dangerous, you can tell, but they're willing to go to the great beyond for you.

"You guys..." Emma says, vocalizing your thoughts.

"So, are you ready?" Twilight asks.

Are you ready to get the last Piece of Courage?
Yes
No

"Pinkie Pie, get the balloon ready!" Twilight commands, getting a salute from Pinkie Pie.

"Yes ma'am!"

"I'll cast the spell so we can all explore the temple. Rainbow Dash, you lead the way," Twilight continues.

"You got it!" Rainbow Dash says.

"Everyone, let's go!" Twilight shouts. Everyone cheers, and you all make your way to the balloon that's going to take you to Cloudsdale Temple, and the last Piece of Courage.

Author's Note

Did you like what you read here? If so, then please support my Patreon. Just a dollar from all of you will help me cover my expenses.

Phase 9

Phase 09: The Last Piece – One of Us Now

Pinkie Pie's hot air balloon lands in front of what looks like a large ruin, only it's made of clouds. How could something like this even exist? Physics dictates that clouds...

... You quickly go over everything else in this world that you've seen that completely contradicts physics, and decide to let it go. Somehow you get the feeling that this isn't even the craziest thing you're going to see.

You were flying next to the balloon with Emma, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Spike were all inside the balloon. Dash (what you noticed a lot of ponies called Rainbow Dash) and Fluttershy landed on the cloud next to the balloon. They all look up at you.

"Come on, Vale," Rainbow Dash calls out to you, "It's fine. You are a pegasus technically."

Yeah, and technically I'm a unicorn too, you think to yourself. You and Emma look at each other, both of you a little concerned, but you slowly descend onto the cloud. Once you do, you're pleased to see that the cloud is actually solid for you. Soft, and bouncy, but definitely soft. You jump up and down to test it a little, and are happy with the results.

"I guess that's why you're an alicorn..." Fluttershy says thoughtfully, "That way, you can access every place in Equestria..."

"I guess that makes sense," Emma says looking at you. The balloon opens up, and Twilight slowly steps out, putting one hoof on the cloud. When it doesn't go through, she breathes a sigh of relief.

"Whew... Okay everyone, it's safe. The spell worked," Twilight says walking onto the cloud as well. Applejack slowly pokes her head out and looks around while Pinkie Pie hops out of the balloon, followed by Rarity and Spike.

"Y'all 're sure it's safe?" Applejack asks nervously, still in the balloon.

"It's fine, Applejack," Rarity says turning to her, but then has a mischievous smile, "Don't tell me you, of all ponies, are afraid of heights."

"Now lookie here," Applejack says, "I ain't afraid of nothin' especially not heights! Besides, ya'll remember, two years ago we came here ta cheer on Rainbow Dash for the Best Flyer's Competition, right?" she looks around at everyone, who all look awkward at that statement.

"Well, I do remember you being there," Twilight says slowly.

"Me too..." Fluttershy says with a nod, but then looks away, "But I remember you always avoiding the ledges that looked down on Ponyville..."

"And if I recall, didn't we have to promise ten times that you weren't going to fall?" Rarity asks tauntingly.

"W-well..." Applejack says looking rather embarrassed.

"I remember!" Pinkie Pie says happily, "She was all 'Ah'm sorry, partner, but Ah don't trust them clouds,' and Twilight was all 'It's going to be okay, Applejack, I've done this spell hundreds of times,' and Applejack was like 'That don' change a thing, Ah ain't goin, an that's final!' but then Rarity was all 'It's okay to be scared, Applejack, all you have to do is tell us. I'm sure Rainbow Dash will understand why you didn't come to see her when everyone else did,' and boy was Applejack mad about that, so what she did was-" Twilight put her hoof over Pinkie Pie's mouth.

"I think we get the point, Pinkie Pie," Twilight says with a smile.

"Applejack," Rainbow Dash begins, "Are you afraid of heights?"

"Ah said I ain't, so I ain't!" Applejack defends, slowly getting off the balloon to prove her point, which is kind of hard as you can see she's trembling, "See? Ah told ya'll. Now, let's get movin. That Piece ain't gonna find itself," she says walking forward. A gust of wind blows from under everyone though, reminding you all that you're on a cloud. Applejack too apparently, as she gave an extremely feminine scream (which does sound strange coming from her) and jumped right into your hooves, forcing you to fly a bit as to not fall over.

"Um... Applejack? Are you going to be okay?" Emma asks as Applejack holds onto you for dear life.

"My, my, my, how absolutely brave of you Applejack," Rarity taunts walking to the temple, "I feel so safe with you in the Guardian's arms right now."

Applejack gives an annoyed growl, and you set her down after giving her an apologetic smile. You get the feeling that she and Rarity don't get along too well.

After that little moment, you follow everyone to the front of the temple.

From this point forward, you have control of who enters the party. You can have up to four ponies in your active party, one of which has to be the Guardian. Note that while the Guardian's death doesn't equal game over, if all four active ponies fall, you lose the battle. Choose your party wisely.

Party Formation

Active

Vale

Rarity

Rainbow Dash

Pinkie Pie

Reserve

Fluttershy

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

~Cloudsdale Temple~

The monsters you see are all mostly bird types, which makes sense. The first part of the temple is a long hallway. You proceed forward until three falcon monsters approached you.

~Battle: Talon x3 (Play Song: Full Force)

"Get out of our way!" Vale shouted.

Vale, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash all ran forward and took a Talon while Rarity charged up her magic. Rainbow Dash's fighting style was surprisingly (or not) really violent, almost like Applejack, only more athletic and using the air a lot to do flips.

"Field Barrier!" Rarity shouted, casting a mass barrier spell on everyone (including herself).

"Rising Falcon!" Vale shouted, taking flight for a second and then flying through the Talon she was fighting.

"Crescent Moon!" Rainbow Dash shouted, doing a back flip kicking the Talon up in the air, "Swallow Dance!" she then said quickly kicking it higher in the air, "Eagle Dive!" she then shouted diving onto the Talon pushing it onto the ground, killing it.

"Who else want's some!" Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie was able to kill her opponent with a Pow Hammer attack, and then went to help Vale, who was having a little trouble with her opponent.

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, healing Vale. Rainbow Dash ran over to Vale fight.

"Havoc Strike!" she shouted, hitting the Talon continuously with her front hoof, "Crescent Moon!" she then shouted, killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"Alright, next!" Rainbow Dash shouted getting on her hind legs flexing her front hooves in triumph.

~End Battle~

After that fight, you proceed onward through the hallway. At the end of the hallway you find a spiral staircase going down. As you go down the stairs, you notice Twilight looking a little down about something.

Title of Skit: Trust issues

"Princess Celestia knows about everything that goes on in Equestria," Twilight says, "The monsters in Applejack's farm... this temple near Cloudsdale, and the shrine in the Everfree Forest... Why didn't she tell me any of these things? I'm supposed to be her star student... She tells me everything..."

"Twilight?" Emma asks as you and her go over to her.

"Oh, Vale, Emma," Twilight says.

"Is everything okay?" Emma asks, "Vale said you looked a little down."

"Oh, I'm fine, really," even though Twilight says that, you can tell she's lying.

What do you tell her?
If you ever want to talk, I'm here
I won't bother you then

"Thank you," Twilight says, seeming to be comforted a bit, "I appreciate that."

"Okay then, we'll check on you later," Emma says as you two walk off. When you leave, Twilight looks down again.

"She does trust me... right?" Twilight asks herself.

End Skit

You continue down the stairs. As you run, you see Talons flying around, and strange spherical monsters that look to be made of stone. Two Talons fly over to you, also getting the attention of one of the sphere things.

~Battle: Talon x2, W-Elemental (Play Song: Full Force)

"It's party time!" Pinkie Pie shouted happily.

Vale, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash all charged forward while Rarity began charging her magic.

"Rising Falcon!" Vale shouted, flying past the Talons and going to the Elemental. Rainbow Dash used her Crescent Moon, Swallow Dance, and Eagle Dive combo, killing the Talon she was fighting, and went to help Pinkie Pie as Rarity used First Aid on Pinkie Pie.

The Elemental cast a spell, causing a small sphere of wind to hit Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash (Wind Blade). Vale ran back from the Elemental and fired her Arrow attack at the Elemental, which was already charging up another spell. When she realized that it was still casting, she ran over to it and began hitting it with basic attacks.

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, healing Rainbow Dash, who used her Crescent Moon skill to kill the Talon she and Pinkie Pie were fighting. They ran over to help Vale, who took a Wind Blade attack directly. Pinkie Pie used her Prank skill, pulling out a Jack-in-the-Box that hit the Elemental in the face with a boxing glove. That... killed it...

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were standing together.

"Yeah! That was fun! We should invite them to my next party!" Pinkie Pie shouted gleefully.

"You do realize we're fighting for our lives... right?" Rainbow Dash asked awkwardly.

Rarity felt like she had gotten a little stronger. She learned the spell "Photon".

Pinkie Pie felt like she got a little stronger.

~End Battle~

After the fight, you decide to compliment Rainbow Dash for her fighting skills. Pinkie Pie is right there, of course (they've been together the entire time).

Title of Skit: Rainbow Dash the Wild

"I have to say Dash, I was wrong about you," Emma says, "Here I was thinking you were all talk, but you've got real skill."

"Uh, yeah!" Rainbow Dash says with an arrogant smile, "I've spent years working on my skills, not just flying, but fighting as well."

"Why is that?" Emma asks.

"Rainbow Dash wants to be a member of the Wonderbolts!" Pinkie Pie says gleefully, making Emma roll her eyes.

"Yeah, I knew that already..." Emma says, "But why does she practice fighting?"

"That's why," Rainbow Dash says, shocking you and Emma.

"Wait, WHAT? I thought they were performers?" Emma asks.

"They are," Rainbow Dash says, "But they double as a special defense for the Princesses in case they need it. In order to be a Wonderbolt, I've got to not only be a great flyer, but a great fighter as well, especially in these times."

"Wow, well I've got to say, even though it's a little wild, I think your fighting style is really good," Emma says.

"Rainbow Dash the Wild is the most heroic pony in Equestria!" Pinkie Pie says, "Right next to Guardian Vale!"

"That's right!" Rainbow Dash says, then realizing what she's saying, "Hey, wait a second!"

Rainbow Dash earned the title Rainbow Dash the Wild

End Skit

At the bottom of the staircase, you have to stop and marvel at your surroundings.

"I had no idea that it extended this far," Twilight says looking around.

"That's Cloudsdale for you," Rainbow Dash says, "This is more then likely the inside of the cloud now."

"How did any of this get made?" Emma asks.

"No one knows," Rainbow Dash says, "These ruins have been here for generations."

"Do you think..." Twilight begins, "the Piece of Courage has been here for that long as well?"

"I don't know, I guess," Rainbow Dash says simply, but Twilight looks down in confusion.

"If that's true... then..." Twilight says, you look at her with a concerned expression. She doesn't seem to notice.

"Twilight, are you okay?" Spike asks.

"Yeah Spike, just a little confused is all," she walks forward, "Guys, we should keep moving. The most important thing is getting that Piece of Courage for Vale."

Everyone looks concerned, but they continue to walk forward after Twilight. As they walk, a black mist appears under Fluttershy's feet. She seemed to notice something, because she squealed in shock and looked behind her.

"Everythin alright?" Applejack asks looking at Fluttershy.

"Um, yes... I'm fine..." Fluttershy says, running after everyone.

Pinkie Pie looks tired, so you decide to let her rest.

Party Adjustment

Active

Vale

Rarity

Rainbow Dash

Applejack

Reserve

Twilight Sparkle

Fluttershy

Pinkie Pie

You switched her out at the right time, because you see there are different enemies in the second part. These enemies look like pegasi in black armor. Also, they had the mark of Chaos on their helmets. Two of them flew over to you with an W-Elemental as well.

~Battle: Chaos Pegasus x2, W-Elemental (Play Song: Full Force)

"Ya'll must be fixin for a beat down!" Applejack shouted.

Rarity as usual began charging her magic while everyone else charged forward. The Chaos Pegasi were tough opponents, as Rainbow Dash and Vale had hard times fighting them. Applejack on the other hand was going to town on the W-Elemental, who couldn't seem to finish it's spell.

"Photon!" Rarity shouted. An orb of light converged around the Chaos Pegasus Rainbow Dash was fighting, and then exploded. It apparently did a lot of damage, "I see, so that's your weakness," Rarity said, taking note.

"Crescent Moon!" Rainbow Dash shouted, hitting her opponent in the air. At the same time, Applejack used her Vigor skill to raise her attack, and Vale ran over to Rarity to cast magic with her.

Rainbow Dash continued her assault with basic mid air attacks before she did Eagle Dive hitting the Chaos Pegasus onto the ground.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted, hitting the Chaos Pegasus Rainbow Dash was fighting, killing it. Rainbow Dash went over to the second Chaos Pegasus and fought it for a while, as Applejack was getting pummled. When she was able to, Applejack ran off a bit to catch her second wind.

"First Aid!" Rarity said, healing Applejack, who then went back to continue her fight.

"Stampede!" Applejack shouted, bashing the Elemental into the ground. Vale ran over to Applejack and used her Arrow attack finishing the Elemental off.

"Photon!" Rarity shouted, casting it on the Chaos Pegasus that remained. It was already taking a beating from Rainbow Dash, so that actually killed it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

"That's no way to treat a lady," Rarity said stepping to the side elegantly and turning her nose in the air.

Applejack felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the skill "Demon Fang".

Rainbow Dash felt like she got a little stronger.

~End Battle~

Those enemies were strange, you think. So you decide to discuse that last fight with everyone.

Title of Skit: Enemy Ponies

"Okay, is it just me, or were those monsters a little weird?" Rainbow Dash asks.

"They looked like... ponies... but something is wrong," Rarity says thoughtfully.

"You don't think..." Fluttershy looks really worried, "I mean... we didn't just..."

"No way," Twilight Sparkle says suddenly, "There's no way Princess Celestia would send us on a mission to kill other ponies."

"Ah want ta agree with ya Twilight," Applejack says seriously, "But there's no mistaking what we just saw. Ah mean, they even screamed in pain."

"But we've seen that Chaos can produce monsters," Emma says, "Like the Chimera from yesterday, or the Condor."

"Yeah, and Princess Celestia is a pacifist," Pinkie Pie says optimistically, "Fighting monsters is one thing, but other ponies, come on people! Hello! That's not our Princess."

"Should we send a letter to Princess Celestia asking about it Twilight?" Spike asks.

"Um... well..." she seems indecisive. Maybe you should say something.

What do you say?
This is too strange
It's too soon to say anything

"Yes, Vale, as usual, is thinking the most logically," Rarity says, "For now we should continue onward."

"I agree," Fluttershy says, "I don't want to start thinking ill of the Princess. Not after everything we've all been through."

"It looks like we're almost there anyway," Rainbow Dash says, "So let's just keep moving."

Everyone parts, but Twilight is looking down again.

"Princess, you would at least tell me... right?" she asks herself.

End Skit

You decide now is a good time to send a letter to Princess Celestia anyway, so you go over to Spike when you reach a large door.

"Do you want to send a letter to Princess Celestia?" Spike asks you.

Send a letter to Princess Celestia (save)?
Yes
No

Spike writes down everything that's happened so far, and sends it to Princess Celestia.

"Done," he says, "Talk to me whenever you want to send something to the Princess."

With that done, you walk through the door, ready for anything.

You all run through the door, going into a large arena like room. In the far end of the room, you see the last Piece of Courage on a stand.

"Hey, that's it!" Rainbow Dash calls out. She's about to fly over to get it, but Applejack grabs her tail.

"Hold up! That's how it got me the first time!" Applejack says, confusing Rainbow Dash.

"What are you talking about?" she asks.

"They're always guarded by something," Twilight explains, "Remember the Chimera?"

"That was one of Chaos' goons," Rainbow Dash says crossing her arms, "Other than that, we could have gone in, got the piece, and got out in time for dessert."

"Speaking of dessert," Pinkie Pie says suddenly, "I brought the cup cakes if anyone wants any."

"Maybe later, Pinkie Pie," Twilight says.

You walk forward bit, looking around. You then notice the clouds around you get really dark and stormy. You look up and see a giant black and red dragon swoop down in front of the group. You hear a high pitched scream as it lands. You turn around and see Fluttershy hiding behind Rainbow Dash.

"D-dragon?! No one told me a DRAGON was here!" she screamed.

"Guys, get ready!" Twilight shouted, everyone bracing themselves for combat (but Fluttershy still hiding behind everyone).

~Battle: Belial (Play Song: The Struggle to Survive)

"Everyone, please be careful!" Rarity urged.

Rarity immediately charged up her magic, and Applejack started out with her Vigor skill. Rainbow Dash and Vale rushed over to Belial and began attacking it. Belial crouched down and slashed at Dash and Vale, sending them back.

"Field Barrier!" Rarity shouted, casting it on the group. Vale immediately used an Apple Gel on Rainbow Dash, healing her, and then ran off to the back lines to use magic, letting Applejack take over her place in the front line.

"Demon Fang!" Applejack shouted, fliping in the air like Vale, sending a shock wave to Belial. It only did a little bit of damage though.

"Lightning!" Vale shouted, doing minor damage as well, "It didn't work?" she asked in shock.

"Crescent Moon!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "Swallow Dance!" she continued as she finished the last attack, but the dragon breathed fire at her knocking her to the ground and stopping her combo.

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, healing Rainbow Dash, who continued her assault. Belial flew up away from Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and over to where Vale and Rarity were. It slashed at Vale, actually knocking her out.

"NOOO!" she shouted as she fell out.

"Y'all 're gonna PAY!" Applejack shouted. She and Rainbow Dash began using all of their best attacks on Belial, eventually Applejack using her Stampede attack on it. She was able to do some damage, but she wasn't able to knock it to the ground.

Belial roared loudly, causing lightning bolts to fire from the sky onto the party. Rainbow Dash was able to dodge most of it, but Applejack got hit by the attack. Thankfully it didn't focus on Rarity, who pulled out a Life Bottle.

"Be more careful, darling," she said throwing it at Vale, reviving her. Once up, Vale ran over to Belial, who was getting hit by basic attacks from Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

"Demon Fang!" she shouted, once again the attack doing minor damage.

"Swallow Dance!" Rainbow Dash shouted, kicking the dragon a bit in the air, "Eagle Dive!" she shouted again diving onto the ground. That combo didn't do a lot, and Rainbow Dash was getting tired.

"Hey, take it easy on the Artes, sugarcube!" Applejack shouted.

"But this looks more awesome!" Rainbow Dash retaliated.

"Here!" Vale shouted, throwing an Orange Gel at Rainbow Dash.

"Good lookin!" Rainbow Dash said, feeling rejuvenated. She then resumed her skill assault.

"Photon!" Rarity shouted, the attack doing a little more damage than the others, but not a whole lot. Belial then began casting a spell.

"Don't let it finish!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Rarity had been using a lot of magic, so she even resorted to running over to the dragon and began slapping it with her hoof. Vale, who had been using her dart attacks, pulled out another Orange Gel.

"Here!" she shouted, this time throwing it at Rarity.

"How kind of you," Rarity said, running back to the back line to continue casting spells.

"Arrow!" Vale shouted, firing at the dragon, still only doing minor damage. Unfortunately they weren't able to stop it's spell.

Thunder Blade

When it cast it, a blade made of thunder came out of the sky onto Rarity, and then exploded, knocking her out.

"AHH!" Rarity screamed as she fell out.

"Damn it! I wasn't fast enough!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Vale was about to use Arrow, but something came over her.

"I've got it!" she shouted, "Demon Arrow!" she shouted, first firing her Arrow ability, then immediately doing a back flip doing Demon Fang. That combo did something, but still not a whole lot.

"This is NOT okay!" Rainbow Dash shouted, as they weren't sure if they were winning or losing the fight, but it felt a lot like they were losing.

"Watch out, 'kay?" Applejack said, throwing a Life Bottle at Rarity, reviving her. As she got up, Belial roared loudly again, making lightning bolts rain down on the party. They were able to dodge most of the assault, but Rainbow Dash got hit and took massive damage (electricity is her weakness).

"First Aid!" Rarity shouted, casting it on Rainbow Dash, healing her.

Applejack used her Vigor skill, and then ran over to Belial and began using basic attacks. She eventually used Demon Fang on it, still doing minor damage.

"Photon!" Rarity shouted, doing medium damage. Rainbow Dash did her Swallow Dance attack, actually killing it.

(Play Song: Won the Battle)

Rainbow Dash was breathing heavily, "That... was fun..." she said.

Vale felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the spell "Thunder Blade".

Rarity felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the spell "Acuteness".

Rainbow Dash felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the skill "Spiral Edge".

Applejack felt like she got a little stronger. She learned the skill "Beast".

~End Battle~

The dragon falls to the ground, and breaks into tiny pieces of darkness.

After it falls, you run over to the Piece of Courage before anything else happens.

After a long fight, you finally found all the Pieces of Courage. This means you can finally take on Chaos.

... You can't shake the feeling though that there's something you're forgetting. But all is well. With the friends you made on this journey, you should be able to conquer all odds.

After you acquire the Piece of Courage, all three pieces come together. They then break apart again, and turn into an armored chest plate with a crystal shaped like a sword and shield in the middle (it replaces the flight stone).

A new power has emerged from you. You now have the power of "Over Limit" and with it you learned the power of "Mystic Artes".

Mystic Artes are powerful artes that can only be used in Over Limit status. First, push L3 to activate Over Limit, and then use either an Arcane Arte or Mid Level or above spell while holding down the O button to activate that character's Mystic Arte.

"You did it!" Emma cried out flying over to you.

"So now you have yer own element," Applejack says as she and everyone else walks over to you.

"Courage, I think it suits you," Rarity says with a smile.

"This means you're one of us now!" Pinkie Pie says, confusing you and Emma.

"W-what?" Emma asks.

"Well," Twilight walks over to you, "We all have an Element. While ours all represent the Elements of Harmony and yours is a stand alone element, it still means there's a trait that you fully embody, that being Courage."

"So basically what she's saying is," Rainbow Dash says, "Welcome to the team."

"Congratulations, Vale." Fluttershy says with a smile.

You look around at all of them, and as they smile at you, you can't help but smile with them. You can feel their friendship for you, and it's empowering. Does this mean you also completed the second part of your quest, gathering the Elements of Harmony?

"Let's go back to Ponyville and celebrate!" Pinkie Pie says.

"I think that's a great idea," Applejack says, "That way we can all get a little rest too."

"Spike, send a letter to Princess Celestia," Twilight says, "Tell her that we found the last piece of Courage."

"Right away!" Spike says happily.

"Girls," Twilight says, even looking at you, "Let's go... home."

You and your new friends all exit the temple.

Back in Ponyville, Spike gives a loud belch, and a letter from Princess Celestia appears. He reads it, and then looks really surprised.

"Twilight! Princess Celestia wants us all to come to Canterlot tomorrow to celebrate Vale's victory!" Spike says.

"That's fantastic!" Twilight says, "There's so much I need to tell her!"

"What about us?" Rainbow Dash asks, "What are we supposed to do?"

"She says in the letter that everyone is invited," Spike says.

"Alright!"Pinkie Pie shouts jumpin gup and down, "The Princess throws the greatest parties! Well, next to mine, at least."

"And here I thought I would be bored tomorrow," Rarity says, "I better stop off at the spa! Fluttershy honey, you're coming too, right?"

"Um... well, I guess it's still early..." Fluttershy eventually nods, "Okay then."

"So, I guess we all meet tomorrow at Twilight's Library?" Emma asks.

"That's a good idea," Twilight says, "Meet at my house at one o'clock sharp."

"Ah'll tell Big Mac to cover for me then," Applejack says.

"Great, see you guys tomorrow then," Rainbow Dash says before flying off.

"Byezees!" Pinkie Pie says gleefully. Everyone parts in their own directions, but Twilight turns to you.

"This is going to be great!" Twilight says, "I can't wait to head back to Canterlot!"

"We should head back too then," Emma says, "That way we can rest up and tomorrow can get here faster."

"Good idea," Twilight says, "Let's get going."

She gives you one last smile, and the two of you walk back to her library, where you write a letter to Princess Celestia (save) and hit the sack.

Back in Canterlot, Princess Celestia is standing out on her personal balcony looking at the night sky.

"It's been two years since I gave Luna authority over raising the moon," she says to herself, "If things go the way I expect them to, I might need to trust her with the sun as well. My dear, beloved Twilight Sparkle, stay close to the Guardian, no matter what."

Author's Note

When I created this fight originally, I was surprised by how hard it was to keep everyone alive. As I'm simulating a video game, don't be surprised if everyone dies sometimes in the game.

Please support my Patreon!

Phase 6

I know Gald isn't the currency in Equestria, but I saw that they use gold coins so I'm just going to call it Gald to fit the genre.

Phase 6: Party Animal

You wake up with a yawn the following morning. After you rub your eyes you jump out of bed and stretch a bit, ready to start the new day.

Emma flies over to you as you trot downstairs. She yawns before speaking to you.

"Man, yesterday left me so tired. I could have slept another three hours and it still wouldn't have been enough," Emma sighs, "Twilight Sparkle went out to do some shopping, so we're supposed to meet her at Sugar Cube Corner. Man though, that Pinkie Pie is too much. I almost don't wanna go..."

How do you respond?
She invited us, so we're going
I understand how you feel

"I was afraid you'd say that..." she says, "Well, we're not supposed to head there for another hour or so anyway, so what should we do until then?"

You think about that for a little while, then decided to go out into town.

~Ponyville~

As you walk outside, you notice right away how festive things are around you. It feels like the atmosphere changed all of a sudden. You gallop off to the shopping center first. That last mission made you aware of how important items are, so you decide to stock up.

At the market place, you see all sorts of stores. Looking around you see a small fountain statue sitting by itself. It's strange since no one seems to be paying it any mind. You go over to it and poke it, when suddenly it disappears in a puff of smoke and standing in it's place is a white earth pony wearing a chef's hat and a blond mane. His Cutie Mark is represented by two spoons.

"I'm the Wonder Chef," he states proudly, "It looks like even I've been turned into a pony for this story... Oh well, my job remains the same. Here, I'll teach you how to make a Sandwich!"

He imparts onto you instantly the knowledge of how to make a sandwich

"This requires a few elementary ingredients, but bread is most important," he then gives you various ingredients to make a sandwich, bread being one of them, "My job is done. Until we meet again!" and with that he looks up and vanishes in another puff of smoke.

That was weird. You let it go and continue to make your way through the market place. You eventually find the item shop, and are happy to see that the prices aren't rediculously high.

Apple Gels – 100 Gald

Orange Gels – 200 Gald

Life Bottles – 300 Gald

Panacea Bottles – 150 Gald

Magic Lens – 10 Gald

You had enough to buy ten of each, which is pretty good considering how you haven't bought anything before now (the items you had before Twilight had ahead of time).

After you're done shopping you see Fluttershy at the grocery. You decide to go talk to her.

"Hey Fluttershy," Emma says cheerfully. Fluttershy turns to you and smiles.

"Good morning Vale, Emma," she seems a little easier around you now, which is good.

"Are you here shopping for your friends?" Emma asks, obviously referring to her animal friends.

"Well, sort of..." Fluttershy looks away, "You see, I found a family of birds in the Everfree Forest the other day, and the mother had broken her wing somehow. While I'm nursing her back to health I'm also helping to take care of her chicks."

"That's amazing Fluttershy," Emma says, "I guess if I were to ever get hurt, you'd be the person to call, huh?"

"Well, I guess..." she looks away meekly, "but Rarity would be even better than me actually. She's a unicorn who's actually learned a few healing spells."

"Healing spells, huh?" Emma says, now turning to you, "You know, I remember Twilight Sparkle using a healing spell once or twice. I guess this Rarity is a specialist at it though."

"Well, I better get going," Fluttershy says turning away, "Um, have fun at Pinkie Pie's today. I'm sorry I won't be able to make it," with that she walks off, leaving you and Emma a little confused.

"She won't be able to 'make it'?" Emma asks, "What are going to get when we get to Pinkie Pie's place..."

Well, it's about time you went to track the place down. It wasn't hard to find. It's roof looks like a ginger bread house, there's a top part that looks like two cupcakes stacked on top of each other, and the whole building is pink. It's definitely the epitome of a place called "Sugar Cube Corner".

"This has to be the place," Emma says, "If it isn't, then this whole world is retarded."

That seems a little harsh, you think, but either way you approach the building. It seems dark and quiet, which has you a little afraid. Eventually you slowly open the door, just to be bombarded by...

Streamers... loud streamers... The lights come on and you see the whole place decked out for a party, almost every pony in Ponyville present.

"Whoa!" Emma cries out seeing everything, "What the hey?"

"You made it!" Pinkie Pie shouts hopping over to you, "I'm so glad!"

"What in the world is all of this?" Emma asks in a shakey voice.

"Silly dilly, it's yours," Pinkie Pie says simply.

"Ours? What did we do?" Emma asks, now shocked out of her mind.

"You came to Equestria, duh," Pinkie Pie says as if you were supposed to catch onto it right away, which now that you think about it does make sense, "You're going to grant my wish! That... and apparently save Equestria or something... but none of that really matters right now!"

"Hold on! We don't even know about your wi-"

"Now why don't you go out and mingle! Go on, shoo, shoo!" she says urging you to go and talk to the other ponies around. She literally pushed you into the middle of the party. No choice now... you decide to mingle.

First you see Twilight Sparkle at the punch bowl with Spike. You go over to them first.

"Sorry about that," Twilight says, "She insisted that we keep it a surprise."

"So you knew about this?" Emma asks.

"Are you kidding?" Spike says with a laugh, "You guys were the only ones who didn't know. She sent out invitations and everything."

"Unfortunately Applejack couldn't make it," Twilight says, "She told me that Big Macintosh needed her help preparing for Applebuck Season, and that's gonna take all day."

"Yeah, we ran into Fluttershy before coming here, and she said she couldn't make it either," Emma explains.

"Well, at least everyone else is here," Twilight says, "Why don't you walk around for a bit?"

Before doing that you walk over to Spike, "If you want, I can send a letter to Princess Celestia for you," he says.

Send a letter to Princess Celestia (save)?
Yes
No

Spike writes down everything that happened with you so far, and sent it to Princess Celestia.

"Done," Spike says, "Come talk to me anytime you want to send something to her."

With that done you walk around the party, looking at all the different ponies partying and talking, and having fun. While walking you see Rainbow Dash standing in the center of the area where ponies are dancing to the music playing.

"This party is awesome!" Rainbow Dash says, "Pinkie Pie throws the best parties!"

"Are you and Pinkie Pie close?" Emma asks.

"Yeah! She rolls just as hard as I do," Rainbow Dash states with a grin, "I spend all of my days off with her whenever I can."

"You two fit perfectly together," Emma says rolling her eyes, "She's insane, and you're arrogant. Yep, two of my least favorite ponies right next to each other."

"Ah, whatever," Rainbow Dash says brushing it off, "That doesn't change a thing. I'm still the most heroic pony in Ponyville. Vale, you've gotta stay sharp. If you're gonna save Equestria then you need to keep practicing, fighting tougher enemies, and staying on top of your equipment. Here, take this."

Rainbow Dash gives you the Leather Saddle

"It's not smart to go out there without armor on," Rainbow Dash says, "It's dangerous out there with all the monsters and all. If you need any pointers, you just come to me, alright?" Rainbow Dash gives you an arrogant grin, "I'll look after ya. Stick with me and I'll make you the best damn Guardian Equestria could ever hope for."

"Gee, thanks..." Emma groans, "You'll be the first person we turn to for 'pointers'. Come on, Vale."

After that's done, you equip the Saddle and continue to explore the party. You eventually see Rarity standing by a window. It's been a while since you spoke to her, so this is a good opportunity.

"Miss Rarity," Emma calls out, catching her attention.

"Oh, hello again. You're Vale and Emma, right?" she asks brightly.

"That's right, I'm glad you remember us," Emma says with a smile.

"How could I forget. I mean, you are the ones who'll save Equestria from Chaos," Rarity says.

"Speaking of which, Fluttershy told us that you've been learning healing magic. Is that true?" Emma asks.

"Yes actually. Twilight has been teaching me. So far I can only use the basic healing and supporting skills, but I'm hoping to even be able to learn light magic."

"Um... isn't that the same as healing though?"

"Common misconception, I know," Rarity explains, "But actually there's quite different. Light spells are spells that actually use light in order to attack. Very difficult to use, but those spells are some of the strongest spells in the world."

"Wow, I'm surprised Twilight doesn't use any of them," Emma states, "You're really cool Rarity. Do you think you would be willing to help us one day?"

"I'd love to. After all, Equestria is my home too. Vale, if you need anything at all, then let me know."

You nod and walk off, feeling like you and Rarity have gotten a little closer.

After mingling a while, Pinkie Pie meets up with you in the middle of the dance floor.

"So what do you think?" she asks you, "Great party, right?"

"I have to say, as crazy as you are, you do know how to throw a party," Emma says, which makes Pinkie Pie jump up and down happily.

"Yay! I'm happy you like it! This is to offically welcome you to Ponyville. As of now, you and I are offically bestest best friends!"

How do you respond?
I didn't agree to this
Thank you

"!!!"

Pinkie Pie seems to get really happy and begins jumping up and down around you. You seem to have really made her day with that statement. While that's going on, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike walk up to you.

"Good to see everypony getting along," Twilight says with a smile.

"It's too bad that Fluttershy and Applejack couldn't come, though," Spike says looking down. He seemed to really have wanted the whole gang to come.

"That's okay, Spike!" Pinkie Pie says, "That just means we have to have even more fun for both of them!"

"Yes, Spike, cheer up," Rarity says, "They wouldn't want us to be down right now, especially in the pressence of Pinkie Pie."

"You're right Rarity," Spike says looking up at Rarity, "You're always right though," he continues with a smile. You can almost see his cheeks getting red. He must have a crush or something.

"Well, I'm not going to let their absence ruin my fun," Rainbow Dash says, "I'm heading back to the snack area, then I'm getting back on that dance floor."

Before she can walk off though, Spike belches, and a note from Princess Celestia appears.

"A note?" Twilight asks, "Now?"

"What does it say?" Emma asks.

"Hold on," Spike reads the note, and suddenly gets worried, "Twilight! Princess Celestia says a Chimera just appeared in the Everfree Forest!"

"What? Why so suddenly?" Emma asks, everyone now gathered around Spike.

"There have been a lot of strange creatures appearing in the Everfree Forest," Twilight says, "We ran into one the other day, remember?"

You nod, remembering the Condor. Could this beast have spawned from the same place?

"If that thing gets to Ponyville it could be disastrious," Rarity states thoughtfully.

"We need to do something," Twilight says, "For starters, gather everyone in one place in Ponyville. After that-"

"WAIT!!!" Emma calls out, "Problem! She said Everfree Forest, right? Fluttershy is in there!"

"What?!" everyone cries out.

"She's in danger!" Rarity cries out.

"I'm going!" Rainbow Dash calls out before flying out of Suger Cube Corner at top speed.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight calls out futilly.

"Well, don't just stand there," Rarity says suddenly, "We need to get moving."

"Wait, what do you mean "we"?" Emma asks.

"Fluttershy is my best friend, and I know how rash Rainbow Dash can be. I have reservations going out into the Everfree Forest, as I just had a manicure, but I'm not going to sit by and let my friends get hurt. Any help you're willing to provide would be appreciated."

She's looking right at you. Is she testing you?

What do you say?
We should think about this
Then let's go

"!!!"

Rarity's eyes flash strangely, and she smiles. Whatever test she gave you, it seems that you passed.

"Good then," she turns to Twilight, "Twilight, you stay here and get everyone to the town square. We'll save Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash."

"Okay," Twilight says with a nod, "Spike, you go with them."

"Right!" he gets on Rarity's back, "Don't worry Rarity, I'll protect you."

"Hm... I wonder," Rarity says rolling her eyes.

"Let's GO!" Pinkie Pie says suddenly, catching everyone's attention.

"Wait, don't tell me YOU'RE coming too?!" Emma asks incredulous. Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, you run out of Sugar Cube Corner with Rarity and Pinkie Pie(?) following after you.