Pony's Story

Chapters

Enter the Storybook
Path 1.1: The Don
Path 1.2: Not That Surprising
Path 1.3: Cloudwalking Made Easy
Path 1.4: The Little Earth Pony that Flew
Path 2.1: Nothing Like Spikey-Wikey
Path 2.2: Blargg's Reformation
Path 2.3: You Jelly?
Path 2.4: Rainin' Underground
Intermission 2: Mountainous Revelations
Intermission 1: Cavernous Implications

Enter the Storybook

“So, what’s this all about, Twilight?”

Twilight Sparkle, newly ascended princess of Equestria, sighed and turned to face her five friends. They had been watching her with concern, and it was obvious to her why. Although she still lived in Ponyville after she became a princess, the way that most ponies treated her - as royalty, and thus, as being above them - had made her somewhat reclusive. She didn't like the unwanted attention and level of reverence that the position brought, so she normally spent most of her time in study. Her friends worried for her, but it was her choice. She didn’t want to be treated like somepony special, so she hidden herself away. It was one of the regrets of suddenly finding a pair of wings where there were none before.

But that was not why she had brought the Elements of Harmony to her home, the Golden Oaks Library. No, there was something else. Something dangerous. And something she hoped that they wouldn't have trouble believing.

“Well, Rainbow Dash, you of all ponies should know that I've been studying a certain book,” Twilight answered, flashing a smirk at the pegasus. Rainbow merely shrugged off the implied egghead jab and rolled her eyes. “As it turns out, the book is heavy laden with dark magic, and could be extremely dangerous. I've asked the princess for permission to dispose of it with the Elements of Harmony, but I can’t wield them alone. So, I need your help.” Twilight levitated a somewhat bulky tome onto her small table, which the ponies were gathered around. “We need to destroy this.”

“But, Twilight... that’s Pony’s Story. That a foal’s pop-up book.” Rainbow landed next to the book and prodded it with a hoof. “How can this be dangerous?”

“Yeah, especially when it’s super fun!” Pinkie Pie threw in, hopping over. “It’s a great story of a quest to save a land and defeat evil with well rounded characters and plot development, excellent artwork and gripping storytelling. Five and a half stars from me!” Twilight gazed at Pinkie in astonishment, shaking her head.

“How did you get that... from this?” She inquired, gesturing to the book. Pinkie shrugged.

“I read the synopsis on the back.” Twilight shook her head again. There were some things she would never understand about Pinkie, so she chose not to even bother asking. Instead, she turned her attention to the only unicorn in the room. She hoped the flamboyant fashionista would back her up.

“Rarity, you sense the magic, don’t you?” Rarity nodded, but still seemed hesitant.

“Yes, dear. I can feel that there is something... odd, about that book.” Rarity waved a hoof absentmindedly. “But, really, darling... don’t you think you’re overreacting? What harm is there in a book for little ones? And it is such a precious thing. I used to read it all the time to Sweetie Belle. I would simply despise having to destroy such a gem.” Twilight’s right eye twitched. Rarity noticed and quickly carried on.

“I mean, really, darling, is it that big of an issue if one single book houses dark magic? I mean, can’t you just lock it away or something? It is a book for foals, after all.” In response, Twilight gave her an aggravated groan.

‘This is not happening. Don’t they remember what happens when they don’t listen to me!?’ Don't they remember the Want It, Need It spell incident? Or Chrysalis, for that matter? In a bout of desperation, she turned to the other two ponies in the room. “Applejack, Fluttershy, what do you think?” Applejack, in her sound, southern manner, reached up and took off her Stetson, dropping Twilight an apologetic look.

“Sorry, Twi, but Ah have to agree with the others here. It’s just a book. Ah used to read this before Applebloom could so much as say one word, and nothin’ bad ever happened to me. Ya’ll must’ve read it too, Twi. Ah mean, you’ve read darn near every book in the world.” Twilight stomped her hoof.

“Of course I’ve read it, but that’s not the point! This book, this particular copy, is housing dark magic. And we have to destroy it.” Rainbow rolled her eyes again.

“Look, Twilight, we all know that not listening to you has been an issue in the past, but with this... I’m sorry, but I just can’t agree with you here. It’s a book. What harm could a book do? Right, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy, who was staring at the book, merely nodded in agreement. She didn’t normally care for books, but the pegasus couldn’t help but feel that Twilight was going a little overboard with her reaction. She didn’t want to voice it, though. She still had problems with that after Iron Will’s Assertiveness Seminar, and the whole fiasco that turned into.

Twilight was trying to take it in stride, though she wasn’t doing it very well. She tried to disregard the twitch in her eye and the voice in her head that was screaming at the others for being so blind. Instead, she cleared her throat, calmly producing a piece of parchment from the table in front of them.

“Well, despite all your protests, I'm sorry to say that we don't have a choice. While I agree, a book can easily be locked away and forgotten about, Princess Celestia has ordered us to dispose of it as soon as we can. I told her of what I found, and her reply... well, most of her letter is just proper disposal methods, but there’s something in the tone of the other parts, the parts she wrote more to me, which gives me reason to worry. Apparently, she knows of the magic in this book, and it frightens her. If it frightens Celestia, then it’s dangerous. And we have to get rid of it.” The other five nodded gravely, if a little confused. Twilight noticed this, and continued quickly. "I'm sorry I didn't explain this earlier, but I didn't have much of a chance with everypony dropping their opinion. Plus, I was curious as to how you would react. I apologize." Rainbow Dash smiled and shook her head.

“Forget about it, Twi. We were kinda rude, granted, but we had our reasons, and we understand. The princess doesn't like it, and if she don't like it, then it's no good. Let’s get this done.” Rainbow stepped forward, waiting for Twilight’s affirmation. Twilight smiled and turned to face the glass case behind her, which held the Elements of Harmony inside. After having the Elements separated from them time and time again, Celestia had found it wise to leave them in Twilight’s care. Twilight carefully removed the glass and levitated the Elements to their respective ponies.

One by one, the ponies felt the cold metal wrap itself around their necks, apart from Twilight, who gently set her tiara with the Element of Magic on her head. Nodding to the others, she began to focus her magic on the spell necessary to destroy the book, along with the dark magic inside. As she focused, her Element began to glow. The others took that as their cue to begin to focus on their Elements, trying to draw out their magic. None of the ponies present apart from Twilight had any inkling of an idea how they tapped into the magic of the Elements, but none of them complained about it. It was magic, and to them, that's just how it worked.

The more they focused, the more the Elements glowed with life and magic, beginning to go from soft lights into full fledged beacons. By this time, the magic of the Elements was linking the six together with beams of prismatic light. Twilight felt the full power of the Elements enter her, and she redoubled her efforts on the spell, preparing to cast it and end the book once and for all.

That’s when she felt it.

The magic inside the book spiked, and the book itself flew open. A powerful magic wind began to gust through the room, knocking books from their shelves and sending papers and pages flying. The ponies began to lose focus as the torrent began to increase in volume, and even Twilight, after taking a dictionary to the side of her face, could no longer concentrate on the spell. All focus was lost and the Elements ceased their magic, breaking the bond between the ones wearing them. Instead of trying to destroy the cursed object, the six mares had to fight against a strong tugging force, pulling them towards the book. They clung onto the shelves and other stationary objects for dear life.

“Twi! What’s happenin’? What is this?” Applejack cried over the roar of the wind, her grip on one of the bookshelves beginning to loosen. Twilight had to strain to hear her friend, and was about to respond when she was struck by The Complete Almanac of All Known Time. Losing consciousness, Twilight slipped, and was pulled by the unknown force up into the air, and then down. Down into the book. She disappeared from the world, nothing left of her to show she had ever been there. Her friends screamed As the last mare disappeared into its depths, her screams fading as she vanished, a great calm came over the library. The wind ceased to be, and all the books and papers hung for a moment before gravity kicked in, dragging them down to the floor. Where there had once been six ponies, there was now books and clutter scattered all across the library.

This was the scene that Spike walked in on. He had been out getting some ingredients for a gem cake he was finally planning on properly making. As he stepped in and saw the mess, and the distinct lack of ponies, he facepalmed and groaned.

“Great. Twilight makes a huge mess, runs off, and leaves it for me to clean up. Figures.” He walked into the kitchen to deposit his groceries, then came back out to start cleaning up. As much as he wanted his cake, he knew Twilight would have a meltdown if she saw the library in the state it was in. And he didn’t want that to happen again.

It wasn’t long before he noticed the tome on the table. He gave it a quick glance before turning back to his work. The book had slammed close after the wind died, and the cover was staring at the ceiling. Lodged into it was a familiar mark, but Spike thought nothing much off it. Even if the book had Twilight’s cutie mark glimmering on the cover, she had a bunch of books with that cover style. He thought it was quite vain, really.

__________

“Oh... my head. Did anypony get the number of the almanac that hit me?” Twilight groaned, rolling to her hooves and struggling to rise. She had a nasty welt on her head that needed attention, but her friends came first. She needed to find them. She was lucky, as they were all scattered around her. But something was off. Something didn’t look quite right about them.

“Urgh... what happened?” Rainbow was the next to recover. As she blinked her eyes opened and stood up, shaking herself, Twilight gasped. Rainbow’s voice sounded different, younger. She also noticed that Rainbow seemed to be distinctly smaller, the whole of her body resembling that of a much younger, orange pegasus she knew. It was then that she noticed Rainbow's cutie mark.

Or the lack thereof.

“Rainbow! Your cutie mark!” Rainbow glanced at her quizzically, then turned to look at her flank. Her jaw fell open, and she screamed.

“Where... where is it!? What happened to me!?” Rainbow turned her attention back to Twilight. “What happened to you!? Your’s is gone, too!” Twilight’s eyes went wide, and turned to look at her rump. Sure enough, her cutie mark had disappeared as well. Not only that, but she seemed to be considerably shorter. And, to top it all off, her new wings were missing. She could think of only one thing.

“We’ve been turned into fillies.” She muttered, putting a hoof to her mouth as she pondered this new development. Rainbow hadn't heard her. She was too busy lamenting the loss of her beloved cutie mark. The sounds of her complaining managed to wake the others, who quickly took in the situation and added their voices to Rainbow’s. Twilight was still pondering this when the voices broke through her thoughts, and she glared at the others.

“Will you quit whining? I’m trying to figure this out!” Rarity glared at her, ready to correct the unicorn, but decided against it. Instead, she gestured to the others and they went a few paces away, leaving Twilight to her thoughts.

‘So, the dark magic somehow turned us all into fillies. All I can remember is being hit with an almanac and being dragged by something... after that I must've blacked out.’ she mused, frowning. ‘And, to top that off, the Elements of Harmony are gone. I didn't see any of the girls wearing them, and I don't have my tiara. I warned them that the book was dangerous, and look where it’s got us... speaking of that.’ She looked around. They were most certainly not in the library anymore.

“What the... where are we?” The land around her was nondescript. It was a decent sized wooden chamber, with a large door near to one side, the opposite of which were standing the other five ponies. It was pretty dimly lit from a large lantern hanging near the roof, the flames providing just enough light to see where everything was. The only information she could glean from her surroundings was the fact that the color seemed... painted. Almost like... “A storybook... oh, sweet Celestia, no...” She turned to face the other five, who seemed to have come to the same realization that she had.

“Twilight... are we in the book?” Rainbow asked. Twilight simply nodded in answer, watching the reactions of the others. Rainbow seemed comfortable with the information, if not a little taken aback by it, as did Rarity. Pinkie was hopping excitedly, and Applejack seemed disconcerted. But Fluttershy’s reaction was most odd to her. Fluttershy seemed terrified, but Twilight saw something in her eyes. Longing. Something about Fluttershy told her that the pegasus dearly wanted to be there. Maybe it had something to do with the book itself. She made a mental note to ask her about it.

“Well, here’s what I can figure out,” Twilight said, trotting over to them so she didn’t have to shout. “The dark magic I warned you about has pulled us into the book and turned us into fillies. Whatever it is, it really doesn’t like the Elements of Harmony - which, on a similar note, are missing - and it reacted violently. It has effectively trapped us here, and I don’t know what to do. My magic won’t be enough to get us out.” Her expression became filled with regret, and she gazed at her friends, sadness building in her. “I’m so sorry... I never meant to drag you all into this... I had no idea this would happen.”

“Get that thought outta yer head, Twi,” Applejack scolded. It was kind of comical to hear a filly scolding somepony, and the fact that without her trademark Stetson she looked far less intimidating than she could have, but that didn't matter to Twilight. Applejack’s voice was serious enough to make even Trixie stop and pay attention. So Twilight did just that. “We shoulda listened to ya from the start, but we couldn't have seen this coming. Nopony could've. But we can't just sit on our flanks and do nothin', now can we? No, we gotta focus on gettin’ back home. So...” She looked around the small room, taking in all she could. “Where do we start?” Twilight looked down at her hooves and shuffled.

“I really don’t remember much of this story. Do any of you?” Finally, Fluttershy spoke up.

“Oh, yes!” She whispered eagerly. Twilight was surprised by her enthusiasm, but allowed her to continue. “The story follows six fillies who quest to recover the Tree of Harmony, which had been stolen by a dark creature known as... um... Bow... Bow... something with a Bow in it. He wasn't very nice at all. Anyway, each page of the book is a different area that the fillies had to trek through, and in the end, their bond with harmony defeated the villain and won them the Tree back.” As Fluttershy finished, she found the other five staring at her. Not seeing anywhere to hide, she ducked under her mane, blushing furiously. “Um, well... that is... that’s all I know...” Twilight shook herself.

“Well, as much as I hate to admit it,” she confessed. “We’re probably gonna have to do what they did. If this... Tree of Harmony is anything like the Elements, it may be able to help us. Although, Celestia knows why it’s a tree. I mean, really, who wrote this?” Fluttershy’s gaze suddenly locked on Twilight, a sinister look in her eye. Twilight didn’t notice, as she was too busy looking towards the large door. “I guess we should see what’s on the other side. Come on.” As one, the small group of fillies trotted over to the large, wooden door. From behind it, they could hear some faint noises, but it was quiet enough where they couldn’t make it out. Twilight saw no way to open the door by hoof, so she charged her magic and focused on the door. Oddly enough, there was a handle, of sorts, made out of pure magic hanging off the door. She latched onto it and pulled.

Instantly there was a blinding flash of light. The fillies covered their eyes from the bright sun and blinked, trying to take in what was around them. As they adjusted to the brightness, a lovely scene unfolded before them. What appeared to be pleasant fields, bright trees and flowers, and glorious sunshine lay before them in the watercolor splendor of the book’s art style. They could hear the singing of birds, the buzzing of insects, and the melodious sound of a stream flowing gently on its course. Despite the dire situation they found themselves in, the fillies couldn't help but smile at the world in front of them.

‘Wow, Pinkie wasn’t kidding. This is beautiful.’ Twilight mused, before turning to her friends. “Well, I guess this is where we begin. I don’t know what lies ahead, but if it’s anything like this, then we shouldn’t have much of a problem. Now, come one, let’s... what?” She tried to step out the door, but found herself held back by an unseen force. She tried to reach out with her magic and find it, but it evaded her. Focusing again, she found that the barrier wasn't really a magic wall, but something more sinister. It almost seemed to be alive. And it didn't want her to leave.

"Something's holding me back. I can't get through." She grunted, still trying to get a grip on the slippery essence that was containing her. "Can any of you get past?" The others stepped forward, each attempting to puncture the barrier. Only one pony managed to step through, meeting almost no resistance. As Applejack stepped out onto the path, she turned and got a quick look at the others. She chuckled at the antics of her friends.

Rainbow, after finding out she couldn't get through, had decided to mercilessly beat the barrier holding her back. Pinkie was trying to offer the barrier baked goods, which wasn't helping her get through. Rarity was attempting to charm the barrier - Applejack snorted at this - but wasn't faring any better. Fluttershy stood back timidly, politely asking the barrier to let her through. It was quite adorable, but didn't faze the barrier in the slightest. And Twilight was still trying to magic the barrier into nonexistence. After a moment of watching, Applejack decided to break them out of there trances.

“Hey, look! Ah got-” She got no further as the door slammed behind her, leaving her alone in the storybook world. She knew that Twilight wouldn't have shut the door, so it must have been the force that had held the others back. She dashed up to where the door had been, which now consisted of empty space, and began shouting.

“Hey! Come on now, this ain’t funny! Girls! Can ya’ll hear me?” She sat in the dirt, the beginnings of tears creeping into her eyes. She hadn’t felt this way since she was very young, and she didn’t like it. It was close to how she felt when she had gone to Manehatten as a filly, and how alone and out of place she felt. “This... ah don’t wanna do this alone...” In her heart, she knew that no matter how much she complained, the mysterious force would not relent. It wanted each of them to go it alone. And she couldn’t let her friends down.

That was one thing she refused to tolerate. Rainbow Dash may be the Element of Loyalty, but it would be a cold day in Tartarus before Applejack abandoned her friends. Sniffing and wiping her eyes, a new determination in her heart, she rose to her hooves and turned about with a smile. Head held high, she trotted off down the path, taking in the beautiful sight around her. It had been a long time since she had read this book, but fond memories of days long gone came flooding back.

“Ah remember this place. This is the openin' part, after the Tree of Harmony gets nabbed from it’s home. The heroes start here. It seems... different, somehow.” She had noticed that there was something odd in the air around her. Things seemed to be much more dark, despite the brightness of the noonday sun, and even the sun itself seemed to be somewhat tinted. It was as if a perpetual shadow was hanging over everything. She was unnerved, but pressed on, determined to do what she had to.

It didn't take her long to find her first landmark. It was a four way fork in the road, with signs pointing down each path. Applejack took a moment to read them all. The text was somewhat faded on three of the signs, but the first looked brand new, if scrawled rather messily. Either way, she found them all legible.

“Don Pach E. Derm’s Turf, The Land of Surprises, Cloud Lift Central, and The Tower of Unremarkability ... huh.” She paused for a moment and scratched her head with her hoof. “Looks like Ah can only go down one path. But Ah have to decide which one. Only one, huh... hmm.” Biting her lip, she lowered her hoof from her head and pointed in the middle of the roads in front of her.

“Ah’ll go...”

Author's Note

As I said in the description, this will be a choose your own adventure, of sorts. Each world will have four options, and each option will lead to the same end. You are free to choose any option you please, as each one tells a different story. After each world, there is a small intermission with a bit more story progression, followed by the next world.

Hope you enjoy.

Path 1.1: The Don

“That way.” Her hoof rested on the first path, with the sign declaring “Don Pach E. Derm’s Territory” written in a bright red scrawl. She didn’t know what that meant, but shrugged. ‘Ah guess Ah’ll figure it out when Ah get down there.’ Smiling, she trotted off down the path, determined to find out if it led to her friends.

The dim sun shone down above her as she trotted past the plains and trees that littered the watercolor landscape. The path was long, but straight, so she didn’t mind the walk. As a matter of fact, she rather enjoyed it. It was a lovely day, she could hear the birds singing in the paper trees, and nothing seemed to be bad or dangerous. It wasn’t long, however, before that changed. She was looking at the trees on her right, wondering what kind of fruit they produced, when she heard a noise ahead of her. She turned to look, and saw something quite strange.

Where there had been nothing before, a mysterious pony was now walking on the road in front of her, its back to her. It appeared to be wearing a bright red hoodie, with a strap of brown leather wrapped around the hood. It also appeared to have no tail and no cutie mark, which Applejack found odd. But what was most curious was the sound this pony was making. She couldn’t quite describe it, but to her, it sounded almost like it was saying “Hei-ho” over and over again.

“Um, howdy?” She said tentatively. The pony took no notice of her. Frowning, she spoke much louder. “Hey! Ah’m talkin’ to ya! The least ya’ll can do is be friendly and look at me.” The pony stopped in its march and chant, and turned to look at her. She froze, her eyes going wide with fear at the face of the pony.

Or lack thereof. The pony was wearing a mask that was purest white. There were two holes cut where the eyes should be, and another, smaller hole located near the mouth area. She could see nothing of what lay under the mask, but the mere sight of it made Applejack tense up, ready to fight if need be. But there was no need. The pony merely stood still, looking at her curiously. She sighed, relaxing as she remembered just what it was.

“Ah get it. Ya’ll are a Shy Pony, ain’t ya?” The pony didn’t react, but she knew she was right. The description matched from the original story: ponies that wore hoods and masks, but never seemed to be truly unfriendly. Just... lost. As if they were looking for something or had somewhere to be. Applejack felt sorry for the poor thing in front of her. Having his whole world altered before his eyes, and without knowing what he was there for. She pitied the poor pony. But a sudden thought put that pity at the back of her mind.

“Ah wonder... what’s under there?” She stepped forward hesitantly, watching to see if the Shy Pony would react. It made no move to stop her, only tilting its head as she advanced slowly. At last, she was close enough where she could easily reach up and remove the pony’s mask. She did so, slowly, watching for a reaction. The Shy Pony didn’t move. As the mask slipped off, Applejack looked up with a smile.

Her smile faded as she screamed, dropping the mask as she cantered away as fast as her little legs could carry her. She ducked behind a bush, panting heavily with her mind racing ‘What in the wide, wide world of Equestria would produce somethin’ like THAT? That... that was scarier than giving Granny Smith a sponge bath.’ She peeked out to see what the Shy Pony was doing. To her relief, the pony had put his mask back on, turned about, and resumed its journey down the path. She sighed, stepping out from her felt hiding place and following at a safe distance, not wanting to incur the wrath of the monster she had just seen.

“If anypony asks... that never happened. Nope.” She repeated this to herself as she walked, not really paying attention to anything around her. It was for her benefit that she wasn’t, as Shy Ponies were everywhere on the road and fields, wandering around. Some were carrying fruits, taking them to Celestia knew where. But this was all lost on the filly, who was still trying to calm her nerves. To her, she had just starred the equivalent of the Pony Devil in the face and lived to tell the tale. It was not something she liked to think about.

After several minutes of uneventful walking, Applejack heard a noise that brought her out of her somewhat insane murmuring. Looking up, she noticed that the Shy Pony had vanished. Looking around, she saw that there was literally nothing living in sight. Not that she considered Shy Ponies to be alive anymore, but there was nothing around to make the sound. But she heard it again. It was a dull thump, like something heavy landing on dirt. And it was coming from the path ahead. She steeled herself and pressed on, determined to figure out what lay before her. As it couldn’t be Shy Ponies, she wasn’t as afraid of it as she had been of them.

It didn’t take her too long to find the source of the noise. But when she did, she was surprised again. Two large elephant like creatures were standing on the road in front of her, unaware of her presence. They were bipedal, and wearing very fashionable suits with fedoras on their head. Applejack was glad that Rarity wasn’t there, because she was sure that the fashionista would have given her position away. And, judging by the violin cases they were holding, which were bright red with a white hand painted on it, these guys were not friendly. Her theory was confirmed when one of them swung about, glaring right at her.

“I thought I smelled a pony here.” His voice was deep and booming, with an accent that she couldn’t quite place, but sounded a little bit like Babs Seed, albeit a little overdone. “Whaddya think youse is doin’ here, little pony? Don’t you know where youse is?” Applejack shook her head, unclear as to what the elephant was getting at. His partner, who was watching the proceedings, stepped forward, his footstep producing the thud that she had heard.

“Youse is in the Don’s territory, and he don’t take kindly to little ponies stickin’ their muzzles where dey don’t need to be.” In quite the contrast to his companion, this elephant’s voice, although masculine, was higher, almost cracking as he spoke. “Now, youse has got ten seconds to run before we rough youse up.” At this point, Applejack narrowed her eyes at them.

“And who exactly is this here Don? What’s he got against ponies like me? And, just so ya’ll know, it would take a whole lot more than all ya’ll to stop me.” The elephantine creatures laughed at the filly who was threatening them. In hindsight, Applejack realized, she had sounded much more intimidating as a mare than she did as a filly. It was no wonder the elephants didn’t believe her.

“Youse got guts, hick, I’ll give you dat.” The deep voiced one stopped his laughing, instead taking to glowering at her. “But youse have no idea who youse is messing with. We’s Don Pach E. Derm’s best men. I’m Pach, and dis is Derm.” He gestured to his companion. “Now, scram, vamoose, before we get mean. I don’t like hurtin’ kids, no matter how slow dey is.” Applejack’s voice caught in her throat, and she lowered herself to the ground, poising to strike. He had overstepped his boundaries with her, and she wasn’t gonna let insults like that stand. Before either pachyderm could react, she bounded forward, spinning on her hooves and bucking as hard as she could. It was a clean strike to Pach’s chest, and he collapsed without a sound, thoroughly winded.

By the time Derm had caught on to what was happening, he felt Applejack’s hooves crack him in the knee. He cried out in pain, hopping up and down and clutching at his injured leg. Applejack took the moment to dash past the two with a “How’s that fer slow, ya lumberin’ varmints?” By the time the two pachyderms had recovered, she was long gone down the path. Pach punched Derm in the shoulder.

“You idiot. Youse let her get by you. The Don’s gonna have our trunks for dis.” Derm shrugged the hit off and gestured off the path.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. You wanna go bowling?” Pach shook his head and groaned.

“How many times do I gotta tell you? We don’t do grand theft auto. Mostly ‘cause none of dees little ponies have cars.” Derm waved him off and started walking away.

“I’m goin’ bowling. See you later, Pach.”

__________

Applejack had stopped running, and was now trotting at a leisurely pace, laughing to herself at the antics of the two mafia pachyderms she had bested. She couldn’t believe how easy it was. They had just stood there and let her hit them. She felt like part of the challenge had been robbed, but she wasn’t complaining. She just wanted to find her friends and be done with this place. So she pressed on.

But she didn’t get too far before she found her path blocked again. It was another one of the pachyderms, but this one was clearly the Don that the other two had been referring to. He was huge, at least twice as big as the other two, but looked almost the same as the other two. Nice suit, fedora, violin case with the stop sign painted on it messily. Applejack had to strain her neck in order to look up at the massive face of the titan before her. It was a wonder how she missed seeing him earlier. He was a little bit taller than all the trees around her, and should have been easily visible for miles. Instead, she had nearly bumped into him.

“What’s dis we have here?” The titan thundered, bending down to gaze at her in contempt. “A pony... don’t tell me. Those two blundering idiots managed to let youse by, didn’t dey?” Applejack shrugged.

“Actually, Ah kinda kicked ‘em outta the way.” She tried to put a calm face on, but the Don’s stare unnerved her to no end. She was visibly sweating under his scrutiny, his cold, black eyes never leaving her for a second. After a long while, he smiled.

“Dat’s impressive, little pony. I am impressed. But youse has made a big mistake comin’ here. I don’t take kindly to little ponies. What’s to stop me from crushing you where you stand?” Applejack didn’t respond immediately. She knew for a fact that there was no way she could fight this monstrosity. She remembered the Pachyderms from the original story, but they were nothing like this. And this titan was not among them. So, instead of violence, she went with a more diplomatic approach, something she was not used to, but willing to try.

“Look. All Ah wanna do is get on by so Ah can get the Element of Honesty back. Ah’m not even supposed to be here. Ah know ya’ll don’t like me, but maybe we can get along and ya’ll can just let me on by. Whaddya say?” The titan eyed her warily. She grinned nervously under his stare. After a moment, he lifted himself up, crossing his massive arms across his chest.

“Alright.” Applejack opened her mouth, preparing to try reasoning with him when his answer registered in her head. She closed her mouth, tilting her head in confusion.

“What?” The titan chuckled and shook his head.

“I said, alright. I’ll let you go.” Applejack noticed that he dropped his accent as he continued. “I’ve lived here long enough to know when the world is not as it should be. And for the last three years, something dark has been changing the world around us. Things just aren’t right anymore... and if you’re who you say you are, then you’ve got a lot to do. I may be the bad guy, but I’m not all evil.” With that, the titan stepped to the side of the path, each step causing massive vibrations in the ground. Applejack nearly fell over more than once as he moved out of her way. Once he was on the side, he gestured for her to go. She nodded, and was about to run past, when she stopped.

“Ah hope ya’ll don’t mind me askin’, but what’s with the get up?” The Don shook his head with a laugh.

“This? This was the idea of those two blockheads. I’m the head of our little group, so after things started getting all strange, they thought it was a good idea to be a mafia. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re the only three of our kind, I’d throttle ‘em both. Their almost as annoying as the Shy Ponies. Those guys are all sorts of weird. Now go on, scram. You’ve got a job to do.” Applejack nodded and dashed off down the path. The Don watched her go, a small smile playing at his lips.

“She reminds me so much of the others that used to pass by here. I hope she’s as good as they were. If anyone can break this nightmare, it’ll be them.”

__________

At long last, Applejack found the end of the trail. She had been running for quite some time after meeting the Don, and along the way she had stopped to free a small dog from the clutches of a chain and post along the way. The dog was now dashing by her side, as he had immediately taken a liking to her. As the pair crested a small hill, Applejack smiled as she saw a familiar object floating in the air in front of her, held aloft by magic. It was the Element of Honesty.

“There ya are,” she panted, wiping her brow with her foreleg. Trotting forward, she reached out and took the Element from it’s place. It seemed to recognize her, and immediately gave off a small burst of light. Applejack covered her eyes, as the light shone directly in her face, but when it had cleared, the world around her had changed once again, and she found herself face to face with a very confused Twilight Sparkle.

“Applejack!” The unicorn cried, dashing forward. She had, in her relief, forgotten about the barrier that held her and the others back. As she attempted to wrap her friend in a hug, she bounced off the magic wall, landing hard on her rump. Applejack realized what was going on, so she moved forward, preparing to go into the room to her friends. But she stopped when she heard a whine from behind her. Turning, she looked at the small dog, who was watching her sadly. She smiled and gave him a quick hug.

“Don’t ya’ll worry ‘bout nothin’. Ah’m sure ya’ll will find yer old master right quick. We’ll help as much as we can.” She rose from the hug and turned about, smiling as the canine leapt to his paws. “Now go on. Be free. And find the one who needs you.” The dog barked once and dashed off, around the door in the world and away, into whatever lay beyond. Applejack smiled sadly, then stepped inside the room, into the embrace of her waiting friends.

The moment her final hoof had set down on the wood, the wall closed up behind them. Twilight was the first to break the fond embrace and find her voice once more.

“What happened? We saw you step out, and then the door shut on it’s own. And how on earth did you get back there?” Applejack turned and looked. She found that she was standing on the opposite side of the door, and that she had just walked through a wall. Frowning, she looked back at Twilight.

“How long have Ah been out there?” Twilight paused, glancing upwards.

“I’d say... fifteen minutes. It was enough time to get us all worried.” Applejack gaped. Surely she had been out there for longer. She told Twilight as much, and Twilight nodded thoughtfully. “It seems that wherever you were and this location run on different speeds of time. Interesting...” It was then she noticed the necklace that Applejack was sporting. “You found it!” Applejack nodded.

“Yep. It was actually pretty easy, too. Didn’t have too much of a hassle...” Pinkie, on a whim, popped a question in as Applejack trailed off.

“Did you see any Shy Ponies? What do they look like under the mask?” Applejack froze, turning to set a blank stare on Pinkie. The party pony ignored the strange look that she was being given, instead hopping giddily, awaiting her answer. Applejack scrunched her mouth up and looked away.

“Nope, didn’t see any. Sorry.” Pinkie frowned.

“Aw, that’s a bummer. Oh well.” She hopped away to the left hoof wall. After a moment, Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy followed, leaving Twilight and Applejack alone to talk. Twilight was giving Applejack a stern look.

“You did see them. Why did you lie?” Applejack sighed, shaking her head.

“You do not want to know, Twi. The things Ah’ve seen... they’d scare even that Sombra feller.” Twilight didn’t probe any further, not wanting to inflict further mental trauma than had already been done. Instead, she turned to look at the door behind her.

“Well, we managed to get one element back, but that doesn't solve our problem. I haven’t been able to open the door. The magic latch is gone. I wonder...” She walked over, focusing her magic on where the latch had been. To her relief, she found it once more. “I got it!” She cried, bringing the other five to her as she flung the door open. The sight that awaited them wasn't what they expected, and they were all shocked. But Rarity's reaction topped it all.

“How filthy!”

Path 1.2: Not That Surprising

“That way,” Applejack said, her hoof falling on the second path, labelled as leading to “The Land of Surprises.” Applejack paused at the sign, tilting her head. “Land of Surprises, huh? Sounds like Pinkie would fit in right nicely here.” Smiling to herself, she trotted off down the path.

As she walked, the environment around her began to change before her eyes. Where there had once been rolling plains and hills was now replaced by lovely shoreline. She was walking along the green part of the shoreline, with trees on either side of the pathway. The sun was shining above her - although she noticed that it seemed to be tinted, as if a perpetual shadow hung over the world around her - and all was as it should be. She smiled at the sound of the waves crashing against the beach in the distance.

She hadn’t been walking for long when she encountered an obstacle. A large, blue pipe was set in the path in front of her. Although there was ample space to walk around, she decided to hop up and see what was inside. She leapt into the air, landing somewhat gracefully on the edge of the pipe. Peering cautiously over the rim, she saw nothing but darkness down into the pipe’s depths, flowing deep, deep down. Down to places she didn’t dare to tread.

“Yep, not goin’ that way.” She looked up and gingerly stepped around the edge of the pipe. She was just about to hop down when she heard a noise. Looking down the path, she saw a very fuzzy, very blue caterpillar gingerly coming down the path. What stood out most on the creature was it’s fairly large nose, which was something she didn’t expect to see. She also noticed a glint of something near the caterpillar’s right eye, but couldn’t make out what it was. The caterpillar took no notice of her until it got close. When it saw the filly standing on the edge of the pipe, it laughed heartily.

“Oh, splendid!” It cried in a very masculine, very familiarly accented voice. Applejack had to restrain a growl at the accent, which sounded so much like Rarity’s. Although she cared for Rarity, she loathed the prissy nature and obnoxious accent. The caterpillar didn’t stop there. “Oh, how simply splendid! It has been far too long since I have seen one of you! This is positively delightful!” Applejack remained poised on the edge of the pipe. She was nervous of this new arrival - and more than a little annoyed - but decided it wasn’t hostile.

“Haven’t seen any of us in a while now? What’d ya’ll mean by that?” The caterpillar stopped very near the pipe, chuckling and looking up at her. It was then Applejack realized it was worse than she fear. The caterpillar was not only wearing a monocle, but he also had a well groomed handlebar mustache. He was the epitome of class. And she was none too pleased. She wished Rarity was there.

“Oh, how delightful!” He cried jovially. “A southern belle! How quaint! How lovely! This is simply splendid!” With that, he turned himself about and began walking away, leaving a very confused filly standing on the edge of a pipe.

“Hay! Wait, where ya’ll goin?” She called. The caterpillar laughed heartily as she walked away.

“Give me a minute, my dear. I will be back post haste.” With that, he crested a small hill and disappeared from sight. Applejack huffed and hopped down from the pipe, sitting down on the side of the path. True to his word, the caterpillar reappeared less than a minute later. “What did I tell you, darling? Always trust the word of a gentleman.” Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Right. So, what did ya’ll mean that ya hadn’t seen any of us in a while?” The caterpillar stopped, turning to look at her.

“Well, it’s just like I said. About three years ago, something dark entered this world. About the same time, the six lovely little fillies that always came through her, questing on their little adventures, they vanished into the blue. It’s been so long since I’ve seen any of them...” He sighed heavily. “The world’s not been the same since. At first, the dark power seemed to be hiding. Then, it started taking over, changing things... not all changes were bad, mind you.” He wrinkled his nose, shaking his moustache around a bit. “But this world is not in a good way. We need the dark power dealt with.” With that, he walked over to the pipe, turned about, and began walking back up the path. Applejack stopped him.

“Why do ya’ll keep turnin’ around at that pipe? Why not walk around it?” The caterpillar huffed in indignation and kept on walking.

“A gentleman does not deviate from his path. I shall simply wait for one of the pipes to move.” With that, he crested the hill and disappeared. Applejack rubbed her temples in frustration and walked over to the side of the pipe.

‘Ah’m pretty sure Ah can move this...’ She nodded, turning around and lining herself up. With a powerful kick, her hind hooves connected with the pipe. She thought it would be the sound of metal breaking, but instead, it sounded more like the tearing of cloth. There was a soft thump behind her, and turning, the farmpony saw the pipe laying in the dirt, clean off the base and out of the way. She smiled. ‘Still got it.’

When she turned to look, the caterpillar had just crested back over the hill and was skipping with glee.

“How lovely! How splendid! Oh, thank you, you fabulous, magnificent filly, you!” His excitement was somewhat infectious, and Applejack could suppress a giggle from the praise she was being laden with. “I thank you again, a thousand times, thank you! Now, I must warn you: Some unruly fellows are lying in wait ahead. Be wary.” Giving her a final bow of his head, the caterpillar strode off down the path where the pipe had been, off into where Applejack had come from. She, in turn, went the opposite way, down the path which lay before her.

She crested the hill and found the pipe which had impeded that caterpillars progress on this side. This one was yellow instead of blue, but was still imposing. Just behind it was a tree. And in the tree were a number of strange ponies. Applejack could see that they were all wearing hoodies of differing colors, and all of them wore masks. They had no tails or cutie marks, but that wasn’t what made Applejack confused.

“What are they doin’ up there?” After a moment, she realized that she didn’t really want to know. Trotting around the pipe, she looked up into the tree. “Hay! Ya’ll alright up there?” There was no response from the tree. The ponies up there seemed not to even notice her appearance. Applejack sat down and scratched her head.

“I know what those are. Those are those ol’ Shy Ponies, but why are they all up there?” She stood up and called out again. “Do ya’ll need help gettin’ down?” Again, there was no response. Applejack was getting a little annoyed by this, so she pivoted on her hooves, aiming her hind legs for the tree. WIth a resounding crack, she bucked the tree hard. As one, the Shy Ponies fell from the tree and landed hard on the ground. Applejack smirked at her handiwork, but before she could utter a single word, the Shy Ponies rose and bolted off in different directions.

“Hey! Hold on now!” Her pleas fell on deaf ears. The ponies were gone before she had time to recover. Growling, she stomped her hoof in frustration. “That’s not fair! Ah needed to talk to them.” She turned back to the path, only to see a wall of pink in front of her. And it was smiling.

“Yeah. They do that.” It said, its voice male. Although the being startled her a bit, she was more curious than afraid of it. It didn’t seem to be hostile, so she guessed that talking would be the best idea.

“What’re ya’ll supposed to be?” She inquired. The being in front of her didn’t answer her question at first. Instead, its countenance fell.

“You... weren’t surprised by my appearance?” Applejack shook her head. The creature wasn’t too fond of her response, and he roared in anger. “Seriously!? I try so hard to make myself surprising, but it never, ever, works! GAH!” With that, the being disappeared. Applejack then noticed that he had appeared out of a multi colored box in the middle of the path. She hopped around it and moved on, thoroughly confused.

She tried to wrap her mind around what had just happened in the space of the last seven minutes. Although not entirely surprising, this time spent on this path had been very strange. She wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible. So, instead of taking her time and enjoying the place as she had first intended, she broke into a full canter, taking off down the path as quick as she could. She hadn’t been running for long when she found another one of the strange boxes. Coming to a halt, she watched as another balloon creature rose out of it. It, like its friend, was wearing a smile.

“‘Sup?” It asked, in a very feminine voice. Applejack nodded slowly.

“How ya’ll doin’?” The being also didn’t respond at first, taking on the same, disheartened expression the first one had worn. Then it perked up again, as if nothing had happened..

“My name’s Jackie. I suppose you’ve met my brother, Jack?” Applejack nodded, groaning mentally at the name pun. “That explains why you weren’t surprised by me. We thrive off of surprising ponies... which has been hard for a while now. We’ve had to resort to surprising those posh caterpillars, and that’s no fun.” She sighed sadly. Applejack tilted her head curiously.

“Does this have somethin’ to do with what that ol’ caterpillar said?” Jackie nodded (or just shook up and down. Applejack couldn’t tell.).

“Yeah. It’s been three years since I’ve delivered a good surprise. Now my brother and I are off form. But you... you’re different.” Jackie smiled. “I know you’re not from here. You’re not supposed to be here. But you might just be the key to undoing what has been done. Hopefully you’re not alone...”

“Don’t ya’ll worry ‘bout nothin’.” Applejack proclaimed in a voice filled with confidence and pride. “Me and the gals, we’ll set this right. Just you wait and see.” Jackie gave her a warm smile.

“It’s good to hear that. I miss the others. I do hope you can bring them back... oh! Almost forgot. Not everything that you and your friends will meet is as friendly as what you’ve seen. The dark magic has corrupted some things, and made the dangerous even more so. Just be careful, alright.” Applejack nodded, thanking her new ally as she stepped around and dashed off down the path.

__________

Some time passed before Applejack found her goal. At the end of the path, lying at where the grass met the sand, was the Element of Honesty. It was held aloft by a magic force. Applejack smiled, wiping her brow with a forehoof.

“Finally.” she muttered, stepping forward. The spell around the Element broke as she extended her hoof to take it, The magic in the jewel apparently recognizing her. It clasped around her neck, and she could feel the power flowing through her. It gave off a blast of light, and as if on cue, a hole tore in the world, and she could see into the room where her friends were. At that moment, Rainbow Dash was lying down, sulking by the wall, with Fluttershy fussing over her. They looked up as the wall fell away.

“AJ!” Rainbow cried, leaping to her hooves. She took a step forward, but found herself held back. Applejack didn’t hesitate for a moment longer, and leapt into the room, into the waiting embrace of her friends. As she passed into the room, the wall sealed up behind her. Twilight was the first to break the fond embrace and find her voice.

“What happened? We saw you step out, and then the door shut on it’s own. And how on earth did you get back there?” Applejack turned and looked. She found that she was standing on the to the right of the door. Frowning, she looked back at Twilight.

“How long have Ah been out there?” Twilight paused, glancing upwards.

“I’d say... fifteen minutes. It was enough time to get us all worried.” Applejack gaped. Surely she had been out there for longer. She told Twilight as much, and Twilight nodded thoughtfully. “Different time streams... fascinating.” Twilight caught a glint of the Element, and her face contorted into a smile. “You found it?”

“Yep. It was actually pretty easy, too. Weren’t too much of a hassle... although it was... weird.” Twilight tilted her head.

“What do you mean weird?” Applejack explained what she could of the events of her time out there. By the end, the others were as confused as she was. “That... okay, let’s just move on. I don’t wanna think about that place.” She turned to face the door. “I haven’t been able to open the door. The magic latch is gone. I wonder...” She walked over, focusing her magic on where the latch had been. It was there once more, and, giving it a tug, the filly ripped the door open. The sight that awaited them shocked and stunned them, but somehow Rarity managed to describe it best.

“How filthy!”

Path 1.3: Cloudwalking Made Easy

“This way.” Applejack’s hoof fell on the third path in the fork, the one labelled “Cloud Lift Central.” Applejack had a bad feeling in the pit of her gut. “Ah wish Ah coulda asked Twi fer a cloudwalkin’ spell. This could be bad.” With a sinking feeling, she trotted down the path towards what she expected to be an impassable obstacle.

It didn’t take her too long to find the clouds that the sign had mentioned. She hadn’t been paying attention, looking around to observe the beauty of the storybook world, when the path suddenly ended, dropping off as a sheer cliff. She recoiled back, struggling not to panic from the sudden loss of ground. In the air in front of her, there were clouds floating along where the path should have been, but other than that, Applejack couldn’t see anything that would help her get past and through to the other side. She sighed and bit her lip, looking at the clouds in front of her warily. They didn’t look like normal clouds, but she was nervous all the same.

‘There’s no other way... Ah’ll have to try.’ She took a hesitant step forward to the edge of the cliff, watching the clouds. Slowly, she extended her hoof and brought it down to the cloud, closing her eyes. She waited for the telltale sign that she would have to backtrack, have to turn around and find another way. She was waiting for the feeling of her hoof falling through the cloud, stepping onto thin air.

But it didn’t come. Instead, she felt something solid beneath her hoof. Something that felt like cloth. She opened her eyes to see that her hoof had indeed settled to rest on top of the cloud, which was solid beneath her like the ground her other three hooves were resting on. She was amazed by this turn of events. This world didn’t play by Equestria’s rules, and earth ponies could walk on clouds, just like pegasi.

Without a second’s hesitation, Applejack decided to test out this new discovery by placing her whole weight on the cloud. It held firm beneath her. She gave it a few test bounces, hopping up and down. Still the cloud didn’t give out. Applejack smiled.

“So, they’re made of cloth, huh? Well, wait ‘til I tell Rainbow.” She chuckled quietly to herself, beginning her walk over the cloud path. She could see the edge of the opposite cliff in the distance, but she decided to take her time, looking around and taking in the surrounding area. The air around her was speckled with similar clouds like the ones she was walking on.

But it wasn’t the only thing in the air. She noticed pegasi flying by occasionally. Each of them was wearing a hoodie that matched the color of their coat, and white masks on their faces that allowed them to see, but didn’t allow anypony to see their faces. The pegasi had no tails and no cutie marks. Applejack paused for a moment to watch them, before realizing what they were.

“Their Shy Ponies, ain’t they? Huh... not what Ah thought they’d look like.” She watched them for a while, observing what they did. She noticed that they didn’t really seem to have a goal in mind, and that they were flying aimlessly around. Some of them were carrying fruit of various varieties in their hooves, ferrying it to Celestia knows where. She wondered what they were doing with the fruit and why, but knew she had a job to do. She continued on her way.

Reaching the opposite edge of the cliff, she clambered off the clouds and back onto the path. Trotting on, she continued to observe the world around her. She could tell that she was walking on a more mountainous region, the path sloping upwards at a steady incline. She smiled as she watched as the treeline began to thin as she got higher, being replaced by the sight of the whole of the world below her. She could see pretty much everything, including some of the other paths that she could have taken. They seemed to be a lot easier to traverse, and a lot more complete, with less cloud paths. The only other path that seemed to be as interesting and dangerous as her’s was the one that led to a large, dark tower in the middle of the world. She wasn’t too fond of trying to go up there.

The path wound along for some time before it ended again, dropping off. This time, there was no cloud path to help her get across. Instead, there was a strange rail made of string floating in the air. Applejack scratched her head in confusion.

“What the?” She stopped herself as she saw one of the strangest sights coming towards her. Another one of the cloth clouds was floating towards her along the rail, but that wasn’t what was odd. What was odd was that the cloud was smiling at her. It’s stare was blank and seemed painted on, but it was unnerving that the cloud itself was smiling at her with a stupid grin. As it reached the end of the rail, the cloud reversed course and started floating away from her. It was then that Applejack formulated a plan.

“So, the smilin’ clouds move? Then Ah think it’s time fer a ride.” She poised herself, waiting for the cloud to return. Once it did, she leapt forward onto it. It remained steady under her hooves, and even the smile didn’t waver as she landed. Her guess that the thing was painted on seemed to be confirmed. She wobbled unsteadily as the cloud began to move away from the ledge. Turning about, she saw that the cloud she rode wasn’t the only one. There were numerous clouds moving on different rails, each one fixed with the same stupid grin. Applejack realized that she would have to do a bit of jumping. So, she poised herself low again, waiting for the right moment.

Once two of the clouds grew close enough together, Applejack jumped the gap between them. This one was moving vertically instead of horizontally, but Applejack only used that information to help guide her jumps. With each cloud, she leapt across the gap keeping the two apart and moved her way up and across the gap. When she reached the path on the opposite cliffside, she was panting heavily. Nevertheless, she wore a triumphant smile. She turned, looking ahead to what was lying in wait. Her smile quickly faded. She sat on the path and groaned in agony as the sight of what lay before her burned into her mind.

More of the railed clouds lay ahead, only this time the paths seemed to be more diverse and complicated. There were also large spheres on some rails, clearly set up to knock ponies off the clouds and down into the abyss that lay below. Switches to adjust which rail the clouds would ride on also made themselves evident. To Applejack, it was nothing short of chaotic. This was nothing short of evil, but she had to make it through.

She took a moment to catch her breath before beginning what would be one of the most difficult challenges of her life. Leaping from cloud to cloud, she had to not only duck and weave her way around the rubber orbs that threatened to send her to a messy end, but she was also focused on making sure that the clouds went the proper direction. It was no easy feat, and Applejack took comfort in the fact that even Rainbow Dash would have been impressed.

She had narrowly avoided one of the balls, feeling the rubber brush against her mane, when her job became considerably harder. She looked up, smiling at her quick footwork, only to have her eyes go wide and her legs to collapse from under her as she ducked out of the way of an incoming Shy Pony. It wasn’t attacking her, but it sure wasn’t helping her out. It was just moving on it’s way, ignoring everything else in it’s path. That included small fillies riding on clouds that were painted with silly smiles. Applejack, on top of everything she was already doing, now had to avoid the Shy Ponies racing past her.

‘I swear to Luna that if Ah live through this... Ah’m burnin’ this book.’ Applejack clenched her teeth and braced herself, plotting out her moves well in advance. Normally, this would be something that Twilight would be doing, but she saw no reason not to try and play it smart. Leaping from cloud platform to cloud platform, she ducked, weaved, and bucked the Shy Ponies that came her way. She didn’t really want to hurt them, but she didn’t really have much of a choice. It was either them or her, and she had to get back to her friends. Nothing else mattered.

Long minutes of this passed. She almost fell more than a few times, and once she had to grab onto one of the passing Shy Ponies to avoid being knocked to her demise. That had set her back a bit, but she was still alive, and for that, she was thankful. The Shy Pony, on the other hoof, had gone into a dive after it dropped its apple. She smiled, thankful that they at least had good taste in fruit.

At long, long last, she reached the other side. Gasping for breath, a very tired filly leapt to the other side and landed in the dirt, hugging it like it was a long lost friend.

“Never again will Ah leave ya. Never. Again.” She gasped out, relieved and exhausted as all get out. Looking up, her eyes lit up as she saw something she hadn’t expected to see. An apple lay on the ground in front of her. Behind it stood the Shy Pony that had given her an unexpected air lift. watching her behind its mask. She tilted her head curiously, and it gestured to the apple. Rising unsteadily, Applejack reached out and took the apple, giving it a tentative bite. It tasted good, despite being something that she didn’t expect to be real. She gave the Shy Pony a smile, swallowing the fruit still in her mouth.

“Thank ya kindly.” The Shy Pony gave no response, only unfurled its wings and took off into the air, in the wake of all its comrades. Applejack watched it go, taking another bite of apple. “Strange fellers, them Shy Ponies.” Finishing the apple in one more quick bite, she trotted off down the path, her hooves crossed that she would encounter no more of the cloud platforms.

To her relief, she didn’t have to leap over any more chasms. The path ended not long after she had finished her apple, revealing a necklace held aloft by magic. She recognized the Element of Honesty instantly, and, smiling, reached out and took it. The Element burst into life as it wrapped around her neck, instantly recognizing the one who was meant to bear it. When the light had faded, Applejack found herself staring at none other than her polar opposite. Rarity jumped in surprise, which was instantly replaced with relief and joy.

“Applejack, darling!” She cried dramatically, reaching out for her friend. Applejack smiled, running forward into her friend’s embrace as the others, upon hearing the cry of the fashionista, all came running. As the room sealed up behind her, Applejack couldn’t have felt any happier. She had not only survived a grueling ordeal, but she was back, and surrounded by the warm hooves of her best friends.

Twilight was the first to break the hug, stepping back to give the farmpony some room. The others followed suit as Twilight cleared her throat, eager to begin questioning.

“What happened, Applejack? One moment you were out there, and now you walk in through a wall. What was out there?” Applejack, upon hearing Twilight’s words, turned to see what the unicorn meant. Indeed, she had walked clean through a wall. The door was to her right, and it was sealed shut, as it had been when she left.

“Well, it was somethin’, lemme tell ya.” She replied, allowing herself a small chuckle. “How long was I gone, anyway?” Twilight tapped a hoof on her chin in thought.

“Not more than fifteen minutes, if I had to guess. It was enough time to worry us.” Applejack’s jaw dropped.

“Now, that’s not possible. Ah was out there for a lot longer than fifteen stinkin’ minutes.” Twilight resumed her hoof tapping, trying to wrap her mind around what the farmpony had said.

“Well, maybe the world out there and the world in here run on different times.” Her hoof feel to the ground once more, a triumphant smile on her face. “That would explain it. I’m also glad to see the Element of Honesty. Was it hard to find?” Applejack nodded.

“Yeah, it weren’t at all easy. Oh, by the way,” She smirked, leveling her gaze at a certain pegasus. “Rainbow... Ah walked on clouds.” Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

“I don’t buy it.” Rainbow muttered, leveling a hoof to point accusingly at her. “You’re obviously lying.” Applejack shook her head, still smirking.

“Ah’m the Element of Honesty, RD. Why would Ah, of all ponies, lie to ya?” Rainbow opened her mouth to protest, but could find nothing to counter the farmpony’s last statement. Instead, she shut her mouth, and took to glaring. Twilight coughed politely.

“If you two are finished...” She turned back to look at the door. “I’ve been trying to get through that door for some time, but the magic latch that I found vanished after you left. I wonder...” She walked over, reaching out with her magic. She found the latch once more, and, smiling, gave it a tug. The six fillies expected to see another bright, cheery landscape. Instead, they were stunned into silence. Rarity was the first to react.

“How filthy!”

Path 1.4: The Little Earth Pony that Flew

“That way.” Her hoof fell on the final trail, the one on the right, with the sign that read “The Unremarkable Tower”. She shook her head, sighing as she trotted down the trail. ‘Really, who thought that was a good idea?’ She chuckled as she thought of some names that would be better for a tower, but decided to keep them to herself.

As she walked, she wondered at the world around her. The air was warm and pleasant, and the sky was clear, albeit a bit tinted. It almost felt like a perpetual shadow hung overhead, but that wasn’t what drove Applejack’s thoughts into ones of darkness. Something about the path she was taking felt wrong. It felt almost too inviting, too friendly. She knew that she shouldn’t worry about something so trivial, but she had been separated from her friends by some sinister magic force, and now she was walking down an unfamiliar trail to a tower in a strange land. A step of caution was, in her mind, in her best interests.

The tower she was heading towards appeared on the horizon. Even from the distance she was at, it was tall and imposing, something that even Rainbow Dash would have been impressed with. But, from what she could tell, the sign wasn’t wrong. The whole of the building seemed to be unremarkable. Pausing, she took a moment to take in what she could. There wasn’t much to go by, so she plodded on, determined to get through.

After some time walking, Applejack finally reached the base of the tower. There was a large set of wooden doors fixed into the front, and, looking up, she couldn’t see the top of the building. Clouds obscured it from view. Shaking her head, she walked up to the doors, gripping one with her hoof and pulling. It didn’t budge. She heard the rattle of a lock from the inside.

“Are ya’ll bein’ serious?” She groaned, sitting down in front of the doors and fixing her eyes on them. Sure, she could try to buck them down, but she didn’t think that would work. She knew woodworking and the like - having raised her fair share of barns - and she knew that these doors were thick and sturdy, and weren’t likely to break if she bucked them ‘til sundown. She had to find another way in or try going around. That sounded like the best idea, so she trotted around the right side of the tower. Unfortunately for her, the path did continue, but it was about fourteen stories up a sheer cliff face that spanned for some distance.

Applejack stomped the ground in annoyance, angered that her path was now blocked to the point where she would have to turn back. It had been a long walk getting there, and now she had to do it all again. She was ready to turn about when she heard a noise coming from her left. She turned to see a very strange pair of objects hovering just above the ground. They appeared to be discs with propellers fixed to the bottoms. It was these propellers that were keeping them aloft. And, walking over, Applejack realized that they were more than just platforms.

They were meant to be ridden.

She tapped one hesitantly with a hoof. The platform ducked down for a moment before slowly and steadily beginning to rise. She watched it go until it hit a strange outcropping that looked almost like a ledge. There were numerous of these, but none of them seemed to be within jumping reach. Applejack then realized just what she was supposed to do. And she took a step back.

“Oh no. No way, Ah’m not gettin’ on that.” She shook her head, trying to drive away the thoughts of what might happen if she got on that thing. But, no matter how she looked at it, she had no other options. The walk would be too long to take back, and she didn’t want to be out alone in a strange world after dark. Besides the point, there was no other way to go. Sighing heavily, she stepped back over to the platform and steeled her nerves.

“Alright... here goes nothin’.” She closed her eyes and gingerly leapt onto the platform, feeling it sink beneath her weight. Almost instantly, the platform began to rise into the air. Applejack opened her eyes and looked around. She was moving up the side of the tower. Her speed wasn’t very significant, but it was enough to worry her as she remembered the outcropping above her. Gazing up, she saw that she had time to get out of the way, but she needed to be quick about it. Time was running out.

Taking a look down, she didn’t see any sort of controls or wheel, so she tried the next best thing. She took a step to her left, taking care not to step too far. The platform tilted beneath her, edging to the left at a decent rate. Applejack allowed herself a small smile.

“So that’s how these things work... ah can do this. Ah can fly this thing.” Nodding to herself, Applejack began the ascent up the tower. The platform was a little touchy, and seemed to like moving at a greater angle than Applejack originally intended, but soon she figured out a pattern for how to control it better. But that wasn’t the hardest thing for her on this tower. No, there was something else.

The tower, from below, had appeared to be quite plain, and not overly tall. As Applejack rode the platform up, however, she realized that the name on the sign had been a lie. This tower was anything but unremarkable. As she rose steadily, she noticed that the climb was taking much longer than it should have. Looking back up, she saw that she hadn’t made much progress. Not only that, but the sky around her had gone from day to night in less than an hour. She tilted her head.

“It looked to be about an hour after noon when Ah got here... what the hay is this about?” She narrowed her eyes, understanding sweeping through her like the breeze she flew past. “Magic. This place is under some sorta spell... great.” Sighing again, she redoubled her efforts. No matter what, she had to get past this and back to her friends. Even if that meant enduring a tower that turned day to night and made flying a chore, it would be done.

The flight continued uneventfully for quite some time. It was only after she had reached what she thought was the tenth story of the tower when she began to grow tired. And it was right then when she needed her stamina most. There was a loud rumbling coming from inside the tower, and Applejack turned to see the walls peeling away to reveal cannons whirring into life, not unlike the one Pinkie Pie always had with her. Granted, these looked a good deal less friendly than the party cannon, and they were all pointed at her.

The first cannon let loose its shot with a roar. Applejack had to duck as a large bullet flew past her head. She noticed that the bullet had arms, eyes, and even a mouth, but the smile it wore was less than friendly. It wasn’t trying to hurt her. It was trying to kill her. She wasn’t about to let them, though. The top of the tower was growing closer, and she was determined to reach it. She cast a menacing look towards the cannon shifted her position, causing the platform to lurch to the side at an alarming rate. The outcroppings had grown closer together, and she immediately made her plan.

As the platform grew close, she took a gamble and made a flying leap across the gap, right as the cannon in front of her opened fire. Her hooves brushed against the top of the bullet and landed none too gracefully on the outcropping. Applejack rolled and whirled around, facing the next outcropping and group of cannons. They were still pointing her way, but she had her plan. And the outcroppings were her best bet.

Leaping from outcropping to outcropping, Applejack waited until the cannons fired before dashing off to her next position. As she ascended out of the way, the bullets would strike the outcropping behind her, detonating and destroying the masonry. She had no way back down, so she carried on, carrying out her maneuver at each outcropping.

At last she reached the roof. As her hooves landed on the slanted shingles, the cannons disappeared from sight. She took a moment to turn back and look at just how far she had come. The ground wasn’t visible from where she was standing. She had no idea how high she had risen, but it was way too high for her. She wanted down. Turning about, she expected to see the trail in front of her, leading her off and away. But instead, she found herself staring a a blue and white umbrella. It was open, and seemed to be holding itself up near the opposite end of the roof.

“What in tarnation?” She muttered, walking over to stare down. This tower was way more than enchanted, it was cruel. The ground lay below her, with an identical rise behind it. But there was no way down. No platforms, no outcroppings, no stairs, nothing. Applejack stepped a few paces back and roared in frustration. “Now this ain’t fair! What am Ah gonna do here?” She stomped her hoof, unsettling the only object with her on the roof. The umbrella fell to its side, still opened wide. Applejack stared at it for a moment. “No...”

She strode over and picked it up awkwardly. It was hard to hold with a hoof, but there was a leather strap on the side that was obviously designed for a hoof. Slipping it on, she turned back to the tower edge, looking at the pillar opposite her. She couldn’t believe what she was about to do. But she could see no other option. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped off the edge of the roof.

She half expected to feel the ground the moment she left the roof. She was sure that she was going to die, and that this was the worst mistake she had ever made. She knew that her friends were going to lose her, all because she had acted on a whim. All because she had gotten herself killed.

But she didn’t. Opening her eyes, she noticed that she wasn’t falling. She wasn’t plunging towards certain death. Instead, she was gliding gently down, her hoof in the air and umbrella opened wide. She sighed in relief. At least the magic defied all logic, just like Pinkie Pie did. This was something only the party pony would be capable of pulling off. The fact that she wasn’t a stain on the dirt was something to be thankful for.

The descent was slow, and it gave Applejack time to think. She wondered what had happened to this place. This wasn’t something she remembered from the original story. Granted, it had been years since she had read it, but this was certainly not part of the original text. This was added in. But by who... and why? These two questions were forefront on the fillies mind as she landed softly on the cobblestone path separating the two towers. She quickly dropped the umbrella and dashed forward, hurrying on to her next challenge.

The path ended in a set of double doors, similar to the ones she had encountered earlier. The only difference was that when she pulled on the handle this time, the door swung open. There was a long groan as it slid out of her way, revealing the inside of the tower to her. The light was dim, but she saw that there were a lot more platforms in here, leading up the tower in a circular pattern. It wasn’t going to be easy, but she felt confident. This was much easier than leaping to uncertain demise.

Leaping from platform to platform proved more taxing than she had first anticipated. They weren’t set close together, and the sizes and shapes varied as she rose, getting gradually smaller the higher she got. Each leap needed timing and precision to pull off. She smiled as she made a particularly tricky jump, landing unsteadily on her hind hooves. ‘At least Ah’m a good jumper. Got that goin’ fer me.’

Higher and higher the tower wound, and soon Applejack’s stamina reserves began to deplete. She felt each jump growing more taxing than the last, and knew that if she didn’t stop for a rest, she would more than likely plummet all the way back down. She had also discarded her umbrella, so a fall from her height would be catastrophically bad.

Panting heavily, she sat down on a larger platform and wiped her brow with a hoof, gazing up at the path ahead. There wasn’t a lot to see. It just kept winding up and up until it reached the shadows that lay ahead. She couldn’t see beyond that, but she didn’t have to. There was a beam of light ahead, brighter than the rest of the lights in the tower. It was shining in through an open window, and seemed to be calling her to it. It was the way out. A way of escape. And she was willing to give it a try.

Her stamina renewed, she rose and began to make her way up to the light. Every leap became much more difficult the higher she rose, and soon, she was landing on platforms that were thinner than she was. But no matter the danger, she remained focused. Even when a chunk of platform fell away, she didn’t falter. She had to get out.

She reached the light not long after, dashing out as the platform crumbled beneath her hooves. Gasping for air and startled to a great degree, Applejack almost failed to see what was giving off the light in the room. There, in the center, resting on a pedestal, was the Element of Honesty. It was pouring out a great deal of light, almost as bright as the day. It was a comforting light, and Applejack wanted it as close to her as possible. She quickly stepped over and took it up, placing it around her neck.

Almost instantly the Element reacted, flaring like a sunburst as it came into contact with its bearer. Applejack shielded her eyes from the light, trying to block out the pain. When the light had subsided, she opened her eyes and blinked. It was only when her vision had recovered that she realized that she was face to face with none other than Pinkie Pie. The party pony was wearing the biggest, silliest grin she could manage.

“You’re back!” She cried, wrapping Applejack in a bone crushing hug. The farmpony grunted, trying to worm her way out of the vice grip as the other ponies rushed to her, wrapping her in even more hugs. Applejack would have sighed could she breathe, but she didn’t have long to wait. Pinkie released her death grip, still smiling as the farmpony gasped for air. Twilight gave her a minute to recover before beginning her questioning.

“So what happened? How did you get back in here?” Applejack paused, taking a glance around to see where she was, before answering.

“Well, Ah was climbin’ this here tower, Ah found the Element of Honesty, and bam! Here Ah am, back with ya’ll. Don’t ask me, Ah don’t right know what happened out there.” She shook her head. Whatever had created all that magic back at the tower, at least it was over now. She was safe, or as safe as she could be, given the circumstances. "How long was Ah gone?"

"Fifteen minutes." Twilight's answered was quick. Applejack gawked at her.

"That ain't possible," She said, struggling to make sense of what she had just been told. "Ah was out there fer a whole lot longer than that. Ah climbed a tower, fer cryin' out loud!" Twilight paused, a small smile playing at her lips.

"That would only make sense if the two places ran of different time streams. Which is entirely possible." Applejack shook her head.

"If you say so. But how did Ah get back here?" Twilight's smile widened.

“It seems that whatever was holding you back was broken when you came into contact with the Element... interesting...” Twilight muttered as she turned to face the door, which was directly behind her. “I haven’t been able to get that open since you went through. I wonder if it will open now.” Trotting over, her horn lit up as she reached out, trying to find the handle of the door once more. Smiling as her magic came to rest upon it, she gave it a pull. The door swung open.

“Oh my...” Taking a step back, Twilight gestured the others over. When they saw what lay beyond, they all fell silent, unsure of how to continue. Rarity decided to voice her thoughts.

“How filthy!”

Path 2.1: Nothing Like Spikey-Wikey

Rarity’s hoof came to rest facing the trail labelled “Den of the Bone Dragons”. She stepped forward hesitantly, nervously glancing further down the path.

“Bone... dragons?” She felt herself trembling at the images her mind produced based on the name. She didn’t want to advance down this path, but after remembering the names of the others, she decided that maybe this was the best option. So, steeling herself, she began the long journey down the path, into the ever deepening darkness of the cavern.

As she descended, she noticed a small noise coming from the path in front of her. she couldn’t make out what was causing it, but it made her all the more wary. The fact that there were dragons down this path was bad enough for her, but the thought of something else made her very uneasy.

The noise itself, however, made her somewhat confused. It sounded almost like the squeaks of a newborn bird, or some other, small animal. ‘What could be down here to make such a noise? Could it be?’ She paused for a moment, a sudden, terrible thought crossing her mind. ‘I’m walking into their den, what if this is their nursery? Oh dear, that’s... unpleasant.’ With an ever growing hesitation and apprehension, she continued slowly down the path.

As she rounded a slight curve in the path, Rarity found the source of the noise. She was taken aback by what was causing it. Small, white plant-like beings were hopping about on the path in front of her, every movement punctuated by a small squeak. Were it not for the dire surroundings and her apprehensive state of mind, Rarity would have found the little creatures adorable. A small smile appeared on her lips as she walked over, bending down to get a better look.

“Well, how did you little darlings get all the way down here?” She asked, in a sweet, cooing voice, similar to how she spoke to Opal. Like Opal, the creature gave no verbal response. Instead, as it hopped close to her, it took a nip at her hoof. She recoiled, clearly in far less pain than she appeared.

“Ow! Why you little brute!” With that, she gave the small creature a swat with the hoof it had tried to bite. As she struck it, it exploded in a puff of white dust, scattering about the path in front of her. Rarity peered down at the dust for a moment, piecing together what had happened. She frowned. “Well, let’s not do that again. It is most unladylike to take a life, even if the life belongs to such a simple savage as that.” Turning her nose back up in the air, Rarity gingerly stepped around the plant creatures, making her way further down the path.

Luckily for her, the plant creatures seemed content to hang about their small section of path. As she escaped from their torment, she breathed a sigh of relief, hanging her head. Several of the plants had nipped at her again, but she had managed to get by without further injury. She lifted her head with a smile, ready once again to make her way down the path. Her smile vanished and her breath caught in her throat as she found herself face to skull with the creature she had forgotten existed in this cavern.

The bone dragon chuckled as it lifted itself to its full, imposing height. Just a head and neck, it was still terrifying for Rarity to watch a reanimated skeleton dragon leering down at her, the wear of time and elements evident all along what she could see of it. The bone wasn’t clean, nor whole, giving the monster a new element of fear. Rarity couldn’t move. She didn’t know what to do. This was no dragon she had ever seen, and it most certainly wasn’t like her little Spikey-Wikey. This was a true monster. And it was eyeing her with a sinister hunger.

Rarity was petrified. She didn’t know how to react to such a beast, let alone how to fight back. She didn’t want to run, as she might lose the path and be lost in the cavern for who knows how long, but she didn’t want to risk conflict.

Unfortunately, the bone dragon made up her mind for her. A sudden, unnatural bulge travelled up the neck of the dragon and into its mouth, still bearing a sinister smile. With a roar, the dragon let loose a ball of flame, aiming right for the small, stark white filly. She came to herself just in time, and leapt out of the way. She narrowly dodged the ball of fire, but not all of her was unscathed by the flame. Turning to glare at the dragon, Rarity flicked her tail furiously. It was then she noticed just what the fireball had hit.

“MY TAIL!” She cried, whipping about to stare in horror at her tail. A decent section of her tail had been burned off, leaving what was left blackened and smoking slightly. The smell of burnt hair permeated the cavern. Rarity didn’t move. Her entire form was rigid with untold rage. Behind her, the bone dragon let loose a gravelly laugh. At that sound, something inside the fashionista’s mind snapped. She slowly turned about to face the dragon, her eyes obscured under her mane.

“You have made a grave mistake.” She said, loud enough for the dragon to hear her. It cocked its head in amusement. Without a moment’s hesitation, Rarity lit her horn and charged forward, leaping into the air and loosing a bolt of magic at the dragon. Taking the bolt to the side of the head, the dragon lurched, losing its precious balance and toppling over to the side. As it crashed into the dirt, Rarity landed gracefully next to it, panting in rage. She strode over, the bone dragon struggling to rise.

“I should finish you off, but a lady never dirties her hooves in that matter.” With a small huff, she turned and continued down the path, leaving her adversary confused and defeated in the dirt. As she passed out of sight of the dragon, she paused and shuddered, reeling from what she had just done. She looked back momentarily. “A lady doesn’t normally resort to violence, but it couldn’t be helped, I suppose.” With that, she continued down into the darkness.

Unknown to her, the bone dragon, after it had recovered enough to rise back up and watch her go, had slithered back into the ground, where its body - and its other two heads - were waiting. The middle head gave it a look of disgust.

“What happened?” It asked The head that had been above, the one on the left, sighed and shook itself.

“A pony happened. I attempted to burn her alive, but she dodged out of the way. I did manage to singe her tail, and all of a sudden, she came at me with the rage of a dovah. But she spared me. I am ashamed.” The head on the right roared in anger.

“Ever since that Havalon arrived, you have become even more of a coward than you were before. Very well, since you are so incompetent in the face of a single, little pony, I shall deal with her.” With that, the head shot upwards, tunneling through the earth in search of Rarity.

__________

Rarity, now very deep inside the cavern, was staring down into a deep, black pit that lay in front of her. She could hear the strangest noises coming from below, almost as if there was somepony down there with a loud camera. But, heeding her better judgement, she stepped around the pit and quickly trotted away. After the past two encounters, she didn’t want any more trouble as she continued her trek.

She had barely taken ten paces down the path when the ground in front of her erupted, and a second bone dragon appeared out of the dirt. It raised itself to its full height with a roar, turning to leer down at the now petrified filly in front of it.

“So you’re the little devil that gave my brother so much trouble!” It began to laugh as Rarity quivered with fear under its gaze. “I cannot believe this. My brother lost to something so pitiful and pathetic as you.”

At that, Rarity forgot all sense of fear, unbelieveable hurt by the cruel words of the dragon in front of her. Her eyes filled with tears and she turned, trying to hide her face. “H-how c-can you say so-something like that?” She stammered through her increasing sobs. The dragon merely rolled his eyes.

“Just like I said: pathetic. That’s all you are.” In an instant, Rarity was facing him, the tears flowing freely from her eyes and a look of deepest sorrow and hurt on her face. The dragon was taken aback, and felt something strange within him. He began to feel very sympathetic for the filly in front of him. He didn’t know where these feelings were coming from, but they were growing ever stronger with each passing moment. ‘Maybe I was wrong to have called her that. I mean... well...’ His thoughts trailed off as Rarity spoke to him.

“Is it true? Am I really that... pa-pathetic?” She sobbed. The dragon shook his head, now trying desperately to console her. Rarity shook of the motion. “No! D-don’t lie to me! It’s... it’s true. I am pathetic. I mean, look at me.” She whipped her tail around to show the dragon, her flow of tears still not dried up. “Look at me! I... my tail. My be-beautiful tail...” She broke down, unable to go any further. The bone dragon, now lost for words, desperately raked his mind for something to comfort the young filly. Unfortunately, he could think of nothing but insults and cruel taunts, so instead, he slithered back into the dirt from whence he came.

Rarity waited until she was sure the bone dragon was gone, then turned about, a smug smile gracing her features.

“Works every time.”

__________

“You what!?”

The right head of the bone dragon was now kicking himself mentally for being such a gullible idiot. Upon arriving back at his body, he had realized just what he had done. He had been played for a fool, and that little filly was getting away, out of their grasp. He couldn’t believe his own mistake. But there was nothing to be done about it.

“Look, we still have a chance. She’s not far off from the end of the tunnel, but we are far closer.” The left head was saying, shaking the right from his thoughts. “If we get in position, we can still catch our prey.” There was a nod from the other two. As one, the three heads tunneled straight up, dragging their body with them in chase of their prey.

__________

“There it is!” Rarity cried, a wide, relieved smile gracing her features. It hadn’t been too long since she had encountered the second of the bone dragons, and now, she had her way out. The Element of Generosity was floating some distance down the path, beckoning her over with a soft blue light. Overcome with joy, she trotted forward, ignorant of the faint rumbling below her. It was only when the ground beneath her began to shake did she give pause.

“What in the-” She got no further as she was flung backwards off her hooves by a massive form rising up from out of the earth. There was an earsplitting set of roars accompanied by a loud crashing as the bone dragon, in all its unholy might, came to rest between Rarity and the Element of Generosity. The filly, who had been flung a decent distance, was now resting in a small impact crater she had made, her mane and coat filthy and disheveled. She rose up groggily to see what had caused her flight. Upon seeing the bone dragon, she felt very light-headed.

‘No! You mustn’t! If you lose consciousness now, that brute will surely be the end of you. You must fight!’ Shaking herself, Rarity rose up to her full height - which wasn’t at all impressive by bone dragon standards - and strode fearlessly up to the behemoth in the path.

“Stand aside, you ruffian.” She called up to the heads. All she got in response was a laugh. She frowned, lighting her horn gently as she focus on the spell she would need. “I said, stand aside. You have made a thorough mess of my mane and tail, and unless you wish to keep your unlife intact, I would suggest getting out of the way.”

The three dragons paid her no heed, instead choosing to laugh at her threats. “Can you believe this?” The head on Rarity’s left was saying. “This little pony thinks she can beat us!” More laughter rang out in the cavern.

“Really, what’s she gonna do, pretty us to death?” By this time, Rarity was having second thoughts about her plan, wanting nothing more than to end their unlives as slowly and painfully as possible. But she shook herself, focusing on the spell she needed.

‘Fifteen seconds. Just hold on, Rarity.’ She gritted her teeth as another bout of laughter followed a particularly rude comment about her flank. Through all their conversation, her horn had been growing increasingly brighter. One of the heads finally took notice of the increasing light. He looked down at her.

“What are you doing?” He growled. Rarity didn’t bother with an answer, still focusing. “What’s with the li-”

“Solar flare!” Rarity cried, unleashing the magic in her horn. There was a sudden, blinding burst of light that turned the entire cavern to solid white. The dragons cried out in agonizing pain, their eyes being pulverized by the unbelievable power of the light. Rarity, squinting and smiling smugly, dashed underneath the body of the bone dragon, running up and grabbing the Element from its place. The magic in the necklace recognized her, and sealed itself around her neck.

At the same moment, the white of the cavern was shattered, and the room appeared in front of Rarity. She hurried inside, not wanting to be stick around for when the bone dragons recovered. As the door sealed behind her, Twilight and the others came trotting up to her.

“Ya’ll look a fright, lemme tell ya.” Rarity glared at Applejack, who was doing her best to stifle giggles. “But ah see ya got yer Element. Hope it weren’t too much of a hassle.”

“Oh no,” Rarity purred, her voice thick with sarcasm. “It was an absolute bundle of fun. In fact, I think I want to do it again of course it was a hassle!” Applejack took a quick step back under the glare of the now off-white filly. “I’ve been bitten, burned, scared out of my life, insulted, robbed of half my tail, flung through the air like a rag doll, and look at me! Ugh...” She turned about to face Twilight. “Please, darling, tell me you can help fix me up?” Twilight nodded, and the two of them trotted a distance away. As they set to work fixing Rarity up, Twilight pestered her with questions. Eventually, she got the whole story out of Rarity.

“And so I used that Solar Flare spell you taught me a while ago to blind them and make my escape. I think you would have been proud.” Rarity beamed, running a brush through her mane. She had gotten it from Pinkie, remembering not to ask where the thing had come from. Twilight, on the other hoof, was frowning, trying hard to piece together the spell she would need to repair Rarity’s tail.

“Why didn’t you just use the Undead’s Bane spell? That would have vanquished the monster. Celestia knows we don’t need any more undead running around. Gives Spike way too many ideas.” Rarity blinked, her face blank.

“You know, I keep forgetting you taught me that spell, Twilight.” She admitted, smiling sheepishly. Twilight returned the smile with a shake of her head, her horn alight as Rarity’s tail began to grow back. Once it had reached the original length, Twilight cut off the spell. Rarity gave it a tentative flick.

“Ah... good as new, darling. Thank you ever so much!” Rarity hugged Twilight quickly, before trotting over to the door. “Now, what say we open this up and see what’s on the other side?” Twilight nodded, following her friend and calling the other four over. With a quick test to find the latch, Twilight gripped it and pulled. Once again, the door swung open to reveal yet another new and wondrous sight.

“Dibs.”

Author's Note

To my readers, I am so sorry for the delay. I've had a bit of stuff going on IRL, and my creative bug decided to skip town for a long while.

Again, I apologize. I couldn't bear the thought of you all having to wait for all four parts at once, so enjoy the first while I work on the other three.

Path 2.2: Blargg's Reformation

Her hoof fell on the second path, which was labelled "Blargg’s Inferno". She strode onto it, pausing to mull over what the sign meant.

‘So... either I’m walking into Tartarus, or a lava pool. I’m not fond of either. Heat will do quite a number on my mane and tail... but, such is the curse of a lady in the underground.’ Holding herself high, she strode down the path into the unknown.

As she walked, the air around her began to grow heavy and hot. It wasn’t long before she began to perspire. She wished she would have had the foresight to bring a fan or something else to cool herself down with. Instead, she had to settle for a hoof, waving it back and forth as she paused, thoroughly disgruntled.

“My word, what is causing this dreadful heat? From what I’ve heard, Tartarus isn’t near as hot as this.” She groaned unhappily, still trying to fan herself. It was to no avail, and eventually she stopped trying and instead turned her attention to walking further into the cave. Around her the only sounds she could hear were the sounds of her own hoofbeats on the dirt path. There was no light apart from the small glow of her horn. And it kept getting hotter.

“I swear to Celestia, if I don’t find out what is causing this heat, I am going to... oh, how does it go?” She paused again, tapping a hoof to her chin. “Flip out. Yes, that’s it. I am going to flip out soon. Oh, my poor mane.” She gazed dolefully at it, now limp and damp from her sweat. Her perfectly styled mane, ruined. She could barely bear to look at it.

However, the flipping out would have to be put on hold. For, rounding a bend, she found the source of the growing heat. A vast lake of lava lay before her, as far as the eye could see. The roof of the cave wasn’t visible from her position, and neither were any of the walls. All she could see was the liquid death glowing before her, and the skeletons of massive creatures jutting out of it.

And there was no way across.

Rarity sat herself down gracefully, trying hard to believe what she was seeing. There was no way she would be able to get across all of what lay before her, even with her magic. And considering she wasn’t half as powerful as Twilight, her chances were even more slim. There was no bridge, no boat, no means of crossing the lake before her.

‘Except...’ She turned to look at the skeletons of the titanic creatures. To her amazement, somepony had taken the time to turn the bones of the fallen beasts into a bridge of sorts. Granted, it wasn’t a bridge she was too keen on walking, but it was a bridge nevertheless. She grimaced as she stepped over, looking at it warily.

“Will that even support me?” she wondered aloud. “And furthermore... oh, I do hope it’s clean, at the least. Maybe all this time by all this heat will have sterilized them.” Being as careful and dainty as possible, she stepped onto the closest skeleton, testing it to see if it would give out under her. To her relief, the bones held strong. By that logic, she reasoned that either the lake was not that deep... or whatever creature had these bones was massive beyond measure.

Now feeling a little bit more courageous, Rarity trotted forward, intent on reaching the other side of the lake and getting herself out of there. The path of the skeletons was narrow, and she had to monitor her every step to make sure she didn’t slip and fall into the lava waiting below. And, as she soon discovered, it was not one skeleton, but many. As she reached the end of the first, she found herself at a loss as to what to do. The gap spanning the two skeletons was not short by any standards, and Rarity was unsure whether or not she could make the jump.

“I can’t turn back... I have to try.” Nodding and steeling herself, Rarity went a few paces back, crouching into a sprinter’s stance. Nodding once again, she charged forward, and with a graceful leap, bounded across the chasm of lava and onto the next skeleton. As she landed, she heard a crack under her hooves. She quickly moved onto the next piece of bone as the one she had landed on sank into the lava. Rarity paused, wiping her brow with a hoof to get her mane out of her eyes.

“Dear Celestia... that was most unpleasant.” She watched the bone disappear beneath the glowing pool. As she watched, something else moved in the lava. She blinked, rubbing at her eyes. “Was that... no, I must be seeing things. Must be a trick of the light.” Even so, Rarity moved on with a great deal more caution than before. She could have sworn she saw a pair of eyes staring back at her.

As she continued along this new skeleton, which was much longer than the first, she began to hear a strange moaning coming from somewhere down the pathway. As she watched, what appeared to be a ghost made from pure fire leapt out of the lava in front of her, groaning as it flew over the pathway and back into the firey depths of the pool. It took Rarity a moment to stop quivering in fright.

‘Whatever it is, it doesn’t seem to be trying to hurt me. I still think it would be unwise to touch it, though.’ She quickly made her way down the path, trying hard to avoid getting burned by one of the numerous fire spirits leaping out of the lava. The spirits moaning began to meld together, forming a long continuous strong that caused chills to run down Rarity’s spine, despite the lava pool below her.

As she came to the end of the second skeleton, she didn’t bother to stop this time, opting to make the leap across in one swift motion. Unfortunately, this meant she didn’t observe exactly what she was landing on. As her hooves alighted on the rib of the creature, she felt the bone beneath her begin to bend downwards. Her eyes widened in fear, and she looked about, trying to find the path. The only other object in front of her was another rib, and she was dangerously close to losing her chance. She made the jump to the next rib, only to feel it, like its comrade, begin to dip towards the lava.

“Oh, you must be joking!” She cried, making yet another leap and landing on yet another rib, which began to dip as well. Thus the pattern was as she leapt from rib to rib, trying not to slip to her demise in the lava below. She didn’t even bother trying to see when this agony would end, as looking up and away from what she was doing could easily be her downfall.

After what felt like hours, Rarity finally landed on solid, unwavering bone once more. Despite her earlier protests, she bent down, gently placing a kiss on the bone.

“Thank you! Oh, thank Celestia, it’s finally over.” Rarity laughed, raising her head and looking at what lay ahead. Her laugh died in her throat. The eyes were back, sitting just on the surface of the lava. They blinked at her momentarily, before they began to shoot upwards at an alarming rate. Rarity could only watch in stunned silence as one of the most disgusting and terrifying things she had ever seen rose up before her.

Lurching up to its imposing, seven foot height was a creature born of the lava. Its entire body was composed of the liquid, although it was slightly solidified into a gelatinous mass. Most of the visible creature was mouth, a large gaping maw with a wickedly crooked tongue and razor sharp teeth. Two scrawny arms jutted out from either side of the body, and the eyes which had been watching her were now resting on top of the beast.

Then, leaning down, the beast let out a mighty bellow.

“BLAAAARRRGGGGGG!”

Rarity was nearly blown off her hoofs by the force of its breath, but managed to hold her ground. She frowned in annoyance, glaring up at the beast. All trace of her fear was forgotten as she cried out in fury.

“Now see here, you uncouth rapscallion! That was pitiful. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Unbelievably, the beast paused, closing its mouth and staring at her with doleful eyes. Rarity decided to continue. “I can see that you have the makings of a true gentlecolt, and a gentlecolt does not scream ‘Blargg’ at the top of his lungs. Come now, let me teach you.”

At a nod from the monster, Rarity set to work.

__________

Well over an hour and a half later, Rarity and Blargg, as she had discovered his name was, were sitting down and enjoying a cup of tea. As it turns out, Blargg was incredibly receptive to Rarity’s lessons, and within a short period of time had gone from terrifying monster to slightly unsavory gentlecolt.

“I say,” Blargg crooned, still trying to work on his rasp. “This is absolutely delightful tea, is it not? I never knew that being a gentlecolt was so magnificently wonderful.” Rarity nodded, waving a hoof.

“Oh, I understand completely. Although I love my friends dearly, sometimes one just needs the company of a true lady or gentlecolt. And you are too kind about the tea. It’s nothing special, just what I could whip up with the resources available to me.” Blargg shook his head with a laugh.

“You are far too modest, my dear.” Rarity turned her head, her cheeks flushing. “This is simply divine in terms of its flavor. You are a master of your trade, Rarity.” Rarity waved her hoof again, her flush deepening.

“Oh, stop it, you little devil. You’re embarrassing me.” Rarity paused, remembering what she was down there for. “Do you mind if I ask you something, Blargg dear?” The lava beast nodded, so Rarity continued. “Have you seen a necklace in this cave? One with a diamond shaped amethyst set in it?”

“Oh, you mean that delightful little thing that’s floating on the west end of the cavern?” Blargg nodded, making Rarity smile.

“Yes! That’s it! That got taken from me, and I would dearly love to have it back.” Rarity put on her best gentle pout and gazed at Blargg with best, winning gaze. “Would you be a dear and show me where it is?” Blargg nodded.

“Oh, I’ll do one better than that. I’ll take you there myself.” Blargg replied confidently. Rarity smiled, glad she was getting her Element back, but paused at his words.

“Please tell me you’re not going to carry me. I would burn alive if you so much as laid a hand on me.” Blargg laughed in reply.

“Not to worry, not to worry. I have a solution.” Reaching down into the lake below him, Blargg grabbed onto and pulled into the air what appeared to be a small, blue and silver platform. Of course, if was hard for Rarity to tell, given that it was glowing yellow due to the heat. She gazed at it warily. Blargg, noticing her look, reassured her. “Just give it a second, darling. It needs to cool a bit.”

Blargg’s words were true as the platform assumed its normal color, all trace of heat vanishing from it. Rarity smiled, and with a graceful leap, landed on the platform, ready to be escorted. “Well now, my good sir, shall we be off?” Blargg’s only response was a nod, and he began to slide through the lava. Of its own volition, the platform began to follow.

As the two travelled the long distance to the cavern’s west end, the broke into conversation once more. Rarity was curious as to what Blargg had done before she had come along, so the lava monster obliged her.

“I used to do what you found me doing earlier, Rarity. I laid in wait, poised to frighten travellers out of my home. Of course, it has been almost three years since a pony has come through these caves, not since that dark force showed up and started changing things. I miss those fillies... even though I was always trying to scare them... they were so kind to me.”

Rarity watched Blargg carefully. She could see something behind his words, some deeper meaning. But what it was eluded her, unless... ‘no... no way. He couldn’t...’

“Blargg, dear... you weren’t always like this, were you?” She asked hesitantly. Blargg didn’t respond immediately, and Rarity thought she had said something to offend him. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t really have prodded-”

“I was once like you... a pony. But that was a long, long time ago.” Blargg’s response was exactly what Rarity thought it was going to be. As if reading her mind, Blargg went on, his voice heavy. “I know what the next question will be: What happened to make me this way? Well, listen well. We’ve still got some time til we reach the other side, so I’ll tell my tale.

“Long ago, this land used to be blissful and perfect. Nopony was bad, nopony was hurt, or in danger, nothing was wrong. It was a peaceful place. All because of a little thing called the Tree of Harmony. Centered at the heart of this world, the tree gave life and light to all, almost a beacon of sorts. Well, one day, the tree vanished. It was stolen, right out from under our noses, by a vicious ruffian that went by the name King Bowser. He was a dragon, but one of great magical ability. He went on to mutilate the world around him, changing it to better suit his desires.

“That is what happened here. This cave used to be beautiful, full of bright, colorful crystals and flowers. I lived here with a group of ponies and cave dragons, the latter of whom, after all was said and done, now compose the bridge you were walking on earlier. Of all the ponies that King Bowser could have picked for his evil whims, he picked me. He filled the cavern full of lava, and turned me into this,” he gestured to himself. “I can still see it all. It was horrible. Those spirits you saw earlier, leaping across the bridge? Those were the other ponies. Those were my friends.

“I’ve been this way ever since then. No matter how many times the fillies passed through here and recovered the tree, nothing’s changed. King Bowser keeps stealing it, and they have to keep getting it back. And me? I’m still stuck here... alone.”

By the end of Blargg’s tale, Rarity was trying hard to fight back tears. It was one of the saddest things she had ever heard.

“Oh, Blargg. I am so, so sorry,” She cooed consolingly, reaching out with her hoof. “I didn’t mean to make you recount such horrible memories.” Blargg waved her off.

“Think nothing of it. It doesn’t bother me as much anymore... oh, we’re here.” Rarity looked up and noticed that, indeed, they had arrived at the western edge of the cavern. She could see the Element of Generosity floating above the pathway, wrapped in light. Leaping from her platform, she trotted over to it. The magic inside the Element took effect, wrapping itself around her neck. Once it had, she turned back to Blargg. Even as the wall opened up behind her, she ignored it.

“Thank you so much, Blargg, dear. I’ll never forget you and your kindness.” Blargg gave her a sad smile.

“Just find those fillies, would you, darling? I’d greatly appreciate it.” Rarity placed a hoof on her chest.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye, my friends and I shall find those fillies. I swear it.” With that, Rarity turned about, walking into the room and into the company of her friends. With a sad glance back, Rarity saw Blargg give her one last wave before the wall sealed up, and he was gone.

“Rarity...” Rainbow Dash was staring at her in shock. “What... what the heck was that?” Rarity gave her a curious look.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“What was that... thing? That big, lava monster you were talking to?” Rarity glared at her.

“I’ll have you know, his name is Blargg, and he is a perfect gentlecolt, especially after I had my way with him.” The others were still staring at her in shock. Rarity was growing annoyed. “What is it? Say something!”

“It... it just,” Twilight began, unsure of how to phrase her response. “It’s wasn’t like you, to befriend something so... so... monstrous.” Rarity went to pat the back of her mane, but grimaced as she found it still clingy and damp.

“Well, I still have some surprises, it seems. Now, before I get to work on my hair, shall we see what lies in store on the next page?” The others nodded, and, as one, the walked up to the door. Twilight found the latch with her magic, and pulled it open. The sight before them was once again new and unexpected.

“Dibs.”

Path 2.3: You Jelly?

Rarity’s hoof came to rest upon the third trail, labelled The Jelly Pipe. She tilted her eyebrow up in confusion. “Now, what on Equestria is that supposed to mean?” Shrugging, she trotted off down the path, determined to get to the end.

Of course, it didn’t take her long to figure out just what it meant by Jelly Pipe. She hadn’t gone ten paces when the ground suddenly ended in front of her. She cried out as her hooves fell on nothing, and she fell, down into the darkness. The echoes of her screams faded into nothing as she fell far, far down.

As she fell, a soft light began to grow around her. Not only that, but the hole was beginning to slant at a gentle angle. Soon, Rarity found herself not falling, but sliding along an uncommonly smooth surface. She stopped screaming, confused again as to what she was sliding down. Then a light appeared in front of her, and she slid to the end of the tunnel, falling once more.

Her fall didn’t last quite as long this time, and instead, she landed on something soft and squishy. And, to add insult to injury, she landed face first. Pulling herself up out of the substance, she shook herself, trying to figure out just what it was. When she finally got a bearing on her surroundings, she was none too pleased.

She appeared to be in a sewage pipe of some sort, well lit and littered with old newspaper clippings. The clippings were plastered to the wall helter skelter, and seemed to be duplicates, often repeating themselves. Firefly, Surprise, and Nieghntendo were the three most common words on the wall. But that was not what displeased Rarity. No, what displeased her was the fact that she had landed, face first, in a jelly like substance.

And it had gotten all over her mane and tail.

She screamed again, her voice rebounding off the walls of the pipe. Quickly she lit her horn, trying to remove the jelly with her magic. It was to no avail, as the jelly seemed to have magical qualities that kept it stuck to her mane and tail. No matter how hard she pulled, all it did was increase her frustration and cause her a great deal of pain. At last, she gave up, opting instead to sit in the jelly at her hooves and cry.

“T-t-this isn’t f-fair!” She sobbed, completely mortified by the situation at hoof. “Why? W-why, of all p-ponies did th-this happen to me!?” It took her a few more moments of sobbing overdramatically to realize exactly where she was sitting. She scampered as quickly as she could out of the substance and onto land, where she resumed her fit of dramatic sadness.

“W-well,” she gasped out, trying hard to compose herself. “I g-guess I b-better get out of here as quickly as I c-can.” With one last sniffle, she rose to her hooves and began the long trot down into the sewage pipe, in hopes of finding her way out and away from the jelly.

The path ahead was narrow and winding, and Rarity knew it might get difficult to navigate the confined space. But she knew she had to forge ahead, so that she did. As she walked slowly through the pipe, her mind wandered back to the jelly. It had been a pale blue in color, and almost completely transparent. It wasn’t like any jelly she had ever seen before.

‘I wonder what it tastes like...’ Forgetting her earlier meltdown with her mane, Rarity paused, raising a jelly stained hoof to her lips. She took a tentative lick of the jelly, trying hard to ignore the fact that she had been walking in a sewer. It was quite sweet, and of a flavor she didn’t recognize. At the same time, she knew the flavor instinctively. It was almost like she had tasted it somewhere before.

Rarity shrugged and continued on her way, trying hard to ignore the fact that every time she took a step she made a odd, squishy sound with her hooves. She dearly wished to be clean, but fate was cruel. After cresting a small rise in the pipe, Rarity found herself staring at a second pool of jelly, this one a clear pink. She groaned.

“Why!? Why am I cursed like this!?” She cried out to no one. “Oh, to be me and have to suffer thus! Most ponies wouldn’t be able to bear it.” Hesitating, she cautiously stepped forward, unsure as to how to get through. The pool passed under a low hanging ceiling, complete with dangerous spike traps protruding into the jelly. Of course, she could think of only one option.

“I... no. I won’t do it! I simply will not degrade myself in that manner!” she protested, turning her face aside. After a moment, she turned back, staring at the jelly with trepidation. “Oh... this will be awful, but I...” she sighed. “I swear, the moment I get out of here, Twilight is devoting all of her attention to get this stuff off of me.”

Slowly, she waded into the pool of jelly, grimacing and groaning the whole way. The jelly sank under her weight, and Rarity realized that, just like she had predicted, it would sink low enough for her to duck under the spikes. Of course, she would have to duck down pretty low. That would mean her mane getting even more jelly in it. Rarity groaned in frustration and annoyance, but ducked down, slipping under the spikes and through to the other side of the pool. Crawling out, she got a good look at herself. Her fur was coated in the pink jelly, as were her mane and tail, giving her a slight shine in the unnatural light of the pipe.

Her lower lip quivered as she gazed in sorrow at her perfectly style tail, now reduced to a horrible mess. She knew her mane was the same way, and the thought brought tears to her eyes again. Turning, she gazed further up the pipe, hoping against hope that was the last of the jelly.

Her eyes lit up, even as a slight frown crossed her lips, at the sight of a pool of water ahead. Granted, the pool was hanging from the ceiling, but it was a pool nevertheless. “Somewhere I can wash this disgusting jelly off.” She muttered, trotting forward with a spring in her step.

Approaching the pool, Rarity began to wonder just how the water was levitating above the ground. Attributing it to magic, Rarity leapt up into it, feeling the cool, refreshing water wash the jelly out of her system. As she ducked out, landing on the floor, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching her. Shaking herself dry, she continued along the pipe, oblivious to the being behind her.

As she trotted down, she felt the eyes ever upon her. But every time she turned around, she couldn’t see anything. It unnerved her to no end. As she descended a large drop carefully, hopping from metal platform to metal platform, she felt the eyes following her. Landing on the edge of a small platform next to another pool of jelly, she looked all around, trying to find the source of whatever was watching her. It wasn’t until she heard a laugh that she looked back at the pool of jelly again.

“Man, you are thick!” The pool itself seemed to be mocking her. “To think that I get to be the one to deal with such a prissy, stuck up, self absorbed clean freak!” Out of the pool rose a lump of jelly, complete with eyes and a cocky grin. Rarity recoiled in horror as the thing slithered over to the edge of the pool, watching her with interest. “Now, how ‘bout tellin’ me your name, sweet cheeks?”

Of course, that turned Rarity’s mood from terrified to furious. She was not used to being spoken to that way. And to have a monster, of all things, saying to her? Scandalous!

“Now, see here, you miserable, little piece of detritus, I shall not be spoken to in that matter. I am a lady, and you are to treat me as such.” The jelly creature blinked at her for a moment, then burst out laughing, a gravelly, grating sound.

“You’ve got fire! I like that!” He stopped laughing and gave her a devious grin. “So, how’s about I call you... Butt Stallion. I think that’ll go nicely for you. Butt Stallion.” Rarity blanched away.

“How dare you!” She shouted, her voice ringing off the walls of the pipe. “You savage! How dare you call me that? I have half a mind to throw you across this pipe!” The jelly monster chuckled again.

“Oh, so kitty has claws, now? Come on, then, or are you a p-” It got no further as Rarity lifted it up with her magic and slammed it against the wall of the pipe, making a nice, sky blue jelly stain. Rarity started humming and waded through the jelly, glad to be away from that little devil.

After she reached the end of the long and deep pool, getting her mane and tail coated in jelly again, Rarity paused for a moment to reflect on what she had just done. Although she was remorseful for hurting something, she had little pity to spare on the creature. It had insulted her, and very nearly become somewhat vulgar. She wasn’t about to allow that, and did the only thing her mind would think of.

Sighing, she trotted on, her hooves making a squishing noise with every soft step. The pipe seemed never ending, twisting, turning and rising at sharp angles, only to descend back into the depths of the earth. Through all the pipe that lay before her, there was quite a bit more jelly in her path. Some of it she was able to avoid. But by the end of her trek, she was coated from head to tail in the stuff, of varying colors and flavors. And every minute caused her to become more and more agitated.

“I swear to Celestia, if I do not find the end of this pipe soon- oh thank heavens.” Rarity sighed as she spotted the Element of Generosity on the path ahead of her. She trotted ahead before stopping herself. The Element was hovering over yet another pool of jelly. Rarity groaned in annoyance, but realizing her trek was almost over, she waded in, reaching out for the Element.

As it wrapped around her neck, the world in front of her opened up, and she could see her friends, all locked in discussion. Stepping through, she watched as they all turned to look at her. Their reactions were exactly what she had expected.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie burst out laughing, while Fluttershy and Twilight looked at her in distress. Applejack was biting her lip, trying hard not to laugh. Rarity rolled her eyes. ‘Exactly what I expected.’

“If you’re done, I would appreciate some assistance in getting this off of me.” Twilight responded instantly, hopping up and rushing to her side. Tugging at the jelly with her magic, she discovered what Rarity already knew. The jelly was magical, and was somehow resistant to most spells. Twilight was intrigued.

“Interesting,” she muttered, finally finding a spell that could pull the jelly off of Rarity. “I’m going to be keeping this. It will be interesting to study.” Rarity couldn’t help but giggle at Twilight’s ceaseless curiosity.

“Oh really? And where do you plan to keep all of it?” Twilight paused at the question, before frowning in annoyance.

“Way to crush my inquisitive spirit, Rarity,” she grumbled, using her magic to instead dispose of the jelly. “Alright, you’re good. Let’s get the door open, shall we?” Rarity and the others followed the disgruntled Twilight to the door. As the unicorn pulled it open, a marvelous sight greeted the six.

“Dibs.”

Path 2.4: Rainin' Underground

Rarity’s hoof fell on the fourth path, labelled “Storm Drain”. Walking past the stone without a second glance, Rarity didn’t even pause to think about what she was getting into. In her mind, it was just a bit of water. Not a big deal.

The path in front of her began to slant upwards, a gentle rise that was easy to walk. Not long after, she found herself at the entrance of a large, surprisingly clean pipe. The inside of the pipe was well lit, and it seemed like she would be able to navigate it with relative ease. Smiling to herself, she stepped inside, grateful to be out of the dark, dirty cavern.

Almost immediately water came pouring down from somewhere above her, landing on her head and soaking her fur. As the stream ended, Rarity fixed her gaze on a point on the path ahead. She didn’t move, only stared as she felt her perfectly styled mane, now ruined and wet around her shoulders.

“Of all the things that could happen,” she cried, flicking her head back to shake off some of the water, and in turn giving herself a sublime radiance. “This is, most definitely, one of the least enjoyable. Why would someone force me to go through this? Is there somepony who likes it when my mane is wet?”

__________

Across the universe, in a dimension very close to Equestria’s, someone felt a chill run down their spine.

__________

“Ah, well, I guess that’s not entirely bad. It could be worse. It could be jelly.” With that, Rarity continued up the now slick and treacherous slope. The water was beginning to pour into the pipe at periodic intervals, and Rarity knew that her travel was about to become that much harder. But she had to press on through it.

Climbing up to the top of the slope, Rarity found herself at the edge of a large pool of stagnant water, complete with dirt and debris. It went on for a long while, the opposite edge hidden from sight. Rarity knew she would have to swim through it. She wasn’t too keen on the idea, though.

Dipping a hoof into the water, she shivered and grimaced. “Oh dear. And I thought getting my mane wet was bad enough. At least that water was somewhat clean.” Groaning, she waded into the water, feeling it dampen and chill her to the bone. The pool became ever deeper, and eventually, Rarity was swimming through the murky water. Due to the cold, each stroke became more and more of a challenge.

She felt her head dip below the surface as she struggled to make it across. She had reached about the halfway point, and could see the other side, when the water washed over face. She gasped, sucking in water and struggling to reach the surface once more. Her mind began to panic. She felt as if she was going to drown. She didn’t want it to end this way.

After about a minute of flailing about in a blind panic, she realized she was standing on the ground, neck deep in water. She slapped herself mentally, thankful that none of the others were around to have seen her acting as she had been. She would never live it down. Wading the rest of the way, Rarity finally made it to the opposite edge of the pool. Ladylike as ever, she refused to shake herself dry, and instead opted for the much colder, less pleasurable experience of trekking through the tunnel, soaked to the bone.

Of course, this proved to be incredibly difficult. Most of the tunnel was slanted upwards, and her damp fur and hooves, along with water constantly pouring down from above, made it very difficult for Rarity to find her footing on the path. More than a few times she lost her footing completely and slid down a decent distance. Having to climb back up several long lengths of tunnel made her trip all the longer, and her mood all the more sour.

Of course, this was not the only thing in the storm drain. There was a large amount of refuse and random garbage, giving the place a foul odor. Rarity grumbled constantly about the fairness of life, but pressed on through it all. ‘I will need a bath. A long, long bath.’

The tunnel seemed endless, and as it progressed, the slant grew steeper and steeper. Eventually, it became a vertical tube shooting up out of a deep, murky pool. There was a winding path leading up and around the tube, leading further on. But, Rarity was displeased as she saw that the beginning of the path lay on the opposite side of the pool.

Steeling herself, she dove into the pool, trying hard not to think about just what she was swimming through. The small pool wasn’t half as long as the one she had swam across earlier, but it was far deeper. Rarity knew that if she became exhausted, she would most certainly drown. Luckily for her, she reached the other side before she became too tired. Unfortunately, her coat had browned from swimming through the murk.

She sniffed the air, gagging and groaning in pain. “Ugh. I smell dreadful. I simply must have a bath before this is all over, or I’ll go mad!” Shaking her head, she trotted up the winding path, wrinkling her nose to avoid the smell.

The path wound up and up, seeming to never end. Rarity watched as, from numerous angles and entrances, water poured from small pipes into the pool far below. She peered over the side after several long minutes of hiking, and skittered back in fear of the height. Looking up, she saw that she still had a long way to go.

It wasn’t long before Rarity got one of her wishes. One of the pipes opened off to the side of the path, almost like a little shower, and the water flowed clear and clean. Although she missed her shampoos and soaps, she satisfied herself with getting most of the dirt off of her coat and mane. After a moment, she stepped out, feeling not quite pristine, but certainly far more clean than before. Nodded with a smile, she resumed her trek up the path.

More long minutes of trotting up the path passed for her, the only sound being the occasional rush of water into the pool far, far below her. Rarity wondered just who built the pipe, and who, for that matter, made it so tall. ‘Quite a curious thing.’ She mused, looking up to see a welcome sight. A small doorway stood half open not far above her. A renewed energy in her step, Rarity dashed up the path.

Pushing the door open, Rarity let out a sigh of relief. There was her Element, waiting for her, floating just above the floor of a small, circular room. Stepping over, the unicorn reached out for it. As her hoof touched it, the gem flashed, and the necklace fastened itself around her neck. She smiled as the world tore open, revealing the small room once more.

Stepping inside, Rarity watched as her friends started to dash up to her. They all stopped after a moment, gazing at Rarity in disgust. She frowned.

“I know, I know. I smell absolutely awful. But there’s no use complaining. I don’t have anything to wash myself with, so-” She stopped herself as Pinkie dug into her mane and produced, much to the astonishment of everypony around her, a shower, complete with curtain, soaps, shampoos, and a hot water heater. It landed with a thud on the ground, Pinkie smiling next to it.

“And they told me I was crazy for buying this!” She laughed. Rarity stared, dumbfounded, at the marvel of magic. After a moment, she picked her jaw up off the floor and dashed over to the shower, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“If you’ll give me a moment of privacy, this will only take a moment.” The other fillies turned away, leaving Rarity to her shower.

As it transpired, a moment turned out to be roughly twenty minutes of shower time. When all was said and done, Rarity stepped out, looking clean and pristine as ever. She batted her damp mane with a hoof.

“Ah, much better. Now, Twilight, I believe we have a door to open, do we not?” With a nod, Twilight and her friends stepped over to the door. Twilight lit her horn, latching onto the handle with her magic and giving it a pull. It swung open to reveal the third, beautiful world.

“Dibs.”

Intermission 2: Mountainous Revelations

“Applejack!” Twilight cried, glaring at her friend in anger. “What did you do that for?”

Applejack shrugged. “Ah figured that somepony oughtta do somethin’, so Ah did. Otherwise, Rarity never woulda gotten her keister out there, and ya’ll know it, too.” Twilight had to admit, Applejack did have a point. Rarity would have tried to find any way possible to get out of going into a cave. Applejack, although a little blunt in her methods, had done the right thing.

“Even so,” Twilight scolded, still not entirely convinced. “That was very rude. I want you to apologize when she gets back.” She turned about and walked away, leaving the other four to converse amongst themselves. The moment Twilight was out of earshot, Rainbow Dash leaned over and gave Applejack a hoofbump.

“Nice.”

__________

“Hey Fluttershy, mind if I ask you something?”

Fluttershy and Twilight were sitting together some time later, deep in quiet conversation, when the question came forth. Fluttershy nodded, a little confused.

“Of course. What is it, Twilight?” Twilight watched her for a minute, unsure of how to phrase the question.

“What is your... sudden interest in this book?” She inquired, hesitating and watching Fluttershy’s reaction. As expected, the pegasus’ normally calm, quiet demeanor took a turn for the hostile, reading her question as a jab. The signs were subtle, but Twilight was still able to spot them. A shift in the brow, a twitch of the lip, even the eyes looked different. Fluttershy was hiding something, and Twilight was set on finding out what.

“Whatever do you mean?” Fluttershy retorted, her voice barely carrying her defensive anger. Twilight pointed a hoof at her.

“That. Whenever one of us mentions the book in an even slightly negative light, you get all aggressive. You’re hiding something.” Twilight gave a soft smirk as Fluttershy’s expression changed again, this time giving away her nervousness and shock. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

Fluttershy nodded and hung her head. “Y-yes. I... I can’t tell you what it is though. You’ll... you’ll laugh at me.” Fluttershy began to rise and turn away when she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She turned to see Twilight gazing at her with concern.

“I would never laugh at you. Come on, just tell me what it is.” Fluttershy gazed around the room for a moment, then sighed. She muttered incoherently, her voice barely audible. Twilight smiled and shook her head.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Fluttershy repeated herself, her voice not much louder, but still not understandable. Twilight frowned. “Fluttershy...”

“I said, this book is very special to me.” Twilight paused, raising an eyebrow.

“That’s it? I thought you were going to say your mother wrote it.”

“Grandmother, actually.” Twilight’s mouth fell open. Fluttershy looked away bashfully. “She painted all the pictures, too. It was my mother’s idea to mass produce the book.” Twilight was still staring at her in disbelief. Fluttershy waved a hoof in front of her eyes. “Um...”

“The... the princess... Celestia used to read this with me, sometimes. She said she knew the author. I met her, once. You’re telling me that Crystal Quill,” Twilight paused, pointing a hoof at Fluttershy. “Was your grandmother!?” Fluttershy merely nodded.

“Well, yes. She wrote the book specially for my mother. My mom thought it would be a good idea to let other foals read it with their parents, so she convinced my grandmother to get the book produced. It was a big hit for a while.” Fluttershy paused at Twilight’s continued look of astonishment. “At least... that’s what I’ve been told.”

“So you’re saying that this book could very well be yours? Could very well be the original copy?” Fluttershy nodded again. “But how would you know?” Fluttershy shrugged.

“I’m not sure. I think my mom wrote a message for me on the inside of the back cover, but I don’t really remember what it said. It went missing about... oh, eight years ago. Well before I met you, Twilight.” Twilight paused again, her mind racing.

“Your mother... she wouldn’t happen to have been named Serenity, would she?” Fluttershy nodded, a little confused as to how Twilight knew that. She voiced her question, and Twilight gave her a winning smile. “This is your book, Fluttershy. There is a little message written by a Serenity. I thought it was strange how someone wrote something to their daughter on a library book, but now it makes sense.”

Fluttershy gasped, smiling wide. “That’s... that’s just wonderful, Twilight...” Her face fell after a moment, the realization of just what was meant by “library book” hit her. “But... it’s a library book. Even if it is mine, it belongs to the ponies of Ponyville now. I can’t just take it away.” Twilight shook her head.

“No. Fluttershy, I will do everything I can to get more copies of the book so you can take yours home. I won’t let a book go without its proper owner.” She gave her friend a gentle smile. “Have you ever read the message on the back?” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Before I left Cloudsdale, my mother was supposed to give me the book,” Fluttershy replied, her ears drooping. “Unfortunately... I never got it. It got mixed up in the shipment somehow, and I got some strange book on alchemy. Never did understand what that book was trying to say at all.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Must’ve been Ditzy Doo. You know, Derpy’s mom. I may not have been in Ponyville for as long as you have, but I know that our mail system has a notoriously bad reputation.” Her smile returning, Twilight continued. “Well, if you’ve never read what your mother wrote... I think you’re in for a very pleasant surprise.”

Fluttershy’s smile grew wide, and the two shared a fond embrace for but a moment. When they separated, Rainbow Dash made an unnatural gagging noise.

“Laaaame. I mean, yeah, that’s cool and all, that this is Flutter’s book, but seriously, what’s next? You should know the book pretty well, Shy, so what can we expect?” Fluttershy turned to the others, who were watching her and Twilight. Apparently, they had heard the whole conversation, and were now waiting for Fluttershy to explain.

“W-well... um, I remember that the, um, the mountains... well,” Fluttershy mumbled, trailing off into silence. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Really, are we really going to do this, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy made a small ‘eep’ and shook her head. “Good. Now, what about the mountains.”

“Well,” Fluttershy replied, her voice stronger, but still quiet. “I-if I remember correctly, there are four very dangerous creatures living on the four peaks. One of us is going to have to battle one of them.”

“Alright!” Rainbow cried, stomping on the floor. “I’ve been itching for some action!” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Rainbow, we don’t even know who’s going through the door yet. You can’t just assume it-” She was cut off as Pinkie lept up.

“Oh, she will be going through the door. And I’m still kinda mad about not being able to go to the jungle.” She smiled at Twilight’s glare. “Just trust me on this. When have I ever led you wrong?” Twilight’s glare did not cease. Not until the wall fell open and Rarity stepped inside.

__________

“Rainbow, you can’t just call dibs like that.” Twilight growled, turning to face her friend. To her surprise, Rainbow Dash was no longer standing in the place she had spoken. Instead, she had moved clean through the barrier onto the landscape outside. She grinned cockily at Twilight.

“You were saying?” She called out before the door sealed shut in front of her. She found herself in a vast, beautiful expanse of rolling hills, leading up to a panoramic view of three tall, thin mountains. Their peaks were capped with snow, and for some odd reason, the rocks that the mountains consisted of seemed to be blue, almost the same shade as Rainbow was.

Standing in the midst of the mountains was a massive tower, one that radiated darkness and shadow. Although the sun shone bright overhead, the tower seemed locked in perpetual night. It was almost as if one of them had encountered a similar tower before, but she couldn’t be certain. Regardless, Rainbow eyed it warily.

“Looks like fun... if only I could fly...” she sighed, gazing at her wings forlornly. She gave them a test flap, feeling the pain course through her shoulder. It wasn’t excruciating, but it was enough to keep her grounded. She thought she might be able to pull off a short flutter through the air, but knew that sustained flight was impossible. Groaning in annoyance, she trotted forward, heading towards a path off to her right. Knowing that it would fork into four, Rainbow decided to deliberate about her options.

“So, four paths... each one with a different... boss? Mini boss, maybe?” She shrugged. “I dunno. Whatever it is, it’s waiting at the end.” Furrowing her brow, Rainbow frowned and paused momentarily, putting a hoof to her chin. “But I have no idea what’s at the end of each path... great.” Shaking her head, she doubled her pace, intent on finding out anything she could about the roads ahead.

As expected, the path did eventually fork into four. Rainbow had been running for some time, and was relatively close to the base of the mountains when she encountered the fork. Finding small signs posted next to each path, Rainbow trotted over to each, taking a quick look over her options.

“General Use Trail, The Midnight Tower, Alpine Slopes, and...” Her expression deadpanned, and she nearly facehoofed. “Frustration. Really? That’s the name of the fourth path? Frustration?” She groaned. “Well, that doesn’t help. I still don’t know whose flank I’ll be kicking. All I know is there will be flanks, and they will be kicked. The questions is... which one?” She closed her eyes, rolling things over in her mind.

At last, she opened her eyes, and, with a brief murmur of “Pause for dramatic effect,” took off at a steady and thoroughly anticlimactic trot.

Author's Note

What sorcery is this? With my schedule at home about to become a bit more busy, I figured I'd get this out to you. Next time: Dashie ventures forth into the unknown!

Intermission 1: Cavernous Implications

Holding Chamber Time: Fifteen Minutes Prior:

Twilight smiled as she saw her friend on the other side of the barrier, watching them all trying to break through. ‘At least one of us got through. Maybe Applejack can help us get over there.’ She was about to call out to her when the door slammed closed, startling the five fillies still on the inside.

“Applejack!” Rainbow Dash cried, leaping towards the now closed door. She began to pound on it with her hooves, trying anything she could to batter it down. “Give her back! Open up! COME ON!” She wasn’t the only one trying to get the door open. Twilight was focusing all her magic on the point where the latch had been, only to find it had disappeared. She couldn’t find a grip on the door to pry it open. She couldn’t make sense of what had happened.

‘How does magic just do that? This isn’t right... and I’ve written magic, for the love of Celestia.’ She growled internally at finding herself so helpless. And for being unable to figure out what it was that held them back. ‘Magic doesn’t work like this... unless... no. No, that’s simply not possible.’

She was drawn back as Rainbow cried out in pain, gripping her shoulder and gritting her teeth. Fluttershy was first to react, uncommonly. She hovered over, cooing soothingly. “Oh, Rainbow. You really shouldn’t have been overexerting yourself.” Gently placing a hoof on the injured shoulder, Fluttershy felt around the sore area and shook her head. “Well, at least you didn’t break anything. Come here, I should be able to help.” Fluttershy then lead Rainbow to the left side of the room, in order to carry out her ministrations. Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all stood, somewhat dumbfounded at the recent events.

“Twilight... please tell me you can explain?” Rarity asked hesitantly, still watching the pair of pegasi. Fluttershy had Rainbow lying on her stomach, and was gently massaging the pained shoulder. Rarity wondered if the shy pegasus had picked something up from watching Aloe and Lotus during their spa visits. Turning to look at Twilight, Rarity watched as the unicorn mulled things over.

“Well, if I had to make a guess, whatever dark power has this book under it’s control wants us to face the world one by one. If I remember right, there were six main pages with four different outcomes. Each time you read the book, it could be a completely new story...” Twilight turned her eyes to the door again. “I remember a few of the pages. There was a jungle and an ocean. But I don’t remember the order.” Pinkie took this moment to pipe in.

“Those would be pages four and five! Before that, there’s the opening page, a cavern, and a mountain, and after that is a castle. So, if each of us has to go through one... can I have the jungle? Please, Twilight? I really want to go to a jungle!” Twilight raised an eyebrow at her friend’s antics.

“I don’t think we are able to choose. I think the magic has other things in mind for us.” Twilight replied, turning to trot over to the back wall. “I need time to think. If you girls don’t mind?” They nodded and she went to her desired place to mull her thoughts over. Pinkie then turned to Rarity.

“So, Rarity, do you think I’ll get the jungle?” Rarity shrugged in reply, not giving the party pony a verbal answer. It was clear that she was preoccupied, so Pinkie decided it best to leave her be. The unicorn stepped lightly over to the right hoof wall and sat, staring into space. Her mind was racing.

‘This dark magic... it feels familiar somehow. I wonder if Twilight has noticed it as well. We’ve felt this magic somewhere before... I wish I could remember...’ She put a hoof to her lip, reaching back into her mind to try and find the memory. Unfortunately, it would not come. She huffed in annoyance and took to combing her mane while trying to recall the sensation. Opposite her, Rainbow groaned as Fluttershy worked at a particularly sensitive spot.

“Oh, Rainbow, you pulled something in your back, too. I don’t think you’ll be flying quite as well for a while.” Rainbow groaned and rolled her eyes.

“That’s just great. Like I really need that right now. To lose the only thing that I have going for me in this place.” She sighed as Fluttershy’s ministrations continued. “So, whaddya think about all this? Kinda weird, even with what we deal with on a day to day basis, huh?” Fluttershy nodded absentmindedly. “I mean, sucked into a foal’s pop-up book... who woulda guessed? And this one, of all of them... it was good, but there were certain bits that just... I dunno, I just thought were kinda lame. You know what I- GAH!” She recoiled as Fluttershy’s hooves drove down on her back just a bit too hard. She rolled over, glaring daggers at her now completely mortified friend.

“What was that for?” She snarled. Fluttershy covered her mouth with her hooves, trying to make herself appear as small as possible. Rainbow realized that she was scaring her, and decided to tone the anger down. “I’m sorry for snapping like that, but seriously, what was that all about?” Fluttershy shrugged.

“I don’t know what came over me...” She said, hoping that her worried glances wouldn’t be conspicuous. Rainbow didn’t notice it, which she was thankful for. “I’m so sorry, Rainbow.” In response, Dash rolled her eyes and lay back down.

“It’s alright. Let’s just get this over with.”

In the center of the chamber, Pinkie was mulling things over with herself. She had produced small models of each of her friends from... well, somewhere. Even she wasn’t too sure herself. Regardless, she was moving them around, scheming our the course of their journey.

“Alright, so Applejack got to go number one. That means that Rarity is number two...” She paused and snickered for a moment, before focusing her attention on her figures once more. “So, if that’s the order for the first two... when does the new guy show up? Oh, that would be after chapter three... of course. Speaking of which... I wonder if Applejack’s seen any Shy Ponies out there. I’d love to see one!

“Of course, that’ll probably happen anyway, unless I get my jungle. Which I most likely will. Then it’ll be a jungle party!” She tilted her head up, scratching her chin with a hoof. “I hope I can find some good jungle music. After that we get the Elements, beat the bad guy and kablooie!” She scattered the figures around as she mimicked the explosion noise. “Then we go home! Sounds like a plan!”

Across the room, Twilight sat and pondered the situation. Things just weren’t right. There was something familiar to the dark power that they were facing, and yet she couldn’t place it. She didn’t know what it was that was fighting them. And that bothered her. Normally she knew their adversary, and she was able to deal with it with relative ease. This was different. She didn’t like it.

She tried to think. ‘Okay, Twilight, let’s review the facts. We’re in the pop-up book. There’s six pages, each one forcing us to go alone. There’s dark magic fighting us the whole way. It’s probably transformed the world of the storybook as well. This leaves some blanks here.

‘Where are the Elements? Are they at the end of each page? That would make sense. Make us work to get them back... no, that’s stupid. Why would you make it so your foes could easily access the weapons they so desire? I swear, sometimes the villains we have to fight are so idiotic with their plans. So many flaws, so many loopholes, it’s unbelievable.

‘Also, there were supposed to be six filly heroines, native to the book. Where are they? Could the dark magic have done something to them? Always a possibility. Actually, that’s probably what happened. It’s a good strategy, and though the dark force doesn’t appear all that intelligent from what I’ve gathered, I won’t put this past it.

‘Lastly... why? Magic can’t do this. Not unless it’s being controlled. What if there’s something sealed inside here with us? What if that was what dragged us in? That would explain a few of the discrepancies I have... but not everything, and it raises one, crucial question:

‘Who on Equestria is trapped in here?’

She was startled from her thoughts as a long rumble echoed through the room, drawing the attention of all the fillies within. They stared at one another for a long moment.

“W-w-what was that?” Fluttershy stammered. Twilight shook her head, amazed at how sound managed to relay itself across the room with ease.

“I don’t know. Doesn’t seem to be serious at all...” She was cut off by another rumble, this time much louder. There was a bright flash of light...

__________

Present:

“Rarity, come on! You’re the only one who hasn’t tried to go through the barrier! None of us can, so it must be you!”Twilight’s voice was pleading. But the fashionista wouldn’t hear it.

“No means no, Twilight. I’ve spent more than enough time in deep, dark caves. I have no wish to do so here and now.” She tilted her head up dramatically. “I shall speak no more of the matter.”

“Oh really?” Applejack stepped over, her eyes fixed menacingly on Rarity’s. “Ya’ll don’t go out there, and we can’t leave this book. We’ll never get out. Think about yer little sis. Think about Ponyville. Think about us. Why don’t ya’ll think about somethin’ other than yourself fer a change!” Rarity met Applejack’s glare with one of her own, but the farm filly wasn’t done yet. “You are one of the most generous ponies Ah know, and yet ya’ll can be so darn selfish! Ah don’t know how ya do it, but Ah know this: You’ll get yer keister through that door by yerself, or Ah’ll buck ya clean through. Your move.”

Rarity tried to keep her glare steady, but found herself unable. She sighed, lowering her head in defeat. “You’re right,” She moaned glumly. “I wasn’t thinking, and I apologize. I know I have to do this... even if I loathe the idea.” She lifted her head, making her way over to the door. She stopped right before the entrance, lifting a tentative hoof. “Do I really have to go out there?” She whined. “I mean, it’s so dark... and dirty” Applejack chose not to respond, and instead stepped over and gave Rarity a gentle shove. The fashionista stumbled out the door.

“Hey! That was very rude!” She yelled, turning about just as the door slammed behind her. As the light of the room vanished, she found herself alone in the dark of the spacious cavern. She looked about, biting her lip in nervous fear. The last time she had been in this situation, she had been a prisoner of the Diamond Dogs. Granted, she had outdone herself with getting out of the situation, but her memories of the place were less than fond. Now she was forced underground once again.

“If I never see another cave for the rest of my life after this is over... it will be far, far too soon.” She muttered, her voice as dark as the cave around her. There was enough light for her to see, but not enough to give her a good idea of what lay ahead. Lighting up her horn with a gentle illumination spell, she strode cautiously down the dirt path that lay before her, down into the depths of the cavern.

The path wasn’t steep, but it was long and winding as she descended into the unknown. Rarity sighed as she looked around. This was nothing like the pleasant fields that Applejack had found herself in. This wasn’t for a pony of her standards. She didn’t belong here.

But Applejack’s words came to her mind again. She shook her head, trying to shake the feelings of unease they brought her. ‘Everypony has to make sacrifices, even a lady such as myself... for the others... for Sweetie Belle. I will do this.’ A gleam in her eye, she increased her pace down the path. ‘And, the faster I get out of here, the better. Let’s not keep the others waiting.’

Eventually she came to a fork in the path, with four separate trails winding off into the darkness. Four stones were set next to each path, with writing carved into them. She took a moment to glance them over.

“Den of the Bone Dragons, Blargg’s Inferno, The Jelly Pipe, Storm Drain... oh dear... these all sound simply dreadful.” She bit her lip again, unsure of which path was the least of the evils that lay before her. At last, she raised a hoof.

“That way.”