//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8 
// Story: Dungeons, Dragons, and a Little Friendship 
// by Lawrence Gander 
//------------------------------//


Dungeons, Dragons, and a Little Friendship
Chapter 8

 
Cartanis looked about the fairgrounds set up in the fields by the Whitetail Wood; he was still rather amazed how the ponies had managed to set up an entire celebration in just under twenty-four hours. 
 
“Hi Cartanis, are you ready for your big day?”
 
Cartanis turned to see Twilight, “Pretty much, although I could have done with mor-” but he broke into a yawn halfway through, “Excuse me, I was up half the night repairing a very important piece of equipment.” 
 
“Well in that case, let me buy you some tea.” Twilight stated.
 
“Oh you don't have to go and waste-”
 
Twilight interrupted, “For once Cartanis just let a pony do something nice for you.”
 
Cartanis gently smiled and followed her over to the vendors situated between the stages and amongst the fairgrounds that hosted a few rides. Twilight walked over to a booth, rang the service bell, and a Zebra with a rather large mo-hawk answered, “Why if it isn't our favorite stranger dressed in blue, did you have any luck with all your special brew?”
 
“I must say you gave me some helpful clues, maybe one day you will be able to make your own magic stews.”
 
Zecora gave a few hearty chuckles, “This one I like.”
 
Twilight grinned at seeing two of her friends getting along, “Can I get the usual for myself, and a cup of wake-up tea for Cartanis?”
 
Zecora disappeared for a moment before returning with some containers, she filled them both with hot water, and placed a few various powders and herbs within each. Twilight tossed a few bits on the table from her saddlebag, Zecora returned a few more than was necessary, “One can manage to honor a hero in their own way, for just today Cartanis does not need to pay.”
 
Cartanis thanked Zecora for the kind gift as he gingerly sipped at the piping hot tea. Looking about he noticed Ted at another stall not far from where they were, “Guess he was able to make it in time, I need to have a word with him.”
 
Cartanis made his way over to Ted, excusing himself when he occasionally got in the way of other ponies. When he finally made it to Ted he tapped him on the shoulder, “I would like my hat back Ted.”
 
Ted turned, “I knew I forgot to do something,” Ted removed the blue top hat from his head and gave it back to Cartanis, “By the way, our stores of metals from our world are still around. Although we might have to start attempting to make more soon.”
 
“Only if we have to, I don't want to risk summoning something from the plane of earth and causing a veil tear.” Cartanis stated as he returned his hat to his own cranium.
 
“I'm sorry to interrupt, but what was Ted doing with your hat?” Twilight asked.
 
“He was up all night repairing armor and making tweaks to his own, it apparently wasn't fitting just so.”
 
“How is he still awake?”
 
Ted interjected, “Oh just a few quick meditations and I am right as rain. It is a very nice racial feat, not sure how we developed it though.” He said as he scratched his chin in thought. 
 
Rainbow Dash then landed next to them, “Ted you were right, that new ride they have this year is awesome.”
 
Ted laughed a bit, “Nothing quite like being launched into the air and then free-falling for a bit before gliding down the last few hundred feet.” 
 
Cartanis spit up some of his tea, “You were on rides while you were wearing my HAT! Are you MAD!?”

Ted looked out over the various crowds and made out a familiar shape, “My, my, is that our burly Andur I spy?” he said as he took off into the air to avoid the various threats and accusations Cartanis was making.

Andur was followed by Rarity, who had her chin raised high with pride over her creation. A simple, yet elegant suit that did little to show off much more than Andur's natural size and color. “So when does your beauty pageant start?” he asked Rarity.
 
“Oh that won't be started for a few more hours, which gives me just enough time to spruce myself up backstage.” Rarity said as she pampered her mane.
 
Andur then noticed Ted soaring through the sky towards them, as he landed he looked over Andur's suit, “Don't you just look like the star of the show,” Ted then gave his attention to Rarity, with a pout he said, “Why didn't Cartanis or I get a fancy little get-together, hmm?”
 
Rarity rolled her eyes, “Ted, you for one should realize how rare and exotic you are. Any attempt to dress you up would actually be a detriment to your style, just don't try to wear that wretched green cloak I've heard that you have. As for Cartanis...” Rarity's eyes seemed to sparkle as she spoke, “I wouldn't dare to top that masterpiece of a design... well I may try to make something better than that overused top hat idea. But that is simply par for the course I would assume.”
 
Cartanis then wandered his way over through the crowds with a container of tea floating alongside himself, he shot a glare at Ted before addressing Rarity, “Hello Miss Rarity, I was rather curious about this dress I hear you are going to be wearing in the pageant. Fluttershy told me I would be most flattered by its design.”
 
Rarity gasped a bit, “She didn't give anything away did she?”
 
“No, no, I'm just a bit curious is all.”
 
“Well you're going to need to stay curious for a while longer, my dress is going to be hidden in my saddlebags until I am on stage. Now if you can excuse me, I must prepare myself.” Rarity then trotted her way over to the pageant stage and disappeared behind its backstage entrance.
 
As the trio was talking about various things they had done at the fairgrounds, one of them noticed Pinkie Pie and called her over.
 
“Yeah, what’s up?” she said.
 
“We are all unsure as to when this award ceremony we heard about is going to be getting underway.” Cartanis asked.
 
“Don't worry about that, it'll begin in a few hours. Just enjoy yourselves, today is Eastavis for crying out loud, and when it's time I'm sure somepony will come find you.” Pinkie Pie then hopped along, back to her duties of making sure the party was still going strong, and that everypony was happy.
 
Andur decided to partake in the local souvenir and cultural vendors, too afraid to attempt the rides out of fear he would break them. He met a few grateful families who insisted on thanking him; he even met Dodge and his family who were more than grateful to buy him some snacks. A few curious ponies asked about his powers, he told them the truth which only seemed to make them admire him more. Instead of showcasing power he didn't have, Andur shared stories of the adventures of The Dungeon Masters with any who would listen.
 
Ted returned to his adrenaline induced binge on the fairgrounds, occasionally taking dares and performing feats of incredible skill at the local mini-games. He also introduced a few lucky ponies to some daredevil aerial moves he thought up, only to be shown up by Rainbow Dash. He also took part in the local spring fly-off; Ted managed to place well considering the amount of participants. Many assumed however that he was just too busy showing off to the crowds to take care in actually winning.
 
Cartanis did his best to try and stay out of the limelight, he was no stranger to it, but preferred to stay anonymous and enjoy the local fanfare. More than a few young unicorns asked if he could show them how to do his magic, he simply laughed at their wonderful curiosity; and showed them a few parlor tricks. Two young unicorns in particular attempted to get Cartanis to show his might by annoying him, he simply ignored them until they got bored with his 'lack of coolness', then when they had left made a spectacle for all to enjoy. A grand illusion spell recreating a reaction between the elements above the skies of the fairgrounds, novas of light and sound, grand sights few pony had ever seen greeted their eyes.
 
As everypony was enjoying themselves and their new-found friends, and heroes, something far more sinister began to stir elsewhere. 
 

[/][/][1][/][/]

 
He awoke frightened, a few panicked breaths as he looked about the dark earthy tomb he was within. As he calmed himself, he took note of the one source of light within his rather confined space. With just enough room to move his limbs, he began brushing with one of his arms against the loosened dirt. He was frustrated with his closed fist, Bah, stupid regeneration, wouldn't be the first time my hand was paralyzed. 
 
With force he made his hand open, painful atrophy greeted him, but he cared not. Using the limb he cleared some of the dirt from around himself, trying to widen the small hole that had light shining down from above at an angle. He attempted to shift around his body and look up the canal of light, but to no avail, it was far too bright to the relative darkness for him to make out how far below ground he was. Well, if I make a scene, might as well.
 
He searched for his power over the arcane, and the dark secrets he had learned over the centuries. The air around him crackled at his powers presence, he arced it outwards into the surrounding dirt, as the energy made contact with the earth it seemed to evaporate. The resulting fumes whisked their way out into the atmosphere. 
 
With some additional room, he managed to have enough space to attempt to stand. Falling to his hands, he questioned why he could not stand upright. How long has it been? He reached inside his robes that had also regenerated with him every time, taking out an arcane device used to measure time. As he checked the various readouts he took note that it had been about six days since he last checked it. So I've had another quick regeneration. That explains much, I’m probably lucky enough just to be able to summon my power, let alone have enough of my bones to crawl my way out of here.
 
He worked his way up the chute he had carved with his power. Strange, it doesn't even feel like any of my bones are missing. Why do they move so awkwardly? Finally making it to the top of the tunnel, he peered through the small hole at the end. This time he was able to make out a sky, and some trees that he felt looked odd. Using another small surge of power, he blasted the last portion of dirt out of his way. Light surged into the tunnel, causing him to shut his good eye for a moment. 
 
Walking out into the world he finally sated his curiosity and looked down at his arms. He was greeted with the image of two bony horse legs, skin loosely attached in places that was held together with his dimly glowing rune-weave. Does some greater being jest with me? He moved his limbs to make sure he was seeing his own body, as he watched them move to his minds commands he wished to know more. He heard the trickle of a stream off in the forest, and decided to venture to it. 
 
He clumsily made his way through all the torn up ground, it looked as though someone had sent a swarm of moles into the forest floor. He noticed in one direction in particular there were holes every few meters by the trees. Making his way past the torn up ground he found the source of the trickle, a rather simple shallow stream was draining downhill, he approached and peered into the smooth surface in attempt to make out his face. 
 
The surface was rippling slightly from the motion of the water moving, so he grabbed some with his power and caused it to smooth in the air in front of himself. With the better surface, he could make out his face. He was staring at a unicorn, one side of the face was covered with a loose layer of skin its milky white eyes mirroring the movements he made. The other was bone, loosely held together with strands of rune-weave that worked their way around the bone like muscles and tendons. His slightly glowing phylactery floated amidst his empty eye socket, mimicking the actions of a pupil. Atop his blanched grey head sat a horn, it seemed slightly misshapen, and almost brittle looking from age. What little hair he had was oily and a sickly green, the same went for his tail. He was rather surprised by the amount of flesh he retained, the rune weave seemed to works its way in and out of it, holding it together.
 
He frowned slightly, only the skin covered side of his face showing any real emotion, “So now I am Dra'nahb: The Void Unicorn?” he scoffed at his own joke. Life seeks to make a fool out of me? We shall see how much it finds this transformation funny when I scatter this world of its precious toys. He turned when he heard a loud noise in the distance, his various robes and hanging charms moving to his form. In the sky in the distance he saw lights, Looks like I'm going to find a good starting ground. He contemplated how he would go about collecting what he needed; as he began trotting off towards the disturbance.
 

[/][/][2][/][/]

 
Andur delighted in Cartanis' display of arcane showmanship, as it faded he could hear some applause in the distance where he guessed his friend was. Andur then noticed Applejack approaching him from her stall she had set up, “There ya' are, the mayor is about to announce the start of the contests, you better get your friends together and get on over to the center stage or ya'll will miss out on your big moment.”
 
Andur quickly produced his messenger book and relayed the message to his friends, who in turn messaged back confirmations about receiving the news. He took note of how the sun was in the western part of the sky, just late enough in the afternoon to cast an orange skyline. Andur then made his way to the show stage, which was situated between the beauty pageant and costume contest stages.
 

[/][/][3][/][/]

 
Dra'nahb stopped himself, he was at the edge of the tree line, and could easily make out the estranged fairgrounds in the fields in front of him. But something was eating at his senses, he had journeyed through the woods and sensed the strange new magic of the world, this feeling however was familiar. He reached out with his power, feeling and testing the area around himself, as he got closer to the edge of the tree line his power started sending warning signals to him. 
 
He retracted his tendrils of power, slowly advancing on the warning signals, with a fine combing of the area he looked for the source of his unease. He eventually made out a faint hum of power from the ground in front of himself; he bathed the area in arcane energy in order to cause it to reveal itself. My, my, an old spell, a very old spell. Dra'nahb poked and prodded it with his power, doing his best not to trip it while he figured out its mechanics. 
 
Senses power from our world, I can feel it bending from my prodding, but it allows the magic of this world to flow through it. The weave of the spell, it also is far too familiar... it can't be. This requires investigation. Dra'nahb used his power to prod the barrier of arcane energy, each time he used less and less power, until finally he found what he was looking for. Alright, the threshold is low enough for some scrying, but I’ll need a focus. Dra'nahb laughed a little and slapped a hoof to his face, I always forget about my old abilities don't I?
 
The lich placed a hoof under his left eye, it slowly fell out of its socket, and a small string of a nerve marked its backside. While he grasped it with his strange new perception in his hoof, he sent some of his darker powers into the eye, giving it a mockery of life. He was slightly surprised at how little he had to use in order to achieve his goal. Far less than I imagined, that just means I’ll be able to get a better signal inside. Using the leftover threshold he gave the floating orb a few markings so he could hear what it should be able to, as well as a few obscuring runes to hide it from casual observance. Alright, too much more and it won't be able to slip through unnoticed, now go my little creation.
 
The floating eye smoothly drifted through the barrier, Dra'nahb picked a place he felt would be a good hiding spot, and then focused on channeling what the eye could see and hear into his mind.
 

[/][/][4][/][/]

 
The mayor of Ponyville quickly peeked her head out of the curtain, and took notice of the large crowd that was gathered in front of the stage. She looked back to The Dungeon Masters who were behind the curtain with her, “OK, are all of you ready?”
 
Each nodded their heads in confirmation.
 
The mayor signaled to one of the stage-hooves who then began pulling various ropes to cause the curtain to open slightly enough so she could walk out on stage, a light brought attention to her in the outside dusk. As she approached the end of the runway she spoke into the mic attached to her lapel, 
 
“Today is Eastavis, the day which we join together as a community in order to welcome back one another into our lives after having seen very little of each other over the winter months. But this Eastavis has been like no other in our history. Six days ago our town was rocked by disaster. We were shaken to our core as we sought out missing loved ones, all the while we tried to rebuild our lives. At a point it seemed hopeless as more and more reports of the missing arrived at my door, I couldn't help but feel anguish for the frightened families of my town.”
 
“But on the third night from the disaster, we all awoke in the middle of the night to the sight of an exodus entering our town. The Thunderheads had sought out our village as another stepping stone on their twisted road of profiteering and greed, they had kidnapped our loved ones. In an act of selflessness, and perhaps a little chance, complete strangers had rescued the ones we so dearly missed. Asking only in return that we try to keep our gratitude in check. Now I don't know about you, but I think we may have broken that promise.”
 
The crowd gave a loud cheer, hooves stomping in approval. As they quieted the mayor began again.
 
“As we reunited with our families we were once again shaken to our cores, we feared that all the hard work we accomplished in the past days would be ground to a halt. Monsters were rampaging amongst our own streets, had it not been for the heroism and self-sacrifice of these unknown ponies, we would've been once more on the brink of disaster. They stopped the monsters and nearly gave their lives defending complete strangers, so tonight Ponyville, I ask you to give something of yourselves to these special ponies. Welcome them... welcome them as if they were long lost family, let them know they are cherished and loved by every single one of us.”
 
She turned to the curtains, “I give you, The Dungeon Masters!”
 
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheering and applause as the curtains pulled back to let Andur, Cartanis, and Ted onto the stage.
 
Andur and Cartanis made their way to the main body of the stage floor as they had been told to, but Ted hovered a few feet into the air. As he had taken to clasping his hooves over his head, shaking them about as if he had just won some championship.
 
As the crowd once again settled down, Ted landed in line with his comrades. As a unicorn appeared from behind the curtains floating a case with its magic, the mayor motioned for Ted to step forward and began to speak again. 
 
“For Te'denit- Te'denis-” The mayor was slipping up on his name.
 
Ted spoke up, “How about Ted?”
 
“For Ted,” the case opened to reveal three medals of differing shape, “In honor of all your work, from helping the Boe Family, to aiding in the rescue of our own families.” she picked out a medal that was like a pegasus wing, after placing it over his neck she continued, “I award the Silver Feather.” Ted once again hovered a few feet into the air and enticed the crowd into another loud ovation.
 
Cartanis was the next to be called forward.
 
“For Cartanis. In thanks for helping us repair the damage around town after the monster attack, and aiding us in our time of need.” She pulled out a medal that looked like a heart, and placed it over his neck. “I award the Selfless Soul.” Cartanis did his best to bow and wave to the crowd as it cheered for him
 
Andur was the last to step forward. 
 
“And Andur. For your heroic display of sacrifice, making use of your gift to help those ponies around you, and even when your own life was in danger you put the lives of others first. In accordance with such noble conduct,” she took out a gleaming medal that looked like a sun and moon combined “I award the highest honor one of my office is able, the Celestial Star.” Andur knelt so she could put the medal over his head.
 
As the crowd erupted into cheering once more, Andur asked if he could be allowed to speak, the mayor quickly got him a mic so he could speak to the crowd. The crowd quieted as they waited for Andur to speak.
 
“Citizens of Ponyville,” he started, “I know that today is a day of great celebration for you all. But I cannot allow myself to hide from you the truth of this matter.” Worried and confused murmuring could be heard, “I know that you are not foolish, many of you believe, rightfully so, that we are not from around Equestria. For we have powers that defy explanation by your world's rules as you know them. In truth, you are right, we hail from a strange place from which we do not know if we can ever return. The path that we took to get here, was a dangerous one. Without your knowledge we found ourselves in your land,” Andur took a deep breath, “and in entering your world we caused the disaster that plagued your village six days ago.”
 
The crowd gasped collectively and the murmuring grew louder, “It is also the result of how we traversed this place between worlds, that we indirectly brought those monsters to your village.” Andur looked about the crowd, some seemed worried, others a little angry. “So I ask you, are we still the heroes you wish to worship? Shall we leave you now to never return? Does this make our actions mean something different than they did to you a scant few minutes ago? Are we still the selfless warriors who put life and limb on the line for your protection? Or are we guilt ridden vagabonds who wish to make good on a series of unfortunate events?”
 
Andur looked about the crowd, they seemed to be waiting for him to continue. “I for one shall not care for your answer, my friends and I were certain of our path a long time ago. If you shun us, even if you hate us, we shall continue to do what we feel is right. The dangers that you face have not ended with that attack two days ago, and we will not allow you to lie defenseless in your cribs. So hate us if you must, but it shall not stop us. You are good beings that do not deserve this suffering that was thrust upon you by the schemes of fate, and as long as we are able we shall give our lives to preserve you from the dangers we may have brought with us. For that is all we expect of ourselves, and we shall never expect anything in return from you.”
 
Andur then returned the mic to the stunned mayor, he walked over to his friends, both had an approving if also a little worried expression. Andur had told them of what he planned to do, and both agreed it would be for the best. 
 
As they passed by the unicorn with the case, they each removed their medals, and returned them to their places. Making their way behind the curtains Cartanis spoke up, “So what now?”
 
Andur chuckled a bit, “We either get ready to run, or we get surprised.” 
 
The trio worked their way out a back door, when slowly a chant could be heard. It grew louder each time it was said.
 
Ted looked perplexed, “Are they chanting our name?”
 
The chant grew louder still, slowly deafening all the other noises of the world. “Dungeon Masters! Dungeon Masters! DUNGEON MASTERS!!”
 
Cartanis did his best to shout over the noise, “I think we have our answer!”
 
The trio turned towards the noise as it grew louder still, they looked to see a few familiar faces appear from around the show stage. All the ponies who they had helped stood collectively in front of the crowd as they all cheered, each wearing a proud look as they chanted the name of their heroes.
 

[/][/][5][/][/]

 
Dra'nahb was furious at what he was seeing and hearing. Not only am I stuck in the same world with those blasted fools, the 'ponies' just heralded those bringers of suffering as though they were gods! He ordered his eye to return, as it floated through the air to him he began formulating a plan. He knew from what he thought was a close call that Andur for some reason did not have his powers, or he would've surely discovered his scout. That makes things a little easier. He looked out over the town and the festivities.
 
If I had been in charge of them, they would be subjugated for their foolishness. Now each and every one of those things are going to know why life is not worth living, I will make them each see it with their own eyes as they tear each other apart. He approached the barrier of energy, placed his hoof against it, and located the perimeter focuses of the spell. “Knock, knock.” Dra'nahb released a torrent of energy into the barrier, obliterating the focuses of the spell. He felt the warning call go out, but cared not as he brought down the barrier.
 
First I am going to need some bodies. He marched off towards the festivities, anger written across half his face, and cold indifference on the other.
 

[/][/][6][/][/]

 
Cartanis froze in his place, paled with fear, he was stunned.
 
Rainbow Dash turned to see him and waved a hoof in front of his face, “Hey Cartanis, are you OK? You look kinda'... sick.”
 
Cartanis regained some of his composure, “Oh yes...” he nervously cleared his throat, “excuse me I have to go see Ted about something.” he rushed past her.
 
Something's wrong here and I'm finding out what. She followed as closely as she could. 
 
Cartanis worked his way through crowds, he was making his way to Ted whom he could see by the costume contest stage. He grabbed him and forced him to give attention, “We have a breach.”
 
Ted looked surprised at the expression on his friends face, “Can it wait, we just started getting to the good ones.”
 
“You don't understand Ted, it didn't just trip the wire, it collapsed the entire thing into a self-detonating meltdown. I only know that it was in the southwest that it started, with the spell down I CAN'T TRACK IT.”
 
Ted grew serious as well, “What shall we do then?”
 
Cartanis quickly scribed a message to Andur, “You are going to play scout on this one, get there as fast as you can, keep track of it and I’ll see what I can do. We might not be able to count on Andur for this one.”
 
Ted nodded as he excused himself from the festivities and went somewhere private to throw on his equipment.
 
Cartanis began making his way over to the beauty pageant, Andur had decided to see what all the fuss was about earlier with Rarity's dress. She had yet to appear however, even though her number was already called.
 
Rainbow Dash had managed to eavesdrop, and was off herself to find Twilight to tell her about it. She knew that Twilight would know what to do.
 
As Cartanis finally made his way to Andur, they both shot each other a look of worry. “I might not be able to help with this one... but I am going with you regardless.” Cartanis just nervously checked his book as he remembered spells he may need in the fight ahead. “How bad could it be Cartanis?”
 
Cartanis had fear written on his face, “Anything from a rouge elemental that just happened to be made of pure arcane energy or... Illithids.”
 

[/][/][7][/][/]

 
Ted landed at the southwest marker, a crater designated where the focal point was once drawn, small sparks of energy still dissipating from the reaction. He then set about to looking for tracks, anything that could give him a clue as to if this was even the right place to start. Strange, no tracks, not even outside the perimeter.
 
He took a moment to double check, then he heard movement behind himself. With a quick half-turn he was already on two feet, bow drawn and a bolt ready to fire. Even in the twilight he could make out the silhouette of a pony, it seemed to freeze when it noticed him. “What are you doing so far from the festivities?” Ted shouted to it, bolt still ready.
 
“Now just calm down Ted! Everypony is just a might worried over your safety, considerin' what happened the last time you soloed this kinda’ work.”
 
Ted thought it sounded like Applejack, but he got the warning from Cartanis on the way over, and he didn't feel like taking chances. “You're not going to move a muscle until I say so!” Ted quickly took a sun rod he had prepared out of his bag and struck it against the ground, lighting up a good portion of an area around itself he whipped it in the direction of the creature. As the corona of light sailed through the air, it eventually cleared up the darkness around the pony, and in fact revealed the orange colored Applejack staring down Ted. 
 
“Will that be all?” she said rather sternly.
 
Ted knew what he was seeing, but one part of him demanded that he not give in, the possibility of an Illithid messing with his senses was gnawing at him. Has it already pierced my mind? Ted was unsure with his own vision as he attempted to figure out if he was truly seeing Applejack. “Tell me something Applejack would know.”
 
Applejack looked perplexed, “Why would I need to go 'n' do tha-” but she was cut off as a bolt smashed open the ground a few feet from her.
 
“The next one won't miss, I don't know if you're even real, I need proof!” Ted threatened as he readied another bolt.
 
He's dead serious isn't he? Applejack hastily tried to think of something only she would know, and that Ted would also know is true. An idea flashed through her mind, “You never won that bet with Cartanis, Andur was never able to figure out how to get through doors on his own!”
 
Ted seemed to relax slightly, the bolt of energy fading away as he released his tension on the bow string. “Next time, try not to sneak up on-” but he heard the sound of something land closely to him, he quickly whipped around a front limb and attempted to smash it across the face. Whatever it was, it managed to duck his strike. Ted quickly gave a powerful flap from his wings and moved back from it, only to sigh and return to four legs at what he saw. “You know Rainbow Dash, sneaking up on a very jumpy Ranger is a good way to get yourself killed.”
 
“Well excuse me Ted, I thought you had calmed down.” Rainbow Dash retorted as she stood defiantly.
 
Ted's ears also picked up a third noise set, “Pinkie Pie, you know I can tell your strange hopping noise apart from everything else don't you?”
 
Pinkie Pie appeared from behind a bush, “Aw, I thought I had made a good stealth check too.” she said with a frown.
 
“If you are all here, then that definitely means that something is wrong.” Ted stated.
 
“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.
 
“Besides the destroyed focal point, there is absolutely nothing wrong here, and if there was a creature from our world here. It would've definitely capitalized on our little squabble.” Ted placed a hoof to his chin in thought. “Why would it draw us out here then?”
 
Applejack realized how this seemed familiar and spoke up, “Well one time on the farm, a bunch of foxes had gotten crafty and went after our pigs. It created such a racket that we went to investigate, only to find out later that while we had been busy calmin' down pigs, the foxes had raided the chicken coop.”
 
Ted slapped a hoof to his face, “Dammit Cartanis, how could you be so stupid!” Ted quickly took out his messenger book and sent out a warning to Cartanis. “We need to get back to the fairgrounds now.”
 
Ted took off into the air with Rainbow Dash, mildly surprised at how well the two earth ponies kept up with them; especially Pinkie Pie.
 

[/][/][8][/][/]

 
Dra'nahb watched from the edge of the fairgrounds as Ted took off into the air towards the southwest. I was hoping they would all leave, but that would've just gotten rid of the challenge now wouldn't it. He then advanced deeper into the fairgrounds, he tried to stay away from the crowds, only walking so the good side of his face would be seen. Then he heard something gasp, he turned to see a mare in a strange dress gawking at him, I would've hoped to have my first victim be a little less aware, but this will do. 
 
As he readied his power, the mare spoke, “Whoever did you get to make you that wonderful costume?”

Dra'nahb was a little thrown off, “Excuse me?”
 
The mare closed the distance, “Pardon me, Hem Rietta one of the top costume designers in this quaint little town of Ponyville. I know every design that is going to be in the costume contest, but I do believe I have never seen one so lifelike before.” Hem Rietta reached out a curious hoof to try and touch the bone part of Dra'nahb's face.
 
He quickly stopped her with his own hoof, “Please Miss Rietta, it took me hours to get my costume on, and a few parts are especially delicate.” 
 
“Oh yes, excuse me. So how did you manage to make that getup so real, even those strange marking that give it an ominous green glow; you look like a very nasty zompony indeed.”
 
Dra'nahb gave a few raspy laughs, “I may have used a little magic here and there-”
 
“Oh you used magic? Is it actively involved in the costume or was it only part of the construction?”
 
Dra'nahb looked confused at the question, “Well I guess you could say I have to use magic actively to just... keep myself together.” he had a loose smile on his lips.
 
“Then I suppose that means you're disqualified from the contest, you can't have magic actively involved in the suit.” she said looking rather sadly at him.
 
“Oh, well it’s not that bad. I still enjoy being able to show off my skill every now and then.” Dra'nahb then attempted to leave, in order to break the conversation.
 
“Wait I never got your name, you would make a great designer for my store.”
 
Dra'nahb shot a casual glance her way, “Nunov Urbeeswax” He then continued on into the crowds. If no one minds my appearance, maybe I can step this up a notch beyond subterfuge.
 

[/][/][9][/][/]

 
Cartanis was sitting next to Andur and tried to enjoy the show, but his mind kept trailing off to the possible dangers. He was pulled from his thoughts when Twilight appeared next to him.
 
“Cartanis, Andur, can I have a word with you?” she said rather sternly.
 
They both followed her away from the crowds and to a place out near the vendors for a little more privacy and then gave her their attention.
 
“What is wrong with you stallions, every time something dangerous is going on; you try to keep us in the dark or prevent us from helping at all.” Twilight said with anger in her voice, barely stopping herself from shouting.
 
Andur sighed, “Twilight, I know you were able to help with the Dire Bulette, Cartanis told me. This is different, Cartanis'-”
 
Twilight stomped her hoof.“It's not any different, I can understand you wanting to protect us, but don't continue to insult us and deny us when we want to help.”
 
“Well what would you have us do?”
 
“First you shouldn't send off Ted alone again, he told us what happened last time. So I sent some of my friends to go help him.”
 
“WHAT!?” Cartanis shouted with fury as he closed the distance between them and got in Twilight's face, “Do you have any idea the danger you just put your friends in? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US BEFORE!?”
 
Twilight took Cartanis' stare and unshakably responded, “Because you would of just said it was too danger-”
 
“We may have been able to agree on the help Miss Sparkle, but I told Ted that he should expect Illithids...” Cartanis paused at her confused look, “Masters of illusion and mind games, they could read thoughts that he was not guarding well and project them as reality. If he gets too jumpy your friends may as well be dead.”
 
Twilight grew slightly pale, “Well... I guess that changes some things doesn't it.” she said with a worried smile.
 
Cartanis quickly grabbed his messenger book, “Now who did you send-” the book began to hum and glow slightly. Cartanis looked sternly over to Twilight, “You better hope this isn't a casualty report.”
 
Inside the book a message read. First I must convey a message to Twilight-silly-plans and say that Pinkie Pie and co, send greetings from the land of unscathed.
 
Cartanis looked up to her, “You got every lucky Miss Sparkle.” Twilight eased a little as some of the color returned to her face.
 
The message continued. Secondly, Cartanis, you are the biggest fool this side of the universe for having let fear take control of your better judgment. Had you taken just two seconds to remember that the only place that we have had a disturbance is in the Whitetail Wood to the EAST, I might have actually found something. Now you get to deal with whatever made you wet your knickers, while I try to get back there as soon as possible.
 
Cartanis slapped a hoof to his face, “Of course, how could I make such a novice grade mistake.”
 
Andur looked confused, “What mistake?”
 
“It is probably already in the fairgrounds,” Cartanis began nervously trotting in circles as he thought, “This could get bad, very-” but he stopped when he felt his power send a shock of warning to his mind. He looked down at his hooves and could feel the hum of power beneath the earth, he sent out arcane energy in order to make the spell show itself.
 
Once his sixth sense touched the rune it glowed intensely to show its power, various markings and rings were drawn in a red energy across the ground. Cartanis began to sweat at what he saw.
 
“What is that?” Twilight said.
 
“Don't even move.” Cartanis ordered as he sent out his own power once again to identify what he was standing over. Good gods, an Illithid can't pull off something like this! He tried to key in on the frequency of the runic pattern, as he did so more information was revealed to him. The more he knew about the spell carved into the earth at his feet the less he liked it. “Twilight, Andur, I need you to get together anypony you trust with sensitive information, and SLOWLY evacuate the fairgrounds in small groups.”
 
“Why don't we just evacuate all of them out immediately?” Andur questioned.
 
“This spell isn't on a timer, its set to go off on command. Whenever whatever drew this is done and reached a safe distance it's going to activate them. I was able to glean some information from it, and there is definitely more than just this one here.”
 
“Can't you just disable it?” Twilight asked worriedly.
 
“No, if I do that, it'll send out a warning to what made this, then I’d be lucky to find and disable a second one before they were ignited.”
 
“Is there anything you can do?”
 
“This,” Cartanis sent a line of power into the earth, and drew a few lines around the edge of the rune. “The spell is designed to cascade, the first is ignited then it goes down a chain reaction to the others, if I add a timer, it should slow down the devastation as we evacuate whoever is left.” Cartanis cursed a little, “I was hoping to add more than a few seconds to it, but too much more modification and it'll let out a warning.”
 
“What does the spell plan to do?” Andur asked.
 
Cartanis had a worried look as he continued to gaze at the rune, “It's going to summon a piece of the elemental planes here”
 
“WHAT! But that'll-”
 
“-not only cause devastation but potentially tear the veil here wide open and devastate everything for miles.” Cartanis finished, “I know. For now we just need to hope the veil will hold fast and get everypony back into town.”
 
“We've wasted enough time, Twilight let’s move.” Andur did his best to not break into a gallop as he made for a nearby group. Twilight did the same, going to where she believed Fluttershy was last.
 

[/][/][10][/][/]
 

Rarity paced nervously in the backstage dressing room of the pageant, a knock rattled on the door, “Miss Rarity, you're running out of time.”
 
“Just send out the next contestant I’ll contact you when I'm done getting this stubborn dress on.” she lied
 
“Fine, but you don't have many ahead of you.” the stage manager shouted back.
 
Rarity nervously looked back into the mirror, her Element of Harmony was still glowing brightly. She had left her dress in the room to see the award ceremony, only to return once it concluded and have it start glowing after she dawned her dress. 
 
She remembered her promise to Fluttershy. If it keeps up like this and no one else is left... then I’ll excuse myself, but not before.
 
Rarity continued to pace about the room, when suddenly she was shaken to the floor.
 
“Good gracious what was that?” There was then a second explosion, this one was far closer, and was followed by terrified screams. She went over to the door, but as hard as she tried it wouldn't budge. Smoke was billowing up from beneath the door frame.
 
Rarity wasn't sure what to be more terrified of. The fact that she was stuck in a room and would potentially suffocate; or that her element of harmony was glowing more intensely than it ever had before.
 

[/][/][11][/][/]

 
Cartanis cursed under his breath. I was hoping I would've had more time. He had only managed to sabotage about several of the numerous runes, and the first two had already gone off. Explosions were rocking the costume contest stage, sending pieces of it everywhere. While a whirlwind of fire tore its way through the pageant area. The only thing that Cartanis was thankful for was that the veil seemed to be holding up, there was no sign of a distortion evident. All it did however was make him question, why? 
 
Cartanis had little time to drift into thought, as lightning and thunder began erupting from the vendors, its charged atmosphere crackling with life. Tearing apart the various booths and scattering anypony that happened to be still near them. 
 
Now I have a few seconds before the next one. Cartanis made his way, using his power to try and clear rubble, tossing it aside with forces. While also attempting to dampen the elemental forces in the area as he escorted all he could out of the devastation. Another portal opening caused the ground beneath his feet to quake as stalagmites shot out of the ground, tearing apart what little remained of the rides in the distance.
 
Cartanis knew there had to be more out there, but he had to get himself to safety with the ones he had with him at the moment. Carefully he made his way through the maze of runes that he knew had not yet detonated, eventually making his way to the edge of Ponyville. As he let the group retreat into town he turned to see hailstones half the size of himself erupting out of the sky and crashing into various parts of the fairgrounds and stages.
 
Twilight then appeared in a flash of light, a small group of ponies with her. As they thanked her, she trotted over towards Cartanis. “Have you seen Rarity?”
 
Cartanis shook his head no.
 
As they looked back over the devastation, a scream rang out in the night.
 
Twilight seemed to gain hope, “I'd recognize that exasperated shout anywhere, I think it came from the pageant stage.” Twilight concentrated, her horn shined slightly but seemed to fizzle and sputter before she gasped a tired breath. “It's no use, I think I can make her out, but I haven’t teleported that many ponies around so many times ever before. I think I’m all used up.” Fear was on her face in concern for her friend.
 
“Can't she teleport to us?” Cartanis worriedly asked.
 
“No, it’s hard enough for me to do multiple times and I've studied unicorn magic most of my life. Rarity knows little more than some telekinesis and a gem finding spell.”
 
Cartanis knew what he had to do, the stage wasn't that far from where they were. He grabbed his hat brim and firmly tucked it against his head, “Don't follow me.”
 
Twilight could only cast a questioning glance as he galloped off into the fiery hell-scape that was the pageant area. She watched as he leaped over the line of fire that marked Equestria from where the plane of fire was out of control. Flaming geysers melted the land and gusts of infernos met his shield as he used his mastery of the elements to create a barrier between him and the fire. Lava sparked and hissed at him as he made his way to the runway, even though it was ablaze he could easily make his way across the sections that had not yet disintegrated. He felt a rush of heat against his face, he looked to see the whirlwind of fire had grown into an intimidating tornado, and was slowly making its way to what was left of the stage.
 
He quickly galloped past the curtains that were but ashen tatters of their former selves. He looked about the smoke filled backstage, using a wall of force to part the smoke from his vision so he could see and breathe. He could not make out anything amongst the rubble, then he heard a scream, the same scream from earlier. It originated behind a pile of fallen beams in front of a door. “RARITY!?”
 
“CARTANIS!? What's going on out there!?” He heard her shout back.
 
“Just get away from the door Rarity, I’m going to break it down.” Cartanis focused and created a cannonball of force, he could feel the air in the backstage starting to heat up from the approaching tornado of flame. He let loose a force so strong that it broke and shattered pieces of the floor as it slammed into the wall, snapping the wooden beams as though they were twigs, and firing the door across the room from its hinges. He galloped inside, smoke was still pouring out of the room, and a few fires had broken out inside of it as well. He thought he could make out the light of Rarity's horn.
 
“Cartanis I can't see, the smoke is too thick.” she said as she coughed and sputtered.
 
Cartanis extended his barrier a little as he made his way through the smoke to her, finally making out her face he could see her eyes were bloodshot from all the smoke. He saw something glimmering on her dress' neckline but didn't care, he outstretched his hoof. “Just follow me Rarity, we don't have much time.”
 
As Rarity clasped her hoof to his, he could hear a distinctive low rumbling hum. I don't have time for this, that tornado is almost here. He began guiding her out of the room and back into the stage, the hum was getting louder, he could barely hear himself think.
 
“Cartanis what are you doing?” Rarity said in a fearful tone.
 
What is she talking about? He turned back to see the glimmering necklace she had on was glowing ever brighter in tandem to the low rumble he could hear clearly in his head. He then realized it wasn't the tornado that he was sensing.
 
A strange power made its way into his mind, he heard an authoritative voice boom through his head. Your skills are required.
 
“By the Gods.” was all he was able to say as reality seemed to brighten into a nova of light, no longer could he see the world as Cartanis felt his spirit drift from his form.
 

[/][/][12][/][/]

 
Twilight watched in horror as the huge column of fire slammed into the stage. Tearing apart and disintegrating everything it touched. “No, no, no, no,” she continued, watching for any sign of movement from the stage to signal that they had made it. She desperately called out to her magic, to no avail as it was still dulled and weak from overuse.
 
She could hear Andur's distinctive thundering gallop, “What are you doing so close, get back!”
 
But Twilight was stunned as she watched a corona of light build from the backstage, slowly blinding her as she attempted to keep her eyes on it. Eventually it seemed to reach an apex, for a split second it sounded as if the world had gone still, and then a roar of noise concerted alongside a ring of light that exploded outwards from the remnants of the stage. She felt the rush of air and had a feeling of calm as it passed over her.
 
The light made contact with the tornado and it seemed to twist and bend its shape, slowly fizzling it out into nothingness. The land around the stage simmered and flickered as fires were inexplicably doused. 
 
The lightning racked vendor area calmed and was once again still. 
 
The hail either evaporated into the air or they were smashed to flakes of snow before they hit the ground.
 
Stalagmites receded into the ground as rides fell over from the force of the earth being healed.
 
The forces concussing against whatever remained of the costume stage halted their deafening thuds and once again let the area return to a relative calm.
 
Andur stood stunned alongside Twilight, not sure as to what just occurred. He was soon shaken from his thoughts by Ted, who landed with Rainbow Dash and was followed by Twilight's other friends as well. “What happened Andur?!” Ted shouted at his friend.
 
“I'm... not sure. I've never seen Cartanis do something like that before, I've never felt such a strange presence in my time.”
 
Fluttershy looked about the area, it still looked devastated; but even in the night air it had a tranquil sense about it as though it was perfectly normal. “Oh Rarity, what did you do?” she said out loud.
 
Twilight cast a curious eye over to her, “What do you mean Fluttershy? We can't use their magic, she couldn't have done anything.”
 
“Oh... um... yeah...” she couldn't take the guilt of the secret anymore, not after seeing all this devastation. So she pulled Twilight aside and whispered something into her ear.
 
“SHE DID WHAT!?” Twilight said flabbergasted. Drawing the attention of the gathered ponies. “Nothing, nothing, she did nothing at all.” she gave them all a worried smile.
 
Andur approached her, a rather stern look on his face, “What's going on?”
 
Twilight was still rather shaky, “Well... you see Andur... Rarity kind of broke a rule we have and um.”
 
Andur knew they didn't have the time to squabble, “I'll care about what happened later, we have more important things to do than try and argue secrets out of each other.”
 
“Andur is right, come on everypony we got survivors to rescue, move'em out.” Applejack stated as she galloped off towards what was left fair.
 
Everyone split off into their own groups, Andur and Twilight made their way to the broken remnants of the pageant stage. As they climbed on top of the ruins, they could make out a faint light peeking out from the collapsed rubble of the backstage area. Twilight attempted to move objects with her magic, but found it still too weak to do much besides sweep away loose nails and glass. Andur picked up the slack and made use of his bulk to either buck or push beams out of the way. As they finally pierced the strange cocoon of force, both gasped at what they saw.
 
Rarity and Cartanis were gently floating inside a slightly distorted space, wisps of light circling around and through the object as it simply hovered in place. “What's wrong with their eyes?” Andur noted as he saw the gentle white glow emanating from the two hovering ponies eyes. As Andur went to see if he could reach out to them, Twilight stopped him.
 
“Andur, this could be very dangerous, let me handle this.” Andur looked down to Twilight, she no longer seemed flabbergasted and sported a very serious face, one of whom that knew what they were doing.
 
Andur relented and allowed her to approach the fluctuating orb, her horn had a din of power as she lifted Cartanis' hat off his head. It gently floated through the space and left the bubble around the two, as Twilight placed the hat upside down upon the ground and opened the brim Andur decided to speak up. “I take it this may have something to do with what Rarity 'did'?”

Twilight looked over to Andur, he could tell from the look on her face she meant yes. 
 
“Ted and I will want answers, but for now I'll trust you to do what feels right. I'll meet you at your library later, there are still others out there who could make use of me.”
 
Twilight watched as Andur trotted off the stage and made his way elsewhere. Maybe Princess Celestia will know what to do. She carefully tried to use her power to float Cartanis over to the brim, she was surprised at how easy it was. As he began to reach the edge of the disturbance she felt a wave of force, and Rarity began to float in an attempt to keep them rather close together. This is very strange indeed. Twilight carefully floated them both down into the hat, the strange amoeba-like disturbance followed them. She took note of Rarity's element of harmony that she had worn around her neck, it was aglow, almost as bright as the eyes of Cartanis and Rarity.
 
She quickly closed the hat and stuffed it into her saddlebags which she had worn throughout the day. Then she galloped off to her home, to write what could quiet possibly be the most important request she ever made of Celestia.
 

[/][/][13][/][/]

 
Dra'nahb made his way about the edges of the devastation, he had no idea how his trap was disarmed in such a grandiose display. Did I underestimate Cartanis? He was drawn from his thoughts by sobbing. He followed them to a rather large piece of the costume contest stage, as he rounded the edge he felt his heart sink a little.
 
Hem Rietta was pinned by her back legs underneath the pile of rubble. She noticed Dra'nahb, “Please Nunov...” she groaned a little in pain, “get help I can't feel my back legs, I think they're broken.”
 
Dra'nahb closed the distance to her, and knelt beside her, “I don't think you'll ever be able to walk again... you'll be lucky if they don't amputate.”
 
Rietta was scared by how he was acting, “Go get help, we'll worry about that later, just go get help.” she pleaded
 
He never did like it when he caused so much suffering. The plan was to end many lives as quickly as possible so he could make do with what was left. Now thanks to the intervention of those fools, all he could think of was the path that the mare was now on; how she would struggle for the rest of her life with her condition.
 
Rietta didn't like the look Nunov was giving her, “Don't feel sorry for me, I'll be fine. I'm still alive, I can make do with what little I have left. Just go get help, you stubborn mule!”
 
“You're so brave...” Nunov said to her. “Just like she was.”
 
Rietta recoiled as Nunov put a hoof against her ear. She was still sobbing in pain, but now it was aided along by fear. She watched as the unicorn only showed emotion on one side of his face.
 
“You'll still try, no matter what life throws at you.” Rietta watched tears form in only one eye of Nunov's; the strange milky one. “And life will keep throwing itself at you, it will laugh at you as you're slowly broken, but you shall keep trying. Leaving your loved one to try and find a way to help you, causing him anguish every time you decline his aid, and he could end it for you so quickly and easily.” 
 
“Nunov please you're scaring me, all this nonsense needs to stop.” she said through sobs.
 
He continued with a slight smile on one half of his face, “Every once in a while you will do better, you will rekindle that feeling that made it all worthwhile. Then something else will go wrong, eventually he won't even be able to enjoy himself in your presence.” There was anger on his face “Now every time you are well, there is no feeling, there is no hope, there is only that wretched pit of sadness as he awaits the inevitable!” he seemed to calm a bit. “I won't let you suffer that way my dear, not you or anything else. Not ever, for I found the solution.”
 
“What's wrong with you! Just GO GET HEL-!” but she was cut off as Dra'nahb sent a surge of his power into her brain. Scattering her thoughts as it was disintegrated while only leaving a small singed hole where he used his power. With no life within her, Rietta's head slumped to the ground.
 
Dra'nahb gently stroked her mane, “No more pain, no more fear, just blissful death. Now you are at peace, I know that what I do may seem wrong, and I’ll shoulder the weight of my sins when I die for good.” He gently smiled, “But I’ll be burning in my hell knowing that I saved so many others from what I went through” he looked back to the corpse, “Now let's see if you can't aid me in my little endeavor.”
 
Dra'nahb called to an ancient servant, one who he had with him since he was first blessed with the power of lichdom. He felt her presence amongst himself, he placed a hoof against Hem Rietta, and allowed his servant to use himself as a conduit as it burrowed its way into the body. The corpse began to shift and shudder, and eventually its head rose from the ground. The head stared blankly ahead, as it gave its attention to its master that lay beside it.
 
“I know it’s a new form Abigail, but you'll make the best of it as you always have before.” he gently patted Abigail on her head.
 
She simply stayed still, awaiting a command.
 
Dra'nahb sifted through the memories he had absorbed from her, “Now I've got to go see about this strange ruin Hem Rietta knew so much about, she was apparently going to help fund an expedition there; a very brave entrepreneur she surely was.” he took a vial off his belt, “Take this and await my call, you shall know what to do. We have to start from scratch in this world, but it wouldn't be the first time.”
 
Abigail took the vial loosely in her hooves, and then swallowed it whole, storing it in her bodies stomach for safe keeping.
 
Dra'nahb stood from the ground, and went around the large slab of what was once a stage. He made a scene, and quickly got a few ponies over to help him lift the stage enough so others could drag out Abigail. They then put her on a stretcher, “Poor dear, she must be in shock.” one of the ponies said as they noted her blank expression.
 
Abigail watched as her master wandered from the scene into the forest, to take the long way around into a place called Everfree.
 
Wait...Listen...Wait...Listen... her thoughts echoed as she was shuttled to the Clinic.
 

[/][/][14][/][/]

 
It was almost halfway through the night before they managed to shuttle everypony that was seriously injured to the clinic from the disaster area. Andur and Ted then made their way to the library, for they wanted their answers.
 
Once inside they found Twilight with her four other friends. Twilight looked bravely between her friends and then to Ted and Andur, “Looks like it's your turn to ask some questions.” she stated to them.
 
Andur noticed that Cartanis' hat was upturned on a table in the center of the room, “Are they still in that strange coma?”
 
“I've checked rather frequently, they've been like that for hours now. They don't respond to anything, in fact I’m not sure if anything is capable of causing a response.” Twilight said rather sullenly. All her friends seemed to be rather worried as well.
 
“The night before Eastavis,” Ted started, “Cartanis told me how Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to hide something from him, this wouldn't happen to have anything to do with that would it?” Ted was shooting a glare between each of them.
 
Applejack spoke up, “Well Ted ya' see. We can't really gab about that all willy nilly.”
 
Twilight looked over to her friend, “I've already sent a letter to Princess Celestia and received word back. She believes they can be trusted with the knowledge of them... and also recommends that they never come into contact with them until she can help us sort this out.”
 
“Them?” Andur said.
 
“Do you know the legend of Nightmare Moon Andur?”
 
“Cartanis spoke of it on occasion, she returned after her millennia of imprisonment; and was swiftly vanquished by Celestia as she used artifacts of great power. However she spared her sister and they now rule together once again in harmony.”
 
“That is only half-true.”
 
“Then what is the falsehood, that she was spared?”
 
“No, the truth is that Celestia had very little to do with the vanquishing to begin with, at least directly. It was me and my five friends who took down Nightmare Moon.”
 
Ted began laughing furiously, “Oh please, I know this is serious. But you can't even manage to sneak up on me, how would you deal with an omnipotent vengeful goddess?”
 
“We used the Elements of Harmony, artifacts of great power that even Celestia admitted not truly knowing how they work. Only that one of them answered her call a thousand years ago so she could imprison her sister, and it told her how she could still save her sister by making use of us. There are actually six in total, each representing a different aspect of love and friendship. With them we somehow... I don't know how to explain it, it was like we wiped the black slate of hatred that was her soul clean. It was really strange.”
 
Andur took it all in, mulling it over, “If she had very little idea of the artifacts, what makes you so sure she can help?”
 
“She may have been the first to summon the elements... even if it was only one of them. But she also has all that experience, surely she would be better off dealing with this than me; she has access to a plethora more resources than I would anyway.”
 
“So what are you going to do with Cartanis and Rarity?”
 
“After this meeting concludes I am sending them off with Rainbow Dash to Cantorlot, so Celestia can examine them more thoroughly. You can go too if-”
 
“No.” Andur stated flatly.
 
Twilight was kind of thrown off by the answer, “But, Celestia is far better-” 
 
“Not that part. That is actually quiet wise, what I reject is the notion that we are going to leave Ponyville at this point in time.”
 
“Oh well... I guess it makes sense for you to stay and help if you want to.”
 
“Have you forgotten about the disaster so soon?” He said with some worry, “Whatever caused it is still out there, and now we have no way of telling if it lays another trap like that. You would be doomed if we left you. It may not strike again tonight, but I am not leaving you to fend for yourselves.”
 
Andur turned to her friends, “The same goes for you as well. Whatever created those spells was a wizard like Cartanis, and it may be some rouge wizard from the Theocracy that survived the trip; or it may be something worse... far worse.” Andur was agitated as he said the last few words.
 
Ted spoke up, “We are going to be taking up patrols around town, looking for suspicious activity... and we could really use the help of any who wouldn't mind.”
 
Pinkie Pie saluted them, “Private eye Pie, reporting for duty!”
 
Applejack spoke up, “I won't let the nasty critter that did this get away.”
 
Twilight smiled approvingly to mark her support.
 
Fluttershy still had a worried look on her face, “I don't know I should get back to my animals, I only left them enough extra food for a day or two.”
 
Twilight looked to her frightened friend, “Let it wait until morning Fluttershy, you don't have to help out. It would be safer to go in the daylight anyway.”
 
Fluttershy smiled at her friends kind words, but was obviously worried I still need to get my element back into hiding.
 
Twilight then looked about and received a consensus that the meeting was adjourned. As Andur went about putting the various ponies into teams and assigning sleep duty and active duty. Twilight handed Cartanis' hat to Rainbow Dash, who stuffed it into her saddlebags.
 
Rainbow Dash sighed, “Why do I always have to go when the cool stuff starts to happen?”
 
“Just calm down Dash, you're job is equally important if not more so to what we are doing.” Twilight said to her friend.
 
“I know you're right, I’m just tired of being on the sidelines all the time. I want to help these guys, it drives me nuts to just sit back and be saved all the time.”
 
“Maybe someday soon that will change, but for now we have to help them how we can.”
 
Ted then appeared behind them, “One thing before you go.” he reached into the saddlebag and removed the hat. “Heratio, if you would be so kind.” a few potions floated up into the air and he grabbed them as they appeared. “There, that gives us enough for everypony to have one.”
 
Dash returned the hat to her saddlebag and stored one of the potions she was given, then took off into the night, heading in the direction of Cantorlot with her precious cargo.
 




End of Chapter 8