After their meeting of Friendship Problems to deal with, both Rarity and Pinkie Pie have already left and headed off to Canterlot City. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were flapping their wings as they headed straight to the Mystic Portal, which was located on the central part of Ponyville Town - Town Square.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Can you believe it? Out of all places in Mystic Realm, we were sent to some forest especially some ponies who likes peace and quiet. That is so not fun!"
"Aw, Rainbow Dash, it's not that bad," Fluttershy comforted her best friend, "I'm looking forward to find and solve friendship problem, that never involved of danger again like Seekcurse and even Smokey Mountain."
"Aw c'mon, Fluttershy, fighting with Seekcurse ain't so bad. It's better than dealing with a demon or Dark Mystic Pony."
"Uh... Don't remind me. I hate it."
"So, any idea of what's really going on at Elvi-something Forest?"
"Don't know. But I'm sure that Peace Nature Guardians can handle it since they're peacekeepers and negotiators."
Rainbow Dash sighed, "I was hoping if there's some action for me to play especially taking out the bad guys like Changelings."
"Now, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said calmly, "We don't want to make trouble at Elvish Forest. It is Wood Mystic Ponies' home. And it's not polite and nice of us to charge and make a mess."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Fine..."
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived at Town Square. They approached the Water Fountain. The swirling-like portal appeared before them while showing the holographic forms of Mystic Realm map with 12 different countries.
As Fluttershy selected Elvish Forestland, it glowed in brown aura. The portal revealed the location. Both her and Rainbow Dash entered the portal.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash emerged from the Mystic Portal as they arrived at Elvish Forestland. They gasped in shock and surprise as they found something shocking to them.
"Oh my..." Fluttershy commented in shock and concern.
Rainbow Dash gulped, "What the hell?"
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy witnessed the city was covered, gripped and tangled by thousands of roots, weeds and vines. Mystic Ponies screamed and chatted in fear and concern about it. They were all running away from it.
"What's going on here?" Rainbow Dash asked in shock.
Fluttershy hummed in concern, "We'd better help them now. This must be very serious."
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement as she and Fluttershy flapped their wings in flying to the sky. As they're on midair, they saw that Elvish Forestland wasn't the only land that got attacked, but the Sacred Light Land is also got invaded as well.
"Aw man! Tao's home too!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern.
"Oh my. This isn't good..." Fluttershy said uneasily, "We have to find Tao and others! They must have know something bad has happened here!"
Through her strong sense of seeing and hearing, Rainbow Dash scanned the area in finding her allies. She spotted a group of soldiers on the ground. Both Peace Nature Guardians and Sacred Light Wizards were guiding and leading the Citizens of Mystic Woods out from the villages, towns, cities and state of both Sacred Light Land and Elvish Forestland.
The forest launched its several tentacles-like roots at the town, launching the tornado-like leaves, and even firing the rainstorm of sharp splinters and branches. Wild humanoid and demonic plants-like creatures attacked the residents fiercely and wildly. The soldiers began cutting down and pushing their demonic enemies back fiercely and determinedly.
Rainbow Dash spotted Tao and Mighty Heart were preparing the ritual. Three ponies were leading their troops in getting ponies out of the place. Shorty Thinking and Laxtinct were helping Tao and Mighty Heart out as well. She nudged Fluttershy while pointing at them. They both headed straight to them at once. And at the same time, they overheard the talking.
A brown Pegasus with crimson curly yet spikier long mane and tail and her cutie mark is Garuda Mark worn the eagle-like mask with several feathers behind it, hissed in anger as she watched many of Mystic Soldiers in brown armors got coiled and captured before dragged into it, some were killed, and a few were injured and forced to withdraw.
Wood Mystic Soldier bowed down, "Lady Garuda! We can't hold it much longer! The forest keeps attacking us!"
Garuda Warrior hissed in concern, "Damn it! At this rate, Mystic Realm will be destroyed! Is there something we can do, Musa Tecca?!"
"But what can we do?" Musa Tecca, a pinkish and purple Unicorn with navy spiky mane in two pigtail and tail and her cutie mark is disc and speaker, asked in concern. She turned and looked at the forest, "What could cause it to turn hostile against us? We've done nothing wrong to our own home? We're peacekeepers."
Flora Sparkle, a light yellow Unicorn with long brown and blond stripes mane, her cutie mark is a rose, sighed, "I wish I knew. I more worry about Princess Leaf. I haven't seen her this morning. I hope she's alright."
Laxtinct led the rescue team in bringing the wounded and injured citizens and soldiers away from the forest. Shorty Thinking and his medic team were treating and healing them. Taken care of most injured ponies, both of them left the situation to the rescue and medic team, and headed back to Tao and Mighty Heart
"Dude, this is so not good," Laxtinct hissed as he watched many ponies groaned and moaned in pain. He turned to Shorty Thinking, "Think everything will be fine?"
Shorty Thinking shrugged, "I don't know. But if there's a cause of this, then there's the source."
"And you think Master Tao knows it?"
"I don't think. I know so since he's the master of ritual and spells."
Laxtinct whistled, "Wow. I didn't you like believing in magic. I thought you'd prefer bare hooves to get dirty."
Shorty Thinking groaned before giving Laxtinct a hard slap, "I still am! I'd only rely on magic if there's no other option. For example, I need to know what caused of this."
"Sure hope Tao can make it quick," Laxtinct said in concern.
Shorty Thinking sighed, "Don't worry, he will. He will get us through."
Mighty Heart turned and looked at Mystic Tao, who was setting up his ritual - a star in yellow circle with candles on all of edges and a white irises on the center. The Mystic Councilpony of Light began chanting humbly and calmly.
"Sensei, do you believe that it will work?" Mighty Heart asked in concern.
Mystic Tao sighed calmly, "It will work. It does help me find my son when rumors spread he arrived at Ponyville Town, did it not?"
"Sorry, sensei..."
"Honestly, now leave me be to focus on my locator spell," Mystic Tao said firmly and angrily. As he turned to the front and began chanting, Rainbow Dash gave the silly faces in front of him. He yelped in shock and frightfulness, causing him to whack on her head. She yelped in pain. He groaned in anger, "Rainbow Dash! Confound your mischievous pranks! That is not funny!"
Rainbow Dash groaned in pain while rubbing her head, "Geez, you don't need to hit my head that hard!"
Fluttershy sighed before bowed down a bit, "Sorry about Rainbow Dash's prank. We didn't mean it."
Tao sighed, "Honestly. So, what brings you two here?"
"Friendship problem," Rainbow Dash said confidently before turned to the entrance, "So, what's the deal with this? I'd haven't seen this kind since the Everfree Forest attack our home."
Fluttershy nodded while looking at the scene, "Oh my. This is terrible and scary. I don't like it."
"Yeah, you don't. Trust me, nature's evil!" Laxtinct said uneasily. Everyone looked at him oddly while Shorty Thinking shook his head in annoyance and embarrassment. He shrugged, "What?! I hate camp especially it's near to the deadly forest like this!"
Shorty Thinking sighed, "The point is that we don't know what cause this mess in the first place. So, we asked Mystic Tao for location of the cause. If we can find it, then we can removed it."
"Finding won't be problem," Mighty Heart said calmly yet concernedly, "But fighting with it is because we do not know what or who we are dealing with, especially Princess Leaf is missing."
"Which is I am still working on!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in annoyance as he's in chanting and praying position, "Do not disturb me!"
"Who's Princess Leaf?" Rainbow Dash asked curiously.
"Who is Princess Leaf?!" Garuda Warrior demanded in anger. She growled before grabbed and held Rainbow Dash, "Have you no respect to our councilpony?!"
Flora Sparkle calmed her friend down, "Garudo, calm down! She didn't mean to disrespect!"
"Agreed! And she's a mortal, not Mystic Pony! Therefore, she has no knowledge of Princess Leaf!" Tecca Musa said calmly.
Garuda Warrior breathed and panted heavily before sighed calmly as she put Rainbow Dash down gently. She smiled uneasily, making the speedster Pegasus uneasy.
"So-sorry..." Garuda Warrior apologized uneasily.
Rainbow Dash gulped uneasily, "Yeah, no problem."
"But we need to know," Fluttershy said in concern and curious, "Who is Princess Leaf? Is she in danger? Where is she?"
Garuda Warrior sighed, "Princess Leaf is not just our leader and Mystic Councilpony of Wood, she's our family. Even though she's powerful and wise as others, she is very compassionate and hardworking for us and her citizens but she is very young and innocent. She need us, rely on us to protect her. And now, we failed."
Tecca Musa nodded while looking at the city coiled and trapped by wines and roots, "And there's no telling where and how she is now. I fear her safety."
"We must do something now," Flora Sparkle said in concern, "Without damaging and hurting the forest! It's part of our essence and our home."
"But we can't ignore our princess," Garuda Warrior exclaimed in anger as she armed with her talons, "If I have to destroy these woods, then so be it! I will not let my princess die while you two be ignorance and foolish as always!"
Tecca Musa groaned, "No one is ignorance and foolish, Garuda! We need a plan! A plan that doesn't involved the destruction of our home, our ponies and princess!"
"Well, think of something, genius! Time is wasting! Let's hear it!"
"With you shouting to my ears, it's gonna be hard!"
"Oh! What am I not surprise?! You're very useless!"
"At least, I'm more calm and patient than you are! With this attitude like yours, we will never find and save her!"
"I dare you to say to me again?!"
As both Garuda Warrior and Tecca Musa groaned while glared at each other, Flora Sparkle came in between while shouted in anger, "Girls, stop! It's not helping us to save princess!"
Three Wood Mystic Ponies continued arguing and shouting at each other. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked uneasy and concern while both Shorty Thinking and Laxtinct remained silent. Mystic Tao and Mighty Heart continued praying and chanting calmly and firmly.
"Wow... Those three girls must have cared for Leaf so much?" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise.
Fluttershy nodded, "Well, they did say that they care and love her like a family."
"Which is why we need to find her quickly," Shorty Thinking said calmly while crossed his hooves, "And of course, we need to end this cause as well."
"Yeah, good idea," Laxtinct said in agreement. He hissed, "I hate nature!"
"Hacha!"
Everyone turned and looked at Mystic Tao and Mighty Heart especially the white irises. It was glowing while pointing at the front direction.
"The iris will lead us to her," Mystic Tao said firmly. He turned to the ponies, "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Shorty Thinking, Mighty Heart and Laxtinct will come with me. The rest of you remain here and look after the ponies."
Laxtinct groaned, "Do I have to?!"
"NO! I'm going!" Three Mystic Ponies of Wood exclaimed in anger and firmly, "Leaf needs me! I refused to let her down again!"
Mystic Tao was annoyed and angered by three Wood Mystic Ponies' stubbornness especially Laxtinct's. He gestured them to come close. As they did, Mystic Tao gave them a hard whack on their heads. They all yelped in pain.
"Do as you were told by the elder!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in anger, "These ponies need leaders! And they can't handle it by themselves! And I required a strong pony to break through the defense especially the enemies we come across. One more thin - do not argue with me!"
Three Wood Mystic Ponies awed in annoyance and disappointment including Laxtinct. The rest of ponies looked surprise and shock while remained in silent.
"Remind me again not to get on Tao's bad side," Rainbow Dash remarked uneasily, "especially the wrecking part on my head."
Mighty Heart nodded, "Noted..."
Deep within the Elvish Forestland, there was a medieval palace-like with nature theme and covered by tree's vines and roots. Inside the palace's throne chamber; there was a mysterious & shadowy filly with crimson eyes in red aura-like trapped inside the pod, which was attached by thousands of vines and roots that spread across the forestland. She breathed and panted heavily while her eyes continued glowed in darkly reddish.
Emerged from the shadows, a strange yet demonically Changeling approach her while smirked devilishly. And unlike any Changelings; this one coated with dark grayish coated, demonically crimson eyes and demonically wings while his horn was long and sharp. And he is pure demonic and monstrous than any Changelings.
"Tell me," Demon Changeling asked in amusement yet calmly, "How do you feel now? Do you feel better now?
Mysterious filly hissed in anger, "Yes... No one controls me now. They will know the nature's wrath and pain..."
"Good to hear," Demon Changeling said calmly before licked on her face gently, "That's all I need to hear..."
Sensing someone coming to him, he turned and found another Demon Changeling fly towards him. This one is very smaller changeling with short horn. He bowed down in respect.
"What is it," Demon Changeling asked in annoyance yet calmly.
Demon Changeling Soldier bowed down, "Forgive me, Lord Maul! They're here especially the Wielders of Elements of Harmony."
Maul smirked darkly, "Purrrfect...."
As the team entered the Elvish Forestland, Mystic Tao and Mighty Heart helped guiding and leading four ponies into the forest, with the help of two white irises. The flowers glowed brightly in brown as they pointed the direction. And so far as they traveled across the city, the Elvish Forestland is covered by roots and vines like almost becoming ruins.
"Man... This place is a mess," Rainbow Dash remarked in concern. She gulped in concern, "And scary. Almost reminds me of Everfree Forest."
Fluttershy shuttered and shivered in fear, "Please, don't remind me, Rainbow Dash!" She turned to Mystic Ponies, "Are we close to Princess Leaf?"
"No, we are not." Mystic Tao said firmly while looking at his white iris glowed dimly. He groaned while looking at the forest, "Too much interference! This place is covered in pure evil essence! I cannot get good signal!"
"Wait?! Magic need signal?!" Laxtinct asked in confusion.
Mighty Heart sighed while looking at the white iris, "The locator spell is made of Princess Leaf's essence And thus, it required both sunlight and good essence. But because of this place infected by evil essence, it will be difficult to tell if we're close to her or the palace."
"Guess it's my turn now," Shorty Thinking said calmly and firmly. He took his small metal rectangle-shape with antenna, screen with flatlines and buttons. It began beeping with sounds especially brownish dot appearing. He smiled, "I've got it! I've got Princess Leaf's life signal! If I guess correctly, she's at the Nature Palace."
"Good job, Shorty," Mighty Heart smiled.
Mystic Tao scoffed in annoyance, "Tao could have figure it out if my locator spell wasn't interfered!"
"Then, let's go!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed firmly.
"Hold up!" Shorty Thinking halted his team. Everyone looked at him as he looked at his locator machine. It has several black dots blinking and beeping as they were approaching him and his team. He hissed in concern, "What the-?!"
"Talk to me, Wally!" Laxtinct asked in concern.
"There shouldn't be life here!" Shorty Thinking said in concern. He hissed, "Something's not right. They're heading this way!"
And just before anyone could react, three Mystic Ponies' bodies quivered and shivered in fear and surprise. This attract Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Shorty Thinking as they knew what it means.
"Tao got the willies!" Mystic Tao said in concern.
Mighty Heart and Laxtinct hissed in concern, "Me too!"
"I don't like this one," Fluttershy said in fear.
SCREECHED! The ponies yelped in concern as they armed and readied themselves to fight. They looked to the front and top - the trees literally moved and approached as the forest and plants were armed with vines, splinters, leaves, needles and roots. The ground slowly formed a plant-like zombie ponies armed with bare hooves and claws.
"We've got company," Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern as she armed with her Magical Mystic Spear, "What the hell are those things?!"
"To be honest, I have no idea!" Shorty Thinking exclaimed in concern while readied his Flame Volley Blaster, "But they're not friends! Get ready!"
Fluttershy yelped in concern, "Here we go again."
The plant-like zombie ponies, forest and plants screeched and roared wildly as they all charged straight at Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and their team.
Mystic Tao summoned his Five Elemental Cars while fired them at the plant creatures. Mighty Heart charged and battled with them fiercely and brutally. Shorty Thinking fired his Flame Volley Blaster at them while Laxtinct covered him up and beating his enemies up. Fluttershy used her Animal Spirits such as cheetah, elephant, bat and even porcupine against them. Rainbow Dash swung and thrust her Magical Mystic Spear at them off.
As the team continued battling with the plant creatures, the latter attacked them back fiercely. Cactus fired its needles at them. Forest and bushes launched its razor leaves, tornado leaves, vines and splinter hail on. Mushrooms fired mushroom booms at them. Bushes launched its thorns at them. Plant zombie ponies attacked them with hooves and bites.
The team dodged the attacks while fought back, but the plant creatures continued attacking them relentlessly and fiercely. And at the same time, the villages and city were also destroyed.
Rainbow Dash hissed, "Okay! Seriously, when did plants became big deal?!"
"They're strong!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern as she used her Bear Spirit in holding tight against big tree's roots. She groaned and grunted, "I can't hold it! I can't!"
"Aieyah!" Mystic Tao exclaimed in concern while summoning Wind Elemental Card in blowing Plant Zombie Ponies off. He hissed, "We must find the source of chaos before it could devour the rest of Mystic Realm!"
While holding and pushing the trees off, Mighty Heart nodded, "If we do, we can expel and banish the demon."
Shorty Thinking sighed calmly, "Hopefully, we can find Princess Leaf at the same time. Pray she is safe from harm."
"And of course, get the hell outta of this stupid place," Laxtinct exclaimed in concern, "I hate nature especially this one!"
Fluttershy screamed in fear as her team stopped and looked at the front. They yelped and screamed in fear and worry. They encountered a giant humanoid trees-like as they screeched and roared in anger. The creatures charged and slammed their bare fists and foot on the team. They quickly split up at once - Mighty Heart, Fluttershy and Laxtinct on left side while Mystic Tao, Rainbow Dash and Shorty Thinking were thrown to right side. Plant creatures approached and readied to attack them.
"We're gonna have to split up," Shorty Thinking exclaimed in concern while armed with his Flame Volley Blaster, "Meet us at the Florafauna Palace!"
"Got it," Laxtintc nodded in agreement. He yelped in fear upon spotting plant creatures approaching him and his team, "Gotta slide away!"
Fluttershy squeaked in fear, "See ya!"
Both team headed off at once in different direction while the plant creatures chased after them. They have to reach the Nature Palace and rescue Princess Leaf in time. But unknown to them, a group of Demon Changelings were watching the event. As they have their antennas-like ears shaken, the Changelings were contacting their leader.
At the Nature Palace, Maul was looking through Princess Leaf's bed chamber like he was searching for something. As his antennas like ears shaken a bit, he responded to his contacts. He listened to the latest reports. He smirked in amusement.
"Good. Get rid of them now! I need more time!"
Mystic Tao, Shorty Thinking and Rainbow Dash continued running down to the small village while battling with some of plant creatures on the front.
Rainbow Dash used her Mystic Magical Spear in knocking her enemies down. Shorty Thinking fired his Flame Volley Blasters at the charging enemies. Mystic Tao used his magical spells in blasting and defeating them. The trio managed to defeat them in time before panted heavily.
"It's getting out of control! We have to end this!" Shorty Thinking exclaimed in concern.
"How?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in anger.
"I do not know." Mystic Tao admitted, "But I fear Princess Leaf is in grave danger. We must find her before anything bad happens to her!"
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Fluttershy, I hope you're okay with Lax. Coz we're stuck here!"
"We must go now," Mystic Tao said firmly before looking at his white iris, "Let us hope that we won't get attacked again. Mystic Tao hates surprises!"
"Why do I get the bad feeling about this," Shorty Thinking asked uneasily.
Three ponies headed off at once in finding Nature Palace. Unknown to them, couple of Demon Changelings emerged from buildings and shadows as the bugs were glaring at them.
On downtown village; Mighty Heart, Fluttershy and Laxtinct managed to escape from plant creatures. They were walking down its streets. They were following white iris's brown glowing direction since they all never been to Mystic Wood's country before.
"Man, this place is a maze!" Laxtinct exclaimed in surprise while looking around. He groaned, "We'll never find the palace in time!"
"We will. We just need a good signal," Mighty Heart said in concern. He then looked at the white iris, which glowed dimly. He groaned in annoyance, "The evil essence is interfering with my magic! I can't focus my chi on it well!"
"Shouldn't there be any signboards for us to read?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yeah. I wonder why Wood Mystic Ponies don't use them?" Laxtinct said in annoyance, "It would be a lot of easily for us to get to the palace."
Mighty Heart sighed, "Unfortunately, they don't. They rely on their natural instinct and sense to find their way home in their homeland. And I'd say they're very good at it."
"Just great! Any brilliant idea of how to get to the palace?!" Laxtinct asked in annoyance, "Guess we should have brought the Mystic Generals of Woods with us."
As three ponies continued walking, Fluttershy stopped as she felt something bright glaring and blinding at her. She turned and found it from toy store. Curious and concern of it, she decide to investigate it. Both Laxtinct and Mighty Heart noticed it. They both followed her.
They entered the toy store. They gasped in surprise as they found a couple of strange pods-like attached to the large tree's trunk. They approached and checked on it. They found living Mystic Ponies and some creatures within the pods.
Laxtinct yelped, "What the heck are these things?!"
"I don't know." Fluttershy admitted. She placed her hoof on the pod gently, "But... I can feel something... So much anger. So much sadness. So much loss. It's like they're in pain."
"How?"
"I don't know. But these pods are making these ponies feel sad and pain."
Fluttershy gasped in surprise as her eyes glowed in white. Mighty Heart and Laxtinct were surprised by it. As they were occupied, the vines from the pods slowly raise up and ready to attack. Demon Changelings emerged from shadows and places.
Vision:
In her vision, Fluttershy found herself at the throne chamber but very clean and nice modern texture. She found a pinkish teenage Earth Pony with brown and yellow stripes of gentle long curly mane and tail, her cutie mark is nature symbol was talking with Garuda Warrior, Tecca Musa and Flora Sparkle about the proposal. As they argue, the mysterious filly groaned in annoyance as she screamed in anger.
"That's enough!" The filly exclaimed in anger and frustration. Three ponies were surprise and concern as they looked at her. She sighed, "Look. Just give me another day to think. I'm very tired and exhausted too."
Wood Mystic Trio were silent for the moment before they nodded and bowed in understanding. They turned and left the palace at once. She sighed before cried and sobbed tearfully in despair and pain.
"I can't take this anymore! It's too much! It's just too much! I hate being Mystic Councilpony of Wood! I hate working! I hate politics! And I really hate ponies treat me like I'm their savior! I just wanna be normal filly! Is it so much to ask?!"
"Someone really needs some break."
The filly gasped as she looked up and found a Demon Changeling flew and landed on the ground. She gasped in shock and concern. She was about to call but he appeared before her while smiling.
"Now, now. Let's not get hasty," Demon Changeling said calmly, "I came with proposal."
"What do you want?"
"Freedom for yourself. And in return, I just need your cooperation and power. And don't worry, no one gets hurt, Princess Leaf..."
Princess Leaf hummed thoughtfully as she wondered of what she should do now. And at the same time, she looked at the Demon Changeling. Should she accept it or not...
Vision Ends
Fluttershy shook her head gently. As she looked up, she found Mighty Heart and Laxtinct were moaning and grunting. She even found three Wood Mystic Ponies stood before them including the defeated Demon Changelings, and burnt and slashed forms of vines.
"What happen?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"We were attacked," Mighty Heart groaned in pain while rubbing his head, "We're lucky that Wood Mystic Generals came and rescue us."
"Yeah..." Laxtinct said painfully while standing up slowly. He and others turned and looked at couple of unconscious Demon Changelings. He yelped, "Okay, what the heck are these things?! They're nothing like the Changelings!"
"The Hatred Changelings," Mighty Heart said in concern yet firmly. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "I read about them. They're very rare but unusual and different than the ordinary Changelings. Unlike the original ones; these things feed on negative emotion such as fear, hate, anger and even despair. Once fed, they will become more powerful, stronger and faster but deadlier and destructive. They're not easy to fight with."
The ponies chatted in concern while looking at Demon Changelings. Fluttershy looked and observed closely at them. She gasped in concern.
"I know them! Princess Leaf talked with one of them when she was upset and angry!"
Three Wood Mystic Ponies gasped, "WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!"
"It's the truth!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern, "I don't know what their leader wanted with Princess Lead, but it can't be good! We have to go and save her now!"
"But that doesn't make any sense!" Garuda Warrior said in concern, "She'd never be upset or angry before."
Tecca Musa nodded in concern, "And not to mention, she would never conspire with the enemy too."
"What make her become so upset and angry," Flora Sparkle asked in concern.
"You didn't know, did you?" Fluttershy asked. Three Wood Mystic Ponies turned and looked at her oddly and confusingly. She sighed, "Being the youngest member in Mystic Council has pressured her a lot. She never get a good rest or sleep, and not to mention, she never have fun or making friends! She doesn't have a good childhood. That's what makes her upset and angry!"
"But why didn't she tell us?!" Garuda Warrior demanded.
"I guess she's shy and feel responsible of it. She doesn't want to let you down." Fluttershy said in concern.
Tecca Musa sighed, "I guess we should have reconsider her welfare. It wasn't fair for her to do her duty alone."
"I agree," Flora Sparkle nodded in understanding, "We must make-up for her!"
"Well, we'd better find her while we still can!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern.
Mighty Heart groaned while glaring at white iris, "Well, this is not helping us get to the palace!"
"Follow us," Garuda Warrior said firmly and calmly, "We know the way."
Rainbow Dash groaned in pain as she slowly opened her eyes. She found herself, Mystic Tao and even Shorty Thinking were tied up by metal chains. They struggled in getting off. They looked up and found themselves in the throne chamber. And at the same time, they even found more Demon Changelings surrounded the area while guarding the pod.
The team even saw the pod surged and electrified with pure electrical shocks. Its antenna fired its shocking thunder on the ground. It slowly formed and created a plant zombie pony, and various more of plant creatures before they headed off and exited the throne chamber.
"Did not see that coming," Rainbow Dash said in shock.
Shorty Thinking hissed, "If my theory is correct, that pod is must be some kind of machine. Such technology like this one could possibly and able to create an artificial beings from making and fusing genetic of plant and organism together, Mystic Magic Source and most important of all - these creatures have to be made correctly, otherwise it could-!"
"Shorty, English!"
"That pod is a machine that can create an army of plant creatures we just fought!"
"You really need to shorten your explanation."
"You really need to learn more of science."
"Will you two knock it off," Mystic Tao exclaimed in annoyance. He turned and found Maul approaching them. He huffed, "I suspect you're the leader of these Demon Changelings especially the mess you have created?"
"For an old pony, you're quite smart," Maul said in amusement. He chuckled a bit, "I assume you wanted to know what the hell is going on here? What did I do to Princess Leaf? What do I want from her? How do I create plant creatures? And best of all, who and what am I?"
"Dude, we know you're changelings!" Rainbow Dash remarked dryly.
"No, Rainbow Dash. He's a Hatred Changeling or known as Demon Changeling," Shorty Thinking explained calmly, "Unlike the Changelings, they feed on negative emotion to increase their power and hunger but very deadlier and destructive than the ordinary ones."
Mystic Tao nodded, "Indeed. We know the last one. Answer the rest now!"
Maul smirked, "I am Maul, Lord of the Hatred Changelings. I came to offer something that Princess Leaf desired so badly that she could never resist - freedom. And in return, I want something from her that can help me bring victory to my clan! These creatures are marvelous and perfect, created by power of Wood and Technology."
"Well, you're missing one question," Shorty Thinking snarled in anger, "Where is Princess Leaf?!"
Maul smirked in amusement, "That would be telling..."
"You won't get away with this!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger, "We will find the princess and beat the crap out of you!"
Maul scoffed, "Bet on it, brat. Excuse me. I've gotta find my little tool."
As Maul was about to leave the throne chamber, the door got breached. He and his Changelings turned and found Fluttershy's team arrived at the scene.
"Where is she?!" Three Wood Mystic Ponies demanded in anger.
"Sorry, I'm a bit busy now," Maul said in amusement. He turned and looked at both Demon Changelings and Plant Creatures especially the pod, "Attend the guests now."
SCREECH! Both Demon Changelings and Plant Creatures charged straight at Fluttershy's team while the filly inside the pod create more of the creatures and even summoned forest to aid and fight besides with her. Maul quickly headed off at once in search of an item.
As the creatures were charging, Mighty Heart roared in anger as he charged and rammed them off. Garuda Warrior summoned her tomahawk axes as she battled her enemies fiercely and determinedly. Tecca Musa summoned her digitalized and electrical rods as she combated them. Flora Sparkle summoned her vines and weeds in helping and defending her allies.
Formed Rock Armor, Laxtinct came and helped his friends out from metal chains while Fluttershy covered her friends. As they're freed from metal chains, the team worked together and fought against their enemies. Laxtinct punched and kicked his enemies off. Shorty Thinking fired his Flame Volley Blaster at them. Mystic Tao used his Elemental Cards while chanting and praying as he fired his at them. Using Cheetah and Bear Spirit, Fluttershy fought against her enemies while Rainbow Dash defended her best friend.
Maul was flying thoroughly across the Nature Palace's chambers and halls as he was looking for and completing his objective. He looked annoyed and angered as he muttered about unable to find it. He then came across jewelry chamber. As he opened, he gasped in surprise before smiled in amusement and darkly.
"Oh yeah. I've found it! It's ours now!"
As the team continued fighting and battling enemy troops, the pod continued creating more of Plant Creatures. The team began struggling to fight back now. Mystic Tao forced to hid behind rocks while struggled in firing at the enemies. Mighty Heart got punched and pounded to the ground by humanoid tree-like. Flora Sparkle struggled in holding the attacks back, with her vines and thorns. Tecca Musa got hit, Garuda Warrior fought bravely to defend her but got hit.
Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Shorty Thinking and Laxtinct were the only team members in continuing the fight. However, they all grew tired and exhausted from the fight. The mysterious filly continued producing more of plant creatures.
"Man, I can't keep this up much longer!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern, "I'm getting pounded!"
"So am I!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern while swinging her spear at her enemies, "We've gotta do something now!"
Shorty Thinking turned and looked at the pod while groaned, "Our hope is to destroy that pod! It's the only way stop the plant creatures! You kill the queen, everything will die!"
"I hate killing," Fluttershy said grimly.
"We don't have much choice!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern, "We've gotta end this and find Princess Leaf!"
"She has the point!" Laxtinct said in agreement.
"Okay! I'll cover for you! You take the frontal assault! Lax will take the hit!" Shorty Thinking said firmly and determinedly, "Go now!"
Laxtinct screamed, "Do I have to take the hit! Damn, it hurts my face!"
Laxtinct charged in and rammed the army of plant creatures and Demon Changelings while hold them off. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy charged straight to the pod. Shorty Thinking covering fire for his team. The rest of their allies struggled in fighting and battling her enemies.
"Damn it! At this rate, we'll fall sooner," Tecca Musa said in pain.
Flora Sparkle nodded, "We'll never find Princess Leaf and apologize to her for not being there when she needed the most."
"I refuse to die," Garuda Warrior exclaimed firmly, "Princess Leaf need us! We are her guardian and protector, and her family. I refuse to give up!"
Blinking eyes, the filly gasped in surprise within the pod, "Ga-Garuda... Tecca... Flora... Care for me?!"
Heard the voice, both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash stopped at once while looking at the pod. They were surprise and shock of the revelation.
Rainbow Dash was speechless and concern, "Fluttershy, did you-?"
"I did," Fluttershy said in concern, "You don't think it's her?"
"Guys, do it!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern while fighting the enemies, "We're running out of time!"
Shorty Thinking nodded while firing his Flame Volley Blaster at his enemies, "What are you waiting for?! Do it!"
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were flapping their wings on midair while looking at the pod. They were confused and uncertain about it. They began suspect of knowing what or who is inside the pod.
"Fluttershy, did you know anything what happen to Princess Leaf," Rainbow Dash asked in concern, "Because Maul told me that he offered her something she never had in life - freedom. I don't believe he's being honest."
"Actually, it is!" Fluttershy said in realization. Rainbow Dash turned and looked at her oddly. She continued, "Freedom is what Princess Leaf wants. She wanted to be free from her duty and responsibility. Maul took advantage of it!"
"If I guess correctly," Rainbow Dash said suspiciously while looking at the plant creatures, "these are her powers to create an army of plant creatures. And if we're gonna shut it down, we need to talk and snap her out."
"I agree, Rainbow Dash! She needs to know that her generals and ponies still loved her! Willingly to help and support her!"
"Yeah. Let's do some hard love talking with her! Let's hope it works!"
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew straight towards the pod. As they landed before it, they took a deep breathe before sighed calmly. They approached the pod. The filly within the pod snarled while her eyes glowed in red.
"What do you want, peasants?!" The filly demanded in anger, "Have you come to destroy me?! Then, do so now!"
"Princess Leaf, we just want to talk," Fluttershy said calmly. It surprised the filly within the pod and even others. It caused the plant creatures stopped from attacking due to the pod has stopped giving order. Everyone looked at the pod. She sighed, "We know who you are and why you're like this."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "But you shouldn't have taken Maul's offer! You should never believe in the Changeling's words! They're the liars!"
"Quiet!" Princess Leaf exclaimed in anger, "You all have no idea of how I felt or wanted after trapped being Mystic Councilpony for 600 years! I hate it!"
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sighed calmly as they knew what she has been through. They have to reach her and hopefully she is convinced.
"Princess Leaf, we understand how you felt," Fluttershy said calmly, "I used to be like you. I feel very pressured by photo role model. And I didn't like it much and couldn't tell Rarity about it. But when I told the truth, she understands me and I quit it for my friendship."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "It wasn't easy of being Wonderbolt for me, but I'd never quit no matter what!"
Princess Leaf snarled in anger, "Such arrogance and lies you have! You think petty words like yours can comfort me?! How stupid do you think I am?!"
"We are telling you the truth," Fluttershy said firmly. She turned and looked at the ponies, "Look at them! Think carefully, Princess Leaf! These ponies risked their lives for you! They even felt sorry for what they did!"
Rainbow Dash nodded, "And if you don't stop what you're doing, many ponies of Mystic Wood are gonna get hurt! And not to mention, it's gonna destroy rest of Mystic Realm!"
"They say you're very kind and compassionate Mystic Councilpony to them all! And you mustn't give up on them and their hope!"
"What's more important to you?! Freedom or ponies you love and care?"
"Nothing is important than family and friends I treasured the most in heart. Nothing is gonna change of that!"
"It's hard to choose. If it were to me, then I choose my friends over my dream. I'd never gave up on them!"
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked at Princess Leaf within the pod, "What about you? What will you choose?"
Princess Leaf was stunned yet surprised and touched by both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's words. She turned and looked at her Mystic Ponies of Woods. The generals looked concern and heartbroken. Through her powers and connection to nature and forest, she sees everything on both throne chamber and city. They were horribly and terribly in destruction and mess including the death and injured of ponies.
Mystic Councilpony of Wood gasped in shock as she began sobbing and crying tearfully.
"Wh-What have I done," Princess Leaf asked in pain and despair while sobbing, "How could I let this happen?! What can it be done?!"
"There's still time!" Rainbow Dash insisted firmly, "Stop your powers! Call the plants off!"
Fluttershy nodded, "You can do this! You are Mystic Councilpony of Wood! The ponies need you now!"
Encouraged by two mortal ponies, Princess Leaf took a deep breathe while closing her eyes firmly. As she concentrated hard within the pod, hers glowed in bright brownish aura. As if they obeyed her command, the nature halted its attacks and returned to normal such as forests, trees and plants retreated and returned to its original places, plant creatures dissolved to the ground and returned to the soil and part of nature.
With everything has returned to its normal state, the pod continued glowed brightly. With a crack on its surface, the pod broke to pieces. Everyone covered their faces briefly as they have been blinded by light and debris. Aftermath, they opened their eyes and found Princess Leaf stood before them gracefully.
"Princess Leaf!" Three Wood Mystic Ponies exclaimed in relief. They charged and hugged her tightly and passionately, "Praise the Heaven! You're okay!"
Princess Leaf nodded while sobbed a bit, "Yes, it's thanks to these two. I'm saved."
"It's no biggie," Rainbow Dash remarked while smiling, "It's what we do."
Fluttershy nodded, "Yes. We're glad to help."
"Oh, isn't that sweet," The sly voice said darkly. Everyone looked up and found Maul stood before them from the left entrance. His Demon Changelings came side with him. They even held some various bags with them. He smirked, "I really hate it. It really sickened me a lot."
"Oh yeah? Want a bet?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in anger.
Fluttershy nodded, "You've lost, Maul!"
"Have I?" Maul asked in amusement. Everyone looked confuse and concern. He held a strange crimson with several sharped obelisk-like crystal. Mystic Ponies gasped. He smirked, "I have everything I need - a generator pod that turn an innocent and pure Mystic Pony into an evil monster, my Demon Changelings are perfect minions, and the hellish heart of crystals to the Demon God - Hellsing Crystal."
Mighty Heart gulped, "It can't be!"
"The what-?!" Rainbow Dash asked in confusion.
Mystic Tao hissed, "Hellsing Crystal but can be known as Dark Stone, a pure yet dangerous, evil and demonic crystal! It is said that these crystals are part of Demon God's heart. Its power was used to bring the death to life as its mindless servant. It even drained any ponies with magic, and even Mystic Ponies' immortality and immunity but can kills them. And the worst of it, it gives deadly and demonically power to any creatures come in contact with it!"
Fluttershy squeaked in fear, "That can't be good!"
"No! It's not!" Shorty Thinking said in concern, "How did you know these?! Who told you?! The only who knows about this is Mystic Councilpony themselves!"
Laxtinct gulped, "Something tells me that we've got big bad boss to deal with."
"Got that right. But I can't tell you everything," Maul said in amusement, "That is the secret and surprise for another day, fools."
"You're not getting away with this!" Rainbow Dash groaned in anger.
"Till we meet again, suckers!" Maul exclaimed in amusement. He licked his tongue around his mouth, "And tell sweet Princess Twilight Sparkle, Our mating will come. Her lips will be mine to take and taste."
And just before the team could do anything, Maul and his Demon Changelings quickly threw a smoke bombs on the ground. As the dark smoke exploded, the ponies coughed briefly. As the smoke dispersed, Demon Changelings have escaped.
The news of Princess Leaf being rescued has spread to her ponies, they were happy and relief to hear it. They all began rebuilding their city and home. Sacred Light Ponies also helped and rebuilt theirs as well. The team were walking across the town while chatting and discussing of the event.
"Everypony, I want to apologize about what happen for few days especially today," Princess Leaf bowed down in shame and apologetic, "I make no excuses of it! But one day and someday, I would like to redeem the mistake!"
Garuda Warrior shook her head and bowed down, "No, your highness! It is our fault!"
Tecca Musa nodded while bowed down, "I agree! We shouldn't have pressured you so much on your duty! We should have been considerate!"
Flora Sparkle bowed down, "Agreed! We could have been better mentors to you."
"Please rise, sisters!" Princess Leaf pleaded while helped her generals up, "Please do not say such things of your guilt. But I'm glad that you all were truly care for me as I have for you. I promised that I'll be a better leader."
"As are we," Three Wood Mystic Ponies said firmly and calmly, "We promised to stand by your side as well as helping and guiding you through your duty!"
"That's good to hear," Rainbow Dash said calmly, "Just make sure that you don't try to make a deal with devil again. It's not good."
Fluttershy nodded, "I agree. And not only that, you need to take a break from duty while let others take over. And that way, you don't have to stress over it."
Laxtinct sighed, "Yeah. Working can be very pain to anyone's ass. I really hate it."
"Indeed. That was something you cannot do foolish again," Mystic Tao said firmly.
Princess Leaf smiled and nodded in agreement, "Yes, I understand. I will not forget of your lesson and your kindness. Thank you very much."
"But do you know anything about Maul?" Shorty Thinking asked in concern, "Is he working for any enemies - Chrysalis or Dark Mystic Ponies?"
Princess Leaf shook her head, "I'm sorry. I don't. He only offer me what I need and corrupted me to destroy everything and everyone I have loved for. There's nothing I can offer you now."
"Don't worry. We'll find it by ourselves," Rainbow Dash said calmly. Sensed her cutie mark glowing and ringing, she looked at it and smiled, "Looks like we did it!"
Fluttershy nodded, "Yes. We sure did."
"Well, I'm glad that you did," Princess Leaf said calmly, "You are always welcome back to my home. Elvish Forestland always welcomes you all."
Mystic Tao cleared his throat, "Until our country are rebuilt!"
"Thanks for inviting. We'll come back again someday," Rainbow Dash thanked happily.
Fluttershy smiled and gave a hug to Princess Leaf, "Take care, your highness."
"So as yours, my friends," Princess Leaf greeted her friends off.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash headed off while greeted her friends off. Shorty Thinking and Laxtinct followed them as well.
Laxtinct sighed, "Glad I'm out of the woods. I hate nature."
Fluttershy noticed Rainbow Dash's looks and asked, "Is there something wrong, Rainbow Dash? You looked worry."
"It's what Maul said about Twilight." Rainbow Dash said calmly and uneasily, "I get the feeling that bad things is gonna happen to Twi and Shadow Dragon."
"Well, whatever it is, we have to stop and defeat him," Shorty Thinking said firmly, "And of course, we need to know what is he planning with Hellsing Crystals. It can't be good..."
Everyone looked concern and uneasy as well. Their fight will not be easy as they once thought before...
Inside of Dark Mystic Throne Chamber, Dark Curse was sitting down calmly on his throne chair as he was having some thoughts. He smirked in amusement.
"Have you accomplish your mission?"
Dark Curse looked up and found Maul stood before him. Demon Changeling smirked and bowed down before his master.
"Yes, indeed. Everything goes according to the plan." Maul said calmly and proudly. He then threw couple of bags down in revealing more of Hellsing Crystals. He smirked, "I've got the goods."
"Excellent," Dark Curse said in relief as he approached and held Hellsing Crystals tightly, "I've waited for a long time to see them again. And now, it has return to me again. With them, we can increase our military might and making various projects. Our plans are accelerating."
"Yes. That's excellent, my lord."
"You've done well, Swipestrike."
Maul smirked in amusement as his body slowly transformed into the form of Swipestrike. He smirked darkly and amusingly.
"I live to serve, Dark Lord..."
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking, Hatred Changeling
P.J. Byrne: Laxtinct
Josh Keaton: Maul/Swipestrike
Minor Casts:
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Molly C Quin: Princess Leaf
Melodee M. Spevack: Garuda Warrior
Morgan Decker: Tecca Musa
Amy Gross: Flora Sparkle