//------------------------------// // Chapter 38 - The Everfree Forest // Story: Fear Within // by VirtualCipher //------------------------------// It had been quite a while since Rainbow Dash left Canterlot. With her wings thrashing, fighting the air as she took flight, the Pegasus was on high alert. Clear and bright, there wasn't a cloud in sight, only a blue sky, endless and beautiful with the warm, golden sun hanging just above her. Now and then, she could spot specks in the distance, flying, interfering with the blue canvas. It was unknown what she thought of them. For all she knew, they could have been pegasi that were lost, changelings out hunting, birds or even monsters that contained the ability to take flight. Now and then, she would look down and see the pure, natural land. Equestria had not been consumed to a wasteland as she had thought, but that didn't mean monsters weren't roaming and lurking beyond her vision. It was true that Rainbow did feel fear as she flew to Ponyville, but all that mattered right now was finding Zecora and waking up Fluttershy. She wanted to tell Twilight and her friends that she was leaving in search of Zecora, but she couldn't face them, not after her sudden outburst. Constantly striking herself with insults, she continued to curse herself for being so harsh and insensitive. With great speed, Rainbow became a blur, travelling beyond the mountains and skewering the heavens. With every single pound in her chest, she could feel it greater than the last thump. At this point, it was drowning out her ears. Lowering herself to a nearby mountain, the cyan pony felt her hooves collide with the rocky, cold surface as she tucked her wings to her sides. She set free a sigh as she looked around. Oddly enough, after the breakout, Equestria looked quiet, almost as if nothing had changed. From the mountain, Rainbow Dash could only see a few specks flying at a distance, still unknown to what they could be. Her eyes hovered to the nearby railroad that connected between Canterlot and Ponyville. Her ears slightly twitched as she picked up the sound of water swishing as she descended down the railroad. Continuing down her path, she took notice of the waterfall beside her, gently running under a wooden bridge. She was getting close to Ponyville. "Alright Dash!" Rainbow said to herself. "You can do this! This is for your friends! I've handled Diamond Dogs, dragons and changelings. I can take care of a few prisoners, nothing can stop this pegasus!" She declared with a confident smile, ready to take on the world. "Except me." A surge of alarm and fright rushed through the Pegasus as her eyes widened in distress. Her voice wasn't hard to identify, but she had to see it to believe it. Spinning herself around, she watched the lavender alicorn lower herself to ground as if she was being delivered from the heavens, her wings steadily and slowly cementing to her side. Rainbow Dash had trouble speaking. Unravelling her words, finally regaining the ability to speak, the Pegasus was baffled, "Twilight?! What are you doing out here, I-" "I should be asking you the same thing," Twilight responded with a disapproving glare, not looking pleased in the slightest. "I thought you were crazy when suggesting on going to the Everfree Forest, but this?! This is beyond crazy, Rainbow! After last night, can you not grasp what's out here?!" "Then why are you out here?" The cyan pony argued. "To bring you back!" The alicorn told with her glare still intact. "You could have been hurt with what's out here, or worse!" Hopping into the air, crossing her forelegs and evading her stare away from Twilight, she growled, "Why do you care?" With her disappointed glare fading, Twilight looked blank for a moment, then stunned, "Are you serious?" She questioned while arching a brow. "You're my friend, of course I care!" "Wait?!" Rainbow Dash with a puzzled voice, her eyes reconnecting with Twilight. "You don't hate me? But I said-" Immediately interfering with her friend's sentence, Twilight interjected, "Look, you said some stupid things." This time it was her turn to break the focus she had on Rainbow. "Some stupid, harsh and overwhelming things." She halted for a moment as she turned back to her friend. "I hate the things you said, but I don't hate you. Yes, I may be upset with you and disappointed that you chose to say the things you said and the truth is, I still am, but you're my friend." Rainbow Dash lowered herself back to the ground, taking in every word. "We're not fillies, Rainbow, and we can't be acting like this if we want to help Fluttershy, Spike and everypony else affected by this madness. So please, come back," Twilight pleaded, a desperate look crossing over her eyes. "I don't want anypony else hurt." As she absorbed the alicorn's words, her ears flopped downwards and presented a look of remorse. Gripping her eyes shut and relieving a sigh, she reopened them and stood tall, "I'm sorry, Twilight... But I can't." She confessed. Before Twilight could get a word out, Rainbow Dash quickly zoomed closer to her friend and halted the princess' voice. "You're right!" She agreed rather quickly. "Out here is dangerous, especially after Tartarus' breakout. But you're also right about Fluttershy, she does need us, but what good are we if we don't know what to do to help her?" She asked, tilting her head a little. "I have a hunch Zecora will know what to do and for our friend's sake, I'm going to do what I think is right." She declared, putting her hoof down. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to the Everfree Forest, for Fluttershy and Zecora." Slightly dismayed to hear this, filling up with worriment, Twilight lowered herself down a little and sighed. This lingering anxiety kept tangling her mind, but deep down, she knew Rainbow Dash was right. Picking herself back up, the alicorn ambled past her. Confused, raising her eyes a little, Rainbow Dash watched as the alicorn walked past her without a word. "Um, you do realise Canterlot is back the way you came, right?" "I know," Twilight responded. "I'm coming with you." "Wait?" Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief. "You are?" "Yes." The princess simply answered, facing her friend once more. "You're right, Fluttershy and Zecora need us, and you can't go into Everfree Forest alone, and please!" Twilight forced out. "We need to be careful. We're almost at Ponyville and who knows what could be there, so no flying on ahead." "Well let's get-" Before she could finish her sentence, the cyan pony's eyes targetted Twilight, already moving on ahead. Once again, Rainbow Dash looked down to the ground, realisation struck her. She didn't apologise for what she had said which should have been the first thing to come out of her mouth. Steadily, fighting the air, she began to flail her wings, not flying off, but gently hovering just a few inches off the stone, cold ground, following the railroad and her friend back to Ponyville. An apology was working in her mind. Canterlot Once again, revisiting the guest room that contained the senseless Pegasus, tucked away in absolute stillness, Princess Luna had not moved a single inch from the bed's side. Quiet and concentrated, the Princess of the Night's horn was sheathed in a dark blue aurora that flowed and staggered around. For so long, she tried her best to locate Fluttershy's subconscious, trying to reach her and connect her back to reality, but nothing... All she could feel was interference, a barricade that would hinder her progress. However, despite her troubles, Luna felt this interference before. Despite her silence, she was not the only one in the room. Applejack and Rarity waited patiently with their siblings along with Scootaloo. Pacing back and forth frantically, her teeth chattering and finally collapsing onto the floor, curling herself up, Pinkie Pie squealed, "I can't take it anymore!" She shivered. "It's been too long! They should have been back by now!" Comforting the agitated pink mare, placing a hoof on her head and gently petting her, Rarity stated, "Pinkie, darling, it's only been Twenty minutes." "Twenty minutes too long!" "Am sure Twilight and Rainbow Dash are alright," Applejack comforted, approaching the curled up mare. "Twilight's smart and Rainbow's fast, they can last out there longer than Timberwolves in the Everfree Forest." "Of course Rainbow Dash can last out there!" Scootaloo chimed in. "A few prisoners aren't going to stop her!" She told, punching her hooves into the air. "Uh, Applejack," Applebloom spoke, looking up. "Is Fluttershy gonna be alright?" Trouble locating the right words, the cowgirl simply smiled at her sister which bought her enough time to form her sentence, "Ah... Yeah. She's gonna be just fine." "But what's Princess Luna doing?" The orange filly asked, raising a brow. "She's trying to reach Fluttershy in her dreams," Sweetie Belle answered. "But it looks like she's having some trouble." The concentration Luna had been growing finally snapped, the aurora that enveloped her horn faded into nothingness as she opened her eyes, turning to the ponies in the room. Struck with disappointment that her progress hindered, the alicorn felt useless when it came to helping Fluttershy. "Any luck?" Applejack approached the princess, hoping for good news. With a sigh, Luna turned to the cowgirl and spoke, "Nothing." "I'm afraid I can't quite grasp this," Rarity said, leaving Pinkie Pie's side and approaching the princess. "What's preventing you from reaching her?" "Something's latched onto her mind, like a virus and it's acting as a barrier," Luna stated. "There are no doubts, it has something to do with that fog you encountered last night and what's strange is that I've felt this interference before." "You have?" Pinkie Pie shot herself up from the ground like a flare. "Wait? When was this?" Applejack asked. Looking away for a moment, Princess Luna felt a little sick upon realising why this interference was so familiar. She turned back to the ponies in the room and began, "When Spike vanished... Twilight requested that I would find him by contacting him in his dreams. But I could never reach him. I could never find him." The alicorn locked a look empathy towards the dormant Pegasus. "All I was met with was a barrier, the same that's hindering my connection with Fluttershy's dreams." Luna continued, presenting a look of sympathy towards the three ponies that stood before her, "Fright's vile poison of fear is what's keeping me away from her subconscious and all these months, it was the same thing that kept me from reaching Spike... They were both infected by it." Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie all looked down, their sadness getting the better of them, same went for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. It was sickening to hear that Fright's fear poison dwelled in Fluttershy and Spike's system. All these months, who knew how much Fright injected that horrid venom into him. "There has to be somethin' around here to help," Applebloom informed. "There just has to be!" With a nod, Luna turned towards the exit, "I'm going to try and find one of the doctors, see if there's any potions or some form medicine to help her wake up. I will be back shortly." The alicorn informed, leaving the room. Turning to her friends, Applejack pushed out a sigh, "Don't worry girls, things are lookin' rough, but Fluttershy's gonna wake up soon. Ah can feel it, she's strong like that." Despite the many failed attempts of trying to bring their dormant friend back to reality, a glimmer of hope still lingered throughout all of them. After traversing down the mountain, continuing to follow the railroad back to their home, the silence between Twilight and Rainbow Dash was strong, like a blanket covering the both of them. They were both on alert, looking out for any threats or sign of danger, but even between them... The silence had just grown awkward. With Twilight's hooves brushing against, the fresh grass and Rainbow Dash continuing to hover just a few inches off the ground, they hadn't made a single stop nor did they say a single word. At this point, the Pegasus couldn't take it, she had an apology forming in her mind, but she didn't know how to bring up how she acted. Focused and pushing aside her doubts, she finally spoke... "So I... I said some things back there." "Not now, Rainbow," Twilight renounced, her voice empty of any emotion. "No, please," Rainbow Dash hovered and landed in front of her friend. "Let me say this." "Say what?" The alicorn leaned back a little, presenting a frown. "Look, I didn't mean any of the things back at Canterlot." She confessed with doleful eyes. "I didn't mean any of it, I was just so... So..." For a moment, the Pegasus hesitated to carry on speaking and she was about to force the rest of her words out, but her eyes snapped wide open as her gaze travelled past her friend. "You were so...?" Twilight repeated the Pegasus' sentence, hoping she would continue. Promptly, Rainbow Dash grabbed the alicorn's shoulders and began to shove her, wheeling her away from the railroad and frantically trying to find the nearest thing she could hide behind. "Rainbow, what are you-?" Before Twilight could get her words out, the Pegasus quickly pushed her behind a boulder "Hey-!" "Sh!" Her friend shushed, the look of alarm wiping over her face. Confused, yet complying to her command, Twilight slowly and carefully lifted herself up from the ground while Rainbow Dash nudged to the side a little, taking refuge behind the boulder. They succeeded in keeping silent, not making a single noise, keeping the silence intact. Steadily, Twilight, followed by her cyan friend peered past the boulder, looking to the lone railroad. The alicorn was about to question Rainbow Dash, but just in good time, Twilight's mouth sealed shut upon seeing three teenage dragons come into sight, landing near the lonely tracks. As the three teenage dragons landed, the heads of the two ponies quickly retreated down a little behind the boulder, but their eyes remained glued to the dragons, curious to see them here. Last to land, in front of his two cohorts, Garble let out a growl, his claws curling into fists as his wings folded to his red, scaly back. "I hate this place..." He moaned. "What are we doing here anyway?" One of his dragon companions asked. "We've got another deal to make with those moronic Diamond Dogs. Apparently, they've set up base in a little place called Ponyville." The red dragon answered with a chuckle. "I tell ya, I knew that little psycho's planned breakout would scare everyone, but I didn't know it would have made one of the princesses flee their home along with the whole village." The two ponies ears nearly fell off when hearing the Diamond Dogs had taken control over Ponyville, it sent a signal of shock and uneasiness into the stomachs. Fluttering like butterflies, horrible thoughts came crashing into their mind as they fretted on the state of their home, what if it had suffered the same as Manehatten. Sending each other a disturbed look, Twilight noticed Rainbow Dash's expression fade from worriment to anger. Her pupils began to blaze like fireballs as she slowly began to wander from behind the boulder, she was getting ready to pounce and attack them. Quick to act, Twilight's horn was enveloped in a blanket of light, stopping the Pegasus in her tracks and bringing her back behind cover while receiving a disapproving glare. "Then again, a few threats do scare everyone off, I shouldn't be surprised considering what happened in Manehatten," Garble said, brushing his claws against his and admiring how sharp they were. "You know, I'm starting to like this Fright guy." The two dragons looked at each other with a raised eye, somewhat surprised as they asked, "Really?" "Of course not!" Garble laughed, presenting his keen teeth. "The guy's a freak! As is that Changeling Queen and everyone else a part of this stupid alliance. Once we've achieved our goal, we're out! I don't want to bother carrying on with this stupid partnership. No more deals with these stupid Diamond Dogs and no more taking orders from that sick psycho!" "Bet you wouldn't say that to his face." The other dragon laughed. "What face? It's practically a mess of rags and stitches," Garble howled another laugh, but abruptly stopped himself, raising his claw at this two cohorts and presented a scowl, baring his teeth. "But if you tell him a word of this conversation, I may just have two deal with you two myself, you got that?!" Nervously, his two dragon friends shook their heads in compliance, intimidated by Garble's sudden change in attitude. "Good." He withdrew his claws away from his associates and turned himself away. "Now come on, let's get this stupid deal over with. Maybe we can burn down a house when we get there." Taking off, spreading his wings, Garble along with his partners took off into the air. As soon as the three dragons were out of sight, Twilight and Rainbow Dash emerged from behind the boulder, disturbed, worried and agitated. Quickly, the cyan pony advanced just in front of her friend to see if they were still in sight, but a blue sky is all that came into her vision. Feeling a mix of agitation and tense, Twilight managed to push it all under her control. She stepped closer to Rainbow Dash who didn't bother to look at her. "Were you really going to pick a fight with them?" She spoke gently. The silence was her only response. "Rainbow, what did I-?" "Didn't you hear what they said? The Diamond Dogs have taken our home, those dragons have been causing nothing but trouble for us! They deserve as much pain as possible," Rainbow Dash finally answered. "Those dragons, the Diamond Dogs, the changelings, Fright and Chrysalis, after what they did, they deserve what's coming to them." "You could have been hurt," Twilight reasoned, advancing closer to the Pegasus. Once again, Rainbow Dash remained silent. "Something's up. Even before we entered the fog, you've been different. We all have, but you..." With her ears dropping down, the alicorn had concern glaze over her eyes as she took another step closer. "Could you please look at-" Twilight brought her mouth to a halt when she heard the sound of sniffling infiltrate her ears. The disappointment she held for her was quick to fade. "Rainbow..." Complying to her request, she slowly turned herself around to face the alicorn. With wide eyes, doing her best to repress her tears, Rainbow Dash could only let them slide down her cheeks. Seeing the layers of bravery and courage peel off, she couldn't fight off the tears that slipped down her face. Sadness and despair began to deteriorate her valiance. Shaking her head a little, her eyes still aimed towards the princess, letting anguish take hold of her heart, her lips trembled, "I'm sorry..." Twilight's heart dropped at the sight of Rainbow Dash slowly crumble down. "I'm sorry." She repeated sorrowly. "I... I didn't mean to say the things I said. I was just scared for Fluttershy... And- and..." She choked a little, gripping her eyes shut, preventing herself from crying any further, but failed as she reopened her watery eyes. "You we- were good to- to... Spike." For a moment, her wings shielded her face as she wiped her eyes and then retracting them back to her sides, "You were better than me, everypony was better than me when it came to being there for Spike. I had no right to say what I said, so I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I know I crossed the line and I don't expect you to forgive me, but I just want you to know that I'm sorry." Rainbow didn't give Twilight a chance to speak, she continued, her voice beginning to break as she sniffled, "And if it means anything, not a day goes by without thinking how I could have done better to be by his side. I know I tormented and ridiculed him a lot, but I did care for him! I just wish... I wish he knew that!" "I'm so, so, so sorry..." She finally lowered her head down, sobbing, letting her tears drop to the grass below her. "I'm sorry for everything! I'm sorry that- that he did this to you! I'm sorry for being so stupid..." Still, Twilight watched as her friend refused to look at her, heartbroken as the cyan pony remained silent, tears continuing to flow and slide down her face. Quickly, the alicorn pulled the weeping Pegasus into a hug, trying to lift her sorrows as a surge of empathy took flowed through her, "It's okay... It's okay," Twilight cooed. "No, it's not," Rainbow Dash blurted. "He... He didn't deserve any of this! I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you." "It wasn't your fault. You said some things you didn't mean, I've been there before," Twilight comforted in a gentle tone, bringing her friend closer into an embrace of empathy, wrapping her in a blanket of pure serenity. "You... You have?" Rainbow Dash pulled back a little, sniffling. With a simple nod, pulling back as well, Twilight averted her eyes in shame, "Why do you think Spike ran away..." "I really am sorry..." The Pegasus murmured. "It's okay..." The alicorn soothed. "You were worried about Fluttershy, I understand. I wanted to stop those dragons as well, but remember what happened in the prison? When I tried to confront Fright?" In response, Rainbow Dash nodded, her crying easing as she dried her eyes with her wings. "It was a trap, Chrysalis deceived me and because I wasn't thinking clearly, I could have got you, Applejack, Rarity, my brother and Princess Celestia hurt." Twilight placed a hoof on her friend's shoulder. "I came so close to hurting you all just because I lost control of myself. I don't want anypony to get hurt... Zecora needs us... Fluttershy needs us... Spike needs us, and if we're going to save them, then we'll need to help each other. Help me save them... Help me fix this. Will you help me?" "Yeah... Yeah!" Rainbow Dash shook off her misery and absorbed her courage and valiance back into her heart, immediately, the depression that filled her eyes were extinct and her confidence had been restored. "Of course I will! We're friends... And friends stick out for each other." She smiled. "Then let's go," Twilight returned a smile back. "We have a friend to save." "And... Before we go," Rainbow Dash spoke with a nervous tone, chuckling a little and erasing any form of tears around her eyes. "Could we keep this between you and me? I'm not usually the type of pony to get mushy." Keeping her smile intact, Twilight nodded. With the rift between them patched, the two of them let go of their troubles against each other. They wanted to win, they wanted to help Fluttershy, to save Spike. In sync, Twilight and Rainbow Dash readied their wings, leaping into the air and hovering a few inches off the ground, away from the boulder they took refuge behind and hurried to Ponyville. Ponyville With the day still bright and in such little time, Ponyville was looking quite different. For starters, there wasn't a pony in sight, not a single one, not a Unicorn, Pegasus or Earth Pony. Roaming about, carrying and transferring crates, snooping around and into empty buildings, barren of authority, the Diamond Dogs showed no respect for the property they were destroying and vandalising. The beautiful weather did not mix well with this certain day, maybe it did for the Diamond Dogs, but not for everypony else. Luckily, no buildings were destroyed or reduced to rubble. However, there were smashed windows and broken doors. The interior of Ponyville's homes was a mess, all due to the Diamond Dogs looking and searching for valuables. Campsites were made and it appeared they were establishing an outpost or ready to take Ponyville for their own. At the town square of Ponyville, the Diamond Dogs were on patrol and now then, a few creatures slipped into the town, scavenging and intruding around. The guards belonging to the Diamond Dogs were told not to bother with them unless provoked. Laughing maniacally, they were having the time of their lives, stealing and taking other's treasured possessions. Not what it used to be, the town hall was looking a little rough. For starters, the maroon, double doors were nearly faded of colour and had been scratched all over. Inside, the place was torn and filled with equipment that belonged mine-dwelling dogs. Spears, arrows, crossbows and something new... Exiting through the broken doors of the town hall, walking smoothly, without a care in the world, Rover stretched each leg with a stride and within his paw, now and then, gently throwing it up into the air was some sort of orb. By his side, snickering and following his leader's movement, Spot was counting the many gems he had in his paws. Looking around the town square, Rover admired the sight, turning to his companion, "This is it, Spot!" He said with a cackle. "Things are finally looking up for us Diamond Dogs." "A new home and a new life for us," Spot snickered. "Nothing's gonna stop us now! Gems, diamonds, rubies, it's all ours!" "You bet it is!" The Diamond Dog leader laughed. "And we're not done yet!" "What do you mean?" The small Diamond Dog asked with a hint of confusion wiping across his gem-thirsty eyes. Patting his companion's back, waving his other paw in front of his face, he presented the glamorous, shiny and lustrous tree-like castle. Twilight's home, barren, unsecured, lonely... Rover and Spot licked their lips in desperation upon seeing the shiny crystals blooming from the castle's structure. "Who knows what treasures that castle holds," Rover drooled. "I've had our guards take hold of the place before any of those..." The vicious dog's eyes narrowed a little in disgust and baring his teeth. "Prisoners... Could go anywhere near it." "What are we waiting for?!" Spot chimed, jumping up in excitement. "Let's get going!" Their thoughts of treasure and luxury were shoved away and before they could even move a single step, their path was blocked when three teenage dragons landed directly in front of the two. Garble stood up straight, peering down at the two dogs, his eyes showing discontent. The dragons' entrance was abrupt and unexpected, it nearly sent the two Diamond Dog's fur flying off in alarm and fright as they halted in their tracks, shocked to the core of their stomach, but that shock was quick to vanish. Together, the two responded to the dragons' entrance with narrowed eyes. Spot crossed his arms in displeasure while Rover sighed and rolled his sharp-like pupils around his green eyes. "Oh, it's you three." He groaned. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," Garble responded, flicking his claw at the two. "I want to get this stupid meeting over as much as you, so let's get to it!" Both Rover and Spot exchanged an unpleasant look of happiness. Finally, they had arrived. Twilight and Rainbow Dash broke off from the railroad's direction and wandered up a hill, only to gaze at what Ponyville had become. Struck with bewilderment, Twilight winced at the sight of her home, taken by the Diamond Dogs while Rainbow Dash presented a look of agitation, growling at the sight. Needless to say, they were hurt to see their home vandalised, damaged and taken. "Oh no," Twilight gasped. "What have they done to this place?" "Those... Those... Those cowards!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Taking our home without a fight! I'll show them." She growled, ready to charge off into the town, but was held back by Twilight's magic. "Rainbow, no." She denied. "This isn't easy for me either, I don't think it'll be for anypony, but we're not here to pick a fight. We're here for Zecora." Looking back to Twilight and then back to Ponyville, she could only hold her head down and sigh as the alicorn's magic faded from her body, free to move again. Turning back to her friend, she spoke, "But we can't let them get away with this." "They won't," Twilight responded. "But right now, we're here for Zecora and Fluttershy. We'll need to traverse through Ponyville to get to the Everfree Forest." With a chuckle, the Pegasus presented her wings with a confident smile, "Luckily, we got these!" Just as she was about to take off, she was stopped again, but this time, no magic was needed. "We can't!" The alicorn told, just in time before her friend took off into the skies. "And why not?!" "Well, for starters, if we're spotted, then the dragons can easily take us down." The princess informed. "We can't fly over Ponyville, it's too risky." "Then what are we going to do? We can't just walk through Ponyville," Rainbow Dash told. "And going around isn't exactly our best option either, there's Diamond Dogs everywhere!" "I have an idea." The alicorn assured. "But it's a little dangerous..." "Well, dangerous is my middle name, what have you got?" Rainbow Dash asked, a little anticipated with Twilight's scheme. Standing back a little, sealing both eyes shut and standing tall, pushing out her chest as she focused on her breathing, Twilight's horn began to lightly glow. Concentrating and letting her mind work, the alicorn let her magic run down a concentrated course. To Rainbow Dash's astonishment, the lavender pony faded away, disappearing. "What the?" The cyan pony's head frantically turned left to right, looking around for her missing friend. "Twilight? Twilight?" "I'm right here." She responded. Despite hearing her voice, Rainbow Dash failed to locate her friend anywhere. "Where?" She asked once again. Finally, like being painted back into reality, Rainbow Dash watched her Twilight approach her, her horn still glowing as she appeared out of nowhere. Once she witnessed her friend "Woah," Rainbow Dash admired. "How'd you do that?" "It's an invisibility bubble," Twilight informed, directing her friend to look around them. "Inside this bubble, we're invisible to the world. The Diamond Dogs won't be able to see us, however, the bubble moves along with me so we'll need to stay close with one another. That, and this spell won't last long, I'm estimating we have a good Twenty minutes before the bubble begins to fade." "Are you sure you don't want to fly over?" "The invisibility bubble distorts when flying. This may seem dangerous, Rainbow, I know." The alicorn confessed, her eyes trembling a little. "But we can't take the risk, the Diamond Dogs may not possess the ability to take flight, but the dragons do and who knows how many of Tartarus' prisoners have wings. We're so close to reaching Zecora." "Alright then," Rainbow Dash allayed with a nod. "Lead the way." "Okay, stay close," Twilight instructed. With the alicorn moving along and by her side, Rainbow Dash following closely, staying within the area of the bubble, they kept quiet, but their hearts began to beat greatly against their chest. Steady with every movement, lightly placing their hooves on the grass they tread on, they slowly wandered down the hill and into Ponyville, now infested with Diamond Dogs and a few unpleasant creatures. When entering what was once their hometown, the two ponies that were cloaked in a bubble of transparency couldn't help but feel sick to their stomach, their core rotting as they witnessed the damage these vandals had produced. There were many damaged structures that caught their curious, frightened eyes. As they travelled through town, it was impossible to ignore the number of creatures roaming and wandering about, showing no respect for the property they were damaging. Guards of the Diamond Dogs patrolled with spears and crossbows, two of them were staggering just in front of Twilight and Rainbow Dash's path, causing the invisible mares to halt in their tracks, holding their breath in fear. Keeping inside their bubble of safety, deceiving the creatures they passed by, no one seem to have noticed their deception. Keeping calm, carrying on throughout Ponyville, their two ponies couldn't tear their eyes away from every building they came across. It was true the Diamond Dogs took hold of their home, but horrific creatures didn't stop from entering. What was once the elegant and delicate home of the generous Rarity, it was hard to gaze upon the battered boutique. Run down, windows smashed and the front door clawed at, it was horrible seeing such a pleasant home taken by ruthless creatures. Slithering on the roof, a snake-like creature with was hissing and baring its teeth to any other creatures coming near it. "Rarity is not going to be happy," Rainbow Dash whispered, sounding repelled by the sight, her ears flopping down and staying close to the alicorn's side. Dismayed, Twilight couldn't help but feel a wave of pain wash over her, seeing her hometown defaced and wrecked. "How could I let this happen." She whispered to herself, her voice fading into misery. "Come on, Twilight, we're almost there," Rainbow Dash inform, continuing to keep her voice low. "We just need to make it through the town square." ... Evading past the many Diamond Dogs lounging, patrolling and snooping around, they hurried over the bridge and entered the town square, once again, halting in their tracks when coming across the same three teenage dragons they encountered along the railroad, bickering with the two Diamond Dog leaders. "Those jerks again," Rainbow Dash growled, keeping within the bubble. Planning to continue their path to the Everfree Forest, Twilight couldn't help but feel compelled to investigate what was in the paw of Rover. Even Rainbow Dash was trying to determine what it was. "That's it?!" Garble roared. "That stupid, little contraption is what we were brought here for?!" The dragon growled, pointing his keen finger to the mechanical orb being chucked up and down into Rover's paw. "Does it even do anything or do you just want to play fetch?!" In response to their leader's comment, the two dragons shared a chuckle while Rover and Spot presented a glare of annoyance towards them. "I was sceptical of this contraption as well, but you'll be surprised at what it can do," Rover laughed. "Allow me to demonstrate." With ease, Rover turned directly towards Twilight and Rainbow Dash which immediately caused their hearts to drop, thinking that they had been found, but they were in luck. Promptly, Spot along with Garble and his cohorts followed the Diamond Dog's path. Slowly backing away a little, both ponies kept calm, hoping that they couldn't be seen and as they moved, the invisibility bubble latched onto Twilight's every movement. Luckily, as they moved, their eyes didn't follow. Beyond the two ponies, coming across the bridge and into the town square, they watched as one of the Diamond Dogs' guard was backing up, trying to defend himself from one of the creatures that escaped from Tartarus. Abhorrent, the creature had no eyes and its mouth couldn't conceal its keen teeth, showing them to the world. Scrawny, slender and sharp, the colour-lacking creature shrieked and growled at the Diamond Dog guard. Poking his spear at the foul prisoner, he growled too, but it was somewhat inferior to the monster he was facing, "Back! Back you stupid-" Snatching the spear from the guard's grasp, the wild creature simply snapped it in two, breaking it like a twig and then setting free a disgusting scream causing the guard to flee. Turning his focus to the three dragons and the two Diamond Dog leaders, the foul beast relieved another scream as it got on to all fours, ready to attack. Before it could move, Rover lobbed the orb at the creature, resulting in the creature becoming enthralled in a puff smoke, followed by crackling. Struggling to move, the creature screeched as its legs and body froze, becoming stone cold. Twilight and Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in astonishment, watching every second of the creature being materialized into stone. Garble along with his companions stood there, bewildered and then let out a malicious laugh. "Where did you get that?" Garble asked. "It's called an obsidian orb," Rover informed. "They happened to show up just when that hunter arrived." "Look at us!" The dragon laughed. "We've got Equestria in our claws, in a matter of time, there won't be a single pony to defy us!" "I can't wait to have our own statues of the princesses, or better yet, that whiny, annoying unicorn!" Spot laughed. "Let's see her whine when she's frozen! Heh-heh, right Fido-" Immediately, the small dog's laughter was brought an abrupt halt, forgetting that his other accomplice had been caught. "I miss Fido..." He sighed. As the teenage dragons along with the Diamond Dogs barked with laughter, concealed within the bubble of invisibility, Twilight and Rainbow Dash traded a look of dread, worriment filling their eyes as they clenched their teeth in fear. Slowly, not making a sound, the two invisible ponies slipped past the dragons and the remaining Diamond Dogs, carrying on with their mission, continuing throughout the wrecked Ponyville and proceeding closer to the Everfree Forest. The Everfree Forest Never before had Ponyville felt so uncomfortable, so different that it was sad. Treading away from the village, on the outskirts, they had finally entered the dark and gloomy Everfree Forest. They were out of sight from the Diamond Dogs, the three teenage dragons and what other monsters lurked in Ponyville. Right now, the Diamond Dogs were seizing control over their home, it was horrible, but better than having it destroyed. After making their way past Ponyville and into the Everfree Forest, Twilight put a stop to her magic, letting the transparent bubble around her and Rainbow Dash dissolve. Spreading apart from each other, descending a little deeper into the Everfree, they stayed on the path to Zecora's hut. The twisted, crooked, dark trees sheltered the two ponies from light, calming their nerves, their hearts aching to see their homes ruined. "You okay?" Twilight asked. "Huh?" Rainbow Dash snapped out of her thoughts and responded. "Oh! Yeah... It's just... it's a lot to take in." "I know." The alicorn confessed. "But we'll fix this, together. You, me, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy. Once we find Zecora and wake up our friend, I'll alert the princesses about Ponyville. With my magic restored, we'll take it back with the help of the Royal Guard." Twilight's plan felt good to hear for Rainbow Dash, it pained her to know that Ponyville was in the hands... Well, paws of the Diamond Dogs. Following the clear, but creepy path that dwelled in the dark forest, they finally reached their goal. Almost lighting up like a firework, Twilight's face brightened with a smile as did Rainbow Dash when their eyes met with Zecora's hut. Still intact, not a single sign of damage crossing their analysis. The alicorn approached the zebra's door and gently knocked while the Pegasus kept a lookout for any threats. After a few seconds of silence, there was no sign of the door opening. "Zecora, it's me and Rainbow Dash," Twilight whispered, hoping that she would open the door. "What if she isn't home?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "For all we know, maybe she made her own way to Canterlot, or what if she got captured?!" Lifting herself off the ground, grabbing her face, the Pegasus' face was hit with dread, her eyes widening like saucers. "She could be anywhere by now, she could even be-!" With her rambling cut off, the hut's door slowly opened and there stood Zecora, relieving a sigh and presenting a welcoming smile to the two. "You were saying?" Twilight giggled, causing the cyan pony to scratch the back of her head, her eyes darting away from her friend as she felt abashed. "Rainbow Dash, Princess Twilight," Zecora greeted. "You two gave me quite a fright." "There's a lot of that going around." The Pegasus groaned, rolling her eyes. Twilight stepped forth and spoke softly, "Sorry, Zecora. Can we please come in, it's an emergency." "Of course." The zebra nodded with a smile and made way for her two guests as they entered. "There is no need to be afraid, I am at your aid." As the two ponies entered, Zecora closed her door and attended to her guests. "Zecora, I am so sorry about all of this," Twilight apologised, looking down as guilt ran through her. "What are you apologising for, Twilight." The zebra softly spoke. "I heard well of this breakout last night." "Wait, you did?" "News travels fast," Zecora offered a reassuring smile. "So what brings you here at last?" Rainbow Dash stepped forth, "We've come to take you to Canterlot. Ponyville was evacuated last night due to Tartarus' breakout and well... Things aren't looking good. The Diamond Dogs have taken Ponyville and Tartarus' prisoners are roaming around Equestria!" "When Ponyville was evacuated, I didn't think to check the Everfree Forest. I'm sorry I left you behind, Zecora," Twilight dolefully spoke. "I heard well of Ponyville's alarm, but luckily, I was in no harm. There is no need for apologies, I understand. You found me just as planned. So much to do, I'll come with you two." "Before we go, there's another thing we have to bring up," Rainbow Dash interjected. "Not long ago, Twilight saved Manehatten and fell into some sort of state, infected by some fear poison. The same thing's happened to Fluttershy, and Princess Luna is trying everything to wake her up, but she said she said her magic's being blocked from reaching her mind like her senses have been weakened or something..." In response, Zecora could only show confused look. "Do... Do you have some sort of potion or brew that will wake her up," Twilight asked, brimming with hope. Much to the dismay of the two ponies, Zecora shook her head, "I'm afraid not. Fluttershy is trapped in her subconscious, I see. This poison of fear restricts her from being free." "So there's nothing that you can do to wake her up?!" Rainbow Dash questioned, shooting up into the air like a flare, struck with anguish and shock. "I may not be able to wake her, but there is something else I can help with, but where...?" Zecora turned away and began to look through the many bottles that contained colourful potions. Waiting patiently, Twilight and Rainbow Dash gazed upon Zecora as she returned, presenting a green bottled potion. "What is it?" The Pegasus asked. "This will ease your friend's infection, allowing the Princess of the Night to make a connection." "You mean this will allow Princess Luna to reach Fluttershy's subconscious?" Twilight asked gleefully. Zecora lifted a smile and nodded, grabbing and storing the potion in a saddle bag. Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash turned to each other, smiling greatly, their worries eased. They were getting closer to saving their friend from whatever nightmare she was trapped in. "Zecora, you have no idea how thankful we are," Twilight stepped forth. "Thank you," Rainbow Dash appreciated. "I'm glad to be of assistance," Zecora said. "But the day is nearly fading, perhaps we should trot, onwards to Canterlot." "Oh," Twilight sighed. "Back through Ponyville..." Catching on to Twilight's doleful, yet frightened expression, the Pegasus spoke up. "Hey, Zecora. Twi and I had a hard time getting here, do you know another route through the Everfree Forest, Ponyville is swarming with beasts and creeps right now and well... I'm not one to back down from a good fight, but there might be a bit too many of them for us to handle." "Of course." The zebra confirmed, gathering what she needed, bottles of potions and plants, sliding them into her brown saddle bag. "Follow my lead, my guidance is all you will need." As Zecora made her way to the door, Rainbow Dash painted a smile, lifting her hoof to Twilight, "Come on, we made progress today. Don't leave me hanging." A little confused at first, Twilight painted her own smile and complied, "Alright." She lifted her hoof and tapped it against her friend's. With ease, the two ponies left the hut, staying close to the zebra as she guided them through the Everfree Forest. Canterlot - Throne Room "I can't take it anymore!" Pinkie Pie screeched, her hooves dragging and sliding around her face in panic. "What if they don't come back?! What if they're in trouble?! What if-?!" Gently, Applejack hushed the frantic, pink mare by placing her hoof over her mouth, "Simmer down, Pinkie." "But- but..." With a sigh, the pink mare deflated to the floor. "They've been gone for so long!" "I'm sure they're just taking their time, darling," Rarity spoke, followed by a nervous giggle, worriment coating her voice. "Though, it has been longer than expected." Her teeth began to chatter. Entering the throne room, the Royal Sisters, Princess Celestia and Luna approached the three ponies. Towards Luna, Rarity spoke up, "How's Fluttershy? Has there been any improvements." Let down with her progress, Princess Luna slowly shook her head and responded, "Once again, I'm afraid I must disappoint. No progress has been made with the Pegasus whatsoever. I'm sorry." "This is hard for all of you," Princess Celestia spoke up. "But if it's one thing I know, I'm sure Twilight will find a way. She's resilient and smart like that. I have faith that she'll return with a solution to awaken your friend." "You bet we have a solution!" Turning to the open doors of the throne room, out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash hopped into the air and landed rolling into their sight, halting just in front of them as she rose back on her hooves, standing tall with a smile that showed confidence and pure happiness. Immediately, upon seeing her friends safe and sound, Pinkie Pie relieved a scream of joy and bliss, jumping from the floor and launching herself towards Rainbow Dash, latching onto the Pegasus as she embraced her with a crushing hug, resulting in the cyan pony to almost squeak. A few seconds melted away and Twilight had entered the throne room, a pleasant smile plastered over her face as she was accompanied with Zecora. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Zecora!" Rarity exclaimed. "Thank goodness you're alright!" While Pinkie Pie tackled Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack proceeded to Twilight, embracing and comforting her. Pleased, her worries dying down, Celestia broke a smile upon seeing the young princess return as did Luna, her anxiety easing. "Are you hurt? Is everythin' okay?" Applejack questioned. "We're fine, Applejack." The alicorn assured. "As you can see, Rainbow Dash and I managed to find Zecora." She presented the zebra standing next to her. With a sigh, the cowgirl felt her nerves calming but turning back to Rainbow Dash in anger, "What were you thinkin'? Leavin' without sayin' a word. If Applebloom and her friends didn't see you take off, you could have been seriously hurt!" Departing from Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie hopped back to Applejack and Rarity. "I know, I know," Rainbow Dash responded. "I just... I couldn't face all of you after I lost my cool earlier. I had no right to say what I said back there and well, I was worried for Fluttershy and it was wrong of me to shame Twilight like that." She looked back at the alicorn, who responded with a warm smile. "All is forgiven, Rainbow." She said. With a smile of her own, the Pegasus turned to her three friends, "I know what I said was stupid and harsh, but do you think you girls can forgive me?" "Of course," Pinkie Pie quickly spoke. Rarity followed after, stepping up, "I suppose it's alright. After all, you were afraid and I don't think anypony can blame you." "We've all been on edge a little lately," Applejack confessed. "We all understand how ya feel, Fluttershy's our friend too. Ah can forgive you, Rainbow. Just try not to lose your temper again, ya hear?" "Thank you." The Pegasus smiled. "And thanks to Zecora, she may just have a potion to wake up Fluttershy!" She informed with delight. Dashing to the zebra, inches away from the face, she squealed, "You do?" At this point, the pink pony was nearly exploding with intense happiness. "I'm afraid what your friend says isn't necessarily true," Zecora stated. "It may not wake her, but clear the fear from her mind, it will do." "Clearing the fear," Princess Luna joined. "That should allow me to reach the Pegasus in her dreams." "That means Princess Luna might just be able to make contact with her," Applejack cheered. "Mighty thanks, Zecora!" "It was no trouble, dear Applejack. With one sip, Fluttershy's fears will surely break and crack." "What are we waiting for?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Come on! We've got a friend that needs our help!" Faster than a bullet, launching herself into the air, she left the throne room with Pinkie Pie gleefully hopping up and down after her. Applejack and Rarity accompanied Zecora, leading her to the room that contained Fluttershy. However, before Twilight could leave, she was quick to confront the princesses. "Um, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna," Twilight started. "I don't know how to say this, but the Diamond Dogs have taken Ponyville. I'm sure Rainbow Dash will tell the rest of what happened today, but there's quite a number of them." "I'm sorry to hear this, Twilight," Celestia acknowledged, disheartened by the news. "I am sickened that the Diamond Dogs have taken a hold over your home." Washing away, Celestia's sorrowful tone and saddened look vanished, replaced with determination and valiance. "But know this, in two days, Ponyville will be reclaimed. With the Royal Guard healed, focused and prepared, Luna, will remain here while I assist in taking back your kingdom." "If I may, sister," Luna spoke. "Why two days?" "The Royal Guard may be healed, but fear is not so easy to leave from anypony. We both know this. If what Twilight says is true and the Diamond Dogs have a firm hold on Ponyville, then they will certainly keep the town as their own without completely obliterating it." "But there's something else you need to know!" Twilight interjected, quickly and frantically. "The Diamond Dogs don't just possess crossbows, they have some sort of orb." "An orb?" Luna raised. "Rainbow Dash and I witnessed the Diamond Dog leaders use it on a prisoner of Tartarus, he turned into stone." "What?" Luna winced as Celestia froze for a second. "They called it an obsidian orb," Twilight informed. "More trinkets," Luna growled. "No matter! Despite their toys, we can still take back Ponyville." Celestia approached the Princess of Friendship, "From what you have told me, Twilight, I believe our enemies are growing stronger. We will take Ponyville back, until further notice, you and your friends are to remain in Canterlot. You have done so much for your friends and subjects, I'm proud of you." Bowing her head, Twilight complied, "I understand, Princess, and thank you." As the young alicorn rose her head, she made her way to the throne room's exit but turning back to the Royal Sisters as Luna's voice reached her, "I'll be with you and the others shortly, I'll try my magic again to reach Fluttershy." Twilight smiled and nodded, leaving the alicorns' sight, regrouping with her friends. Once they were alone, Luna snapped a glare towards Celestia, causing the older alicorn to draw back a little. "You need to tell her." The Princess of the Night ordered. "Same goes for Shining Armour." "I'm trying!" Celestia confessed through agitation. "They've been through so much, I just can't... Not yet... They need time to heal." "They need to know what happened, both of them," Luna lowered her voice, speaking softly to her elder sister. "I am needed for Fluttershy's awakening." She told, making her way to the throne room's doors. "They need to know, dear sister. They need to know what happened and if you can't tell them, then I'll have to." The moment Luna left, Celestia fell into a hole, filling up with discomfort, sadness and fear. She dropped her posture and fell limp a little, letting her worries sink back into her busy mind. She needed to be the one to confess. She needed to find Shining Armour first.