//------------------------------// // The War: Part 2, The Journey // Story: The Sun's Life // by DiscordFan //------------------------------// Celestia cut through vines of a forest. The story, if the alicorns remembered correctly, the five friendship gems rested within the eldest forest that was free, but they were only visible to those who shared the bond of friendship. Supposedly, the gems were red, orange, blue, purple, and pink, but it is unknown. Celestia continued cutting the vines and forliage. It had been 24 suns, or over three weeks, since the ponies began their journey. Humble Flitter proved herself very useful. She could identify plants and animal species by simply looking at them. It didn't matter if the species was unknown or not, she could identify it, and if it was edible and safe. Apple Cider could cook almost anything, but did her best when there was at least one apple ingredient. She was also probably the only pony, including Luna, that could keep Celestia from going back to Discord and attempting to kill him. Firefly was very reliable. She would fly ahead, scouting for danger, and if there was danger, she would fly upward, enraging wingless monsters, whose roars warned the group. Rare Gem was able to make fantastic temporary shelters, able to withstand very tough storms. She also provided camouflage with her abilities. Surprise was one out of two of the ponies that kept the group smiling, if only for a short time before thoughts of death made frowns again. Soldier Sparkle was very efficient with her magical abilities and guard training. (She was the first female guard.) If they ran into monsters, she used her magic to cause temporary mind confusion. Luna was the second pony that helped keep the smiles going, always offered to help, and kept things blunt and honest. Celestia was the leader of this strange group. She always made sure to show her compassion and loyalty to these brave ponies. She would not give up. No, she couldn't give up. Her friends were relying on her and her sister to defeat Discord, Lord of Chaos. <><><><><> Celestia was cutting through vines and foliage again. Sweat dripped down her muzzle. She began to pant slightly. "Prin- I mean, Celestia, would you like to take a break," Firefly asked. "I'll cut through the forest." Celestia froze. "No, Firefly. I'm okay." "Pardon me, Celestia, but your sister begs to differ," Apple Cider butted in. "Luna," Celestia said growing louder. "I'm sorry, sister," Luna said, "but you need to take a break. You're sleeping less and less. I'm-I am beginning to worry about you." "Lulu, I'm-" "No! Don't 'Lulu' me! Sister, you need to take a break. Firefly offered to help, yet you refused because you are angry and stressed. Now, dear, dear sister... Take. A. BREAK!!!" Celestia fumed, but then looked at her followers. They were all watching worriedly. "Um," Rare Gem stuttered. "May I make a suggestion to help release your... emotion, Celestia?" "A... suggestion?" "Yes, you see I, uh... You know what, could we... talk privately," Rare Gem hissed out the last part fearfully. Celestia understood immediately. This suggestion was a bit personal to Rare Gem. "Of course, Rare Gem," Celestia said understandingly. Rare Gem lit her horn, and then leaves and sticks and rocks were floating about, slowly creating a small speaking area. Rare Gem trotted right over and behind the leafy curtain. Celestia soon followed suit. The other ponies heard them rustle about, when suddenly Rare Gem poked her head out and asked, "Sparkle, could you perform a no-sound spell on our area? Thanks!" Soldier Sparkle blinked, but she performed the request on Rare Gem's and Celestia's area. "Alright, 'Tia. I suggest a journal," Rare Gem said after making sure the no-sound spell was there. "That's it," Celestia asked. "Well, you see, I, myself, keep a journal, and, oh, by Faust, does it help so," Rare Gem complimented journal-keeping. "Hmm... I see... Thank you very much, Rare Gem. That does seem to be good idea. I shall try it." Celestia leaned over and clutched Rare Gem with her front hooves. "Thank you," she added with tears filling her eyes." "You're welcome, 'Tia, darling lady." ===== Celestia watched as Firefly and Apple Cider cut the vines and foliage. Celestia promised Rare Gem she would begin a journal tonight. Rare Gem even created a plain, leather-bound journal. They had made it about 360 hoof-steps East when Humble Flitter received an awful headache. "Flitter," Firefly cried out. "Fire... Nyaa!.. It's okay," Humble Flitter said meekly. "Don't worry... This has actually happened before... I was in the presence of a magical-resistant creature..." Humble Flitter winced in pain. "I-I just need rest." "Wait," Celestia said. "Before you rest, did you say 'magical-resistant?'" Humble Flitter nodded. Celestia paled. "I know what the creature is... And nopony is going to like the answer. ===== Celestia, Soldier Sparkle, and Firefly trended lightly. They were searching for a dragon. Specifically, a young dragon. Because Humble Flitter's headache was minor (compared to others she has had), the dragon had to be young. That's when Firefly froze, and her ears twitched. "Grr-aaaah," a shrill voice cooed from... the left. Celestia slowly crept towards the left. She came to a bush with phoenix-flowers, where the coos were loudest. With her magic, she pushed some leaves and flowers aside revealing a young lilac dragon with a deep forest green belly. He had deep forest green spines and ear scales. He opened his eyes revealing vivid, orchid-colored eyes with slit pupils. Celestia smiled gently at the large reptile, "I'm going to keep him, and his name shall be... Forest Flame. Yes, Forest Flame." "'Tia," Soldier Sparkle questioned, "are you sure this is wise?" "We shall raise him as though we were raising a foal. He will help amend his species and our species rift." Celestia picked the dragon up into her hooves. He cooed as Celestia tickled his belly. "Yes, Sparkle. I am positive this is wise."