Chapter Preview: The Warrior of Encouragement

The first scene of tonight's upcoming chapter of A Journey Beyond Sanity: Chapter Seventy-One: The Warrior of Encouragement. Hope you enjoy!

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"So there's this 'Tree of Harmony,' hiding somewhere deep inside the Everfree Forest, and we have to find it in order to fix everything?" Rainbow asked, for clarification.

"Essentially."

"But you have no idea precisely where this tree is?"

"Not exactly," I confessed lightly to Rarity's inquiry, looking away in thought, "But I know what it looks like. It's located within a cave inside the forest; I'll know it when I'll see it."

"Alright, so we deliver the Elements of Harmony to the tree, then what?" Applejack wondered.

"...I have no clue," I admitted, shaking my head, "All I know is the Elements must be brought to the tree in order to restore it and the forest. I'm not uncertain as what specifically happens..."

Taking note of my apologetic tone, Twilight said reassuringly, "Jack, just this information alone could help us solve this whole crisis. Now we at least have the basic idea of what to do," Her encouraging smile incited my own.

"Should hide in the Everfree Forest be this tree," Zecora then warned, the zebra having arrived as I provided a description of the harmonic tree and where it was hidden, Fluttershy and Pinkie helping the tired equine, "Be on your guard, you must take from me. For as the forest's nature grows, so will many of our kind's foes." We nodded at her words.

Noted Zecora.

Discord, meanwhile, continued taking delight out of this situation, observing us with blatant amusement. Ignoring him, Twilight then inquired, "Did this app show what happened to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as well?"

"...Actually, no," I frowned, meeting their disappointed stares, save for Discord's, "I don't think they were even mentioned. Sorry."

"Oh, don't apologize!" Discord said happily, placing a bear arm around me with a grin, "You can't know everything, my dear chap! Though I must say, I'm surprised by your ignorance over the Princess's locations; and here I thought you would at least know something about it!"

"Why Discord, it sounds as if you know something we don't," I snapped, having no need for his condescending mockery. The creature of chaos simply shrugged and spouted angel wings, sending Fluttershy a puppy look.

"It's a long story," Twilight said to Zecoras perplexed look, before adding with a frown, "But, if Jack doesn't know anything about the Princess's fates, then how will fixing the forest help us find them? Solving one problem won't fix the other."

"I think ridding this infestation is a first priority, Twilight," I said, but not in non-sympathy.

"He's got a point, Twi," Applejack pitched in, seeing the mare hesitate, "If we don't stop this forest from growin', who knows how many ponies in Equestria will be in trouble!"

"...Right," Twilight finally nodded in grim determination after a moment of thinking, obviously deeply concerned over the welfare of her mentor and Luna, hardened stare looking towards the Everfree Forest. Black vines and thorn pouring out dangerously, threatening to consume the entire lands by the hand of Mother Nature. "You'll recognize the tree on sight?"

"Yes," I responded, also staring at the sorry state of a forest in resolve. It was time to end this affair before it got worse.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Rainbow said determinedly, already flying off towards the entrance of the dangerous area, "Let's get going!"

"Good luck! Ta ta! See you when you all get back, safe and sound!" Discord waved us all off with enthusiasm. Can't tell is he's serious or, again, just mocking us.

As much as I hated just allowing these girls to throw themselves into danger, I trusted them to take care of each other. And I will be there in case things somehow because more serious than currently.

"Discord," I said, lingering for a moment as the mares, and Spike who was tagging along for some reason, all walked off in grim resolve.

"You rang?" Said master of chaos held a phone near his ear.

Cracking a faint smile, I gestured to behind me, "I ask of you, as your friend, to make sure the citizens of Ponyville stay safe from this infestation until we return. Can I rely on you?"

Discord responded by putting on a soldier uniform and conducting the British Salute, "Sir!" He replied in mock-seriousness.

Rolling my eyes, I then noticed Zecora approaching me, "I shall assist the town with him." Her expression and tone held conviction, "Although our situation looks only grim. We can count on Twilight, you and your friends, to put this unnatural crisis to an end."

I nodded gratefully. More equals better, "I appreciate that Zecora. Mark my words, we'll restore the forest and your home to normal."

"Stardust, come on!"

At Rainbow's command, I gave the zebra and smirking creature of chaos one last look, "Good luck," And ran after the waiting mares and dragon.

It's time to pull out the weeds.