Everfree Forest: Main Path Sixth hour, forty-five minutes
Twilight had lead the group through the main path of the forest as it was the safest route to the castle given that it was easier to spot an oncoming danger. Unfortunately this was also the long path as it didn't go on a straight line.
Eventually they came across a cliff they would have to climb down or find a ledge they could walk down; that is if they hadn't two unicorns capable of levitating an a pegasus.
As they continued down the path Lyra noticed something that would have paralyzed most ponies through fear. "Manticore at 10."
Twilight had already began formulating a plan to battle the beast when rainbow said, "So, lets just walk past it." As if it was the most casual thing ever.
"Are you crazy." Retorted Twilight. "All six ends of that thing could kill you just by coming into contact with your flesh."
Rainbow knew she wasn't a genius but she hated when they undermined her intelligence just because she was the alethic type and not very fond of reading. "Yea. And I also know that these tings don't attacked unless provoked and we'd be better off leaving it alone."
Of course Twilight was cynical. "And how do YOU know that."
"My best friend, Fluttershy, is an expert on animals and can handle any normal animal and as for magical creatures she's learned how to deal with the ones in Everfree and near Ponyville."
Twilight decided to try Rainbow's advice and sure enough they were able to pass the creature without any trouble.
Following the road they entered a section of the forest where the trees had no leafs but despite that fact it was actually darker that the previous sections of the road. The small group dare not let their guards down for a second so that if a beast or enemy approached in this environment they would not be unprepared.
Eventually something touched Apple Bloom she jumped in surprise causing the others to react as well changing from a defensive to an offensive stance. "Recruit, what happened?"
"Sorry Admiral. I felt a touch and saw some faces. Maybe there's a creature nearby."
After she finished her report Pinkie gave a loud snort trying to contain her laugh. "May I ask what is so funny Lieutenant Pie?"
Pinkie calmed down and stopped giggling to answer. "Sorry it's just that those seem to be trees."
The small group looked around and sure enough there was nothing but trees.
"So what I saw only looked like a face. Sorry." Sheepishly replied Apple Bloom.
Twilight gave a simple smile in return to the young filly. "There is nothing to apologize soldier. You saw a threat and prepared yourself for the outcome. A false alarm is still an alarm and in situations like this one the unexpected could be just around the corner." The small Recruit's eyes lit up at the fact of being praised by Equestria's second highest authority.
Finally they proceded until they reached a small river which was surprisingly tranquil for being in the Everfree Forest. After that they reached a chasm; beyond it, was the castle.
"Wait for me at the front entrance." Ordered Twilight. The small group looked at the Admiral with confusion. "There is only one way to stop Celestia; the Elements of Harmony." She then cast a spell that dispersed the fog covering the bottom of the chasm revealing stairs leading to a cavern. "And the most important of them is down there."
The small group started crossing the bridge while Twilight climbed down the stairs. Once she reached the cavern she saw it just like her mother described it; the Tree of Harmony. In front of it was a pedestal holding a stone orb with a six pointed star; the Element of Magic.
As soon as Twilight touched the orb it started glowing and once the light stopped the element had returned to its respective gem form. Around it, started materializing a golden necklace that, once it had finished forming, put itself around Twilight's neck. She could feel the magic flowing through it, but it alone would not grant her victory.
Afterwards she joined the rest of the squad at the main entrance. "Is everypony ready?"
The team saluted as they answered. "Yes Mam!"
"Then let's proceed."