//------------------------------// // Into the Infernal Pit (6) // Story: Tales from the Equestrian Others- The Fallen Angel of Ponyville // by Scarlet Raven Thorn //------------------------------// Scarlet Thorn suddenly stopped moving. At first she thought that she had died, but the searing pain from all over her body stated otherwise. Her head was pounding, and she was desperately fighting back unconsciousness. Her ears were still ringing after being slammed into the ground so hard, so she could hardly hear what was going on around her. Something small suddenly picked up the pegasus, lifting her into the air. The mare watched as the forest floor passed rapidly underneath her. Confused, the mare glanced up. Sound-Off was flapping her wings like mad. The dragoness was muttering something under her breath as she flew. Scarlet was able to read her lips and made it out to be, "Buck, buck, buck, buck!" The pegasus weakly coughed, successfully coating her chin in blood. In a feeble voice the mare managed to rasp, "A- Agent Capricorn, wh- what are you doing here?!" "I know you gave me a direct order, but I couldn't just let you fight that thing by yourself!" Sound-Off sniffed back some tears. "I never should have left! Princess Luna trusted me with this mission, and look what happened!" "You shouldn't have come back." Scarlet whispered. "And if I hadn't where would you be?!" Sound-Off snapped, openly crying. "You would have died Scarlet! That thing would have torn you apart! You made your choice, and I made mine! What kind of friend would I be if I just left you to die?!" "A smart one." Scarlet shakily responded, before coming to a sudden heart-stopping realization. "Where's the Vanished?!" "I don't know!" Sound-Off answered. "But it's not following! At least, I don't think it is. After I lit it on fire and it dropped you, I just grabbed you and got out of there. Why didn't you call that monster of yours?" The darkness swam at the pegasus's vision again, threatening to pull her under. But she managed to answer. "Couldn't. It's the Everfree. Something about it makes Slasher turn feral. It's being so close to Tartarus I think." When the mare gasped out in pain Sound-Off's pace faltered. "Hang on! We're almost to Zecora's!" "The zebra?" Scarlet asked. Or at least she thought she asked. She didn't feel her mouth move, nor hear the words come out. "Scarlet?" Sound-Off probed. "Scarlet? Scarlet Thorn?! Don't pass out on me! Scarlet!" The mare didn't hear her. The darkness had won, and the pegasus was comatose. "Oh yak dung! Hey, if you can hear me, don't go towards the light!" The dragoness yelled into the unconscious pony's ear. *** Black Dawn sipped on his chocolate milkshake. The sweet scent of candy and freshly baked pastries filled the air of Sugarcube corner. The little bakery was brimming with ponies coming and going, putting a halt on their work schedule for a tasty treat. The clamoring of these ponies filled the air. The pegasus colt really didn't mind. He thought the noise added a certain homey aspect to the shop. A horrendously pink mare with a cutiemark of three balloons bounced over to his table. "Hi Black Dawn!" The colt shifted uncomfortably. "Um, how do you know my name?" "Silly filly," The mare chuckled. "I know everyponies' name." "I'm not a filly." Black Dawn pointed out. "Well duh." The mare said with a roll of her eyes. "Anyways, I couldn't help but to notice that you haven't told Ink Token about your feelings for her yet." Black Dawn nearly choked on his milkshake. "What?! I- I don't have a crush on Ink Token!" "You said it not me." The mare said with a shrug of her shoulders, and then put a hoof to her chin. "Well actually the author said it, but technically because you're speaking I guess you did say it. Never mind! But about Ink Token, you should really talk to her. She was made for you after all." "I, er- well, uh." Black Dawn stuttered, dumbfounded by the mare. "Ooh, ooh! Would a song help? I know a great song!" The mare took a deep breath before beginning to sing, "La, la, la, la, la, kiss the girl!" "Pinkie!" A voice called out. Black Dawn looked over to the counter to see his savior. The shop owner, a blue mare with a dolloped two-toned pink mane, was waving the pink mare over. "Are you bothering the customers again? How many times do I have to tell you to leave them be? I'm sorry about that, I'll take her off of your hooves. Pinkie come here. And for the hundredth time, leave our customers alone unless they talk to you first!" "Aw, okay." Pinkie sighed. "See you around Black Dawn. Oh, you should probably wipe that chocolate mustache off. Not only is Ink Token about to come out of the restroom, but your dad is about to walk in." "Pinkie!" The mare behind the counter pressed, glaring at the pink pony. "Coming!" Pinkie called out. "And it isn't the hundredth time you've told me. It's the ten thousand, six hundred, and twenty-third time." Black Dawn watched her go. He didn't know how to feel about the mare. She definitely needed a lesson in personal space and she was a little weird, but overall she seemed like a nice and cheerful pony. Wait, had she said that his dad was about to walk in? Just as Pinkie had predicted, Cobra Strike strolled into the bakery. At first he didn't notice his son sitting in the corner, although it probably didn't help that as soon as he entered the shop he was immediately swarmed by ponies. "It's Cobra Strike!" One pony, another pink earth pony but with a yellow and light blue mane squealed. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I'm, like, your biggest fan!" "No you're not Stardash!" An aqua blue pegasus with a turquoise mane retorted. "Because I'm his biggest fan!" "As if Sprinkle Medley! You didn't even know who he was until you listened to my tapes!" The pink pony retaliated. "Um, excuse me but if I could just squeeze past." Cobra piped. His words fell on deaf ears, and another pony rushed him. "Hi there! I'm Meadow Song! I write music and I was wondering if I could give you one of my mix-tapes?" The brown coated stallion looked so hopeful that Cobra Strike didn't have the heart to turn him down. "Uh, sure. I don't mind. But maybe I could slide-" "Great!" The stallion cheered, pulling the mix-tape out of his saddlebag. "It's mostly just soft rock, but there's a few songs that are a little more hardcore. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am, it really means a lot to me Mr. Cobra Strike sir." "Yeah, no problem." The pegasus said, glancing over Meadow Song's head. "Always give newbies a chance, you know? Now if I could-" An all white unicorn mare slammed into Meadow Song, pushing him out of the way. "So, like, hi! I'm Lovestruck!" "That's," Cobra paused. It wasn't the first time an obsessed fan proclaimed their love for him. "nice." "No," The mare rolled her eyes, but giggled. "my name is Lovestruck." "Oh. Well it's lovely to meet you and all, but I'm actually here to buy-" "So do you have a marefriend?" Lovestruck interrupted. "None of the magazines are really sure, so I thought I'd get it straight from the source." Cobra resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Well I actually do have a lovely mare, and if you wouldn't mind I'd like to buy her some-" "Oh." Lovestruck pouted, but then pressed herself uncomfortably close against him. "So are you and her like a thing, or could you-" "Could you please back up." Cobra demanded, stepping away from the mare. "And yes, I'm dedicated to my partner. Now if you would just-" "Fine then!" Lovestruck huffed. "You don't know what you're missing out on!" Cobra watched as she stomped away in relief. Maybe now he could walk up to the counter and order- "Excuse me can I-" A voice from behind him started. "No!" Cobra Strike finally snapped. "Please! I'm just here to buy some cake for my marefriend okay?!" Almost two thirds of the crowd, mostly mares with the exclusion of two stallions, walked out of the bakery. And the rest returned to their tables or to awkwardly staring at the chalkboard menu above the counter. The pony he had snapped at, a creme earth pony mare with a pink mane, flinched. "I- I wasn't going to ask anything other than, can I take your order. I'm Florina Tart, I actually work here." "Oh! Oh! I am so sorry!" The pegasus stallion apologized. "I didn't mean to yell at you." "It's alright." Florina Tart assured. "You must've been pretty frustrated with all of those ponies pestering you." Cobra Smiled. Florina reminded him a little of his special-somepony, shy and soft spoken. "No. I really owe a lot to my fans. Without them I wouldn't be the pony I am after all. But I can't deny it does get a little annoying at times. It would be nice if they started treating me like a regular pony." "I don't know if I could take all that attention." Florina shuddered at the thought. She was about to continue the conversation when she remembered her job. "Oh, actually, could I take your order?" "That would be great." Cobra stated, glad to finally get some service. "I'm looking to buy a miniature cake for the mare of my life, but I don't actually know exactly what to get her. I was thinking either red velvet or chocolate, which would you recommend?" "Ooh, tough choice." Florina remarked. "But if you'll follow me to our cake selection I'm sure that we can find exactly what you're looking for." The mare led him over to a series of large display cases, pointing out different cakes. Meanwhile, Black Dawn watched the exchange. He had been so distracted that he hadn't noticed Ink Token's return until she spoke. "Hey Dawn, isn't that your dad? Wow, it must be so cool to have a rock star for a parent!" The purple unicorn exclaimed. "Gah!" The pegasus colt yipped, startled by his friend. Ink Token smiled. "Hey, we should go say hello to him! And you might want to wipe your face, it looks like you have a mustache." Black Dawn looked at his reflection on the milkshake glass, and wiped the malt underneath his nose off. "Thanks." "No problem! Now let's go see your dad!" She exclaimed. "I don't know, maybe we should-" But the filly had already started galloping across the shop's floor. Black Dawn chased after her. "Ink Token! Ink Token, wait!" Too late, the unicorn filly had already reached where Cobra and Florina were standing. Black Dawn bumped into her rear, and fell onto his rump. "Hi Mr. Black Dawn's dad!" Ink Token chirped. The two adult ponies turned to them. "Why hello there Ink Token, it's good to see you! And I see you got your cutiemark! Has it really been that long?" Cobra Strike greeted. "And Black Dawn, what are you doing here? I thought you were at Audio Crash's?" "He had his own things to do." Black Dawn said. And it wasn't a lie, if Audio Crash wanted to spend all day holed up in his room listening to tapes, who was Black Dawn to intrude? "Well I'm glad to see you're still playing with your friends. It's healthy for you, and you're happier." Cobra lovingly noted. "I'm guessing this is your son?" Florina Tart spoke up. "My, what a handsome little colt." "My pride and joy!" Cobra stated, catching the colt in his wing and dragging him to his side where he was enveloped in a hug. "Isn't he just the cutest thing?" "Daaaad!" Black Dawn wailed, struggling against his father's firm grasp. Ink Token chuckled, and Black Dawn blushed. He averted his gaze from the unicorn filly, and stopped squirming. "Say Dawn," Cobra began, finally releasing his son. "do you think you could help me pick out a cake for your mother? I want to get her something special, but I'm just not sure." "A layer of whipped cream in the middle wouldn't be a bad idea." Ink Token offered. "Or maybe lemon filling?" "Oh, now were getting somewhere." Florina commented. "Does she like fruit? We can put some berries as a topping!" "I think I remember mom saying that she was craving chocolate last night." Black Dawn recalled. "Those all sound like great ideas!" Cobra Strike exclaimed. "Okay, what if we..." *** Scarlet Thorn blinked herself awake. Her head felt groggy and it was hard to think. When she fully opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of blue eyes and a striped face. "Ah good you are finally awake, you had me worried at this rate." The face spoke, backing away. Now that she was out of her face and into her full vision, Scarlet could see the zebra better. She was typical looking for a zebra, then again the pegasus had only met a hoof-full of other zebras. What set her apart, were the golden rings she wore and the cutiemark of a sun on her flank. "What happened? How long was I asleep?" Scarlet asked. "You had been attacked by a soulless foe, a monster which had caused all your woe. As for how long you have slept, into its highest point has the sun leapt." The zebra mare rhymed out. It wasn't an exact answer, but Scarlet figured the zebra had meant it was somewhere between one to two. "Pardon, Zecora is it, but my dragon friend brought me here. Where is she?" "Indeed Zecora is my name, and potions of healing is my fame." Zecora introduced herself. "And you must be Scarlet Thorn, at least that is what the one who brought you had sworn. If you are curious about your scaly friend know that she had fallen asleep, for injuries not of her own caused her to weep. And indeed your wounds were truly grave, but with herbal remedies your life I was able to save." Scarlet Thorn removed the manticore-fur blanket off of her for the first time, and immediately noticed that her lacerations had been cleaned and dressed. Her fore-hoof was in a sling, while her injured hind leg had been placed into a splint and neatly stitched up where the flesh had previously been unfastened. Just by looking she could tell the job had been done with expertise and care. "I- I don't know what to say Zecora." The pegasus mare sputtered. "Thank you." "Your gratitude is appreciated but not needed, for it was only your friend's words that I had heeded." Zecora stated. "Come, let us see if she has awoken, I am sure there are words that must be spoken." The zebra mare offered a hoof out to the pegasus, and Scarlet took it without a second thought. And she was glad she did, because as soon as her hooves touched the floor she nearly fell. While her leg had been patched up, it still flared with pain. She was acutely aware of how she wouldn't be able to run in this state, putting her out of commission until the injury fully healed. The mare frowned. "Well at least I can stand." Scarlet muttered, beginning to walk forward. It was painful, but not unimaginable. "And I can walk." Zecora smiled. "Now that you have made it on your feet, perhaps it is time that your friend you greet? Of your health she did have great worry, so much so that she stressed herself into a flurry. To see you I know that she will be relieved, for over your dying had she grieved. The dragon I moved to my chambers above, for she had fallen asleep at your bedside with much love." The zebra led her up a spiraling stair case carved into the center of the tree, up to a small room where Sound-Off lie sleeping in a comfortable looking bed. The zebra mare stepped aside, allowing Scarlet to pass so that she may walk over to the slumbering reptile. Scarlet trot over to the bedside, and looked at Sound-Off. Even in her sleep the dragoness's face was furrowed into one of worry and stress. But luckily the only harm on her body appeared to be that of emotional. Scarlet leaned closer to the dragoness. "Sound-Off. Sound-Off. Hey Sound-Off, wake up." Sound-Off grumbled, shifting a little before sitting up with a yawn. It took a moment for her waking brain to register her surroundings, but as soon as it did the reptile swung around and hugged the mare. "Scarlet! You're alive!" "Thanks to you and Zecora." The pegasus declared, returning the hug. "In the face of death your friend had grown rather frantic, it had been hard to do my job through all of her antics." Zecora spoke up, walking over to the duo. Sound-Off glanced away from the zebra sheepishly. "Sorry." "There is no need for you to apologize, from what I understand you witnessed your friend almost be cannibalized. But for now let us go down to converse, there is much to talk about when it comes to Equestria's precurse." Zecora versed. "I will gladly tell you what I know, from friends there is no information to stow." ... Scarlet Thorn and Sound-Off's mouths were left agape by the time the zebra mare finished her explanation. Sound-Off shook her head in disbelief. "You- you know everything! The Eidolon, Obscures, the Vanished. Even about Grim Noise!" "But why the Everfree then?" Scarlet Thorn inquired. "This forest seems to be a red zone for Eidolon activity." "Of the Eidolon there is no need to fear, ancient enchantments of the zebra kind keep them clear. As for the heartless monster known as the Vanished, my masks keep them banished." Zecora gestured to the masks decorating her walls. "And to protect myself from possession, when out of my home a special mask to hide my identity has worked in succession. Of Grim Noise us zebras have known from times of old, thousands of years did we have to hone our talents for what the future withholds." Scarlet walked over to the masks Zecora had pointed out, a series of ugly visages with over exaggerated features and fleshy-looking textures. "What do you mean the mask hides your identity?" "Observe if you will but do not be alarmed," The zebra plucked the mask off of its hook, and walked back over to the spacious living room. "I mean you absolutely no harm." The pegasus and dragoness looked at each other, and Sound-Off shrugged her shoulders. They turned back to Zecora. "Go ahead." Scarlet approved. Zecora smiled and slipped the mask over her face. The zebra mare's body was suddenly enveloped in a black fire not at all unlike a changeling's, engulfing her from hoof to muzzle. A monstrous claw suddenly reached out of the inferno, followed by another and then the rest of a body. Standing in the zebra's place was a Vanished. Like the Vanished Scarlet Thorn had fought, it was freakishly tall and hunched over to fit into the small hut. Bones stuck out of its back in the reflection of wings, but unlike the other Vanished this monster had a series of sharp spines sticking from its visible spinal column. This Vanished also had long tusks like an elephant, fleshy tendrils sprouting from its side, patches of stretched out torn striped skin, and crimson crystals sprouting from its body instead of wood. Sound-Off and Scarlet both screamed, the former falling off of her seat and scrambling backwards. The Vanished opened its jaws and, "My friends please do not be afraid! The illusion before you is only what the mask has made!" The dragoness crawled over to her seat, and peeked over the edge. "Z- Zecora? Is- is that really you?" "This vision you see is indeed me." The monster confirmed. "The mask has made me this way so that I may keep the true fiends at bay." "That's- that's incredible!" The pegasus mare exclaimed, beginning to circle around the disguised zebra. She drank in every detail of the faux monster's body. "Zecora this is beyond extraordinary! Not even the princess herself has such detailed illusions! The things we could learn from this mask!" Zecora smiled, which was deeply unnerving in her current form. "The technique of creating such a phantasm, derives from a Zebrafrican chasm. There dwells a mage older than the very mountains, a soul rumored to have sought and found the eternal fountain. His magic, talents, and knowledge go unrivaled; to a select few villages, including my own, are his teachings entitled." "Do you have other masks like this one?" Sound-Off asked. "Something that could turn you into a gryphon, changeling, or even a dragon?" "Of the masks you describe I indeed have many, zebra kind's infiltration talents are plenty. But do keep in mind that these masks are not the perfect tools, mere mirages are all they can make and the truly perceptive it will not fool." The zebra warned, removing her mask with another flash of fire. "Now if you don't mind me asking, in the Everfree which quest were you tasking? To have fought a Vanished that live so deep, there must be reasons for stakes so steep. To know of Grim Noise and his servants, of your words I have been observant. I have diverged the well kept secret of my masks for your aid, I find it only fair for the debt to be paid." "We- we can't tell you that." Scarlet Thorn responded guiltily. "We greatly appreciate what you've done for us, please don't get us wrong. But the information you want to know is under strict orders to remain secret." "About that actually," Sound-Off spoke up. "Scarlet, I think we should ask you know who." "Are you sure she'd agree Sound-Off?" The pegasus asked. Sound-Off nodded her head. "Why not? Zecora knows just as much as we do, if not more! Zecora, would you happen to have a parchment and quill?" "Of those I do have what you are beseeching, for my apprentice Apple Bloom's teachings. I shall fetch them for you, and after a Zebrafrican specialty for our enjoyment I shall brew." The zebra mare promised, leaving the two and returning a moment later with the requested items. Scarlet watched Zecora leave the room. When she was sure the other mare was out of earshot, the pegasus piped up. "What do you plan on telling Luna?" "How does this sound?" Sound-Off began to write. "Dear Princess Luna, during our mission Agent Scorpio was severely injured by a Vanished. Luckily, a Zebrafrican shaman by the name of Zecora was able to save her life. Don't worry about Agent Scorpio, Zecora took care of her injuries almost as well as Agent Pisces's healing magic! But it has come to our attention that the zebra in question could become a powerful asset to Z.O.D.I.A.C. as she happens to possess a mask capable of disguising its wearer as a Vanished. Agent Scorpio and I both wish to inform her of the organization, with your permission. Awaiting your response, Agent Capricorn and Agent Scorpio." "Perfect!" Scarlet declared. "Go ahead and send it." Sound-Off rolled up the parchment, and with a puff of magical fire sent it on its way. Just as the magical smoke traveled out of an open window, Zecora walked in. She set the platter in her mouth down, and poured some steaming liquid into the cups. She set the tea pot down. "In my home country this is known as Rooibos which is a drink renowned for its health prosperity, it also helps with one's nerve severity. Traditionally served with lemon and honey, for this many would pay good money." Sound-Off took her drink black. "Mmmm, this is really good Zecora! Thank you!" Scarlet squeezed some honey into hers before taking a sip. The mare's eyes widened in surprise. "This is really good!" "I am glad that with my village's specialty you are pleased, my feelings it does ease." Zecora said with a smile. "I've actually never had something so- hic!" Sound-Off hiccuped a scroll with a small burst of purple flame. The pegasus lurched forward and caught the scroll in her hoof. She then opened it, and skimmed over its contents before extending her hoof out to the zebra. "Agent Hydra, I'd like to welcome you to Zeniths of Order Directed by the Institution Against Chaos, or Z.O.D.I.A.C. for short. From now on you will answer to Princess Luna, and only Princess Luna." The newly appointed Agent Hydra took her hoof. "My services I am more than happy to offer, I gladly accept your proffer. To the lunar princess do I pledge, despite my looks a warrior am I fledged. Assassination in which from a young age I have been trained, old skills am I ecstatic to finally have unrestrained." "Whoa, an assassin?" Sound-Off let out an impressed whistle. "You wouldn't be happening to be taking apprentices, would you?" "Apprentice of apothecary I have already, but I will take you on if you promise to keep your lessons steady." Zecora offered, walking over to a large red, green, and blue mask hanging from a nearby wall. "Ooh, what does that mask do?" Sound-Off eagerly asked. "Nothing because all it is would be a mask of signifigance that is tribal," The zebra mare answered, removing the mask from its place. "but what lies behind it is the assassin's bible." Zecora tapped on the wall, and it slid open to reveal a closet. Hanging off of a hook was a white assassin cloak, and next to it a retractable dagger that would slide up a pony's foreleg meant for earth pony usage. The zebra pulled out what appeared to be a staff modeled after a caduceus, only to reveal that it was a swordstick. The zebra flipped the blade outward with a satisfied smirk. "So cool." Sound-Off gasped. "It has been far too long since I last drew this blade, but its edge I see is still in top grade." Zecora proudly stated before sheathing her weapon. "But of your quest to me you should divulge, so that in this journey us three can indulge." Scarlet Thorn cleared her throat. "As I'm sure you're well aware of, three unicorn mares have disappeared from Ponyville. Lyra Heartstrings, Vinyl Scratch, and Lily Lace. Our assignment was to enter the Everfree and retrieve the three mares, and if necessary free them from Eidolon control." The pegasus closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. "We were too late to save Lily Lace." "Wh- what do you mean?" Sound-Off's face scrunched up into one of confusion. "Sound-Off. That Vanished we faced? That was Lily Lace. I saw her cutiemark, a pink heart with lavender lace bordering it. We couldn't save her." Scarlet bitterly spat out. "We failed." The dragoness clenched her fists. "No. No we didn't fail! They're are still two mares out there! We can find them! When I hit Lily Lace the first time with my fire, I cast a tracking spell on her. That's how I was able to find you. If we follow the trail then I just know that we'll find them!" "Sound-Off you little genius!" The pegasus exclaimed, enveloping the dragoness in a hug. "Pardon my lack of education in dragon civilization, but how is it that you can cast incantations?" Zecora asked as she swung her cloak over her body and equipped her dagger. "Well, dragons have an innate magical ability and are able to cast simple spells with our fire. Nothing too fancy. I only know one other spell then the one I used on Lily Lace, the one I use to send letters and other items with. But I'm studying a teleportation type spell. Not many dragons are able to master using their magic," The dragoness proudly said with a smug grin. "but I guess it helped that such a skilled unicorn like Gallant is my patriarch." "Ah, that does indeed make sense. Now without hesitation let our quest commence. If we are to save Lyra Heartstrings and Vinyl Scratch, we have a monster to catch." Zecora rhymed, gingerly placing some potions into her saddlebags when she caught her companions' curious glances. "Vials of poison and bottles of healing salves and tonics, useful curing wounds which origins are bubonic." "Oooh. Yeah, that makes sense." Sound-Off said, sliding off of her seat. "Are we ready?" "There are two things that we lack, and that would be your masks. Trickiness would be the safest means, unless you wish to cause a scene. Luckily of these masks I have enough, of this I do not bluff. These I shall quickly obtain, so that we may end those unicorns' bane." Zecora picked up the mask that had transformed her before walking out of the room to retrieve the other two. "And what about my scythe?" Scarlet Thorn inquired. "I haven't seen it since I woke up." Despite the danger they were about to face, Sound-Off chuckled. "You were holding on to it so tightly that I thought we'd never be able to pry it out of your hooves. Zecora actually sharpened it for you. Meet me at the door, I'll go get it for you." The pegasus mare watched the dragoness run out of the room before getting up herself. She stumbled and staggered, but did her best to maintain a strong gait. Her greatest concern was that her fellow agents would see her as too weak to accomplish the mission. But while she didn't want to slow them down, she didn't want to leave them alone either. Forcing herself not to limp, which was hard to do with only two functioning legs, Scarlet walked out of the room. She entered Zecora's potion room, passing the bed that she had been sleeping in. On a shelf embedded in the tree's flesh were her clothes, but the fabric was bloodied and too torn to be of much use. Her boots were in a similar state, the left of the pair was worse for the wear. It looked more like a dog's chew toy; she would definitely need to buy a new pair. Ultimately, she decided the only things worth saving were her prized brooch and beloved spiked bracelet. For now she'd have to leave them here. Zecora trotted in from another room, carrying with her two more- but very different looking- masks. "I see that you are ready for our quest my friend. Tell me, do you think you're ready given how little time your wounds have had to mend?" "I can hardly feel the pain." Scarlet lied. The zebra mare rose an eyebrow, but chose not to say anything about it. "Then if you are ready for our task, here is your mask. The process will be painless I assure, your health will be secure. Now where is Sound-Off? I fear that if we do not leave soon Lyra and Vinyl's lives will be lost." "Hang on, I'm coming!" The dragoness grunted, dragging Scarlet's scythe. "Ugh, how do you manage to even lift this?! It's so heavy!" Scarlet walked over to her friend and took the handle in her hoof. Swinging it over her back she pat the dragon on the back. "It's not that heavy. Maybe you should start lifting weights and put more time into strengthening your muscles instead of reading so many tomes." "Hey, dragons are naturally muscular!" Sound-Off growled. "Come, it is time to go!" Zecora urged, opening the door and handing Sound-Off her mask as she passed. "It is time we leave my bungalow." Cautious of the road ahead of them, the two mares and dragoness set off toward the depths of the Everfree.