//------------------------------// // Chapter 22 // Story: A Nightmare Come True // by ShadowSprint //------------------------------// Spike opened up his eyes. A headache pounded against his skull, causing the little dragon to let out a groan as he got to his feet. Squinting, he took in his surroundings and realized he was in another forest. “W-What happened?” He asked and taking only a couple steps, almost tripped over something. “Derpy? Maud?” Spike asked, finding both of the ponies laying on the ground. Fortunately, when Spike had said their names, the two stirred and sat up. From the pained looks on their faces, he assumed the same dizzying headaches had infected them as well. “Where are we?” Derpy asked. “And who was that pony?” Maud chimed in. “I wish I knew.” Spike answered in earnest. “But we better figure out where we are, or we’ll never make it to the Crystal Empire.” Sticking close together, Spike and the ponies slowly explored through the forest. They searched for anything that might indicate a location. Not one word passed between them, as they had no guarantee they’d actually escaped the Sun Flares. For all they knew, that phantom pony had merely teleported them into the forest that laid across from the overturned train. A rustling from the bushes ahead caught their attention and Maud quickly pointed. “There.” Spike and Derpy both looked over in time to see the cloak of their mysterious savior. The pony disappeared further into the forest. Maud didn’t wait to ask, and instead rushed out ahead towards the movement. Spike had wanted to holler after Maud, warning her that it could be a trap. However, she moved too quickly for him to even form the words. He just shrugged at an equally worried Derpy and said, “Come on. We better go after her!” Nodding, Derpy followed Spike through the trees. She galloped as hard as her hooves would allow. Her wing dragged at her side. Between the dizziness from whatever had happened, to the exhaustive running, Derpy quickly fell behind on her run. Her body was finally starting to give out, and before she could catch herself, Derpy tripped over a rock protruding from the ground. She rolled over onto herself and right into a nearby tree. Upon hearing a crash, Spike turned and rushed over to the pegasus’ aid. “You alright Derpy?” The pony nodded sheepishly. “I’m . . . okay. I just can’t run anymore . . . I need to stop.” She gasped. Spike turned. He saw Maud several feet ahead, staring at a large tree, with a door on it. Was this where their mysterious pony had lead them? Jars and pouches of strange liquids and powders hung from the few branches that rippled off the tree’s trunk. A couple indigenous masks were scattered about its doorway. “Zecora’s.” Spike said, realizing where they were. “We’re back in the Everfree Forest!” “B-But . . . how will we get to the Crystal Empire now?” Derpy asked. Spike looked from pegasus to earth pony. They were both watching him, waiting for some kind of decision. He was the appointed leader after all. But he didn’t know. He didn’t know how or why they’d suddenly been pulled all the way back to the Everfree Forest, much less how they were going to get back to the Crystal Empire.“I-I don’t know.” Spike finally said, plopping down into the dirt. “We . . . We should probably find out why we were brought here first.” He said. Maud watched the dragon’s drooping face. She glanced over and found Derpy finally up from her little collision with the tree. They needed answers. And they needed them now. Taking a deep breath, she turned and approached the door, putting up a hoof to knock. “Maud! What are you doing?” Spike said. “What if there’s changelings in there?” “We have to know.” Maud said, and knocked on the door three times. At first, there was nothing. Not hoof steps clambering to the door, nor voices calling from within. Silence was their only answer. Determined not to give up, Maud pounded on the door once more, with more force. Someone had to be here, or else why were they brought all this way? No pony answered and Maud was about to strike the door again when it opened up. A long spear thrust out and Maud jumped backwards from the pointed tip, narrowly avoiding having herself skewered. Both Spike and Derpy bolted over to Maud for support. They stopped at seeing a pair of furious blue eyes glaring at them from within the shadows of the open doorway. “You rotten changelings have come back for more! What great courage you have to come knocking on my door!” “We’re not changelings.” Maud said matter-of-factly. “Zecora,” Spike said when he saw the terrified zebra, “you have to believe us! We were on our way to the Crystal Empire, when something brought us here!” Zecora stared them down, not giving an inch. “I’ve seen this trick a time or two. Do you have any proof that would make me believe you?” Maud stared over at Spike and Derpy. She certainly didn’t know Zecora, so there was nothing she could say to convince the pony. Derpy too, while having delivered a few packages out to Zecora during her time, didn’t have anything she could use to prove her identity. She turned to Spike, hoping the dragon had some kind of plan to handle this. When Spike felt all eyes on him, he began to panic. Something to prove their identity? Like what? It’s not like ponies ran around Equestria carrying ID cards. And it’s not like he’d spent a lot of time out here in the Everfree Forest. Hell, the only thing that came to mind was when he grew several stories tall from greed and . . . that’s it! “I have proof!” Spike said. “You helped me a long time ago.” Zecora only nodded expectantly. “On my birthday, ponies kept giving me stuff. I was really happy at first but, eventually I got greedy. I started taking things that weren’t mine and . . . and I turned into a real monster. I almost destroyed Ponyville. My friends . . . they went to you for guidance and . . .” Zecora pulled her spear back, satisfied with the evidence that she’d heard. “Do not fret Spike and say no more. You and your friends may rest from this war.” Then stepping aside, Zecora opened up her door, allowing entry for all three of them. When Spike, Derpy, and Maud stepped inside, they looked around the small hut in surprise. Scattered around the zebra’s house, several fillies were resting. Curled around her cauldron, or huddled up under a shelf of pots, they snuggled close to one another for warmth and safety. They were survivors. Probably from Ponyville, maybe from the train? “These fillies came to me all of a sudden, out of the blue. They are survivors from this war, just like all of you.” Zecora explained. “Spike! Derpy!” Came a voice from the other side of the hut. When the two turned, they found both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle galloping at them. Before either could react, the two little fillies had tackled their targets in an energy filled embrace. Maud and Zecora stepped aside just in time when the actual tackle happened. Still, the smiles that the two wore over their faces soothed Zecora’s heart. Having just a shred of joy in this hut after everything that has happened was something of a relief for her. “How’d you girls get here?” Spike asked. “Weren’t you on the train?” Sweetie Belle nodded. “We were.” “And then they attacked,” Scootaloo said. “the changelings . . . and those things . . .” Spike nodded, knowing she meant the Sun Flares. “But then . . . some pony saved us.” Sweetie Belle chimed in. “But, we don’t’ know who.” “We were saved by some pony too.” Maud said, and turned to the zebra. “Who is she?” Zecora, well aware of the mysterious heroine bringing ponies to her door, could only say, “Of her we do not speak. She keeps to herself and is one who is quite meek.” “Where’s Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and the others?” Scootaloo finally asked. “Yeah . . . and Rarity?” Sweetie Belle added. Spike, Maud, and Derpy were silent. None of them knew how to respond to that question. That silence out onto the two fillies. The answer was obvious. Both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hung their heads. “Oh . . .” was their only response. “A-And Apple Bloom?” “We . . . we just have no way of knowing.” Spike said. “We were heading to the Crystal Empire,” Derpy said, “to get help, but . . .” “We have to go back.” Maud said. Zecora however, being familiar with the situation up north, shook her head. “The Crystal Empire is a dangerous place to be. It has been captured by the enemy.” Spike’s mouth dropped at this announcement. The one place that they had to go for backup and safety, was gone. “But . . . then we have no place to go!” He said. Dropping onto the floor, he scanned through his head for ideas of where to head next, of what to do. Nothing came to mind. “How are we supposed to help Twilight and the others now?” Derpy turned to Zecora. “Are you sure the Crystal Empire is gone?” The zebra only nodded. Zecora watched the three painfully. They must’ve been doing everything in their power to seek out the help needed for rescuing Twilight and the others. To come up short, she could only imagine how the three of them must’ve been feeling. When the two fillies attempted to comfort the three, Zecora stopped them. Spike, Maud, and Derpy needed a bit of space. Sending the two off to watch over some of the others, Zecora said to Spike, “Maybe for now you all should rest.Taking a break from your journey, I think it’d be best.” “I suppose . . . maybe we should stay here for a bit.” Spike finally said. He stood up and glanced over the hut once more. It’d been ages since any of them had had proper shelter. Zecora looked to have plenty of food as well, which Spike was sure Maud and Derpy would be happy to dig into. Speaking of Derpy though, the dragon noticed the pegasus leaning up against a wall, breathing heavily. “Derpy, are you okay?” Spike asked, garnering the attention of both Maud and Zecora. Derpy only smiled. All the running around and stress on her body had caught up with the pegasus. Now that she actually had a decent time to sit and rest, she felt a burning fever taking over her. Sweat dripped down her face, and Derpy half smiled at her friends. “I’m alright,” she said, “I think I just need some rest.” “Derpy was seriously injured back in Ponyville. She injured her wing, and maybe her leg,” Maud explained to the zebra. “We never had a chance to properly treat her. Is there anything you can do?” Zecora stepped over to the pegasus, closely inspecting every inch of Derpy’s body. She felt the mare nervously avoiding eye contact as she brushed her hoof over the wings. Zecora then stroked over each of the pony’s legs, noticing small twists and fractures that Derpy must’ve been dealing with for quite some time. Some of her injuries even appeared to be healing in a somewhat harmful fashion. Leading the gray pegasus over to an empty bed, Zecora immediately began fumbling through bottles and jars of medicines and tonics for the appropriate blend of ingredients. “I’m afraid the damage to her body is quite severe.” Zecora said, “But I can fix her up, so have no fear.” Spike released a sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia.” “What should I do?” Derpy asked, her voice starting to grow weaker. “Just rest. Zecora’ll take care of you.” Spike said. Sitting at their friend’s side, Spike and Maud watched over Derpy until the given medicine placed her into a deep sleep. Chrysalis sighed as she studied the magical aura surrounding the cage Daybreaker had tossed her into. It glowed a deep red whenever she activated any type of magic. Otherwise, the aura fell into a sort of hibernation. So, it only activates on the detection of magic. Chrysalis thought to herself. An ingenious idea that conserved magic. “There has to be a way to . . .” her voice trailed off into thought. “There isn’t a way, or else I would’ve found it.” Twilight said, matter-of-factly. Chrysalis growled as Twilight went into a tangent of all the different spells she’d tried on it. I don’t care you stupid child of a pony. Chrysalis had seated herself far away from the princess for a reason. That pesky Twilight had watched her like a hawk since being dumped into this prison. Not a moment’s rest from the alicorn’s gaze. Chrysalis had considered just sapping the mare’s love right then and there, but the princess may still prove useful. She had to bide her time, for the moment anyway. An idea springing to mind, Chrysalis lit up her horn with magic and blasted at the barrier once more. As expected, the blood red glow of magic thrusted over the bars, bouncing the queen’s spell back into the cage. The explosive sound of her magic reverberated through their prison, sending sparks flying up at both of them. “H-Hey! Just what do think you’re doing?” Twilight shouted. “Shut up!” Chrysalis barked. Then turning her attention back to the barrier, she shifted towards a new strategy. Firing a slow, steady stream of magic at the barrier, Chrysalis focused her output on a single point. The barrier pulsated, glowed, and sparked, forcing back her beam of energy. Chrysalis however, did not give up. She concentrated her magic, gritting her teeth as she increased the output, but kept her magic probing at the barrier like a needle. If I can just pierce it . . . To her surprise, the barrier flinched and for a moment, her magic had poked through. The red forcefield closed up on Chrysalis and actually fired back at the changeling. She had to hit the dirt to avoid being struck with a ball of sparking energy the size of her head. Chrysalis turned in time to see Twilight duck out of the way, leaving the burst to explode against the other side of the cage. Not enough . . . Chrysalis cursed to herself. “Just what the hay do you think you’re doing?” Twilight shouted once more, this time leaving the warmth of her friends’ projection and trotting on up to Chrysalis. “Trying to get us both killed?” Finally turning on the princess, Chrysalis said, “I was trying to get us out. Well, trying to get myself out . . . you can rot in here for all I care.” “You do know that trying the same thing over and over again is the very definition of insanity, don’t you?!” “Then please princess, tell me your master plan for getting out of this mess. I for one, would certainly love to hear it.” Twilight fumbled with her words, her voice softening. “I-I don’t have one.” “Of course you don’t.” Chrysalis said and started walking towards the princess. Twilight actually backed up, a hint of fear showing in her eyes. “You’ve given up. You’ve resigned yourself to dying in here.” Determined to put this pathetic pony in her place, Chrysalis changed form, taking on the appearance of Rainbow Dash. The move stunned the princess, her eyes opening wide in shock. “Just what kind of friend are you Twi? Giving up on us that easily?!” Chrysalis said with Rainbow Dash’s lips. “We fought for you. We bled for you. Some pony locks us all up and that’s it?!” “But I can’t do anything like this!” Twilight argued. “I’m sealed in here, away from my friends! There’s nothing I can do by myself. But Spike . . . Spike is still out there.” At hearing those words, Chrysalis altered her form once more, taking on the shape of Twilight’s little pet. “And when I’m captured? What are you gonna do then? Have you even thought about it?” Chrysalis asked with the dragon’s voice. “Spike won’t get caught. I can count on him.” Twilight said. The squeak in the alicorn’s voice did not go unnoticed as Chrysalis approached the princess in her lil dragons’ form. “But I don’t have any magic. I can barely breathe fire. Just what are you expecting me to do?” “I-I . . . I know you’ll be able to think of something, Spike.” Twilight said without thinking. Scoffing, Chrysalis reverted back to her original form, towering over Twilight. “That’s wishful thinking at best.” “Then . . . what would you do?” Chrysalis exhaled. She turned back towards the part of the cage where she’d been experimenting with her magic. “I need more power to get out of here. I have some, but it’s not enough. However, . . .” and the queen glanced back over at Twilight, “if a certain little princess could lend me some . . .” Delighting in the horrific realization that spread over Twilight’s face, Chrysalis smacked her lips together for effect, eyeing the alicorn like a piece of meat. “The increase in power may be just enough for me to get us out.” Twilight instinctively stepped further away from the changeling. “No. You’re not going to trick me again.” Feeling as though Chrysalis might pounce on her, Twilight readied her magic, the barrier activating and illuminating their prison in an eerie red glow. “Please . . .” Chrysalis shot back. “As much as I would enjoy emptying you of your love Twilight, it would be detrimental to my plan. You see, as much as I hate to admit it, as much as the very notion makes me want to puke . . . I need you.” “What?” Twilight’s fight vanished instantly, and the red aura dissipated once her magic was no longer detected. “You . . . need . . . me?” Chrysalis nodded. She’d come to understand this when Daybreaker had tossed her into this cell. I’m not enough to save my kind. I’m not good enough. Taking a deep breath, the queen explained, “With Daybreaker’s power, I doubt I’ll have enough magic, even with yours, to defeat her. That’s why . . . we’d need the Elements of Harmony.” Now, Twilight was curious. She took one step towards Chrysalis, just one. Her voice quivered from the thought of entertaining the changeling’s idea. “If I did let you . . . you know . . . then what would you do?” Chrysalis smiled on the inside. She had Twilight’s curiosity. Not that her plan was a farce, it was all she had. Chrysalis truly hated her idea, but if she could get Twilight on board, then maybe, just maybe, there’d be an opening down the line. “We’d release your friends. I know where they are being held. Then, we’d obtain the Elements and I would assist you in defeating Daybreaker.” “This seems almost too good to be true.” Twilight said. “What’s in it for you?” Chrysalis simply shrugged her shoulders. “Nothing. At this point in time, I don’t even know if there are any other changelings alive. I’d be forced to grab whatever’s left of my forces and retreat. The six of you’d be free with the Elements . . . and Celestia would be back. What choice would I have?” Twilight considered the plan. Teaming up with the changelings on the surface sounded like the mother of bad ideas. But, it may be my only choice. Twilight stepped back over to the projection of her friends. She watched their chests rise and fall with each breath. None of them moved, only twitched with the faintest signs of life. “I can’t. I cannot trust you. You’ve taken advantage of me before.” Twilight finally said, looking up to Chrysalis. “I’m sorry about your subjects Chrysalis. But I will not be tricked by you again. I . . . no, we . . . we will wait for Spike.” Chrysalis had expected as much of a response. Still, the fact she’d gotten the alicorn to even consider her idea was a success in and of itself. And who knows, Twilight’s mind could still be changed. For now, the queen would have to tolerate the goody two shoes princess. “Very well Princess. Whatever you say.” Maud sat in the hut, playing some tunes on the few hornfels that had survived the run-in with the Sun Flares. She didn’t have the full range of notes as before but could play some simple songs to keep the fillies entertained. It provided some relief for the young ones, and for Zecora, who had struggled to foster any kind of hope among the children. Still, even as Maud played, she couldn’t help but notice Spike who sat across the room from her. He stayed seated at Derpy’s bedside, eyes staring off into space. Maud knew exactly what he was thinking. She knew, because the same thoughts had piled into her head as well. What should they do now? Should they make a run for Canterlot and hope for the best? And what about Derpy? The pegasus had only tossed and turned in her sleep after being administered the medicine. Maud hadn’t realized just how worn out the pegasus was until now. Her heavy breathing, the cuts and bruises on her limbs, Maud just couldn’t believe it. How had Derpy survived all of this? She’s tough. Able to keep her hooves tapping away at the rocks, Maud sighed. She almost felt as though her sister were slipping away from her. Her whole family of friends that she had built up over the past several years were dying; and she could do nothing for them. Things shouldn’t be this way. It’s not fair. Suddenly, Zecora stepped up to Maud and the fillies that were gathered around her. The zebra smiled kindly down at them, and it was then that the earth pony realized she’d played through the day. Dusk had settled in over the land. Zecora leaned in and said to the fillies, “The day is done and it’s time for sleep. We must all get rest, for our health, we must keep.” Without a single argument, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and the others nodded obediently and hurried off to their little make-shift beds of straw and grass. The zebra was clearly unaccustomed to sleepovers. Taking the time to put her rocks away, Maud ran a hoof through the ripped hole in her satchel. She glanced up when she noticed Derpy stirring on the bed. “Is she going to be okay?” Maud asked Zecora. The zebra smiled at her, and said, “The worst is over and she just needs to heal. We’ll let her sleep the night, and then see how she feels.” Sighing, Maud said, “Thank you. I don’t know what we would have done without you.” “These are difficult times, and we must stick together. But don’t you fret, for after a storm, comes far brighter weather.” At that, Zecora stepped away to help some of the fillies. Maud moved over to Derpy’s bed and to Spike. She only nodded at Spike, who wasn’t in a very talkative mood. Derpy on the hoof, had tossed and turned herself out of sleep, but only just. Her eyes fluttered open and closed as she whispered, “M-Maud . . . what are we gonna do?” The earth pony shook her head. “I don’t know.” Derpy nodded, her face troubled. “Would you like sleep with Boulder?” Maud asked. “I’m sure he’d love to help you get better.” Derpy smiled. She was growing quite fond of that rock. “Sure.” Digging around in her satchel, Maud searched for her companion. She dug through each pocket, becoming slightly worried when he failed to show himself. Starting to sweat, Maud opened up each and every pocket in her satchel and dumped its contents onto the floor. She sifted through the piles of rock, tools, and cloths. No Boulder. Her eyes scanned back and forth amongst the satchel, searching for any pockets she may have missed. Then her eyes laid down on the pocket with the hole. Stopping, she placed a hoof through the hole and pulled it out. The rip was plenty big for her Boulder to wander on out. “He’s . . . gone.” “Oh . . . he is?” Derpy asked, seeing the pain in Maud’s eyes. To any other pony, Maud only would’ve appeared to flinch. But for Derpy, that was somehow enough. “You think . . . he’s back by the train?” “. . . probably.” “W-We have to find him!” Derpy said, trying to sit up. “We have to save Boulder!” Quickly pushing Derpy back into bed, Maud smiled at her friend’s determination. She wanted more than anything to go back and rescue her pet, but such a risk just wasn’t worth it. “You need to rest for now. We . . . We can’t go back there right now.” “B-But . . .” “We have to focus on saving the others. It’s what Boulder would have wanted.” Finally, Derpy relented and laid back down. Maud closed her eyes, wishing she could have noticed her little rock jumping out of the satchel. She would’ve scooped him up had she realized it. Turning to Spike, she saw the dragon nod his head with a sympathetic smile. Spike knew just as well as Maud that they couldn’t go back. Who knows when they’d be able to travel back to that area. If the Sun Flares and Daybreaker had taken over the Crystal Empire, then north was the last direction they wanted to be heading. Maud needed to clear her head. She felt so cramped up and claustrophobic. Standing up, she stepped out towards the door. “Where are you going?” Spike asked. When Maud found not only Spike and Derpy’s eyes on her, but also Zecora’s, she said, “I’m stepping out. I need some air.” She waited for Zecora to stop her. She knew full well the dangers of going outside, but when Zecora nodded her head in approval, Maud opened the door and walked out. When it slammed closed, Spike hurried over to the zebra and asked, “Shouldn’t we keep her inside? What if there are changelings out there?!” “We have no worries with our safety tonight. Our guardian is near, and if we need, then she will fight.” “Okay . . . if you say so.” Spike said and then slumped back over to Derpy’s side. He saw the worry in the pegasus’ eyes, but he really didn’t have anything more to say other than, “she’ll be okay. Go on, you better get back to sleep.” Derpy sighed, rolled over in her bed, and tried. Her wing was now wrapped in gauze, awkwardly pressing against her side. Maud . . . stay close. By the time Maud had stepped outside, the sun had long since been buried under the horizon. The cool night air blanketed over the Everfree Forest, with the waning crescent moon acting as a night light. Everything was much quieter, with only the chirping of the occasional cricket to break the silence. What are we going to do? Maud thought to herself, exploring around the grounds surrounding Zecora’s hut. How will we rescue the others? The questions drifted into the earth pony’s head one after another.With Derpy recovering from her injuries, and Spike being just as lost as herself, what could they do? Maud considered making the trek up to Canterlot herself. If she did that though, then what? Almost certainly, there’d be more of those Sun Flares waiting for her. That didn’t even account for the changelings that would be backing them up, not to mention the two creatures behind it all. Maybe if she could sneak in, free the others, then let them handle everything. That could work. Assuming they’re still around . . . if they would be dead. . . Maud shook her head. She couldn’t allow herself to think that way. Now was not the time to lose hope. But . . . it’s possible. Walking a bit further away from Zecora’s, Maud discovered a narrow dirt path that led into the forest. Similar to the nature walk Fluttershy had taken her on when they first met, Maud started down the path and into the forest. Following the path into the woods, Maud soon lost sight of Zecora’s and the sounds of various animals could be heard rustling to life. Some hooting, others gnawing, and even a few growls. None sounded as though they were near, but with one wrong sound, the hungry ones could come running. The earth pony was about to turn back when she stumbled across a small clearing. Surrounded by a patch of blossoming Datura, a sparkling pond lay in the middle under a tall weeping willow.A collection of rocks imbedded in the dirt made for an uneven stone path into the little garden-like area. What caught Maud’s attention the most however, was the figure laying underneath the tree. It was the same pony that had rescued them from the train. She just sat there, watching the couple fish in the pond that would entertain her. Taking a step forward, Maud stopped when she noticed a rather strange collection of golden dust scattered across the rocks. Inspecting some of the dust that stuck to her hoof, she gave it a smell, and then the old lick test. From her studies in college, the earth pony recognized the substance almost immediately. “Who are you? And what are you doing out at this hour?” The pony asked from under the tree. She’d noticed Maud, and now studied the pony’s every movement. “You should realize how dangerous it is to be wandering on your own.” Maud slowly stepped forward, trying to discern the pony’s identity. “I’m just taking a walk. Needed to clear my head.” “These are difficult times. I can sympathize with the despair you must be experiencing.” The figure said, “But you place yourself at risk by stepping out at night.” “Then why are you out here?” Maud asked. “I’m . . .” The pony let out a sigh, “doing this is all I have left.” She answered back, nodding her head in the direction of Zecora’s hut. A silence fell between them as Maud studied the figure before her. She recognized this pony, if not by her voice, then by the dust scattered around and on her hoof. “You’re Princess Luna, aren’t you?” The pony stopped. For a moment, she had no words for what Maud had said. “How . . .” and thinking better of herself, the pony asked, “What makes you think I am Princess Luna?” Maud simply held up her hoof where some of the golden dust still clung. “Not many would be familiar with Midnight Ash. It’s been banned from Equestria for over a hundred years.” Maud knew plenty of the substance. She’d written more than a couple of papers on the elements used to create it. “But how does that make me . . .” “It was used back in the old wars. Soldiers would rub it in their eyes, and they could avoid sleep for weeks. Helped with guarding their posts.” Maud watched as the other broke eye contact, and instead focused her gaze on some nearby flowers. Maud only continued. “To the soldiers, it was known as Luna’s Blessing.” The pony sighed. She’d been caught. Luna lifted off the cloak that clung to her body. “You are quite observant. Yes, I am Princess Luna.” She said. To think, she was found out by probably the one pony who had knowledge of her ancient concoctions. Maud though, was quite astonished with the condition of the princess. Her fur had faded. Despite the magic sand she used, bags hung under her eyes and her movements were unsteady. Did she really save us? Luna appeared so frail that the earth pony thought the princess might shatter if she tipped over. “Why aren’t you in Canterlot? Why haven’t you stopped any of this?” Maud asked. “I’ve tried.” Luna said, as she recollected everything that had happened over the past few months. From working with Twilight to save Moon Dancer, to the corruption of her sister, and the rise of Daybreaker. “Believe me fair pony, I’ve tried so hard. But I hardly have the strength for magic anymore. What I did to protect you and the others is all that I have. So much has been taken from me.” Maud took a seat across from Luna, gazing into her reflection in the pond. “We’ve all lost things important to us. That’s why we must fight to get them back.” Maud could see the fear in her eyes, the fear of losing her sister. “I can’t stop until I have my Pinkie Pie back.” Luna glanced over at the other when Pinkie’s name was mentioned. Clearly the pony that sat beside her was a friend of Twilight’s, and a friend of the other five. Her heart grew heart grew heavy as she studied the stoic pony. “I am terribly sorry for your loss young one. Like you, I have lost those who were close to me. I fear that . . . I may never see my sister again.” “You talk like they’re already dead.” Maud said, holding her breath at what Luna might say next. After all, the princess may be here in the Everfree Forest, but she may have seen what became of Pinkie Pie and the others. A strong sense of dread began to weigh down on Maud. Images of Pinkie and the others clouded her thoughts. She could almost see their motionless bodies in a shallow grave somewhere. “No.” Luna answered. “they are not dead. But, I’m afraid it is only a matter of time before . . .” “Luna, if you know they are going to die, why don’t you save them? Even your magic is more than what any of us have.” Luna shivered. She took in a shaky breath and said, “Because I am not meant to.” When Maud stared back at her in confusion, Luna only nodded her understanding. “My first vision was of Canterlot, and how it would be destroyed. Then, after Daybreaker and Chrysalis took over, I had another. A vision that foretold of a terrible slaughter in Cloudsdale. I travelled to the city myself . . . but . . . I could not save it. I could not stop it.” Luna’s voice faltered. Recalling her dreams forced a whimper from her. So many had been killed. And she’d seen it all. But I was useless. “Then . . . I had a vision that Ponyville would be overrun and wiped off the map. Again, I tried . . . but I couldn’t even make it to the girls.” Luna sniffled and brushed away a couple tears. She shook with fear, her body crumpling to the memories. “And the Crystal Empire . . . and Starlight Glimmer . . . there was nothing I could do . . .” Maud listened to the princess speak, listened to the mention of one tragedy after another. She knew what this was culminating to.She could see it in Luna’s eyes. “That’s why you’re using Midnight Ash.” And Luna could only nod in response. “Even though it can cause blindness, you don’t want to dream, do you?” Luna shook her head. “I do not.” “Then . . . you’ve had another vision? One that hasn’t come true yet?” Maud speculated. Luna shuddered, and she nodded her head. “I’d rather go blind, then see it again.” “Tell me.” Luna locked eyes with the earth pony. She felt herself melting at Maud’s gaze. Almost as though a fire burned in the pony’s eyes that refused to be extinguished. Licking her dry lips, the princess wanted to refuse. With the increasingly penetrating stare, she doubted though she’d get away with it. “Please. I have to know.” Maud insisted, reading the alicorn’s face like a book. At that, Luna knew she had to say it. “Very well,” she said, her voice at almost a whisper. “On a night when a blood red moon is lifted into the sky, evil will have its greatest triumph over Equestria. Princess Twilight will be turned against her friends . . . and she will kill them. One by one, she will shoot them down. One by one, she will watch them die.” Luna held back what tears she could. But even then, she still cried. “I’ve seen it so many times, it would kill me to see it again. I am so very, very sorry.” Silence fell over them. Maud watched as the princess crumpled to the side, crying. She couldn’t imagine what Luna has gone through, or what Luna has seen. This new knowledge however, hardened Maud on her mission. Pinkie Pie wasn’t dead, not yet. The others were still alive as well. And who knows what Twilight was going through to be driven to such an unspeakable act?! I’m going to stop it. With her decision made, Maud started off for Zecora’s. When Luna realized the pony was leaving, she lifted her head and said, “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to save them.” “But . . .” Luna stuttered, “haven’t you heard what I said?” “I have.” Maud said and looked back. “But the future is not set in stone. Pinkie once taught me that.” With that, Maud turned away and walked back to Zecora’s. Spike sat up, stretching his arms and legs. How long had it been since he’d slept so peacefully? They’d been running towards the Crystal Empire for so long, rest had become something of a luxury. On one hand, Spike could get used to this. On the other, they still needed some kind of plan. Getting up, Spike hobbled on over to Derpy’s bed. The pegasus was sitting up, already awake. Derpy pawed at and rubbed her wing. She looked well rested, and even energetic as she tried to kill a persistent itch emanating from the gauze. “How are you feeling Derpy?” Spike asked in a bit of a whisper, not wanting to wake the other ponies. The pegasus nodded with a bright smile. “Much better. I feel like I could do circles around Zecora’s.” “If you’re feeling that good, then your wing must not have been broken!” Spike said. This couldn’t have been better news! They could start coming up with a plan. “Oh, good morning Maud.” Spike said when the earth pony suddenly joined them. “Hey.” Maud answered. Derpy tilted her head to the side, trying to make eye contact with the pony. “Are you okay? You seem really upset. Should we search for Boulder after all?” Maud shook her head. “I just . . .” Maud considered telling them what she’d heard. But what good would it do to worry them? What would they gain with knowledge of Luna’s vision? “I just want to get moving.” Spike scratched his head, unsure of how to respond. “We should but . . . any ideas on where?” Silence. No pony knew the answer to that question. Maud of course didn’t care. She was prepared to march up into Canterlot if it meant saving her sister and the others from their awful fate. She didn’t even mind going at it alone. If Spike and Derpy would be safer here, then they should just stay put. She could handle herself. Besides, she didn’t want them getting hurt. They were both important to her. Maud opened her mouth to announce her plans, and that they couldn’t stop her. But Derpy beat her to the punch. “If only we had some more fire-power . . . we could just blast those changelings and monsters away!” “Fire-power?” Spike asked. He thought for a moment, and suddenly, and idea sprung into his head. “Fire-power! Of course, Derpy that’s it! You’re a genius!” “I am?” Even Maud glanced over to Spike, curious as to what the dragon had in mind. “The dragons!” Spike announced. “We could travel down to the Dragon Lands and ask Dragon Lord Ember for help!” Turning to Derpy, Spike added, “they have plenty of fire-power.” “Do you really think they can help?” Maud asked. “We don’t have any magic.” Spike said, pointing out the obvious. “So, we have to use the next best thing. Sheer brute force.” Maud hesitated. She had been ready to gallop out the door to Canterlot on her own. Now, that plan quickly crumbled. The two would surely try and stop her from going alone. That red moon . . . Maud lost herself in thoughts and was a bit surprised when she suddenly found Zecora standing next to her. The zebra looked over the trio, having woken up to the sounds of their excited voices. She only imagined what they were planning but knew that they were leaving. Tossing each of them a small paper sack of food, Zecora said, “I sense you are going, so make certain you are prepared. With dangers that you will face, at least your stomachs may be spared.” Then she went to work at freeing Derpy from the gauze wrapped around her wing. “What if we don’t make it in time?” Maud asked. “What if . . .” Zecora pressed a hoof over the earth pony’s lips. “You will not save your friends if all you have is doubt. But if you combine your efforts, and trust each other, I am sure you will work things out.” Nodding, Spike added. “And just think, when we reach Ember, there won’t just be three of us going back to Canterlot. We’ll be bringing a whole army of dragons too!” Maud looked over to Derpy, and the pegasus appeared surprisingly optimistic. When Derpy saw the concern in Maud’s face, she simply smiled at her friend and fluttered her wings. “I think Spike is right. Even though dragons are kinda scary, we should try. Besides, he brought us this far.” “Wait! I’m still gonna be in charge?” Spike questioned. Sighing, Maud nodded her head, relenting on her initial plan. “You are a dragon. Who better to lead us to the Dragon Lands?” “Well, you are right about that,” Spike said. Glancing around, he saw that the fillies had awakened and were now listening in. They’d heard of what he and the others had intended to do. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both watched as Spike looked from his friends, to Zecora, to the fillies. Finally nodding his head, he turned back to Derpy and Maud. “Alright then, let’s go!” After a few final goodbyes with the fillies and Zecora, Spike lead the way out of Zecora’s hut, out of the Everfree Forest with Derpy and Maud following closely behind.