Team 7C stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest, where the cheerful and vibrant Ponyville was separated from the mysterious and dark woods.
"Ummm, do we have to go in there?" asked Lilac.
"Lilac, I can't believe that you're scared of going even though you were the one giving the pep talk," said Sunset. "Stop biting your hooves! You'll ruin your hooficure!" she scolded.
Inkwell held a bag full of supplies. "I came prepared with flashlights, food, and a bunch of other stuff," she informed the team. "Whatever we do, we have to stay together."
"Can I hold on to your hoof?" asked Lilac, still scared. Inkwell smiled and hugged her.
After a few seconds, the team slowly made their way into the dark Everfree Forest. Lilac continued to hold onto Inkwell's hoof. "It's okay," Inkwell assured her.
Team 7C was still navigating the spooky forest when they heard a voice.
"A few more steps to the remains of the Tree of Harmony," it called out.
Ember's eyes widened. She stopped the group. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear wh-wh-what?" Lilac stuttered.
"I think Island is around here somewhere. I heard him saying something about looking for the Tree of Harmony," said Ember. "The voice came from... there!" Ember pointed ahead. The team gingerly moved closer.
Island's voice came closer. "That way! I see the stairs," he said to himself.
Once the team was only a few hoof-steps away from Island, Ember called his name. "Island Skies?"
Startled, Island turned around. "Ember?" The dragon nodded. "Sunset, Bookworthy, Caramel, Lilac, and Inkwell! What are you all doing in the Everfree Forest? Ember, I told you to not let them tag along!" Island shook his head in frustration.
"No, we needed to come with you. We will face the dangers together," stated Inkwell.
"This is my research project, and I'm going to work on it without putting the lives of my coworkers in danger!" screamed Island.
Just then, a mysterious voice entered the conversation. "Well, aren't you the ideal Princess Twilight as a unicorn?"
The team turned towards Caramel, who was known for making weird impressions. "Why are you looking at me? I didn't!" protested Caramel.
"Well, then who did?" asked Island skeptically. "Show yourself!"
A creature began to materialize in front of them, revealing Equestria's most well-known draconequus.
Team 7C gasped. "Discord! What are you doing here?" asked Inkwell, who narrowed her eyes. "I sure do hope you don't make Island's research project harder for him with chaos magic!"
Lilac glared at Inkwell. "How rude of you to begrudge Discord like that! He's reformed now, isn't that right?" asked Lilac. Discord nodded. "I forgot your name, but you strongly remind me of my pony Fluttershy," he noted.
"My name's Lilac," she introduced herself. "And that's Island, Caramel, Sunset, Inkwell, and Bookworthy. Oh, that dragon over there is Ember."
"Hello, Lilac. I heard your friend here wants to get to the Tree of Harmony. Mind if I help?" offered Discord.
"NO!" Inkwell protested just as Lilac exclaimed, "Yes!"
Lilac glared at Inkwell again. "Please! Inkwell, why don't you and the others trust Discord? He's just trying to be a good friend. Go on now, Discord," said Lilac.
"Yes, that is right. Oh, woe is me," sighed Discord, glaring at Inkwell and Island. "But yes, I can magically send you to the remains of the Tree of Harmony," he offered.
Inkwell opened her mouth to protest when Lilac said "Thank you."
Sunset and Island both rolled their eyes. "Fine."
With a snap of Discord's claw, Team 7C and the reformed draconequus disappeared.