Days later, there was news. Dreaded bad news. Ponies were gathered again, in front of the soap boxes. Phyllis looked really gloomy about something. Everyone had gotten the recent news, and it was time for an announcement. It was time to take extreme measures.
“What’s going on?” Jazz asked Rocky as they hurried into the crowd. Getting as much a clear view as they could. Ponies were mumbling about Sprouts disappearance. Knowing this was likely what was going on at the moment. What the news was going to be about. It was discovered he had escaped the town a day ago and was yet to return. No one knew why. But there was a suspicion that he wanted to try and play hero. Only to add to the list of missing ponies.
Even tho he wasn’t really the most trusted pony around. Many still felt empathy as they thought about the situation. Only a few were happy. But most were actually more worried about him than they thought. Even if he did something stupid, hopefully he was not hurt. Also being scared for what was going to happen next.
“We have no other choice!” Phyllis’s voice cracked. Distressed, as she was a mother who had lost her child. Fearing he was dead. As she assumed for most of the missing ponies. She tried her best to stay formal, holding it in.
There was a cry in the audience, however. From Sparky. Being hushed and cradled by Figgy. Hitch’s Grandmare. Hurt was in her eyes as she was still worried sick about her grandson, his friends and all the ponies who went missing.
Jazz and Dahlia watched over at her. Hearts heavy with guilt as they watched her try and calm Sparky down. They knew it was partly their own fault that Hitch went missing. But Figgy was not upset at them, at least it seemed the be the case. After a sigh, Dahlia looked towards Phyllis.
“This is about, Sprout, isn't it?” Dahlia asked no one in particular.
Before anyone could have said anything to her. Phyllis exclaimed out loud.
“We have no choice!” Shouted Phyllis. “They took my son! They took the princesses. Sure Haven and I don’t see eye-to-eye. But as mothers. It is hard to deal with your child going missing and fearing they are dead! “I don’t want this to happen again!” She cried.”We have to tuck ourselves away!”
The crowd was silence. Even tho many didn't trust, or straight up despised Phyllis. She had a point, it cannot be easy going through what she was going through. She even had marks under her eyes. For goodness sake! Even ponies who wanted them both to shut up felt horrible.
While in the other two towns Alphabittle had everyone put up sticks around Bridlewood, similar to Sprout’s idea. Haven simply told ponies to stay safe and travel with friends. Only leave if absolutely needed.
“To protect you all. Not another Canterlogic thing, that’s in the past. I have decided to go with Sprout’s idea if another pony went missing.” She sighed and looked down. Then back at the crowd. “We are building a wall around town. It is sturdy and will protect us… But when this is all over. The ugly wall will be taken down. I promise.”
“Really?! Another thing you are making because of our fears!?” Shouted Posey.
“I hope this works out.” Jazz said. Never attending a Canterlogic in her life. Since it just seemed kinda off. She even laughed it off as she looked at Rocky. “I remember she apparently made these goggles that made you look in the sky to keep watch for pegasi!” She paused and smiled. “I never have touched those in my life. I don't need any silly gadget to see one gorgeous pegasus right next me“
“Yeah…” Rocky tried to laugh, but he did not understand. But it did seem to be a joke among earth ponies. He’d occasionally hear jokes about Canterlogic’s stuff and how pointless they were. Even how it was all made because of the fear of the other tribes. Then he paused as he processed what Jazz said.
“Gorgeous?” Rocky looked at her, mouth hanging in shock. “You think I'm gorgeous?!” Jazz nodded to confirmed and smirked at his shocked face. “Awww…” He responded as Jazz rubbed up against him as she moved around.
When the crowd started to leave. Discussing amongst themselves on what was about to happen.
Ponies watched in worry and defeat as construction workers started to build a high wall all around the town. Blocking any way in or out, unless you were a pegasus. Which many agreed to be a disadvantage. The walls were tall, almost reaching the window of many two-story buildings.
Some ponies felt trapped, many were depressed at not being able to see very far. It was like they were trapped in a huge tank now. Like a fish in its tank, lots of room, but finite space with something they cannot go over or under. They hopped that Phyllis was right about this. They hoped that it would be over soon, and the wall could get taken down.
Ponies were distressed about this. Believing this could lower any chance of the missing ponies coming home. What if they saw a giant wall blocking their way in the town? Sure they could go to Bridlewood or Zephyr Heights. But what if they get lost on the way or need urgent care and wouldn’t survive the trip?
Dahlia looked out into the distance from tye sheriff station. Out towards the Brighthouse. The rainbow glitched rapidly, she gasped in shock as she saw a pegasus nearly drop from the sky. It looked more like they forgot to flap, but it was way worse.
“Oh, please hold on…” She hoped as she looked at the rainbow that came out the crystals.Hoping the magic would hold on, despite the drama going on. It did kinda feel like a split. But not between races, between towns… Maybe this was what upset magic, the fact that Maretine Bay shut themselves off from the rest of the world.
Jazz groaned as she kicked some sand at the beach. “I just don’t get it, Rocky!” She exclaimed.
“Me neither…” Rocky, added confused. He did not understand it at all. So it was some sort of magical forest dimension with strange creatures with no emotion? With their friends turned into shadowy, corrupt versions of themselves. Jazz almost saved Izzy!?
“Why did the light blast not happen again! Why was Hitch so confidence that i am supposed to go on some quest to save the world!?” She shouted, Rocky put a hoof around her. “None of this makes sense! What even is happening… Why couldn't life be so peaceful and quiet!?”
Rocky didn't know what to say as he walked across the sand. Enjoying the sun on his fur. He looked at Jazz again, her eyes gleaming in the sunlight. She was pretty at this angle in the sun. Her bright teal fur just stood out in amazing way. Like a neon night at night.
He felt his heart flutter as she looked at him. “Uh, Rocky? Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked as she noticed he was staring at her. Staring like he was seeing something special in front of him.
He gulped, his mouth opened wide he did not know what to say. He gulped and stared at Jazz and looked away, into the water. The sun shimmering on the waves. It looked so more peaceful out there.
“N-nothing, Jazz…” He responded softly. Nudging her slightly, thinking on how she could go on such a dangerous quest. He still clearly remembered a time where Jazz found a python in the storage room. Freaked out like nuts, crashing into stuff on her way to the door. Then running out the storage room with a bucket on her head, screaming at the top of her lungs. Instead of bringing that up, even if she would have agreed she was a scaredy cat, he decided on changing the subject. To something less stressful and confusing. “I bet i can beat you to that cave with the crystals that Pipp and Zipp found!”
Maybe still a bit stressful, but not as much.
Jazz gasped, “What?!” She then got into a running position. “You are on!”
The two of them started running, splashing up water as they ran across the shore. Just enjoying themselves running across the sand. Felling the wind on their faces and the sand under their hooves.
They eventually headed towards the cave. Rocky skidded to a stop at the cave entrance. With Jazz running into the cave, stumbling over her hooves. He chuckled as she got up, dusting herself off as she ran towards Rocky, chasing him. Now it was a game of tag. He laughed as Jazz chased him over the shoreline, soon tackling him into the water, soaking him.
“Dang it Jazz!” He shouted while laughing as her. As he looked at her in the eyes, he felt her grip loosened. Giving him the chance. He kicked her off him in a playful way, she squealed with surprise as she stumbled and plopped into the ocean. He laughed as a result as she got up, glaring at him. Mane drooped and dripping with water.
“Oh no!” He exclaimed as Jazz headbutting him, pushing him. He dramatically fell to the ground, Jazz falling down with him. They both laughed as they looked at each other. A wave soon washing over them both suddenly. Cussing them to exclaim in shock.
“Ugh…” Rocky rubbed his eyes, getting saltwater in them. “Well, that was a sudden wave…” Her then exclaimed as Jazz spat out some seawater onto him.
“Hey! Jazz!” He shouted before groaning.“That was actually kinda gross…”
“Catch me if you can!” Squawked Jazz as she started running away.
“I bet i can!” He said, lifting his wings and flying after her.”
“Jazzeroo!” Cried Stardust as the duo sat there on the sand. Their fur almost dry but manes still slightly damp. Jazz groaned as she buried her face into Rocky. For the last few days, Stardust was blasting their ears off with music she made herself. The tunes were fine most the time, but the lyrics were awful! She groaned as she wondered what it’d be about this time? Dancing limb-less lizards on a barrel-rolling skateboard ride to the zoo to see rollerskating, tap dancer fish? Because that’s almost how odd, her songs get at times. At least that is how weird her previous one.
“Oh, Stardust!” Rocky exclaimed, noticing she didn’t have her ukulele this time. “What’s up?”
“I figured what had been causing this!” She then explained, “Shadowy friends!”
The two paused, looking at each other before looking at her, who had a massive grin on her face.
“You mean pur friends dissapearing and being corrupted by shadows abd these dungeon things popping up?”
“Yep!”
Rocky jumped forward in excitement, happy to hear that she figured this out! He was just about to ask before he realised. How did she? How does she know. “What?” Was all he could mutter from the number of questions he had.
“Dark Matter!”
“Dark… Matter?” Both of them stared with confusion.
“I kinda forgot to tell you guys this…” She made an innocent smile. Then explained. “So… A long time ago… When i was born. There was this really angry villain lady!”
“Like Opaline?” Jazz suggested.
“I dunno who that is… But i’d day think of an angry, tall… Uh… Witch, lab based, fairy, creature… I think…”
An image of a tall alicorn, wearing a witch hat with a pair of fairy wings and a lab coat. Evily laughing as she holds a beaker came to Jazz’s mind.
While in Rocky’s it was a giant breezie, bigger than the Mane Melody building. Riding a broomstick instead of using her own wings, wearing a lab coat with a collection of tubes in the pockets and nasty stains. Her mane was a gorgeous twirl down the back with the forelock sticking up straight and slightly charred.
“What about her?” Asked Jazz.
“I dunno… a mysterious pony in my dream told me that she uh…” She seemed to be thinking hard. If it weren't for her genuine reactions and behaviour across the months they knew her. They’d think she was making it up. “She made some acid, gas type thing that formed some sort of crystal ball. With dark magic it turned to Dark Matter!”
“And we have to defeat it?” Asked Jazz, worried that this was her quest that Hitch guessed she had to do with. It sounded kinda scary. “O-or the science, alicorn, fairy thing?”
“Well… Dark Matter was defeated a really long time ago… Before the current towns existed. It was defeated by a unicorn and her friends. But when they defeated it, the crystal-like core shattered into pieces. Scattered across Equestria. During the years, the shards slowly regrew and formed dungeons. With the biggest piece regrowing dark matter…”
“Where do we come into this?” Jazz worried. Hoping it was not going to be as dangerous as it felt. She could not handle this. She wished it wasn’t her! Why her? What’d she do to deserve this? What about the scientist, fairy, witch thing? They don’t have to fight her, right?
“We have to explore each dungeon and shatter each shard powering it. Only you and two others have the power that the ancient unicorn had. Her light power shattered, too. Eventually becoming part of you three
“So we shatter the core again? But won’t it eventually regrow like last time?”
“Not if we contain the core’s pieces on destruction! It won’t regrow once contained!”
Jazz’s face was fully of fear, she felt herself start to shake. She couldn't understand this. Stardust seemed to be ignoring her concern as she stepped back. What did this all mean? Who were the other two? She had part of the power the ancient unicorn used to defeat Dark Matter originally.
“We leave tonight! So pack your things!” Stardust grinned.
“A-actually…” Jazz found it hard to, she nudged Rocky as he put a wing around her for comfort. She was at a loss of words. Everything was happening so fast!
“Jazz?” Rocky softly questioned, feeling her heart race.
“I-I need some space..” Jazz felt she was getting warm as she pushed Rocky aside. “I-I just need time to process all this…” Jazz said before running off. Panting as she thought of this reveal. This scary adventure. Hitch was right… This was her mission. Not Sunny’s. Hers…
A pony who focused on hoof designs and styling… The world was in her hooves, along with two ponies and some filly who had memory loss. Why her? She was only interested in crazy adventures in media like movies and video-games. Because they weren’t her, even if it was an avatar based on her in a video game, it was not really her. Also the adventure was all made up, all written by good writers, or ones that suck. But they were never real, like this…
The next afternoon. Jazz was sweeping in the salon, Stardust was gone, she vanished somewhere and was no where to be seen. She just stopped showing up, without a trace.
No one knew where she went or what happened. There was no evidence she got out. Thinking about it, she wondered about the warning she told her about. With Dark Matter. Maybe the only reason she was here to warn her of that. That quest of hers. What was it? She wished she had at least warned everyone!
She thought long and hard about this. But if the world was in her hooves, who would she be if she did not at least try? After a deep breath, she stepped outside the salon. Taking in the fresh air. Taking in deep breathes to calm her down.
“Alright, Stardust… If you are that confident I'm part of this team. To save the world. Then I am in…” She exclaimed then looked to the side. Wondering what she had to do exactly. Taking a few steps forward. No one noticed her talking quietly to herself. “I just wish you were her to answer my questions… But… I will do what I can…” She said bluntly, staring down at her reflection in a nearby window seriously. Wondering how she got here.
A stylist on a dangerous mission that would be more fit for someone experienced at that kind of thing. Apparently she had the light power with two other ponies that belonged to an ancient unicorn? But who? How was she going to find them? No one else in the bay had their hooves glowing like hers. All she knew it was a pegasus and a unicorn.
“Pegasus and a unicorn, hmm?” Jazz asked herself. It could literally range from anyone. From Misty, to that unicorn colt who got his cutiemark three weeks ago! This was so hard! Who could it possibly be? As she walked through town, pondering on this whole adventure. Trying to figure out her next move. Before she stopped in place, seeing the wall up again. Her hooves began to glow briefly as she looked at it. Soon she realised.
What if they are not in Maretine Bay!? She can’t leave, because the wall! It'd be too dangerous out there!
“We cant leave!” Jazz told herself in fear,
There was a puase as Jazz slowly processed the situation. She had to leave the bay by climbing the wall? But Phyllis said not to, also. If ponies noticed she was missing, more panic will be about and who knows what will happen next!
“I guess I have no choice! The ancient unicorn’s powers chose me. I have to…” She groaned as she looked down at herself. “What have I gotten myself into?” She decided it was her best chance to escape at night. She wouldn't want to face Phyllis's punishment if she was caught climbing the wall to escape.
That night, Jazz sat on her bed. Feeling angry and upset Stardust left without any words. She thought she had to do it with her. But no, she has to do it alone. At least until she finds the other two chosen ones. This was the only way, was it? It was up to her alone to do what she needed to do.
“What am I gonna say to my parents?” She wondered, “What if i never see them again?” She asked herself as she looked at her phone. Wondering what to text them. It was kinda scary to tell them. She did not knowhow’d to react. She did not know what to say so they would not freak out.
It would be kinda fear-inducing if your 19-yr old daughter texted you that she was going on a dangerous mission to save the world. Her dad would not believe her and think she is crazy for going out to try and save all the ponies who went missing. After a long sigh, she got up, looking at a shelf that had a few things on it. Like a medal, picture of her as a foal, an autograph of Pipp and a plushie. Grabbing her Pipp plush, she looked down at it.
“Oh Pipp… I don't know what I’m doing. I have to save everyone. But why was it put in my hooves? You, Zipp, Sunny and Izzy are the ones who brought back magic, right? You guys are more up for quests, not me…”
“But I guess I have no choice… If I want you to come home safe, I have to work towards it. It was me, and I must deal with it!” She said, packing the plush into her pink shoulder bag with her cutiemark embroided on the flap. The roomiest bag she had that was easy to carry long distances. Kinda like the one sunny had, but had a pink pom-pom attached to it. She sighed as she grabbed it, putting it over her and heading towards her front door.
Her heart could hot stop racing as she reached for the handle. As she stepped out the house, she took some deep breaths and closed the door behind her. “Goodbye house… See you once I saved the world… I guess?”Then she looked down the street and started to walk. “Suppose I should head to Zephyr heights first…” She whispered to herself. “It’s closer, and perhaps one, or both of them are there…” She whispered to herself.
She gasped as she saw a large rat run past her, scaring her. “I-It’s okay Jazz… Just a rat…” She whimpered as she quietly walked down the street. Making her way to the metal wall that surrounded the town. It was high up, but she had an idea on how to climb it.
“Here goes nothing…” She said as her hoof glowed with earth pony plant magic. Creating a stalk, one at an angle with stems coming out she could climb up. Thankfully, no one suspected a thing as this was a more dimly lit area where not many ponies lived. It was more shops that were closes at this time.
She did not want to know how much trouble she could get into. She ignored the thought of her spending a few days in a cell afterwards. Hitch maybe won’t, tho. Right? She is going with his guess of her being some chosen pony for a quest due to the glowing hooves and blast. He was right about this. How did he know?
She shook these thoughts away as her heart raced. Looking at the stalk, her magic had made. Jazz gripped on her pink satchel in tense just before she started to climb the stalk. Being careful where she placed her hooves. Making sure she didn’t slip and fall off. It was already bending slightly under her. She should have made it more thick. She did not dare to look down as she made it to the top. Putting one hind leg over the wall, ready to make herself a safe way down.
Then she paused in place. Feeling some heartache as she thought about what she was going to do. She only said goodbye to those who believed her and would not try and stop her. She couldn’t bear the guilt of leaving after anyone begged her not to. But she already started feeling to guilt build up. For not sating goodbye to anyone else.
As she sat on top of the wall, she looked back at the town with sadness. She felt sad, looking at the bay, her home… She was abandoning it for who knows how long. To go on some quest, she felt unworthy of doing. This was crazy. She sighed as she felt the breeze on her fur. Hearing the distant waves and smelling the salt air.
She was leaving for a quest she would only dream of doing. She was leaving because she had to, or else the world was doomed. A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked back.
She was going to miss this place so much…
“Goodbye Maretine Bay… I’ll miss you… A lot…” She looked down with a sigh.
Jazz gave a sad smile before sliding down the vines she had just creating. More hopeful that Hitch was right about it. She felt the soft dirt under her hooves. It was darker out here than in the bay. Thanks to the wall blocking out most the light. She looked around at the night sky. It was gorgeous. The air was cool as she felt a breeze.
Her legs started to shake as her heart raced in her chest. She started moving, scared of what was to happen next. But she had to keep going. Thanks to going to sleep early, she was not so tired.
So she took a torch out of her bag and carried it in her mouth as she moved forward.
Dahlia knocked on a door, a bit loudly but concerned. She kept knocking till the lights inside lit. The door soon opened. Revealing a very tired pegasus stallion, who did not look pleased.
There were marks under his eyes. He was wearing sheep themed slippers, pajama shirt, and had a teddy bear in his arm that was holding a guitar. He blankly stared at Dahlia wondering what she wanted at this time of the night.
“Rocky! Jazz is gone!”
Rocky was slow to get to the point. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Yeah… Jazz, what did she do this time?’ He asked. Not picking up or questioning why she said she was gone. All he knew, she could have gone to sleep like most ponies do at this time of the night. Natural.
“She jumped the wall!”
“The wall?” Rocky questioned. “Like the…” Pondering what she meant, then the realisation hit him like a brick. “Jazz… Jumped the wall!? She could get hurt!”
Dahlia nodded, “We have to go after her! I’ll explain on the way!”
“B-but-“ Rocky feared as he looked at her, stepping back. “W-wait a minute… I think I know why! Stardust told her about this adventure to save the world! She is going with it! W-was she alone?”
“Y-yes! Only her!” She sighed, “I overheard she was heading to Zephyr heights to find the other two chosen ponies… But I am worried for her. What if three is not enough?”
Rocky shook his head as he walked around. “This-this is not good.. After seeing the state of both of you after last time. You guys we so... She can't do this alone! What was she thinking? She needs help. She can’t do this alone… I-“ He was terrified as he shivered. “She’s my friend… It's gonna be dangerous. I have to help her!”
“Y-you are coming, too?” She asked. "Why did I think I would have had to convince you?" She wondered and rolled her eyes.
“She’s my friend!” He gulped,scared to do it. But more worried for Jazz. He'd hate for her to get hurt when he could have done something. “Even if it is some crazy adventure. Friends stick with friends!”
Dahlia nodded, “I want to perform my part too!”
Rocky exclaimed loudly like a war cry as he ran out his house. Realising he was still in his pajamas. “Uh…” He chuckled in embarrassment. “I guess it won’t hurt to get ready first..”
Dahlia shook her head. “Don’t take more than five minutes.” She groaned in slight annoyance.
Jazz paced around near a tree. The wall barely seen in the distance, she could see a few lights in the distance as she looked towards the town. “This is so crazy. So so crazy! I'm on the run because of a pegasus filly who has a past. I am destined to destroy Dark Matter” She whimpered. “I thought Dark Matter only existed in Kirby and- Oh no- This has to be a dream!”
She proceeded to bite herself and yelp. When whimpered as she rubbed her hoof. “If it hurt. Then absolutely not a dream” She whimpered in pain. “I relly bite harder than I look!” Jazz shook the pain from her leg. "Jazz... Stop complaining every five minutes! It will only-" She began to scold herself.
“Jazz!”
“What? That sounded like…”
“Jazz!”
Jazz turned around to see Dahlia and Rocky. Dahlia was holding a small teal bag with her. While Rocky was carrying a brown shoulder bag with a guitar picture embroided on it.
“Dahlia?! Rocky!?” She exclaimed in shock. “What are you doing out here?” She was happy to see them. But was also shocked they'd wasn't to join her. After the dungeon incident in the woods. Jazz thought Dahlia would want to stay away from them as far as possible. Rocky also would most likely not want to be covered in mud.
“Same as you!” Dahlia exclaimed. “I was unkind to you as a foal. I want to help!”
“Me too, Jazz. I may not understand completely. But I want to play my part, too.” Rocky nodded. “We are your friends, Jazz. We couldn't stop you. So we decided you were not going alone! Even if we have to get put hooves dirty...”
“Whether you like it or not!” Dahlia added.
Jazz smiled, tears appeared in her eyes and she brought Rocky into a huge hug. So glad to see him come with her. She did not want to do this alone. It was hard to stay strong. But now, she was with friends.
"Oh Rocky! Words cannot describe how much I- Thank you!" She sobbed into his fur as he giggled back. It was about a minute before she lifted her head. "I-I was so scared I had to go alone! I- I-..." But then she sighed as she took a few steps away from them.
“Jazz? Are you okay?” Dahlia asked as she watched her wipe her tears.
She looked at them and looked out into the distance. She was worried for them. Grateful she did not have to do this alone. But scared. What if they got hurt? What would she do? She has the power, not them. She started to recognise some music she listened to, kinda feeling it hit the mood. Quoting it slightly as she thought how she related to Izzy. Who had sung it after meeting Izzy and remembered the lyrics enough to publish the song later.
“The path is growing dark. The journey ahead is a big question mark!” She sighed, "I'm scared that we'll end up ponies gone missing from this journeying..."
“Quoting songs again?” Rocky smirked slightly before dropping his smirk, seeing how scared she was.
“Don’t worry. You’re not alone! You’ll see that you’ve got ponies in your crew.” Dahlia responded. Going along with quoting the song. But not singing.
"We're looking out for you!" Rocky responded as he nudged Jazz. The two happily walking ahead with Dahlia. “When you’re off track! We got cha’ back!”
“You can rely on us. We are lookin’ out for you!”
Jazz smiled a bit and chuckled as she watched them both. It brought her comfort to be with ponies she knew and trusted. “And I’m lookin’ out for you!” Jazz smiled as she pointed at them. She laughed as she jumped on a hill.
“Lost in the hills! I got the skills!” She pranced about. Singing that line all by herself as she looked at the others. Feeling less scared with her mind taken off and distracted from the journey ahead.
The group happily pranced along in the night. Just enjoying the journey to their destination.
“Pony, let's get goin'” Jazz exclaimed as she pranced past a bush. Rocky joining in as he ran behind her with the next line.
“Get goin', get goin”
They had a blast quoting the sing the best they could. Just having fun doing it. Keeping eachother company and getting their mind off the journey.
“I am lookin' out...“ They sang together. After just saying the lines from before.
As the sun rose. The group looked at the huge mountain in front of them. Zephyr Heights. Right there.
“For you!”
They smiled as they looked into the distance. Ready to figure out who this pegasus was. Who shared the light power with her.