“So what do we do know?”
Not knowing the answer to her own question Twilight looked towards Zecora for answers but she just shook her head. Equestria has fallen, her friends are missing, and that strange dream. Was that the answer? Was this all just a dream? Maybe she would wake up soon in her own bed with the sounds of Spike noisily making breakfast or one of Pinkie’s new recipes exploding in a cloud of flour and sugar. Sadly the answer she yearned for was not that of a happy ending. She racked her brain for a possible answer to the questions that befell her but none came to mind.
“Twilight my dear do not fear the despair and anguish of this land. Your mind is frail and limited thus you sanity erodes like sand. Let me check my cauldron for a possible solution so we do not delve into our own self delusions.”
Zecora walked over to her cauldron and threw in a few potions that Twi could not identify. As Zecora chanted in an ancient language, smoke began to rise changing from blue to green, she asked for answers from the spirits of her ancestors. The contents of the cauldron caught fire and burst into a flame as green as grass and a purple scroll fell from fire.
“This is most strange,” Zecora proclaimed,” For i did not know my ancestors knew your name”
The scroll had Twi’s name inscribed in bright white letters that seemed to shine brighter under her touch. She opened the scroll to find a letter and a map that lead deep into Equestria. The letter reads as follows:
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
My presence is clouded by the misjudgment of those around you. I am not an enemy but a friend yet to be made.
If you are reading this then calamity has befallen and there is no turning back for the journey that you have yet to begin. Your magic is not strong enough yet to take on this great task but i’m sure you have seen this for yourself. Be wary of your friends and trust your enemy's for only you can decide which path you must follow and trust is something only you can give. Follow your heart and you will not stray but beware of the one who can change your way’s.
sincerely,
“Well who’s it from?” Aj asked.
“It doesn’t say. That part was never written,” Twi said.
Zecora looked over the parchment and closed it with a nod.
“Despair and Distress and calamity cannot be good for one such as thee. If you are prepared to take up this task then you shall take a drink from this flask,” Zecora said producing a small flask of odd colored liquid.
“Is it safe?” Aj asked concerned.
“Twilight is not the only pony leaving on a quest for a companion, you would suit best”
“Say what now?”
“OOOO that sound awesome! So where are we going or better yet where are we headed or even where is the cake or cupcakes or candy or pie have you ever had Zecora’s pie it’s amazing! it’s..” Pinkie was silenced by a glare from Zecora.
Sigh*
“Fine. Applejack you are the only one who can accompany Twilight on her journey and I trust you with this task.”
Aj and Twi looked at each other in confusion. They haven’t ever heard Pinkie be so serious about anything before. It was disturbing in a way. They exchanged glances and nodded to each other in agreement. Aj took a sip from the flask and nodded at Twilight that it was ok to drink. Twilight also took a drink and the both of them stepped back.
“So what‘s this here stuff in yer flask supposed to do cuz I reckon it…. hey…. wh….” Applejack collapsed in a heap, unconscious form the drug.
Twilight, still recovering from her previous problem, instantly fell to the ground without a sound thanks to Zecora’s sleeping potion.
Both Ponies were dragged from the cottage, as well as two knapsacks filled with supplies. Where they were going was not someplace that could be followed but also a secret place that nopony else could know about. All except for two particular ponies.
__________________________________________________________________________
Karkadann hurried back to the chambers that held Rarity captive. He was starving for something that only she could satisfy. He lit the torches around Rarity so he could get a look at her face. Her mane was caked with dry blood and tears from their previous session and it gave him chills of delight. He admired his handiwork and liked off some of the blood that had yet to dry. Delicious. Rarity stirred due to tongue upon her flesh.
“I see you have awoken my sweet,” He said with sadistic joy.
Rarity said nothing, she just stared at Karkadann. Her once gleaming eyes now shone with the brilliance of a dull knife, the only light coming from deep within. Her gaze was piercing as if they were daggers. Karkadann smiled at the anger she held towards him. It made him almost squeal in delight. He picked up his usual carving instrument and, using his magic, cut a nice long slit across her stomach. Rarity didn't scream. She just kept staring at Karkadann, her gaze never shifting.
“ I see you grow tired of your treatment and demand something a bit more interesting. Am I correct?”
Not a word was spoken.
“ I understand I mean what could I possibly do that could ever hurt the precious queen of Ponyville am I correct? I mean you don’t love anyone enough to give your life for so what can I possibly do to make you scream? Hmmmmm let me think, oh ya! I actually have a present for you. A new roomy if you'd like. You might like him he’s a real firebrand.”
Karkadann’s horn lit up as a body was dragged from behind him. It was still moving but was gagged so as not to make a sound. A torch was lit up on the wall perpendicular to Rarity's position so she got a clear view of who this mystery captive was. The gag was removed from the second captives mouth. The only sound that came out were two words.
“I’m sorry.”
A bloodcurdling scream filled the chamber as the captive was nailed to the wall one limb at a time in the manner befitting a crucifixion.
“You Monster.”
“I’m sorry what did you say my dear?” Karkadann asked.
“You stupid monster.”
“I’m sorry what?”
“YOU SON OF A BITCH! HOW IN TARTARUS COULD YOU DO THAT TO A CHILD YOU REEKING PILE OF CRAP. IF I COULD GET FREE I WOULD KILL YOU IN AN INSTANT. hahahahah.” Rarity snapped.
“I would kill me now if I were you because, hahahhaa, because, hehehe, you’ll finally be able to see your true self and i’m gunna help you do that. You may have Spike but I will not die. Let me ask you something have you ever tasted the blood of a rotting child dipped in cake batter? It tastes like chicken, hehe hehehe hahahaha.” In her uncontrolled rage she broke mentally, the only sign’s of her former self was the hot tears that ran down her face as she said Spike’s name over and over again.
Karkadann left the chamber pleased with his work. Sometimes seeing someones physical pain is not the only pleasure one can partake in.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“AJ, AJ,..... AJ!!!!! WAKE UP!”
Applejack opened her eyes to find herself at the edge of the Everfree forest near Mount Sol. Her head was spinning from the drug’s after effects. Her mind slowly became aware of her surroundings as time passed. Light shown through the tree’s at an angle that proposed it to be around morning time.
‘How long was I out?’ Aj thought.
She got up and walked around only to find that she was completely alone. She shouted for help but none came to her aid. Sad and alone she sat down under a tall oak that stood near the mountain. Exhausted she plopped down trying to think of what to do next. She looked up towards the mountain hoping that Twilight was safe wherever she was.
‘ggrrrrrr’
Aj jumped up after hearing the low growl. She looked around trying to find the whereabouts of the strange noise. There was a rustle in the bush near where she had woken up. two sets of glowing red eyes shown through the leaves and a howl pierced the morning air. Timberwolves.
She had to get out of there but she was backed up against the mountain, there was nowhere to run. The timberwolves left their hiding spot and slowly made their way towards Aj, while she frantically looked for a way out. The timberwolves cornered her under a small plateau that seemed to hang off the mountain as if floating in air.
‘Well Aj looks like this might be yer last rodeo. But I ain’t gunna die without a fight!’
Aj steadied herself in a traditional fighting stance. The timberwolves circled around her looking for an opening. Aj stood still waiting for an opportunity to strike back. Time seemed to slow down for her, what seemed like hours was only seconds in comparison. The first timberwolf lunged at her backside hoping for an easy kill. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she moved her body forward picking her legs up off the ground as if pushing a spring together. The wolf was almost on top of her and she let loose a kick that could have shattered an apple tree. The wolf flew back exploding into tiny pieces as it hit the oak she had recently laid under. Taking advantage of the sudden burst of energy she sprang into the air landing a face crushing blow to the second timberwolf. Pieces of the timberwolves were scattered everywhere. For some reason the timberwolves didn’t bleed so the area was surrounded by branches and leaves instead of flesh and blood. A whistle pierced the air and a horde of timberwolves erupted from the underbrush.
“Shit”
Aj took the out the first two with a swift kick to the jaw. The next three stayed back and surrounded her. Her adrenaline was pumping too fast for her to let them corner her again. She leaped into the air and landed a blow on the first timberwolf’s head. She sprinted to the side and headbutted the second wolf. The third one ran away. She chased it towards the woods her heart racing and her mind completely void of thought. Right as they reached the oak the wolf stopped dead in it’s tracks. It swiftly turned around and clawed through Aj’s torso. Blood poured from the open wound. She reeled slightly at the rapid loss of blood, her vision blurring. Her thought’s slowly came back to her, and fear started to grip her reality. Three more from the pack came straight at her. She lashed out and struck two in the jaw but the impact was far less than her first blows. The loss of blood was draining all the strength from her body. All she could do now was run. One of the wolves latched onto her leg tearing off more of the skin, blood now soaking her amber colored fur. She shook off the wolf and limped as fast as she could towards the mountain hoping she could make it up towards the plateau before she was ripped to shreds by the hungry timberwolves. She fell on the ground her sight fading. A pool of blood started to form around her body soaking into her fur as she lay in wait for the pack to devour her completely. She used the last of her strength to position herself to face the oncoming wolves. Her brother had always told her to take any problems she had head on and to never turn your back on trouble.
‘Ah think this counts as trouble’ Aj thought.
Her ears rang with the pounding of the wolves running toward her. A flash of pink light erupted off the plateau. It raced down the mountain at lighting fast speed. It dove straight into the heart of the pack. Wolves flew in every direction. One particular wolf landed directly in front of AJ. Her heart jumped back since her legs could not. The wolf got back up ready to jump back into the fray. A blur of pink flew past her and time seemed to stop.
‘Pinkie?’
The wolf's head came clean off, black blood spouting from the now headless neck of the timberwolf. The sight of this seemed to cause fear in the horde as they all ran back into the woods.
“Haha the only way to kill one of these guys is to behead them you know,” Pinkie said with a smile.
Aj could only smile weakly at her savior and friend before passing off into darkness.
Pinkie looked at the unconscious form of her friend. She didn’t have a smile on her face, instead there was a look of pain as she touched her friend. Her body glowed with the light of life and some of Aj’s wounds started to heal. Pinkie jumped back in surprise.
‘Aj isn’t skilled enough to know this power yet’ Pinkie Thought.
Pinkie got a shiver up her spine.
‘This can’t be good’
Pinkie looked towards the woods as a towering mass sauntered towards them. The branches on the ground moved towards the mass as if attracted by some sort of wood magnet. Pinkie stared into the figure, fear clearly displayed in her eye’s, though not from the looming giant but from the possibility of not protecting her friend. She stood directly in front of Aj with her sword drawn. The figure finally stepped into view. Towering above them was a gigantic timberwolf, it’s mouth dripping in anticipation at the prospect of pony meat. Pinkie zipped off towards the wolf slashing at it feet, hoping to topple it so she could get a clear shot at it’s head. Branches flew everywhere as her sword zipped in and out from underneath the beast, but it would not fall. It regenerated at breakneck speed branches attracting back as soon as they flew off. Pinkie panted in exasperation, urgency gripping her as the wolf drew nearer to where Aj lay. The wolf stopped in its tracks. It just stood there. Pinkie stood off to the side waiting for the next move. The wind stopped blowing and Pinkie got another shiver. A bell sounded off in the distance. The wolf launched itself at Applejack, it’s fangs glinting in the sunlight. Pinkie launched herself at the wolf hoping to make it in time. The wind stopped. The Wolf bit down as Pinkie’s sword was shoved into the roof of its mouth. The fangs sank deep into Pinkie’s flesh piercing her ribs. The wolf flung her to the ground next to AJ. The wolf stood above the bleeding figure of Pinkie. Pinkie pushed herself upward to face the wolf again, but the pain and loss of blood was too great. She coughed up copious amounts of blood onto the ground. The smell of blood reached the wolf’s nostrils, it’s mouth salivating in anticipation.
‘Is this the end?’ Pinkie thought as she collapsed on the ground.
A bright light shone through the darkness illuminating the forest.
“Twilight?” Pinkie said weakly.
The light was golden in color. Aj stood in front of the wolf, her eyes no longer holding that emerald glow. Just like a Jack-O-Lantern it seemed as if the light poured from within her. The Wolf reared back at the sudden appearance of the golden pony. It came back down in a crouch and pounced upon the two. Aj’s hooves radiated with power. The air around them seemed to ripple as Aj pointed a hoof towards their attacker and a blast of energy shot through the wolf sending branches and black blood showering down upon them. Aj turned around and nuzzled her hurt friend sending some of her energy to Pinkie. Her wounds started to heal but Aj’s light faded before they were done. Aj collapsed entering the same state that she had been before she underwent her power surge. The branches began to move back together, and in a few seconds the wolves once again surrounded the two. Pinkie managed to lift Aj onto her back and in a cloud of smoke they vanished leaving the wolves beaten and confused.
‘I had no idea she had this much power. Training her will be difficult but in time she will learn to harness it. I can only hope that she is able to control it or nopony will be able to stop her.’
________________________________________________________________________________________
Twilight sat on the grass soaking up the sun that shone through the trees. After she came to, Zecora told her everything about what had happened and what she was here for. It took some time before she finally started to come to realize that this was not a dream but reality. She was sitting on a small hill that overlooked a vast sparkling lake. Trees surrounded her allowing light to only shine on Twi. She breathed outward, slowly, a small cloud forming. Spring was only just about to finish but it seemed as if fall was already upon them.
“I have brought food for the weary soul as i’m sure yours is not full,” Zecora said carrying a basket full of various fruits and apples.
Twilight stared at the apples, wondering if Aj was ok. Zecora had already explained her training but she couldn’t fathom what could be happening to her if Pinkie Pie was there. Silently she took a bite of a particular ripe apple that caught her eye. It took her only a moment to devour the rest of the fruit, not realizing how hungry she was until now. Finally satisfied she trotted down to the lake to get some water. She stared into the lake’s reflection of herself and drank some of the water.
“Are you ready to begin my dear? The training will be difficult I fear. If you want to quit just let me know. No one will judge you so,” Zecora said from atop the hill.
Twilight stood there thinking of her friends, her family, her home and of course her mentor.
“Yes, I’m ready,” Twi said.
“Good then let us begin.”
Zecora walked over to where Twilight stood and gave her a small vial to drink.
“You're not going to knock me out again are you? Cuz I think i’ve passed out enough and it’s getting kinda old,” Twi said skeptically.
“This potion will block the magic in your horn,” Zecora said.
“Why would you do that?”
“Because you must learn to use the magic that flows within your soul instead of your horn. While it holds great power you must learn to channel that power through your entire being instead of holding it all in one place.”
“Ok so how do I do that?” Twilight asked.
“The answer you seek is part of the task, I cannot give you the answer even if you ask.”
Twilight sighed in exasperation and drank the fluid in the bottle. Her body tingled slightly, she suddenly was aware of the magic flowing through her. It felt as if someone was running water over her skin, and it left her with lots of energy. She felt as if she could run for miles and never stop, it was exhilarating.
“Zecora… this feeling it’s… incredible! Ok I think i’m ready just tell me what to do.”
Zecora smiled at her new founded pupil.
“Your must first follow me if you wish to succeed,” Zecora said.
Zecora walked into or onto the lake as if it was solid ground. Her hooves made no splash or sound as she walked to the middle of the lake. In the middle of the lake was a small island. Zecora sat on it’s sandy shore and stared at Twilight as if challenging her. Twilight stared back dumbfounded. She shook her head and gathered her thoughts. She took a few steps back and galloped towards the lake, running straight into the watery depths. She swam back to shore soaking wet. She tried again and again until nightfall came yet, no progress was made. She needed to find some shelter before she froze to death. Using her knowledge she made a small tent using branches and some big leaves that she found in the forest. She laid inside the shelter shivering, not from the cold but from a nightmare that continued to plague her.
She woke up the next morning feeling only slightly refreshed. She trotted into the forest in search of food and found a few nuts and berries that seemed edible. While she ate she thought about a solution to the problem at hand. How is she going to make it to the middle of the lake without falling in again How was she supposed to regulate her magic throughout her entire body? How is she going to survive without the use of magic?
Twilight headed towards the lake determined to succeed today. She looked up to the sky wondering if Applejack was having as hard a time training as she was. As she trotted towards the lake she thought she could hear Pinkie Pie’s name echoing through the mountains. She smiled knowing today was going to be a good day.