//------------------------------// // Part 2: Everfree // Story: Rainbow Dash, Element of Magic // by aceotaku //------------------------------// The tall, imposing figure stood over the assembled ponies. Her coat and wings were a pitch black, her eyes green and reptilian, her mane and tail looked like dark blue clouds filled with small dots of light, and her head, torso and legs were adorned with silver armour. “Hello, little foals.” The winged Pegasus said calmly. “I am here to assume my rightful place as your unquestioned ruler. Now, many of you may not recognise me, or even know of me at all. I’d be all too happy to explain...” Suddenly her mane twisted and writhed around as it blocked several blasts of magic that were fired towards, her glared balefully as the other ponies stared at a new figure, that of Sunset Shimmer, her horn glowing a bright yellow. “You’re Nightmare Moon, the princess of the night who was sealed in the moon for trying to depose the Princess.” Shimmer said. “You’re a tyrant who has returned from the past to force upon us an unending night! But I won’t allow it!” The dark Princess smirked. “Well, well, well, somepony remembers me. And who are you to challenge me, little pony?” Sunset Shimmer lifted her head up high haughtily. “I am Sunset Shimmer, Celestia’s personal student of magic. I am more qualified than anyone in this room to battle you!” Nightmare Moon tilted her head, a quizzical expression on her face. “Oh? My sister’s student? Well then, I shouldn’t take you lightly, mustn’t I?” She stamped her hoof three times in quick succession, an suddenly dozens of black, flying creatures tore through the ceiling and surrounded Sunset Shimmer, dashing around fast lightning as each kicked, bit an clawed at her. Shimmer gasped pain and then they slammed her into a table, causing it to collapse under her weight. The creatures surrounded the Nightmare Moon and bowed before her, and everyone could see that they resembled ponies but had the same, dark coat, oddly shaped ears, yellow reptilian eyes much like Nightmare Moon had and had large, bat-like wings. Each one was clad in silver armour. “We are here to serve you, my Princess.” The leader of the creatures said. The Princess of the Night smirked. “Very well, come with me, we shall first overthrow my dear sister and usher in a world of night eternal!” she cackle wickedly as she and her minions flew out of the building. Rainbow Dash stared up at the retreating figures, as were several other ponies. The Pegasus blinked. “Oh no...Spike....that was that evil princess you mentioned earlier...” “Yeah...” The dragon gulped. “D-didn’t think she would be real.” “Well I did!” Everypony turned to look at Sunset Shimmer, who had gotten back onto her hooves, breathing heavily, her mane a mess and her body covered in cuts and bruises. “Unlike you peons, I did my research, and found that according to legend, 1000 years after she was sealed inside the moon, Nightmare Moon would return and try to continue where she left off.” She growled, looking away from everyone. “Unfortunately, it seems even I, Celestia’s personal student, cannot defeat her using magic alone. That is why I shall I go on my own and recover the elements of harmony!” Rarity stepped forward, eyebrow raised. “...and those would be...?” Sunset Shimmer turned her head up with an arrogant ‘hmph’. “They are the most powerful artefacts in Equestrian history, the greatest magical objects in history! With them, Celestia was able to defeat Nightmare Moon and seal her within the moon, and I shall do likewise! After all, I am her student, surely I am the one best suited to the task!” “Shouldn’t someone warn her?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I mean, she needs to know that this Nightmare Moon lady is gunning after her!” “It will take too long to send a letter or send someone to talk to her personally.” Shimmer stated. “Besides, it is unnecessary, since I will defeat Nightmare Moon before she becomes a problem.” “Don’t get cocky!” the cyan Pegasus said, literally butting heads with the yellow unicorn. “You have no idea how these ‘Elements of Harmony’ work or even what they do, or even where they are! At the very least, you need somepony or two to back you up while we send somepony to talk to the princess! She needs to know beforehand if anything goes wrong!” “Ha! This coming from ‘the best magic user in Equestria’? You are still the weak, arrogant Pegasus who didn’t know her place like you have ALWAYS been and always WILL be! I will save Equestria. ALONE!” Her horn glowed and she vanished in a burst of light. “Ahhh!” The Pegasus growled out in frustration. “That IDIOT! What the HAY is she trying to prove here!?” She turned to a grey Pegasus with...lopsided eyes and a blonde mane and tail. “Hey, you’re a Pegasus; could you fly to Canterlot and tell the princess what’s going on?” The mare saluted and nodded, flying out through the huge hole in the ceiling. Rainbow Dash turned. “Alright, I’m gonna go after Shimmer and make sure she doesn’t get herself killed or worse!” She quickly ran out of the building, looking around frantically for her rival. She spotted her running into a dark forest at the edge of the town and Dash quickly bolted after her. As Rainbow Dash ran towards the forest, she skidded to a halt as five ponies stood in front of her. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and the pink one she met earlier all stood; the unicorns and the fashion style obsessed earth pony looking particularly disapproving to say the least. “What the HAY is wrong with you!?” Twilight yelled out in exasperation. Do you have any idea what this is!?” Dash and Spike tilted their heads. “Uhh...you mean the forest?” The dragon offered. “This isn’t just a forest, Dahlings!” Applejack gasped in shock. “This...IS THE EVERFREE FOREST!” She fainted melodramatically, he pink one catching her, looking mildly annoyed. Dash squinted. “That...doesn’t explain anything. Heck, the name doesn’t sound too threatening.” “Oh but it is a dreadful place!” Fluttershy said. “It’s filled with scary monsters, is so huge you could easily get lost, and it has its own weather!” “Not to mention the place is brimming with wild magic so who knows what could happen!” Rainbow Dash waved a hoof. “Pshaw, you guys are making mountains out of molehills.” She started to jump into the air and glide over the group. “Wait!” Rarity called out. “If you insist on going in there we’ll have to go in there with you!” “What!?” Applejack gasped in shock. “Nopony said anything about going in there WITH her!” “What, so you’d rather just let her go in by herself where she could get herself hurt, or worse?” Rarity retorted, glaring at the earth pony. “N-now Dahling, Ah didn’t say that.” “’We’?” the pink pony said with a raised eyebrow. “I’m only here because I was curious what was going to happen, I have nothing to do with any of you weirdos.” “How rude!” Applejack exclaimed. “And just who are you anyway?” “Pinkamena Diane Pie. Came here for business reasons, and then stayed to see the Summer Sun Celebration. However, I have nothing better to do and this Nightmare Moon thing might cause some problems for my farm, so I’m in.” “And I’m always willing to help however I can!” Twilight added. “And I would never let Rainbow Dash go anywhere dangerous by herself.” Fluttershy stated. “Besides, like Pinkie said, it could be kinda fun!” Pinkamena glared. “Never. Call me. Pinkie.” “Ok Pinkie.” Fluttershy smiled. The pink pony groaned in frustration. Rainbow Dash stared at the ponies. “Are you...sure? I mean, you guys barely know me, and I seriously don’t know you guys too well...plus you guys said it would be dangerous. I at least have magic and I suppose so does Miss Rarity and Miss Twilight do too but the rest of you...?” “Oh we’ll be fine Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy grinned. “Besides, it’s always better to have somepony to help you rather than go it alone. That’s what granny always said!” Rainbow Dash stared for a long while and then sighed. “Alright, but first sign of trouble and you guys are the first to run on home.” “You’re the boss!” Rarity squealed. “OH my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh I’m going on an adventure with Rainbow Dash herself.” Applejack looked around as the other ponies left her alone. “Hey, wait for me!” She ran after the group hurriedly as they trotted into the forest. -------------------------------------------------- Nightmare Moon Gazed around her as she flew towards Canterlot where her sister was waiting. Soon these worthless foals would bow to her beautiful night and learn to love and appreciate it as they will her. She turned her head towards the large forest that spanned far across Equestria. She remembered it. It was where the old castle was, where she and her sister had lived before. There... She stopped and her army of Nightsteeds froze in place, looking up at her. “We must stop here first, for here lies hidden a weapon that Celestia used to defeat me years ago. If she doesn’t hold it herself, then it may be here. It may be best to check here first and remove all possibility of anything standing in my way. Come, help me search, my loyal Nightsteeds.” The Nightsteed captain bowed. “As you command, my Princess.” The followed her as she flew deep towards the centre of the forest. --------------------------------------------------- Rarity looked at Rainbow Dash as the six of them trotted through the forest. “Now...Are you sure about bringing your pet along? I mean, he seems a little...well it may seem hypocritical, but are you sure he’s safe?” Rainbow Dash froze and looked at the Unicorn sternly. “Now look, Spike is not my ‘pet’. He is a son and a brother to me, and he has always been at my side. I never go ANYWHERE without my trusted assistant.” “Yeah!” The Dragon piped up. “I’m Dash’s right hand dragon and don’t you forget it sister!” “Alright alright!” The unicorn sighed. “I was just looking out for the little fella is all...” Fluttershy suddenly flew between them. “Oh I’m sure a strong dragon like Spike will be fine! Even baby dragons can be dangerous!” She grinned wide. The dragon blushed deeply and rubbed the back of his head. “Ah gee, thanks Fluttershy...” “Don’t worry about it.” The Pegasus closed her eyes sagely. “It’s a simple fact of nature: Dragons are the third most powerful species in Equestria and even babies can breathe fire.” Spike smiled goofily at the perceived praise while Rainbow Dash sighed as she decided to just ignore everything. She looked over at Rarity. “Ok, I gotta ask cause it’s been bugging me for a while, but why do you wanna fly so bad anyway? I mean you’re a unicorn for Celestia’s sake, you could just use a cloud walking spell or a false wing spell.” “Oh, you mean the spell that makes incredibly weak, fragile wing that could break if put under too much stress or if you fly to close to the sun?” The unicorn raised a brow. “Ok ya got a point there...” Rarity shrugged. “Eh, that’s not really the reason why. You see, when I was just a filly, I was interested in making beautiful dresses but I was missing something, a gemstone that would have held the whole ensemble together. However, I couldn’t find one just lying around so I decided to dig up one from the ground myself. It...was harder than I thought. As I struggled and toiled and dug, I looked up and saw a MASSIVE burst of rainbow light fly across the horizon. And as I watched, I saw a group of Pegasi fly around the rainbow, using the wind the shape the rainbow into beautiful shapes, to accentuate the breathtaking manoeuvres. At that moment, I dropped my shovel and just...watched. I never paid much mind to pegasi in the past, but at that moment, I was transfixed.” Her eyes were wide and misty as she looked back on the past happily. “And as the rainbow dissipated they flew off into the distance, towards Cloudsdale and I thought to myself ‘That. That is what I want to do with my life. Making dresses, matching them with pretty gemstones...that is nothing compared to...that.’ Later on, I learned the Pegasi I watched were the Wonderbolts, the best fliers in all Equestria. I wanted, no, NEEDED to join them. Ever since, I have been obsessed with somehow learning to fly WITHOUT the use of magic.” “But why?” Rainbow looked confused. “Magic would make it easier to accomplish, if risky.” “Perhaps, but, well, as I said you’re kind of an idol to me. You inspired me.” She pointed a hoof at the Pegasus’ wings. “You, a Pegasus, did the impossible and LEARNED MAGIC. If you could do something like that, then perhaps I, a Unicorn, could find a way to fly.” She smirked. “Besides, wouldn’t you agree that using magic would be cheating? After all, did you cheat to learn magic?” “Of course not!” “There, you see? It’s the same with me. Even if they are my natural gifts, they are an unfair advantage and they would make my dream feel empty, you know?” She trotted beside the Pegasus, smiling wide. Rainbow pondered that for a moment. “Yeah...” There was a ripping noise as fabric was torn, followed by gasp of exasperation and annoyance. Everypony turned to look at Applejack, whose green dress had been slightly torn by an errant branch. “Look at this! This forest is RUINING my dress! Ah spent MONTHS trying to get this dress PERFECT for tonight, but now LOOK at it! It’s a travesty!” “You know, you could have taken it off BEFORE we got in here.” Twilight pointed out. Applejack turned her head away huffily. “A proper lady must always dress her best, no matter the situation.” Rainbow rubbed her head, feeling a headache forming. “Then why not just stay in Ponyville where it’s apparently safer AND it’d be less of a hassle for everypony?” “But Dahling, then I wouldn’t be able to help you.” She trotted over closer to the back of the group. “A proper lady doesn’t simply abandon her friends and acquaintances simply due to something as ridiculous as INCONVENIENCE.” Rainbow tilted her head. “I...guess?” She sighed and looked down. “Oh Celestia, is everypony from Ponyville CRAZY?” “I wouldn’t say we’re crazy.” Rarity said. “Everypony has their own quirks, that’s all.” “I’d say you’re crazy.” Pinkamena stated bluntly. Applejack huffed. “Oh sure, you wouldn’t be the first to call me weird or crazy, but Ah have reasons for why Ah am the way Ah am.” “Oh do enlighten us.” Pinkamena and Rainbow Dash deadpanned, and then quickly turned to each other and gave each other weird stares. “Very well, Ah shall!” The Earth Pony posed dramatically. “When Ah was but young filly, Ah lived on a farm with mah family. However, as young fillies are wont to do, Ah began to wonder about mah place on the farm and whether there wasn’t anything beyond what Ah was born into. And so, mah granny sent me to mah Aunt and Uncle in Manehatten, where Ah got to see the flipside to the simple life: mah Aunt and Uncle were wealthy socialites who hanged around with the highest echelons of Manehatten society, if you pardon the redundancy. At first, Ah was apprehensive: this wasn’t how Ah was raised and these ponies were not what I was used to. But, that changed when mah Aunt and took me along to a ball. Ah hadn’t really paid much attention to what Ah had put on for the occasion, only that Auntie told me to wear something nice. However, my outfit had drawn many ponies to me, and they started asking me questions about myself and what Ah liked. Of course, being courteous, Ah explained mahself to them in my old...antiquated way. And the more Ah socialised, ate, drank and danced, the more Ah began to admire it all. So many ponies find the high life boring, but Ah...Ah felt special. And it was all thanks to that dress. Ah realized that if such a simple thing could make me happy, why, just imagine the joy it would bring unto others. Ah decided to share my joy with the world, and that is why Ah opened my boutique in my hometown, where it all began.” She smiled wistfully, staring up into the night sky. “Uh...wow...” Rainbow Dash said, dumfounded. “That’s...actually rather deep...” “What were you expecting? For me to just be a bit chaser who just wants to use mah appearance and etiquette to lord it over everpony?” The earth pony gave the Pegasus a stern gaze. “W-well not really but...well I dunno...” Rainbow looked away, blushing with embarrassment. “It is quite alright, Ah’m used to the occasional misunderstanding.” Applejack smiled, which dropped the moment she tripped into a muddy puddle. “COUNFOUND this BLASTED forest!” Spike and Rainbow Dash tried to suppress a chortle while Fluttershy giggled mirthfully and the other two ponies mere chuckled with bemused smirks, and Pinkamena merely shook her head and sighed. Rainbow blinked as she saw bright yellow flashes strike the surrounding trees. “What the..?” She suddenly jumped back as a tree fell just inches in front of where she had stood. “I told you to let me handle this!” The voice of Sunset Shimmer called out. “You are getting in my way!” Rainbow frowned. “We just want to help!” “I don’t need any help!” Suddenly, several yellow flashes went off and the trees started collapsing around them like dominos. They all rushed down the path as fast they could, barely any time to talk amongst each other. One by one, tree after tree fell and those could not fly had to leap as trees began to collapse in front of them. Eventually, the onslaught came to an end and the six mares could stop and catch their breaths. “Th-that crazy mare!” Twilight cried out. “She could’ve killed us!” Pinkamena frowned more than she was before. “I think she was.” “But that’s crazy!” Applejack exclaimed. “Why in Celestia’s name would she do that!?” “Maybe she doesn’t want competition.” Pinkamena stated. “She’s trying to prove she’s better than anypony, and might be trying to make sure nopony else steals the spotlight.” “That’s ridiculous!” Twilight replied. “We’re only trying to help her, not do anything in her stead.” Rainbow Dash looked thoughtful. “Actually...that does sound like Shimmer to me...She was always full of herself and always trying to prove she was better than everypony.” “But surely she wouldn’t resort to actually hurting anypony right?” Fluttershy pointed out. “After all, we just want to help her.” “Help me!?” The six turned and saw Sunset Shimmer standing before them, an expression of pure rage on her features. “I don’t need ANYPONY’S help!” She started blasting magic wildly, causing the six to scatter as they tried to dodge her attacks. “I am Celestia student!” Sunset Shimmer yelled. “ME! I am a unicorn whose magical skill is beyond anyone else’s! Only I can handle the Element of Harmony! ONLY I AM WORTHY TO DEFEAT NIGHTMARE MOON! AND I WON’T ALLOW ANYPONY TO STEAL OR LESSEN MY MOMENT OF TRIUMPH!” “You’re crazier than all five of these ponies combined!” Pinkamena shouted. “AGHHGHHAHAHGHAAHGHHH!!!!!” Sunset Shimmer responded ferally, eyes mad with fury. Magic struck down several trees and scorched spots on the ground. Applejack, Rarity and Pinkamena cried out in pain as they were struck and Twilight clenched her eyes shut as a bolt came towards her. She blinked when she felt no pain and looked up at Rainbow Dash, who erected a barrier of Rainbow Magic generated from her wings. “That’s enough, Sunset Shimmer.” The blue Pegasus stated. “It’s fine if you don’t want our help, but normal ponies DON’T react this violently. I’m starting to think that maybe you’re not stable enough to use the Elements of Harmony. I mean, who knows what would happen if you’re careless with them?” “You dare lecture ME!?” The yellow unicorn stamped her hoof in anger. “I am Celestia’s student, I have been seen as worthy of her tutelage. YOU are nothing but a...a...FREAK who SOMEHOW managed to go against the natural order!” Spike glared. “Don’t you dare talk to Rainbow like that.” Sunset Shimmer smirked, snorting. “And what are you going to do about it, lizardbreath? You’re just a baby dragon; everypony knows baby dragons are harmless! Besides, with the number of spells I know, I can beat you with two hooves tied.” “That’s not all that impressive coming from a unicorn.” Pinkamena pointed out, not hurt enough to impede her speech as she got up slowly. “Any unicorn can beat somepony with two hooves tied.” Sunset Shimmer growled. “Shut up! All of you, shut up!” A bright yellow flash blinded them all, a loud trotting sound resounding as Sunset Shimmer fled. Rainbow Dash blinked her eyes. “Darn, that mare is a screw loose! We gotta stop her before something goes wrong!” “She might be right though.” Rarity said, getting up onto her hooves. “I mean, sure, she’s not exactly what I’d call stable, but she is Celestia’s personal student, and she does know a lot about the situation.” “I’m not saying we just hijack her mission.” Rainbow replied calmly. “But, if we just leave everything in her hooves, who knows what could go wrong? Besides, I doubt any of us want to leave the fate of Equestria in the hooves of a pony more concerned with getting glory than saving anyone from a tyrant.” Pinkamena stood at Rainbow’s side. “I’m with her. This Sunset Shimmer is no friend of mine and I don’t really trust her with my safety; mostly because she just blasted me with magic.” Applejack nodded. “Ah agree. Ah rather trust you than that mad hooligan.” Twilight sighed. “You guys might have a point...I’m with you.” Rarity looked unconvinced. “I still think we can get through to her, but....I’m still willing to stand by you.” Fluttershy shrugged. “Oh well. Sometimes, if a bully is really stubborn, you have to really show them some tough love!” The other six stared at her and she giggled. “Oh come on guys, you’re looking at me like I repeatedly beat somepony in the face with my hooves while singing about how much they suck.” Rainbow paled at that, looking at the Pegasus cautiously. “Uh...anyway let’s just...keep moving...” The others nodded as they continued their trek deeper into the forest. Elsewhere, Sunset Shimmer growled in frustration. “How dare they try and take it all away from me. How dare SHE try to steal the fame and glory that is rightfully MINE!” She blasted a burst of magic at creature stalking through the forest. It roared and ran into the direction of the six mares as Sunset Shimmer smirked. “That should take care of them.” She yelped in surprise as she lost her footing as she turned, tripping down a path of rocks of varying size and mass, grunting with pain each time she impacted. ------------------------------------------------------------ There was a roar as the six mares froze in their tracks. “W-what was that?” Spike gulped. “What are you so scared about? Pinkamena grumbled irritably. “You’re a dragon.” “Yeah, but my fire breath isn’t strong, and beside it doesn’t burn.” The pink earth pony growled. “What does that even MEAN!? How does dragonfire NOT BURN!? It’s goshdang fire!” Before Rainbow or Spike could explain, Fluttershy glided to the front, giggling excitedly. “Oh! That sounded like the telltale call of...AN URSA MINOR!!” She squeeled. Rainbow Dash gulped. “A-an Ursa Minor!? A-are you sure!?” “Yep yep!” The yellow Pegasus nodded, grinning wide. “They are so interesting! They’re bigger than houses and really strong, and very territorial.” Applejack gulped. “Territorial?” “Oh yes!” Fluttershy confirmed obliviously. “If they so much as see something they even think is in their territory, they will chase after it and crush it and rip it to shreds!” “Why are you so excited!?” Twilight exclaimed incredulously. “Because I always wanted to see an Ursa up close!” At that moment, as per the forces of narrative causality, the aforementioned beast tore through a group of trees, roaring angrily. Fluttershy pressed her forehooves against her face, squeeling. “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” She flew around the the Ursa excitedly, earning its attention. “Oh wow! You’re even more amazing than I thought!” It swiped a claw at her, but she easily dodged. “Your body is translucent! That’s SUPER unexpected, but really cool!” It swiped again, but again she lopped around the attacks. “And you’re covered in stars....I wonder how that works? Are they real stars or just markings, like how butterflies and moths sometimes have eyes drawn on their wings?” It swiped again and again and again, fruitlessly. It was now getting tired, panting, weakly raising its paws to claw at the Pegasus. She finally stopped flying and landed on its nose, grinning wide. “Let’s be friends!” The Ursa shook and shivered, yellow magic pouring out of its head and it turn tail and hurriedly trudged away from the seemingly mad pony. Fluttershy pouted and rejoined the group. “Was it something I said?” Rainbow, Spike and Rarity were hiding chuckles. “That...that was an interesting...what you did there.” Rainbow surmised. “That thing could’ve killed us in one move but you didn’t even flinch.” “Of course not!” the other Pegasus grinned. “Animals are just like ponies; they’re not violent cause they’re mean, they have reasons. The best way to deal with anything is to laugh and have fun and sing, and make friends!” She rose on her hooves, forelegs spread wide. Twilight however simply looked confused and weirded out, while Applejack raised a brow incredulously. Pinkamena simply looked irritated. “Can we just get on with the whole world saving quest already?” The pink pony grumbled. Rainbow shook her head, straightening herself up. “Yeah, let’s get going girls, no telling what’s waiting for us next.” Applejack groaned. “I just wish we would go home already...” However she, and everyone else for that matter, followed Rainbow as she continued their trek. As they did so, they came across the curled up, bruised and battered form of Sunset Shimmer, lying before a group of small rocks. “Oh you’re hurt!” Rarity hurried over, pulling something out of a small, round, greyish pouch. “I have just the thing!” She kneeled at the mare’s side, wrapping bandages around her wounds. “That was...quick.” Rianbow Dash said. “You...you always carry bandages?” The white unicorn nodded. “Bandages, band aids, cotton swabs, handkerchiefs, disinfectant, even got some string for sutures.” “Sutures!?” The cyan Pegasus gasped. “Isn’t that a little...excessive.” “Not really.” Twilight said, looking at Rarity in concern. “She’s always hatching some crazy scheme to find a way to fly somehow...and it always fails.” “And as you can imagine,” Rarity continued for her, “falling from a certain height can be quite painful and harmful, so I took to carrying first aid wherever I go.” She smiled wide, using a disinfected cloth to wipe off any blood as she applied the bandages. Sunset growled and pushed the white unicorn away from her. “How dare you!? I do not need your help!” She looked confused. “Why did you even try to help me!?” “Because it’s the right thing to do.” Rarity answered. “I could never leave a pony hurt if I saw them and knew I could help them in any way.” “We’re not your enemies.” Twilight offered. “We just want to help you protect our home.” “NO!” Sunset Shimmer roared, blasting fire from her horn, the six mares scattering to escape the flames. “Only I will save Equestria! Only I can stop Nightmare Moon! Only I deserve to be recognised as the greatest magic user in the world!” Rainbow Dash stepped forward, one wing glowing as she erected a shield, the other firing magical blasts at Sunset Shimmer, making her retreat. “You had your chance and you threw it away! Shimmer, I have had it with your arrogant, ‘I’m better than you’ attitude!” Her shield blocked several fireballs that Sunset Shimmer loosed. “Shut up!” The increasingly deranged looking unicorn spat, eyes bulging in rage. “I would have already found the Elements by now if you six IDIOTS didn’t decide to meddle! And how dare YOU, of all ponies, speak to me about arrogance!” Rainbow glared and did something unexpected: she stepped close and pushed her shield towards Sunset Shimmer, slamming the magical construct directly into the unicorn’s face. Shimmer stumbled; her horn stopped glowing for a moment before the shield vanished, a much smaller one now around her horn. “Stop acting like a child!” Rainbow scolded. “This isn’t a game! A real tyrant from ancient legend has returned and you are too busy focusing on six ponies who are only trying to help instead of finding the things needed to stop Nightmare Moon! WHAT IS WRONG YOU!?” “Yeah!” Spike added. “And your mane is a mess!” Rainbow gave him a quizzical look and he shrugged. “Well it is!” “SHUTSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!” Shimmer screamed, disappearing a flash of bright yellow light. “Would you stop doing that!?” Spike yelled out in frustration. Rainbow meanwhile looked around to assess the damage, seeing Twilight help Rarity bandage her leg, which had gotten burned by the flames. “Everyone else...alright?” Rainbow asked, panting from passing adrenaline. She turned to Rarity. “You know, you shouldn’t have helped her. She has literally done nothing to earn any trust or compassion from us, and you had to have known he would’ve tried to attack us again.” The white unicorn nodded. “Of course I did.” “Then WHY THE HAY would you help her anyway!?” Pinkamena gasped in exasperation. “Because, seeing a defenseless pony hurt and in pain...That’s just not in my nature.” Rarity smiled softly. “It would be far too cruel of me to do anything like that...” “But not everypony deserves to be treated with kindness.” Rainbow pointed out. “Then so be it, if that is their prerogative. They are themselves, I am me.” She flexed her hooves and got back on an upright position, grinning at Twilight. “Thanks a bunch! You did a good job!” The other unicorn smiled back, revealing that she was also missing a tooth. “No problem! I’m always willing to lend a helping hand!” Rainbow gestured everyone onward and the group trudged forward. They looked up as they walked past the trees and saw a large castle looming in the distance, silhouetted by the moon’s light. Directly in front of them was a large gorge and...A purple sea serpent with a luxurious mane and mustache, which was somehow tied into the ground itself, the large creature forming an impromptu bridge over the chasm. The creature was crying. Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight and even Applejack gasped, eyes widening as they rushed over. “Are you alright!?” Rarity asked needlessly. “Ohhhh it hurts! It hurts so much!” The serpent screamed, tears falling in greater amounts, spilling down the edge of the cliff. Rainbow frowned. “She didn’t just stick his facial hair in the ground, she FUSED it into it. One way of playing with a teleportation spell, theoretically. Still...” she looked up at the creature, her gaze hardening. “This is crass, even for her.” Rarity nodded but didn’t say anything, producing a large pair of scissors out of her saddlebag. “Hold still. I will cut you loose.” The sea serpent’s eyes widened in horror. “No! Please! Anything but that! My Moo-stache is my pride and joy! I couldn’t bear to be seen with it damaged!” “We can’t just leave you like this!” Applejack retorted. “We could.” Pinkamena pointed out. “we can get across the chasm quickly without needing to risk leaving the pegasi two carry two heavy ponies.” The group collectively glared at her and she looked away huffily. “Just trying to be practical.” Twilight blinked. “Wait, how about a trade?” Everyone’s brows rose. “A trade?” they all said in unison. “Yeah, we cut you free, and in return we can give you something to replace your moustache with.” The creature thought for a moment. “I accept. A false Moo-stache is better than no Moo-stache.” He pointed at Applejack. “her mane and tail are stylish enough to make for a suitable replacement.” Applejack gasped in shock. “What!? I never-!” She looked around at the group, her gaze softening. “I..But...Fine!” She posed. “Just make it quick...and I’m only doing this to help out the poor creature! AND because you all need me to do it!” Rarity nodded and cut the creature free and then just as quickly cut off most of Applejack’s mane and tail, which were tied around what was left of the beast’s moustache. He smiled wide and started cheering happily. “Oh thank you! Thank you all!” Spike stared incredulously, as did Pinkamena. Rarity and Twilight returned the smile. “Anything to help somepony out.” Rarity said. “Same here.” Twilight concurred. “No price is too great to see somepony happy.” “You said it was a deal.” Pinkamena said. “But he’s the only one who benefits.” Twilight gasped and blushed. “Oh...um...well..I couldn’t possibly want to take something from somepony who already has been inconvenienced enough as it is.” “Oh no trouble at all.” The creature smiled. “I can help you get across...I was perfectly willing to let that other pony cross earlier, but instead she acted brutishly!” He grew more serious. “However, I cannot simply stroll through...a test is required.” “A...test?” Rainbow asked, sounding a little excited. “What kind of test?” The sea serpent rested an arm on the cliff side, laying his head on his open claw. “Oh nothing too dangerous or taxing...you must simply answer a question honestly and truthfully.” Applejack sighed. “Well that doesn’t sound too bad...” The creature’s eyes narrowed icily. “However, if you try to lie or obscure the truth, I will eat you all where you stand.” Rarity gasped, eyes wide. “E-eat us!?” “Well, yeah, I mean, while I am fabulous and willing to speak to anyone friendly, I am a monster beast, and I AM an ancient guardian, you know the drill.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s just part of the job.” His gaze grew colder, his voice dropping a few octaves. “Now. Here is the question.” The ponies gulped while Pinkamena rolled her eyes and Fluttershy simply hid her mouth behind her hooves in anticipation. “How does my new Moo-stache look?” The ponies blinked up at him incredulously. “What.” The sea serpent shrugged. “That’s the question. Keep in mind, if you lie to me, try to bluff, try any clever tricks like answering with another question, or OFFEND me in any way, I will eat you.” He held up a finger. “Also, only one of you may answer.” The others started talking amongst each other, trying to figure out if ther was a trick or some problem. Rainbow Dash turned to the creature. “Very well, we will answer.” “Very well. The one who answers may speak.” Rainbow Dash started to open her mouth but then... “It’s ugly.” Pinkamena stated. Rainbow, Spike and the others stared and spluttered at the pink earth pony while Fluttershy laughed hysterically. “What are you doing!?” Spike and Rainbow exclaimed. “It doesn’t match your hair color and you can easily see where the old ‘stache and the new one meet.” Pinkamena continued, ignoring her friends. “We are going to die.” Spike said emotionlessly. “We. Are going. To die.” “And it’s ridiculous that some ancient guardian protecting a hidden treasure would care so much about his appearance.” Pinkamena continued, Applejack fainting. The sea serpent looked down at them all impassively and then smiled wide, clapping. “Well done! You pass!” They all stared up at him. “What.” “She answered honestly and truthfully, despite my warnings.” He smiled warmly. “Of course, even if she had failed, I wouldn’t have eaten you, I’m not a barbarian! That sort of thing may have been acceptable 1000 years ago, but in this day and age? Pu-lease!” Rainbow Dash to Pinkamena. “So you knew? You saw through his bluff?” “No.” Pinkamena stated simply. “I honestly thought he was going to eat us.” Rainbow blanched. “So...you risked offending him and getting us eaten....just so you could insult him?” “Well its true!” Applejack interjected. “I wasn't going to say anything but...” “It’s quite alright.” The serpent chuckled. “I’ll make do even with an ugly Moo-stache...besides; I think I can make it work.” He held out a claw. “Alright everypony, time to set off!” Pinkamena walked onto his palm disinterestedly and Fluttershy excitedly flew beside her, the others hesitantly stepping on beside the earth pony. “Next stop: the old castle of the sun and moon!” The sea serpent called out and slowly turned, placing them on the other side and then promptly diving down into the water below. “Well...” Rainbow said, getting a grip on herself. “Only thing left now is forward.” ----------------------------------------------- Elsewhere, a yellow unicorn with a mane with yellow streaks walked down the stone halls. “I’m so close...I’ll prove I’m the best...I will...I am better...I deserve...not her...” And high in the sky, unseen by all, several dark figures flew down onto the castle grounds, looking around. "We will search the premises." The leader stated. "If the Elements are here, we shall destroy them."