***???***
Drifting slowly, through an endless world of darkness, his consciousness slowly began to recover, dispersed pieces falling into their rightful place once again, completing the whole image. The scenario from his memories was familiar, but he couldn’t remember where or when in his life it had occurred. Spike’s purple eyelids fluttered open to reveal his shining emerald eyes, as he felt himself slowly drift away. Moving around with his willpower as if in space, he stood straight – or so the dragon thought – while overlooking the familiar darkness before him.
–No, it’s not darkness. It’s something else, something that I know, but why can’t I remember it? Where am I anyway? – he asked in the depths of his own mind,searching for answers, yet none were to be found. Concentrating, he slowly began to move through the unknown place where neither light nor shadows existed. The space around him was something else, something he couldn’t see, hear, or touch. It simply was.
Moving forward, Spike’s talons silently carried him deeper inside and slowly his surroundings began to change little by little with each heavy step he took. No longer did he stand on nothing, for black tiles made from a substance resembling the finest black marble materialized under him. Walls made of navy blue bricks gradually materialized around him, creating an empty corridor. The more he stayed in his dream world, the more proficient he was at detecting the little details. The name of this place once again drifted on the edge of his consciousness but still eluded him.
Looking around, he began to sense the different shapes of objects that he knew from both lives, a gemstone, a computer, a simple pen, his alarm clock, a book from Twilight… this name made him realize something. He wasn’t supposed to be here. She was waiting and they needed to close the gates or the whole of Equestria would be in peril.
Just as he was about to focus for a way out, a single distant feeling of sound reached him. Trying to concentrate on it, his eyes closed once again, his senses heightened and indeed he felt it again – somepony calling loudly. Rushing from his spot, he began to run through the corridor, which slowly generated itself as Spike progressed forward. Soon, he saw a small purple object, which made him stop dead in his track.
Eyes wide from amazement and shock, his gaze fell upon his younger self, which frantically stumbled around while calling loudly. “TWILIGHT!!!” the younger Spike screamed painfully at the top of his little lungs while silent, barely heard whispers of laughter mocked his attempts at calling the one most important to him.
– I don’t remember any this…¬– the older Spike thought as those strange events played before his senses. Coming closer, he wanted tointeract with his younger self out of curiosity,but as his claw neared him, it went right through. – Should have guessed. –
When older Spike retracted his claw, his younger self decided to stop yelling, a defiant look on his face as he began to sense voices, which lurked around. “Shut up! I won’t stay here! Leave me alone!” He shot forward like an arrow, moving on his small legs through the corridor and Spike could feel immense fear at the back of his own mind. Jogging after his younger self, he felt it deep inside… there was something he needed to know, something he needed to witness.
As his scaly talons moved quickly one after the other, he tailed the younger Spike for some time. The corridors of black matter changed into rooms, neither modern nor ancient looking.The twisted architecture sent shivers down his spine but nonetheless, he moved forward.
His breath ran low; he felt his heart pounding loudly under his green-scaled chest as he slowed down a little, but not before noticing his younger-self climb up the white stairs with steps that pulsated faintly, standing out clearly amongst all of the thick blackness. Gathering his strength once again, he began to move up, one-step at a time, ascending the endless spiral. He did it for some time until he heard a loud crack behind himself. As both younger and older Spike’s looked behind their respective backs, they noted that the white steps started to crack and vanish one after another. Fear gripping their hearts, both of them quickened their pace, running up, fighting for survival in this cursed place.
With the last ounce of their strength, they jumped onto a high platform as the stairs crumbled completely behind them. Breathing heavily, the older Spike looked at his smaller self, and much to his shock, he noticed that it stared right back at him. Startled, he wondered if maybe something had happened and the younger Spike was finally able tosee him, but his theory crumbled just like those stairs earlier when the younger dragon went right through him.
Turning his head around, older Spike noticed just what caught the young one’s attention, and much to his surprise, it was a white ball of energy, swirling around its axis and humming silently. He knew instantly what it was... but again the name didn’t show in his memories.
Just as the younger Spike moved his hands towards the object, a loud roar interrupted him. An enormous black clawed arm shot from the front, tightening its grip on the young drake and the object, making the older Spike scream from pain as the whole world shook violently and exploded in a myriad of colors, but not before he caught the sound of a voice that terrified him to the very core of his being.
“Thief… rule breaker…fugitive…” it called loudly, while other voices came to life all around and screamed so loudly that Spike felt his head might explode from the very sound of their wails…
***Badlands***
Awakening with a fast beating heart, Spike sat straight up, his claws cutting deeply into the wood of wooden cart in which he awoke; splinters of wood flew off the wood.He frantically lookedaround, eyes full of fear, his breathing deep and fast.
Before he had a chance to collect himself, a pair of yellow furred forelegs wrapped tightly around his neck. “You’re awake!” he heard Fluttershy scream. Although it was in her usual shy voice, it created enough commotion for the other mares to take notice as Spike recomposed.
“We were so worried about you, you’ve been unconscious for three days and—” Fluttershy continued, but Spike didn’t let her finish her sentence. He untangled himself from her hug and looked around at his friends’ expressions, which showed great relief.
“Ugh…what happened?” he asked, clutching his head.The detailsof his dream fell swiftly out of his reach as he remembered losing consciousness in the last gate. – What was THAT? –
As he tried to sort out his mind, Twilight came forward, concern evident on her face. Taking a deep breath, she prepared for a detailed explanationas sheusually would, but Pinkie cut right in with her much shorter and faster version.
“You got all knackered up in that gate, Applejack got you out and then we were worried especially Rarity and Twilight and then we took you to one of the houses, then we took care of you and we were all like scared, and then we lost two days in Appleloosa but then on third day Twilight decided we need to move on because a letter from Princess Celestia came, so we got this wooden cart and we have been moving since yesterday but we were so worried about you and-mfpfh,” Pinkie’s words were cut short as Applejack swiftly, and with great skill, put a hoof in her mouth, sighing in relief either from a moment of silence or from seeing that Spike’s awake.
“Pardon me Pinkie, but ah think Spike needs a little more detail…. Rainbow?” asked Applejack, and Rainbow Dash was already on it, preparing to give a more comprehensible version, yet she didn’t want to take as long as Twilight or Rarity would.
“Okay, get comfortable big guy; it’s going to take some time. As soon as we got you to the bed…” started Rainbow Dash, her own mind filled with memories. Of course, not everything was for Spike to hear, especially one memory that was still fresh in her head.
Flashback
Rainbow Dash looked at the chaos unfolding before her eyes, the whole situation overwhelming to her as she pushed Twilight out of the room, fearing that the angered alicorn would start casting spells all over the place at Rarity. Of course, she could understand that Twilight was frustrated and Rarity, while a good friend to all of them, could make one tired. Still, Twilight had no reason to act as she did. Thankfully, the ultimate disaster never occurred and soon both she and Pinkie managed to get Rarity and Twilight out of the room, leaving only Fluttershy and Applejack inside to tend to Spike.– I really hope he’s okay…–
Rainbow Dash rarely got scared, and certainly not when something was dangerous only to her, but this time it was all different. She genuinely feared for the big guy, for he only recently came back to them and those flying lessons really made Rainbow connect to him more than before he vanished. She didn’t want to ever imagine that something might happen to him for hers and Twilight’s sake especially, but her mind proved to be more stubborn than her and kept coming up with the worst possible scenarios.
Still, there were others who needed her and being the element of loyalty, she always putthe needs of her friends before her own. Right now, Twilight was staring daggers in the general direction that Rarity and Pinkie were sitting and Rainbow knew that if this sour mood were to continue, then sooner or later they would have a big fight…but not on her watch!
“Hey Twilight, let’s get some fresh air, the whole situation with Spike has really got on my nerves and you know how a stressed pegasus flies!” She began to fly outside, grabbing the young princess by her hoof and leading her out of the building, noticing in the corner of her eye that Pinkie slowly nodded at her action.
Just as they found themselves outside, the fresh night air filling their lungs, Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight who adorned a deep frown, as if she had swallowed a lemon. – Dang it!I’m no Fluttershy but here goes!–
“So, Twilight, care to tell me what that was all about in there? I mean, I know you’re worried about Spike, and Rarity is…well, Rarity, but we’re all worried just as much and you went a little overboard with our drama queen. Not like it’s my business but–” she stopped mid-sentence, when Twilight looked up at her. Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks, completely shocking Rainbow Dash, who felt overwhelmed with the emotions that poured out of the alicorn’s eyes. Gulping down her saliva, she cursed her lack of compassion. – I really am not Fluttershy! – she practically screamed in her mind, but didn’t dwell on it too long and quickly landed in front of her broken friend, wrapping her in tight hug.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scold you like that,” she sincerely apologized to her friend but quickly felt Twilight shake her head as she returned the embrace. With a barely audible whisper, Twilight slowly began to explain her actions, the need for support from her friend making her reveal all secrets.
“I’m s-sorry, I’m just so s-scared Rainbo-ow… h-he just came back to me after so lo-ng and I can’t lose him again now! Not when I f-fell for him completely, and wo-orst of all Rarity decided to come in b-between us of all times! And she is slowly winning him over while I can’t even cast one protective spell to keep him safe!” she wailed while Rainbow patted her back, focused on doing a good job, remembering what Fluttershy used to do in situations like these.
“There, there. It’ll all be alright, you’ll see…wait, what?” she asked, not believing what she had just heard, her own eyes growing the size of dinner plates. To say that this information shocked her was understatement, but thinking it over, everything slowly made sense! The silent looks they cast at each other, how frantic Twilight got when Spike was hurt back in Cloudsdale, the time they spent together in Los Pegasus, her recent anger when Spike was close to Rarity…– How could I have not seen it earlier? –
She wanted to squeal in joy, an action she rarely did but stopped herself when another realization hit her. She knew better than to ask this question now of all times, but her mind kept repeating it over and over. – How would Spike feel if he knew?Who would he choose?
“I-I like Spike and more than a friend…” repeated Twilight.She released her hold on Rainbow Dash and looked intently at the ground, realizing that, just now, she had shared one of her most important secrets with her friend. After a while, she added, “S-sorry… you’re probably freaked out right now and think that I lost my mind and–”
However, Rainbow didn’t let her finish, as she lifted Twilight’s head to make her eyes met hers. “Twilight, I’m a little surprised, but I don’t think any of those things that you frantically came up with in your head. You and Spike are my buddies and I see nothing wrong with it… even if he is a dragon and you are a pony,” concludedRainbow Dashwith a wide smile. Deep down her feelings were more complicated than this but there would be time to think later…there was always later. Of course, she didn’t plan to stop there with lifting Twilight’s spirits up. Her role as temporary Fluttershy replacement was working out great. Letting her ego get the better of her, she decided to make a very bold statement.
“I got your back, Twilight, even if I know next to nothing about all that romantic stuff. No offense to Rarity, while I hate to choose between my friends, I think she’s had her chancefor long enough and it was for years, so now you can count on me for support, or at least a shoulder to cry on to even the odds between the two of you! Right now, we all need you to keep it together, not to mention the settlers of Appleloosa. I mean look at them! They’re walking around totally confused like a bunch of zombies!” She pointed at poor Braeburn who just fell down, his head still spinning from the brainwash.
Turning her head back to Twilight, Rainbow Dash decided to continue, “They need somepony of authority to help them cope with the situation. Don’t worry, Spike will get better, and then we’ll think of something that you can do to win him over. Just try to keep your feelings in check for now.”With those words, she fell silent, giving Twilight a moment to collect herself. She knew how the egghead worked and what came next was of no surprise to her.
“You’re right; I can’t fail my duties because of personal problems. Thank you, Rainbow, it means a lot to have a friend like you. Now let’s help those settlers!” With that, she galloped away with Rainbow Dash flying above her head.
“Hey, say a word and I’ll keep Rarity’s hooves off Spike and give you a chance!” she yelled, as they both beganto fix the situation as best as they could, occasionally exchanging words between themselves. Rainbow Dash, being her usual self, gave Twilight a lot of ideas, mostly pranks or other drastic methods which lifted the alicorn’s spirit a lot, but she finally needed to put a stop to this.
“I would like to do many of those things, but this is a battle that I have to win on my own. Don’t tell anypony about my feelings, especially Spike!” warned Twilight and with that, she speed to another citizen, hearing a loud shout from the self-proclaimed best flyer in all of Equestria.
“Fine, but it would be easier if I did! Just let me know if you change your mind!”
End of Flashback
When Rainbow finished her story, omitting the most private parts about Twilight’s feelings due to the noticeable stare she received from the alicorn, Spike took some time to think it all over, but Rarity’s constant banter about how worried she was, really made it hard to focus. Not that he didn’t appreciate her genuine concern even if it was exaggerated like all of her actions.
From all that he learned, the facts were like this: They lost two days in Appleloosa and during the time he recovered, praised be his dragon regeneration abilities;and Twilight and the rest of the team calmed the settlers, which took a lot of time and effort on their part and twice as much explaining. Spike was amazed that no one got hurt in the whole event, which made him happy for Applejack because she was really stressed out before all of this. What also worried him was the fact that they were once again behind schedule, but not by much thanks to using that blimp earlier.
Looking at Twilight, Spike started to think hard for a moment. He noticed that there must have been more that happened when he was out, seeing the strange stares that all six of them exchanged during this vague explanation. There obviously was something that they didn’t want him to know, but for now, he decided that it could wait. – So much is happening and yet I’m again putting stuff off for later. I should really reflect on my recent actions. –
“So, where are we now?” asked Spike as he scanned the unfamiliar landscape, the feeling of being watched making him look suspiciously at his surroundings. He stood up while holding the edge of wooden cart for additional support much to his friends’ silent protests and began to scan the area but saw nothing of interest.
“Um…you shouldn’t work yourself,” quietly said Fluttershy, which earned her nods of approval from others. However, Spike wasn’t going to simply lay any longer and be additional baggage for them. Even weakened as he was, he was a dragon andhe felt strong enough to move on his own. – I’m a dragon huh? Guess I somehow accepted the fact of no longer being the other me from those other memories. –
“I’ll be fine, besides that wooden cart isn’t the most comfortable bed, you know?” joked Spike. He hoped off the cart and started to walk on all fours alongside them, while a pair of watchful eyes observed him. Not missing this chance to shine, Twilight decided to answer his earlier question before Rarity could cut in again before her.
“We are currently in the badlands. According to the map, the rift should be somewhere around here,” commented the alicorn, earning a puzzled stare from her assistant. Something was not right and he instantly caught what it was.
“Don’t the gates materialize near or in populated cities?” he asked, and as soon as those words left his mouth, Pinkie cut in, her voice as cheerful as always even in this grim and desolated place.
“Yeah I was thinking the same thing! Do you think that maybe there is some lost city here?” she began to bounce around, looking under scattered rocks that adorned the harsh landscape, heart filled with hope of finding something, mind filled with… random thoughts?
Sighing at Pinkie’s antics, Twilight felt no need to correct her friend by pointing out that no records in any history book said that there would be something as impossible as an ancient lost city. Shoving those thoughts aside, she decided to continue as if the whole thing didn’t happen. “We still don’t know everything about them, Spike and–” Just as she was beginning her explanation, another voice interrupted her, this one belonging to Rarity.
“And we don’t want to act rash if Twilight’s magic can’t protect us anymore, right darling?” commented Rarity as she turned her head to look at Spike, eyelashes fluttering charmingly, her mouth smiling sweetly. She was still upset because of Twilight’s earlier behavior towards her and she never did anything wrong; she cared for Spike.Yet the mare was unpleasant to her for some strange reason of her and Rarity wanted to do everything in her power to hide that ugly fact from Spike as long as possible, so to not burden the recently hurt dragon. She expected an apology from Twilight but so far, no such thing ever came from the young princess’ mouth, which left her even more upset inside.
Glaring daggers at the alabaster mare, Twilight was about to say yet another thing but she felt a hoof nudge her discretely. Turning her head, she noticed angry look from Rainbow Dash, who clearly didn’t like the way things were going. “Want me to do something?” she asked, hoping for some action, but Twilight shook her head in response. She was smarter than this and would not repeat her mistake again and get upset about Rarity stealing the spotlight as she often did.
“I got it under control,” she assured her friend with a smile, but just when those words left her mouth, her ear twitched, catching the conversation between Spike and Rarity.
“Well, it was an accident. I’m sure the next gate will be easier,” responded Spike, not believing at all in anything he said, but nonetheless, he wanted Twilight to feel better a little and not blame herself, which she probably was if he knew her as well as he thought.
“Oh don’t worry, if I go inside with you this time, I’ll keep you safe, I promise!” Rarity chirped happily, lightly nudging Spike playfully to the side, smiling from ear to ear like mouse who sighted cheese.
“I. Got. It. Under. Control,” said Twilight through gritted teeth, to which Rainbow only shook her head sadly. If her friend wanted to be stubborn, then she would let her be until she changed her mind.
The heroes continued their journey forward, sometimes exchanging a few words but most of the time they all remained silent with the obvious exception of Pinkie who worked hard to lighten the atmosphere around them by jumping around and humming a happy tune, her energy never diminishing.
***Canterlot***
In the city of white and gold, inside the royal palace, the situation was just as tense if not more. Princess Celestia paced nervously, her eyes distant as her younger sister looked worriedly at her demeanor.
“This is unacceptable!” angrily muttered the sun goddess over and over, looking once again to the research reports which floated before her. She didn’t want to believe what she read but it seemed that there was a great chance of it being true.
Noticing her deep frown, Discord decided to poke a little fun at her.“Why the long face, my dear Celestia?” he said. At the same time, he made his own face incredibly long, giving it a ridiculous look.
“Hush, Discord, this is serious!” Luna silenced him, her voice stern and a scowl plastered on her mouth. Even though she had slightly befriended the mad draconequus, she still couldn’t tolerate him picking on Celestia, especially when her older sister was worried like this.
“Why so serious?” asked Discord, his voice changing its tone when he spoke. He began to sit in the air without much care about anything at all but upon noticing Luna’s stare, he huffed visibly. “Okay okay, fine!” He flicked his finger and the small black rain cloud vanished from above Celestia’s head before it could pour rain.
“How did it slip past our eyes?” muttered Celestia once again to nopony in particular. She was completely oblivious to the exchange between her sister and the spirit of chaos to the point where they didn’t exist in her mind. She trotted back and forth for a few more moments, until Luna, unable to watch any longer, called out to her, snapping Celestia out of her trance.
“Well…it wasn’t there when we last looked. Can thou stop juggling with thine eyes Discord?” sternly said the moon goddess, not hiding her annoyance at his behavior, speaking in old speech again but thankfully without the use of the royal voice. Knowing him by now, he was probably trying to get them out of this serious talk but failed hard, succeeding only in angering them gradually.
“And here, I thought you liked having fun. What’s the problem anyway? Can’t you send your precious little slave-ehm, brave champions to fix it?” Inquired the draconequus as he put his eyes back in their sockets, his tone betraying how bored he was with the current situation.
“Let us not get ahead of ourselves, we do not know if ‘tis true or not,” warned Luna, upon noticing her sister seriously considering Discord’s words. She still didn’t fully trust him, even if he was reformed and she wouldn’t let him sway her sister like that.
“But we cannot stay idle either,” commented Celestia, furrowing her eyebrows, once again looking at the document as if there would be an answer to their current problems. They hadn’t made much progress in recent days; the protective spell was not working for Twilight and her friends, Spike was injured and now THIS showed up. For the very first time in centuries, Celestia felt tired of everything and frustrated like never before.
“Then, what art thine plan, dear sister?” inquired Princess Luna, not liking the tone. From all the years she had spent with her sister, she knew that tone of voice; she always used it when she wanted to do something reckless.
“Discord, I need to request your help once again,” calmly said Princess Celestia, as she looked seriously at the draconequus who blankly stared out of the window, but Luna could swear that she saw a little spark of interest in his mad eyes for a brief moment.
“Sorry, I don’t do requests for free,” refused the spirit of chaos plainly, not simply going to agree. He never did because usually,he could get more by not agreeing first.
“I…I’ll let you fill the guards’ swimming pool with pudding,” added Celestia.She sighed heavily and bowed her head low, surprising Discord and mortifying Luna, for such an action was unheard of, for a Princess of the Sun to bow to somepony like him, let alone giving him permission for something was just outrageous. Luna wanted to say something to stop this madness but it was the draconequus’ voice who cut in first.
“Deal, I’ll do something, but stop being so desperate and quit the bowing,”quickly said the spirit of chaos, displeasure painted on his face as clear as day. Contrary to what everypony might think of him, he didn’t enjoy such royal actions. All he wanted was a little chaos here and there and Celestia’s bowing was unnerving to him because it was devoid of any fun. With those last words, he took a door handle out of nowhere, put it on the floor, opened a door that didn’t exist there and descended down to who knows where, leaving both sisters alone.
“The guards won’t like this…,” lamented Luna, imagining the letters of complaint,which would pile up after all of this. However, it seemed that her older sister was ready to take on the responsibility for it all.
“Then it is best that they don’t know that I let him do this,” casually replied Celestia, stunning Luna. Celestia trotted over to her throne to sit down, fatigue overcoming her. There was still much to do and time seemed to escape all too quickly.
***Badlands***
“This dry air is ruining my mane and this sand is too hot. Can’t we stop a little? I’m tired from all of this walking…,” complained Rarity, but no oneelse voiced their thoughts to her because everypony was tired from trotting in this hot weather. The only one who seemed to be fine was Spike, but that came as no surprise, for the dragon was capable of resisting even the hotness of lava so the heat didn’t tire him.
“Don’t worry Rarity, your mane is beautiful as always, and I know you are strong enough to walk even twice the distance,” he cheered her up while still walking on all fours. He could care less about her mane going dry but he knew that if she kept it up, eventually somepony would grow agitated, and there will be a fight in their group. If Spike weren’t so focused on the white mare, he would probably notice the daggers, which Twilight sent at them with her purple eyes.
“Want me to do something?” Rainbow Dash asked once again, but the alicorn princess stayed determined to keep a tight lid on her emotions and shook her head, much to Rainbow’s disappointment.
“Here, let me carry you so you can rest a little.” The words from Spike cut through the air like a sword and they seemed to slash right at Twilight’s heart for the pain that showed on her face was unlike anything Rainbow had ever seen. Of course, Spike was simply being Spike, the gentledrake who was probably only trying helping his friend get better but this situation could really grow ugly. As the duo went right past them, leaving both mares on the back of the group, Rainbow once again turned to check on Twilight.
“He is only being helpful,” she quietly assured to the scowling mare, noticing that the fires in her eyes diminished slightly, but not completely. Taking a deep breath, Twilight trotted forward, determined to remain calm and collected, which the group needed from her, leaving Rainbow unsure if she would prefer Twilight to actually say something or remain silent.
At the same time, the front of the group, which consisted of Fluttershy, Pinkie and Applejack moved forward steadily and not slowing down at all, oblivious to the happenings in the back.
“So ah was thinkin’, who do ya’ll think will go inside the gate this time?” asked Applejack, biting hard on a piece of hay that she chewed. She rarely did so, only when she was stressed, and that last gate sure did leave her worried.
“M-maybe I won’t have to go…” quietly noted Fluttershy, who was by far the most frightened about going inside to witness such scary things. She knew she wasn’t strong at all when it came to being brave and all of those stories frightened her. In contrast to her, Pinkie Pie hopped around happily, still looking around as she did so.
“What ya lookin’ around for Pinkie?” inquired Applejack from her hyped friend, wondering what was going through that head of hers.
“Oh nothing much, just remembered Twilight talking about ancient cities,” replied Pinkie as she stretched her neck even higher while looking around, oblivious to the fact that both Applejack and Fluttershy looked at her as if she a grew second head.
“Ah’m pretty sure ya came up with that ancient city stuff.Besides, those don’t exist,” corrected Applejack, which made Pinkie whip her head around sharply to look at her friend, brows knitted together.
“They do exist!”
“They do not.”
“They do.”
“They–”
”Um…they do?” quietly interrupted Fluttershy in the middle their argument. With her hoof, she pointed ahead, which made both mares follow her stare and sure enough, there was an ancient city right before their very eyes, leaving them speechless for the white walls shined brightly in the rays of sun so visibly it couldn’t have been a mirage. Soon, the rest of the group came up to them, the same sight leaving them lost for words.
“That’s…a surprise,” commented Spike as he eyed the white walls curiously for nothing like this should exist in badlands as far as he knew. Looking at Twilight for answers he noticed the alicorn was as perplexed as he was so Spike braced himself for what was to come next. – Here we go! –
“I… I don’t understand! There shouldn’t be a city here, no books and no other sources said so!” Twilight almost yelled in a frustrated tone, as expected of anypony whose beliefs were suddenly shattered. Twilight Sparkle loved reading but apart from magic, archeology and history were her second favorite subjects and she just couldn’t comprehend how something this big was never documented. “The history of Ancient Equestria clearly states that neither ponies, nor any other race, found this place to be hospitable! I even attended an exposition held by Princess Celestia herself and she told everypony that this place was barren!”
“Should we check it out?” asked Rainbow, stopping Twilight from going past the boiling point.She was unsure as to what the fuss was about; surely her friends had seen cities before, what got them so shocked was clearly not known to her. Before any of them could come up with an answer, another voice resounded behind them, catching them off guard.
“Do not go into the city,” whispered in a soft voice a heavily cloaked figure from behind their backs, making them all spin around rapidly and huddle together with Twilight at the front, ready to defend against the potential assailant. The figure remained motionless; its head hidden behinda veil of shadows, only a pair of green eyes looked at them, unmoving, calculating. “You need not to fear me more than you have to fear the city. It’s cursed.”
“Cursed?” replied Twilight, the leader of the group and the one armedwith the strongest magic, which would protect her and all others if the need arose. The cloaked figure neither flinched nor backed, as the brave dragon who stood beside the young princess moved forward a little.
“We’re on important quest from Princess Celestia herself and need to get into this city at all costs. Do you have any information which could aid us?” asked Spike quite bluntly, but he already knew they’d lost too much time and they shouldn’t linger here. If this stranger had anything to say, Spike wanted it to be quick. The figure however, stood in place, its twin orbs shooting a penetrating gaze as if staring into the dragon’s very soul.
“Perhaps, but aren’t you too quick in trusting me? For all you know, I could send you to your doom,” inquired the hooded figure curiously, her voice louder and clearer this time which the heroes indentified as one belonging to a female.
“If you intended to hurt us, you would have attacked when we had our backs turned,” Spike simply replied with a shrug of his shoulders while looking calmly at the figure before all of them, “and you have every motive to do so, don’t you Chrysalis?”
After he uttered this simple, yet well-known name, all of the mares tensed visibly, once again preparingto defend, but not attack came. The figure simply chuckled and removed her hood, revealing no one other than Queen Chrysalis in all of her glory, a heavy frown plastered at her face, probably wondering how the dragon deduced her identity.
“You…” muttered Twilight, looking at the one who caused her and her family much suffering, the wave of angry emotions washing over her. However, not only the alicorn felt like this, for all of her friends shared the feeling of distrust towards the changeling queen.
“Such an angry stare,” mocked Chrysalis, enjoying this little exchange, however it wasn’t going to last for long, more pressing matters quickly reminding the evil queen what the current situation was. “As much as I would love to continue this talk, there is little time for a quarrel. We…you have much to do and I might help you if you decide for one moment to not remember the things of the past.”
“Oh yeah, and why should we believe you?!” demanded Rainbow Dash, flying near the changeling, glaring daggers right into the calm face of the queen, her bravado knowing no bounds. However, Chrysalis didn’t as much as flinch at the proximity. Completely ignoring the Pegasus, she turned a little to address the group of her enemies.
“You don’t HAVE to believe me, but I know what is going on in that city… me and my people’s city. You would be wise to at least hear me out, but that’s up to you.” With those words, she turned around and slowly started to trot, but not quickly, indicating that she wished for them to follow.
“What do we do now?” asked Rarity, the obvious question that was on the minds of every party member. However, the answer to it wasn’t so easy, for everypony and somedragon had different ideas.
“Ah say we talk with her,” commented Applejack, instantly flaring Rainbow’s temper.
“Are you nuts? Allying with her won’t bring us anything good!” she practically yelled at her friend and in the corner of her magenta colored eyes she noticed that Rarity agreed with her with exaggerated nods.
“Whoa there, hold yer horses, was just sayin’ we ought to hear her out, not allyin’!” replied Applejackdefensively, putting her hooves up. Seeing as they were not going anywhere, Fluttershy decided it was high time to ask somepony else to decide their course of action.
“Um…what do you think Twilight?” Upon asking her question, all pairs of eyes turned to regard Twilight, expectations shining in their eyes as she bit her lip heavily. It wasn’t a decision that she could make lightly. She tried to analyze every little detail, the pros and cons of her decision, until she felt a scaly talon land on her back. Looking up, she saw Spike giving her reassuring smile.
“It’s not like we’re defenseless against her,” he stated simply, offering a reassuring smile to his life-long friend, which was enough to convince her.
“Okay everypony, we’ll follow her, but be on your guard at all times.” – I hope we don’t get ourselves into more trouble… –
With that, the six mares, and one dragon followed the Queen of changelings slowly but steadily, their hooves or talons leaving marks on the dry ground. Each of them had their own thoughts running through their head as they glanced at the horizon from time to time, towards the white city thatstood ominously in the distance, the next part of their adventure awaiting.