Chapter 1: A Terrible Tragedy
It is once again another day in Ponyville and things are the same as they are in Ponyville...well, if you ignore the fact that there are some more Royal Guards posted in certain parts of the town, especially the entrances, exits and the whatnot.
You see, after Twilight's return from the parallel world where there are human versions of the Mane Six, the Royal Sisters and everyone else, Celestia decided to post extra security because a mysterious villain known as the Superior has conspired and was using her former student Sunset Shimmer in an attempt to kill Twilight and take Equestria.
Also, a few nights ago, a mysterious being had lured away twelve orphan foals to who knows where. Luna witnessed this but didn't get a good look but know that it's a purple alicorn who brought them to the moon. So the Royal Guards will be guarding the schools, orphanages, homes and etc. where foals hang out to keep this from happening until the mystery around the purple alicorn is resolved.
Which pretty much frustrated the citizens of Ponyville who has to deal with Royal Guards observing their movements just to keep the new princess and the foals safe from harm.
Ponies gather in front of the library, wanting to get inside. Two Unicorn Royal Guards block their way in. One of them snaps sternly, "No one gets inside! Unless you are friends, family or have business with the princess or the library, no fans allowed!"
"Aww, come on!" Lyra protests to the Royal Guard in disbelief. "I wanna see if it's true that she used to have hands!"
"No exceptions!"
During this time, Ben came out to get the mail and opens it. The stallion sighs at the commotion, asking, "General Spanish Steel, is this even necessary? Having the Royal Guards here?"
"Forgive, your majesty, but your mother insisted on it after recent events." Spanish Steel apologizes to the prince with a bow. "After the attempt assassination of Princess Twilight Sparkle and the kidnapping of foals of a few nights ago, she felt it's for the best."
"Wait, Twilight was almost killed?!" Caramel gasps in shock as the ponies yell in alarm. "When was this?!'
"All right, everypony leave and go about your business unless some of it is officially here! Move, move!"
Ben groans as he goes inside. Twilight was looking through a book, looking up and asking, "Let me guess, it was madness out there?"
"Tell me about it. I know mom wants to keep you safe but this is getting out of hoof here." Ben said as he checks through the mail carefully, "Just some royal stuff and bills. I will deal with the latter."
"I will send a letter to the princess about this. It is hard living in Ponyville with the Royal Guards keeping an eye out 24/7. Can't she see that I can take care of myself? I may be a princess, but I am also a heroine of Equestria and an alicorn too."
"Grandma was only worried, mommy." Nyx said as she and Phobos came out of the kitchen with breakfast. "Hey, can I go over and play with the CMC?"
"What, and risk not having a Royal Escort?" Phobos chuckles a bit while swallowing his apple whole before spitting the core into a trash can. "Gotta thank AJ for that later."
"Not funny...on the first part."
As Ben gets some dog food to feed the waiting Koga, Twilight calls out to Owlowiscious, "Owlowiscious? Can you get Spike for me?"
"Hoo," Owlowiscious said in his usual way of talking.
"Spike, that's...oh, now don't do that again!"
The owl flew off to wake up Spike from his sleep (again). A knock came at the door as Nyx opens it; One of the Royal Guards peeks in, saying, "Princess Twilight; A Miss Apple Bloom here to see you. She said it's urgent."
"Urgent; Let her in!" Twilight insists quickly. After all Apple Bloom is always welcomed at the library, urgent or otherwise! A familiar filly with a pink bow gallops in, looking worried, "Apple Bloom? What's wrong?"
"Miss Twilight! Wait, should Ah call yew princess now?" Apple Bloom asks Twilight, a bit puzzled as to what to call her friend now.
"Miss Twilight is fine. What's wrong?"
"It's a disaster! Git 'ta Sweet Apple Acres! It's a done emergency!"
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Once Spike got up at last, Twilight decides to delay sending a message about the Royal Guards to the princess as the two friends head to Sweet Apple Acres with Apple Bloom. Upon arrival, Twilight and Spike looks stunned upon seeing a horrifying sight.
The apple trees looks like they are dying! The farmlands used to plant crops are cracked or unplantable! Even the barn itself is in bad shape and the whole was put up during the last reunion! What has happened here?
"Applejack," Twilight calls out to Applejack as she and Spike gallops over to the worried Applejack and Big Macintosh who are gathering what has survived. "What happened?"
"Don't know. All we Apples did 'de usual growing an' cropping 'de field." Applejack explains as she puts some apples into the back of a wagon. "An' in couple o' a few days, not one seed grow."
"It's like something suck 'de life out o' 'e ground." Apple Bloom explains in worry and fright to the concerned princess.
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh said in concern. Sweet Apple Acres has always been grown for growing food, so what has happened that caused it to stop?
"If we don't do something, there won't be any growing and harvesting foods for everypony." Granny Smith groans a bit in despair.
"Alright, I'm gonna try something." Twilight said in determination. She isn't about to let her friends lose their farm and reputation just because of this incident.
Spike gulped as he asks, "Are you sure? You're sure gonna do it? I know you mean well, but what if it won't work?"
"Do what?" Applejack ask, wondering what Twilight is about to do.
"Age Spell," Twilight explains. The Apple Family was shocked. They recalled what happened the last time that their friend tried this spell...and it wasn't pretty.
"Have yew lost yer sanity? Yew tried 'dat before, but nothing happens, remember?"
"Well, now I'm an Alicorn, I should be able to do it. Hopefully, I can restore their growth sooner or later."
Twilight gathered her power before she fired at the ground. But for some reason, nothing changes. Not one seed grew. This surprised the princess. She was hoping that something would happen this time!
Apple Bloom sighs in sadness, "So much fer 'de age spell."
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh said in concern.
"Now what," Granny ask Twilight in concern. Unless a solution is found, the family may as well packed up and leave!
Twilight thinks for a while as she smiled. She said, "I know one pony whose could help us."
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If there's only one pony, or creature, who would tell what has happened to Applejack's crops, it is the Everfree Forest's resident magic making zebra Zecora. Twilight has Apple Bloom fetch her from her home and she arrived with the filly soon after.
"Twilight, I came as fast as I could. So why have you summoned me from the Everfree Wood?" Zecora asked in concern and rhyme.
"It happened without warning, Zecora." Apple Bloom explains to Zecora in worry, "Like our trees just stop giving life."
"I see." Zecora said while checking on the ground. "Such disaster have I seen this before."
"So is there anyway 'ta make 'de field grow?" Applejack ask Zecora. Perhaps there may be hope yet!
"There is, my friend. Ingredients I know such exists. But what you seek is no joke. Danger and threat, there will be." Zecora said to her allies sternly.
"Where can we find these ingredients? If you give the location to us, I'm sure we'll get it done." Twilight said in determination. All the ponies have to do is find the ingredient and the fields will be back to normal in no time!
Zecora sighs as she explains, "As I had said, Princess Twilight, the ingredients do we seek and require, should we ever need it to restore the growth of the field, is far more dangerous than Everfree Forest. These items are far from Equestria, 'The End of Equestria'."
The Apple Family, Twilight and Spike were shocked and scared upon hearing that. Spike gulps as he asks, "The End of Equestria? You mean everything is coming to an end?"
"Does 'ds mean it's over fer all o' us?" Apple Bloom ask, fearing the worst.
Twilight shakes her head as she explains clearly, "No, Spike, Apple Bloom. What Zecora means about The End of Equestria is far away from the peaceful and beautiful home and city. That place is filled with dangers, ghosts, demons and monsters."
Zecora nods as she adds, "What danger lies there, hope, I cannot provide the advice or possible solution. But if you truly need these ingredients, then seek me from my home. The ingredients we require will be listed."
"Ghosts... demons... and monsters," Apple Bloom asked fearfully.
"Yes, but there's more than that, I'm afraid." Zecora said seriously. "Rumor has it that the End of Equestria has...cannibals."
"Cannibals?!?!" Apple Bloom cried in fright as she held Applejack's leg.
"Correct. Again, the choice is yours but should you agree to go on this task, I shall be at my home with the list you will be needed." Zecora said with a nod as she heads back home.
Twilight and the others stood there, thinking about what Zecora. The only thing to save the farm is in one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. This could take time to decide...
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"Yer're not going 'ta ''De End o' Equestria'! 'Dat place is full o' dangers and curses!" Applejack protests to Twilight in alarm. The alicorn decided to go to the End of Equestria to get the ingredients but her friend doesn't seem thrilled about hearing that idea at all.
"I have to. For you, Applejack, you family and for our home; so I'm not going to let you or your family starved to death." Twilight said with a frown. How could Applejack refuse her idea of going to the End of the Equestria? Don't they care for their home, "If I don't, then what are you going to do?!"
"We Apples are gonna move 'ta a new land, somewhere we can start our growing an' harvesting 'de field." Applejack answers Twilight's question. The Earth pony doesn't want her friend to risk her life on a foolish hunt so it's for the best to move elsewhere.
"Then that means you won't have time to visit us. You will be far away from us." Twilight protests to Applejack in concern. If the Apples move away, they won't have time to visit their friends anymore!
"Better than going 'ta 'dat place!" Applejack snaps sternly to her pal.
"If you do that, then what about everypony; what about our friendship; what about the Cutie Mark Crusaders; What about Cheerilee? And what about your Apple Family Reunion?" Twilight ask, trying to get Applejack to see sense. "Don't you see? You're destroying your own and your family's life. You're putting Equestria in danger! I'm going to that place if it's the last thing that I do! So don't you dare move your home to another place!"
"Twilight, thanks fer being honest an' devotional, but what yew are going 'ta do is 'de most stupidest an' dangerous thing 'dat Ah ever heard in mah life!" Applejack snaps with a frown. "So, forget about it!"
"I will not, Applejack. I'm not going to argue with you. When I'm said I'm going to do it, I really mean it! I'm an Alicorn. So, I should be fine. You're not going to stop me from what I'm doing." Twilight exclaims angrily to Applejack. She turned her look away from her while adding, "Now if you excuse me, I've got some packing to do."
Applejack groaned, "Yeah, 'dat's fer yew 'ta git yerself killed! Take mah advice, 'princess'; stop doing 'dis! Ah can't lose mah very best friend 'ta do it, all just fer 'de sake o' mah home!"
Twilight glared at Applejack while yelling back, "And I'm not going to lose mine either. I'm going to save you and your family. That's a Pinkie Promise; if nopony not going to help, then I'll do it by myself."
Twilight slammed the Apple Family house's door. Applejack groaned and yelled angrily,"'Dat pony is twice stubborn as 'de mule; Stupid Alicorn!"
Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith looked at Applejack with concern. The little sister is the first to spoke up, "Maybe Twilight's right. 'Dis is our home. Ah don't want 'ta move away fro' our home an' friends. Otherwise, it would never be fun."
Big Macintosh nods in agreement, adding, "Applejack, I understand your concern and devotion to our family. But maybe you should trust Twilight in handling this, maybe she can do it. There is hope."
Granny Smith adds, "Applejack, I've told all of our family that our Apple Family Reunion will always be at Ponyville, and of course, it's our only home."
Applejack groans, "Ah can't! Thanks fer understanding, but Ah'm not going 'ta let Twilight do something stupid. Nopony has ever come back alive fro' 'De End o' Equestria. Twilight is like a sister 'ta me."
Apple Bloom said gently, "She is 'ta me too, AJ, like when she tried 'ta advise me about mah Cutie Mark an' help me too."
Big Macintosh remarks in agreement, "I kinda like your friend too. She's quite cute and beautiful. But now, I consider her as sister too for being polite." While it's true that he used to like Twilight in the past, nowadays she is like a sister to him as well.
"Applejack, if you really trust Twilight as part of our Apple Family, then let her do it. There's maybe hope. But for now, we need to focus on saving some good food for ours and Ponyville's survival." Granny Smith said to Applejack. The old mare is suggesting that the family let Twilight thinks what she knows is right to save the Apple Family from leaving.
Applejack sighs, "Ah guess so."
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Twilight decides to try to ask some familiar friends of hers for help before she heads off on a dangerous quest. She found the rest of the Mane Six at Sugarcube Corner, hanging out as usual.
"Girls, listen, we got a problem." Twilight said to her friends in concern.
"Go ahead, tell us darling." Rarity said to Twilight with a nod.
"Right, we're here, willing to help!" Rainbow exclaims with a smirk.
"As long as it isn't anything too...dangerous," Fluttershy said meekly to Twilight.
"Unfortunately, Fluttershy, it is." Twilight said in a serious tone, "For Sweet Apple Acres, I have to go to a place nopony had ever went to before and lived to tell the tale, so I could get ingredients that are needed to keep the Apple Farms growing."
"What?" Pinkie asks in surprise, worried like the others.
Twilight explained to Mane Six of what she's going to do. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie became worried and scared.
"So, you're all in?" Twilight ask, hoping that her friends would come with her on this quest.
"Yeah, about that," Rainbow said calmly at first. Then she yells like a mad pony, "Are you crazy?!"
"Twilight, nopony has ever return from 'The End of Equestria'. If we go there, we will get ourselves killed or trapped in a land of dirt! I cannot stand it!" Rarity exclaims in fright. Twilight couldn't believe what she's hearing. Apparently, her friends don't want to go either!
"Then, what about Applejack; we can't let her and her family starve to death." Twilight points out to her friends, reminding her of what would happen unless this is done.
"Maybe they can move to a new home where they can start their growing and harvesting. I think that's a good idea." Fluttershy said meekly and gently.
"Yeah, Twilight; It's not like it's the end of the world." Pinkie said happily. Twilight couldn't believe it. It's just like what happened at the Canterlot Wedding when her friends aren't worried about her concerns about her brother Shining and the fake Cadance all over again!
"It is! Don't you realize it?! Without the Apple Family, we can't sustain our supplies and support Ponyville. It was founded by them! Built by them! They are the ones who made us what we are today! So you're gonna just let Applejack to move her family to a new place like that?" Twilight ask her friends in disbelief.
"Twilight, I understand that you want to help Applejack. But believe me, that's the only way, instead of going to that horrible place." Rarity said to Twilight, trying to speak reason to the mare.
"She's right, Twilight. And I think what Applejack did is the right thing." Rainbow said, believing that Applejack not wanting to do is for the best.
"Even if she lives far away, Applejack and her family or we can visit." Fluttershy said in agreement.
"Besides, Ponyville can survive without them, because we have cupcakes, cakes, sweets, ice cream and everything from Sugarcube Corner." Pinkie said, missing the point. Twilight groaned angrily. She then left angrily. "Was it something I said?"
Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy shrugged in reply. The yellow Pegasus pony asked in worry, "You think we did the right thing? I mean, when we dismissed Twilight's worry because of her over possessive of her brother before, it turned out to be a big mistake."
"Awww, I'm sure that Twilight will calm down. Besides that was involving something like a Changeling Invasion. We're talking about the idea of going to a Tartarus Zone here!" Rainbow points out to Fluttershy with a shrug.
"Right, and I am sure that Twilight will see sense and change her mind...I hope." Rarity said in concern.
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Twilight was disappointed. No one is wanting to come with her to the End of Equestria, even her friends are too scared. What happened to friendship anyway? Still, the mare will have to go to the End of Equestria if she wants to save Applejack's home.
Upon arriving at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight explained to Ben as she packed her stuff for the journey.
"With all due respect, Twilight," Ben said calmly at first then he shouted angrily. "But have you lost your mind?! You're going to kill yourself by going to that place!" Twilight ignored the talking and argument. Ben, annoyed, continues, "Twilight Sparkle! Are you even listening? I understand that you want to help Applejack. But if you go to that place, you're going to get yourself killed. Didn't you hear of the legends? Nopony survive and return from 'The End of Equestria'! Think about it!"
"Maybe moving Applejack and her family to new place isn't that bad." Nyx said thoughtfully, trying to reason with Twilight. "We can visit them, instead of them visiting us only. That's good idea. No offense."
"Twilight, they're right; It may be difficult and complicated to us and them. But that's the only way." Spike said in concern. He doesn't want Twilight to get killed going on a quest that she may not come back from, even if the pony is an Alicorn.
As soon as she packed everything, Twilight turned and glared at her family. Angrily, the alicorn snaps, "How could you all think that way?!" She turn her face to Ben while asking, "Ben, what happen to being a hero and willing to help me through the problem and overcoming the obstacles? Aren't you my Prince Charming? I'm really ashamed of you, Ben!"
Twilight then turn to the worried Nyx as she continues, "Nyx, I'm very disappointed at you! If you really care for Apple Bloom as your friend, then how could you say that?! Imagine of how Apple Bloom feel so lonely and being bullied when her friends are not there to help. She'll be defenseless and will be bullied like how she and Babs faced. Is that what you want?"
Spike yelps as Twilight scolds him next, "Spike! I'm very disappointed at you too. What happen to your Dragon Code? You said that you will do anything to help and complete your devotion to the one who save you! Applejack save you once before, and you decided to turn her help down!"
Ben, Nyx and Spike remain silent and looked very ashamed of what they had said and are doing while looking worried at Twilight.
"I'm very ashamed of you three! Even if Applejack and her family do move to a new place, there is no telling whether it is safe or good for them to start their new home." Twilight said sternly to the ones backing down. "They might not have much food left to survive. Our Ponyville is founded by Applejack's grandmother! The food comes from the Apple Family. Without them, Ponyville is done and finished! Did anypony think about that?"
Twilight's family remains silent, feeling ashamed and guilty about what Twilight had said. She's right and they know it too.
"That's what I thought. Now if you excuse me, I need to see Zecora. So, I had to be prepared for what I'm doing." Twilight said sternly.
Twilight heads off, leaving her family ashamed and guilt-ridden. What had they done now?
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The next morning, Twilight left. Ben sighs of shame. His love needed him and how does he repay her? By not being there when she needed him! What can he do? Just then Ben heard the door being knocked on then went and checks to see who's here.
After opening the door, Ben is surprised to receive a visit from his old friend, Flash Sentry. He ask, "Flash?! What are you doing here?"
"I'm taking the day off. What kind of day off I'm going to spend is to see my great friend and his fillyfriend and family. Speaking of which, where's your somepony special? I would love to see you both together." Flash said to the stallion with a grin. He noticed Ben's worried face. "What's with the face?"
Ben gulped as he knows that he himself can't tell a lie. He explained about the argument with Twilight.
"You did what?!" Flash ask Ben as if furious by the explanation which the Pegasus pony is.
"I know. Twilight's crazy for going to 'The End of Equestria'! I tried to stop her from doing something that stupid, but her mind is made up." Ben said to Flash in frustration and concern.
"Not that! You! Aren't you shamed of what you just did? Leaving Twilight to go to that place?"
"What?! Flash, are you crazy? That place is dangerous!"
"And your fillyfriend is okay with it? She is doing this to save Applejack and her family while you do nothing?" Flash ask Ben disappointed and upset. He can't believe that his best friend wouldn't even help Twilight. "I'm really ashamed of you, and so does Shining Armor."
Flash turned his back away from Ben, then think for a while. He smirked of how to get Ben to follow Twilight, by using an old strategy tactic of his. Yes, it can work.
"Maybe it was a mistake for me." Flash said, getting Ben's attention.
"Mistake; what do you mean?" Ben asks Flash in concern and worry.
"I should never have trained you to be a hero. It was stupid for me to do it. I thought I saw something special in you. But I was wrong. You might as well be dead as a Demon Pony, you coward and weakling!"
Ben angrily demands, "What?" How dare Flash insult him like that!
Spike overheard the yelling from the next room and came in with Nyx. The baby Dragon ask in worry, "Hey, what are you doing, Flash?!"
Flash smirked a hidden smile as he continues, "I mean that's a very good idea. Boris might be the one who is fit for Twilight's coltfriend. At least he's not a coward, like you." The prince is close to falling for the bait.
"What! How dare you!" Ben demands angrily to Flash. His so-called friend dare compares him to that monster Boris?! Ben risked his life for Twilight and now Flash dare say that?!
"Uncle Flash, I don't think that's the good idea to say that to daddy." Nyx said to Flash in worry.
"Not now, Nyx. Let me finish." Flash said with a chuckle. Time to lure Ben in. "If Boris is too chicken to go to 'The End of Equestria', then I will be the one to help her. That's the right and heroic thing to do. If I couldn't make it out, at least, I did this for Twilight, unlike somepony who's too scared and chicken to fight and help his fillyfriend."
Ben yelled angrily as he pounced on Flash from behind. Ben glared at the guard while he was calm and silent.
"Now you listen! I didn't survive all the hardship of being a Demon Pony, fighting my crazy obsessed rival, saving your Human form from being hypnotized and fight somepony evil and powerful for nothing!" Ben screams right in Flash's face, not noticing his calm look at first. "If you think you're better than me, then you're making a big mistake, pal! I'm not a coward! I'll go and help Twilight. I'll prove that I'm not afraid of anything and even going to 'The End of Equestria'! But let me tell you something, if you say something that bad to me or Twilight one more time, I will break your bones to pieces! Don't say that I won't! Coz I will, even though you're my best friend. I will protect Twilight no matter what!"
Flash smirked as he adds, "Good! That's what I want to hear from you."
Ben blinked and was in shock before realized something, so as Nyx and Spike. Of course, Flash was only pretending to say those things to encourage Ben!
"Wait a minute, let me get this straight. You said bad things to Ben, so that he can go to Twilight without worrying about the danger?" Spike asks Flash skeptically.
Flash smirked before admitting, "That's right."
Nyx sighs in relief, "You scared me when you were insulting daddy, especially acting like you want to steal my mommy, Uncle Flash."
"Sorry, Nyx. I had to say something to your father; otherwise, he will be stuck as a chicken. So, what's your decision, Ben? Still too scared to go to the end of the world?"
"Think again, lieutenant. I'm going to help Twilight." Ben said to Flash in determination. He gotta admit, his best friend pulls off a good trick there and it worked.
"So am I!" Nyx chirps eagerly.
"Me too," Spike exclaims in determination. He wants to help his big sister/mother figure go to the End of Equestria. Twilight's right, he has his Dragon code, time to honor it!
However Ben shakes his head as he said, "No, you two stay here with Flash. He will be in-charge of you."
Nyx and Spike ask in shock and disappointment, "Why?!"
"'The End of Equestria' is too dangerous. You'll get killed when we get there. So stay out of trouble. Do I make myself clear?" Ben asks sternly to the two. Both Nyx and Spike nods in upset mood. They really wanted to go. Ben turned to Flash as he said, "Watch them."
Flash salutes Ben while saying, "Yes sir."
After Ben left, Nyx and Spike looked very upset and unhappy. Flash whistled while looking at the library books. The Pegasus stallion decides to read some book while staying here for now.
"Wow, Twilight and Ben sure love books. You know, when your dad and I were foals, I trained Ben to become a good soldier." Flash said with a chuckle. He joked, "Well, he's not exactly good enough, but I let him read some books. Let me be honest with you, I don't really like them. But since he show me one, I start reading one especially one book I like the most: Space Pony Wars. Boy, he and Twilight are such eggheads. Those were the good days." The stallion chuckled at the past.
Nyx and Spike sigh unhappily, "Yeah."
Flash noticed the looks on Nyx and Spike's faces. He thinks, 'They really want to help Twilight and Ben. I think it's time to let them off.' The stallion spoke up, pretending to be going somewhere, "Listen, I'm going to Sugercube Corner to get you some delicious cupcakes, just for you two. I'm sure you're gonna love them. So, stay here and be good children. I'll be back."
"Okay, Uncle Flash." Nyx said gloomy. As Flash left, the filly groaned, "I can't stand it! I'm not going to sit here and do nothing. I had to do something!"
Spike asks Nyx in worry, "What can we do? There's nothing we can do."
"There is. What mommy had said, I feel so guilty and selfish for not thinking about Apple Bloom. I mean, I'm her best friend! I thought moving to a place for her and her family is the right thing, but it's not. She'll be very lonely. We're going to follow mommy and daddy!"
"Are you crazy?! You'll get yourself killed! Not to mention, you will be in big trouble."
"I don't care. If that place is dangerous, then they need all the help they can get. Sure Aunt Applejack or any the Mane Six can't and dare not go, but I'm going to do it for mine, Apple Bloom and her family. Now, excuse me!" Nyx snaps sternly as she pushes Spike aside, preparing to go out and no pony is going to stop her!
Spike sighed before he became confident and serious, "Not without me. Flash won't be happy to hear of this."
"I know. But I can't let mommy and daddy go without us, Spike. At least, Uncle Flash -"
"Won't notice that you'll be leaving to help your mommy and daddy?" Flash ask as he suddenly appear without warning from behind them. Nyx and Spike were shocked. How did he get there? And how Flash do that?
"How did you know?" Nyx ask Flash, worried that the honorable uncle will be upset for her and Spike trying to sneak out.
"You mean you'd never left for Sugarcube Corner?" Spike asks Flash in bewilderment.
Flash nods as he explains, "It's pretty obvious; your dad and I often to get ourselves in trouble when we go to places that we aren't supposed to go to. Not to mention that we want to help my dad when he was fighting with some bad ponies." Flash chuckled before continuing, "That's pretty crazy and awesome, I tell ya."
"So you're gonna stop us?"
"Nope. I'm going to let you do the right thing." Flash said. Nyx and Spike were shocked to hear that. "If you think you can get back home safely with your mom and dad, and believe me, I know you'll be back. So tell your dad that you fooled Uncle Flash when he goes get cupcakes, without letting him notice."
Flash winked at Nyx and Spike. Nyx smiled as she jumped and hugged Flash.
"Thanks, Uncle Flash. You're a great friend to daddy." Nyx squeals happily to Flash.
Flash chuckled and joked, "Just get outta here before I found out that you've just run off." Nyx and Spike nodded and left while Flash watched them go. He now spoke in thoughts, 'Ben, Nyx and Spike, be strong and stay courageous. No matter what happen, don't die and come back safely to our home and to us. I know you will.'
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Twilight was about to head to 'The End of Equestria' after gathering the list from Zecora when a familiar voice stops her, "TWILIGHT!"
Twilight turned and saw Ben coming here with his bag. Surprised, the alicorn ask, "Ben? What are you doing here?"
"Helping and protecting you. That's what I'm gonna do."
"But I thought -"
Ben interrupts Twilight, "I'm sorry for being selfish and insensitive for not thinking of others. And of course, for letting you go without me. I'm really sorry. I’m ashamed of myself."
Twilight smiled as she said, "I'm glad you did decide to come. Thank you, Ben." Both hugged. "I hope you didn't bring Nyx or Spike here."
Ben smiled as he assures her, "No worries. I left them to Flash. There is no way that they could disobey him."
Suddenly, they heard the sticks twigged. Ben and Twilight turd and saw two familiar figures peeking from some bushes; the parents know who they are from the eyes.
"Correction: Nyx and Spike did disobey Flash. Alright, you two, come out." Ben sighs in annoyance. Nyx and Spike come out. "What were you thinking? I told you to stay home!"
Nyx blushed in shame as she apologize, "I'm sorry, daddy. But I couldn't stand it. I couldn't let Apple Bloom go. It's very selfish of me to think that way. So I want to help mommy to get the ingredients."
"Me too; After all, I owe my life to Applejack. And I'm helping too. You're not stopping me." Spike said sternly and stubbornly.
Twilight roll her eyes as she remarks, "I had the feeling you might say that. But okay, you can come. But please, stick together, who knows what kind of place that 'The End of Equestria' looks like? We have to get out of that place alive."
Ben, Nyx and Spike all calls out, "Right!"
Just then some more bushes are rustling, much to the group's notice. Spike frowns as he calls out, "All right, who's there now?"
"Hoo," A familiar voice calls out from the bushes.
"The one who's spying on us, duh!"
"Don't start that again, Spike. Owlowiscious, come out of there. Koga, Phobos, you two too," Twilight sighs a bit. Phobos and the pets Owlowiscious came out of hiding.
"Awww, how did you two know that it's us?" Phobos ask Twilight with a pouty look.
"Simple because you would follow Nyx anywhere...and I can smell Koga."
Koga whines a bit as he nuzzlse Ben. The stallion picks him up while asking, "What are you three doing here? Let me guess; you saw Spike and Nyx leaving and want to come along too, right?"
"Uhh...I didn't know that there's going to be a test!" Phobos groans a bit as he slaps himself on the forehead. Owlowiscious roll his eyes a bit.
"Well, I guess we can bring them along." Twilight remarks with a shrug, "Looks like this trip has become a family affair."
"What, we're going to bring Grandma, Luna, Uncle Shiny, Aunt Cadance and Grandpa and Grandma Sparkle into this?" Nyx jokes to her mother a bit.
"No, that won't be necessary, Nyx. Come on, we gotta go."
"Hey Twilight Crew! Hold up!" Spoke out a voice that Twilight & her little group knew to recognize it was...Tough Apple.
Course when they turn around, the group saw Tough Apple in a strange carriage cart that was armored up around the sides & 4 defensive wheels for protection. Course what was pulling the armor cart was actually a bull, or more likely, a mechanical one. This was a bull-like machine with black legs & body and neck line, gray gears inside its joints, orange plating on its hooves, knees, back legs, upper neck & on its helmet, had sharp silver horns, glowing light-blue eyes, and an energy core seen from its waist side from both sides. The way it's top body behind to the neck looked like one could ride it, there was even handle rods sticking out for one to ride it, and also on the top of its orange neck above was a red circle with the '15' white number logo. At the moment, some metal settings from the cart were attached to the mechanical bull as it pulled it's rider before stopping near the group...as they stared in surprise.
"Tough...what...what are you doing here?" Twilight spoke off surprise to see who should appear now.
"And what is that thing you're riding?" Spike asked from pointing at the weird machine that looked like a bull.
"'Dis here's de MechBull JU-16! Course Ah like 'ta call him Justin, or just Jus fer short." Tough Apple hopped off the mechanical beast to introduce him to the gang, even with a name too. "He was something a member fro' our family in Canterlot send over. Fella by 'de name o' Hoboken Joe stated 'dat 'dis here machine was made by Spell Nexus & them other mechanics fro' some leftover machine plans fro' Flim & Flam. Hobo Joe said it could be helpful in plowing our farm fields, but also issued 'ta have me bring it 'ta you all fer emergency issues." The tough Apple member explained how he's managed to come across this machine from an old friend of Twilight & Ben's past.
"Why's that?" Ben raised an eyebrow in what his old hobo friend back at the castle was doing in trying to do something like this.
"Cause of wha's happening 'ta our fields ain't growing food, & Ah heard yew all going 'ta 'de End of Equestria 'ta help fix things. So Ah thought o' giving ye'll transportation!" Tough Apple went ahead to explain the matter of learning what happened to his home and brought this MechBull along for aided needs for Twilight's travels.
"Mwoooooo," The MechBull let off a cry in trying to get some attention here.
"Okay, okay, Hobo Joe stated 'de idea." Tough Apple responded off in correcting himself in what the bull here wanted him to actually say.
"Cool! I always wanted to ride on a bull! But how'd Hobo Joe know?" Phobos responded in liking this little picture, but was puzzled about how Hobo Joe knew of their situation.
"Ye kiddin', word travels fast wit' pony gossip, so Ah reckon he pulled some strings 'ta send me 'dis here beauty wit' a carriage puller & wanna let yew folks save up yer strength fer 'de worst." Tough Apple responded off the question to make a stated claim that where the gang are going, they'll need to conserve much of their strength for the serious troubles ahead.
"Can we mommy? This'll really help us out!" Nyx hopped up all excited to have her mother agree to letting them travel by a cart pulled by a mechanical bull. Even Koga whines a bit, wanting a chance to ride as well.
"Well...I'm not sure, is he safe?" Twilight spoke in feeling uncertain at the moment of going with a machine.
"Shoot, fro' what Ah managed 'ta read dis here instruction, a MechBull can travel a good fast paste revealing three ta four carriage driver ponies fro' a number size of four 'ta six Earth Ponies or two 'ta four fast Pegasus Ponies Wing-Power speed." Tough Apple held out a piece of paper for Twilight to read and saw everything about what Justin the MechBull can do. "Plus fro' it's tough endurance could bash through rocks, stomp through rugged bumps on 'de road, an' even given command 'ta charge down somethin' bein' either an object or an opponent with it's sharp indestructible horns." The tough stallion issued off Justin's best qualities to getting the job done.
"Mwuuuaaghh," The MechBull made another roaring noise to get some attention here.
"Fine, fine, he's also a little more alive, like dat Rabbitchu thing, so he'll be almost more like a real bull." Tough Apple rolled his eyes in seeing that the bull here wants him to issue another fact about its designs. "But Ah tells ya, he's about as Bullheaded 'ta wanting some notification in what he wants & what not, don't know where he gets it fro'." The guy shrug off his shoulders in not understanding such weird trait marks.
"I think we can probably guess." Ben motioned this to the others which made Nyx & Twilight chuckle under their breath, the bull was acting almost as stubborn as Tough Apple would be.
"Well, that sounds like a helpful ride for us, so what do you say Twilight?" Spike responded in liking this plan, but wants to see how the princess here will coup with using this travel course.
"Well if we wanna get to where we're going, it may be faster to have me save up magic & not teleport us randomly until we find preciously what ingredients that we're looking for. So, we'll accept this gift Tough Apple." Twilight thought over about what they are going to be doing and decides that they'll give this plan a shot to help them out.
"Mwooo,” The MechBull lets off a loud calling noise, almost sounding happy but also wanted something else, much to anyone's guess.
"And you too Justin, hehe." Nyx patted the bull's nose which it blew some steam that tickled the filly, she figure that the thing wanted some recognition since he was gonna be their transport.
"Hot dog, thanks a bunch! So when are we goin'?" Tough Apple cheered for joy that the gang liked this and asked something shocking.
"We," Ben repeated; could Tough Apple actually wanna come with them?
"Course Ah'm coming, yew'll need a guard 'ta watch them flanks. Ah got me a pee-shooter, Ah've wrestled worst critters, even took on a Sand Worm when I was first gittin' use 'ta this place. Not 'ta mention, when we stop fer 'de night, Ah can bring me Old Joe & play us some country songs 'ta pass on near a campfire." Tough Apple issued off some facts about him coming along to act as an extra helper to the gang here, cause he's fought monsters before and will be equip to handle their own travel needs, mostly his own that is.
"You do realize, where we're going is no campout, a lot of other ponies are too much afraid to go near the End of Equestria." Twilight issued off if Tough was okay, she asked a few of her other friends and they are too fearful of going to such a place that's as dangerous as going into Tartarus.
"Cause they fear ain't nobody coming back, so dat's why Ah decided 'ta step up to 'de plate, Ah may not be 'de smartest, but Ah ain't stupid 'ta watch a pal o' 'de family go off on a risk filled adventure while Ah'm plenty tough 'ta help out." Tough Apple issued off in why some folks rather not go where anyone would lose their life is a fools choice, but he ain't gonna leave those going off alone.
"Do the others from your family know?" Phobos asked in feeling the guy might not have mentioned this to his own Apple Family.
"Eh, they might be trying 'ta talk 'ta Applejack about what happen wit' yer earlier chat. But never mind, get yerselves ready, put what ye need on 'de cart & we'll move out." Tough Apple avoided the question with a different answer before issuing that the group gets ready to move out.
Seeing no way to argue, Tough Apple helps bring Justin the MechBull towards Twilight's little group to start putting their stuff onto the cart. Many has chosen to pack a bit lightly with food supplies, map guides & a Book Twilight got from the library about creatures to be on the lookout for if ever to run into any in the place called: The End of Equestria. The book even tells about creatures that are even said to exist within Tartarus, that just makes the trip a whole lot more stressful, but...better to be prepared than be surprised, right? It's been almost an hour of packing & preparing, now Twilight, Ben, Nyx, Spike, & Phobos were getting up in their carriage cart while Jus the MechBull was shaking it's head like a horse, awaiting it's command.
Twilight gave the map to the location of the End of Equestria to Owlowiscious. She said with a smile, "This map should lead us to the End of Equestria. Lead the way, Owlowiscious!"
"Hoo!" Owowisicious said as he salutes his owner before taking flight. Everyone, even Koga, got into the MechBull and then drove off following the owl to what may be a very difficult terrifying quest yet.
During the moment Twilight's little band was heading out, from a cliff, the Equestrian Eliminator was watching from behind some trees by their shadows. He brings up a strange com-link device to begin speaking into it.
"Unit Number 13 reporting, the Apples' Farm Crops are ruined. Twilight Sparkle is going for some ingredients to fix it in the End of Equestria territory." The Equestrian Eliminator spoke in giving a report of the situation affecting Ponyville & of what the new princess is doing.
"Impossible! No pony would risk wanting to go into that area to face such dangerous obstacles. It's like going into Tartarus, only it's like its own backyard." A voice responded in disarray to the news, to think that Twilight would go to such a place was unthinkable.
"She is, & she's gathered up a party to help. The new princess is making a bold move." The Equestrian Eliminator reported that Twilight has done the unthinkable and has gathered friends to help her complete a mission to save Sweet Apple Acres.
"Then keep an eye on them!" The voice on the other line directly orders the unit to watch Twilight's group. "Don't let them out of your sight and report every detail of their actions. Our side & our clients went to a lot of work to ruin that field in cutting down their food supplies." The voice from the other end instructed the guy listening while explaining a fact, that the ones responsible to ruining the Apple's harvest field were involved.
"And had the Apples move to another field?" Equestrian Eliminator asked off a rhetorical sense of what happen had the Apple farmers just move to start over, what then?
"That's the point; it's to separate the Element Bearers to make them grow weak." The voice issued the fact about trying to make sure Applejack would be further from her Element of Harmony wielder friends so they would be at a weak point. "Remember, watch their movement. By Grimmore's Law, we must report everything they'll do & learn if they'll either come out victorious or fail." The voice instructed Unit Number 13 of what must be done by their Overlord King's law that they follow.
"Understood," Equestrian Eliminator responded with a nod in hearing that.
Right as the guy hung up the com-link directing him to those he keeps in contact, he looks out to the group on a quest. Seeing Twilight with Nyx & Spike, a sudden image of another unicorn colt is seen with Twilight, but younger. Why was that? But the image faded with this guy becoming focus on his assigned task.
"You're in over your head, Twilight Sparkle. Surviving the End of Equestria is no different than surviving Tartarus; I should know...I survive it." Equestrian Eliminator spoke under his breath about Twilight being out of her mind & league, for danger such as where she's heading, no one...with the exception of himself, has made it out alive. "But this may serve a test, to see if you can handle something like Tartarus or not. The choice is yours....and I'll be watching...every step of the way." As he silently issued this, he begins to fade within the shadows from his own magic.
Something strange will happen and Twilight's gang are about to walk right into it.