//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Down in the Underground // Story: Road to the End // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 6: Down in the Underground Twilight and her family have managed to escape from the death by Hydra before resting a bit. Once the gang recovers a bit, they continued to travel to reach Heavy Drop. Hopefully, the heroes can make it without any more trouble. Spike heard his tummy growling, chuckling sheepishly as he said, "Boy. I'm really hungry." Phobos nods as he remarks, "Me too." "Don't forget about me." Tough groaned a bit. The food supplies in Justin are about to run out soon. Bocolix and Dumbledore both whine and complain like mad, "We're dying! Need more food!" "Easy to say than done," Twilight sighs a bit. They almost used up whatever food that the gang has for this journey so far. At this rate, Twilight and her group may not make it back to Ponyville. Ben nods, saying, "First thing, guys, we need to find some fresh foods. That would be very difficult for us to find." "Yeah, no kidding; It would be easy if the food come to us." Nyx groans a bit, feeling hungry. Suddenly Nyx's wish came true in an unsuspecting way. Koga then smelled something familiar and good, followed by Owlowiscious. They both make noises. Everyone turned to the pets. Spike puzzled ask, "What's with them?" Phobos then smelled the food. He licks his mouth as he imagines something. The Moon Dragon says eagerly, "I know one thing: food!" Spike, Tough, Bocolix and Dumbledore all gasps at the same time, "Really; Where?" "In the middle of the End of Equestria, that is unacceptable and crazy!" Twilight protests to Phobos in shock and disbelief. How can there be food right here? "Still, it might lead us to them." Ben said, pointing out to Twilight. "Besides, Twiley, we can't go on with empty stomachs." Twilight's stomach growls a bit. Well, her love is right. She needs food and fast. Nyx smiles as she motions to the pets and Moon Dragon, saying, "Lead the way, Koga, Owlowiscious and Phobos." The three pets head off while Twilight and her family followed them from behind. They continued to passed through the forest. The gang then arrived at a campsite where plates have been set up on a table while the food is on the middle of a campfire, along with soup in a cauldron. They were amazed, shocked and surprised to see food in this area. Spike, Phobos, Tough, Bocolix and Dumbledore all yells out the same thing excitedly, "FOOD!" The five are about to pounce when Twilight use her magic to stop them. The alicorn princess exclaims, "Wait, guys! We can't simply take them." "Why not," The Dragons protest with pouty looks on their faces. They're hungry! "These belong to somepony. It could be pony number three." Ben said thoughtfully. If this food is lay out, someone else must be here as well. "Question is who and what he looks like." Nyx said thoughtfully. Maybe if she and the others are nice, they can convince the one who lives at this campsite to share his or her own food. "The pony whose is waiting for you all to come and have lunch since the day we meet at Lake of Eternal," A familiar voice spoke up. Everyone gasped, ranged from being startled, scared and fear. They turned and saw Tao who is carrying a basket of vegetables. The old pony smiled. "Hello." Everyone except Bocolix and Dumbledore exclaims, "Tao!" Bocolix and Dumbledore instead calls out, "Old Earth Pony freak!" They looked at each other for knowing him. Everyone asks at the same time, "You know him?!" Tao chuckles a bit as he speaks, "Twilight and her family, I'm glad to meet you here. I did not expect to meet the goofy thieves." "Thieves," Spike ask in realization, glaring at the goofy ponies. "I knew it! They can never be trusted!" Phobos growls at the goofy alicorns who yelp in alarm from his look. "What did Bocolix and Dumbledore stole from?" Nyx ask Tao puzzled, wondering what is it that Bocolix and Dumbledore stole from, even if those two don't seem to realize it. "They stole my food." Tao explains to the group calmly. "We did?" Bocolix and Dumbledore ask in confusion. Tao glared at the stooges as if saying 'please play along'. "I mean, yes, we did before meeting you guys." "We were so hungry. We didn't mean to hurt him a lot." Bocolix said, playing along with the story of sorts. "So, we had no choice but to steal his food. But he beat us to down. That is one tough pony. We promise him that we won't steal from him again!" Dumbledore admits sheepishly to his new 'friends'. "And why should I listen to you two?!" Phobos growls in suspicion to Bocolix and Dumbledore. "Yeah, that is not very nice of you do to Tao!" Spike scolds the two nitwits a bit. "It's okay because I see some goodness in you two, Bocolix and Dumbledore." Tao suddenly spoke up, much to the surprise of the others. "Seriously," Everyone else ask in surprise and disbelief. These two guys got goodness in them? "Come, my friends. All of you look so hungry and thirsty. I have set everything up just for you." "Yew know; Yer're weird fer an old pony 'ta know everything." Tough Apple spoke to Tao with a slight chuckle. "You mean you predict our arrival and our hunger just before our arrival? That's amazing." Twilight said with a thoughtful look on her face. "I thought only Pinkie is good at this." "A good explorer like me always be prepare to make a meal for good or bad guests, as long they have manners and respects." Tao explains to Twilight's group with a smile on her face, saying that as long as the guest has manners and respects, he is always welcomed to serve them regardless of background. "Thanks, Tao." Ben said with a smile. "For an Earth Pony, you did amazing and magical things." Nyx remarks with a smile. Bocolix and Dumbledore gulp, recalling the Earth pony's threat from earlier. Bocolix mumbles to his colleague, "As long he doesn't use bad magic on us." Dumbledore nods as he said, "Yeah; that is freaky." They heard a loud rumbling noise. Most of everyone all turned to Spike who smiled embarrassingly. He said, "Boy, going through the 'End of Equestria' sure makes me very hungry." Phobos laughs a bit, "No kidding." Tao smiled as he motions to the food, insisting, "Come, I've set every foods here, not to mention my favorite food: mum-bean sandwich." "What's mum-bean?" Spike asks a bit puzzled by the 'mum-bean sandwich'. Phobos shrugged as he remarks, "Who cares?! I'm starving!" Twilight and her friends had good lunch with Tao. They also explain what happened from going to the Hydra and battling it. Tao pretends to be shocked and almost dropping his meal. Although he has seen the battle, the old pony kept up his act. "Huh; you mean you entered Hydra's lair to get across Heavy Drop?! You fought it! Then, you create catastrophe by cutting too many heads! And you got yourselves slammed by boulders to kill Hydra?!" Tao ask repeatedly, feeling like losing his cool at any given moment. Everyone responded, "Yes?" Tao scream, "Aieeeyaaah!" Everyone looked worried of what Tao is screaming about. Ben ask Tao, "What's wrong?" Tao hit on Ben's head and others' with his hoof, causing them all to yelp in pain. "What is wrong?! You gave old pony heart attack! Do you want to give me that?!" Tao scolds the ponies. Everyone shook their head. "Then, don't do that! It appears that you had gone the wrong way." "Wrong way; But the map says go to left and says a short-cut to Heavy Drops." Nyx protests to Tao in worry. "It said that? But did it give you warning?" Tao ask the group in bewilderment. Everyone shook their heads. "Let me see this map of yours." Twilight gave Tao the map. Tao took his map out as he compared both carefully and slowly. The old pony frowns as he snaps, "Aieyah. Your map is wrong." "What do you mean?" Twilight ask Tao puzzled and in concern. "Take a closer look at mine and yours." Twilight and her friends look closely at both of his and their map. They gasped in shock upon seeing the differences. "So the right road is actually the safest even though it's the longest." Twilight said in shock and disbelief. "The left road we took for the short-cut to Heavy Drop, we have to get across the Hydra's lair?! We'd really go the wrong way." "So somepony or somebody did rewrote and redrew our map." Spike said with a frown on his face. "But the question is who?" Phobos asks while scratching his head puzzled. Bocolix and Dumbledore shrugged. "And why?" Ben asks in concern. Someone obviously led the group into a trap in a mad attempt to destroy them but who it could be? Tao answers the question, "An enemy of yours refuse to let you live, for you had defeated and humiliated them. And there is more, what you had stolen from them; they shall bring death upon you by means of necessary." Nyx gulped, "Demon Lords?" "Ah guess 'dat Hydra is one o' their pets. It looks like we really made them very angry." Tough groaned a bit; Great; First Mehtios, then the Swarm, now the Hydra. How many pets do the Demon Lords has? "Not only that. You had made me very angry." Tao snaps to the ponies and Dragons angrily, though he is pretending to. "You had wasted time in fighting it. It should be easy for you. You might have spare time to get the ingredients." "Easy?! We've been running our live from giant many headed snakes that is going to eat us!" Phobos protests to Tao in annoyance. The group has to fight a lot of heads of a monster trying to eat them! "Phobos's right. We would have been eaten alive, if not for Twilight and Ben's attacking on mountain edge." Spike said in agreement, while recalling how Twilight and Ben were able to destroy the Hydra. "Aieeeyaaah," Tao yelped, slapping his forehead in disbelief. "That is still foolish! You should have killed it in quick swift." Bocolix and Dumbledore both yells out in confusion, "HOW?!" "We keep cutting its heads off and the next, out popped three heads!" Bocolix protests to Tao in stupidity. Dumbledore nods as he adds, "We'll be dead if we do that!" "When there's a hard way, there's always an easy way: destroy it with its weakness." Tao explains to the group, getting their attention. There is another way of destroying the Hydra?! "It has a weakness?" Tough ask Tao in surprise. "Yes, of course the serpent beast has its weakness. Cut his head off, used fire and burned on its neck. So, it can cease its regenerating more heads out." "Fire," Everyone else shouts out in disbelief. Why didn't they found that out before? The heroes would've been spared the madness all that time! "Yes. How do you think Hydras went extinct? In ancient times, the Princess Celestia's champions had managed to defeat the serpent beasts due to its one empty head accidentally touching the fire." Tao explains to Twilight's group while rolling his eyes. "Thus, the extinction of beasts had fallen. Everypony should know of that!" Ben chuckled, "Funny story. Not everypony knows that because we kinda didn't notice of that or any books that has the information." "Well, that explained why Hydras are the rarest beasts in Equestria. They all hate fire." Twilight said in amazement. At least there aren't much of those creatures around here anymore, right? Tao sighed, "Aieyah. Ponies these days are always not prepared for the upcoming and unexpected events." "Well, I'm glad that we have overcome the Hydra. I just hope that they don't get Nyx and Ben." Nyx speaks in her mind, getting scared while doing so 'Could a Demon Lord be the one trying to get me surrender when mommy and daddy are trapped by the Hydra? Maybe I should have surrendered to save my family.' Phobos notices a scared look on Nyx's face. He asks in worry, "Nyx, what's wrong?" Nyx smiled uneasily, saying while trying to cover up her emotion, "Nothing." Tao however suspects something's wrong otherwise. He spoke seriously, "There is something disturbing you Beauty of Night's Hope. Is it because of the voice, the dark voice, telling you to do something painful, suffering and feared of losing something important?" Everyone became worried about Nyx. The filly sighs, perhaps now is not the time to cover it up. Nyx nods as she answers, "Yes. When mommy and daddy got trapped by the Hydra, the voice, but not the one who helped us to banishing the Demon Lords, asked me to surrender to save them. I thought that is a Demon Lord. I didn't want to become Nightmare Moon, so I denied it. Because of that, I nearly had lost my family. Maybe I should have surrender to them, so that my family will be safe from any more suffering." Twilight gently spoke to her daughter, "Nyx, it's not your fault. It's our decision to fight the Hydra." Ben agrees as he adds, "Besides, if you surrender to whoever it was, wouldn't that make us more upset and suffering?" Well, even Nyx has to admit, the ones she loves and cares for would suffer more had the filly surrendered. "C'mon, Nyx; don't blame yourself." Spike insists as he pats Nyx on the back. "That dark voice is trying to trick you to surrender before he could let the Hydra finish us up." Phobos remarks, "Yeah, Nyx. You're making a bad decision if that happens." Nyx sobbed, "I don't know what to do. I don't want my family to be suffering. Somehow, I wish that I was never born on that very day." The others look sad and worried upon hearing that comment. "Do not speak grimly, child. There is hope, Nyx. A warrior who fought for love and care of her family, must never give in to darkness." Tao explains. Nyx was shocked as he continues, "You may not realize it, but your light was created and given by your family. A family who raised you as a part of it, should never want you to lose your freedom and light for the pure darkness of rage you once were, given up all you had, and became something different. Should you ever think that way, loss will be upon you, and the effort of those who care for you will become in vain." "What 'de heck is 'dat supposed 'ta mean?" Tough ask Tao confused, not sure what the old pony is talking about. Spike and Phobos insists, "In English, please." Twilight nuzzles Nyx, explain, "It means that Nyx should never give in to the darkness because she had her freewill to be herself, not others who wanted her to be. And also we, as her family, raised her to have both freedom and life, not slavery. That's what I want for her." Ben nuzzles Nyx, saying gently, "Your mommy's right, Nyx. I know it's hard for you to see us falling and meeting our doom. But we don't you to give up your freedom for us. You must not give in to the darkness. That is our important gift, Nyx. You mustn't give that up. Fight for what is right, no matter how dangerous it can be." Nyx sniffs a bit, asking hopefully, "You mean it?" Ben and Twilight smiles as they say at once, "Yes, Nyx. It's what we want for you to do." Nyx sniffs, got rid the rest of her tears with one hoof. "I'm sorry for being doubtful." Ben, Twilight and Nyx hug together; Tough sob and cries, and even Dumbledore and Bocolix. Spike and Phobos sighed of happiness and reliefs. Tao smiled as he said, "I'm glad you learn your lesson, child. But remember this, Nyx, whatever challenges await you, never give in to darkness; For you must be the one to make decisions, with or without your parents' guidance. It is time to awaken your light from deep within your heart." "What do you mean about that?" Nyx ask Tao puzzled. Phobos groans, "I have no idea. Besides, I hate riddles." "I think he means that Nyx have to be the one to make decisions without us." Ben explains to the others. He and Twilight won't always be around to help Nyx in making her decisions. She must do so on her own. "Me? Alone?" Nyx squeaks a bit in fright and worry. "It may be difficult to be alone. Remember of what I had said to your family. For your father: Never let doubts clouded your mind, let your mind and heart be ones to guide you to seek and fight for your rights. For your mother: Let no obstacles and darkness halt you, and let your light and benevolent guide you home." Tao said, explaining the advice that he gave to Ben and Twilight before. "But for you is utmost important, never give in to darkness, let your pure light guide and fight for what are your rights and loves. There will be no turning back." "I guess I'll try." "I know you will." Twilight said with a smile to her adopted daughter. "And remember, our heart will be there for you." Ben said to Nyx with a smile on his face. "Hey, where did the old pony go," Dumbledore yelps all of the sudden. Everyone looked around and saw that Tao is not with them again. "What just happened? He was here for an hour ago, and the next he's gone." Bocolix said in confusion. Phobos groaned, "Here we go again." "This guy is getting on my nerve, now." Spike remarks in annoyance. Can't this guy even stay in one place for too long without disappearing on the gang? "C'mon, guys." Nyx assures the others with a smile. "Don't be like that, I'm sure that-" Suddenly a voice spoke up, interrupting Nyx, "Seek the disturbance of misunderstanding, be friendly to extinction." "What?" "Seek the disturbance of misunderstanding, be friendly to extinction." "Okay, that is weird." Nyx said puzzled. Twilight and Ben both ask Nyx, "What is it?" "I'm starting to hear the same voice, the friendly one." "What is it this time?" Twilight ask Nyx hopefully. Every time that friendly voice is heard, it always give out useful advice to them all. "He said 'Seek the disturbance of misunderstanding, be friendly to extinction.'" Nyx explains to her parents. What could the voice meant this time? "Disturbance of misunderstanding?" "Friendly to extinction; Oh boy, that's a difficult riddle to solve." Ben said in concern. That riddle must be tough to crack...but it must have something to do with Heavy Drop. So far, the first two riddles reply to fighting Hsi Wu as well as Somanmbula! "Whatever it is, we have to be very careful and aware of something that is related to the riddle." Twilight said in concern. The riddle has something to do with Heavy Drop in some way. "Ah'd really wish an' want 'ta know why he's keeping disappearing like a spirit." Tough growled a bit. That Tao keep disappearing so much, it's not funny anymore! "Not to mention who is 'dat voice we keep hearing?" "Come on, Tough. Tao can be a strange pony, but he's right on one thing. We're running out of time." The group didn't waste time. They eat as best as they themselves could. Once the heroes are done eating, they took what's left for later and head off. Tao saw Twilight and her Friends heads off to Heavy Drop. "Have you come to see me?" Tao spoke suddenly. He didn't turn around while speaking to the Equestrian Eliminator, who was hiding and watching the whole time since before the incident with the former cannibals. The Equestrian Eliminator glares at Tao, asking, "You knew I was there, didn't you?" "Do you still wish to seek answer from me? Or did your master order you to kill me?" "Neither. But what I want to know is who are you and why are you helping them." Tao smiles as he simply say, "I am their Mystic Guardian. I guide those who seeks peace and justice to the freedom of ponies. What about you? What is your true role?" "My job is to observe them, that's all. That is none of your concern, hermit!" The Equestrian Eliminator snaps to Tao in annoyance. "Starlight; you must leave Grimmore and help your sister. I will tell you you’re true origin; for if you do not, death will be upon you; for you brought more suffering to her, should she see you die." "I told you before, hermit. My name is the Equestrian Eliminator, not Starlight. Twilight is not my sister." "I would not force you if you denied your true self. But should you see how much Twilight loved her family, it shall awaken your true self." Tao explains to the Equestrian Eliminator. "For you will and must accept it." "If it did not," The Equestrian Eliminator ask sTao suspiciously. "Then, learn and observe of your true family, Starlight. Farewell. I must keep an eye on them." Tao disappeared in the puff of smoke. The Equestrian Eliminator frowns, saying, " That hermit seems to know everything about me. If that is true, why can't I remember all of my past and Twilight, but her brother's name? It's so familiar to me, yet I still cannot remember. What and why did you do to me, Grimmore?! I don't know what are you up to, but clearly, you're keeping secrets from me. But I'll find the truth somehow and someday. But for now, I shall watch Twilight go." --------------- Pinkamena was sitting on her flank, thinking. Then she spoke up to her brother, "It seems like the gang are having help by others and a long lost brother of Twilight." Golden Heart, surprised, spoke up, "That can't be, Starlight was dead." "But the body was not found but for now we just have to wait, ok?" "Ok." --------------------- It didn't take the group long to find a cave in a middle of a mountain. The gang got off of Justin and looks at it. "Looks like your run of the mill cave to me." Spike said in concern. "Yes, but appearances can be deceiving." Twilight reminds Spike as the group, minus Justin and Rabbitchu, came into the place. "Now if the list is right, hopefully, the Golden Night of the End's Center should be at the bottom of Heavy Drop somewhere about 50 feet." "50 feet," Tough yelped a bit. "Dang, 'dat's like in 'de center o' our planet!" "Still, we just need to go down a lot of levels and hopefully dodge the creatures in here." Ben said while looking around. "And we need to keep an eye out. So far, the Demon Lords are trying to keep hitting us wherever we go to so far." "Right, knowing them, those guys may try to get us here as well." Twilight said in agreement. The group knew that they need to be careful so they trot/step carefully through the cave. There appears to be a pit heading down. Using magic, hooves and wings, the group came down closely. "This reminds me of the Diamond Dogs' caves...minus the diamonds and those smelly mutts." Spike chuckles a bit, noting how Heavy Drop looks similar to the caves own by the Diamond Dogs. "At least we won't be dealing with them." Phobos remarked. "These caves were said to once be mined for a golden whetstone, which can sharpen any material in the world and makes golden dust." Twilight explains. She notices Bocolix and Dumbledore lagging behind. "Guys, you don't have to lag behind." "Right; come on, right alongside us." Nyx said to the two Alicorns happily, unaware that she is being helpful to the minions of one of her enemies. Bocolix and Dumbledore look surprised and a bit touched. In the past, these ponies and such wouldn't give them the time of the day (or any kindness at all). Now, they acted like friends. The two Alicorns flew up to catch up with them. As the group heads on, Bocolix whispers to Dumbledore, "They're treating us nicer than the boss ever did...and it doesn't look like Twilight under a spell," Indeed, it looks like Twilight isn't under a love spell that forced her to be with Ben. "Yeah...try scanning her." Dumbledore suggests to Bocolix. The latter nods as he uses a scanning spell on Twilight without her and anyone noticing. Bocolix looks confused as he saw something...something right. "What the; I’m getting no traces of a love spell...." Bocolix said to Dumbledore in bewilderment. Could it be that Twilight wasn't under a love spell at all; Could Boris been wrong and Twilight truly love Ben?! "Maybe Twilight truly loves Ben." Dumbledore said thoughtfully. Perhaps he should let Boris knows about this once this is over. Suddenly, screeching noises are heard as bats flew down at the group. Tough screamed out, "Whoa, nelly; Bats!" Koga growls and jumps at a bat that flew too close. Owlowiscious flew around, causing the bats to hit each other and into the map. Ben calls out, "Guys, defend yourselves. These bats mean a bit of trouble!" The group defend themselves as best as they can, hitting and knocking them unconscious. Of course, there appears to be too many to fight. Twilight and Ben, combining their magic, pull off a magical feat of magic sparkles that impresses the bats enough to, put it mildly, make a VERY good distraction. Twilight comment, "One of these days, I'll have to remember to thank Trixie for teaching me the value of showponyship under the right circumstances." "Let's hope these bats agree with ya!" Phobos exclaims as the group quickly make their escape down a shaft going further into the caves of Heavy Drop. The group rush down the shafts and through the bats, fighting more bats as well as slug like creatures in the way. They arrive at a part with water that has pirahna fishes jumping in and out of the water. "Cave fishes, 'de worst!" Tough groaned a bit. He notices how wide the gap is between where they are and to the other side of the water. "How are we 'ta git by 'dis?" "Hey, Nyx, wanna play a game of leapfrog?" Ben asks Nyx with a grin. "Yeah; let's do it, Daddy!" Nyx exclaimed eagerly. "Watch and learn!" Ben exclaims. He flew up and hit a piranha fish hard, sending it back into the water. The Earth pony hops off each fish that jumps out, getting to the other side. "Okay! You guys try it!" "Whee!" Nyx cheered as she jumped across to the other side while hopping off each jumping piranha fish, flapping her wings as she does so. "Spike, Phobos, Koga, get on my back!" Twilight orders as Spike, Phobos and Koga got on her back. The mare uses her magic to lift Tough. As Owlowiscious follows, Twilight jumps up and hops on the piranha fishes each, "Yahoo! It's like pogo jumping!" "Yeehaw! Hey, Bocolix, Dumbledore, join us!" Tough call out to the two Alicorns eagerly. "Well, come on, time waits for no pony!" Bocolix exclaims as he jumps from one fish to the fish to get to the other side. "The others back home would never believe this!" Dumbledore laughs as he jumps from fish to fish to join the others on the other side as well. That was fun! ---------- In Ponyville, Princess Celestia and Luna came to check on the process of Ponyville. They saw all the ponies doing their best not to fall to their hunger. Despite their efforts, they feel very hungry. They all looked upset and disappointed. The two Princesses sigh of it, Ponyville won't hold out for long. Suddenly, they heard whistles and turned to see a light blue pony with a short spiky black maned and tail, and his Cutie Mark is a red dragon's head symbol in a red circle. They both gasped of it. The two Princesses looked around to make sure that no one is seeing them. Princess Celestia and Luna approach the light blue pony. Three of them went to the back of Ponyville's houses to avoid having their privacy invaded. Once it's safe to talk, Celestia spoke to the newcomer, "Dragon Kick, what are you doing here?" The pony known as Dragon Kick speaks, "My uncle, Tao, asked me to check on Ponyville's status. So, how's everything here?" Luna sighs, explaining, "Despite the effort of citizens of Ponyville doing their best to withstand their hunger till night time, I fear that some may not hold it longer. They cannot resist the food for too long." "I'm truly glad to have all members of the Apple Family from across the land come and assist Applejack and Ponyville with some of their supplies." Celestia said with a nod. "But I fear that might not be enough to suffice for them." Dragon Kick sigh, "This is very bad." "How is Twilight and her family? Did they make their progress well?" Luna asks hopefully, wanting to know the progress of Twilight and her family's progress. Dragon Kick nod, "Yes. According to my uncle, Twilight and her family had managed to obtain four ingredients." "Thank goodness. Thank you, Dragon Kick. But I was wondering. I always had faith that Twilight Sparkle and her family can overcome the problem and tests. Will the Mystic Council be convinced to help us in the future?" Celestia ask Dragon Kick in concern. Dragon Kick sighs, "I don't know." "We know your uncle had always helped us, but we fear, alone, he may not be able to overcome the obstacles." Luna said, fearing that even Tao may not be able to overcome the obstacles. "We need everypony to overcome our enemies if what your uncle and them said is true." "I don't know. The Mystic Council is very strict. Only they decide the fates and decisions." Dragon Kick explains to the Royal Sisters, knowing that it won't be easy to get help from the Mystic Council. "It takes time. So you have to wait. I'm sorry." "Very well; tell them that if they choose to keep hiding, there will be no hope for not only Equestria, but the Mystic Realm." Celestia said seriously. Unless the Mystic Councils set aside their rules for once, there won't be a future for all of Equestria. "Your uncle and all of us know that the enemy may try to obtain the powers of Mystic. We cannot let that happen." "I understand. I'll try to convince them to help you." Dragon Kick said with a nod. "So, what else are you doing here?" Luna asks, wondering about Dragon Kick's other reason for being here. "Waiting for my friend," Dragon Kick mumbles as he checks his watch. Where is his friend anyway? ---------- In Sugarcube Corner, there is a big and fat yellow Pegasus with a black mane and tail in a samurai ponytail and long black tail. His Cutie Mark is heart shaped with one blue book in Japanese words. "If you're looking for vegetables, I'm really sorry. We don't sell those. Mr....." Mr. Cake said, wanting the name of the newcomer. Mighty Heart spoke gently, "Mighty Heart. Do not worry. I came here for cookies." "How many of them do you need?" Mr. Cake asks Mighty Heart curiously. At least for once the Cakes can sell their usual desserts without fear of complaining from the ponies. "50 boxes of cookies, please," Mighty spoke, almost causing the couple to faint to the floor upon hearing that. "Seriously," The Cakes gasps in surprise. No one has ever ordered that many boxes of cookies before! That must cost a fortune! "It's my habit. Sorry. But I'm going to be very busy in studying. It's too much, isn't it?" Mighty ask the Cakes sheepishly. Cup Cake spoke in astonishment, "We don't mind giving cookies to somepony. But 50 boxes; Oh my, never met somepony that could eat like that." Carrot Cake manages to get 50 boxes to the counter, smiling as he spoke, "Here you go, Mr. Mighty Heart." "Thank you. I hope you don't mind five Golden Eggs," Mighty said as he took out what the pony plans on paying for the boxes. "Golden Eggs," The Cakes gasps in surprise. Mighty gave five Golden Eggs to the Cakes. They were surprised and shocked. Carrot used the golden egg and hit on the counter. It does not break. "Oh my," Carrot Cake gasps in amazement. "That's the rarest thing that I've ever seen!" "I think that will be enough for the payment, Mr. Mighty. Thank you." Cup Cake said to Mighty in delight. Mighty smiles as he says, "Thanks. I must leave. I'm going to be late for studies." Mighty run as fast as he can and away from any ponies. Pinkie Pie appeared in front of him. The pink pony grins happily as she spoke, "Hi! Haven't seen you around before! What's your name? What you've got! What do you need these for?!" Mighty nervously answers, "Uh..... My name is Mighty Heart. I had 50 boxes of cookies for eating during studies." "Really, you must have work very hard of it." Pinkie said in awe. "Why, thank you, Pinkie," Mighty spoke up, much to Pinkie's surprise; how did this newcomer pony know her name?! "Huh! Are you psychic?!" Pinkie asks Mighty, kinda like how her human self respond to Twilight when she wonders how the mare (as a human) knew whom she was! "Nope," Mighty answers. Pinkie giggles eagerly, "You must be!" Mighty chuckles, "I guessed it!" "Then, you really are psychic! How about a party," Pinkie asks eagerly as she bounces up and down, "To welcome a new guest to Ponyville!" "What?! I can't!" Mighty yelps in alarm as he has no time for parties. Pinkie stops bouncing, giving a pouty face as she asks, "Why not?" "I need to get back home to study!" Mighty explains to Pinkie, much to her disappointment. The pink pony wanted so much to make a party for this new stallion! "Please! Please! Please! Please! Stay here for fun!" Pinkie insists, bouncing around Mighty, making him more nervous. "Well, I could, but I- You-!" Mighty gasps as if he saw something and points. "Look; A running cake!" Pinkie chose this time to turn, asking eagerly, "Where?!" Mighty quickly escape before he gets more unwanted attention. Mighty ran as fast as he can. When he enters the alley, he knocked into some ponies. Rainbow, in annoyance, snaps, "Hey, watch it, pal!" "Oh yes! We seriously don't have time to argue. We need to go and help Applejack." Rarity said in concern, not wanting to argue with any ponies, newcomers or not. "Please be careful next time, mister." Fluttershy advise the big pony calmly and gently. Applejack chose this time to show up with Flash, saying, "There yew are, girls; Mighty sorry fer 'dat, sir. Mah friends an' Ah are in a tight schedule in handling 'dis situation." Flash notices the boxes of cookies that Mighty is holding, making him ask, "Why are you having lots of cookies?" Mighty smiles, bowing as he apologize, "I'm very sorry, Ms. Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy; I understand, too, Ms. Applejack. That's because I'm very hungry, Flash Sentry. Do your best to gather all the foods. I'm sure Twilight and her family makes it back from The End of Equestria; Gotta run!" Mighty quickly escape. Rainbow looks shocked as she exclaims, "Wait a sec! Did he just-?" "Call our names? Tell us to help Applejack to gather the foods? You're right. How does he know that?" Rarity ask in bewilderment. Fluttershy shrugged, saying, "We just met." "That is weird." Flash said with a frown. How did this new pony knew his and the other mares' names? Weird! "How did he know 'dat?" Applejack ask suspiciously. Pinkie suddenly pops up, saying happily, "Small hint: he's psychic." "Is she always so random?" Flash yelps, a bit surprised by Pinkie showing up just now. "No offense. Ben told me that he finds her...... weird." Rainbow rolls her eyes, explaining, "Pinkie Pie is always so random." "This is no time to chit chat." Rarity said sternly. She's right; the ponies got work to do! "Right, we'd better make sure 'dat all folks try not to let hunger beat them, as well as finding some food left." Applejack said in agreement. "It's been three days. There's still no sign o' Twilight an' her folks comin' back." "We must have faith. We're not gonna give up. She's counting on us to be strong." Fluttershy said gently. Twilight would want her and her friends to do their best to keep Ponyville going. "There is no time to lose, girls. Good luck. I'll be returning to my post." Flash said as he prepares to get back to work. "If you need anything, I'll come and help." As Flash flew off, Pinkie grins to her friends, saying, "Let's roll, Mane Six." Mighty keeps running as fast as he can and away until he knocks into somepony. Dragon Kick, annoyed, snaps, "Mighty Heart! Where have you been?! I hope you didn't buy too much cookies. You remember the last time we came to Equestria? They nearly figure us out because of one Golden Egg." Mighty said quickly, "We'd better get out of here now; we attract too much attention. Not to mention, I give Golden Eggs to them. I don't even have Equestrian Bits to pay." "You give them what?! Uncle Tao is going to kill us." Dragon Kick groans as he slaps himself on the forehead. Typical, that Mighty! "No time! Teleport us out," Mighty insists nervously, wanting to get out of here before anypony else sees them. "No sign of anypony; Right. It's time." Dragon Kick said as he prepares a spell that teleports him and Mighty away from the area. ------------ Golden Heart and Pinkamena were in a room with Gold Wing as Pinkamena's senses go off. She says, "Seems Somnambula is now nothing more than bone and three more Demons are gone but now the gang will be dealing with a harder task and meet some old friends the Grundles. But there might be a fight at first but they will become friends in the end." Golden Heart in amazement, spoke, "You know, little sister, you seem to know a lot more than you lead on." "Trust me, Goldie; I took my time to study everything as much as I can and to be ready." Pinkamena explains to Golden Heart proudly. "Well, okay, little sister." Golden Heart said, hoping that his sister is right. -------------- The group made it through the caves of Heavy Drop, stopping as they land on some rocks. "Whoa, terrible," Dumbledore remarked as Koga barks in agreement. "Right, all those bats and fishes; after all that, what could go wrong now?" Bocolix mumbles a bit. Suddenly the rocks underneath the group gave way, making them yelp as they fall downward. Tough yell angrily, "YEW HAD 'TA SAY IT!!!" The group continues falling though some of them use their magic and flying abilities to slow down theirs’ and everyone else's falls. They soon landed in a cave. Upon arrival, the group saw something odd: some weird monster like creatures are in the middle of something, cheering and having fun. Ben blinks a bit as he asks, "What kind of mad place did we end up in now?" "Out of the way, strangers," A voice demanded. The group saw a gray, weird-looking monster-like creature wearing a green hat, a golden necklace and a red vest. "As King of the Grundles, I cannot allow ya to mess with the Great Games." "Great Games," Phobos asked in confusion and disbelief. "Grundles; I thought you were extinct." Nyx said in bewilderment. "Move out of the way!" The Grundles’ ruler snaps in annoyance. "You're in the way of the roll!" "Eh?" Tough turns and couldn't get out of the way as a couple of Grundles who were in the middle of rolling rammed into him, Bocolix and Dumbledore. As the three ponies yelp in alarm, the rolling Grundles got knocked back, "Gah!" "Ooooh," The Grundles' ruler growl as he jump to the floor. "I, King Hugo, disqualify you for unsportsmanlike conduct and outside inference; Nah nah!" "Hey, it was an accident!" Bocolix and Dumbledore protest to King Hugo in annoyance. "Look, Kingy, we got better things to do than argue with a troll-like guy who fell off the face of the planet!" Phobos snaps. "Out of the way, we got work to do!" "Right, we got a job to do and we ain't leaving until we get it done." Twilight remarks in agreement. "Oooooh, so you're the ones who came to eliminate the rest of us!" King Hugo snaps to the newcomers angrily. "The goblin told us of intruders who wishes to finish off what happened years ago! Well, you aren't going to kill us all without a fight!" "What?" Twilight yelps a bit. "Now hang on..." "I've heard enough!" King Hugo snaps sternly. With that, King Hugo made himself into a ball and rolls at the group who dodges him. As he unrolls, Twilight jumps up and hits King Hugo on the head. "Gah; Why you," King Hugo growls as he rolls around the area, even the ceiling, causing the good guys to move to avoid him. King Hugo then jumps into the background, taking out a horn and blows into it, causing spikes to fall from the ceiling, going right at the group. Twilight's group split into different directions before the spikes could hit them as Nyx asked out loud, "Since when can Grundles roll like the Terra-Firmians from DuckTales?" "It's been centuries. Maybe they evolved." Phobos commented. Once the spikes are gone, King Hugo jumps back into the battle and resumes rolling. Spike jumps up and hits the Grundle on the head again, making him yelps in pain. "No fair!" King Hugo yells as he rolls around like once more. "Come on, big boy!" Ben Mare taunted with a determined look on his face before he jumped over King Hugo again. King Hugo jumps into the background and blows his horn to summon more spikes. The gang dodges it once more. King Hugo growls as he jumps back into the battle once more, only to get hit by a magic blast by Bocolix. "Ha! Dumber than a bag of marbles," Bocolix laughs in amusement. "Bag of rocks," Dumbledore corrects his colleague as Twilight hits King Hugo on the head once more. King Hugo yells as he rolls around like mad, going even faster, making it difficult for the heroes to dodge him. The Grundles' ruler jumps back into the background and blows into his horn. "Grundles, roll!" King Hugo orders. The newcomers saw rolling Grundles coming at them. "Whoa! Rolling Grundles coming at us," Spike yelps in alarm. "Look out!" Twilight shouted as she and her group dodged most of them. "Oww," Nyx cried the instant she got hit by a rolling Grundle. Ben flew and grabs his daughter out of the assault. Once the Grundles rolled by, King Hugo resumed the battle. "Careful! You almost kill my daughter!" Ben exclaims to King Hugo angrily. "You should've thought of that before trying to force us into extinction, intruders!" King Hugo remarks to the intruders madly. "Listen..." Nyx begins to say but yelps as King Hugo rolls at her again. "I don't think he's listening!" "We will have 'ta beat him hard again!" Tough exclaims as he hits King Hugo on the head, making him yelp in pain. "Maybe put some sense into him!" "If that's the way he wants it, so be it!" Twilight shouted in determination before she had a spellbook float to her. "Uh-oh; Looks like mommy's gonna use her fighting methods from the cancelled MLP Fighting is Magic game!" Nyx said in surprise. King Hugo jumps into the background again and uses his horn, yelling, "Get 'em, boys and girls!" The Grundles roll right at Twilight who is waiting for them. Bocolix yelps, "Better move. I think she's going to do something!" "Watch it!" Ben shouted as he and the others jumped out of the way. Twilight's horn glows as she performs the blast, sending the rolling Grundles away and right into the walls. King Hugo yelps as he felt the impact. "Whoa!" King Hugo yelps as he jumps to avoid a spike that almost ended up hitting him. Twilight flew up and hits him on the head, making him yelps in pain. "Stop, stop! I cease under your assault, strange ones! Do whatever you wish to me; just leave the rest of the Grundles alone!" "Besides the fact that we have to beat some sense into you, we got no desire to harm you or your people." Twilight points out to King Hugo with an annoyed sigh. "Eh? The goblin said..." King Hugo said in bewilderment. "Perhaps we got off with no introductions. My name is Twilight Sparkle, the newest princess of Equestria, student and niece-in-law to Princesses Celestia and Luna..." Twilight begins to explain. King Hugo gasps as he interrupts, "Princesses Celestia and Luna?! You mean ponies with both horns and wings?!" "Why, yes! You know them?" Twilight asked in surprise. She had no idea that King Hugo would know about the princesses of the sun and the moon! "Yes! Grundles are friends of princess ponies from centuries ago, long before the monster known as Discord has took our home of Dream Castle, forcing us to go underground." King Hugo explains to the newcomers with a chuckle. "Well, Celestia happens to my mother and Luna is my aunt." Ben explains to King Hugo, much to his surprise. "And she's my grandma!" Nyx chirps happily. "Ah! I see. Well, I apologize for the misunderstanding. We Grundles have almost fallen to extinction after what happened centuries ago." King Hugo apologizes to Twilight and her friends. "Goblin told us that intruders will come and finish the job." "Well, the goblin is a liar! He was a minion of the Demon Lords who probably wanted us weakened to pick us off!" Spike explains to King Hugo with a frown. "Oh geez, I feel like a fool. Once again, I apologize for the misunderstanding." King Hugo apologizes to the newcomers sheepishly and guilt-ridden. "It's okay, we forgive you." Nyx said with a smile, glad that King Hugo realized the truth about the goblin and Twilight's group. "Now that we have reconciled, what is it that you wish from us?" King Hugo asked. "Okay, we're looking for the Golden Nugget of the End's Center." Ben explains. "It's supposed to be gold, big and down here." "Why do you need nugget?" King Hugo asks the newcomers puzzled. Twilight and her friends explained their journey to get ingredients to help restore the growth that is keeping Applejack's crops from growing, "Oh my! So you came here looking to save a friend's farm, correct?" "Yes, that's correct." Twilight said to King Hugo with a nod. "We Grundles know how you feel! Centuries ago, the Smooze took our home of Grundleland..." King Hugo said with a sigh. "Oh, Grundleland," The rest of the Grundles sobs for the loss of their home, much to King Hugo's annoyance. "I thought we got over that by now." King Hugo mumbles to himself then he continues speaking to the others. "Then during the time of conflict, the monster known as Discord has used his powers to turn Dream Castle upside down, inside down, forcing us Grundles to abandon our second home and causing us all to go underground!" "Well, if it helps, Discord has reformed now." Nyx explains to King Hugo with a giggle. "Discord reformed? That's impossible!" King Hugo exclaimed in shock. "Yeah, but it happened...and as newest princess of Equestria, I thought I might offer you and your Grundle kind to rekindle your friendship with the ponies." Twilight explains to the Grundles gently. "You... you really mean it?" King Hugo asked in hope. The Grundles had never interacted with the ponies for a very, very long time. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Twilight said as she did the Pinkie Promise. "I know the princesses will welcome you back to Equestria." "Then for Princesses Celestia and Luna, I am proud to announce that we shall help you on your quest!" King Hugo proclaimed before he gave Twilight's group a gold nugget, "Starting with giving you this!" "The Golden Nugget of the End's Center," Spike laughs as Twilight took the nugget from the Grundles' king. "Looks like the real thing too!" "Thank you so much, King Hugo." Twilight said, bowing to King Hugo. "Listen, we need a way out of here to get back to the top. How do we do that?" "Take that tunnel." King Hugo explains as he points to a tunnel nearby. "It should take you and your Ponies friends right back to the surface." "Great! Now we can continue our quest!" Ben exclaimed with a smile. "Before you all can go, Nyx, I also apologize for hurting you in that battle we had." King Hugo apologized. "Apology accepted, Your Majesty." Nyx said as she bowed to King Hugo. "Wow, with friends like these, who needs enemies?" Bocolix ask in confusion. "Uh, wait. I think you got that wrong." Dumbledore said in concern. "I think that explains what the voice meant by 'Disturbance of misunderstanding' and 'be friendly to extinction'." Ben said thoughtfully. "We have to fight in order to clear up the misunderstanding and be friends to those who are close to extinction." "So it means we'll be seein' more ancient creatures, huh?" Tough asked. "Probably; let's get going." Twilight said as the group wave goodbye to the Grundles, the gang are heading back to the surface. ------------------------------- In another plain of existence stood the Mystic Realm, the place where Mystic Ponies lives in a world of peace, paradise and harmony, much like Equestria, except there were no darkness or war like the End of Equestria. In the Chinese Apartment-like (Imagine Uncle's Antique Shop from Jackie Chan Adventure), Jade explained about her adventure and Tao's order to both Dragon Kick and Mighty Heart. Dragon Kick shakes his head as he exclaims, "Jade! How many do I have to tell you?! End of Equestria is very dangerous place for non full-fledged Mystic Ponies! I told you to stay here. Not to mention, I told you not to use your Battle Forms." Jade groans angrily as she transform into her filly form. The filly protest, "Yeah, yeah. I get it. But I want to help. Mighty Heart is still studying and making with Protection spell for Applejack's farm while you keep on spying of Ponyville's results. Besides, I want to help too. I want to see what kind of Mystic Pony I become; the magical and sorcery Mystic Acolytes. No, the skillful and powerful Mystic Warriors. These two are better than boring Mystic Civilize." "There is nothing wrong with being Civilized when it comes to learning of ancients and species. But, you may have a point about helping granduncle Tao. It still doesn't mean you can do what you want, because you are not fully a Mystic Pony. "If I don't, I would never evolve like Tao had said." "I know you want to help. But it is too dangerous." Mighty explains seriously to Jade. "What if the Demon Lords or the Apocalypse Ponies had found you and believed that Tao-sensei has been helping Twilight and her family out of the end of the world? It is not wise to do that." "We can't keep on hiding and let Equestria meets its end. If what Tao, the other Mystic Acolytes and the Mystic Council said is true, we're about to face the worst enemy in Equestria, no, the Universe!" Jade explains to Mighty in concern, "The Superior and Grimmore! Our lives and homes will be vaporized! You've gotta convince them, Dragon Kick, or else hope is lost!" Dragon Kick sigh, "Don't be such dramatic, Jade; All we can do is wait and watch. Besides, I too want to help those ponies. But I'm not part of the Mystic Council. So there is nothing we can do but wait for Tao." "Dragon Kick's right, Jade; All we can is wait for Tao's return. He is the only pony who has been given permission by Mystic Council to help, guide and even reveal ours and their identities to the ponies because we must be prepare for the upcoming war with our greatest enemy." Mighty said, much to Jade's frustration. Why can't these two see what's got to be done here?! Jade nevertheless sighs, "I guess you're right, M." "Now I require your assistance on working on the protection spell. We do not know if the enemies may try to do same tricks again after or if Twilight's journey is a success." Jade sighs, "Fine. Still, I think we shouldn't hide. We should help." "Yes, we will, Jade. When the time is right, we, the Mystic Ponies, will help." Dragon Kick said to Jade in determination. "But the Mystic Council decides the decision. What I had hoped for is my uncle. He had to tell both Ben and Twilight the truth, or else the enemy will use it against them, weaken them and kill them for good." "That's what I told him. But he keeps insisting to keep it a secret; so unfair!" ----------------------- "My tactic failed?!" Tchang Zu gasps in shock as the goblin inform him about the tactic failing. "How is it possible?! How did those ponies and mere Grundles figure out my trickery tactic?!" "I don't know! Honest! Somehow, they figure your plan out! I did not tell them!" The goblin insists to Tchang Zu in worry. "What could this mean?" Hsi Wu gasps in shock and disbelief. Po Kong frowns as she comments, "I don't like the looks of this." "Dai Gui suspects a pony's helping them!" Dai Gui grunts a bit in anger. Somepony must be helping Twilight and her friends out somehow. "Question is who?" Xiao Fung ask in suspicion. It can't be those new Alicorns. They don't look smart enough to help Twilight out so far. "There is one possible solution. I doubt Twilight Sparkle and her family had not mastered the Ancient Banishment Spell, though I heard the familiar voice, a voice I have not been heard since our banishment." Bai Tza said thoughtfully. The group couldn't have mastered the Ancient Banishment Spell so somepony else did, someone that Bai Tza hasn't heard of in a long time. "Yes, you are right, sister dear. There is one or group who could mastered that ancient power." Shendu remarks with a snarl, "Mystic Ponies! One of them is helping Twilight and her family to achieve this mission! We must find out whom!" "Agreed; But first, to find an answer, we need a pony who had made contact with Mystic Ponies." Tso Lan said with a nod. "Who shall meet them ahead?" "I shall be the one. I will meet them at Alcoh's Drunken Caverns." Tchang Zu remarks in determination. His plot to weaken them through deceit may have fail but maybe a battle with the group will make up for it. "That battle will test the will of their minds and physicals! The one who stands the alcoholic will be my opponent." "Very well, brother Tchang." "If he can use his head for once of a while and remember the importance of mission, or else his excitement personality taken over him." Shendu mumbles a bit, insulting his brother Demon under his breath. Tchang Zu growl at Shendu, "Mock at me one more time, Shendu, and you shall feel the wrath of Tchang Zu, the Master of Thunder, not even you’re mere 12 Talismans can help you." "Of course not, I will never mock at you. Do as you please." "Fine by me; the ponies shall feel the wrath of mine; Goblin, to the Drunken Cavern!"