//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Escape From The Castle // Story: The Elements Of Harmony: The Equestrian Crisis // by JC Borch //------------------------------// “I was born more than a thousand years ago and I have ruled since that day as Equestria’s princess with my beloved sister, but for all these years I have never been the ruler of my own dreams. I have seen the gates of Oblivion, beyond which no waking eye may see. These are the closing days of the rule of the pegasus unicorns and the final hours of my life.” THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY: THE EQUESTRIAN CRISIS CHAPTER 1 - ESCAPE FROM THE CASTLE - “Ya all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked with concern. Twilight pried her eyes away from the window. “Hmm? Oh, yeah, I’m fine, just lost in my own thoughts,” Twilight answered and put on a smile. “I just can’t help but wonder what the Princess wants with us after all these years.” “She probably just wants to throw us a reunion party,” Spike said and relaxed in his chair. “It’s been three years, Twalight. Three years since we were all together last,” Applejack pointed out. Twilight nodded. “True, but why now of all times? I... I’m worrying too much,” she said and chuckled. “It’s good to see you all again!” She looked around at all her friends gathered together in this small compartment. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat next to her while Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were in front of her. Spike sat on a fold-down chair below the window. “I’m excited to hear, what have you all been up to these past years?” Twilight asked with enthusiasm. “Well, I –” Fluttershy started, but was quickly cut short. “I got into the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash burst out proudly. “Next time you see one of those air shows, be sure to look for me... what?” Twilight gave her a disapproving look before directing her attention towards Fluttershy. “What have you been up to?” “Oh, it really isn’t much,” Fluttershy said and began to blush. “Don’t say that. Ya got yerself a whole lil' sanctuary, dontcha?” Applejack said. “How wonderful!” Rarity said. “What does that mean?” “Well... I have expanded my cottage a little to accommodate more animals and I’ve got some volunteers as well. It’s not a veterinary clinic, not at all, it’s just... a place for all the poor sick little animals to stay and get better.” It was like Fluttershy was back home in Ponyville with all her animals. A serene look spread over face as she joyfully told her friends about everything. She suddenly stopped and blushed. “Goodness, I didn’t mean to take all the time. I hear you’ve made a name for yourself in Canterlot?” “Indeed! I’ve got my own boutique where I specialise in customised dresses,” Rarity said triumphantly. She quickly hung her head and continued more humbly. “I’m sorry for breaking us apart, girls, but fate only knocks once. I had to take the opportunity.” She tried to sound sincere in her excuse, but it might’ve come off a bit defensive. “Aw, don’t worry about it!” Pinkie said and threw an arm around Rarity. “I didn’t even know how many sad and frowning ponies were out there until I decided to tour Equestria. They really love my routines with Sweetie Belle in Fillydelphia.” “Thank you,” Rarity said and smiled back weakly. “And you’ve been taking good care of her as well?” “Sure! Comedy isn’t really her strength, but she has the best singing voice in Equestria. What about you Applejack, you never left Ponyville, right?” “Nah,” Applejack said, “too much work on the farm and all. Things were tough when Granny passed away, but then Apple Bloom got her cutie mark, so things are up and down as usual.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight said and patted her hoof. “Let me guess though. Her special talent has something to do with carpentry?” “You betcha,” Applejack said and chuckled. “She’s also taken over pie baking and jam making from granny. But what have ya been up ta all these years? We haven’t heard from ya at all! Ah bet ya’ve been doing all kinds of exciting experiments?” “As if,” Spike snorted and looked disinterested out of the window. “All we’ve been doing for the last couple of years has been gathering plants.” “Don’t listen to him. We’ve been doing very important work for Celestia, documenting plants and wildlife and mapping unknown locations.” “I’m sure that was all very interesting,” Rarity said, “but you haven’t forgot the most important thing, have you darling?” “Most important?” Twilight asked puzzled. “I’m talking of course about a coltfriend. Don’t tell me you’ve been spending all those years alone.” “Well, I’ve had Spike,” Twilight answered and blushed, trying to look away. Spike made a gagging motion. “I haven’t forgotten about my Spikey-Wikey either,” Rarity said and rubbed his head. “You haven’t found a cute little dragoness for yourself?” “No, I have not. If you want to talk about this girly nonsense, I think I’ll check out the dinner car.” Spike jumped down from his seat and left. Rarity looked at him leave, her brows furrowing in concern. “He’s still mad at me, isn’t he?” Rarity asked concerned. “Aw shucks, he’ll be all right,” Applejack said. “He was no worse than any of us and we forgave you quickly.” “Yeah, I’ve always said you should pursue your dreams!” Pinkie said and giggled. “Well, anyone have any luck with love then?” Rarity asked. The Canterlot station was announced all too soon. The girls eventually had to cease their talking and grabbed their saddle pouches. Spike joined them as they exited the train. His growth spurt became visible as he walked next to them. He was about the height of Twilight who had also grown an inch or two. The conversation steered towards the purpose for the Princess’s summoning as they crossed the train station. It was placed outside the tall white walls of Canterlot as a large chasm divided the two. An impressive stone arc bridged the gap but had no capacity for trains. The girls chatted happily until they reached the gates. A white pegasus guard in royal gilded armour accosted them. “You are the wielders of the Elements of Harmony?” he asked. The girls were surprised, but responded positively to his question. “Come with me.” He turned about; his commanding tone encouraging the girls to comply. They seemed at first to be walking towards the castle through the temples and gardens, but they passed. Eventually they came to the market district and finally towards a closed-off section of the city where none of them ever had had a reason to go to before. “Wait just a minute here,” Rainbow Dash said, flying above her friends. “Where are you taking us?” “The dungeons,” he replied uninvitingly. “The dungeons? Whatever for?” Rarity asked horrified. “I’m not going into a damp, cold, dark prison without a good reason.” Similar murmurs broke out among the others “Oh... please, Mr Officer, we haven’t done anything wrong,” Fluttershy said. “Her Majesty requested an audience with you down there. It is not up to me to question a personal order from one of the Princesses.” The ponies again fell silent and obediently followed. They came to a tower in the middle of the circular courtyard set away from the rest of the city. Instead of going up, however, they went down through a winding spiral staircase until they reached the prison. It was in a state of neglect with rusty bars and cobwebs in the corners. The girls got increasingly intimidated with each step they took, nervously observing such an ancient pony custom. Down and down and down they advanced until they reached a cell at the very bottom. “Wait here,” the guard and left them. The ponies milled around outside the small, roughly-hewn room in surprise and agitation. “Twilight, what are we doing here?” Rainbow Dash asked angrily. “I-I-I don’t know!” she stammered. “The Princess only told us to meet her in Canterlot.” Their growing dread was then interrupted by the Princess’s familiar voice as it echoed through the halls. “What about my faithful student and her friends, are they already here?” She rounded the corner and came into view, as regal-looking as always. She looked at Twilight with a mix of mourning and commanding. “Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student, and her friends, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, yes, even you, Spike. I’m sorry to have asked to come, but I’m glad that you did,” she said. “Princess, what’s going on?” Twilight asked desperately. “Yeah, why are we meeting you in this musty old dungeon?” Rainbow Dash added. “Assassins have killed Luna and I am next. My Blades are leading me out of the city along a secret escape route, which just so happens to start in this cell,” she explained calmly, though her voice wavered. “Please, Princess, we have no word from your sister. She might yet be alive,” one of the guards said. She was the only mare of the guards with a dark purple coat and a bright yellow mane mostly hidden by her helmet. Whoever these “Blades” were, they did not look like any of the other guards. There were three of them with Celestia; a zebra and two earth ponies. Their armour was of a grey metal and included hoof shoes, plate armour and helmet, all plain with no specific design in mind. A katana was sheathed by their side. “Don’t patronise me, Autumn Petal, I know my sister well enough to feel when she’s in danger,” she replied heatedly. The six ponies were talking loudly over each other, crying and talking in shocked voices. It was Spike who had enough sense to ask. “So, what are we doing now?” “We’re getting out of here,” the Princess simply said. “Princess, what’s going on? Is Luna really...” Twilight asked, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I apologise for bringing you into this. We will talk once the situation calms down. I still have things to consider.” “But —” Twilight said, but was interrupted when a soothing light erupted from the Princess’s horn. She felt her fears and doubt lessen. She wiped her eyes and nodded. “If you would step aside,” Autumn Petal said. “The tunnels under the city should be safe, but to be sure, stay behind us at all times.” Rarity looked about to protest at the prospect of more tunnels, but words failed her. She complied and along with the others allowed the guard to enter cell. They did as commanded and the female pony stepped inside. She traced the wall with her hoof while the other two Blades remained quiet. “I’ve never seen a zebra in an official position before,” Twilight whispered to Spike. “Well, we’ve been seeing more of them the last couple of years,” Spike said relaxed and put his arms behind his head. Autumn Petal finally found what she was looking for: a loose brick. With a single push, the wall slid aside and revealed a tunnel dug into the rock under the castle. She took the front while the earth pony and the zebra flanked Celestia, with the girls and Spike coming up from behind. The corridors were similar to the architecture of the city and torches burned brightly. Despite the negligence, the whole place seemed like it was still sprawling with life. The narrow corridor led out into a small room with a door on the right. Autumn Petal banged on the door, but it wouldn’t budge. She took a step back to assess the situation, and an unnatural silence fell. Their heartbeats echoed like drums, and even small pebbles falling to the ground could be heard. The Blades looked around the room nervously when they heard the unmistakable sound of hooves on stone. Up on raised platforms behind them and in front of them, four other ponies appeared. They were dressed in twisted, black armour and masks with red robes and hoods just visible underneath. They jumped the guards, ignoring completely the little dragon and the six defenceless ponies and gunned for the Princess herself. They held in their hoofs and mouths battle-axes of the same twisted, black design with which they hacked away. The Blades drew out their katanas and started a counterattack. Although they were three against four, the guards were better trained in swords while the attackers seemed like nothing but a motley crew of bandits. The battle was short and lasted only a few minutes, but both sides had drawn casualties. They had disposed of the strange ponies, whose armour and weapons evaporated and left them dressed in red robes and armed with small iron daggers. “Dammit, these tunnels were supposed to be safe,” the zebra Blade said and poked one of the assassins. Celestia went to the guard captain who lay immobile with a wound to her side. “Captain Autumn Petal,” she said sternly, but the zebra shook his head. “She’s dead. I’m sorry, Your Majesty.” Celestia took a moment of silence, sighed and then hardened her face again. “We still have a long way to go, Baurus. Can we get past the door?” she asked. The words barely escaped her mouth before they heard shuffling feet. It came from somewhere nearby, so the Blades prepared for another assault and bit down on their swords. It came nearer and was accompanied by a pounding on the wall; large thuds like somepony banging their hooves against the bricks. Finally, a section of the wall gave in and an ugly, grouchy creature emerged from the rubble. “Goblins,” Baurus murmured through clenched teeth. The goblin was no bigger than Spike; a light green, bipedal creature, intelligent enough to grunt and dress in leathery leg bracers, loin cloth and cap. It jumped up and down agitated and charged towards the group with a crude iron dagger in its gnarled hand. Rainbow Dash was quick to react and kicked the goblin back into the tunnel where it had come from. It did not get up again. “Nasty little creatures,” Baurus said and sheathed his sword again. “The sewers underneath the city are infested with them, but to find one here.” “Let’s carry on,” Celestia said and proceeded forward. Baurus and the other Blade divided themselves around her, the zebra in front and the earth pony behind. The new tunnel was too narrow to allow them passage side by side, so the six element wielders and Spike slowly filed in from behind. Making sure that the others didn’t notice her, Rarity stayed behind for just a moment longer. She quickly grabbed the katana off of the dead Autumn Petal and crammed it into her saddle. She did not hear the ripping sound her bag made as she caught up with the group. The tunnel emerged into a small cave carved out of the wall, lacking any of the refined architecture of the palace. The ceiling was low and Celestia had to bow her head to fit inside. The goblin had made a home out of it with crude furniture, living off of the many small rats scurrying around their hoofs. A door at the other end was nothing more than a couple of loose planks stitched together and fitted into the hole. The rest of the goblin-made caves were likewise crudely carved and impromptu decorated. Fluttershy coughed ever so slightly. “The air is so thick,” she complained. “And what is that stench?” “I don’t like this,” Baurus said and halted. “What the... ?” They had encountered several rats before, but now they were positively swarming. Almost if they were fleeing from something. “Princess, what...” Twilight asked, but Celestia shushed her in a friendly matter. She had closed her eyes and they could see her horn faintly glowing in the dark. The same warm feeling as last time spread out through them all and calmed them. They carried on through the roughly-hewn tunnels, swerving between walls and pillars. The rats scampered as quickly as they could in the opposite direction. The narrow caves once again emerged into a room and the source of their fright became obvious. There was another pony here and it seemed almost friendly in the darkness. But as it crossed the light of a torch, its intentions became clear and even the members of the Blades had to take a step back. It was a corpse animated by sinister magic, limping towards them. It was quite badly damaged and its skin had assumed a sickly green colour. Celestia generated a ball of fire on the tip of her horn. She released it, and the zombie gave a pitiful moan before collapsing. “We need to keep moving,” she said simply. “No telling what other things await us down here.” They did not encounter anymore corpses however and aside from a few rats, no more problems either. They eventually came to another crude door and the roughly carved caves gave way to natural caves with stalagmites and stalactites on floor and ceiling. Large torches were pounded into the ground and wound with oily rags and provided the only source of light. Goblins patrolled the halls and caves. They had set up several traps, but weren’t smart enough to avoid them. One of the goblins tripped over a wire and was promptly crushed by heavy logs tumbling down a small slope. As the small band ventured further inside, they came to the biggest room they had been in yet. A large indentation had been dug into the cave floor where the goblins sat around campfires. They caught sight of them and grabbed small iron swords and maces, but the Blades disposed of them quickly. A goblin dressed in robes approached with a long wooden cane in his hands. It sent several bolt of lightning at them, but Celestia effortlessly deflected them. The natural caverns ended in another door. The ponies sighed at the prospect of more caves but they emerged on a tall balcony. They were back under the palace. Fine white blocks of stone made up walls, floor and ceiling. They jumped down, where Celestia paused abruptly and sat down on the floor. “Your Majesty, we need to keep moving,” the earth pony Blade said, a big and strong colt with lavender coat, light olive green mane completely eaten by his helmet and royal purple eyes. Celestia simply shook her head, and the guard begrudgingly fell silent. “It’s all right, Silver Boulder, I just need to rest for a moment. Besides, I think we owe our guests some answers.” “About time,” Rainbow Dash said. “I apologise once again for bringing you into this, but you need to know what’s going on. I fear that I have only bad news.” The six ponies sat down in front of her with Spike leaning up against Twilight. She was also the first to ask what they were all thinking: “What could be worse?” “The elements of harmony have been stolen.” She was collected, unafraid of the things she spoke of. She was regal in her speech and no emotion save from a little concern eluded her. “What? How in tarnation could anyone do that?!” Applejack asked in consternation. “I do not know,” Celestia said and looked up at the ceiling. “Supernatural powers are at play and they already have too much of a head start.” “This... wouldn’t be the work of Discord, would it?” Applejack asked again. “No. As bad as Discord is, he is but a trickster who would rather see the world twisted to his demented scheme and fall into chaos. An ancient evil that I had hoped to seal away forever is rising. You must break this curse on your own.” “What do you mean, Princess? You talk like you won’t accompany us,” Pinkie stated worriedly and raised an eyebrow. “I’m afraid not,” Celestia replied and smiled. “Few ponies have the gift, or curse, to foresee their own deaths. I do. This is not my quest to undertake, but yours.” “Don’t say that,” Twilight said, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Twilight, I’m so sorry,” she replied and nuzzled Twilight’s head. “I have had my share of adventures and sorrow and love. I have lived for far longer than any pony should. I do not fear death any longer, but welcome it as an old friend. Are you ready to walk again, or were you any more curious?” The ponies exchanged nervous glances. Twilight simply looked up at her mentor, trying to hold back her tears. Celestia was serene as she got up again, but a shadow of grief passed flashed on her face for a moment. The group moved again through the escape tunnels. Eight more of the assassins appeared on ledges and jumped them, but they didn’t stand a chance against the Blades. They came to a smaller room with no seeming ways out. The zebra led them inside and paused by a large gate on the right. They could see the way ahead through the bars, but the gate would not budge. Baurus banged against it in frustration. “Damnation, this gate is not supposed to be here.” No sooner had he said it than another gate slammed down and covered the door they had come from. Four more assassins emerged from all sides and immediately charged. The two remaining Blades cut in front of Celestia and her entourage. “Your Majesty, it isn’t safe here. Go into the small chamber and wait for us there,” Baurus yelled. More assassins came to replace those lost. There seemed to be no end to end to them. A small side chamber that they had previously overlooked had not been barred off. The group hastily retreated inside and closed the door behind them. They were agitated, nervous and jumpy but Celestia simply sat down quietly. Her face became grave for just a moment as she spoke, to illustrate the importance of her words. “Twilight, I can go no further. You seven must stand against the Prince of Destruction and his mortal servants. He must not have the Amulet of Alicorns.” Her horn glowed and her necklace flew from her body, landing in Twilight’s saddle pouch. “Take it and give it to Brave Charger. He alone knows where to find my daughter. Find her and close shut the jaws of Oblivion.” “How can you be so calm?” Twilight asked, no longer able to restrain her tears any longer. “There’s nothing that I can do to change my fate. One way or the other my end is near, but it pleases my heart to know that I leave the future to you all.” “I don’t understand, Princess. You have a daughter? And what is so special about this amulet?” Twilight asked bewildered and wiped her face. “Brave Charger will be able to explain it all.” “Princess,” Twilight started, but the tears almost choked her. The others stood around her, tears trickling down their cheeks as well but they remained quiet. Spike stood taciturn by her side, doing his best not to cry as well. “Princess, I won’t ever forget you,” she said. “I hope you don’t, and remember my words. This burden is now yours. You all hold our future in your hooves,” she replied and hugged her favourite student. They didn’t see a panel slide open in the wall behind them. Another assassin clutching a dagger in its mouth crept out towards them. They did not notice it before Celestia slumped to the floor with blood pooling under her. The seven reeled in shock. The assassin took the dagger from the neck and reared on its hind legs with the blade in hoof. It trod slowly towards them, looking from one to the other. Then it saw the amulet in Twilight’s pouch and went for her throat, but fell just short and landed next to the Princess. Pinkie withdrew a sword from the failed assassin, her chest heaving with the effort and out of fright. “You don’t hurt my friends!” Pinkie said in a shrill tone. “Pinkie, where did you get that?” Dash asked and recoiled. “It stuck out of Rarity’s saddle pouch,” she replied flatly and dropped the blood-stained sword on the ground. The other ponies curiously looked at Rarity and did not see Pinkie looking at her bloody hoofs in horror. “It would be a shame to leave something that beautiful in a place like this,” Rarity replied defensively and stashed the sword again with a sniff. Rainbow Dash clasped her face. “How could you think of something so trivial in a situation like this?” “Girls, no arguing,” Applejack said. “At least let us show the Princess our last respect.” The two glared at each other but agreed with heads nodding. The girls bowed their heads in silent reverence and Spike saluted her. After a moment Baurus entered the room. He looked flustered and was covered in blood, but looked fine aside from a few scratches and nicks in his armour. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, Silver Boulder fell as well. It’ll just be —” but he didn’t manage to finish the sentence. He saw Celestia lying on the floor, still with a smile on her lips. “No. We’ve failed. All hope is lost,” he said and fell to his knees. “Not all hope,” Twilight said quietly. “The Princess gave us her amulet and told us to seek out Brave Charger; to find her daughter” “Her daughter?” Baurus said surprised. “This is the first I hear of this, yet... Her Majesty trusted you and so should I. Brave Charger is the grandmaster of the Blades and resides as a quiet monk in a monastery outside Trottingham. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to accompany you, but I need to stay behind and guard Her Majesty. I suppose you can go the way the assassin came, but you’ll need this.” Baurus reached inside his armour and fished out a small key. Twilight took it with her magic. “The Princess once saved my life. It pains me that I could not repay her the favour, but you will succeed where we failed. Find the Elements of Harmony and stop whoever’s behind this.” The girls nodded and were about to leave when he stopped them again. “And I’ll be taking this,” the zebra said and took the katana from Rarity. “Autumn Petal might be with Celestia again, but this will always remind us of her bravery.” Rarity looked ready to argue, but simply nodded her head. The panel sent them to a small corridor that circumvented the gate previously preventing them from proceeding. The key opened a door at the end to the sewers. They came out on a ledge high above the ground, but that was not a problem for the gang. The pegasuses flew, the earth ponies jumped and the unicorns teleported. Spike was fortunate enough to get a lift on Twilight’s back. They came into the sewers beneath Canterlot where the stone was crudely hewn and murky water ran. Their only problem now was rats and goblins. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Applejack did their best with hoof-to-hoof combat, while Rarity and Twilight pummelled them with spells. They wandered on small platforms next to the water and crossed small bridges for a long time. They passed small rooms where goblins had made their homes and they encountered closed gates that could only be opened by heavy valves. At last the sewer ended. They stood at the edge of a large pipe poking out of a mountain side. A small stream of water trickled out. They could see Canterlot somewhere far above them and a small system of platforms and ladders next to them. They all agreed it was good to be outside again, free of monsters and the smells. The group took a much needed pause and settled down. Twilight could no longer hold herself back and buried her head in her lap. Spike wrapped his arm around her and rested his head on her shoulder. The others either remained quiet or sobbed along with her. When the sun started to bleed the sky into a red crimson colour, Twilight once again looked up. She wiped her eyes and spoke. “Girls, what happened today... I think it best if we keep the finer details to ourselves.” The group nodded. “Furthermore, I think it would be best if we split up from here. Whoever was after the Princess’s life will be coming after us as well, to get the amulet or to kill us. We cannot allow them to take us all out at once.” “Ah agree,” Applejack said. “But Ah don’t think we should go alone. Two and two would be better.” “Most certainly,” Rarity said. “If you don’t mind, Rainbow Dash, can I come with you?” “You’ll be coming with me,” Twilight said resolutely and got up on her hooves. “I need your position in Canterlot to help me.” “But I...” Rarity began, but nodded apprehensively. “I also think one of you should take the amulet and deliver it to this Brave Charger,” Twilight said. “I will be the most logical choice to have it, so the assassins will be coming after me first. Please, don’t make me choose one of you.” The girls all looked at each other nervously, but it was Applejack who answered the call. “Ah’ll do it. Ah’ll take the amulet to Trottingham along with Pinkie.” “Okey dokey lokey!” Pinkie replied. “You don’t want to go with me?” Rainbow Dash asked hurt. “That’s not it, sugar cube, but you and Fluttershy need to go back to Ponyville. Make sure everything there is alright.” “We’ve got our plan then,” Twilight said. “I need to go to the academy and see if they won’t help me find the elements. Rarity will be taking the temperature on Canterlot, see if anyone knows anything.” “And I’ll go back to the Wonderbolts. I bet they know something as well!” Rainbow Dash said. “Then let us waste no more time,” Twilight said and closed her eyes for a moment. “Girls... it would sadden me greatly if I could no longer be with you. Be careful out there. Do what you have to, even if would seem pointless. Celestia guide is in our hour of need.” “Don’t worry, Twilight!” Pinkie said. “We’ll all meet back up in Canterlot once we’ve found the Elements.” Twilight covered them all in a levitation spell and guided them up the mountain side. She released her magical hold once they reached the station. The girls and even Spike hugged each other intently before heading off to their destinations. Twilight, Rarity and Spike crossed the bridge towards Canterlot and left their friends on the other side. The four others quickly turned their attention away from the city and on towards the trains. It was absurd to see everypony else carry on as usual. They were chatting and joking and singing. One could only wonder how they would react once they found out that Celestia was gone. “Well... we’ll see you later,” Rainbow Dash said and embraced Applejack. “For sure,” Applejack replied and gave a tired smile. Pinkie and Fluttershy remained quiet, but also hugged deeply. Fluttershy sniffed, trying hard not to cry. “Don’t worry, we’ll all be together again and we’ll never part, ever,” Pinkie said, which helped a little. Fluttershy wiped her face and nodded. “Take care of yaselves. Once ya get ta Ponyville, could ya tell mah brother and sister Ah’ll be a little late?” Applejack asked and hurried towards her train with Pinkie right behind her. “No problem,” Fluttershy said and smiled weakly. Dash and Fluttershy likewise went onboard their train. They found an empty compartment and collapsed on the seats. Dash opened an eye. Fluttershy was shivering slightly as she looked out into the darkening sky with a glazed expression. Dash scratched her neck and tried to look away, but she could feel what was on her friend’s mind. She got up from her seat and sat down next to her yellow friend. “You know, Fluttershy, it’s okay. You don’t have to keep it in.” “Oh, I’m fine, but thank you for your concern,” she replied and smiled weakly. “There’s no shame in tears. You won’t be able to sleep if you don’t.” Fluttershy really looked like she was on the verge of crying. She sniffed and small tears trickled down her chin. She hugged Rainbow Dash and cried with all of her heart into her friend’s shoulder, trying to drown the sorrows and sadness of what had happened today with the tears of cleansing. It was not because Rainbow Dash was any stronger in this, but she had to keep her cool for the both of them. She too couldn’t stifle the tears that pressed their way through, aided by the ones of her companion. She looked out into the darkening day, but all she could see were the troubles and despair in the distance. *** “Now then, I need to go to the school and talk to someone. Why don’t you see if Canterlot knows anything?” Twilight asked, but Rarity smiled nervously. “Oh but darling, don’t you think we’d better stick together for now?” she replied. “Don’t worry, Rarity, as long as you keep to the main streets and try not to stray too far from the guards, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Come on Spike.” Rarity raised a hoof in objection, but lowered it quickly again. She bit her lip and watched them leave. “You notice something odd about her?” Spike asked as they ventured past high-end stores. “Well, I guess she wasn’t wearing any clothes, but... we never do,” Twilight answered. “I’m not talking about how she looked, more like how she’s been acting.” “Oh Spike, she’s just guilt-ridden still. I don’t think I would turn down an offer to realise my dreams either.” “Perhaps you’re right,” Spike said, though not totally convinced. “Are you sure that you know the way?” “Of course I do, it’s only been... seven years? It’s just around here somewhere,” Twilight replied and peered around. “Aha. Because I’m pretty sure that those towers behind us belong to the school.” Twilight stopped and looked to where Spike was looking. Indeed, the school was not in the direction she had been going. She smiled sheepishly and blushed. “I guess it has been a while, huh?” Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns was a big place dedicated to the magical education of unicorns that displayed extraordinary magical capabilities, ones such as Twilight Sparkle. The grounds were crowded with unicorns as always like the rest of Canterlot, but there were also many earth ponies and pegasuses. She noticed this curiosity, but shook her head and crossed the front park towards the tower before her. She entered with apprehension. The feeling of magic from hundreds of unicorns living and a thousand others dead imprinted into the walls always made her coat prickle. She looked around for a fellow unicorn, but found only an earth pony on one a bench. He had a coat in a lighter shade of purple than Twilight’s, with hair the colour of ripe corn flowing down his neck and grey eyes like periwinkle. “Miss Sparkle!” he hollered and waved at her. “Who are you?” she asked in a bewildered tone. “You’ve been gone from the school for a long time, Miss Sparkle; things around here have changed. The name is Brawny Spirit.” He wore a simple blue robe along with a most sincere, serious expression on his face. “Listen, we don’t have time for this! The Princess is... she was...” “We know.” Brawny nodded mournfully. “You’re not the only one that she confided in.” “Then you must also know about the Elements?” Twilight asked and managed to calm down a little. “Yes. The school is doing everything in its powers to retrieve them, but I fear that we have woefully few clues pertaining to their location.” “Well... I better get back to my studies then,” Twilight said. “I’m sure the library here might provide a few clues on the attackers.” “Actually, I hoped that we might have a talk. Come, sit.” The light purple earth pony clopped at the bench he was sitting on. Twilight hesitated for a moment before taking him up on his offer. Spike took a seat next to her. “You mind telling me who are you then? And what you’re doing here?” Twilight asked. “It’s very simple, Miss Sparkle. All ponies are born with magic, even earth ponies and pegasuses. The school has long neglected this study, an error that the princess hoped to correct in her later years. She founded The Royal Equestrian Academy for the Study of Magic, or the Academy of Magic for short, of which the School for Gifted Unicorns is now a part of.” “That sounds like her,” Twilight said and gave a feeble smile. “I know it must be hard for you to accept, Miss Sparkle. You had a closer relationship with her than most, but you will always have a place here. If you have any problems, you can always come talk with me.” “T-thank you,” she replied and raised an eyebrow. “You have been a student here for a long time, Miss Sparkle, but have you ever thought of working for us?” “What? You mean like teaching?” she said, incredulous at the sudden proposal. “Hah! I have no doubt in my mind that you would make a great teacher, but I fear that your talents would be sorely wasted.” “Then...?” “The Academy has opened several smaller institutions all over Equestria,” he began and looked at a group of chatting unicorns passing through the lobby. “However, I hear nothing but complaints from them. It would seem there are more problems to this off-branching that we could anticipate, and I’m stuck here with my duties. How would you like to visit all the major cities of this fine country and take care of a few tasks for me?” He turned his head towards Twilight, and she could hardly turn a request like this. “I don’t know, sir. I would much rather help with finding the Elements.” “There is nothing to do at the moment, but perhaps when you return.” “But...” “Just do it,” Spike said. “Ought to be more exciting than spending two years drawing plants.” “Very well. I accept,” Twilight said. “But I insist on bringing some research materiel with me.” “Very well. You should take this,” Brawny said and muzzled around his robe from which he withdrew a scroll sealed with red wax. “This is a list of where to find the institutions and who to talk to. I have great hope in you, Miss Sparkle. I have graver things to worry about than a few growing pains and when you return, I might even have you help me with more serious matters” Twilight took the scroll with her magic, almost as if to spite him, and placed it in her saddle pouch. She jumped down from the bench and Spike went beside her, out into the sunlight and into new adventures with new problems. This day had really taken one strange turn after the other. *** Two earth ponies sat in a train compartment headed for Trottingham, brooding, looking out of the windows. One of them was Applejack who was looking down and Pinkie Pie who looked fuming. “Ya alright?” Applejack asked. “No, I’m just so.... so mad! I can’t believe someone would do something like this,” Pinkie said and pounded the seat. “I know how ya feel, sugar cube, but we still got a long way ahead of us. We should relax if we can.” “I just hope the assassins won’t come after us. Not that I hope they would target Twilight or anypony else, but we need to deliver that amulet and get a hoof on the situation.” She looked up fearfully at Applejack. “If they do go after Twilight, will she be able to handle herself?” “Ah’m certain she’ll be fine,” Applejack said and tried to sound reassuring. Another pause followed that the two ponies spent in silence, nervous perhaps that their voices would attract unwanted attention. Applejack tapped the floor and looked around the cabin. “So... ya still got your alligator? Gummy?” she asked. Pinkie nodded her head fervently “I had him put down!” Pinkie said excitedly. “You did what now?” Applejack asked shocked. “To Fluttershy’s, of course! Gummy wouldn’t enjoy a big city like Canterlot much, so I thought it best to leave him back in Ponyville.” “Oh... hehe, good thinking,” Applejack said and smiled. She found it easy to talk with Pinkie again after all these years apart and evening slowly became night. They were able to forget all their troubles at least for a few hours before sleep overtook them. Their dreams were not that of carefree play anymore, but worry about the future. The future of all Equestria.