//------------------------------// // Chapter 20 // Story: A Lesson In Love // by Gmoney24 //------------------------------// *Author’s Notes*: So this chapter is extremely overdue as well but life has just been really complicated with school lately. But now that Grad school is situated I have time to type these chapters. It’s good to be back. For those of you still here or anyone new welcome and enjoy! Chapter 20: Fluttershy had woken up earlier than Twilight and had for a moment forgotten the previous night’s events. But her brief moment of amnesia was abruptly ended when she walked down the hall and saw Princess Luna’s Bedroom door open. There lying in her bed was Princess Luna stitches and scabs covering her deep wounds. She could see Nurse Joy writing on her clipboard and right at Luna’s side was Dr. G. He looked clean like he’d showered and at the moment was peacefully sleeping his head resting on Luna’s hoof which he held tightly to his chest close to his heart. It was such a serene scene that Fluttershy couldn't help but stare in awe. “Beautiful, is it not?” said a regal voice behind her. Fluttershy leaped and quickly stifled her yelp of surprise as Princess Celestia appeared behind her. “Oh I’m sorry Princess.” Fluttershy whispered. “It’s ok my little pony. True love is beautiful to behold.” Celestia said with a soft smile. Suddenly Dr. G’s face looked sad and then angry. He began to yell in his sleep. “Give her back! You Bastard! What did you do to her?” His eyes opened and he sat up panting. “Whew just a dream!” he said relieved. “Are you Ok Dr. G.?” Fluttershy asked concerned. “Yeah just fine had the worst nightmare though” he began then looked down at Luna and said “Oh It really happened didn't it?” Fluttershy and Celestia entered the room and nodded sympathetically. Tears pooled in the corners of the Alicorn’s eyes as he spoke in a raspy whisper. “I’m so sorry Luna. I really am I promise you I will fix this if it is the last thing I do.” He said kissing Lunas’ hoof. “You look like you could use a minute or two. Fluttershy and I will see you for Breakfast in a bit.” Princess Celestia said as she and Fluttershy exited Luna’s Bedroom. Fluttershy followed Princess Celestia quietly until a thought occurred to her. “Princess Celestia?” “Yes, My little Pony?” Celestia answered stopping. Fluttershy shifted uncomfortably looking at the Sun Princess with a grimace on her face. “Last Night you said that we will be tested. Do you mean as a whole or individually?” Fluttershy asked quietly. The Matriarch looked at Fluttershy intently and then spoke. “Everything, Every aspect of you seven will be tested. Your friendship, Your Elements, the love you share with each other will be put to the ultimate test.” Princess Celestia explained. “What if I don’t pass? What about if we lose everything we have?” Fluttershy asked her voice quivering in fear. At that moment a purple blur flew at Fluttershy and a blue wing draped around her shoulder. The blur and wing seemed to embrace Fluttershy. “You will never lose me no matter what happens my darling!” Twilight exclaimed. “And you have my support as well as that of your five best friends. We will succeed I can assure you of that.” Dr. G said smiling. “Well I think you have your answer Fluttershy.” Celestia said a regal smile on her lips as she continued walking. Fluttershy followed still not entirely convinced. Soon all six elements, Dr. G.,and Silverwing were seated in the dining room. All their plates had just been served when yet another interruption occurred. This one was by a Lunar Guard. He was in full midnight blue armor and bowed deeply. He spoke in a hushed tone and rather quickly. Celestia listened whispered back and he left saluting her. Before any pony could ask what had just happened Princess Celestia cleared her throat. “It seems we have some company for breakfast.” As she spoke more Lunar Guards entered esorting a rather timid looking Pegasus. She was tan with deep brown lines in her coat. Her mane continued the same pattern and was cut short. She also had black spots in her coat and mane giving her the appearance of an ocelot. Every pony stared. “This is Dr. Stable’s best intern, Dr. Brushfield. She has generously agreed to help Silverwing and Nurse Joy care for my sister while you are hunting down Mephistopheles.” Celestia said warmly. Dr. Brushfield shifted uncomfortably under all the stares. She managed a quiet but audible “Hello.” And sat down at table. Silverwing by sheer coincidence was closest to the new mare. Silver leaned over and spoke quietly to her. “Don’t be so nervous we could use some pony who is knowledgeable to help us.” Dr. Brush field was about to respond when Celestia spoke again. “I’d like to offer a toast to these brave seven who will embark today on the most important mission of their lives. Remember the key to defeating Mephistopheles is a happy heart.” Celestia said raising a goblet of orange juice. There was clinking of glasses and breakfast stated at last. Soon it was time for Flutttershy, Twilight, Dr. G, and the other Elements of Harmony to begin their journey. The said their goodbyes to Silver, Dr. Brushfield, and were soon off with Celesta’s blessing and the wind at their backs. “Good Luck My Little Ponies.” Celestia said as they left. Once out of the castle Fluttershy turned to Twilight who was holding the “clue” from Mephistopheles. “So where exactly does that lead us?” she asked. “Hmm it reads: “The Journey to Tartarus will surely be your doom! You will first have to travel to where Dark creatures loom. From there it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump. But beware for in that Palace an ancient evil still lives.” Twilight finished. “Impressive I didn’t know you could read Runes Twilight!” Dr. G. said slightly surprised. Fluttershy looked from Dr. G to Twilight clearly confused. “Runes? She asked uncertain. “Runes are a very ancient language used in ancient magic. Actually it’s said to be the origin of magic as we know it.” Twilight explained. “Yes, but very few ponies can read runes. I mean I can but it was because most of the advanced magic used in healing is written in Runes.” Dr. G explained giving Twilight a questioning look. “Well, I study a lot of magic and taught myself Runes from my books.” Twilight said answering the look from the doctor. “Ah yes. Right your cutie mark is in magic I should have guessed.” Dr. G said relenting a little. “Well so now that we are done being boring… Does anyone know what this clue means in English?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Well I figured the dark creatures loom part is…” Twilight began. “Not the E-E-E-Everfreeeee For-forest.” Fluttershy stuttered nervously. “I’m afraid so.” Twilight answered. “But, it’s a hop, skip, and jump from the forest. So that means it’s.” she paused. “It’s right in the very center of the forest.” Pinkie explained matter-of-factually. “How do you—?” Dr. G. began. Only to be interrupted by Twilight. “Trust her Pinkie tends to be right in strange ways.” Twilight assured the Doctor. And, so the group took a train to Ponyville. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Dr. G. were a bit edgy. But the ride proved uneventful much to Fluttershy’s relief. They arrived in Ponyville to find that not a single thing had changed. Bon-Bon was watering flowers, Lyra sat on bench in that weird way, and Colgate was on the way to her clinic. It was as if no pony knew about what had occurred the previous night. Businesses were open and every pony greeted them happily. “Ah reckon we are tah ones who know what happened to Luna.” Applejack whispered. “Makes sense no need to alarm any pony.” Rarity reasoned nervously. They quickly navigated to the edge of the forest. “This place still gives me the creeps.” Rarity said shivering as they entered the forest. Despite it being noon inside the forest it looked like late evening. Fluttershy was scared beyond all measure the slightest noise making her jump. Twilight held her hoof for support and walked with Fluttershy. Still Fluttershy was uneasy. At one point she thought she saw the shadow of another pony following them. But it vanished before she could mention it to any pony else. “Now where exactly are we going Dr. G?” Twilight asked. “Well if my reasoning serves me well there used to be a castle in the heart of this forest.” Dr. G said thoughtfully. “Y-Y-You mean the castle where we fought N-N-N-Niiiightmare Moon? Fluttershy stammered. “Erm well, Yes, seems the logical place where an ancient evil would hide.” Dr. G answered. “EEEEK!” Fluttershy screamed as a branch brushed on her leg. “Ahm Sure we’ll be fine Sugarcube.” Applejack offered reassuringly. They continued on their long trek pausing for a moment in a small clearing. Fluttershy saw a pair of eyes staring intently at them and screamed. “L-L-LOOK!” She pointed in the direction of the eyes. “Umm Fluttershy I don’t see anything quit being such a sacraedy pony!” Rainbow Dash said annoyed. The rest of the group agreed that no eyes were present and they continued without incident. “I swear I saw eyes!” Fluttershy thought muttering to herself. Almost as if he heard her Dr. G looked back nodded thoughtfully but didn’t say a word. Soon after they reached the large clearing where the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters stood leering at them menacingly with it’s rotting doors and overgrown foliage. “Well we are here.” Dr. G said sating the obvious. “Now what do we do?” Twilight asked. “I guess the clue must be inside where the evil still lurks whatever that means...” Dr. G answered gulping at the structure. “Yipppeee! Let’s Do this!” Pinkie said racing in through the doors. “Pinkie wait!” Fluttershy yelled! “And perhaps we should go after her so she doesn’t hurt herself.” Dr. G pointed out dully. As they entered there was the sound of a statue falling and the form of a pony passed by. “Pinkie!” Rarity called out. “Um I’m right here Silly Filly!” Pinkie said looking at Rarity and also in the direction of the shadow. “But then who or what was that? Dr. G asked pointing in the direction the shadow had gone. “Maybe a ghost!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically teasing. “A Gho-Ghost?” Flutter shy asked. “Not likely but still let’s try to not find out. All we need is the clue and to get out.” Dr. G said moving forward. “Every pony stay together!” Twilight warned. No sooner had she said that warning that the ground beneath the seven ponies gave way. They tumbled down a steep shaft and smashed into a midnight Blue room with Sapphires and Diamonds. They were a tangled mess of horns, wings, and legs and needed to untangle themselves. Several grunts, a few, OW!s and a bruise or two later the group was untangled no worse for wear. “Where in Equestria are we?” Dr.G asked out loud. “Let’s shed some light on this shall we?” Twilight said illuminating her horn. “Oh My!” Fluttershy said as the surroundings became clearer in the light. The room was large and had Diamonds and Sapphires encrusted into the walls. In the center of the wall furthest from them stood what resembled an Altar. Above the Altar was a menacing looking picture of “It’s NIGHTMARE MOON!” Squeaked Futtershy. “Well it’s a mosaic of her entirely made of sapphires and diamonds looks to be hoof made. Twilight commented. “This must be worth a fortune!” Rarity aid eyeing the mosaic. “Hey what’s that thing in her shield?” Pinkie asked pointing. “Probably just a dull diamond.” Rainbow Dash replied bored. “Actually Rainbow I think it’s a piece of metal.” Dr. G said approaching the altar. He got close to mosaic and tugged on the metallic looking gem pulling it out. “Aha! Just as I thought” But no pony to hear what he thought as the room began to shake violently. It felt as though the whole world was going to come down on top of them. Fluttershy closed her eyes tightly and prepared for the world as she knew it to end. Suddenly there was silence. She opened her eyes to find that contrary to her belief, the room was not collapsing but rather the wall behind the altar had vanished leaving a dark antechamber exposed. “Every Pony ok and accounted for?” Twilight asked. She was answered by assorted grunts of acknowledgement. “Well good news is I think I found the Clue!” Dr. G said. “And the Bad news is?” Fluttershy asked ever the pessimist. “Well the only way out seems to be through that dark and likely booby trapped chamber.” Dr. G said pointing ahead. “Yippeee Kai Aye!” Pinkie said running on through bounding into the lead and vanishing in the dark. “Wait!” Twilight yelled Running after her with her illuminated horn. Dr. G. and Rarirty lit their horn and led the rest of the group after the and tried to catch up. No sooner had they all passed into the chamber, the wall sealed itself behind them. “Great no way out!” Rainbow Complained. “Oh no!” Fluttershy whimpered. “Ummm guys where are Pinkie and Twilight?” Applejack asked. “Looking for these?” asked a deep gruff voice. Fluttershy stared terrified at a familiar pair of eyes. *Author’s Notes*: A new challenge awaits our heroes? Tune in next time to find out! But on a more serious note it is good to be back. This chapter was fun to write as were the next few. Thank you for the patience please keep reading commenting, enjoying and providing me with feedback. Next one is coming soon very soon! Also Graduating with my bachelors was a great accomplishment for me Masters starts in August but this story will not die until I finish it! Enjoy!