//------------------------------//
// Chapter 20 
// Story: Giving Chaos 
// by Dirty Bit 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 20


Abyssal Encounter


The train ride back to Ponyville was going smoothly, much to the group's satisfaction. They sat patiently as they were being guided to their destination, and those with window seats gazed outside at the orange sky. Needless to say, the train ride was quiet; enough to make Pinkie see fit to break the silence.

"Hey, everypony! While we're waiting to get back to Ponyville, how about a game?" She offered brightly, with a grin to match. Rainbow Dash, who was peering out of a window seat of her own frowned at Pinkie Pie.

"Sorry, Pinkie, I'm not in the mood right now..." The cyan pegasus replied before going back to looking outside. She was slightly irritated when she actually saw Pinkie behind her through the window's reflection.

"Aww, c'mon, Dashie! We gotta lighten the mood somehow. Besides, it's kinda boring that we don't have at least some fun while we're in the middle of a worldly crisis." Pinkie stated persuasively. Her smile wavered upon hearing Rainbow Dash letting off a quiet growl.

"Look, Pinkie, I know you're trying to lift our spirits and junk, but we gotta focus on this next challenge. I don't wanna play any games right now since we're already in one." Rainbow Dash said without facing Pinkie Pie, her eyes narrowed. She noticed Pinkie's ears fold back in the reflection, the party pony frowning upon the response.

"I only wanted to pass the time is all..." Pinkie mumbled, to which Rainbow Dash sighed and softened her features as she faced her friend again.

"Sorry...It's just...I'm kinda nervous over who we're gonna be seeing next as far as the challenge ahead of us. The fact that there are only two homunculi left makes me wonder if there's something more to this whole thing than anypony could think of." Rainbow Dash explained with faint sadness. Luckily, Pinkie's mood improved after hearing the cyan pegasus out, and she offered both a smile and a hug, comforting her friend.

"It's okay, Dashie. I know how you feel about this whole thing, but we know that being sad doesn't get you anywhere, not even in the train we're riding." Pinkie comforted. She let up on her hug to face Rainbow Dash "We got this. We always have!" Rainbow Dash stared before she shared a smile with Pinkie.

"Yeah...you're right." She looked away as her smile vanished "I'm still worried about fighting Envy, though..." She then grimaced "Not to mention Discord revealing Envy's past..."

"Who cares?" Pinkie said, easily earning Rainbow Dash's attention "Sure, the homunculi might've been all sorts of nasty then, but they're our friends now. If anything, Discord's just doing that to drive a wedge into our friendship with each other, like last time when he hypnotized us.You know that." Pinkie finished with a chipper smile. Rainbow Dash paused, then looked down.

"I don't know, Pinkie...I'm not too keen on listening to whatever it is Envy's done..." She said warily.

"So don't. If Rarity can forgive Lust, then you can pretty much do the same for Envy, right?" Pinkie smiled. Rainbow Dash looked back up at Pinkie Pie after her question.

There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Envy could have possibly done something worse than all of the other homunculi combined. And yet, Pinkie touched on a vital issue: How can Rainbow Dash even consider herself a friend, let alone Envy's partner, if she cannot forgive the jealous pony's actions? She looked back at Pinkie with a more determined gaze and nodded with a smirk.

"Thanks for the pep talk, Pinks." She said cooly.

"It's what I do." Pinkie replied with a grin.

"Hey, I can see Ponyville up ahead." Shining Armor said as he spotted the growing image of the town coming up out of the window. He looked at his friends with a serious expression "We should get ready, everypony. Who knows what we're bound to run into..."

"Indeed." Wrath nodded "Ponyville is one thing, but the Everfree Forest could be even more dangerous than before..."

As the train neared Ponyville, the group looked upon the train station, only to see that the train was veering to the left and moving towards the outskirts before stopping to a complete halt in the air. There was a brief pause as the group looked around.

"What just happened?" Greed asked "Weren't we supposed to go to Pony-"

Greed was unable to finish his sentence as he and the others found themselves dropping with the train quickly, feeling the train crash into many things during its rapid descent. When they reached the bottom, the group recovered and rubbed any sore areas.

"Is everypony alright?" Twilight called to her friends.

"Blueblood and I okay." Rarity stated as she helped the prince up from his seat.

"As am I." Lust said as she rose from the floor.

"What a pain..." Sloth rumbled as he slowly ascended from the floor after dealing with such a harsh drop.

"Man, what was that all about?" Spike said as he rubbed his head "I know we're dealing with chaos, but can't we at least have a safe landing?" He looked at Greed trotting towards the cart's side door and opening it to peer out at his surroundings outside of the train.

"Safe or not, we've reached our destination." Greed looked back at the others "He dropped us in the Everfree Forest, probably in the thick of it, too."

Twilight galloped over and surveyed the area for herself. She could definitely note how there were nothing but trees in her vision, some of which unrooted and tipped from the train's landing. There was a skylight that shined over the train and what remained of the clearing that covered it.

"Well, there's no use in standing around now." Twilight said as she looked back at the group "Judging by our last challenge, it's best that we all stay together no matter what." She looked over at Blueblood "Meaning that Blueblood's gonna need some extra protection while we wander into the forest."

"You would actually take me with you?" Blueblood asked curiously. He wasn't sure what Twilight was planning, seeing as how he can only do so much with his wound still bothering him.

"I'm sorry, Blueblood, but we can't take any chances now." She looked up at the sky "Discord could prey on us easily if we were split apart, so all we can do now is move as one large group. Wherever we go, we stay together, no matter what."

"Can't argue with that. We just might need everypony depending on who we're up against." Greed said.

"Sloth and I will give Blueblood the protection he needs." Lust offered "We're more than capable with our regenerative powers."

"That's good." Twilight said with a smile before facing the unwinding forest ahead "But now we have to wait for the terms of the next challenge."

"I'm glad that you ponies are actually showing some rapt enthusiasm for this game of ours. It fills me with joy!"

None of the group dignified Discord's quip with a response, leaving the disembodied voice to clear his throat.

"And here I was actually praising you...Anyways, you'll find that this next challenge is going to be even riskier than the last. As incentive, there will be not one, but two elements to go after!"

"Two elements?" Greed parroted "Something tells me you're wanting the game to end. Either that or you're bored."

"Trust me when I say that I'm thoroughly entertained by your futile struggle. Now the theme of this challenge is simple: A scavenger hunt. However, if you're to come into contact with the homunculus dwelling inside of the Everfree Forest..."

The group remained hushed in anticipation for the words to follow.

"You cannot fight them, otherwise the elements you've collected shall be forfeit to me."

"What!?" Rainbow Dash blurted out "That's not fair! How are we gonna win if we can't fight!?"

"You'll figure it out eventually. Until then, I'll let you part with hints as where to find both elements; one each. The first can be found by studying history, while the second can be found in the belly of a beast...Have fun!"

"History...beast..." Rainbow Dash murmured pensively as she looked down in thought before she growled "I'm gonna be so mad if I have to pull my element out of a manticore's mouth. It'll be so gross!"

"I share your sentiments wholesale!" Rarity moaned "As much as I wish to save the world, it's just so unsanitary to do such a thing!"

"Women..." Greed muttered to himself as he rolled his eyes.

"But what about the hint involving studying history?" Shining Armor asked as he stepped out of the cart "Riddles aren't exactly my strong suit, and I don't remember anything historical about the Everfree Forest other than the unnatural magic force surrounding it." Twilight thought to herself until she gasped, before grinning widely.

"Nothing except the Castle of the Two Sisters!" Twilight said joyfully "Maybe we'll find the first one there if we move fast enough."

"Nice thinking, Twi!" Spike said with an impressed smile, until it vanished "But what about the whole 'belly of a beast' deal?"

"That will have to come later for now." Twilight said as she shook her head "Until then, we have to make for the Castle of the Two Sisters."

"Then our path is set." Greed nodded in agreement "Wanna lead the way, Twi?"

"Of course. So long as Discord hasn't touched the Everfree Forest, I think we'll be fine here." Twilight began to trot into the woods "Stay close, everypony. Remember, we're in this together." The rest of the group followed after her, with Sloth and Blueblood lagging behind.

The Everfree Forest was just as the element bearers remembered it; nearly confusing if one didn't know their way around. Thankfully, for as long as they've known each other, they were lucky to veer through the woods with minimal effort. Fluttershy stayed right beside her friends, darting her head and looking around for any possible. Greed and Twilight remained close together while they took point in their journey. Spike merely rode atop Twilight's back.

"Say, Twilight...Even though the forest seems normal, you think that Discord might've altered the castle a bit?" Greed asked "We all know how that bastard is with surprises..."

"Good question, and I think you may be right." Twilight replied warily as she narrowed her eyes "If anything, Discord would go great lengths to make this game of his as arduous as possible."

"What do you think he might've done to the castle?" Spike asked Twilight and Greed "You don't think he'd set up some kind of guards powered by chaos magic to keep the place secured, right?"

"Who knows?" Greed said "All that matters is getting our elements and getting out of there, plain and simple."

"If only this game was simple." Spike muttered bitterly.

"Hey, we're almost done with it all, aren't we?" Greed reminded Spike with a smirk "Just keep your head held high, kiddo."

"Anypony find it weird we haven't ran into any animals yet?" Pinkie asked as she kept a watchful eye while pronking about "After walking for this long, I'm surprised we haven't had a random encountered yet."

"Fate would grant your wish in a heartbeat if you were to continue talking." Wrath quipped while he glided "It's best not to question good fortune."

"I'm with Wrath..." Fluttershy murmured as she trotted beside Sloth.

"What could possibly be waiting for us ahead?" Blueblood asked curiously, albeit anxiously "Would it not be wise to survey the forest first instead of rushing into the castle?"

"And get lost easily?" Rainbow Dash - who glided beside Wrath - piped up before shaking her head "No thanks! I'd rather stick to Twilight's suggestion rather than go on a wild goose chase." She looked down and noticed Blueblood narrow his eyes.

"All I'm saying is that we could be led on into yet another trap. We're aware that Discord has a penchant for mischief similar to that of a delinquent, so who's to say he wouldn't be playing us all for foals?" He shot back.

"If you wanna go into the forest so badly rather than towards the castle, be my guest." Rainbow Dash said "I just wanna finish this whole thing ASAP."

"Rainbow!" Twilight called as she looked back "I already told you that we're staying together. The last thing we need is to fight amongst ourselves." Rainbow Dash grunted before looking away in shame.

"Blueblood, as much as you raise a valid point, we cannot simply ignore a destination that has been decided." Rarity said with a frown "We're lucky to work with this as a possible hint." Blueblood sighed while looking down.

"I just cannot bear the sight of what's to come if we find ourselves on the receiving end." Blueblood said morosely "What are we to do about the second hint?"

"Even I'm not certain, darling. We'll have to trust Twilight in the meantime. Besides, we're bound to go back into the forest somehow." Rarity said with a thin smile "You already have friends who are willing to protect you."

"What a pain..."

"Hush, you..." Rarity instantly turned to Sloth with a sour face.

The group managed to make it to a clearing that gave way to a massive fog that covered the path up ahead. It had let up to reveal that the sun was shining in the sky as if there were no chaos to be found. In front of them was a long wooden bridge that led to the large remains of a castle on the other side of a cliff.

"Well, here we are: The Castle of the Two Sisters." Twilight stated with a calm voice "All we have to do is cross and we'll search out the element from there." Greed trotted forward and inspected the bridge before frowning.

"That's good and all, but what about Sloth?" Greed pointed over at the indolent pony next to Blueblood, who decided to sit down upon the group stopping "Not only is he too big for the bridge, he might break it, too." Twilight winced upon the realization.

"Good point...Unless..." Twilight rubbed her chin "I could levitate him over the bridge so we won't have to worry about leaving him behind."

"You're kidding, right?" Greed said "I know you're good with magic, but don't you think Sloth might be too heavy for you?"

"Ah wouldn't think Twi's weak with her magic, sugarcube." Applejack interjected with a smile "Yer talkin' to th' same pony that lifted an Ursa Minor all th' way back to its cave."

"Oh yeah, that was awesome!" Rainbow Dash chimed in with a grin "That was a while ago, but you should've been there!"

"It's true." Twilight said bashfully before regaining her composure "It was a bit taxing before then, but I think I can handle carrying Sloth with ease."

"If you're really gonna go with it, I won't stop you. But what if we end up running into the next homunculus there and possibly have to retreat from the castle?" Greed asked "If there's anything I've learned from you, it's that your magic reserves take some time to recharge, especially after heavy lifting."

"Like I said, Greed: that was then; this is now. I've gotten a lot of practice in before I've met you and your family, you know." Twilight said before turning to Sloth "I just have to guide him over the gap, and I'll be sure to follow after he lands safely." Greed sighed before he nodded.

"Alright, but if you're gonna be sticking around, I'm staying by your side to make sure there's no ambush." Greed said, to which Twilight smiled warmly. She then focused her attention back on Sloth before shutting her eyes and lighting up her horn, her aura flaring more than usual. Meanwhile, Sloth found himself covered in a magical aura and lifted upward, groaning in surprise and sluggishly flailing.

"I'm flying..." He rumbled blankly.

"Just give her a minute, Sloth. You'll be fine." Greed said before facing the rest of the group "We'll catch up with you all on the other side.

"Got it." Rainbow Dash said before she and the others crossed the bridge leading to the castle ruins. Sloth was following them in the air while he was being moved.

Back at the bridge's start, Greed stood close to Twilight, remaining vigilant for any and all forms of attack that would possibly catch them off-guard. A deep exhale tore him from his focus, looking over to see Twilight catching her breath with her head hung down.

"That was quick. You feeling okay?" Greed asked Twilight, placing a comforting hoof on her back. He was met with the lavender unicorn meeting his hoof with one of her own while she looked up at him with a smile.

"I'll be fine. Thanks for your concern." Twilight and Greed smiled at each other before they decided to meet with the others across the bridge. As Twilight and Greed crossed the bridge, they noticed that the sun was gradually setting before giving way to the moon sitting in the sky after they both reached the other side.

The group got a better look at the castle's vast ruins; how majestic it had appeared despite its worn architecture. Greed gave a low whistle at the display as he looked around.

"Not a bad place. It'd probably be better back in its prime." Greed said before turning to Twilight "So...If you're still adamant on us staying together, where do we start, Twi?" Twilight looked towards the rightmost building with a smile.

"I remember the Elements of Harmony being found in that building. Maybe we can start our search there." Twilight said, beckoning for the group to follow her inside. After opening the double doors, they entered what remained of a chamber looked up at a vine-covered statue in the center of the room. Sitting at the spherical top was the Element of Generosity, which glistened in the moonlight. Rarity gasped with a smile.

"There it is! Oh, it's nice to see my element in one piece!" Rarity cheered.

"I'll get it!" Rainbow Dash said as she flew over and easily snatched the element from the statue.

"That was far too easy..." Lust said warily, beginning to look around.

"Well, yeah. That's good, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash said as she reached Rarity and gave her her element. After doing so, a chuckle echoed in the room. Wrath's features hardened as he planted his hooves in the ground.

"I'm afraid that Blueblood might have been correct in his theory of a trap placed in this castle..." He shifted his eyes until they rested in one of the chamber's distant corners, shrounded in darkness. Two red eyes glowed until they faded into white while a short and rotund figure revealed itself to the others, grinning madly. Pinkie gasped before she beamed with joy.

"Gluttony! You're here!" Pinkie blurted out before she went to gallop, only to be yanked back by her tail, courtesy of Applejack.

"Pinkie, I don't think you'd wanna celebrate just yet..." Greed warned in a grave tone as he glared at Gluttony, who nibbled on his left forehoof while eyeing his prey "In fact, we should probably get out of here right now and search for the other element." Everyone, save for Sloth, grew tense when Gluttony advanced further towards them, giggling childishly as he licked his lips.

"You all...look so tasty. I haven't eaten in a while, and I can't wait no longer." Gluttony sported a ravenous grin, saliva trailing past his teeth and dripping down from his lips as the droplets seered the floor below him "I'm so hungry...I wanna eat you all!"


End of Chapter 20