//------------------------------//
// Ch. 1 - The Realm-Traveller Arrives 
// Story: Equestria Quest 
// by Violently Irrelevant 
//------------------------------//

A flash of blinding light. You find yourself in an unknown place. Your mind dazzled and empty. Something itches in your thoughts, like a healing wound. You shift, uncomfortable in the outfit you do not remember putting on. The light jangle of chain and the rubbing of well-worn leathers makes you look down. 

Chainmail and an overcoat. You nod slowly for yourself and check the sparse detail of your gear. Sword and dagger. Rope and a good few pouches. It all helps to jog your memory. It doesn't come rushing back all at once but it places you in your situation. 

You are Anon, weathered mercenary and experienced bodyguard. You nod to yourself again as you grip the hilt of your blade, feeling years of experience flow back into your fingers. Your form has been better but your hardened, wiry physique does not suffer from the same amnesia as your mind. You stop yourself from drawing your sword and doing a few test-swings. That will have to wait. First you have to scratch the itch in your mind.

The gates and architecture before you seem overwhelmingly familiar. Looking around, you notice a few of the brightly-coloured locals peeking out from windows and doorways in the square before the castle entrance. None of them seem strange to you, even though they are equine.

You take a deep breath and knock your leather-clad fist against the gate. A low, thumping sound. The gate is strong and thick. A moment passes and you ready yourself for another, harder knock. When suddenly, from the battlements, a voice is heard.

"Who goes there?" 

The harsh bark of one of the castle guards no doubt. Even though you cannot see him, you answer up towards the high walls.

"Anon, knight errant, here to answer the call of the princess of the sun"

While this is not entirely true, you are indeed here for the princess. At least you think you are and you hope the guards are informed. A moment passes and there is no answer. Then just as you begin to lose hope, the gates crack, groan and slowly swing open.

You walk with purpose as you enter the gates. You are here because you respect the princess, you are here because she needs you. You will not take insult from those that would call you a wandering vagrant, rogue and scum. 

The structure inside is even more splendid than the outward face of the castle. Not in a gaudy way but more inviting to those loyal. Plants mingle with the ancient stonework, fresh and well kept. You are soon greeted by a contingent of royal guards. One of them gruffly tells you to follow and the others say nothing. They are a broad mix of all pony races. Horns and wings and those without.

You are taken straight to the throne room. Here as well you are observed by servants and maids peeking out from half-closed doors. You puff yourself up the best you can and pull a hand through your dirty hair. You are greeted by the heavenly visage that is the princess of the sun. Quite the bit larger than her subjects and with both horn and wings. The princess sits on her throne with both dignity and a commanding presence. 

At first she looks grim. Although as you kneel before her mighty throne, her expression changes to that of beautiful, contemplative sadness. 

"Welcome, Anonymous, son of Anonymous, the wandering blade."

You hang your head as low as it goes. She knows who you are, no need to try to pretend otherwise. You look up as you hear her move. She has stood up and revealed even more radiance. From her intricate dress to her ethereally flowing mane, she does indeed look like a goddess.

"I am at your service and command, Celestia, eternal princess of the sun."

The princess seems pleased with your manners and motions for you to stand. You rise and breathe in deep. There is a certain scent to the throne room that you cannot quite place. You stand in silence and wait for her to indeed command you.

"I have sent word through the realms, to secret places and the most able of mind to understand the code in my words. You are the first to answer, sir Anon. Perhaps the only to do so as well."

You raise a brow and nod once, showing you are listening intently. You do not remember the message and you have no idea about an encryption. You understand it was a test, a test you passed. Celestia stands silent for a moment, as if lost in thought. When she speaks, you hear sadness in her voice.

"The importance and secrecy of what I now tell you is to be closely guarded, it must not be known by anyone that is not vital to the quest at hand." 

She pauses, composes herself and looks deep into your eyes. Into your very soul.

"There are matters of dark powers moving unseen. I have been trying to gather information on what we face but time and time again they elude me. So it was that some days ago, I sent my most faithful student to an ancient place of knowledge. Her mission; to find and retrieve a very powerful source of magic. Magic I would rather have left forgotten but that I now cannot risk falling into the wrong hooves... Or hands, as it were."

Find an apprentice and gather an artefact? Standard. You wait in silence for the kicker, nothing like this is ever that easy. You are right. Celestia continues with what seems like a sinking heart.

"She left about a week ago, her destination; the ruins of Keep Bloodmane, resting-place of the wicked necromancer Faras Bloodmane."

You feel  small grin creep over your face. A long-dead necromancer? Probably an extensive library. The magic-toting apprentice of the princess is probably just knee-deep in mythic lore and forbidden spells. You quickly compose yourself to speak. 

"I fear no darkness, I need no rest. I will gladly brave the ancient keep and bring back your student."
This time it is Celestia that raises a brow. She looks you over once more and then nods.

"That is what I expected of you, Anon the blade. Although you shouldn't be so rash or reckless. I am sending another of my promising students along, should you need counsel in the ways of magic."

As she speaks, a robed shape appears alongside the throne. Someone from the shadows, someone who has been listening. Your eyes follow her every motion, for it is indeed a female, that much is certain. You are very curious who this apprentice of Celestia is, how she is thought worthy of such a task. Also, how she will hold up on the rough road with a rough companion.

"This is Sunset Shimmer."

Celestia announces her name and she pulls back her hood, revealing a wavy mane of brilliant crimson and fiery yellow. Her bright eyes have the colour of tropical waters and are evaluating you critically. You notice that she is carrying a bag and some other things for the road. Efficiency, you hope she also knows what she is heading into.

Shimmer slowly walks down the steps from the elevated throne and takes not one but two turns around you. She says nothing. You just give her a nonchalant grin. Your eyes meet, break and then meet again. Neither one giving the other an inch in the sudden battle of wills.

Celestia interrupts your little staring contest.

"You must leave when ready, go with all haste and let nothing stand in your path."

Sunset bows deeply before her princess and you step up beside her to do the same. Before long, you are both walking alongside each other out of the castle, through Canterlot town.

You glance over to Shimmer every chance you get; Trying to assess her in all ways possible. Her posture, physique, even how she holds her gaze over her surroundings. After a while, she gives you a sour look.

"Enjoying the view, Anonymous the Blade?"

She holds up a hoof and brushes some of her mane aside as if to prove a point. Although her voice is all but friendly. You give her a casual smile.

"Just trying to calculate if you're going to get me killed or not. Beside that, by all means, I have been in worse-looking company."

Shimmer snorts but then laughs rather heartily.

"Very charming, "sir" Anonymous."

You shrug and let out a short laugh yourself. Perhaps company won't be so bad after all.

"Please, lady Shimmer, call me Anon."

Sunset looks dead ahead but keeps a steady pace with you. She is already thawing out of her sour demeanour. With some elbow grease in this conversation, you'll be decent friends by the end of the day. At least by your calculations.

"Right then, Anon, call me Sunset... Or Shimmer. Or any combination of the two." 

She does a rather elaborate shrug for a pony. You are satisfied with the answer, as well as the company. Eyes on the prize in all seriousness but it simply cannot be done without good humours along the way.

The stroll through clean and well-kept Canterlot simply flies by. You pick up a few travelling supplies on the way. Something to eat and some things that may come in handy; cloth for bandages and torches, a few bits and bobs for warding and a thin, yet warm blanket that caught your fancy. Hoof-craft is impressively robust for its meagre weight. You find yourself enjoying the peaceful atmosphere a bit too much. You even catch Sunset giving you looks as you more than once stop to look at certain flower-arrangements.

You clear your throat and put on your best "gruff warrior"-face. You lead the way as far as you know it. Your knowledge of the princess' lands astound even yourself as you and Sunset leave the castle-town. The fair countryside with its little farm-patches and winding roads. The tranquil forests so lovingly tended by ponies. There is no darkness or creeping shadows here. At least not at present.

Shimmer trots along nicely with your brisk pace, no matter her much smaller stature. She also seems very observant; both with lay of the land and with whomever or whatever you encounter. The first few hours are spent in silence, not out of spite but simply as there is nothing to talk about.

The lands are familiar, the company is not. You are practically bursting with pointless questions and idle chitchat. Your "gruff warrior" mask is cracking at the seams and breaking fast. Not that the kind of persona you are usually viewed as has had any impact at all on Sunset.

"So... Sunset... What's a mare like you doing on a lonely venture like this? With an uncouth vagrant none the less."

Shimmer gives you a tired look, then smiles ever so slight. The look on her face says its all a long story. What could be so difficult in the closest circle around the princess?

"Well, I'm going to be frank, only because we are on this secret errand together, I will trust you are not one to run your mouth."

You give her a serious look. She takes the hint and continues.

"In so many words... I am the expendable one. I used to be the star pupil, a few slip-ups later and here I am, running dangerous errands just to check on the other student who is supposed to be cream of the crop." 

Sure sounds like someone's been seriously scorned. You decide not to pick at it too much, it is very probable that you get to hear the rest of the story later.

"So, there's a conflict between you and... This other student?" 

Sunset sniffs the air and her gaze becomes distant for a moment. She seems to be mulling things around in her head. When she answers, you realize she wasn't giving it excessive thought. She simply tailored a story for you out of a greater conundrum.

"Her name is Twilight Sparkle and no, this is not a conflict between us... It was me overstepping my boundaries in the search for power. Let's just say complications arose and she was the one that put me back in my place. By then, let's just say this position is better than what could have been..."

Her voice trails off. She remains silent for a while, then puts on a painful smile.

"Now I get to travel with interesting company to ancient dusty ruins."

You give her an ugly grin and then laugh. The humour remains. 

"Well, this interesting company is glad to have someone along for the incredibly boring slog to danger."

You two pass through another calm forest and eventually find your way out on the great highway that connects cities and villages alike. North, north-east, towards wilder parts. Hours go by in silence or calm chitchat. The road is, so far, uneventful. To be expected from the civilized and farmed parts.

The afternoon creeps by into a soft evening. The fragrances of night-flowers begin to perforate the air. The distant baying of animals join each other into a cacophony of different choruses. Sunset is ever vigilant but you stroll along like you don't have a worry in the world. Many marches like this, more often than not all alone, you know when to expect danger. You are right often enough to have lived this long.

Ahead beckons the greatest tangle of wild growth this side of the world, the Everfree forest. A place where no sane pony would venture and stay the night. The unnatural nature-maze stretches for miles in every direction. Getting lost is not a risk, it is a promise.

You have been here before, gone through the darkened labyrinth a few times. You feel your mind tune into the wild as sure as your boot ruffles the high grass. No sense in entering the woods tonight, you know of a safe-haven not far away.

You motion for Shimmer to follow, she does so without question. Over a little rivulet, tussocks and through the gnarled bushes. A whiles wandering later, you two step out on a fairly well-kept field. There are clear signs of habitation. A few old, mostly broken-down fences, wards and symbols hung up or carved into trees. Soon you notice a chicken coop and finally, a house. A cottage that is built around a large, ancient tree.

You hurry your steps a little, up over a curved bridge that leads over the snaking, tiny river that gives life to these kept lands. Shimmer begins a little protest at the pace but falls silent as you offer her a smile.

Up the gravel path to the forest-home, you soon rap your knuckles against the solid door in a certain rhythm, a specific amount of knocks. A few moments pass, you hear careful hoof-steps from inside. There is a rustling of chain and clicking of locks.

A large, blue eye appears in the small slit the door opened. A faint, very soft voice is heard from inside.

"A-anon? It's been so long..."

Another clink and rustling, the door opens to reveal a pink-maned, yellow pegasus. She steps back and lets you enter. Sunset follows and the yellow pony eyes her cautiously.

"Fluttershy, meet Sunset Shimmer. Shimmer; Fluttershy."

You take off your gloves and motion back and forth between the ponies. Fluttershy stands like paralysed. Shimmer takes command of the situation and extends a foreleg. Fluttershy just looks at it for a good while, then finally shakes her hoof.

Sunset smiles and gives Fluttershy space as she backs away. The frayed robe of the yellow pegasus sweeps over the floor as she trots over to the fireplace. Stoking the fire, she manages a tiny smile for you both. 

"I wasn't expecting company... You are a very welcome sight though. The last few nights, the forest has been... Restless."

You figured as much. This place is usually the first to pick up on dark energies and when odd things are afoot.

"So our path grows darker, I am glad we came here first."

Fluttershy stirs in the blackened iron pot over the fire with a large wooden ladle in silence for a while. She is contemplating her own course of action. She gives you both a shy smile before speaking.

"Have some stew and take a rest for tonight, I'll join you tomorrow if you don't mind, I have more reason than most to go into the woods."

You answer her smile with a wide one of your own. You then tap Sunset on the back to pull her out of thought and further into the well lived-in cosiness of the cottage.

"We'd love some hot food, perhaps we can swap news, stories and visions as well. Sunset here is a skilled magic-user."

Fluttershy may be a bit of a recluse and prefer the company of animals but she does make a great hostess. Before you can say or do much, both you and Sunset are seated by a low table, wooden bowls of steaming vegetable stew in front of you. Fluttershy comes sweeping across the downtrodden floor with a platter full of fresh bread.

The next moments are silence. Besides the sloshing of stew and chewing of bread. All day with nothing but a few berries and drinks of water. Fluttershy's cooking is heavenly. Eventually, you break the silence.

"So, Fluttershy, you say the woods are restless. What unrest is there beyond the usual strangeness?"

The yellow pegasus glares at you for a moment, then glances around the cottage as if to make sure no one else is there, listening.

"Well... Um... The animals are all upset and scared, even the more exotic and dangerous ones... There in an unnamed darkness creeping through wines and thorn-bushes."

You nod slowly and glance over to Shimmer. She seems fine with you doing the talking. You take a more comfortable seat and lay some more of your gear aside. Sword against the wall, you stretch out your tired legs. You look at Fluttershy intently and absent-mindedly dig around in your pouches. Something she might like... You pull out a small silken pouch and examine the contents. Seeds, good.

"By any chance, do you perhaps have some cider here in your humble abode?"

You place the seed-pouch on the table.

"I'll trade you seeds that I'm pretty sure are Wolfsbane."

Fluttershy looks to you in silence, her eyes darting back and forth from your face to the pouch on the table. Finally, she lifts the pouch and gives you a soft smile. You see a hint of excitement on the wildwatcher's face. You have spent a few wet nights in this cottage with the yellow pegasus in the past. She lets the seed-container disappear into some hidden compartment in her clothing.

"Anon, you know you don't have to pay me for such a thing..."

Sunset raises a brow as she observes you both but says nothing. You perform an overly exaggerated bow for Fluttershy as you stand up.

"I have to give you something some time. Now... Is there a keg that needs to be moved?" 

Fluttershy nods slowly and points towards a small passage you know leads to the cellar. Shimmer follows what is going on with mild uninterest. You stalk off towards and down into the dark, damp cellar. Fluttershy is left with Shimmer in awkward silence.

It does not take you long to lug up the pony-sized barrel from below. By its weight, it is full. You prop it up on an old, worn chest and examine it for a working tap. Fluttershy is soon besides you and takes over. Before long, tankards filled with frothing cider stand on the table. One for each of you.

There is even a slight glint in Sunset's eye at the prospect of the golden drink. It does not take long before tongues are loosened with the rich-flavoured liquid. You quickly learn that Fluttershy actually knows Sunset or at least knows of her. Twilight called upon many of her friends to assist her with vanquishing the chaos Shimmer managed to create. It seems like a closed chapter though and both yellow ponies seem to get along rather well when given the opportunity for conversation.

You drink deep in both the atmosphere and your pint. This place is more relaxing than any royal quarters. Not that you have spent any extended period of time in many of those but you have a rather vivid imagination.

The scent of burning wood, the lingering fragrance of cooking, sweet and thick taste of the cider along with the soothing voices of two mares. You are in a hazy bliss. You have to fight to get out of the dream-like trance as you notice Sunset talking to you.

"Anon, doesn't it strike you as strange that the princess basically told you nothing? I mean, she knows your prowess in a fight and your sense of adventure... But with all this secrecy, why send you to lead... With me as the only guide?"

Is that concern you hear? If so, what manner of concern? Does the student perhaps still hold a rebellious mind against her teacher? You make a mental note to bring drink whenever you'd need to pry something out of Sunset.

"I have had far, far more obscure descriptions for secret quests. I was certain that as soon as you were introduced, the princess had given her more direct orders to a more trusted confidant than me. I am just a wandering blade after all."

You punctuate with a long drink and let your eyes shift back and forth between Sunset and Fluttershy. A short while and a deep breath later, you let more words flow.

"Now that the lady Celestia is no longer present, you are my main concern, Shimmer, you and the other, Twilight Sparkle. My sword is yours in defence and command."

You do another, slightly more serious little mock-bow but your words ring true. Sunset looks a little shocked at first but that expression is soon replaced by a well-contained blush.

"Surely I will sleep more soundly after hearing that, milord Anon.”

She answers with a mock-bow of her own but gives a warm smile before drinking further. Fluttershy isn't all too inquisitive, as you knew she would be. She does spin delightful tales of the woodland however. She also, after her third tankard, reluctantly but not pressured by the rest; tells a tall tale of how she discovered the old main road through the forest.

You are thankful for the extra information given freely, Fluttershy knows not your quest and it will stay that way. Shimmer also seems to pay extra attention. Fluttershy notices you two listening intently and blushes deeply, hiding part of her face behind her mane.

Sunset is the first one to speak.

"Oh please do go on, Fluttershy, you are quite the storyteller."

Fluttershy's face looks like she is about to explode. She is blushing furiously, stammering out whimpers and looking at you both with only one eye. It is a gamble with Fluttershy and drink. You chuckle heartily and swallow another mouthful. Then you reach across the table to lay your hand on Fluttershy's head. Unexpectedly, she does not shy away from your touch.

Shimmer watches, entirely awestruck as you pet Fluttershy gently. Stroking her long, beautiful mane and scratching her behind the ears. The blush remains on Fluttershy's face but she seems to calm down. Shimmer cannot help but to look a bit jealous. Something you almost instantly notice. Ponies can be very easy to read sometimes. You reach out a hand for Shimmer but she leans back, away from you.

"No, that's not necessary, I-"

She instantly falls silent as you get a hold of her with a gentle scratch behind the ear. Both ponies simply melt in your hands. A good and thorough scratching-session later and you get up to fill all three tankards.

"One more before dreamland." 

Both pegasus and unicorn agree enthusiastically. Your plan is working flawlessly, you are bonding quickly with the equines. This will prove very important for later. When darkness and despair clutch your hearts and fear runs amuck in your brains. You know this to be true. A friend-in-arms is more reliable than any companion just along for a strong sword-arm or powerful spell.

Halfway through your pints, you are humming on some old tune, without even thinking about it. Fluttershy happily begins humming along and before either of you know it; the clear, enchanting voice that fills the room belongs to Sunset Shimmer. She takes high notes, she goes low. She knows the lyrics by heart. You try to keep up at first but eventually fall silent, stumped by the serene, unknown beauty of your companion's voice. Fluttershy has an easier time catching on and provides more mesmerizing depth to the song.

You cannot help yourself but to fill another tankard with cider. You share it with Shimmer. Fluttershy takes one for herself, all the while singing with her careful, soulful voice. When Fluttershy drinks, Shimmer fills in the singing. Tales from long ago. Drinking songs. A rather poetic praise to their princess in which Fluttershy really shows her colours.

The night rolls around, empty tankards stand in trinity upon the table. Wrapped in blankets on the hay-laden floor sits and lies the trinity of human-pegasus-unicorn. All in peaceful, drunken sleep.

You are greeted at dawn by the loud, strange screech of the local rooster. Some kind of monster-chicken hybrid Fluttershy has raised after finding it in the wicked wilds. 

Sunset shifts next to you. She has slept on your arm and her mane is in horrible disarray. Fluttershy has kept up well, snoozing sweetly with her head in your lap. You shake your head carefully, evaluating the amount of drink you managed to down. You feel alright, not necessary something a decent breakfast cannot mend.

Beside you, Shimmer groans, then mumbles.

"Someone shut that infernal beast up..." 

A good two or three minutes after the rooster stopped its latest screeching. She notices where she is and tries to comprehend what have happened. Hoisting herself up with one hoof against your chest, she attempts to fix her mane with the other.

"By Celestia, my mouth tastes like your tunic, Anon..."

You answer with a hoarse laugh, unintentionally waking Fluttershy. She panics instantly and staggers backwards, only to soon calm down when she sees your face.

"Oh, um... Excuse me... I slept so comfortably, Anon. Best night in at least a week."

You flash a smile and stretch a bit to get the blood flowing through your stiff limbs. 

"Glad to hear that, we've got quite the adventure today..."

Fluttershy nods with a solemn look on her face. Sunset has found a pitcher of water and is washing away the tunic-taste from her mouth. You look around the cottage. It looks even smaller in daylight. Not that it matters. You notice something you must have missed last night. There are a lot of critters around, sleeping soundly in baskets and alcoves. The abundance of critters is not uncommon around Fluttershy but the thing is that none of them seem active, most of them are injured.

It is likely because of the unknown darkness growing in the wild. Without further explanation, you understand exactly why Fluttershy is so anxious.

After quickly gathering your gear and the three of you scarfing down some breakfast, you soon stand as ready as ever. The sunlight outside the cottage is pleasantly warm. The gravel crunching beneath your feet is a deceptively soothing beginning on the journey to darkness.

Now with Sunset on one side and Fluttershy on the other, you have a fleeting fantasy of being a company captain. The stroll toward the entrance of Everfree is very pleasant, no matter the mild hangover.

The closer you get to the supposed gate of the forest, the more wards, talismans and totems you see. They are hung up or standing by the path and around the forests edge. Some are Fluttershy's, some are from other locals and there is also a great deal of unknown ones. Possibly from other lands.

Fluttershy is starting to get jittery, even before you've entered the darkened maze. Even Shimmer seems a bit on edge for the oppressive atmosphere. You stride on, taking the lead and feeling like the man you are.

The trees look much the same from what you can hazily recall from previous visits. The undergrowth is something else though. In the lack of sunlight, just a few paces into the woods, glowing flowers and fungus pelt the ground. Their dim glow give the room beneath the gnarled crowns of the trees a sickly hue of strange colours.

Here in the beginning of the wild woods, the path is still rather obvious. Not quite as well-travelled as it could be, but visible and without any pitfalls. You hold your hand lightly on the hilt of your blade as you survey the stuffy surrounding. The looming feeling that something will jump out of the shadows at any moment is ever present.

You look down as you feel something brush against your side. You tense up at first but soon just crack a smile. It's just Fluttershy. Shimmer saw it and lets out a quiet giggle. The red and yellow-maned unicorn weaves from left to right over the diminishing road, gazing off into the tangled mess on each side. It is almost like she is looking for something specific.

The eerie sounds and strange smells of the forest are getting more familiar with each step. You are still entirely certain where you are in this dark tangle. A rather reassuring notions as by now, the road has dwindled into spindly paths.

Shimmer halts her erratic wandering and turns around to face you and Fluttershy. She motions to be quiet, then to listen. You stand dead still and put your ear to the windless air within the thick woodland hall.

The snapping of branches are obvious, something is carelessly crashing through the undergrowth. You do your best to place where the sound is coming from while drawing your sword. You motion for Fluttershy to come closer and then carefully move up next to Sunset.

Just as you gather, a behemoth of fur, claws and great tusks smashes through a tree just ahead. An exceptionally large, silver-backed dire bear. The creature tumbles over and you sweep Fluttershy to the side as you step away from a rain of splintering wood.

An eardrum-shattering roar escapes the beast. It is bleeding, its hide rent and slashed. Something is clinging to its back. A ragged shape, a pony in armour?

The enormous beast spins, tumbles again and desperately claws for the pony on its back. Another swing around, another smashed tree. You catch another glimpse of the one that is fighting the bear. Unseeing eyes, cracked skin, terribly emaciated features. An undead pony.

You quickly step forth into the fray, you hear Sunset loudly protest but you do not heed her. Flanking around and calculating the bear's spastic movement, the next time it swings around, you are there, blade in hand. A skilful strike, with one measured blow, you lop off the head of the pony.

You act fast again and jump back as the dire bear gathers itself, now turning its attention to you. Its fierce eyes burning in bloody rage. You draw your dagger in your offhand and brace for impact.

An impact that never comes. The bear's attention is directed elsewhere. Snarling, it lumbers right past you. You raise your weapons for a swing when a sudden shout stops you.

"No! Don't hurt the poor bear!"

It is Fluttershy's voice. The bear has picked up speed and is careening straight for her. It does however lose pace rapidly and finally, it falls over straight in front of her.

You watch breathlessly as Fluttershy remains uncomfortably close to the gigantic beast. She seems to be examining its wounds. Before you know it, she has begun patching the creature up. Of course, that's what she does. You hope to all the gods in every pantheon she isn't wrong with this one.

In the middle of your stumped moment, Shimmer approaches you, magically levitating a strange souvenir. The head of the pony that was fighting the bear. You give her a quizzical look but she is having none of it. She even completely ignores the fact that Fluttershy is tending the bear.

"Anon, look at this. Crude necromancy but necromancy none the less. If it does indeed emanate from Bloodmane keep, it has spread unbelievably far..."

You examine the remains quickly, then glance over to Fluttershy and the bear.

"No chance that lone bugger did all the damage to that enormous beast... And why would the undead attack wildlife with blades in the first place?"

Shimmer listens to you, nods and sets the head down on one of the tree trunks the bear ripped down. She uses her magic to examine it further as you step over to Fluttershy.

"So the bear was simply agitated by our little undead friend over there?"

The yellow pegasus nods a few times, looking deeply concerned.

"I need more bandages... I have plenty of salve and there are herbs nearby but he's pretty badly cut up... I need him up and walking if I'm going to get him home."

You take a deep breath. You do not want to deplete your travelling resources for a wild beast but what you want even less is to see Fluttershy sad. You rummage through your things and hand Fluttershy your newly bought bandage-cloth. She smiles weakly for you and mumbles multiple thanks while she goes back to patching up the bear. You lay a hand on Fluttershy's head before pulling away to return to Sunset. She look up to you and almost instantly starts explaining.

"There are traces of a certain magic within these corpse-parts. This fellow isn't a fresh convert and definitely not recently deceased, with some luck, we won't be facing legions of the undead just yet."

You sheathe your weapons and nod to Sunset before motioning to Fluttershy. 

"Think you can offer any assistance to... Her... I mean, for the bear. I think this is as far as she goes. If we can get that beast up, she will definitely have enough protection on her way back."

Shimmer nods and puts on a contemplative face for a moment, then she slowly walks towards Fluttershy and the dire bear, horn aglow with magic.

"Soothe him best you can, Fluttershy, I'm going to close some of his wounds and give him a jolt, I'd appreciate him not shredding me for it..."

Fluttershy looks up from her busy work and nods, then readies herself. Magic envelops the creature and ruffles through his fur. Sunset goes off into some kind of focused trance. The bear jerks lightly, grumbles, groans and finally more or less jumps up on his paws, roaring.

Fluttershy quickly catches the gigantic one's attention and within moments, astoundingly, calms him down. The creature looks confused but follows her every lead. Fluttershy calmly walks past Sunset, bear in tow and expresses her gratitude uncharacteristically loud.

"Thank you so much, Sunset Shimmer, I'll take this poor baby home... You two come back and visit soon, okay?"

Sunset gives Fluttershy a genuine smile and you wave lightly as the yellow pegasus looks to you.
"Safe journey, Fluttershy, we'll be back when we've ended the darkness." 

Watching the wildwatcher do what she does best, her tiny shape walking next to a gigantic new friend, you think about the situation for a moment. This place cannot handle more darkness. Your mission seems more urgent and grave now.

Encouragement comes in the form of Sunset Shimmer as she steps up beside you. You look down to her and put on a brave face.

"By all things good, I am happy with the wisdom of the princess to send you along."

She huffs once, smirking for you.

"Trust me, Anon, I'm glad to have you as well, even if you are just a strong sword-arm."

You are about to reply but she has already begun walking, laughing softly.