//------------------------------// // To the Next Destination // Story: Heroines of Equestria // by Princess Angelica //------------------------------// To the Next Destination It was an early morning, and Angelica was first to wake up. She looked around to see her older sisters, who are still asleep. She slowly picked herself up and walked over to Seraphina. As she came closer, Angelica tapped on Seraphina’s head with her hoof. “Serah, wake up!” Angelica whispered, attempting to awaken her sister. “Uh, is it time already?” Seraphina yawned, suddenly woken up. “But it’s so early.” Persephone muttered, with her eyes half-closed. “Just a few more minutes.” Katherine grunted, feeling rather grouchy. As soon as the other ponies picked themselves up, Angelica had reminded them that they really need to get going. “We still have that meteorite to find!” Angelica announced, rushing towards the opening of the cave. “All right, we’re coming!” Seraphina concurred, as she and her sisters followed after Angelica. As soon as Angelica and her sisters were outside of the cave, they wondered where they were since last night. “Does everypony know where it is?” Angelica asked, wanting to know the where the meteorite is. “I think it went this way!” Persephone replied, pointing towards the left. “No, I do believe it went that way!” Katherine commented, pointing towards the right. “Fellows, I think you’re missing the point here.” Seraphina sighed, silencing her two sisters. “But it must be around somewhere.” Angelica enquired, feeling confused. Before the ponies had continued their discussion, they suddenly turned their attention to something else in their presence. It looked so familiar, with huge wings, a long tail, an elongated horn and tall legs. It was until now they finally realised who it was before them. It was Emperor Harmodius, who glared at them. “Emperor Harmodius! Where have you been?” Seraphina cried, amazed by the presence of the elderly qilin. Suddenly, Harmodius plodded towards the ponies. He slowly raised his head, as he cleared his throat. He stood proudly when he began to speak. “I had foreseen your wherabouts during my journey.” Harmodius stated, in a calm and serene tone. “Well, I’m glad you’re here!” Angelica exclaimed, feeling so excited to meet the qilin. “Now, I do believe that you may be needing assistance.” Harmodius lectured, his expression turning serious. “Why do I think you’re here for us?” Persephone questioned, confused by what the qilin said. “So, are you helping us for not?” Katherine demanded, getting rather impatient. “Very well, get on my back!” Harmodius commanded, in a bright tone. As the ponies climbed onto Harmodius, they held on tightly. As Harmodius began to speed up rapidly, he took off by stretching his wings. While the ponies were still riding on him, he soared through the air with the speed of light. “Are we there yet?” Angelica asked, pondering how long this would last. “You shall find out.” Harmodius replied, travelling at full speed. Finally, Harmodius had found somewhere to land. As soon as he aimed downwards towards the ground, he finally landed with a thud. He crouched down by lowering his wings, as the ponies climbed off his back. “We are now arriving at the next destination.” Harmodius announced, as he observed the new landscape. While Harmodius was standing there, the ponies took a quick look around. It was until they had realised where they were in. The surrounding environment was very gloomy, with a dark sky and an uneven ground. There were no plants at all, and instead everywhere was littered by broken pieces of rock. The entire atmosphere looked very desolate. “Now where are we? Angelica questioned, feeling curious about everything around her. “I’m not too sure.” Seraphina answered, concerned with their situation. “This sure gives me the creeps.” Persephone murmured, aware of her surroundings. “That is not good.” Katherine shuddered, feeling like she was being watched. “Follow me.” Harmodius ordered, as he suddenly walked further into the distance. As the ponies followed him, Harmodius used his magic aura to lighten up the surrounding area. While the ponies stayed close together, Harmodius headed straight on. They wented through the depressing landscape, aware of the things around them. After several minutes past, they came towards a steep ravine. “Never fear, there is something to be done.” Harmodius stated, flying over the ravine. Eventually, Harmodius used his magic to hold a large boulder on the opposite side of the ravine. He carried it over the ravine and dropped it downwards, closing the gap between the two landmasses. As the bridge was built, he ordered the ponies to walk across. “Now, we must keep on going.” Harmodius instructed, as the ponies contined following him. Heading on further, Harmodius and the ponies travelled in single file. They walked slowly, observing anything they encountered. Gradually, they had come towards a nearby cavern. “Before proceeding, there is one thing that you must learn.” Harmodius advised, giving the ponies an important lecture. “So what is it?” Seraphina enquired, waiting for something else to happen. “You must be careful to survive. There are dangerous things that you may encounter.” Harmodius warned, reminding them about what lies ahead. “You mean the meteorite is actually there, right?” Angelica queried, wanting to go on as soon as possible. “Of course. Go handle it yourselves. This is everything I have prepared you for.” Harmodius ordered, as he spread his wings and flew high up into the sky. As soon as Harmodius left, the ponies pondered what to do next. With no other choice, they decided to enter the cavern. Before they could do so, Seraphina had blocked their path. “Come on everypony, let’s go. We’re going inside.” Seraphina instructed, as she rushed into the cavern. Once they had entered the cavern, the ponies were determined to get going. Since this place was very dark, the ponies used their magic to produce light to see. Feeling nervous, they stayed close together just in case. “Well, it sure is spooky around here.” Angelica whispered, looking behind to check if nothing was following them. Soon, the ponies headed further into the cavern. They were feeling more suspicious, but still continued their journey. Along the way, they saw several bats which suddenly appeared. “Are you sure the meteorite is around here?” Angelica asked, staying very close to her sisters. “Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find it at this rate.” Seraphina assured, looking on straight ahead. As they moved on, the ponies had entered the deepest part of the cavern. Around them, there were skulls and bones everywhere. It was until they were feeling very worried. “This is all getting ugly.” Persephone shuddered, dismayed with their current situation so far. “This place really needs a good cleaning.” Katherine bemoaned, carefully avoiding a nearby skull. Finally, the ponies walked towards a nearby passage. They decide to go in, wanting to move on as soon as possible. They found themselves in a dark tunnel, leading towards a hidden area. “You know, this place absolutely stinks!” Persephone advised, holding up her nose. “The sooner we get out of here, the better!” Katherine instructed, moving much further away from her sisters. “I doubt we’ll get out of here any sooner.” Angelica sighed, checking if they were being followed. “I’m afraid we have no choice.” Seraphina comforted, putting her right wing around her younger sister. As they prepared to leave the cavern, the ponies had continued their journey to search for the meteorite. Meanwhile, something else was lurking deep in the cavern. It was a strange creature, which appeared to be concealed by the darkness. It had stayed at one place, before it moved on towards another. It had remained completely silent, as it sneaked among the cavern walls. The creature looked around its surroundings, before heading on towards its next direction. Apparently unaware of that, the Space Star Sisters still continued on their way.