> White Sparkle > by EuphorianPony3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Introduction > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Rise every pony. Come one and come all as i gather to tell you this story which has been passed down my family for generations" "Long, long ago. Told a tale for foals and fillies alike such as yourselves. Legend tells of a 4 headed beast known as the Hydra, infested a tiny hamlet of a town known as Ponyville lay nested near several famous cities such as Canterlot, Cloudsdayle. Uh where was i, Oh yes" "Ponyville laid with beautiful trees which blossomed with famous "Rainbow Apples" Believe me foals and fillies this apple had a sweet succulent taste, For the distinctive Apple Family every tree was considered as a god. However the village was not without it's dark secrets." "To satiate the taste apparel known to the fearsome cave dwelling beast, a young mare was offered as a gift or a sacrifice, at a annual festival which we still celebrate until this very day. The Hydra had a body the size of... Mountains and necks as long as tree trunks. And it had blood red eyes the color of a shining ruby. It is said if you were to look at this creature's eyes you were to be cursed for eternity. No pony dared to disobey or even attempt to settle the beast." "But one year, allow me to tell you that when the night of this festival drew near... A mysterious conclusive white timber wolf appeared outside Ponyville. This timber wolf, Not like the ones filled with tree bark. But this one let me tell you this had a coat as brilliant as snow on a Phillydelphia January, This wolf was dubbed by the townsfolk "Dokenmaru". And believe me this timber wolf kept a very watchful eye on any pony who ventured outside of this timber wolf. Believe me foals as my great, great grand pappy saw this wolf and oh boy he almost got howled at!" "This wolf made a habit out of spectating the village, doing patrols like our Royal Guards. He even came in our streets at night just to check on the ponies. Many ponies including me assumed the wolf to be a familiar of Hydra, But very few thought of this wolf to be a protector and a guardian." "One very famous book writer by the name of Star Swirl took it upon himself to face this timber wolf, Star Swirl attempted many times to challenge the wolf to a battle, but his attempts were futile as the white timber wolf's swift movements stopped him from getting anywhere to the inch of getting close." "And before any pony along our elders knew it. The night of the accursed festival had come... As i have told you a white arrow heralded the coming "gift" for the Hydra. Plummeting the sky this arrow sunk into a heir of the throne's hut. Yes the house of the great and powerful Princess Celestia, Yet the most beautiful mare, but Star Swirl, keeping a secret love for the princess. Was furious at this sign, Determined to put an end to the Hydra once and for all Star Swirl traveled to the Forest Cave, not knowing that Dokenmaru was following him" "Star Swirl, took place for his dearly beloved, had wrote many poems he was meant to send her but was too shy to even try... Now he believes that his love is endangered by the beast." "The Forest Cave, dwelling with creatures lingering beyond your wildest imaginations. and as place as dark of the evil that lied within, served as Hydra's home. As Star Swirl stood at the entrance with his sword clenched with his righteous hooves... A beast appeared, eyes glowing the brightest shade of jade, with 4 thrashing necks. The Hydra stood tall before the unicorn, anxious for his feast." "Star Swirl than leaped with incredible grace, swinging his blade valiantly. On and on he kept on... well into the moonless night... But the hide of that beast was like the strongest steal found within the Canterlot Dungeons, the blade left nary a scratch. At long before the night before, Star Swirl... his energy depleted from the conflict fell to his forelegs, gasping for breath. Star Swirl knew he was even staring death in the face, as he rested among the concrete jungle..." "It was then... The majestic white timber wolf Dokenmaru appeared in Star Swirl's defense. It stood it's ground before Hydra, In the vines of that luminous cave. Dokenmaru's coat shone brilliantly. Baring it's fearsome claws and it's striking sapphire eyes leapt towards Hydra, whom had been readying it's heads for battle." "The two beasts struggled violently... Thrashing in the dark... The spectacle continued for countless hours. the timberwolf having a great deal of speed behind it blew back Hydra's breath" "But Dokenmaru was slowly weakening, The Hydra had it's sharpened fangs glistening with the gems in the cave, The timber wolf then howled as a gigantic tree sprouted quickly and shielded the timber wolf from harm. Dokenmaru fought gallantly to try to gain the upper hand... However... Hydra protected by a deep inflicting power was not to be easily beaten" "Dokenmaru... covered in the deepest cuts and it's coat dyed in blood stood paralyzed before Hydra... The white timber wolf with the last ounce of it's mighty howl... The black and violet clouds dissipated as the light from above shined fort unto Star Swirl, who has been resting in the cover for all this time... His sword shone brightly as it was a sign to strike, a beacon of hope." "Star Swirl... guided by his sword stood to face his adversary. Channeling all his rage and love he had for Celestia into his damaged and battered hoofs he leaped ferociously toward Hydra with his blessed sword poised high. His sword danced like a puppet on strings" "One by one Each head started to separated from their owner. Hydra's broken body collapsed in a stream of It's own blood... It's heads laying on the concrete dismembered from it's body. Suddenly the curse that has been plagiarized our ancestors for hundreds of years was lifted. As the sun shone once again, Star Swirl's attention was focused to Dokenmaru which lied breathless, poisoned by the Hydra let out a hoarse whine. Star Swirl scooped the timber wolf into his hooves and returned to Ponyville." "Foals, listen to what i'm about to say..." "When they reached the village, Dokenmaru was no longer moving, showing no signs of life. Ponyville's mayor gently stroked the timber wolf's head. In response Dokenmaru let out a pitiful bark..." "You think this is the end of the story? Wrong!" "Peace had at last finally reunited to Ponyville as the residents cheered happily and danced among the village, In honor of Dokenmaru's heroic exploits, the villagers erected a shrine and placed a statue of the timber wolf within it. Next to the Sun Goddess's tree." "This is still not the end... There is more then most ponies of the highest standing do not know about, There is more to this tale... 200 years has passed since Star Swirl and Dokenmaru's heroic actions. It happened so quickly that no pony in the village took notice." > Chapter One: Star Seeker > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The shadows loomed... Trees whistled among the blowing air... As the currents sped through the mighty ocean, Forest Cave En crested where the mighty sword. Star Seeker laid in the upright position, a mysterious figure began to walk up to the sword "... ... Is this the legendary sword? Is this Star Seeker, the sword that banished that dreaded Hydra? ... ... No... It's just an old pony tale!" The figure then lifted the sword. Suddenly the ground shaked as if a tremor, then a neck as long as a mountain summit with a head of a snake with the eyes of a sparkling crimson then began to hover next to the figure, which had collapsed. "O, he who seeks might... He who has broken my bonds... Utter the words, "I wish poison and darkness unto the world." Speak that prayer unto my soul, and unleash my power." The figure then began to cringe as the serpent roared a mighty breath, The figure then began to run as the beast lifted it's heads out of the Jungle Cave and lifted a curse, A wave of gray began to suck up all life, as trees were lifted from i'ts roots and exploded into branch pieces. And the sun... evaporated as a abyss of darkness swallowed the light whole. Ponyville "A horrible tragedy swept over the land. However one village was able to withstand a little of the curse. The shrine of Dokenmaru stood in the middle as the violet clouds swept alongside it. The settlement of Ponyville enjoyed the protection of their sun god. Foals it is here that the real story begins..." From the darkness clouds a shadow ball began to make i'ts decent into the shrine. However a beautiful Alicorn appeared as if to shield the shrine from any harm. "... How troublesome! This is just like the ancient book of prophecies described it!!" The Sun God then began to stare at the shrine "What events have transpired to bring upon such calamity? I must act quickly! There is no time to lose! My power has faded into gray over the years i have spent protecting this area. There is not much time left for me in this world." The Sun God then erected from her horn a magical disc with ancient symbols dotted along the crest. "Twilight, now is the time. We have never needed your power more... Shine your divine magic upon this distorted and polluted world. Let the heavenly rays become our hope as you lead us all!" The Sun God then began to use her powerful magic to levitate the magical disc on the statue of Dokenmaru. The disc then span wildly around the statue of the timber wolf, magically. In a flask of light a lavender unicorn then took the statue's place. "Ah my faithful student! Such beauty and grace!" Twilight then began to shake her head as she opened her eyes to look upon the morrow sky... "What? What's going on!? Why is the sky so dark?" The Sun God then calmed her "The only one capable of such a wondrous spectacle is none other than our mother and the origin of all that is, Twilight Sparkle!" Twilight then looked at the alicorn with a pondering mind "Princess Celestia? Wha-What did you just say?" The graceful alicorn then looked at her with a twinkle in her eye "How delightful to gaze at the rugged savior whom the white timber wolf treasured sacredly... and sealed away the evil demon countless years ago has not moderated or matured one bit." Twilight, having no other option began to sit down to listen to the teachings upon of her teacher. "Seeing you emerge after so many years spent as a treasured statue brings happiness to my heart!" The alicorn then began to shed a tear... "*sniff* ... ... Twilight... gaze upon the destruction and dormant chaos that dwindles above you" Twilight then began to look up at the sky gasping in the deepest shock of the condition her town... and the whole of Equestria was suffering upon... "Since your ancestor's untimely departure from our midst, the whole of Equestria has succumbed to devious and vicious beasts. They have ravaged our bountiful world of Equestria..." Twilight then looked at the alicorn in question and thought "Listen Twilight, never has the circumstances been worse than they are at this very moment. Please use your untimely magic to banish the darkness and those who threaten harm among us." Celestia then began to wiggle in glee as she could feel something move in her robes "Hm... Eh? What is this? Has something stolen i'ts way into my robe?" Twilight watched in utter confusion as the Princess Celestia moved around violently "Ho ho ho... Ooh he he he... A ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!" From Celestia's robe came out a tiny purple dragon with green spikes, rolling onto the rugged concrete as it laid unconscious. "Phew! What on Equestria? You again?" The tiny dragon then woke up from i'ts short slumber as it started to jump around violently on the ground "Ow ow ow ow ow ow! Are you nuts? Boy for a little thing like me you sure make a big fuss! I was just tryin' to make the talk a bit more interesting, that's all." Twilight looked at the dragon in amazement. "Were you napping in my clothes again dragon?" "Dragon? I told you a million times not to call me that! I'm a wandering hunter. The name's Spike! I'll show you just how great I am and it won't be long till you're bowing before my great sword and brush!" Spike then threw a manuscript at Twilight's nose staring at the picture, a artistic drawing as pure as Celestia herself "Well, whaddaya think? Even cuter than the real thing huh?" Spike then jumped on Twilight's back. "What's with you? You look kinda down in the dumps. Actually... You look kinda recognizable... Got it! You look just like that lavender unicorn on the Canterlot windows of Mirage!" Twilight then shook the dragon off her back as she galloped and Spike was sent tumbling off Twilight. Spike then went enraged at her "Whoa! Whaddya think you're doin'!? Are you crazy? A handsome dragon like me should never be sent off the backs off mare's!" Twilight raised a hoof as she was about to speak but was interrupted by Spike. "You'll regret messin' with the great Spike! Don't make me use my prized sword Sabre against you!" As the dragon shouted a uproar was heard and a tremor shook the ground. The wind blew harder... "Wh-Wh-What's that growling sound? And why's it so dark and gloomy anyway?" Celestia then began to speak as pink and purple spots and stripes began to appear behind her. "O, great god Twilight Sparkle... I've used all the power I have to protect Ponyville. The village lives on. Their spirit lay encased in my elements. i lay hanging above the Sun God's tree. Cut it free and the village will be reborn!" Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement as Celestia began to slowly fade within the atmosphere "I trust you Twilight, I know that you will lead us down the right path. Only your magical power can restore life to the world..." Celestia then faded within the howling darkness as Spike and Twilight were on their own "The tree's returned to normal huh? Celestia sure said some weird stuff..." Twilight then interrupted Spike in arrogance as she argued "The Princess did not talk 'weird stuff' Spike, I know what to do..." Spike looked upon the unicorn as he climbed on her back. "You sure?" Twilight nodded as she lowered her eyelids "I... think so. The villager's spirits are being kept inside the elements..." Twilight then began to look around the tree to notice the first element, she pointed her hoof up high to direct Spike. "That's the element. Celestia said that "If you cut it down, the village will be restored"." "But Twilight, it's awfully high up there. If you don't use some kind of magical power, there's no way you're gonna reach it." Twilight then shivered. "This darkness is really getting to me..." "Same here, A lot can happen while you're taking a nap." > Chapter Two: Rejuvenation and a Blade > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey Twilight. Look at the glowing light!" Twilight began to look at the light after her eye was taken off the element "You think we should go in there?" "I... think so..." Spike then looked at Twilight. In a not amused manner "You know that doesn't keep me from wondering, Let's just walk in..." Twilight then began to get on her four hooves as she entered the glowing light in the tree Cave of Star Swirl Twilight and Spike came out of the glowing portal of light as the vision of a seemless white crescent moon came as beautiful flowers sprouted from their untimely roots, as a bridge with two flames erecting from the side burning brightly, as the grass was as green as ever... "Where are we? It got awfully quiet all of a sudden" Twilight glanced at the scenery as Spike continued. "I don't remember any place like this in Ponyville." "Well, Spike we better keep our eyes peeled. For a dragon you look really helpless. You sure you're going to be OK?" Spike moved his head around in an instant "I am not helpless! For your information Twilight!" Twilight began to walk as Spike was on her back, The two got to the bridge as they looked down to the would be river which turned out to be a endless cliff "Well, *sheepishly laughs* that rules off one thing!" The two crossed the bridge as a cliff and numerous pots came into their vision. "Twilight! Look at all those pots just waitin' to be broken!" "Oh no, i'm not doing what you think of!" "C'mon Twilight! You never know what treasures are waitin' in there! Might be something good in there" Twilight then looked at the first pot rather awkwardly, then she took a deep breath as she charged into the pot with her horn first. "Way to go my unicorn friend!" "I am not a "unicorn" friend Spike my name is Twilight!" "Alright, alright calm down" Twilight then smashed all of the pots that was clear of any boulders, several bits came flying out. "Twilight! Look at all of the bits just waitin' to be picked up!" Twilight then picked up the bits and levitated them into her wallet. A slope then came along as they traveled upwards as several crimson fences was hanging off the bottomless cliffs. A very high cliff then blocked their path. "Whoa, whoa, hold on there Twilight! Get a load of that! That chest looks mighty tempting..." Twilight looked at Spike whom's tongue was dripping at the sight of the chest "You okay there Spike?" "Yeah *shakes head* Getting up that high should be a piece of cake..." Twilight then looked at Spike in shock and awe "Up there? What do you think I am?" "I dunno, a Pegasus maybe?" Twilight then sighed as she then walked up close to the peak "Here, goes nothing!" Twilight then leaped as her heart stopped pounding, suddenly magical flowers arose around Twilight's hooves as she leaped once again and barely reached the top. "I knew ya could do it. They say "Good luck is found in high places." So. keep your eyes peeled. We don't wanna miss any treasure!" "You mean, your treasure?" "Oh no! No no no! Yours as well!" Twilight then began to laugh a little as she opened the chest with her horn. A Holy Book came out! "Wow! This looks really interesting doesn't it Spike?" Spike then smacked his face as he drooped it down his face. "You call THAT interesting?" "Well, yeah. Books are my favorite thing in the world!" Spike then sighed in utter dismay as he muttered. "Such an egghead..." "I'm not an egghead Spike!" "Yeah? You sure seem like it..." "... ... Call me an egghead then if you really want to, it's your seat by the end of the day" "Um, Twilight? You know how i called you an egghead?" "Yeah. And?" "I'm really sorry i called you one..." "That's OK Spike... It looks like i won't be shoving dragons off my back anytime soon" Another bridge was in vision. As Spike and Twilight began to cross Twilight almost steeped of the cliff as there was a massive hole separating the two end pieces of the bridge. "Looks like the bridge is out. This shouldn't be so hard, um... Twilight, was it? That's kinda long. Mind if i call ya "Twi"?" "Twilight nodded. "Of course Spike!" "Listen, Twi... Ever heard of the spirits of the scroll?" "Of course Spike! My many books told me about it" "Of course... books... Good work of your horn has i'ts own soul 'least that's what they say. Just watch. It'd take all day to explain... A picture's worth a thousand words right?" "Right Spike..." Spike then recovered a manuscript from his pocket and then began to draw the missing piece of the bridge... Suddenly the rest of the actual bridge appeared in a splash of water. As Twilight gasped in shock and awe. Spike then began to brag. "Nice huh. Just a little technique i've mastered called Rejuvenation. It's one of the many scroll techniques that use divine spiritual power. I'ts a scroll god power that can bring back broken or missing things. I've practiced really, really hard to master this one scroll. But there are 13! Each one is a power of one of the 13 brush gods. " Twilight interrupted. "Originally, all 13 were a single powerful deity. Exists within the stars... I'ts said Spike that, if you gaze hard enough or you see the stars twinkle. You can see a constellation." "Wow Twilight. All you have to do after is plot in the stars." "It looks like you'll be doing the star plotting for me..." "Heh, guess so... Wait, Twilight! How can any pony have the power to master all 13!?" "I don't know Spike... You may be that one then" "You really think so Twilight?" "Well, of course Spike! You can master one. I'm pretty sure you can master all 13!" Spike then took a bow on Twilight's back. "Thanks Twi!" Twilight then began to cross the now repaired bridge. With a small palace glistening with a sparkle, Twilight then began to wander to the structure as Spike hanged on her back. Suddenly a pool of blue water blocked them from going any further. Hey Twilight! Look at the words encrypted on this plinth!" Twilight then read the sign as she looked in confusion. "River of the Heavens huh?" "Whaddya think that means Twi?" Twilight then looked around as she saw another cliff, with a mighty gaze of the night. "Maybe... Spike hang on!" Twilight then began to run with all of her energy and began to sit down and gaze at the stars. "Oh come on Twilight! You don't honestly expect a scroll god to appear here!" Twilight, not taking one eye or blink to look at Spike began to talk. "It might do Spike! You just got to have patience!" Spike then gasped with awe as four blue stars began to appear "Or... maybe there is one here. Nice going Twilight!" The pattern of the stars then twinkled as a shape of a dragon came clear and then quickly dissipated. "Hmm... There's one missing Twi... Guess i'll have to draw the missing star!" Spike then attempted to paint the last star on the manuscript... But the drawn star did not appear... "... ... Bah... Looks like i'm just not ready to draw missing stars." Twilight then used her horn to levitate the manuscript out of Spike's claws. "Hey!" "Let me have a try!" With a feather she began to draw the missing star. With luck and hope the stars blinked as the one Twilight drew came to life and the image of the dragon then began to fly towards her. "Ah... Why, if it isn't mother Twilight." Twilight then looked at the dragon with open eyes "How did you..." "I apologize for not contacting you sooner during these long years..." "Do I know you?" "Having never forgotten you, I, Glister, god of restoration, have eagerly awaited this day where we can once again meet..." "I'm afraid I don't know any one or dragon for that matter called Glister" "While you were away, the 13 spirits of the scroll that you once possessed, including myself, have been scattered in this land of ponies, and now lie in disarray. I became a constellation and managed to survive until now." "Don't worry... just... continue" "The time has come for you to to seek out and reunite all of scroll gods. Your power is what is needed to restore the dried nutrients and riverbed of the heavens and renew the flow of the stardust." The dragon then transformed into a scroll and hovered to Twilight, entering her body. "What... is this power inside me!?" Spike ignored Twilight "Wow that was Glister, the god of Rejuvenation! Wait... so that means you have the power of Rejuvenation now!?" "I... guess so" Suddenly Twilight's ears then twitched as she ran to the broken river of stardust. "Whoa Twilight! Calm down!!" Twilight refused as she stood at the broken river of stardust... Twilight then gagged in pain as her horn glowed brightly. Sweat was visible from her expression. "This... and this and... Done!" Twilight then took a few couple of breaths as a magical river of stardust became visible to both of Twilight's and Spike's eyes. "Wow Twilight! I never knew you had it in ya! A river of stardust! So this really must be the river of the heavens." Twilight then stood paralyzed at the river of stardust. "Well... Whatcha waitin' for Twilight?" "Um... Nothing" Twilight then gulped and reached her hoof out as she took a deep breath and then dived into the river. After a few struggling and near drowning Twilight swam to the end of the stardust filled river and made her way into the portal. As what something familiar to Ponyville. A hill then approached Twilight's and Spike's eyes as she began to run up the hill as numerous ponds and fully grown trees surrounded their environment. Twilight then gasped in awe as a waterfall was arising from a hall in the cliff next to the pathway. "Wow. I've never seen so much life in one area since this darkness arose..." "Neither have I Spike" "Well, Course you ain't! You've been asleep all this time haven't you?" Twilight giggled "I guess i have" The two then stopped looking at the peaceful river as a sign was close "Fountain of Star Swirl! What's his name doing here?" Twilight ignored Spike as the lavender mare walked into the crack in the wall which led to a dark cave. Inside the dark cave bamboo spikes were hanging above the entrance as a magnificent statue of Star Swirl was covered in moss as most of the sword, Star Seeker, was supposed to be. Twilight then looked around as the bamboo spikes crushed down into the floor, trapping Twilight and Spike inside. "Is this... Is this the legendary shrine? We must be in the Cave of Star Swirl! The legendary hero Star Swirl is enshrined here! He vanquished evil 200 years ago with the help of a white timber wolf, Dokenmaru!" Twilight began to place her hoof on her chin. "That name Dokenmaru sounds familiar..." "Because he's one of your ancestors Twi! He must have looked after you when you were little!" Twilight then glanced at the shrine in awe "Well... I've never read in a book before about a timber wolf looking after it's prey..." "That's 'cause there was something off Dokenmaru! Twi! He wasn't like the other timber wolf's! He saw the talent inside you and kept you alive when your real parents... um... passed away..." Twilight then pulled the dragon off her back. "You sure? What happened to my parents?" "Years ago... Hydra got enraged with a town of Canterlot... i'm pretty sure you must know where that is *mumble* Anyway, the town refused to listen to the beast so... it crushed everything inside Canterlot..." "What happened to my parents?" "Your parents... while the house's wooden planks blocked the door, a chandelier broke causing a ring of fire to swarm around your parents and you... A white timber wolf battened down the door and quickly risked it's life for you! He grabbed you by the back and then jumped out of the burning house as your parents... Well you must know where I am getting at..." "Wait! How do you know so much?" "My father was a companion with Dokenmaru... Because of him i know so much It's where almost all of my knowledge extends from..." "Do you know where he is?" "No... Hopefully someplace safe... I'm sorry about your parents... I've heard that they were a swell bunch..." Twilight brushed off any remorse of tears that was inside of her "i'ts OK, C'mon Spike! Let's find a way out of here!" "Spike then climbed back on Twilight. "Wow... I guess the gods didn't do much to protect this place. See? The swords in pretty bad shape." Twilight's head then glistened as an idea came into her head "I have an idea Spike!" With a sparkle from her horn as sweat was coming down from her face Twilight then drew on the sword. "How'd you get so good at this anyway Twi?" "I honestly don't know Spike..." "Hey Twi! There's another constellation! You know what to do! Here" Spike then handed Twilight the manuscript as she used the feather to draw on the missing star. The shape then took form of a mouse as a immense sword then came into it's mouth as it swept down near Twilight and Spike as the creature sat atop of the sword like a bird on the porch. "Well, well well... If it isn't mother Twilight." "Erm, hello" "It's been a long time. But with all these monsters around, the only place I could hide was in this shrine dedicated to a ancient unicorn" "*I dunno maybe you could have used that big sword...*" Spike said with a mumble "If there is anything I can do to assist you in your endeavors, I'm at your service." "I'm glad to hear that... whoever you are" "Make good use of this sword, as it is designed to conquer evil "Like all swords... *mumble*" The mouse then glistened into a scroll and then once again, made it's way into Twilight's body. "Hey! That was the god, Swift Flow, master of the Magic Slash scroll. Wait a minute. If you're getting all of these powers... Then you're just like Dokenmaru!" Twilight giggled "Spike i'm not a timber wolf silly" Spike then said in a worry "This is crazy! Dokenmaru and Star Swirl? It's just like the legend. Well anyway i've never seen the Magic Slash scroll myself. Could you show me it on that boulder?" Twilight then glanced at the boulder, it's rock made of the heaviest spear. "Well... no hurt in trying..." Twilight then activated her horn, with more sweat becoming visible on her face the boulder cut in half the other top falling onto the ground... "Wow! I didn't think you could cut boulders of that magnitude in half!" Twilight then looked at the boulder in shock "Wow! Guess it is pretty useful..." "Hey... Twilight... I've made up my mind! If you're Dokenmaru reborn, then that means you can master all 13 scrolls right? In that case, i think i'll tag along until i'm as good as you!" Twilight blushed "Aw thanks Spike! I could use some company." "Hey wait! This means you can cut down that element Celestia wanted us to chop down!" "We could do... Let's go back and give it a try!" Twilight... without further ado then shred the bamboo spikes in half and then made her way back to the element "Hey Twilight... I've been thinking..." "About what Spike?" "It's... Nothing. Just ignore me..." "OK, then..." The Sun God's tree loomed towering above the two... Twilight then activated her horn once more and with more sweat coming down the lavender unicorn's face, then pulled a mighty magic slash and cut down the element which then exploded in sparkles as the color to the land returned... > Chapter Three: Ponyville's Rebirth/Star Swirl's Descendant > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponyville Flowers and leaves appeared wildly out of nowhere leaving a colorful trace behind, The color of the trees changed from charcoal into a heavenly green, Hills and ponds now has sprung out of the gray ground as houses came from their deprived state into a newly constructed version. The fresh spring air returned as it swayed like the oceans calming waves hitting the beach. A iridescent green atmosphere was visible... "Wow! Ponyville's been restored!" "I know Spike! Just imagine what we could do for the other cities and towns!" "Heh yeah i guess Celestia came through big time! She really was protecting the village!" "Of course Spike! Why else wouldn't she?" Spike then spoke cheekily. "But i sure wish i coulda spent more time in her robes, If ya know what i mean!" Twilight then looked at Spike in a disgusted manner "Spike!" "Alright Twi, i'll stop there... Heh heh heh heh heh heh!..." "But Spike... Seriously, with all these monsters running around. You can't fool around like that!" "Anyway Twi! Ponyville could still be in danger. Let's go see how they're all doing down there." Twilight than walked away from the gate as the green color faded and the natural colors returned to her eyesight, Twilight, with Spike hitched on her back began to run down the hill as the leaves from the trees blew happily with the wind. As Twilight stopped at a hilltop she began to notice a statue next to two relaxing chairs fitted with their own umbrella. "What in the world? I don't remember there being a statue here... Well whatever. Let's go talk to the villagers!" Twilight stopped looking at the strange statue and began to head down to the village with Spike. Several trees still remained pitch black with a rope tied in between the neck of the branch. "Twi... I don't like the look of this" "Me neither Spike, let's just get down and check on the villagers and assess the situation from there." As Spike and Twilight entered Ponyville's main area it remained quite... Dormant like a ghost town. Spike and Twilight then gasped in fear as more statues filled the area, One by one they began to check the statues. "Hey, there's a statue here too... It's like the villagers have turned to stone or something... I really don't like the looks of this Twi..." Twilight then felt a swish of air has a figure was quickly seen dashing across the trees and bushes "Twi... Do you feel like you're being watched?" "Yes i am Spike... Keep looking around." Spike and Twilight then looked around checking their corners for something to pop up out of nowhere, Suddenly a masked figure taken the shape of a stallion then jumped in front of Twilight, closing in on i'ts pray. Twilight looked at the figure... Fear struck her heart like a tiger, The figure kept on closing in... "Twi! You've got no choice but to fight it! You have that Divine Valor on your back for a reason!" Twilight gulped as the monster then leapt at Twilight, Twilight then launched at the figure with a small pulse as she then noticed the Divine Valor strike the monster with a powerful strike. The figure was sent back laying on the floor still breathing as the colors then faded around the monster's body as it turned into a beige color. "Twi! Now's the opportunity! Finish it off with a Magic Slash! Twilight then raised her horn as it glowed brightly, the figure still laid unconscious on the floor as a blade struck it's body... cutting the body in half as the monster screeched in defeat. "That's the way to go Twi! Now let's hurry up and find some pony with a pulse around here!" Twilight then noticed two statues near the one they recently examined, One belonging to a filly and the other a dog. "No good. These one's are not movin' Every pony here was perfectly fine just a few hours ago!" "Must have Spike! There's definitely something strange going on here." "Your telling me! Check on some pony else!" Twilight then noticed another character next to the water with a washing bucket and a line to dry the clothes blowing in the smooth wind. "No good. Won't move a single muscle. Twi! What's up with the dark sky! Maybe it's dark outside Ponyville too! Let's find some high ground so we can check." Twilight then ran back up the gloomy hills as she began to run with all of her might up the wayward stairs, Twilight then noticed a colorless viewing platform. "Twi... This is bad..." "I know Spike! Not even the sun's not shining. It's as black as night as far as the eye can see." "And not a single pony will move a muscle... Is it some kind of curse? Did a monster do this? It's not gonna stay like this forever, is it? If only the sun were out to light our way..." Twilight looked at the pitch moonless night as her horn then glowed a mysterious light, she then drew a sun on the night sky. Suddenly a sun then was drawn on the night sky... The sun then shone a radiant light as it brightly glowed along the midnight sky... The sun immediately began to erase the blackness that existed around Ponyville as the sun rose. "Wh-Wh-What the!? Twilight did you just do what i think i thought!?" Twilight then shrugged as she glanced at Ponyville, now blooming with activity. "Hey Twi! Look's like you're no run of the mill god that's for sure! My grandfather had a poem, it was called Celestial Scroll!" "I like that name Spike!" "Well... anyway Twi we better get a move on and check if the villagers are back to normal now." Suddenly a elderly stallion slowly walked up to the two. "Hm? Who are you!?" Twilight and Spike than took a glance behind them as a yellow stallion with freckles coming visible on his face as he bounced a cupcake on his head. "A lavender unicorn!? Not the one that the great white timber wolf raised!? The one that fought alongside Star Swirl!? You couldn't possibly be the Twilight Sparkle that Dokenmaru raised!? No, it can't be... That story is 200 years old now. Still, you sure do look a lot like that statue of Dokenmaru's filly... On the other hand, you don't look quite as smart..." Twilight then got enraged in confusion and began to shout. "I DON'T LOOK SMART!!!" The elderly stallion then went in a defensive stance as he began to use his cane in defense. "Wh-Wh-Whoa! No need to shout like that. Can you really understand what i'm trying to say? Well, i'm not one to mince words. I just state the facts." Twilight then noticed three of the figures she recently vanquished sitting on the hilltop jumping down and running towards them. The elderly stallion then stood still as the winds blew furiously... "Hm? What's this sudden chill down my back?" "Here they come Twi... Those are the monsters that've been plaguing these lands. They sneak into villages and cause all sorts of trouble! Step aside Twi! This is a job for my noble sword Sabre!" Twilight then jumped, and then used her horn as she bit the elderly stallion and used him as a baseball bat! Whacking the figure far away. Twilight then threw the stallion away as she began to attack the figures. One figure came up first, Twilight quickly, with a strike and a slash began to pound the figure's body heavily as the figure was blown back and turned into gray, Another figure than came as Twilight bit on the figure's arm as she threw the figure on top of the other one, Twilight then made her horn glow pure as she created a sword's slash and cut the both of the figure's bodies in half. The last figure then came up and scored a lucky blow against Twilight, Twilight then jolted in pain as she quickly turned around and launched a massive volley of Divine Valor attacks on the figure's body. The figure kept on yelling a chorus of pain from it's clouded mouth as the figure was blown back and laid defeated on the floor. Twilight then staggered as the cut scraped her hoof, Pure red was clear to see as the blood slowly began to pour out of the gash "Twi! You're hurt! Let me see if i cannot heal you!" Spike then jumped off the back of Twilight as he retrieved a plaster from his pocket as he carefully slid it onto Twilight's hoof Twilight ached a little but carefully stood up properly. "There! Better now?" "Much better... Thanks Spike" Spike then jumped up on Twilight's back as the nearby pond began to erupt into a crystal clear pond, "Wow Twi! You really get aggressive when you're mad don't ya?" "I guess so Spike... I just don't want to be hurt like i just did" "Hey Twi! You just earned some Praise. And look! See how that dried-up river spring began flowing again?" "Yeah of course i do Spike" "That's because ridding an area of those monsters restores the god's power to the land. Most ponies around Equestria call it Divine Intervention. The more you restore the land to it's natural beauty, The more Praise you'll get. It's the main source of your power." Twilight looked at her hoof in wonder. "It's my main source, of power?" "Well yeah... Few ponies believe in gods these days, and that may weaken you, but If you try real hard, your true power will shine through!" "That's good to know Spike! I'll make sure to clean up any of this darkness wherever i can!" "But that Mr. Cake you tossed around up on the sacred deck..." "Oh... Maybe i should apologize to him..." "I dunno Twi... Looks like he thinks you are a regular unicorn." "Well i'm not a regular mare, so he's wrong on one term..." "But maybe Twi that the gods have grown really weak, maybe ponies can't really see them anymore..." "I guess you're right Spike..." "Anyway i'll show ya around Ponyville." "That would be nice Spike!" "Of course! I have a feeling that we're in for a epic adventure!" "Maybe Spike... Maybe..." "This should be fun Twi!" Twilight then noticed a chest next to the pond and she opened it with a barge from her horn. "Twi! It's a feedbag! You can feed the little animals and earn more Praise!" "Wow! Nice idea Spike i might do that whenever i see one." Twilight then took a stroll down the hill, as she made her way down into Ponyville. Twilight then noticed a few sparrows idling around the slope, Twilight then grabbed the feedbag from her mouth, and shook the bag so the food came out. "That's the way to go Twi! I know the gods don't usually do this but let's make an exception this time!" "We might as well while we're at it Spike!" Twilight continued to walk down the hill as the first statue she saw was moving their muscles playing a peaceful tone from his flute as Mr. Cake was laid unconscious seeing multiple stars from his head. "Ah... I feel it. I sense it. Foul beasts dwell in this place!" "Excuse me sir?" "Concentrate. Look hard. You see. Right behind you now..." "Um Twi... we have company..." Twilight quickly turned around to see another monster leap at her, Twilight quickly used her Divine Valor in rapid succession defeating the creature after several blows from the gut. "Ponies are not witness to such battles... But i saw it! The fighting went on for exactly 11 seconds!" "How did you... witness the fight?" "Hmm... You fight well. I have chosen the path of the Ponfudda, but in you I sense another power. And i see the path you have selected is also a path with divine secrets." The figure then continued to play his flute as Twilight then glanced at Mr. Cake whom was still unconscious. "Ah... Great Dokenmaru... Oh no..." As the stallion muttered several breaths Twilight continued on the path into Ponyville. The sun then began to set as Twilight walked up to a earth pony mare who stood in front of her crops. "I've had just about enough of this! I don't know if it's stray dogs or monsters or what, but some pony keeps messin' up my crops! Goin' around diggin' holes with their hooves... It makes me mad! If i catch you diggin' around my crops, you'll get a good thumpin'!" Twilight slowly walked back from the orange mare as she had a stern look on her face. Twilight then noticed a pale yellow filly playing around the fields, flying a kite as her dog followed her around barking along. "Hm? A lavender unicorn? Now that's just plain weird, Sure looks like a weak one..." "*grabs a deep breath* Now Twilight it's not the right thing to attack little fillies just... stay... calm" "Think you could beat my dog Winona? Well, listen to this... There's this field my big 'sis tends to you see... Well, Winona managed to dig up 9 Turnips in a row, Even though my big 'sis was tryin' to catch him and attack him! There are actually 10 Turnips in that field though... Winona is fixin' to get all 10." "Um i'm not that type of pony who digs up turnips for a competition... C'mon Spike! We've got to talk to the other ponies!" "Oh C'mon Twi! It could've been fun!" "No Spike! Now now come on Spike!" "Fine *mumble*" Twilight then walked to the figure washing clothes in a basket next to a calm ocean. "A lavender unicorn! Now that's a rare sight. Did you come down from Canterlot just to talk to us?" "Wait I thought Canterlot got destroyed!" "No... It's been rebuilt now. You'd better be careful dear. Lately some monsters have been attacking the villagers." "Now listen up gramma! Do you even know who you're talkin' too?" "Now language Spike..." "No! This here is Dokenmaru's filly! Twilight Sparkle! The unicorn and I have it all covered. Those monsters are history!" Twilight sighed as the light blue mare began to speak "Well if it isn't Spike! And riding a unicorn are we? This one certainly resembles Dokenmaru's filly, especially the nose. Hmm... I better get back to my work. *mumble mumble*" "Excuse me Miss but what were you on about?" "Here to listen to the ramblings of an old mare are you? Well I was doing the laundry, but when it was dry I noticed my drying pole was gone. Oh, whatever shall I do? Where did that darn pole go? How could something as important as that just, well disappear?" "Hmm... Twi she's missing something that should be there, isn't she? You'd better help her out Twi" Twilight then concentrated on where the rod should have been, her horn then glowed brightly as a fishing rod appeared out of nowhere! "A new drying pole!? Oh my! Where did that come from!? The gods must have answered my prayers. How wonderful! Time to dry the laundry." As the light blue mare immediately got on with her work Twilight began to look at the weirdly shaped hut on the other far side of the river. "Who does that house belong to Spike?" "Oh, that one belongs to a stallion called Big Macintosh! He's incrediblly lazy though as he sleeps day and night! He claims he's a descendant to Star Swirl but i never see him train! Ever!" The light blue mare then finished up on her laundry as she began to speak in a still miserable tone. "Well, i'm glad I was able to dry my laundry, but... The sun seems to be so far away these days. Maybe it doesn't like all these monsters that are lurking about? If only the sun would shine closer to my laundry it would dry in a second." "You heard the mare. She wants the sun!" Twilight then looked at the blue sky as her horn glowed, sweat came down her face as she drew another sun, causing it to rise again. "My word! The sun has suddenly appeared so close... My laundry will be bone dry in no time!" The light blue mare began speak in a sweet tone. "I apologize for not introducing myself, My name is Mrs. Cake. You may have already met my husband..." "Oh... Erm..." "Anyway. Maybe i ought to make some Cherry Cakes to offer to the sun. Come back tonight if you want to miss..." "Twilight, Twilight Sparkle" "What a nice name! Come back tonight if you want to Miss Sparkle. No pony makes better Cherry Cakes. They're mouth-watering good!" Mrs. Cake then began to walk off to her house as Twilight began to examine the house that Big Macintosh lived inside... "Sheesh! He's always sleeping..." Twilight then walked into the home quietly to not disturb. The home had a clean... spotless dojo above with two practice dummies which stood on a platform, and a massive ink pot was located in the far corner "Guess he's not home" "Yes he is! Check that ink pot!" Twilight then activated her horn as a blade cut the ink pot in half, revealing a stepladder leading downwards. "Nice work Spike!" Twilight then slowly climbed the ladder as the lavender unicorn landed on a staircase, slowly the unicorn then descended down the stairs as two torches brightened up the area to reveal a platform with a red stallion sleeping on the platform taking massive snores. "Zzzzzz... I... am the... greatest... Zzzzzz... Oh Cheerilee... Let's... *mumble mumble*" "Whoa... Looks like he ain't waking up anytime soon. He's out cold." "Not if I can help it!" Twilight, like a charging rhino, rammed into the snoring stallion as the stallion nudged from the attack. "*grunt* Zzzzzz..." "Might as well give up Twi. If that didn't wake him, nothing will." Twilight then began to walk up the staircase and climbing back up the stepladder. Twilight then came out of Big Mac's house as she spotted a mill far away, she began to run to the heavenly mill as she noticed that the wheel was not spinning, Twilight then noticed a purple mare working in the pond, collecting her harvest. "Well what a fine looking unicorn! What's your name?" "My name is Twilight Sparkle" The mare began to jump around happily. "Mine's Cheerilee. It's a pleasure to meet you." "Working in the fields again are ya?" "Spike! Are you and Twilight together? This is where I grow the crops for making my brew, you know. But I have to manage the harvest all on my own. It's hard work... Maybe I should have Big Mac give me a hand again this year." Cheerilee began to jump around happily again. "Oh, listen to me blabbering on! I just can't help chatting to you!" "Why Twi. I think you found a friend here! You'll meet many ponies who want to talk to you again. You should talk to her again" "Hello Cheerilee!" "Hello Twilight! Big Mac's a neighbor of mine. He's a little unusual, but... He goes around with a huge sword over his shoulder. He's always practicing with it. They even say he's a direct descendant to our legendary hero, Star Swirl. And he loves his brew too. He often pops around here to buy it. Make sure you say hello to Big Mac." "I tried too Cheerilee but he was fast asleep!" "Oh... He could use a friend, I should think. He's always on his own..." "Twi... Let's just give Big Mac another nudge shall we?" "We might as well Spike. We haven't got anything else to do" Twilight and Spike started to make their way to Big Mac's hut again, Twilight made her descent into the house. Big Mac remained fast asleep after Twilight's many attempts to wake the sleeping stallion. "For the love of Celestia! Twi he's still out cold you may as well go back up and come back later on in the day" After a sigh, Twilight then began to once again, climb the ladder and find some pony else who was up. Twilight then noticed a merchant trying to push a seemingless immense boulder "Who the heck put this big rock here? Doesn't look like you could squeeze through anywhere. Besides, I don't even know if it's safe to even leave the village yet." Twilight approached the merchant. "Heave! Heave! This is weird! My mind really wants to shift this rock, but my body won't cooperate. It's like i'm made of lead! Could this be a case of demonic possession? I sure hope not!" Suddenly a more larger version of the other monster burrowed out of the ground with demonic shadows hovering above him, The monster then smacked his flank as he began to approach Twilight. Three of the other weaker creatures came first. Twilight without further ado used her Divine Valor to attack the enemies in a swift beat and movement, the creatures soon laid victim to Twilight's Magic Slash, Suddenly the red version came up with a sitar, Twilight then attempted to attack but the creature used his instrument to defend against Twilight's mighty blows, Twilight then cancelled her next attack as she made her horn glow and used her Magic Slash and cut the strings of the creature's weapon slicing it in two. The creature stood there idly as Twilight used her almighty Divine Valor and performed many blows against the creature, the creature then laid on the ground colorless as Twilight dealt the final blow on the creature, as the creature's insides were torn apart. Suddenly grass and long weeds were visible as more life returned to Ponyville. "Whoa Twi! You suddenly started glowing! That must mean something!" "Well it might just be nothing" The Merchant then began to walk up to the lavender unicorn and the dragon. "Ah... I feel as light as a feather now! Sadly, that does not increase my chances of moving that boulder.Who went and blocked the only path out of here anyway? There's no way i can get back to the city now. Say, you there! you know Big Macintosh don't you?" "Um I guess so..." "Could you possibly get him to come here and assist me? They say he's a descendant of Star Swirl. If anyone can do anything about this rock it's him." "That's peculiar... This boulder wasn't here before Twi! Maybe we should pay another visit to Big Mac." "I guess we should Spike" Suddenly the moon arose in the sky as the howl of a wolf was heard. "Guess we better get a move on!" Twilight then began to walk to Big Macintosh's house as she descended the step ladder and staircase once again. Twilight then rammed into Big Macintosh once more as the stallion woke up with a surprised face as his eyes widened. "What the! Huh...?" The stallion then woke up after a large stretch. "Ah... I feel so well rested! I planned to meditate underground before I began to train but I fell fast asleep! Huh? Who are you?" "My name is Twilight Sparkle..." "Hm, That name rings a bell somewhere... Anyway what business do you have with Big Macintosh, the greatest warrior ever?" "There's a merchant who needs to get to the city but there's a immense boulder in his way! Maybe you could cut it down into smithereens?" "Oh. Do even lavender unicorns know of my great exploits now?" Twilight sighed. "Well Twilight, I'm not looking for apprentices. Go back where you came and play with your friends." After that, Big Mac started to lay on the podium again. "How dare a lavender unicorn like you interrupt my meditation!" Big Macintosh then rolled to the opposite side of the podium and fell into another slumber. "Get a load of this stallion. All brawn and no brains. Quit messin' around and come with us!" Big Macintosh quickly awoke from his short slumber and spoke. "Hm? You snuck in here again!? Quit bugging me you... you... dragon!" Spike then got angered with the stallion. "I told you, don't call me dragon! C'mon Twi! We're taking him with us!" Twilight's horn then glowed as she levitated Big Macintosh in the air as she transcended up the staircase and stepladder and outside the house. "What do you think you're doing!? Put me down this instant! What will Cheerilee think?" Twilight then dragged the immense stallion to the humongous boulder where the merchant was. "You mangy unicorn! You brought me all the way here just to test yourself against me? Then prepare to taste the wrath of my trusty blade which has slain many foes..." The stallion then got in a rage "Oblivion!" The merchant then settled his parasol near Big Macintosh. "H-Hold on a minute! You're the legendary Big Macintosh?" The stallion then quickly turned around to face the merchant. "Yep! None other than Big Macintosh, the greatest warrior who ever lived! And by the way, never interrupt warriors engaged in battle!" The merchant began to worry. "But i've got a favor to ask of you. This huge boulder blocking the way is really bugging me and getting in my way." The merchant then had sweat coming from his face "Can't you do something about it?" The stallion looked at the boulder with a shocked look visible on his face. "What? ... ..." "Come on! Please! I mean, you are Star Swirl's descendant aren't you? Surely one puny rock's no match for the mighty skills of you... right?" Big Macintosh's face began to have sweat of worry come down his face. "Hm... It is certainly not beyond my comprehensive ability." "Really? Great! OK, then! No time like the present. Go for it!" The stallion then looked sheepishly at the boulder. "Wait! A boulder of this cataclysmic size is not very easy even for a warrior of my magnitude. This will require my utmost focus to magnify the power of my sword. I shall retire to the training grounds to make my preparations." Big Macintosh than ran off behind his house. "Hmm... I wonder... I've never seen that stallion train seriously... ever." Twilight and Spike then started to travel behind Big Macintosh's house as the sun began to rise. What did Twilight see? Big Macintosh napping in front of the practice dummies and the magma rock. "I know I told that merchant i could help, but a boulder of that size? I don't care if i live among a legendary bloodline it's just too big!" The stallion then checked his bottle. "Oh no! I can't believe I've run out of the brew at at time like this!" The stallion then threw the bottle into the water causing a light splash. "This won't do one bit. I'll just have to train tomorrow. I cannot train without the brew to fuel the fire! Why do things today when it can be tomorrow! That's the Big Macintosh way! Hah ha ha ha ha!" Spike looked at the stallion in dismay "Hold on! There's a brewing girl in this place isn't there Twilight! We can go there now!" Twilight then began to make her way to Cherilee's hut. "Hello Cheerilee!" "Oh, hello there Twilight. I've got a bit of a problem you know. I have to polish the harvest in the mill house before I can use it. But the mill's broken . A wicked monster forced it to collapse the other day. It's hopeless trying to make good brew without clean ingredients..." "Wow, that's too bad." "I should have never let that monster have a sample of my Zeus Brew. A broken mill and a flattened harvest. That's all the thanks I get." "Don't go giving monsters brew! They're bad enough sober! Sheesh... What was she thinking? Anyway Twi you know what to do..." Twilight then ran towards the broken mill as her horn began to glow and Twilight then drew the damaged piece of the mill and it snapped together with the rest of the mill with a splash. The mill began to run immediately as Cheerilee looked at her new mill in wonder and amazement. "What's this!? The mill's been mended! Who on Equestria done that? I'd completely given up on the idea of once again making my brew. But now I can get on with cleaning the harvest with ease. Well, no time like the present! I better get started." Cheerilee then wandered into her building as Twilight followed. Inside the house Twilight glanced at the compartments and mechanisms were used, scaffolding linked to tree branches as it squashed the harvest flatting the harvest and pushed up the mill cleaning it. "You're interested in how to make my brew, are you Twilight? Well, this thing here's for polishing the rice you see. Oh. i'll tell you what. I've got something I think you'll like. Hee hee. it's just some leftover brew from the store, but i made it myself! I call it Vista of the Scroll Gods! Oh, but are you old enough to drink, Twilight?" "Erm it's not for me Cheerilee, It's for some pony else" Twilight then picked up the large brew with her mouth as she ran to Big Macintosh's training ground. "Hm? Hold it right there Twilight! That smell... Is that Cheerilee's famous homemade brew?" "Why yes it is Big Mac, all for you!" "T-T-Twilight, my friend! Did you bring me some of Cheerilee's brew?" "Of course Big Mac" "Oh, what a glorious day! Ah... good ol' brew! A stallion without his drink is like a warrior without his trusty blade! In fact, it is said that Star Swirl himself relied on the power of sake in his battle with the dreaded Hydra. It's all so clear now! Let the training begin!" Big Macintosh, without further ado and time to think drew his sword from his back "I'll just try a bit of my usual routine. OK, here i come!" Big Macintosh then leapt threw the sword, Twilight used her horn to slice the first dummy in half. Big Macintosh then leapt through another as Twilight's horn glowed again as another Magic Slash was used, Big Macintosh then rested his blade on his shoulder as he began to shout. "Feast your eyes on this! Mac'n-style... Exploding Implosion!!!" Big Macintosh swept through the magma rock like a leaf blowing through the wind, several milliseconds after Twilight used her horn again to slice the massive rock in half. Big Macintosh then stared at his sword in amazement. "Huh!?" Big Macintosh... all brawn and no brain began to sprint to the immense boulder "Hiyaaaaaaah!" "Uh oh! Twilight we better hurry! That stallion can't cut through a leaf without our help!" Twilight then began to run, chasing Big Macintosh near the boulder. Big Macintosh perched next to the boulder began to shout. "Mac'n style... Exploding Implosion!" The immense boulder than cut in half opening the way out. "Th-Th-That's amazing! You sliced that huge rock in half! You really are something!" Big Macintosh's attention was focused to his sword as he tilted the sword thinking of the effects that the sword had. "Wow! I didn't know you had it in ya Big Mac!" "... ... Me-either..." Big Macintosh, just realizing what he said retracted the sword from his hooves and into his back. "Err... I mean, of course i could!" Big Macintosh then pulled his sword out and directed it into the sky in a hero position. "After all, I am Big Macintosh, the greatest warrior, ever!" "You weren't just showing off when you said you was Star Swirl's descendant! Some pony like you'd have no problem fighting off monsters off, huh?" Big Macintosh soon had worry flush out of his face. "Well anyway, thanks a bundle. Now I can resume doing business again. See you round!" Big Macintosh then looked in the distance in a face like he has just witnessed a paradox. "Did he just say, m-m-monsters? Oh uh... Of course, no problem *gulp* This is a job for the most skilled warrior in all of the bountiful world of Equestria! Yes! I shall follow in my ancestor's hoof steps and rid these lands of their vile presence!" Big Macintosh then directed his sword at the distance. "Just sit back and watch the great Star Swirl work his magic!" Big Macintosh dashed off into the blue, with not a sight of him anywhere. "Aha ha ha ha ha ha!" Spike then looked in worry. "He shouldn't get all pumped up. He's worthless without us." "You're right Spike. Guess we better get moving then..." Spike then jumped back on Twilight's back. "Yep! Let's get moving!" The pair then walked outside Ponyville as a new day dawned.