> The Equestrian War > by ponyhailey > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLEASE NOTE FIRST STORY (SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE NICE) Luna stood out her balcony gazing up into the night sky before her. She stared at newly risen moon. The night was missing something. She concentrated her magic to her horn. Suddenly the sky was alive with falling stars. She grinned up at her masterpiece. Then she ran to the edge of the railing peering down upon the glowing city to see if anypony had seen her starry show. Her grin slowly faded, her ears drooping, as she stared at the city below only seeing few snobby citizens wandering the streets with there noses in the air, not stopping to notice her night. You’d think they see the sky with their noses in the air all the time, Luna thought to herself. They must get awful cricks in their neck from looking up. She sighed and exited the balcony. She looked around her room. Her bed stood off in the corner. The nightstand sat next to it. A small jar glowing with fireflies sat on the nightstand. A dresser stood across the room with a vanity next to it. A fireplace leaned against the wall. A red rug lay in front of the hearth. She walked over to the rug and sat. There was painting of her moon hanging above the mantle. She stared at painting and began to frown at it sadly. During these event, a dark force was at work. From outside a purle mist collected around the door leading out to the balcony. It slipped in and swirled around behind her. It began to take the shape of a pony. A dark ghostly alicorn appeared behind Luna. “Hello again,” said the alicorn in a raspy voice. Luna, startled, turned to see the alicorn. Luna gasped in both shook and reorganization. “What?” asked the alicorn. Luna stared “No, you were destroyed by the Elements, you can‘t exist.” “Please,” the alicorn replied smugly, “Their magic can not compare to mine.” “No,” Luna said, ”You’re not welcome here.” “Not welcome here?” The alicorn asked in mock shook, “Please, I helped you.” “That was a mistake!” Luna yelled, “I should have never gone along with you! I broke many of my friends trust that day.” “Who needs friendships, when you had me?” said the alicorn. “You are no friend of mine,“ Luna retorted, “In fact you’re an enemy!” “In that case,” said the alicorn, “I shall take my revenge on my enemy.” And with that the misty alicorn’s horn lit up gripping Luna’s neck lifted her up. Luna struggled wildly against the alicorn’s magic calling desperately for help but the attempt was futile. The alicorn moved closer strengthening her magic. The aura surrounding Luna’s neck spread around her body encasing her. The magic surrounding her tightened casing her to shink in size in tll she was the size of a butterfly. The alicorn chuckled at the shrunken pony’s helplessness. She grabbed a jar on Luna’s nightstand, shaking out the fireflies inside, and replacing them with Luna instead. Screwing on the top, she smiled as the small pony thashed about inside. The alicorn grinned evilly at Luna. Gripping the jar, the alicorn walked out on to the balcony, over to the railing. “Farewell,” she said throwing the jar off the balcony. She watched it plummet to the ground. She didn’t wait for the crash. The alicorn, which hopefully you now know is none other than Nightmare Moon, knew that Luna was done for. The moon mare gazed into the night sky. She smiled, thinking about her vengeful plans. That night many things happened. A powerful spell was cast on the sun and moon causing them to be immobilized in suspended animation. Nightmare Moon’s newly brainwashed soldiers were placed in Cloudsdale and in other major cities about Equestria. A deal was made between a couple of jewel hungry diamond dogs. A couple of dragons were informed of possible raidings. Leader of the buffalo tribe was replaced by a coupled of rebellious buffalos who weren’t willing to compromise with ponies so easily. And an ancient kingdom returned with a corrupted leader. Many key pieces were in place for a saga of epic proportions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight woke up. She stretched and yawned. And peered out the window. How strange, she thought to herself. It was still dark outside. I must have woken up real early for it still to be dark out, she thought. Twilight looked over at her clock which hung on the wall near her bed. Her eyes widened. Her clock read nine A.M. That can’t be right, Twilight thought to herself, I must have forgotten to wind it. She thought back to the events of the previous day. Buying parchment to write letters to the princess with, Pinkie’s pinkie sence warning of frog storm, Rainbow coming over to return and check out Daring Do books, Reading late into the night, winding her clock before bed. Yep, she thought, I wound it, but why is it still dark out. Did the Princess over sleep? Was she okay? What was happening?! “SPIKE!’ Twilght yelled. “Whaaa, ohff." Spike yelld as jumped up and fell out of bed. “Spike, Please take a note to the Princess, I believe that something is very wrong.” “What Twilight?" asked spike armed with a quill and paper. “Look outside.” said Twilight gesturing with her horn. “It still dark outside?” he asked, “Oh, well I’m going back to bed.” He tried to climb backing, but he was pulled out by Twilight’s magic. “Spike, this is serious, it’s at least nine in morning.” “Alright,” Spike grumbled, “But I don’t the princess will be very happy about being woken up this early.” But before he could start writing, That all to familiar feeling came over him. His cheeks expanded with air as he belched out a letter enveloped in green fire. Twilight snatched it from the air. “Ah hah!“ She exclaimed, “This should give us some answers.” She unrolled the letter and read aloud: Dear Twilight, If you are reading this, you and your friends must come to Cantorlot immediately. It is of great importance. Sincerely, Princess Celestia “What?!” Twilight yelled, “This leaves me as confused as I was before!” “You better hurry Twilight,” said Spike, “Don’t worry about me Twilight, I’ll stay here and go back to sleep - I mean guard the library from - uh - book thieves, yeah that’s what I’ll do.” Twilight rolled her eyes as she darted outside into the night. Ponies were standing aroung outside looking up for the sun. Twilight heard a filly ask, “Mommy, where’s the sun?“ and the filly’s mother answer “I don’t know dear, I don’t know.“ Something is very wrong, Twilight thought. She stopped at Sugar Cube Corners first. She knocked rapidly on the door. Mr. Cake answered. “Why hello Twilight, what a surprise to see you.” “Is Pinkie here?” she asked. “Why yes, She’s right up-” “Hi Twilight!” Pinkie Pie greeted eagerly, startling Mr. Cake, ‘Wow, it still dark out, did Celestia forget to raise the sun?” “Pinkie, We need to go to Cantorlot immediately, The Princess said it was urgent.” “Okay-Dokay-Lokay, then let’s go.” And with that Pinkie bounced out the door, off towards Rarity’s house with Twilight galloping after leaving a bewildered Mr. Cake at the door. The two reached Rarity’s house Pinkie had already burst into the house and was tugging Rarity along by the hoof. “Pinkie!” Rarity screamed, “Do you know how rude it is to enter one’s house without permission?” “Come on.” said Pinkie, “ Twilight says the Princess wants us and fast so lets go.” “She’s right Rarity, we must hurry.” “Oh all right,” Rarity grumbled, “Shall we go?” And so they left rounding up Applejack, Fluttershy, and a very resentful Rainbow Dash, who figured that if it was still night, then you should be sleeping. They raced to Cantorlot as fast as possible. Well, as fast as it is run in the dark. The six burst into the grand entrance of the castle where Celestia was waiting. “Princess!” Twilight said, “What’s going on? How come the sun hasn’t been raised yet?" Princess Celestia held up a hoof to quiet her questions. “Come with me,” said the solar princess. “Wow, this scene looks a lot like it did before we had to battle Discord.” remarked Pinkie. “Hush now, Pinkie.” said Applejack. Princess Celestia lead the ponies down a long corridor as she told them what she knew. ‘You see, I woke up when it was time to raise the sun, I realized that a powerful spell had been cast upon it as well as the moon. I only know of one other pony who can cast such a spell, my sister Luna.” The six gasped at this shocking news. “But I thought she was good now.” said Twilight “I thought so too, but when I went up to her room she was gone and her firefly lantern was missing. I believe she cast the spell and ran away.” “But that can’t be true, Luna is a good pony, and I know it.” argued Applejack “I know that, but what other possibility could there be, unless…” “Unless what?’ Twilight asked “Well, it’s very unlikely, but possible that well… Nightmare Moon could have returned.” “WHAT?!” the six shouted. End of Chapter One > Chapter Two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ponies gaped at the princess. “How could of Nightmare Moon returned?” Applejack asked “Well… do you remember when you destroyed Nightmare Moon and how there were bits of Nightmare Moon’s armor scattered about the floor?” “Yes,” Twilight said, recalling the event. “Those bits contained some of Nightmare Moon’s essence. If there was enough, then Nightmare Moon might have been able to resurrect herself.” “So why are we here if we should be looking for Luna or possibly Nightmare Moon?” asked Rainbow Dash “You may need these,” Celestia said. “The group realized they were at the vault that contained the Elements of Harmony. Celestia bent her head down inserting her horn into the key hole. The safe door glowed as the interlocking joints inside the door turned and clicked into place allowing the vault door to open. A jeweled box sat on a pedestal on the safe. Celestia picked up the box and began taking out the Elements of Harmony, securing the necklaces to each of the wielder’s necks. “Phew, for a second there I thought they might be gone.” said Pinkie Pie. “Good luck my little ponies.” Celestia said as she set the Element of Magic onto Twilight’s head. But as the crown made contact to Twilight’s head, there was a bust of light as her mind was filled with a vision. Twilight was at the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. This was the place where she and her friends had last battled Nightmare Moon, except this was a different battle. She noticed and watched herself and her friends powering up their element preparing to fire. But at that moment, her vision was interrupted by screams and she was returned back to the vault hall to find herself hurtling toward the ground. She hit the tile and skidded until she crashed into the wall. Her friends and the princess rushed to her side. “Twilight!” “Twilight! Are you hurt?” “Are you hurt?” “Are you okay?” “What happened?” “What was that flash?” “I don’t know,” answered Twilight weakly, “I saw a vision of some sort, but I wasn’t able to tell what it was about. I do know one thing though. Nightmare moon is indeed back. I saw her.” “Perhaps he Element of Magic was warning you about her.“ said the princess. “There was a battle.” Twilight said, “At the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters.” Twilight gasped as she realized the truth. “I know where Nightmare Moon is!” “Where?” the group asked in sync. “I’ll tell you on the way.” “Good luck, and farewell.” Celestia called to the ponies as they galloped out of the room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So ya tellin’ me that that we’re about to be in the battle that you saw in your vision at the castle where we last defeated Nightmare Moon?” repeated Applejack as the six entered the Everfree forest. “Yes,” said Twilight. “Oh goodie,” yipped Pinkie Pie excitedly. They walked in silence as the ponies made their way toward the castle. They peered through the bushes at the fortress. The castle had been renovated from when they had last seen it. The rope bridge that once was tattered and fraying, looked much safer and two of Luna’s old guards flanked it. Across the chasm, the castle appear to be more reinforced with guards patrolling around in pairs every thirty seconds. “How are we going to get through all those guards, Twilight?” Rarity asked. “I can take them.” boasted Rainbow Dash. “Huh,“ Applejack huffed, “I doubt it.” “Hey, whose side are you on,” retorted Rainbow Dash. “Shush, both of you.” said Twilight, “I need to think up a plan.” “Got it.” she said. “What,” they asked . “We’re going to need a distraction to lire away the bridge guards, and then some clouds to cover us when we cross the bridge. We’ll need to be fast enough to avoid the castle guards. Fluttershy do you think you can persuade some of your forest friend to help us?” “I’m sure they’d love to help get the sun back,” “Good. Rainbow Dash, can you bring us some clouds down to earth?” “I’m on it.” “Alright,” said Twilight, “Let’s go.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pegasi guards stood, staring out into the woods. Their orders were not to let anypony passed. A squirrel scurried up to the two. The pegasi stared straight ahead. Another squirrel darted up towards them. The guards still stared. Another squirrel came forward followed by another and another until there a small army of them surrounding the two. That’s when the guard’s took notice. “Shoo,” said one, waving his hoof at the squirrels. They didn’t move. “Yeah,” chimed in the other, “Get lost,” Once again they didn’t move. The guards, who were getting a little nervous, tried a more drastic approach began snorting and scuffing the ground as a warning. This gesture didn’t cause the squirrels to back off, but move closer. That’s when the panic stared to seep in. When this happens, a pony has two choices: Fight or Flight. Being who they were, they chose the first option. Rearing up and letting loose war cries as they charged the squirrels. They squirrels ran, leading them deeper into woods. The guards chased the squirrels until they disappeared into the trees. They panted, feeling rather victorious. The feeling soon vanished when the two heard a growling sound coming from behind them. The two slowly turned around dreading what they might see. A manticord stood there snarling. The beast reared, letting lose a ferocious roar. The two ran, screaming into the night. Fluttershy appeared out the bushes. “Oh, I don’t think you needed to scare them that badly,” she said, patting it on the head, “But you did a great job.” The manticord purred with pleasure. “Alright,” said Twilight, “Let’s go.” The six hurriedly crossed the bridge under the cover of the clouds Rainbow Dash had set up. They crowded behind a tree. Twilight peered out at the guards. “Okay it appears the guards circle around the castle in pair. They pass by main doors about sixty feet apart. That means we have about thirty second to get to the doors without being seen. We’ll have to be very quiet. On my signal we head for the door, but remember, be quiet!” As the guards passed by the doors, the six raced for the door. Twilight grabbed handle. It wouldn’t budge. “It’s locked!” she whispered to the others. “What do we do?” Rainbow dash asked. “I know an unlocking spell, but I can’t remember how it goes.” she pondered The ponies fidgeted nervously as precious seconds trickled by. “Um wait… ah hah.” Twilight concentrated hard as she cast the spell. “Click.” She testily pushed on the door. It opened. The six darted inside and closed the door just as the next pair of guards rounded the corner. “Phew,” the group sighed in relief. They looked around at their soundings. They were the main entry hall where they’d had first found the Elements. “This sure brings back memories,” Applejack said as she gazed upon the pedestal where the Elements once sat. “Come on, we have to find Nightmare Moon.” “Did somepony say my name?” asked an unseen pony. Suddenly, there a flash of purple light as the evil alicorn appeared. “Hello again, my little ponies.” greeted Nightmare Moon. “You.” said Twilight. “Yes, me,” she repeated, “Princess Luna, please if you can hear me, I know you can fight Nightmare Moon.” Rarity said. “Princess Luna? You Think-That I- Hah” cackled Nightmare Moon, “You think that I took over that weak foal’s body-Hah. Please, Luna failed me before so why would this time be any different. She of course knew my weaknesses, so I had to… do away with her.” “What do you mean, do away with her?” Twilight asked suspiciously. “Lets just say it involved a shrinking spell, a jar and a deadly drop over a balcony railing.” Nightmare Moon said giving them a sinister smile. “No!” yelled Twilight as the others gasped in realization. “Yes.” “You will pay!” screamed Rainbow Dash. “Formation! Now!” yelled Twilight. The six friends stared down Nightmare Moon. They had defeated her once before, and they could do it again. They concentrated on their elements, power surging from them preparing to form the magical rainbow of friendship that would destroy the moon mare’s dark powers once again. But before the energies could combine, Nightmare Moon seized the five necklaces and tiara, incasing them in blue aura, and flinging them through though a cracked window. Rainbow Dash was the first to recover from the counterattack. She gasped, and flew after the elements. But the attempt was in vain as a she watched helplessly the elements soar far beyond her hoof’s reach all in different directions. Down below, Nightmare Moon cackled evilly. ”Fools,” She said, ”It was hopeless for you to try and stop me, and now with those pesky Elements out of the way I can destroy you!”. Rainbow Dash dive bombed her, but was thrown aside from Nightmare Moon’s magic, crashing into her friends. The six lay crumpled in a heap as drew closer. She towered above them, leering down at them menacingly. Fluttershy began to whimper as Nightmare Moon’s horn began to glow with a blue aura. Twilight knew she had to save both herself and her friends. Feeling an ounce of strength, she cast a teleportation spell and they disappeared in a shower of purple sparks. Nightmare Moon wailed at their escape and vowed they wouldn’t get away so easily next time. End of Chapter Two This chapter was edited by DLRMovieProductions. > Chapter Three > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The group appeared in Princess Celestia‘s throne room where she waited expectantly. “The elements,” yelled Rainbow Dash, “We have find them!”. Twilight, exhausted from the long teleport, said “Princess, we failed, the Elements were lost.” Princess Celestia was shooked by this news. “You mean they were destroyed?” She asked, “No, impossible, they can not be destroyed, that would require immense amounts of magic.” “They were fired off somewhere, but we don’t know where.” Rainbow Dash yelled panicked, ‘We’ve got to find them!” “We will sugar cube, don’t’ worry.” comforted Applejack. “How can not worry at a time like this?” Rainbow asked, “We need action!”. “Applejack’s right darling, we need to stay calm a time of crisis,” agreed Rarity. Before Rainbow Dash could think up a comeback a disheveled pegasus guard galloped into the room. “Princess,” he gasped, “Cantorlot is under attack.”. The ponies gasped and ran to the windows and stared out. Pegasi in purple armor (to camouflage in the night) were laying siege to the city. White pegasi in gold armor flew after them while the unicorns below fired lasers of energy at the enemy soliders. “We must leave, my lady” the guard said. “No,” Celestia replied, “It is my duty to protect my subjects, Iron Sword escort these six ponies to a chariot that will deliver them safely to Ponyville.” “As you wish, my lady.” he said. He turn to the other ponies and said “Come with me.” . Twilight turned to the princess asking “What about you?”. “Don’t worry Twilight,” she said, “You must go to Ponyville and find the Elements of Harmony, your brother will accompany you.” “Shining Armor?” Twilight repeated. “Yes,” Celestia answered, ‘Now before you go, you will need this.” Celestia’s horn glowed as she touched each pony’s head. “This is a spell that might help you find the Elements, your cutie marks will glow ever you get close to your Element.” “Thank you princess.” And with that the guard lead them out of the room. The ponies followed him to a chariot where Twilight’s brother was waiting with his wife Cadence. “Twilghley!” Shining Armor greeted her. “Shining Armor!” Twilight said running up to her brother, hugging him, “It’s good to see you, you to Cadence.” “Come, we must hurry to Ponyville if we want to avoid being attacked by Nightmare Moon’s forces,” said Shinning Armor immediately regaining his sense of duty. He held out his hoof for Twilight and the others to board. Just as Cadence was about to board the chariot, a brown unicorn guard nudged Shining Armor. “Um, Captain,” he said. “Yes?” Shining Armor asked. “I’m sorry sir, but I’m afraid the chariot is reserved for authorized ponyial only.” “What do you mean by that?” “Well sir, your wife, ahem, isn’t included in authorized ponyal.” “What do you mean by that?” Shining Armor asked with a hint of agitation in his voice. “Well sir, that means that she isn’t allowed to board.” “What!” “Sir, she isn’t a solider nor a barer of the Elements of Harmony.” “She’s my wife and she may board if I authorize her to board!” Shining Armor shouted. “But sir, if we let her board then that wouldn’t be fair to all the other citizens of Cantorlot who would like to leave.” “They’re not-” “ENOUGH!” Cadence shouted, “If he says I shouldn’t board, then I won’t.” “But Cadence, what if-” “No what-ifs, I’ll be fine.” Shining Armor gave her a doubtful look. “I promise.” Shining Armor sighed. He gave Cadence a kiss, telling her that he loved her. “I love you too.” And with that he boarded the chariot and they flew off. Shining Armor gave his wife one last parting glance before he turned away. He sighed before turning toward the ponies who awaited instructions. “Okay,” He said breaking the silence, “From now on Ponyville is our base of operations, Twilight, Do you mind if I use your library as my council of war?” “Not at all,” Twilight replied smiling. "Oh and do you have an old, but current, map that me and my cartographer can write on?” “Um, okay, yeah sure. I have one.” “Great,” he said, “Any questions?” “Why is Ponyville the ‘base of operations’?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Because your town is the closest to the Everfree Forest, speaking of which you are going to need to show me where Nightmare Moon’s castle is on the map so I know where to tell my stallions to go.” “Right.” agreed Twilight. "And you Fluttershy-" “Yes?” she squeaked. “You’re going need to tell me about some of the dangers of the Everfree Forest.” “Okay,” she said. “Alright, Twilight, you were at the castle right? I’m going to need some information.” “Got it,” Twilight said, and began tell her brother at the defense tactics the Nightmare Moon was using to defend her castle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The ponies finally reached Ponyville. There were many pegasi and unicorn soliders standing about. Most of the residents of Ponyville only saw a few royal guards and just around royalty, so it was quite a surprise to see an entire army milling about the town, especially at night. The seven ponies made their way toward Twilight’s library. Inside, they met other ponies dressed in the same manner as Shining Armor was. “Ladies, this is General Strong Shield, Sergeant Bronze Helm, and our cartographer Compass Point.” General Strong Shield was a tall white unicorn. He had a dark blue mane with white highlights and silver eyes. He was wearing blue armor with a gold trim. His cutie mark was a silver shield deflecting a sword. Sergeant Bronze Helm was a brown pegasus. He had a light blue mane with aquamarine highlights. His eyes were a sandy tan. He was wearing standard gold armor. His cutie mark was two armored horns clashing. Compass Point was an orange earth pony whose mane was light red. His eyes were yellow. His cutie mark was an unrolled map. He had a tan saddlebag strapped across his back. “Hello, you must be the Element's barers,” greeted General Strong Shield, “It is pleasure to meet you all. I’d love to meet you all, but Sergeant Bronze Helm and I have been waiting for Shining Armor. A problem has come up and we require his assistance.“ “Okay, you ladies stay here and help Compass Point out, while I go deal with this problem.” “Okay.” And with that the stallions left the library. “Do you have a map?” Compass Point asked, “I misplaced mine before I left Cantorlot.” “Yes I do,” Twilight answered. Twilight searched among some shelves until she found a rolled up map. Compass Point picked it up and spread it out on the table. Then he took out what appeared to be blue and yellow game pieces out of his bag and set them specific places on the map. “What are those for?” Twilight asked. “These are markers that show the know location of Celestia’s and Nightmare Moon’s forces are in Equestria,” Compass Point explained, “Her forces almost invaded Hoofington and Fillydelphia. Thankfully, an observant mail mare spotted a suspicious group of pegasi flying the city’s way and reported them to officials before they could attack. Unfortunately Cloudsdale wasn’t as lucky. A refuge pegasus told us that the citizen tried to fight, but were defeated.” “What?!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, “Then lets go!” “Hold your horses,” Applejack said, biting down on Rainbow Dash’s tail, “Not all of us can fly.” “Appleloosa was taken too,” Compass Point added. “That’s where we need to go!” she yelled making a break for the door. “Stop!” yelled Twilight grabbing Applejack and hoisting her into the air, “That’s not our job and besides need to find the Elements to stop Nightmare Moon." “But I thought you didn’t know where they were.” Compass Point said. ‘Hum,” Twilight thought, “Rainbow Dash, you flew after the Elements, right? Did you see where they went?” “Yeah.” “Really? That means that with some careful calculations, I can pinpoint exactly where they landed.” “Well the Elements flew out a window.” “What direction was the window facing?” Compass Point asked. “Umm, that away.” Rainbow Dash answered, gesturing toward the north. “Hm, the wind was a mixture of winds from the east and west.” “What do you mean ‘mixture’?” asked Rarity. “The Everfree Forest is a very strange place with it’s odd plants, such as poison joke, and deadly creatures, so it’s not wonder why winds can blow from opposite directions. Rainbow, could you tell me which Element went in which direction and about how fast each was going.” “Sure thing.“ Rainbow Dash agreed, “Lets see, Twilght’s element was going that away-” “Northeast,” Compass Point corrected. “Whatever, it was going northeast at about seven point two wing power.” “That’s pretty exact.” commented Compass Point. “It was going as fast as Firefly when we were training for the tornado to bring the water from our reservoir up to Cloudsdale.” “How about yours?” “Northeast, nine wing power.” ”Applejack’s?" “Um, south… west, sixteen point seven wing power.” “Rarity’s?” “Uh, northeast- east? Nine point four wing power.” ”Fluttershy’s?” “Northwest, about ten point two wing power.” “And lastly Pinkie’s?” “Northwest- west, four point eight wing power.” “Hm,” Compass Point thought as he reach into his bags once more and withdrew a notepad and pencil. He scribbled some notes, studied the map, scribbled some more, and sketched out crude pictures of the elements on the map. The map looked a bit like this: [img][/img] “There is where you will find your Elements.” The map showed that the Element of Honesty was near Appleloosa, the Element of Kindness was near the Drackenridge Mountains, the Element of Laughter was somewhere near Manehatten, the Element of Generosity was a couple miles away from Cantorlot, the Element of Loyalty was in Cloudsdale, and the element of Magic was somewhere along the edges of the Everfree Forest. “I guess we will have to divide and conquer,” said Twilight. “Each on there own!” said Rainbow Dash. “On our own?” Flutter shy asked nervously. “Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash, “It will be like a quest that Daring Do goes on, full of danger and near death experiences.” “Danger? Near death experiences? Oh my. Maybe I’ll search for the Elements at home.” “Ah, lighten up," Rainbow Dash comforted, “It’ll be fun.” “Fun?” repeated Fluttershy not really believing it. “Well, I guess.” “Alright, then everypony get packed and ready to go.” Twilight said. “Elements, here we come!” End of Chapter Three > Chapter Four > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “All right, everypony should go home and gather supplies, we might be gone for a while.” The six ponies marched out of the library, each off to their own home to prepare for the journey. Compass Point marched off to the solider camp stationed outside of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash hung out outside the library. She traveled light and couldn’t think anything she might need that she couldn’t get on the way. Twilight stayed behind (the library was her home) and climbed the stair up to her room. Spike followed. Twilight bent over and felt around under her bed until she found her saddlebag. She pulled it out and set it on her bed. “Spike,” Twilight asked, “Could you please find me five more copies of the map like the one downstairs?” “I’m on it.“ Twilight sifted among the books shelf, occasionally pulling out a book or two and placing them into her saddlebag. When she was content with what she had, she strapped it on, and returned back downstairs. Spike had found five map and was proceeding to copy down where the elements were located. “I can’t wait to go searching,” Spike said excitedly. “Oh Spike, I not sure if you should go .” “What?! But I’m your number one assistant!” Spike protested. “I’m sorry, but this mission might be dangerous.” “Everypony else gets to have fun.” Spike grumbled. “But if you come, who will protect the library from book thieves?” Twilight added playfully. Spike blushed and gave a defeated sigh. He would stay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acers, Applejack was fighting off a persistent little sister. “I’m sorry Apple Bloom, but who’s gonna’ take care take care of the farm if you and I are gone?” Applejack asked, “Apples, check.” “Big Mac and Granny Smith will.“ Apple Bloom replied. “Heh, I don’t know if Big Mac can man the farm all by himself-” “Eeyup‘,” Big Macintosh agreeded. “- and Granny Smith can’t apple buck worth a darn. No offence Granny Smith.” “None taken dear.” said Granny Smith. “Lets see, now where‘s that rope?“ “Please,” Apple Bloom begged, “What if my cutie mark is finding lost things?” “Some how I doubt that.“ Applejack said, ‘Rope, check, apple juice, check.” “But-” “Alright I’m all ready. Good bye Apple Bloom, yall take care now ya hear.” Applejack called back as she galloped toward the library leaving a disappointed Apple Bloom. behind. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At Sugar Cube Corners, Pinkie Pie filled her saddlebag with only the necessities. “Hum, What am I missing?” Pinkie Pie pondered, “Lets see, I have cupcakes, cookies, candy, a quart of milk, party hats, and balloons. I know! Streamers!” She raced over to her dresser and pulled open a drawer. Streamers and confetti exploded in her face. “Found some.” she said. Pinkie Pie grabbed a bunch, shoved them in to her bag, slung the bag across her back, and dashed off to the library. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity hefted her saddlebag onto a table. She sorted through the bag’s contents. “Scarf, check, hat, check, sewing kit check. Good I’m all set to go.” “Go where?” “Ahh!” Rarity screamed, “Oh, it’s you Sweetie Bell. You really shouldn’t sneak up on ponies like that.” “Go where” Sweetie Bell repeated. “That’s none of your business.” Rarity replied. To herself, she muttered, “I’d better ask Spike to take care of her while I’m gone.” as she left the house. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy was leaving out many bowls of food and water. “All right now little ones, don’t gobble this food all at once or you might not have anything to eat.” She set out one last bowl of food. But as it touched the ground, angle scampered over and gorged the food furiously. “No stop, Angle bunny,” Fluttershy protested softly, “You can’t eat it just yet.’ Angle stared at her. And returned to eating. “No.“ murmered Fluttershy, as she gently picked up the bowl, holding it out of the bunny’s reach. Angle lunged for it. Fluttershy evaded him, ducking and dodging his attacks. “Now Angle, you stop that.” she scolded. He peayd her no heed. “Please,” she begged. The bunny still leaped wildly. Fluttershy, a little fed up with Angle’s rebellion, used her last resort, the Stare. Angle stopped in his tracks. “Now do you promise to not to eat the food?” Angle sighed defeated, and nodded. “And will you keep the other animals from eating the food except during their usual feeding time?” Angle nodded. “Good.” Fluttershy said good bye to all her animals, promising to come back soon, left the her cottage and into the night. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All the ponies assembled outside of the library. “Okay everypony, here are your maps.” Twilight said as she hoofed (handed) everypony a rolled up map. “Map? Please, I can’t possibly get lost.” Rainbow Dash declined as she threw the map behind her. Nopony noticed when a small orange muzzle reached through the bushes and snacted the map with it’s mouth. “Everypony know where to go?” Twilight asked. “Yep.” Rainbow Dash answered. “Indeed I do.” Rarity replied. “Yes sirree.“ Pinkie Pie responded eagerly. “Ready. ” Applejack said. “I guess.” Fluttershy whispered. “All right then, I’ll see you later.” Twilight said. And with that the six raced of into the darkness of the night, not knowing the challenges they would face. End of Chapter Four