> The Element of Balance > by Sonic Boom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: A night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prologue A night 2 days before Twilight's arrival to Ponyville... Night. All across almost everypony was sleeping tight. Some were still wide awake in their beds, excited and eager about the Summer Sun Celebration coming up in a couple of days. In fact, everypony was thrilled about it! Everypony... except a certain sun princess. 11:34 p.m. Canterlot Castle (Princess Celestia's Chambers) "Luna..." Celestia said in sadness as she stood on her balcony, looking out into the moon hanging from the night sky, tears in her eyes. The princess of the sun was both dreading and hoping for this day. Ever since she banished her younger sister to the moon a thousand years ago, she has been regretting it for a thousand years. She didn't want to punish her own sister for her dark anger, but she had no choice. "If only Discord hadn't manipulated you..." Soon, she would be with her dear young sister again very soon... Suddenly, a book fell from its place in the bookcase. It landed with a thud, spooking Celestia. She turned around and looked around for anypony who might be in the room. "Who's there?!" she shouted. No answer. "Come on out!" Still no answer. That's weird. I thought that... She then spotted the book a few hooves from her. Huh? How'd that happen? thought the princess as if she knew a book falling from its shelf was an impossibility. She used her magic to pick up the book, but before she could return it to its proper place, she looked at the cover. It was a brown book with a golden alicorn with cyan eyes on it She didn't know why, but something told her that she needed to look into its pages of sacred knowledge. She opened it up and flipped the section which said "Mare in the Moon." It held a picture of the moon with a obscure image of an alicorn on it. She stared at for a full minute. Poor Celestia. Every time she looked at that moon, Luna was the 1st thing that popped into her mind. If it wasn't for Discord, Her sister would never have turned into Nightmare Moon. Just then, a page in the back started glowing for a split second. Celestia noticed. "Huh?" She was afraid of what that page now held after that glow, but her fear was covered by her curiosity. She closed her eyes, flipped towards the page, and opened them with shock. The page's title read Elements of Harmony and showed 6 colored stones positioned in a star. That's weird. I thought... Before she could finish, she looked at the page beside the one she was currently looking at and saw another stone. It was shaped like a spike ball and it had 2 colors on it. 2 colors! What was weirder was that the colors were positioned exactly like the ying-yang symbol: black and white. The stone was attached to a rainbow-colored scepter. "What in the name of myself is this?!" she blurted out in confusion. She then noticed and read the description at the bottom. Element of Harmony #7: Balance. The Element of Balance is one of the two most strongest and powerful elements of all next to The Element of Magic. Unlike the other 6 elements, this one is special, due to having a portion of each of the other 6 elements, giving it the nickname, "The Master Element." It also has ability to locate them. However, The Element of Balance is was separated from the other elements due to a major catastrophe, and it was lost forever. Legend has it that once 6 of the 7 Elements of Harmony are found, The Elements of Balance will follow their resonance. Wait a minute. Element of Balance? Master Element? This was making Celestia's head hurt. What is this? What's going on? Celestia couldn't think straight. She then decided to sleep on it, hoping that she would be able to figure this all out tomorrow. She put the book back onto its shelf and headed for her bedroom, but before she could, she took one last look towards the moon. "...Luna..." > Ch.01: Strange Discovery > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 Strange Discovery A star started to sparkle and glistened in the moonlight. Then all of a sudden, a white comet appeared from the star and headed down towards Equestria. It crashed landed in between Ponyville and Sweetapple Acres, the middle of an open green grass field with a lone green tree, known as Equestrian Hills and shock the ground for a few seconds. It was enough to wake up everypony in Equestria. 01:02 a.m. Sweetapple Acres Applejack woke up from her deep and peaceful sleep. "AAH! What in the hay was that?!" AJ looked out her window to see a bright light shining in the middle of Equestrian Hills. She was curious of what that light held, but at the same time she was too tired to even get out of bed. She wanted to go back to go back to sleep, but how can she ignore something that caused an earthquake like that? She hopped out of her bed and headed downstairs, but before she could get to the bottom, she was stopped by her little sister, Applebloom, and her big brother, Big Macintosh, who were right behind her. "Where ya going, Applejack? It's one in the morning'." Applebloom asked. Applejack responded, "There's somethin' over on the field beside our farm that looks mighty suspicious. I'm gonna go check it out. Y'all best be headin' back to bed." "Nope." said Macintosh. "We're commin' with ya! Families stick and help together!" Applebloom then said. "But..." Applejack hesitated. "Don't worry. We'll help you out with whatever happens." Applebloom interupted. "Eeyup." added Macintosh. Applejack stood in silence for a few seconds, then smiled, glad to know that her brother and sister were there to help and support her. "Alright fine, but stay close." said Applejack. They then all headed outside and from there on to the source of the light. Equestrian Hills Applejack, Applebloom, and Big Macintosh arrived at the site, hoping to find some kind of meteor or star. Instead they found something that they or nopony had ever seen before: an alicorn with 2 tails. The alicorn had a bright blue coat with a black spiky mane. His two tails' colors were black and white; the white part was on the half end of both tails. What surprised them the most was that he didn't have a cutie mark. He laid there, unconscious, and surprisingly, there was no crater surrounding the alicorn, which was odd, considering a fall like that would have made a crater the size of Ponyville itself. He just laid there, unconscious and with several bruises all over his body. "Applejack, who is that?" Applebloom asked worried. "Ah don't know, but he looks worse than an apple tree durin' Winter. Let's get him back to the Applefarm. He'll sleep in my bed and maybe tomorrow we'll find out more about him in the morning. I'll sleep on the couch tonight." Applejack said. "Eeyup." said Macintosh as he was picking the alicorn and putting him on his back. They all headed back towards to farm, both worried and eager to learn about this strange pony in the morning. > Ch.02: An apple a day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 An apple a day 10:43 a.m. Sweetapple Acres (Applejack's house) The blue alicorn was tossing and turning left and right in Applejack's bed, obviously having a nightmare. He eventually rolled himself onto the floor and awoke in sweat and heavily breathing. As he was desperately gasping for air, he looked around at all of his surroundings. Where am I? he thought to himself. As he attempted to pick himself, he looked at his hooves and started to panic. He then noticed the mirror on top of the dresser in front of him, and what was in the mirror was a sapphire blue coated pony with a spiky black mane, a horn, wings, and two tails. "Whoa!" He fell back as if he saw a ghost. He picked himself back up and looked back at the mirror. "Is that what I look like?" It took a couple of minutes of staring and self-admiration to get used to the fact that he was a pony and not a human anymore. "...Cool." he said as he looked at them through the mirror. In his mind, he assumed himself that he was probably the only pony with two tails. He was relieved that he could still talk, for he thought that as a pony, the only thing coming out of his mouth would be "neigh." He also noticed that he had several bandages wrapped around himself, none covering his wings or his brown eyes however, thank Celestia. He didn't know how or why he got hurt, but he would thank whoever had helped him with his cuts and wounds. He tried to figure out where he could be, but then he looked out the nearby window to see a village-like town out in the distance. He figure that time and exploration in that town would be his guides. With that set, he decided to head on out, but couldn't even make it to the bedroom door. Walking on four legs was rather difficult (he had to admit), but after some practice he had finally felt confident enough, exited the bedroom, and headed downstairs. Once the alicorn reached the bottom, he noticed that somepony was in the kitchen and hid behind a wall. It was Applejack, who was making pancakes for breakfast. The alicorn was a bit hungry. Very hungry actually. He tried to think of away to make an entrance, but before he could decide... "Mornin' partner. Sleep well?" The alicorn jumped as he was caught by surprise. "Whoa! Don't scare me like that." he calmly snapped. "Eh heh, sorry. Want some pancakes?" AJ asked. "Eh, sure. I don't see why not." he shrugged. As the alicorn walked to the table and sat down, Applejack put 3 pancakes with a slice of butter on top on one of the plates beside her, along with an absolutely delicious-looking apple and a glass of apple juice, poured maple syrup on top of the pancakes, and served them to him. As the alicorn looked at his hooves and the pancakes back and forwards, Applejack sat down at the table as well, Applejack decided to ask the most obvious question to ask any stranger at this point of time. "Might ah ask who ya are, partner?" "Oh, right. Sorry. Where are my manners? I'm..." he couldn't figure out why, but something told him not to mention his real name. He looked at his blue coat, spiky mane, and two tails and suddenly came up with one. "Sonic. Sonic...Boom." Applejack squinted her eyes and looked at him very carefully, which gave Sonic a chill (and almost a gulp). She knew that he was hiding something, but decided not to continue, as she knew he had his reasons, but that did not mean she wouldn't try to find out eventually. Besides, he was just a guest. A guest who fell from the sky. She then returned to her friendly attitude. "Hi, Sonic. I'm Applejack. Nice to meet cha." AJ said with a smile. Sonic nodded. "Likewise." "And might ah also ask why are ya here?" She asked the next question. "Well, I honestly don't know. How did I get here is a better question." he answered. Applejack then started to explain what happened last night. She even told him that she was the one who wrapped up his bandages for him, and that he slept in her bed while she slept on the couch. "Ah still can't believe Granny Smith slept through all that noise. Anyways, Ah'm glad you're alright." "Wow. Thanks, Applejack." Sonic said. "Anything for a friend." Applejack happily replied. "I'm your...friend?" he asked. "Even better. Consider yourself a member of the Apple family." she answered. Sonic just smiled. Sonic looked at his hooves for a good 30 seconds. "Somethin' wrong there, Sonic?" Applejack, curiously. "Can you...help me with something...sort of...weird, Applejack?" Sonic. "Uh...okay. Shoot." Applejack. "I don't know how to pick up thing with my hooves." Sonic, laughing nervously. Applejack stared blankly at Sonic for several seconds, wondering if he lived under a rock before he came here. She then finally said, "Well...can't ya use yer magic?" He stared blankly at her as well, knowing he didn't know how to use magic. He nodded, looked at his still-hot pancakes, and decided to (without any knowledge, without any practice, and for the first time ever) try out magic. He closed his eyes and began to concentrate. Come on....come on.. After a few seconds, a cyan-colored aura wrapped around Sonic's fork and lifted. "There ya go." Applejack. Sonic opened his eyes to see the results. "Nice." "By the way, are ya related to the princess?" Applejack. "Who?" Sonic, raising an eyebrow. "Ya don't know Princess Celestia?" Applejack. "Hmm...nope, never heard of her. Should I?" Sonic. Applejack then explain everything about Celestia, or everything she knows about her at least. "Oh. Well...no. I'm not related to Princess Celestia. Sorry." Sonic. "That's alright. I just thought that since ya were an alicorn..." Applejack. "Is there something wrong with being an alicorn?" Sonic. "No, nothing at all. But two things ah gotta ask. One, what's with that extra tail of yers?" Applejack. "I...honestly have no idea, but having more than one is kinda cool." Sonic, looking at his tails with a grin. "Uh huh. And two, how come ya don't have yer cutie mark?" Applejack. "Cutie mark?" Sonic, raising yet another eyebrow. "Ya know, yer special talent." Applejack, pointed to the three apples on her flank. Sonic looked at his own flank and noticed he didn't have a cutie mark. "I...don't...know..." Sonic, looking back at his pancakes. What is my special talent? Sonic's thoughts. After breakfast. Sonic stood up from his chair. "Thank you for the pancakes, Applejack." Sonic, as he made his way to the patio door. "Wait!" Applejack shouted. "Where y'all going?" Applejack. "Exploring." Sonic. "Well, before you go explorin', can ah give ya a tour of our farm? Ah've got mah day off from mah chores today." Applejack. Sonic thought about this offer for a few seconds before answering. "Sure. On one condition." "What's that?" Applejack. "That you also give me a tour of the nearby town." Sonic. "Deal, but maybe we should get ya somethin' to wear to hide those wings of yers." Applejack. "Why?" Sonic, looking at his wings. "An alicorn? With two tails? Shown in public? Trust me, partner. That's gonna cause more panic than Cider Season with no cider." Applejack. "Maybe we can convince them that it's normal. Come on, it can't be that hard. Please, AJ?" Sonic trying his best puppy dog eye impression, even though it stank. "Hmm...alright, but let me do the talkin'." Applejack, as she spat on her hooves and pointed at Sonic. "Deal." Sonic, as did the same thing and shook hooves, though he needed to remember to wash his hooves later today. Applejack and Sonic stepped outside and they saw that Big Macintosh was busy plowing. As they walked over to him, he noticed them and stopped for a minute. "Sonic, meet Big Macintosh, mah brother." Applejack. "Eeyup. Glad to see you're awake and feelin' well." Big Mac, going back to his chores. "Anyhow, this here's Sweetapple Acres, where we grow the most delicious apple in all of Equestria. Big Macintosh here is in charge of plowin' so we can plant the seeds for not only our apple trees, but also our vegetables. Apples aren't the only thing we grow here, ya know?" Applejack. "Obviously." Sonic, rolling his eyes. After Applejack showed Sonic the barn, the apple orchards, and everything in the house, they arrived at the Sweetapple Acres entrance gate. "Well that's about it." Applejack. "Thank you. Now if you could be so kind as to give me that other tour, please?" Sonic. "Oh, of course. Right this way." Applejack. Applejack then led Sonic on the path towards the nearby town up over yonder: Ponyville. > Ch.03: A pink surprise > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3 A pink surprise 11:32 a.m. Ponyville Town Square "Welcome to Ponyville, where everypony is as happy as can be." Applejack, as she was guiding Sonic around the town. Ponyville looked absolutely fantastic to Sonic. It was organized, colorful, cheerful, joyous, and...well, the words go on. The only problem was that everypony was staring at him, but after Applejack explain to them who he was and to take it easy on him, they understood and went about their own business. Meanwhile, Applejack talked to Sonic all about Equestria, its history, and its pony citizens. Applejack pointed her hoof over to the nearby spa. "That there's the Ponyville Day Spa, where most ponies go to freshen up for any day, especially a certain mare ah know." Applejack, sarcastically. Sonic looked at her and raised his eyebrow to that statement. "Uh okay." The two eventually arrived at Sugarcube Corner. "And this here's Sugarcube Corner, home to many of the delicious cake and pastries in Ponyville. It's run by Mr. and Mrs. Cake, two bakers who live here, along with a friend of mine." Applejack. "Let's go in. I'm starving for some cake." Sonic. "But ya just had pancakes for breakfast." Applejack. "You can always save room for cake!" Sonic, in a happy tone. Once they went inside, the first pony to greet them was Pinkie Pie, who kept bouncing right in front of Applejack. "Hi there, Applejack! How are you doing? I'm GWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!" Pinkie, when she then noticed Sonic. "Uhh...hi?" Sonic. "OHMYGOSH A NEW PONY IN TOWN! AND HE'S AN ALICORN! OOH! I GOTTA GET STREAMERS AND CAKE AND PARTY HATS AND hmph!" Pinkie, who had her mouth covered by Applejack. "Calm down, Pinkie Pie. This is Sonic Boom, and he just came to Ponyville. And yes, he's an alicorn, but he's not related to Princess Celestia. Ya think his welcome party can wait until later?" Applejack. "Okay. And good thing, too. I'm pretty busy until the day after tomorrow. Sorry." Pinkie. "That's...okay?" Sonic. Applejack shook her head. "She make welcome parties for every new comer to Ponyville. Piñatas, Pin the tail on the pony, cakes, cupcakes, punch...everything a party needs." Applejack. "How welcoming." Sonic. "Oooh! That reminds me! Wait here! I'm be right back!" Pinkie said. She jumped up and zoomed into the kitchen, then suddenly zoomed back out holding a cupcake in front of Sonic. He was amazed at how she moved so fast. "Uh, Pinkie? Why are you giving me a cupcake?" Sonic, when his stomach grumbled, telling him to shut up and eat the thing, but his caution and confusion getting the better. "It's my SUPER DUPER ULTRA MEGA EXTRA HYPER SURPRISE CUPCAKE! Once you take a bite, SURPRISE! Try it! Try it! Try it!" Pinkie. Sonic once again raised his eyebrow, thinking about the possible consequences for eating it. But his stomach and short attention span said otherwise. So he grabbed the cupcake with his hoof, which he noticed he was using his hoof like second nature to carry the thing but would figure that part out later, took a bite, and waited for something to happen. Nothing. He assumed that that was the surprise: expecting something to happen and then when the time comes, it doesn't happen. Shocker. However, Sonic saw that Pinkie Pie was smiling big time, thinking that he had not sprung the surprise yet. He ignored her eagerness and took another bite, but after he did, confetti shot out of the cupcake, surprising and knocking him on the floor. "SURPRISE!" Pinkie. As Sonic was getting up, all he could think about was how scary and funny that was. Basically, he laughed. "You alright, Sonic?" Applejack. He nodded. "That was surprising indeed." "Don't worry. She doesn't surprise you ALL the time. You'll get used to it." Applejack, as picked up Sonic's cupcake and finished it for him. "By the way, you're an alicorn, right? Are you related to the princess?" Pinkie. "No. Why does being an alicorn mean I'm supposed to be related to her?" Sonic. "Well, she's the only alicorn in Equestria, so I just assumed. But then again, Why would an 18-year human be related to Princess Celestia, am I right?" Pinkie. Sonic widened his eyes at how Pinkie had determined who he really was. He knew that ponies were the dominant species of Equestria and that no human existed here. How she knew he was actually a human he had no idea. Being an alicorn was suspicious enough, but an alien in this world would definitely cause an uproar. "Uh...what's a human?" Sonic, a little worried. "Wait, you're not a human?" Pinkie. "...No, I'm a pony. An alicorn." Sonic, sweating a little. "Huh. That's weird. I thought Chapter 2 said that were a human." Pinkie. "Chapter...2? What are you talking about, Pinkie?" Sonic, confused. "Oh nothing." Pinkie. > Ch.04: Another satisfied customer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4 Another satisfied customer 01:28 p.m. Carousel Boutique After the fiasco at Sugarcube Corner, along with lunch with nothing but cakes and pastries (paid by Applejack of course), and explaining to Pinkie Pie how he arrived to Equestria (along with how he got those bandages), followed by a goodbye, Applejack led Sonic to a colorful Boutique of some sort. "This here's the Carousel Boutique, one of the best dang dress shops in Ponyville. Another one of mah friends lives here, too." Applejack. As they were walking in, Sonic noticed the owner went all out for the decorations. Once they entered, no pony was in sight. The main room was completely empty and silent. "She must be upstairs, making' a new dress." Applejack. Sonic started walking towards the stairs, but was stopped by Applejack. "Whoa. Hold on there, partner. She's busy. We shouldn't disturb her. Let's come back later after she's done." Applejack. "Come on. I'm sure she won't mind." Sonic. He continued going up with Applejack following behind him. They reached Rarity's bedroom door. Applejack reached out her hoof to knock on the door, but Sonic already opened it and walked in. Applejack followed, annoyed by the sapphire blue alicorn's uncaringness. Once they were inside the room, they noticed the entire room was a mess. Fabric, rulers, tape, scissors, pins, everything sewing-related everywhere. Rarity was in the was cutting a piece of fabric while putting it on a pony mannequin. She seemed to be totally focused on her important work, and that she needed complete silence and full concentration to finish- Sonic stuck out one of his hooves and reached for the unicorn, but before he could poke her to get her attention, she put everything down and turned around rapidly. "Is there something...you...need?" She left her mouth open as she gazed upon the alicorn. She was surprised to see a pony with two tails, because such a creature never existed. "Uh...hi. I'm Sonic. Sonic Boom." Sonic. Rarity continued to stare at Sonic, until Applejack broke it up. "Rarity, he's just an alicorn wrapped in bandages and is new in town. It doesn't mean that he's dangerous. And no, he is not related to the princess." Applejack. "Oh, right, sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Rarity, owner of the Carousel Boutique." Rarity, snapping out of her trance. "Nice to meet you, Rarity." Sonic. Rarity looked at Sonic's two tails and then, all of a sudden, gasped and her eyes widened. "Idea!" Rarity. She trotted over to her sewing machine and pulled out some fabric, but before she could start, however, she asked Applejack and Sonic to go downstairs and wait until she was done. Confused, they nodded and did so. 5 min. later... "And that's how Apple Cider is made." Applejack. "Huh. I never knew that." Sonic. Right after the two have finished their conversation, Rarity came down with a hooded black and white cloak. "This is for you." Rarity, as she was handing the cloak to Sonic. He was impressed, because not only was it designed for his stature, but also because it was designed to be worn inside-out and vice versa. He put it on with the white side facing outwards. "Well, what do you think?" Rarity. "It's perfect, but I can't pay for it. I don't have any money." Sonic. "Nonsense, darling. It's free of charge for such a marvelous looking alicorn." Rarity, until she heard his other sentence. "Wait, you don't have any bits?!" "Nope." Sonic. Rarity galloped back up into her room. After a minute, she came back down with a small brown sack filled with bits in it. The sack had a picture of a shiny green emerald on it. "Here you are. 100 bits for your shopping pleasure." Rarity, as she gave the sack over to Sonic. "Thanks. I appreciate it." Sonic. "My pleasure. By the way, how did you and Applejack meet?" Rarity. "Well...it's a long story." Sonic. "I've got some time to spare. Please tell me everything." Rarity. "Okay, here's how it went..." Applejack. > Ch.05: The fastest thing alive > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 The fastest thing alive 02:34 p.m. Ponyville Outskirts Sonic and Applejack were heading on towards Fluttershy's cottage (which was the last place of the tour). He was thankful that he had a map of Equestria that he received from Mayor Mare a little while back, who was surprised to see a two tailed alicorn as well, but eased into it quickly after the usual explanation. He was hovering just above the ground using his wings. Sonic had never known how to fly before, but thanks to the practice he received earlier, he was getting quite good at it. 30 min. ago... Sonic and Applejack exited the Carousel Boutique and decided to head on over to Town Hall. On there way there, Sonic stopped however when he noticed a statue of some sort. Applejack stopped as well to notice Sonic looking at the statue. "Hey, Applejack? Is this Princess Celestia?" Sonic. "Yep. That's her alright. Ruler of Equestria and controller of the sun and moon." Applejack. "Wow." Sonic. No words could describe how magnificent the statue was. He kept staring at her impressive wings, noticing how large they were. It was right then and there that he realized that he had not practiced at all how to use his wings. Before he could continue on with that subject, he felt a hoof tap on his left shoulder. He turned around to see a gray pegasus with crossed eyes. "Hello there. I'm Ditzy Doo. What's your name?" Ditzy. Sonic was a little surprised to see a crossed eyed pony, but he kept his comments about that to himself, knowing that mentioning that would be rude and make her pretty upset. "Uh...I'm Sonic. Sonic Boom." Sonic. "Nice to meet you, Sonic Boom. Oh, and hey, Applejack." Ditzy, who waved at her. Applejack waved back. "Wow, I've never seen an alicorn up close before. I mean, other than Princess Celestia of course. But I've never seen one with two tails before!" "Thanks. By the way, I'm not related to the princess." Sonic. "I know." Ditzy. "Wait, you know? How?" Applejack. "If you were related to the princess, then would't you have royal guards surrounding you?" Ditzy. "Hmm...true." Applejack. "Hey uh...Ditzy, right?" Sonic. Ditzy nodded. "Okay uh, can you..help me with something?" "Sure." Ditzy, "Can you teach me how to...uh...fly?" Sonic. After a few minutes of practice, Sonic was literally flying circles all around Ponyville. What amazed him more was that he was flying really, really fast. He was however pretty good at maneuvering through the buildings. "Woohoo! Flying is awsome!" Sonic, landing near Applejack and Ditzy. "You're welcome." Ditzy. "Anyway, we should get back on our tour." Applejack, handing back Sonic's cloak, which she held while Sonic practiced his flying. "Right. Bye, Ditzy." Sonic, waving. "Bye, Sonic." Ditzy, waving back. Present time They were halfway there when they noticed it started getting dark. They looked up to see that a house made entirely of clouds was above them. "A house made of clouds? Now I've seen everything." Sonic. Applejack thought this would be a good time to introduce Sonic to the fastest pegasus in Equestria and another one of her good friends. "EY! RAINBOW DASH! WAKE UP!" Applejack. "CHILL OUT, APPLEJACK! I'M UP!" Rainbow, as she poked her head out one of her windows. "I got a new friend ah want ya to meet." Applejack, pointing towards Sonic. "Whoa!" Rainbow, widening her eyes. She exited her cloud house and hovered down in front of Sonic. "An alicorn. That's so awsome! Who are you?" "I'm Sonic. Sonic Boom. And you must be Rainbow Dash." Sonic. "The one and only. I'm the fastest flyer in Equestria." Rainbow. "Really?" Sonic. "Yep. Nopony can match or beat my speed!" Rainbow. Sonic put his hoof on his chin and thought of something devious. "I bet I could." Sonic. Rainbow squinted her eyes at Sonic. "What was that?!" Rainbow. "How about a race? I'm pretty fast myself. Maybe I can beat you easily." Sonic. Rainbow pushed her face against Sonic's. "You're on!" Rainbow. Sonic and Rainbow Dash were standing side by side each other while Applejack was standing in front of them, holding Sonic's cloak for safety keeping. "Alright. Ah want a nice, clean race. The first one to make it pass Sweetapple Acres, Ponyville, Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and land near Fluttershy's home, wins." Applejack. Thankfully, Sonic memorized his map of Equestria to make sure that he knew where each checkpoint was. "Ready..." Applejack. Sonic and Rainbow readied their stance. "Set..." They looked at each other, gave a dirty look, and looked back to the front. "GO!" They blasted ahead, leaving Applejack behind. Applejack started to make her way to Fluttershy's house. As the two racers passed through Sweetapple Acres, they could not stop constantly looking at each other. They pushed harder and harder, determine to prove who really was the fastest pony alive. They raced through Ponyville, passing by everypony that they almost bumped into. Once they left town, they headed for Canterlot. They noticed a train passing by them, so they waved at the ponies inside. They reached Canterlot and passed by the royal castle's library. Canterlot Castle (Library) Meanwhile, in the royal castle's library, a lavender unicorn was reading a large book titled The art of the To-Do List while a purple colored baby dragon was napping downstairs. Suddenly, the dragon woke up and burped out a green fire which then turned into a scroll. He picked up the scroll and headed upstairs. "Twilight!" Spike. "What is it, Spike?" Twilight. "Look." Spike, holding the scroll. "A letter from Princess Celestia. Let me see." Twilight. "Here you go." Spike, giving the scroll to Twilight, who picked it up with her magic, unrolled it, and read aloud. Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student. I have a very important assignment for you to do starting tomorrow. I need you to read a book called, "The legends of Equestria" and only read the section titled, "Nightmare Moon." Please do not read this book until tomorrow. For now, I would like you to read the section labeled, "Elements of Harmony" in the book I have left for you on your desk. Hoping you are doing well, Princess Celestia. P.S. Spike, there's a spider on your head. Spike looked up to see a black eight-legged arachnid on his head. "AAHH! GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF!" Spike, running, screaming, and waving his claws around. Twilight sighed and used her magic to flick the spider off his head. "Whew. Thanks, Twilight." Spike. Twilight just rolled her eyes, and was curious of how the princess knew about the spider. She looked back at the scroll with confusion. "Why would the princess want me to read a book tomorrow when I can start reading it today?" Twilight. She knew the princess was always right, and that she would always guide her to success. So she listened to the princess's order, gave the scroll back to Spike, and went towards her desk. Twilight found the book she was looking for, which the princess teleported to her desk. It was a brown book with a golden alicorn with cyan eyes on it. Back to the race Rainbow Dash and Sonic were speeding through Cloudsdale, bypassing every pegasus in their way. Once through, they dove straight down towards the ground so as to reach Fluttershy's cottage. As they were halfway down, both rivals started picking up speed. They were flying faster than a meteor crashing towards a planet. They flew faster, and faster, and faster, and faster! Then, it happened. Both Rainbow Dash and Sonic were moving so fast, they created a force faster than the speed of sound: a Sonic Rainboom. Rainbow's rainboom was, of course, rainbow colored. But Sonic's was different. His rainboom was in the form of a ring of fire that was sparkling with electricity: a Sonic Electric Fireboom. "Whoa mighty." Applejack, who stood on top of the moat in front of Fluttershy's cottage. She also managed to catch a glimpse of the two Rainbooms the two racers made. Speaking of which, they came in close, and finally, they landed on the ground on their hind hooves with extreme force. Surprisingly, they didn't get hurt. "I WIN!" Sonic and Rainbow. They gave dirty looks at each other. "NO, I WON! NO, ME! ME! SHUT UP! NO YOU!" "Hold it!" Applejack. Sonic and Rainbow stopped shouting and looked at her. "It's a tie." "What?" Rainbow. "You mean we both won?" Sonic. "Uh, yeah. Didn't ah just say that?" Applejack. > Ch.06: Two kind ponies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6 Two kind ponies 03:12 p.m. Fluttershy's cottage "Rematch! Now!" Rainbow. " Hold it there, partners." Applejack. "What?" Alex. "We're here." Applejack pointed her hoof towards Fluttershy's cottage. The two rivals stood awkwardly as they gathered themselves up and walked along side Applejack up to the front door. Applejack gave Alex back his cloak, which he put it back on with the white side facing out and the hood down. She knocked and the door opened to reveal a small white bunny. "Angel." Alex, as he nodded. Angel raised an eyebrow to him. "Can we see Fluttershy, Angel?" Rainbow. Angel fully opened the door to let the three ponies in. Alex, Rainbow Dash , and Applejack let themselves in, but there was no sign of Fluttershy anywhere, until she came downstairs to welcome her guests. "Oh. Hello." Fluttershy. "Hey there, Fluttershy." Rainbow. "There's somepony we'd like you to meet." Applejack. "Hello." Alex. "EEKK!" Fluttershy hid behind her mane to hide from the two tailed stranger, knelt, and slowly backed away a few inches. "Uh Flu..." Rainbow's mouth was covered by Alex's hand. "Fluttershy dea..." So was Applejack's. Alex chuckled and then whispered to the two, "I got this." He released their mouths and slowly walked towards Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash was confused a little, but Applejack knew that Alex knew exactly what he was doing. "Fluttershy." Alex. He crouched down to her and removed her mane that was covering her face. She covered her eyes with her hooves to not look at him, but he removed those as well. "Smile." Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes to see Alex's eyes. All of a sudden, both of them felt something. They were staring into each other's eyes, looking deep into their own souls. It was like they were covered by a complete shell of blood, anger, and darkness, but deep inside the cores was a purity of light, courage, and kindness. A monarch butterfly came flying in through one of the windows and landed on Alex's nose. He crossed his eyes to make a visual sense of the butterfly. Fluttershy opened her mouth and nearly gasped as she was amazed how a gentle and beautiful creature of nature stood on the nose of a strange and seemingly dark pony. Maybe there was something to this alicorn that nopony had ever seen before. Or maybe he could be just another regular pony. Either way it was enough to make Fluttershy smile. Alex and Fluttershy watched as the butterfly took off and flew straight back out the window and into the clear blue sky. Then they looked back at each other. "Your smile. That's all I needed." Alex. Fluttershy blushed. "I'm Alex. It's nice to meet you." "Nice to meet you, too. I'm Fluttershy." As she was getting back up. Alex looked around the cottage, examining everything within his eyesight. "Nice place. Mary Doo was right to give this cottage to you." Alex. "You know Miss Doo?" Fluttershy. "Uhh...kinda." Alex knew about Ditzy's past, but he didn't want to scare anypony by revealing it. Fluttershy was still curious of how Alex knew about Mary Doo and how she gave the house to her, but figured she would ask him again later. Applejack then spoke up. "Well, we better start lookin' for a place for to sleep." "You mean you don't have a place to live?" Fluttershy. "Well, actually..." Alex thought about his house back in his world. He could return there anytime he wanted (because he has the ability to travel between worlds), but for some reason, he felt like he needed to stay here in this world. Besides, his family knew his secret, so they knew he would be fine. "...no." Alex. "What!? You mean you live on the streets?!" Rainbow. "Not exactly." Alex. "He just came into town." Applejack. "He can stay here." Fluttershy. "Really? Are you sure? You won't mind?" Alex. "Please. I insist. I mean, if it's okay, or not." Fluttershy. "Hmm...okay." Alex. Fluttershy squeaked with joy and Alex chuckled a little. "Mind if I go upstairs for a quick nap?" Alex. "Not at all." Fluttershy. Alex went upstairs and disappeared. Applejack walked over to Fluttershy. "You sure you can take care of this pony, Fluttershy? You already have enough to deal with all your animal friends, 'specially Angel." Applejack. "It's okay, Applejack. I want him to stay with me." Fluttershy. "So it's agreed. Alex will stay here for the night and I can go back to napping. See ya!" Rainbow dashed out the front door and quickly disappeared. Applejack sighed as she as well walked out of Fluttershy's home. "Ah'll see ya later, Fluttershy." Applejack. "Bye, Applejack." Fluttershy. Angel closed the door and hopped away upstairs to examine Alex. Fluttershy took a moment to wonder. Who is he? Why is he here? Why does he have 2 tails? And those things on his hooves? How come he's so... She blushed a little before she finished that last question. _________________________________________________________________ Oh yeah! Something's in the air, and I bet you guys can guess what it is. Chao! > Ch.07: A dream or a vision? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7 (insert chapter name here) _________________________________________________________________ 12:00 a.m. Fluttershy's bedroom Alex was twisting and turning in Fluttershy's bed, showing signs that he was probably having a nightmare. "Ugh...uhh...huu..." Huh? Where am I? I can't see anything. Wait. Is that light? It's getting brighter. Alex... Wha... Alex... Who are you? That does not matter. What does matter is that you are in this world for a reason, and that reason will come soon... What reason? What do you mean? You have saved the universe from an evil darkness and made many friends along the way. But now it is time for you to become more than Cinos the Light... I don't understand. You will in time. Goodbye, hero. And good luck. I'll be watching you... Wait! Stop! Don't go... "Wuaah!" Alex shot up, gasping for air and sweating like a pig. "What in Equestria was that? Who was that voice? Wait a minute. Could that have been..." It seemed probable that that was himself, but was not sure. He did possess the ability to time travel so it's possible he may have met his future self in his dreams. Or maybe someone else. Alex took a moment to think about everything that has happened up until now. Applejack gave him a grand tour of Ponyville, Pinkie made him one heck of a lunch, Rarity created a magnificent cloak for him, Rainbow treated him to a fast race, and Fluttershy offered her bed to him and said that she could sleep on the couch. It was the best day of his life. "Of all the worlds I've visited, this one is the best. I just wish I could pay everyone back somehow." With that said, Alex put his head back on top of the pillow and fell right back to sleep. _________________________________________________________________ Not much for a midnight chapter, huh? Chao! > Ch.08: Meeting Twilight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8 Meeting Twilight _________________________________________________________________ 07:49 a.m. Canterlot Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One faithful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness; Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land into eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponykind; the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since. "Hmm...Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before. But where?" Twilight. 10:24 a.m. Fluttershy's bedroom Yawn. Alex woke up to a beautiful morning: completely cloudy with not a single sight of sun. Well, it was beautiful from his point of view, considering that even the tiniest bit of sunlight could make him sweat. He is literally a hot head after all, but he knows how to keep it cool. He got out of bed, exited the bedroom, and headed downstairs. When he got to the bottom, he could smell pancakes. Speaking of which, there was a plate stacked with a couple of them covered in maple syrup topped off with butter on the center table in the living room. "Ugh. Pancakes again?" Then he noticed a note beside the pancakes. He walked over to the table, picked up the note, and started reading. Alex, Angel and I have left to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration tonight. You should come to it. It'll be fun. I left you breakfast as you can see. You don't have to wait for me to get back. Go on out and have some fun. I'll see you later. Love, Fluttershy. Shrug "Okay." Alex, as he put aside the note. He grabbed the pancakes and walked into the kitchen to enjoy his breakfast. Several minutes later, Alex left Fluttershy's cottage to look for the Light Scepter. He had no idea where to start or where to even look. Then he remembered the SECOND reason why he came here. "One lap couldn't hurt." He readied his stance, faced forward, and started running. He was running faster than Mach 2, and that is extremely fast. He ran through the open fields outside Ponyville, bringing the wind with him wherever he went. He then headed towards the town. "Alright, Spike. What's next on the list?" Twilight. "Next is..." Spike. "LOOK OUT!" Crash! "Oof...What was that?" Spike. "Ugh...I don't know." Twilight. She open her eyes and looked up to see the pony who crashed into her and Spike. He reached out his hand to help her up. "Sorry about that. I should've watched where I was going. You alright?" Alex. Twilight was speechless. Just speechless. As Alex helped Twilight back up on her hooves, she scanned the alicorn over and over and was suddenly receiving the urge to study this pony nonstop. "Uh Twilight, are you okay?" Alex. Twilight snapped back to reality, shaking her head. "Oh yeah, I'm okay." Twilight, who then immediately became curious. "Wait. How do you know my name?" Alex forgot that she just came to Ponyville today, and that nopony in this town knows her, except the ones she met until now. He then came up with something. "You seem like a Twilight to me." Smooth he thought. "Woah! What kind of pony are you?!" Spike in excitement. Alex turned towards Spike and spoke in a confident voice. "I'm a one-of-a-kind alicorn, Spike. I'm Alex, by the way." Spike was also surprised he knew his name, too. But it was a little obvious considering he had spikes on his back. Alex then widened his eyes as he felt an unusual energy nearby. He realized it was Twilight who was radiating the energy he was feeling. He stared closely into Twilight's eyes, which was making her feel uncomfortable and started to slowly back away. "Uh...why are staring at me?" Twilight. "I sense a strange energy inside you. Hmm..." There was silence for a few seconds until Alex spoke up again. "Meh. It's probably nothing. Anyway I gotta run. See ya!" Alex resumed his running while waving back at Twilight and Spike, and soon disappeared. "Who is that guy? He's awesome! I mean he's got 2 tails! But, what were those...things on his front hooves?" Spike. Twilight's mind could not get out the question that kept ringing in her head. Who is he? After Alex completed his lap around the planet, he headed back to Fluttershy's cottage, deciding to search for the Light Scepter tomorrow. When he got there, he noticed that there was a note on the front door. He grabbed the note and read it. Alex. Come to the library in Ponyville right now! Pinkie Pie is holding a party for a new pony in town. It's the big tree/house. You'll know when you'll see it. See ya there! Rainbow Dash. "I guess it's time for Twilight to have the party of her life." Alex. He headed for the library in Ponyville, anticipated for the party. _________________________________________________________________ Yep. A WHOLE lap around the freakin' planet. And it only took 5 minutes. Chao! > Ch.09: The nightmare begins > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9 The nightmare begins _________________________________________________________________ 08:07 p.m. Ponyville library (lights off) "Huh. Rude much?" Spike. "Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light?" Twilight. * lights on * SURPRISE! "Ugh." Twilight. As the party went on, Twilight retreated to her new bedroom for peace and quiet, which seemed impossible. Alex was enjoying the party as well, but started to feel a little concerned about Twilight. All she wanted to do all day was study more about the Elements of Harmony, but it seems that Pinkie Pie denied her that by throwing her a party. He decided to head up to bedroom to try and cheer her up. "Hey, Alex! Wanna play Pin the Tail on the Pony?!" Pinkie. "No thanx! I'm gonna go check on Twilight!" Alex. Alex was about to go into Twilight's bedroom when he heard talking through the door. "Here I thought I would have more time to learn about the Elements of Harmony, but silly me, all this ridiculous friend making has kept me from it!" Alex slowly opened the door, went inside, and very carefully closed it, not a making noise. He stood still listening to Twilight, who stared at the moon with a worried look on her face. "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about everlasting night. I hope the princess was right. I hope it really is just an old pony's tale." Twilight. As Alex could feel Twilight's concerns about Nightmare Moon, he decided to speak up, which surprised Twilight as she did not know that he was in the room with her. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But all we can do for now Twilight is just wait for the sun to come up." Alex smiled at Twilight, hoping his words of wisdom would ease her. It did, but just a little. Spike opened the door. "Alex! Twilight! Come on! It's time to watch the sunrise!" 05:55 a.m. Ponyville City Hall The place was filled with ponies, all waiting for Princess Celestia to raise the sun. Alex, with his cloak on, stood next to Twilight as to get a good view of the princess. As the Summer Sun Celebration began, Mayor Mare began the long introduction. "Fillies and Gentlecoats! As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" cheering "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this the longest day of the year!" Twilight looked up at the moon to see the mare in the moon vanish. "And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and everyday, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." "Ready?" Fluttershy to her bird choir. "Princess Celestia!" The curtains unfold and the spotlight shines to an empty stand. "Huh?!" Rarity. "This. Can't be good." Twilight. "Maybe she's running late." Alex. "Remain calm, everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation." Mayor Mare. "Ooh! Ooh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie. "She's gone!" Rarity. Gasp! "Oooooh, she's good. Aah!" Pinkie. A dark blue cloud appears on the stand. "Oh no." Twilight. The cloud then transformed into... "Nightmare Moon." Twilight. Spike faints and falls off Twilight's back. "Hmm. She's a lot brighter up close than I expected." Alex. "Oh my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little, sun-loving faces." Nightmare. "What did you do to our princess?!" Rainbow, wanting some serious action right now. She was about to attack Nightmare Moon when Applejack grabbed her tail. "Whoa there nelly!" Applejack. "Mwahahahaha. What? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" Nightmare. "Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games! Um...Hokey Smokes. How about Queen meanie? No! Black Snootie! Black Snoot..." Pinkie, who's mouth was caved by an apple, courtesy of Applejack. "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" Nightmare. "I did. And I know who you are. You're the mare in the moon: Nightmare Moon!" Twilight. Gasp! Again. "Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I am here." Nightmare. "You're here to...to...gulp" Twilight. "You're here to bring eternal night to Equestria! Aren't you?" Alex. Twilight couldn't believe her ears. Alex knows about Nightmare Moon, too! "Mmmwahahahahaha. Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" _________________________________________________________________ S1 E1 P1 is finally done. Stay tuned for P2! Chao! > Ch.10: Forest journey part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 10 Journey into the forest (part 1) _________________________________________________________________ 05:59 a.m. -------------- stuck thanks to Nightmare Moon Ponyville Town Hall "AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Nightmare Moon. "Seize her! Only she knows where the princess is!" Mayor Mare. Two of the royal pegasi guards fly towards Nightmare Moon. "Stand back, you fools!" Nightmare. All of a sudden, lighting comes out of nowhere and strikes the two guards. "AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Nightmare, who transforms back into a dark blue cloud and storms out of Town Hall. Applejack lets go of Rainbow Dash, who goes after Nightmare. "Come back here!" She stops with a worried look. "Nighttime? Forever?" she then notices Twilight and Spike, who rush off to the library. "Where's she going?" Alex, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy all head for the Golden Oaks library, all wondering how Twilight knew about Nightmare Moon. They were even wondering how Alex knew about her, but when they asked him, he said that Twilight knew more and that they should ask her. They got to the front door and opened it to see Twilight frantically looking for a certain book. "Elements...elements...elements...UGH! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight. Rainbow flew straight into Twilight's face. "And just what ARE the Elements of Harmony? And how did YOU know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Whoa!" Rainbow, whose tail gets pulled by Applejack again. "sigh Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy. But she knows what's goin' on, don't ya, Twilight?" Applejack. Twilight looked at the six ponies that stood in front of her, and somehow, she had this feeling that she could trust them. "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them. I don't even know what they do." Twilight. Pinkie then spoke out loud as she was looking at a book. "The Elements of Harmony: a reference guide." Pinkie. Twilight shoved Pinkie out to the side to get the book. "How did you find that?!" Twilight. "It was under E!" Pinkie, hopping around. "Oh." Twilight, with a "burned" face. Twilight pulled out the book and flipped to the "Elements of Harmony" section. "There are seven elements of harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth and seventh are a complete mystery. It is said the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest." Twilight. "The Everfree Forest?!" Everypony but Alex and Twilight. "What's so scary about a forest?" Alex. "You don't understand, Alex. The Everfree Forest is a strange and scary place. The clouds move by themselves, the animals care for themselves, and the seasons change all on their own in there." Fluttershy. "That's how it is in my world." Alex. Pinkie stared into Alex's eyes. "Really?" Pinkie. He pushed her aside. "Yes. Anyway, we should head to that castle as soon as we can." Alex. "Right." Twilight, nodding. Twilight and the other girls head out for the forest, but Alex stayed behind to check out the book Twilight got out. He turned to the original page and saw something Twilight didn't mention. "Chant of Harmony? Could that be..." Alex. "Hey! Alex! Ya comin'?!" Applejack. "Oh, right. Coming!" Alex. He put the book back and ran to catch up to the girls. 05:59 a.m. Everfree Forest entrance Twilight and the others were all staring at the deep, dark forest that laid in front of them. "So this is the Everfree Forest, huh?" Alex. "Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie, who stopped dead in her tracks after Twilight's interruption. "Not so fast. Look, I-I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own." Twilight. "No can do, sugarcube. We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into dat creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple." Applejack. "Especially if there's candy apples in there." Pinkie. A couple seconds of silence. "What? Those things are good!" Pinkie. Everypony but a worried Twilight walks into the forest, but Alex turned back to help her. He placed his right hand on her mane and gave her the most confident look anypony has ever seen. "Don't worry, Twilight. Everything will be okay. I promise." Alex. Twilight smiled. "Okay. Thank you, Alex." Twilight. The two head into the forest to catch up with the others. Later... The ponies were walking deep into the forest, all trembling with fear, except for Alex and Pinkie. "So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight. "H-h-heavens no. Just look at it. It's dreadful." Rarity. "Meh, it's not so scary to me." Alex. "Are you kiddin'? This place just ain't natural." Applejack. "Whadoyoumean?" Twilight. "Nnnnnoooo pppooony knnoooowwss. You know why?" Rainbow, talking in a spooky voice. "Rainbow, quit it!" Applejack, who was ticked off by Rainbow's scary business. "Cause everypony who's ever come in has Never. Come. Out!" Rainbow. Suddenly, the cliff they were standing on rumbled, then cracked, and then broke apart, carrying Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Twilight. "Fluttershy, quick!" Rainbow. "Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness." Fluttershy. "Hold on, girls! We're coming!" Alex. Rainbow caught Pinkie and Flutttershy. Alex was about to catch Applejack and Twilight, but then he remembered something. Applejack used her teeth to grab onto a twig, but noticed Twilight was about to fall off another cliff, so she let go and hurried to Twilight. "Hold on, I'm a comin'." Applejack. She held onto both her hooves, keeping her from falling. "Applejack, what do I do?" Twilight, scared to death. Applejack couldn't think of anything, until she noticed Alex flying above her. He winked at her, indicating he had a plan, and she knew what that plan was. "Let go." Applejack. "Are you crazy?!" Twilight. "No ah ain't. Ah promise you'll be safe." "That's not true!" "Now listen here. What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe." Twilight, unsure about Applejack's words, but had no alternative to turn to, let go. She was falling. "YAAAAAAAAAAH!" She then stopped, wondering what broke her fall. She looked to see herself in Alex's arms. "I knew you could trust her." Alex, as he was floating gently down and setting Twilight down slowly onto the ground. Applejack climbed down the cliff and the ponies continued their journey to the ancient castle. _________________________________________________________________ Hope y'all are likin' the story so far. Chao! > Ch.11: Forest journey part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 11 Journey into the forest (part 2) _________________________________________________________________     05:59 a.m.     Everfree Forest     Twilight and the gang were continuing their way to the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. Fluttershy then remembered something that she wanted to ask Alex. She caught up to him and spoke in her usual shy voice. "Um, Alex?" Fluttershy. "Yes, Fluttershy?" Alex, now noticing she was beside him.     "Um, I was wondering...maybe, when this is over, would you...I mean, if you want to...um..." Fluttershy was cut off by a loud stomp a few yards ahead of them. Twilight was able to recognize the creature that had created such a force.     "A Manticore!" Twilight. The monstrous lion/bat/scorpion thing roared. "We've gotta get past him." Twilight. Fluttershy looked at the beast and could not believe such a creature from nature would be this angry and want to hurt her and her friends.    The manticore jumped up and charged at Rarity, but she managed to jump backwards and dodge the incoming paw swipe. She then counterattacked by hoof-kicking the beast in the face. "Take that, you ruffian!" Rarity, who was responded back by a loud roar that caused her mane to turn into a messed up afro. "My hair!" Rarity, who looked at the manticore and decided to flee.     "Wait." Fluttershy.     As the manticore charged towards the retreating Rarity, he stopped to notice that Applejack had jumped onto its head. "Yeehaa! Gitalong, little doggie!" Applejack. The beast was randomly jumping up and down, desperately trying to get her off his head.     "Wait!" Fluttershy.     "Whoaaaoooh!" Applejack. After the creature was successful in buckin' the orange mare off,.. "All yours, partner." A flying Applejack to Rainbow Dash. "I'm on it!" Rainbow. She dashed ahead towards the manticore.     "Wait!!" Fluttershy.     Rainbow Dash created a mini rainbow tornado surrounded the beast, hopping to make it dizzy, but failed as its scorpion tail flicked her and sent her flying into the ground. "Yaaaah!" Rainbow. "Rainbow!" Twilight.     Twilight had had enough of this. The manticore defeated almost half of her brand new friends one by one, and she didn't want the rest of them to get hurt either. She, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow all charged at the beast, who was prepared to take down the ponies all at once.     "WAAAAAAAAIT!!!" Alex, who quickly stepped in before this battle got more ugly. Everypony stopped and the manticore stood still.     Alex nodded at the sidelined Fluttershy who then hovered over to the manticore. It lifted its right paw, preparing to attack Fluttershy, while the girls covered their eyes. "Shh...it's okay." Fluttershy, who was nuzzling the manticore's left paw. The girls uncovered their eyes to see that Fluttershy was comforting the beast. The manticore revealed it left paw to have a severe splinter. "Ooh. You poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy. "Little?" Rainbow.      "Now this might hurt for juuust a second." Fluttershy, who managed to pull the splinter out of the paw. The beast roared as loud as it could. "FLUTTERSHY!" The girls, but were surprised to see the manticore licking Fluttershy as to thank her. "Aww...you're just a little ol' baby kitty aren't you? Yes you are. Yes you are." Fluttershy. Alex couldn't help but smile.     Once the girls and stallion made it past, the manticore released Fluttershy and flew off to who knows where. "How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight. "I didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness." Fluttershy with a weird hairstyle thanx to the manticore's saliva. As Twilight pondered her friend's words of wisdom, she continued on and caught up with the others.    "Uuuooohh. My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity. Drama queen. Alex's thoughts. As the mane 7 were continuing their journey to the old castle, it started getting more dark than usual. They looked up to see the moon was being covered up by the trees surrounding them. Fear started to set in. "Well I didn't mean that literally." Rarity.     "That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it." Twilight. As the mares started complaining about the darkness, a chill ran down Alex's spine. "Whoahoho. Ya feel that?" Alex. "Feel what?" Rarity. "That chill. That wet, mushy chill." Alex. "Ah know whatcha mean, cause I jus stepped in it." Applejack, revealing her right forehoof covered in mud.     "So, Fluttershy. What was it you wanted to ask me?" Alex. "Well, um, would...you...like...to..." Fluttershy, who then looked away and then suddenly screamed. "What's wrong?" Applejack. Fluttershy pointed towards a tree which had the most terrifying look EVER! "Yaaah!" Applejack, who jumped back in fear. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Rarity all stood in fear as the surrounding trees looked at the ponies with the scariest faces you can imagine. They all started shrieking, except for Alex who just stood there looking blankly at the trees, unimpressed by the nightmarish looking trees.     Pinkie was laughing at the scary looking (funny looking from her point of view) trees, as well as trying to make the same faces as them. "Pinkie, what are you doing? Run!" Twilight. "Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie. She started to sing a song.     When I was a little filly and the sun was going doooooowwwn...     "Tell me she's not..." Twilight.     The darkness and the shadows they always made me froooooowwwwwn...     "She is." Rarity.     I'd hide under my pillow     from what I thought I saw,     but granny pie said that wasn't the way     to deal with fears at aaaaalllll.     "Then, what is?" Rainbow.      She said, "Pinkie, ya gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears.      You'll see that they can't hurt you. Just laugh to make them disappeeeaaar.      Ha. ha. ha.      Gasp!      Sooooooo...      Giggle at the ghostie.      Guppa at the grossly.      Crack-up at the creepy.      Woop it up with the weepy.      Chortle at the kooky.      Snortle at the spooky.     (gibberish then deep breath)     LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!     The mane 7 fell onto the ground on their backs laughing like there was no tomorrow.     They made their way past the dark trees and reached the river, but they suddenly stopped, as they noticed that the river was churning rapidly. "How are gonna cross this?" Pinkie. Alex was about suggest that he, Fluttershy, and Rainbow fly over the river while carrying the others, but then they heard crying. "Huh?" Pinkie.     The ponies looked around and saw a sea serpent crying and splashing the river with his tail. "What a world! What a world!" Sea serpent. "Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?" Twilight. "Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisp! past me and tore half of my beloved mustache, clean off. And now, I look simply horrid! more crying" Sea serpent, as he fell and back-splashed the ponies with water, much to their frustration. "Oh, give me a break." Rainbow. "That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack.     "Why of course it is! How can you be so insensitive? Ooooh, just look at him. Such lovely, luminescent scales." Rarity. "sniff I know." Sea serpent. "Your expertly, quaff mane." "Oh I know, I know." "Your fabulous manicure." "Oh it's so true." "All ruined without your beautiful mustache." "IT'S TRUE, I'M HIDEOUS!" "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulousity go uncorrected!" Rarity grabbed one of the sea serpent's scales. "OW! What did you do that for?" She raised the scale and... "Rarity, what are you..." Twilight. SLICE! The sea serpent fainted.     Rarity had cut off her own tail with the sharp scale that she had now thrown away. She levitated the tail to the mustacheless side of the sea serpent and attached it so. The serpent woke back up to check out his newly styled mustache. "My mustache! How wonderful." "You look smashing." Rarity. "Ooh Rarity. Your beautiful tail." Twilight. "Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back." Rarity. "So would the mustache." Rainbow whispered to Twilight, who just simply rolled her eyes.     "Excuse me, mister..." Alex. "Magnet. Steven Magnet." Sea serpent, now dubbed said name. "Steven, could you help us cross this river, please?" "Oh, of course. Allow me." Steven used his body to create a bridge for the ponies to cross the river. After crossing said river, and waving goodbye to Steven, the mane 7 continued onward.     They kept walking until they spotted the old ancient castle they were looking for. "There it is! The ruin that holds the elements of harmony. We made it!" Twilight, who dashed forward towards the ruin. The others dashed as well, too. "Twilight, wait for us!" Applejack. "We're almost there...Whoa!" Twilight, who stopped suddenly before she ran off a cliff with a broken bridge. Luckily she was saved by Alex, who pulled her tail and dragged her away from the cliff. "You and cliffs don't get along very well, do you?" Alex.     Sigh "NOW WHAT?!" Pinkie. The only thing standing between the mane 7 and the elements of harmony was a broken bridge. "Duh." Rainbow, showing off her wings and then taking off. "Oh yeah." Pinkie. Rainbow Dived down the chasm to retrieve the other side of the broken bridge and bring it back to the other cliff. But before she could tie the bridge up, she heard her name echoed. Rainbow Dash "Who's there?" Rainbow. She heard it again. Rainbow Dash "I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!" She stood on her hind hooves and performed some karate moves.     We have been eagerly awaiting for the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.     "Who?"     Why you of course.     "Really?! Well I... Oh yeah. Me! Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, wouldya? Cause, I've been tryin' to get into that group for like...EVER!"     No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us: The Shadowbolts!     3 pegasi who had the same jumpsuit design as the Wonderbolts but with dark colors instead appeared in front of Dash, who gave a "whoa" look. "We are the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greastest in all Equestria. But first, we need a captain. The most magnificent..." "Yup!" "swiftest..." "Yes!" "greatest flyer in all the land." "Yes, it's all true." "We need...you."    "Woohoo! Sign me up! Just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal." Rainbow. "No! It's them or us!" Nightshade. "Rainbow! What's taking so long?" Twilight, who then noticed the Shadowbolts. "Oh no. Rainbow!" Nightshade's eyes sparkled as she covered up the bridge with clouds. "Don't listen to them!" Twilight's voice soon became silent.     Rainbow Dash had to choose between the Shadowbolts or her friends. "Well?"     "You."     "Thank you, for the offer I mean. But I'm afraid I have to say no." Rainbow Dash tied the bridge together and headed back to her friends.    After a few seconds of applauding Rainbow, the mane 7 crossed the bridge towards the old castle. "Good job, Rainbow." Twilight. "See? I'd never leave my friends hangin'." Rainbow. "Finally, we're here." Alex, as he looked up to see the ruins of the old castle of the Royal Pony Sisters still standing. _________________________________________________________________     Almost done...     Chao!