A New Beginning

Chapter 1

A new beginning

Panic and confusion settled in the stallion as he ran through the forest of the Forevergreen Mountain. Countless thoughts and questions filled his mind, making him even more stressed. “There’s got to be a nearby town somewhere.” The stallion tried to calm himself. “But what if I don’t find one? What if I keep running in here-,” The stallion, not watching where he’s going, tripped over an outstretched root. The stallion fell down a steep cliff and exclaimed in pain off of every rock he bounced off of.

Finally he reached the bottom of the cliff, rolled onto the dirt road slowly, and stopped on his back, looking up toward the sky in the road. “At least it can’t get worse.” The rain came down, as if the stallion called for it. “So it-,” Lightning struck the stallion, shocking him hard. Once the lightning stopped shocking him, the stallion passed out on the mud; leaving him half-buried in water. Soon the sound of hoof beats came closer, and a golden carriage stopped in front of the knocked-out stallion. Two armored stallions, both Pegeasi, stepped off the carriage and carried the knocked-out, bruised, and wet stallion into it and close the carriage door, and continue down the road.



“Hello, Sir?” A female voice spoke softly to the half-conscious stallion. “Please’ wake up, sir.” The stallion opens his eyes slowly, and as they come into focus he found himself lying on a small bed in a small room with pale walls, and a sink including some cabinets. How the stallion recognized these things is still a mystery. Had he been here before? Probably not, but they just look familiar. He also noticed a white mare beside him. The mare was a unicorn, and from the looks of her white hat with a red cross, the first thing that came into the stallion’s mind was “Nurse.” The nurse was blond like him only without the black thunderbolt. Finally he noticed a bright blinding light above him. A light he can’t recognize.

“What is that?” The stallion tried to block the light with his hooves. “Where am I?”

“Oh I’m sorry. Is the light blinding you?” The nurse asked. “Let me make it less bright than it needs to be.” The nurse walked to a door and turned a strange knob next to the door on the wall, using her magic. The light grew dimmer than before, allowing the stallion to put his arms down. As he lowered his arms on the bed, he noticed that bandages covered his arms top to bottom; he stared at the bandages, curious.

“What are these for?” The stallion asked.

“Those are for your scrapes to heal.” The nurse explained.

“Where am I?” The stallion asked again.

“You’re just filled with those aren’t you?” The nurse laughed gently. “This is Canterlot Castle. You’re lucky that the princess found you on her way back here.”

“Huh, Princess? What princess?”

“You don’t know the princess?” The nurse gasped. The stallion shook his head. “You do know she’s the Ruler of Equestria; the Bringer of the Sun?” The nurse continued to ask, but the stallion just continued to shake his head. “Don’t you know anything?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t remember anything.” The stallion answered.

“Well, what can you remember?” The stallion explained to the nurse his traumatic and yet comical event, leaving out the part of him falling off the cliff and getting struck by lightning.

“And then I wake up in here.” The stallion finished.

“Well, how did you end up at the bottom of the cliff and the singe marks on your hair?”

“It’s either: tell her the truth, or try to change the subject.” The stallion paused in mid-thought.

“Well, sir?” The nurse asked. “Is there something you haven’t told me yet?”

“I fell off a cliff and got struck by lightning.” The stallion, quickly realizing what he just said, immediately covered his mouth. He was planning to change the subject. How could he tell the truth without planning to do so? Just who is he?

“Oh, my,” The nurse exclaimed in shock. “That must’ve been harsh!”

“Oh, harsh doesn’t even cover it.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re okay, and I believe you have amnesia.”

“Am-what?”

“Amnesia--it’s a burden that makes you forget who you are including your past, sometimes everything.” The nurse explained.

“Well, at least my Cutie mark will help me remember.” The stallion yawned and closed his eyes slowly.

“That’s just it.” The nurse said, reluctantly. “You don’t have one.”

The stallion opened his eyes wide and alarmed. “Pardon me.”

“You don’t have a Cutie mark.” Silence settled in the white room as the stallion and nurse stared at each other uncomfortably, and then the stallion broke the silence by laughing uncomfortably.

“I have no Cutie Mark, huh.” The stallion immediately dashed out of the bed and stood in front of a mirror, looking quite panicked as he turned back and forth, searching for his symbol. “How can it not be here?? Everypony has a Cutie mark. Now how am I gonna remember who I am?” The nurse picked the stallion up and put him back on the bed using her magic. “Whoa??”

“Sir, you need your rest for the night.” The nurse said crossly. “Your bruises are too great for us to let you move around. So stay in bed.” She pulled the covers over the stallion, using her magic again.

“But I got to find out what happened to my Cutie mark!”

“I know you want to know, but you need a night’s sleep. The only possible reason why your Cutie mark is gone could be a side-effect of the amnesia you are suffering.”

“Okay.”

“It’s pretty dark out there.” The nurse turned her gaze to the window. The stallion could see a night sky, filled with stars and a full moon. Again how does he recognize these things? “You should get some sleep.”

“Okay.”

“Good night, Sir.” The nurse turned to leave, but then stopped like she just remembered something. “Oh I almost forgot. Do you remember your name?”

The stallion thought long and hard. “No, I can’t, sorry. Well, good night.” The stallion closed his eyes and went to sleep. The nurse seemed confused, and then shrugged, left the room, and turned out the light.



Dawn broke another day, as the stallion slept in peace under the sheets of his bed, the bright light of the sun moved into his eyes from an open window, waking him. The stallion yawned and stretched, he then got out of bed, feeling like a new stallion. He smiled. “Wow. That nurse was right. All I really needed was a good night sleep.” He looked at the mirror on the other side of the room, and stared at his reflection. Mostly at all the bandages covering him all over; he also now noticed a bandage wrapped around his head, and another bandage on his right wing. “Let’s get rid of these troublesome bandages, shall we?” The stallion took off of each one of his bandages, discovering his skin untouched as if what happened to him never came around. The stallion opened his wing, and he felt no pain. He rubbed his head, and still no pain. “Huh.” The stallion thought out loud. “She really was right.” Not a cut, not even a bruise is on his body. Now the stallion was really confused, but he doesn’t really care. “Maybe I can check out this Canterlot Castle.” The stallion thought, as he walked toward the exit of the room.

He stared at the door exit questionably trying to figure out the strange mechanism on the door. It was round like a sphere and it was as golden as the sun. It was weird. How do ponies get through these doors? “Maybe if I…” The stallion jiggled the golden sphere using his hooves; making clicking noises. The stallion stared at the metal contraption, and then the stallion bit the sphere. It tasted a lot like copper and it was strange. He turned the sphere, then the door clicked, and the stallion pulls the door toward him and it opened wide. The stallion exclaimed in triumph.

He walked into the hallway. It’s much more different than he expected. There were windows covering most of the walls, each one with a stain glass picture on either a battle scene or a historical event. The columns were solid gold, and each had a unique design. A red carpet with gold lining covers the marble white floor. The ceiling had six crystal chandeliers, and each one was different in color; they were all: purple, orange, blue, pink, white, and red. It was strange. How does he know all this stuff and not remember who he is? The stallion spotted another mare that wore an apron; to the stallion that said “servant.” The mare had brown hair and green eyes, and she was having a hard time balancing a tower of towels on her back. “Whoa!” The servant shouted in her stress. The tower rocked back and forth then it fell toward the ground. “No!” The servant shouted in dismay. Acting quickly, the stallion pushed a cart and stopped the tower of towels from hitting the ground, then the tower ceased moving unevenly and stood upright on the cart; the servant stared at the stallion amazed. “How did you do that?” The servant asked.

“I don’t know.” The stallion asked. “But do you need help?”

“Do I ever?”

“Where are you taking these?”

“They go toward the princess’ room, of course.”

“Mind if I tag along?”

“I’m not sure.” The servant stopped to think. “Sure, why not?”

“Great.” The stallion pushed the cart forward, and the servant followed him down the hallway. Soon the servant and stallion walk to a door. “Here we are.” The servant pointed at the door. The stallion took a good look at the large door. It was wide and wooden with another strange mechanism; it also had a gold design that looked a lot like the sun. The stallion stared at the door amazed. “Is she awake yet?”

“Of course she’s already awake, but she’s not in her room. She’s busy with her royal duties, but she’ll be back soon.”

“How soon will she be back?”

“I don’t know. It’s different every time, but usually she comes back here a few minutes after I leave so you’ll probably not see her.” The servant opened the bedroom door. Inside there was a small red carpet covered in pillows, there also were many unlit candles on golden stands, each candle was uneven in height, and on the other side of the room stood a fireplace, and in the fireplace stood a small pile of scrolls; each one had no seal on it so they must’ve been already opened, or freshly rolled.

“What are these doing here?” The stallion tries to take a scroll. “Doesn’t the princess ever care about her things?”

Just then, the servant stopped him from taking a scroll. “No!” The servant shouted, crossly. “I’ve been told not to mess the princess’ mail, and the same goes to you.”

“Sorry.” Then the stallion noticed a crystal ball on a golden pole, and then walked over to the strange ball curious. “What’s this?” The servant looked at the crystal ball, curious as well as the stallion.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen it before. It must’ve come here new.” The stallion looks at the ball closer; he notices there’s dust all over the ball. “New? There’s dust all over this thing.” The stallion blows the dust off the ball; it looks more beautiful and shiny now and the stallion can barely see his reflection. The stallion taps the glass ball, and it shines brightly and wind blows. The stallion and the servant start to panic, but before they get the idea to run, the ball stops shining and the wind ceases. The stallion and servant look bewildered and thoroughly confused over the fact of what happened. “What did you just do?” The servant asked.

“I don’t know,” The stallion answered. “But let’s get out of here before I actually cause some damage.” The stallion and servant run out the room, leaving the crystal ball alone. Soon the stallion enters a kitchen alone. The kitchen was several feet high and several yards wide. Instead of a marble floor, it was checkered black and white. A large wooden table sits at the center of the room; pots and pans dangle over the wide platform, also at the walls were countertops lining everywhere, a large wood burning stove, and a sink. The stallion spots another servant, different from the last one. The mare had long, curly, blue hair, and hazel brown eyes. She didn’t look as happy as the stallion anticipated. He then walks up beside her concerned. “What’s the problem miss?” The stallion asked.

“I’ve lost the princess’ pet bird.” The servant sniffed.

“Oh’ then uh’ you can find another one right?”

“You don’t understand. The bird is a very rare species, and it’s my job to keep up with it.”

“Then let me help. Where did you last see the bird?”

“Inside it’s cage in the princess’ room, but once I took my eyes off it; it was gone. I searched high and low for the bird, but everywhere I looked, it wasn’t around.”

“Could you give me a description of the bird?”

The servant paused in thought. “Well the creature is so beautiful that I can’t describe her properly, but I can tell you this: she’s about a foot and maybe a few inches tall, red and yellow feathered, and she can be very mischievous.”

The stallion looks around. “Okay’ then. Well let’s get started. If I were the princess’ pet bird, where would I be?” The stallion spots a window and out that window he sees a tall greenhouse filled with birds. “What’s over there?”

“Where are you talking about?”

“There.” The stallion pointed out. “That greenhouse filled with birds outside.”

The servant looks out the window and soon spots what the stallion was talking about. “Oh that. That’s the Royal Birdhouse.”

“Then let’s check there.”

“I doubt Philemina will be there. She never goes to social gatherings with other birds, or so I believe.”

“Never know till you try.”

“Well okay.” The servant and stallion walk to the Royal Birdhouse outside. The scenery out there was amazing. Green grass, clipped bushes; some looked like other ponies others looked like shapes, and trees with the greenest leaves ever. “The princess sure likes her backyard pretty.” The stallion commented as they approached the bird house, and the servant turns around looking quite serious.

“Now, remember, the bird’s a delicate flower. Don’t scare or hurt the animal.” The servant explained clearly.

“I got it.” The stallion assured. The servant opens the birdhouse door and they both enter. The stallion soon discovers that the place is filled with several species of birds up to the ceiling: Blue Jays, Flamingos, Cardinals, Parrots, Toucans, and many other common and exotic birds. How he recognizes them is still a mystery. Each bird either stood on one a tree branch or on the ground. Then the servant points straight up. “Look!” The servant told him. The stallion spots a beautiful red and yellow Phoenix sitting on a high branch. “There’s Philomena.”

“You didn’t tell me she was a phoenix.”

“That’s because I thought the description would tell you.”

“Uh-huh.” The stallion scanned a tree beside them and noticed a very low branch which gives him an idea. “Excuse me, Miss.”

“Yes?”

“Could you stand right here for a bit?” The stallion pointed at the ground in front of a tree. “I have a plan.” The servant stood where the stallion pointed for her to be, under the lower branch of the tree, and then the stallion jumps on top the servant and onto the branch in a second. “Ow! You could at least give me a heads up!”

“Sorry.” The stallion apologized as he slowly balanced his way through the maze of branches. He was walking very carefully; one slip and he’ll be in the same bed again from earlier. “Just keep your balance and you’ll be okay.” The stallion thought. It was real tricky, but he was getting closer to Philomina, inch by inch though. The top was more dangerous now and all he needed to do was take Philomina and climb back down, now he was just arm’s length from Philomina. He reaches for, but the bird smiles and sidesteps away from him. The stallion gets closer then reaches again, but the mischievous bird sidesteps away once more. The stallion seems annoyed. “Now come here.” The stallion reaches closer, but the bird sidesteps away again. “Now come on.” The stallion tries again, but, instead, the phoenix pecks him harshly on the head several times. “Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!” The stallion exclaimed in pain. The phoenix flies down past the servant and out the open door.

“Oops.” The servant said embarrassed. “I think I left the door open.”

“What??” The stallion shouted annoyed, but then he loses his balance on the branches and fell into a bush below with a thud. “Ow!” The stallion exclaimed in pain as he gets back up and rubs his sore back.

“Are you okay” The servant asked concerned.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” The stallion assured. “We got that phoenix to worry about.” The stallion and servant chased the royal bird back into the castle at full speed. The bird’s intelligence was impeccable; she threw another servant off balance in the stallion and the servant’s way. The stallion dodges everything the bird throws at him to slow him down: marbles, other servants, even a column or two. The servant with him dodges these obstacles with superior grace as if like she knows what the phoenix is going to throw next; the stallion stares at her curious and amazed. “How are you doing that?” The stallion asked.

“This is my everyday job.” The servant explained. “You’re a Pegasus. Why can’t you fly after her?”

“I can’t remember.” The phoenix makes a sharp turn to its left.

“Come on. We got her now.” The servant said as the stallion and she makes the turn and then screech to a sudden halt. In front of them was a bare, bricked wall.

“Now what do we do?” The stallion asked.

“I don’t know,” The servant said winking at the stallion as if she’s trying to tell him something. “Maybe we should give up. Philomena’s just too smart for us to catch her.” She nudges the stallion. Soon he gets the idea.

“Oh! Uh’ maybe we should just be on our way.” The stallion and the servant walk around the corner, and they quickly hide behind the wall; the servant gives the stallion a birdcage.

“Hold this.” The servant said. “Keep it open.”

“Okay.” The servant and stallion wait a few minutes then a shadow moves from around the corner. Philomina looks around the corner then is startled by the servant grabbing it and stuffing the bird into the cage; it fought well, but the cage was too powerful for the bird to escape; so it stopped quite cross and she pulls a blanket over the cage.

“There. Thanks for your help.” The servant whispered. “She can be quite impossible sometimes.”

“Heh’,” The stallion laughed. “I’ve noticed. So where are we taking her?”

“Back to the princess’ room, she belongs there.” The servant replied. “You’ve been a naughty bird.” The stallion and servant make their way to the princess’ bedroom. Once they got there the princess was still gone. They hung Philomena’s cage on the bird stand. “Is she still in there?” The stallion asked. The servant looks under the cover then nods, and then the two sneak out the princess’ room slowly. As they walk out, the stallion and servant bump into something tall and white. They look up to see a tall, white mare, with green eyes and rainbow colored hair that swayed constantly in the air. She wore a crown on her head and a golden chest plate, and on her hooves she wore what seemed to be golden bracelets; she was also an Alicorn. The problem was though the stallion couldn’t recognize her, or what she does. “Uh’… Hi.” The stallion greeted uncomfortably. “We’re sorry miss. We weren’t watching where we were going’ right?” The servant didn’t say anything she just bowed to the white mare as if she was important or something. That made the stallion very uncomfortable. “That’s quite alright sir.” The mare said. “I’ve noticed that you’ve helped my servants with their duties.”

“Yeah, uh, how’d you know?”

“Somepony accidentally turned on my crystal ball.” The stallion turns back to the memory of that crystal ball that went haywire earlier.

“Oh, uh, okay.”

“Such selflessness is rarely found in many a pony. When I saw what you did I was completely transfixed on what you were doing I thought of a title for you since you can’t remember anything.” The mare continued.

“Okay, I’m kind of creeped out, and who are you?”

The white mare giggles. “I’m sorry. I’ve seemed to forget my manners. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Princess Celestia.” Silence sets into the hall for a few minutes then the stallion breaks it by laughing on the floor hard. “What’s so funny?” Celestia asked.

“Oh it’s just the fact that I didn’t know that you were the princess.” The stallion explains after calming down. Celestia smiles warmly.

“The title fits you perfectly.” Celestia leans her horn above the stallion. He looks confused.

“Um, what are you doing?” The stallion asked.

“Sh!” The servant bowing to Celestia said. “She’s naming your title.”

“Oh.” The stallion realized what was going on. Celestia thinks.

“Ah!” Celestia remembered. “Now I remember. I name you: Helpful the Selfless. It fits you well.”

“Helpful the Selfless,” Helpful said to himself. “I like it.”

“I am glad you do, because from now on you are my most trusted servant.” Celestia explained. “You’ll do many tasks for me.”

“Great! Where do I start?” Celestia pulls out a scroll; much like the ones in her fireplace, and gives it to Helpful using her magic.

“This is a list of tasks I want you to do in Ponyville, once you’re done report to me at once.” Helpful takes the scroll and puts it under his wing then he salutes to the princess.

“Consider it done. Only there’s one problem.”

“You wish to see Ponyville?” Celestia asked.

“Yes’ I do’ Your Majesty.”

“Follow me and I’ll show you.” Helpful follows Celestia to a balcony there he could see everything. Directly below was a town filled with tall houses and buildings, and all around them were unicorns and maybe an earth pony or two. Each one wore a fancy dress or suit, and looked undoubtedly wealthy. Further out he could see a large forest that covered most of what he saw of the land; it was thick and dark, and Helpful had no doubt what dangerous creatures lurked inside. He also spotted a mountain; it was tall and so steep that it would be considered unforgiving, but it also was green as ever; what also made it interesting is that the mountain had no trees or any grass. As if the mountain was naturally green.

In the center of the valley a village of lively ponies sat. He could see that the village had an apple orchard, and many other things. The ponies were all different from the ones under him and Celestia; they all wore no dresses or suits at all; even more they all were happy and nopony was mad at anypony else, in fact they talked to one another unlike the town below. Helpful liked what he saw about the village. “This is the land of Equestria.” Celestia pointed out. “The town below us is Canterlot; Capital of Equestria. I rule these lands.” Then Celestia points to the small village. “Out there, the small village in the center of the valley. Can you see it?”

“Yes’ I do.”

“There is Ponyville. A faithful student of mine, Twilight Sparkle, is there. You might see her; I have sent her a letter of your arrival; she will help you navigate though Ponyville to your destinations. My servant, Typhoon, will escort you to Ponyville. Isn’t that right Typhoon?” The servant that Helpful assisted with finding Philomina walks onto the balcony.

“As you wish’ Your Highness.”

“Your name is Typhoon?” Helpful asked a bit amazed.

“Yes.” Typhoon answered. “Why do you think the princess would hire me to take care of her bird?”

“I don’t know.” Helpful turns to Celestia. “Show me more Celestia. Please.”
Celestia laughs.

“All in due time, my friend, but we all know that the day doesn’t last forever. So you best be off.” Helpful sighed disappointed.

“Okay then.” Helpful, Celestia, and Typhoon leave the balcony to the front castle doors. Helpful could see the townsfolk of Canterlot much better now. “I bid you both farewell, and take care.”

“We will, Your Highness.” Typhoon replied. “Don’t worry. I’ll get Helpful to Ponyville safe and sound in no time.”

“Good. Come back once you got Helpful to Ponyville, Typhoon.”

“I will, Your Highness.”

“Good bye.” Helpful said as he and Typhoon leave the front gates of the castle and Celestia. They continue walking through Canterlot. The problem was Helpful didn’t know where they were going. “Say, Typhoon?”

“Yes, Helpful?”

“How are we getting out of Canterlot?”

“That’s simple. There’s a train station in Canterlot. We’re going to take a train out of Canterlot and into Ponyville. It’ll be a breeze. Trust me.”

“Um, okay then’ Typhoon.” Helpful and Typhoon make it to the train station in time. The train was unlike anything Helpful seen; it looked a lot like a long row of linked houses on wheels, and at the front a strange machine that he couldn’t understand. It had wheels like the rest of the train, but it also had cylinders on the top of it; they kept letting go of a strange gray cloud. Inside the machine were many levers and what seemed to be a fireplace. Inside the row of houses through the windows Helpful could see other ponies, one was reading a newspaper, some were talking to each other, and many others were just sitting inside being patient for the train to move. The station was mostly a platform, but there was a spot what seemed like a shop. Typhoon walks over to the shop stallion. “Two tickets please.” She said to the clerk. The stallion pulls out two tickets and gave them to Typhoon.

“You’re in luck,” The clerk said. “Those are the last tickets for Ponyville until the next train comes around.” Typhoon takes the tickets.

“Thank you.” She returns to Helpful and gives him a ticket. “This is your ticket. Don’t lose it.”

“I won’t.” The stallion saluted. A strange, loud noise scares Helpful, and he jumps into Typhoon’s arms; who looks very confused. “What was that noise!?” Helpful shouted. A stallion wearing a suit and hat, which told Helpful that he works on the train, walks out of the train. “All aboard, train for Ponyville will leave in ten minutes!” The stallion shouted. Helpful looks at the stallion then at Typhoon and laughs embarrassed. “Heh, they’re just telling us to get aboard.” Helpful said. Typhoon looks at Helpful annoyed and drops him on the ground. He gets up. “What? Was it something I said?” They enter the train, which slowly leaves to Ponyville.

Soon the train enters Ponyville. As it stops beside the station slowly, Helpful and Typhoon get off the train, as they get off, Helpful looks around Ponyville. It was better than he hoped everypony he saw was happy, unlike at Canterlot, and talked to other ponies on the block. The village was very uplifting; the houses and other buildings were colorful, flowers lined all around each individual house, each flower was beautiful and healthy, and the grass was so green and the sky was so blue, Helpful felt that he was somewhat in a dream. “Okay, Helpful.” Typhoon said, ruining Helpful’s moment. “Twilight should be around here somewhere. Celestia said she sent her a letter about you being here so she should be around here soon.” Helpful looks around, all he sees are ponies, ponies, and more ponies. How is he going to find this Twilight Sparkle? “She might be running late?” Helpful asked Typhoon, next to him; who looks at him odd.

“I’ve been told that Twilight is never late.” Typhoon replied.

“What does she study?”

“Like all the other students of Celestia: Magic.”

“So she’s a unicorn.” Helpful assumed.

“Yes, she is.” Typhoon turns around. “I’ll be off. Can’t miss the train back to Canterlot, can I?”

“I guess not.” Helpful looks toward the ground in thought, and then he remembers something. “But what does Twilight look like?” Typhoon was gone, leaving Helpful on his own. “Great. Now how am I gonna find her?” Minutes felt like hours as Helpful waits for this Twilight Sparkle, asking everypony that passes by who they are. Sadly they only answer other than what he hoped. Helpful’s eyelids felt heavy, he then yawns and blinks his eyes several times rapidly. He was growing tired. “Gotta stay awake and find Twilight.” Helpful thought. His eyes close and he snores away into deep slumber. A purple dragon and a purple mare pass by the sleeping stallion and then they stop. “I can’t believe you made me late, Spike.” The mare said annoyed. “I hope Helpful’s patient.”

“I’m sorry, Twilight.” The baby dragon replied. “I just had to get the statue of Rarity finished. It had to be finished today, but, no, you had to pull me here.”

“We had to get to the station now, but you wouldn’t listen so I had to pull you out of your daily labor.”

“Well excuse me for being such a handsome Maverick.”

“Whatever.” The mare sighed. “Let’s just find Helpful. Hopefully we’re not too late.” The mare looks back and forth searching for their escort. “Where is he?” The dragon notices Helpful’s snoring and looks back and finds Helpful asleep.

“Hey, Twilight?”

“What is it this time, Spike?”

“What’s with this guy?” The mare turns around and looks at Helpful.

“I have no idea. Looks like he had either a rough night or he’s so tired that he couldn’t wait to sleep.”

“I’m gonna go with so tired he can’t wait to sleep.”

“Maybe we should wake him up. I mean he is in the wrong place to take a nap after all. “The dragon backs away in defiance.

“Oh. No way am I gonna do that, Twilight. I’m not gonna wake up somepony I don’t know. What if he gets mad?” The mare shrugs.

“Suit yourself.” The mare pushes Helpful gently, slowly waking the stallion up. “Hey, sir? Wake up.” Helpful opens his eyes, stretches, and yawns. He scratches his belly. The mare he saw was purple, and her mane was black, but had two purple streaks, one was lighter than the other, and her eyes were also purple. The cutie mark she had was a six pointed star; only thing that was interesting to him was that the symbol looked really familiar to Helpful only he couldn’t remember where he saw it before. It just looked familiar. “What? Who? Where? How? When? Why?” Helpful rubbed his eyes. “Did I go to sleep?”

“Yes, you did sir.” The mare answered. “And you’re kind of sleeping in the wrong spot. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike.” The baby dragon waves at Helpful. “What’s your name?” Helpful thinks.

“Well it’s more of a title than a name.” Helpful explained. “My name’s Helpful the Selfless. Princess Celestia’s most trusted servant.”

“Oh, so you’re Helpful. Why were you sleeping?”

“I was waiting for you two to show up.” Helpful chuckled. “What took you so long to get here?” Twilight looks at Spike who smiles a bit uncomfortably, then turns her gaze back to Helpful.

Friendship Begins

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Chapter 2

Friendship begins

Sweet Apple Acres was much better than Helpful hoped. All he could see in the distance was hard-working-ponies applebucking trees to get the apples high up in there; they also had a big barn filled with animals. Some houses the ponies lived in were not hard to spot. In fact Helpful felt at home near Sweet Apple Acers. Could be from here? No. He’s not an Earth pony so he couldn’t be from here. As Helpful, Twilight, and Spike walk through the gate, another stallion pulling a huge wagon of apples passed by them. The stallion was red and his hair was blond, also his cutie mark was a green apple-half. “Hello sir.” Helpful stopped and greeted, but the big stallion continued to walk past him.

“Eeyep.” The stallion said. Helpful watches puzzled as the stallion walks away.

“Strange.” Helpful said to himself. “That must’ve been some formal greeting the townsfolk say. Weird.” Twilight stops and faces Helpful.

“Oh, that’s just Big Macintosh.” Twilight explained. “It’s how he mostly says ‘hi.’”

“Oh.” Helpful said looking like he understood, then he stares at her confused. “Huh?” Twilight rolls her eyes.

“Well, who do we have here?!” A voice shouted behind Helpful making him jump around to see another mare. She was light orange in color, her hair was blond and tied at the end by a hair tie, also the mare wore a brown hat, but besides that; what made her so interesting to Helpful was her cutie mark on her flank: three apples. Now he knows he’s seen something like that before, but where and when? “Oh it’s just you miss uh….”

“Applejack,” The mare answered with a proud smile. “And you are?”

“My name is Helpful; Helpful the Selfless.”

“So tell me what brings you to Sweet Apple Acers?” Before Helpful could answer, Twilight intervened

“He’s here from Celestia to help pick apples.” Twilight explained. Applejack looks at her odd.

“Howdy, Twilight. I didn’t see you there.” Her face lights up with a smile. “But you said he’s from the princess to help pick apples right?”

“Yes, indeed. Helpful is the most trusted servant of Celestia.”

“Yeehaw, that’s just terrific to hear, Helpful! We’re gonna need all the help we can get to harvest all these apples.”

“Okay, then.” Helpful laughed.

“I can take it from here Twilight. Come on Helpful.” Helpful follows Applejack. Twilight looks uneasy.

“But guys, I need to stay with Helpful at all times. That’s what my letter said!” Twilight shouted after them cross. Spike crossed his arms.

“Actually Twilight, that’s not what it said.” Spike protested; making Twilight shoot Spike a sharp look. “What?” She then rolled her eyes. Applejack and Helpful stop and look back at Twilight and Spike.

“Don’t worry, Twilight.” Applejack said. “Besides you can come back for Helpful when he’s done helping. Don’t you have something to do?” Spike remembered the statue of Rarity he was making.

“Oh, yeah, we totally do!” Spike pulls Twilight by tail. “Come on, Twilight!”

“Okay. Okay, Spike.” Twilight sighed. “We’ll be back sometime.” Applejack and Helpful wave good-bye, as they watch Twilight and Spike disappear back into the village in seconds; Helpful looks at Applejack questioningly.

“Do you really think they have something to do?” Helpful asked Applejack; who laughs.

“No.” Applejack answered. “They only think they have something to do. It takes them forever sometimes to figure out they didn’t have anything in the first place.”

“Oh right.” Then an old mare walks by then stops and stares at Helpful, she was light green in color, she also had white hair, her cutie mark was a pie, and her eyes were green. “Uh, I don’t mean to be rude, but what’s with her?” Helpful points at the old mare near them, whose look is pretty serious.

“Watch where you point that, Sonny Boy.” The old mare said to Helpful who looks pretty shocked on what the old mare said. “Just what are you two talking about?” The old mare walks up in front of them. She eyeballs Helpful real close, making him uncomfortable. “Applejack,”

“Yes’ Granny Smith?” Applejack asked.

“I have one very important question.”

“What is it?” Applejack asked uncomfortably. Silence sets in a few moments, as the old mare stares into Helpful’s eyes real hard.

“Just who is this handsome hunk of muscle?” The old mare shouted backing up and laughing. Helpful and Applejack sigh of relief. “Where’d you find him Applejack?” Granny Smith opens his mouth wide and sticks her head inside, muttering gibberish as she continues her examination. She then pulls on Helpful’s cheek outstretching it a foot and a few inches. As Granny Smith did this Applejack explains. “Granny Smith, this is Helpful. He was sent here from the princess to help pick apples.” She notices what Granny Smith is doing. “Uh, are you with me?” Granny Smith lets go of Helpful’s cheek, which snaps back into place. He rubs it in pain.

“Is that so?” Granny Smith looks at Helpful with a smile. “Well, its mighty kind of ya to help around the farm.” Granny Smith holds up Helpful’s right arm. “Especially with such big arms,” She drops his arm. “I reckon you can pull eight wagons at a time.” Applejack looks surprised.

“Now, Granny Smith, isn’t, you think, that a little too much for him?” Applejack reasoned, but Granny Smith walks away.

“Nonsense, I know what I’m talking about.” Granny Smith answers. As Granny Smith slowly walks away, Applejack rolls her eyes and Helpful rubs his cheek. “Sorry about Granny Smith back there. She can be quite the handful sometimes.” Helpful smiled.

“It’s okay, Applejack.” Helpful assured. “I’m used to it.” Helpful pauses in thought. “I think.” Applejack and Helpful soon enter the barn. It was empty. Not what Helpful expected, though there were some wagons in the center and on the walls there were some strange looking… Helpful didn’t know what to call them, some were brown and others were black. They all looked pretty important though. “What are these?” Helpful points at the strange items hanging on the wall beside him; Applejack looks at Helpful oddly.

“Don’t you know a harness when you see one?” Applejack asked. Helpful looks down on the ground sadly and sighs. That made Applejack a little more curious. “What’s the matter?”

“I have amnesia that’s what’s wrong,” Helpful sniffed. “And the worst part is I lost my cutie mark.” Applejack notices his blank flank and looks surprised.

“Oh. I see,” Applejack smiles big. “Don’t worry Helpful. It’ll come back.” Helpful looked up to Applejack.

“You mean it?”

“Sure I do. Now what will you do to help?” Applejack looks around the barn looking for something; Helpful looks at the harnesses on the wall then lights up in a smile.

“I have an idea.” The next moment Helpful is outside pulling an empty wagon beside Applejack. The wagon was large like Big Macintosh’s, but it wasn’t as heavy as Helpful thought. They walk through the apple trees of the farm. “Okay. Well what am I supposed to do? I mean what’s my motivation?” Applejack stops and laughs.

“You humor me Helpful. You really do.” Applejack said. “No motivation. Just the common ‘get under trees and wait for the apples to fill in the wagon’.” Applejack walks over to the tree that Helpful’s wagon was under and kicks it. Apples fall from the tree and fill somewhat into the wagon. “Alright’ Helpful take those apples to the next tree. I’ll be with you in a little bit.” Helpful smiled.

“Okay. I’ll be waiting.” Helpful pulls the wagon and goes toward to the next tree Applejack pointed to. As he walks something heavy falls into the wagon and makes it even heavier to pull. He stops and looks in the wagon to find three fillies inside; they were all covered in apple-mush. One of them was a redhead Earth pony with a big bow on top of her head; her eyes were green. Another had a violet mane; she was an orange Pegasus. The last was a white unicorn with white and dark gray hair. What made them the same was they had no cutie marks. They groan in pain; which made it obvious they didn’t plan to fall into his wagon in the first place. The redhead opens her eyes. “Ow. Scootaloo’ I think that didn’t work.” The redhead winces in pain as she gets up. The Pegasus filly opens her eyes.

“Yeah, I don’t think skydiving is our talent.” The Pegasus filly said. “That’s just too obvious.” The white unicorn gets up, and notices all the apple-mush on her.

“Oh-no, if Rarity sees me like this she’ll flip.” The filly said trying to wipe the mush off.

“Don’t worry Sweetie Bell. We’ll get it off. Don’t worry.” The redhead assured the young unicorn.

“Yeah, like we always do.” The young Pegasus said.

“Okay.” Helpful said looking quite curious. “What are you all doing?” The fillies look at him like they just now noticed, and smile.

“Howdy there partner.” The redhead greeted first. “We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders on a quest to find our cutie marks.”

“In a way we are.” The Pegasus filly added.

“I’m Sweetie Bell.” The white unicorn replied. “This is Applebloom,” Sweetie Bell points to the redhead. “And this is Scootaloo.” She pointed to the Pegasus filly.

“Okay, Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Helpful smiled then looks up trying to find where they fell from. “How did you all get in here?” The fillies smile and laugh uncomfortably.

“We were Skydiving.” Scootaloo answered finally. They all smile real big like they did something bad and they’re trying to get out of it by being innocent. Of course Helpful doesn’t know what Skydiving is so there wouldn’t be any need for that. Then Applebloom spots something in the distance.

“It’s my Big Sis!” Applebloom gasped. “Hide!” All the fillies bury themselves in apples till all Helpful could see was their tails sticking out.

“I hope Applejack doesn’t get mad because we accidentally used her kite for a parachute.” Scootaloo said muffled by the apples. Now Helpful’s even more confused. Kite, parachute, Skydiving? Just what are they doing? Applejack walks up to Helpful. “Sorry it took me so long Helpful.” Applejack explained to him, she notices that he’s climbed up on the wagon’s edge. “Just what are you doing?” As she looks up toward Helpful she spots something in the trees. “Is that my kite?!” Helpful looks up where Applejack is staring at and as he climbs down he spots a red kite in the tree. It was severed in to pieces and stuck in the branches. There were many strings attached at its edges. “Uh…” Helpful said. Applejack looks real curious.

“Now who would destroy my kite?” Applejack wondered. “I know you wouldn’t do it Helpful, we just met, and I don’t have any enemies.” Helpful looked at Applejack curious.

“What are enemies?” Applejack smiles at him.

“Yeah, you know, enemies: the ponies who are against you. Your amnesia has taken more than your cutie mark huh?” Then Applebloom pops her head out from the wagon, looking quite excited.

“You don’t have a cutie mark!?” Applebloom shouted than Sweetie Bell pulls her back down.

“Sh!” Sweetie Bell silenced her.

“Sorry.” Applebloom whispered. Applejack smiles at Helpful who looks back puzzled.

“What?” Helpful asked. Applejack rolls her eyes.

“Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo, what are you fillies doing now and why are you in Helpful’s wagon?” Applejack asked. The three fillies climb out of the wagon and stand in front of Applejack and Helpful; each one looking down at the ground ashamed. Helpful is terribly confused now.

“What’s wrong?” Helpful asked concerned. The fillies look at each other uneasy.

“Okay.” Applebloom replied sadly. “We were Skydiving.” Applejack looks shocked.

“You were Skydiving!” Applejack exclaimed in shock. “Why were you Skydiving?”

“We were only trying to find our cutie marks.” Scootaloo explained. “We used your kite as a parachute’ Applejack. It worked for a second… but then it broke and we fell in Helpful’s wagon. We’re sorry, Applejack.”

“Yeah, we’re really sorry.” Sweetie Bell agreed.

“Sorry.” Applebloom also agreed.

“You three and your cutie mark obsessions.” Applejack scolded. “What if Big Macintosh saw you, Applebloom?”

“He would get on to me.”

“You’re darn right he would.” Helpful gets in-between Applejack and the fillies.

“Don’t you think your being a little too harsh, Applejack?” Helpful said. “They were only trying to find their cutie marks. You know I have amnesia and my cutie mark’s gone, and they’re working harder than me to find theirs. So please don’t tell Big Macintosh.” Helpful smiled real big like a little foal, the three fillies do the same. Applejack smiled.

“Okay. I won’t.” The fillies smiled real excited and hug Helpful.

“Thank you, Helpful!” They all shout. Helpful looks surprised, but then he smiles. The fillies let go off their hug and run off.

“Wow!” Applejack said surprised. “I didn’t know you had such a way with kids.” Helpful looks puzzled.

“I do?”

“Yeah, I reckon all the kids you meet look up to you.”

“Uh… I guess, but I don’t think I have a way with kids.”

“Nonsense, the way you stood up for them was something else and kind of weird.”

“Okay. Well let’s get these apples done.”

“Oh right. Good call.” Applejack kicks the tree above the wagon, and apples fill it up. Helpful pulls the wagon along the path and on his way he spotted Big Macintosh trying to pull seven wagons, each one was as big as the wagon Helpful was pulling, he also notices the big guy had a hard time pulling the wagons. Helpful pulls his wagon toward the end of Big Macintosh’s wagon line, and then walks over to him. “Can I try?” Helpful asks him. Big Macintosh, as tired as he is because he’s been pulling those wagons with no luck, lets Helpful try. Helpful hooks on to the wagons. “Thank you.” And he pulls them all with ease and walks away, and Big Macintosh stares in surprise and drops his jaw with a clang as Helpful walks off pulling eight wagons with him. As Helpful continues toward the barn to unload, everypony watches in awe as Helpful outdoes Macintosh. Applejack notices everypony staring at something in the middle of the field, so she checks it out. She walks right next to Granny Smith, who stares at whatever they were all gawking at. “What in tarnation is everypony staring at?” Granny Smith points to Helpful pulling eight wagons into the barn. Applejack’s expression turns to surprise.

“I told you that he could pull eight wagons at a time, now look at him.” Granny Smith said; rubbing it in. “Already pulling nine times Big Mac’s weight, and just what ya have to say for yourself?” Applejack thinks.

“Uh… I guess I stand corrected.” Applejack answered. “I’ll see if he needs help.” Applejack leaves Granny Smith and walks over to Helpful, who still pulls on the wagons. “Whoa’ Helpful! I didn’t know you could do that!” Helpful turns his attention to Applejack and smiled.

“I didn’t either.” Helpful explains. “All I did was take the wagons Big Macintosh was pulling with mine and take em over to the barn.” Helpful approaches the barn and Applejack opens the door.

“I knew you’d need help sooner or later, because you’re new and all, just not like this.” Applejack and Helpful laugh as Helpful puts the wagons inside; once he got out Applejack hoofclopped him. “Ho-wee, Helpful, I’ve never seen somepony work so hard and yet so fast! You even cleared the north field for next harvest before lunch.” Applejack points toward the field in front of them just a few yards away. “You’re my new best friend.” That word “friend” sounded familiar to Helpful; even though he couldn’t remember where he heard such a word, but it sounded important; like a job maybe. He stared out into the sky hard in thought. “Friend?” Helpful thought out loud; grabbing Applejack’s attention, but, before she could say anything, Granny Smith and Applebloom approach them. Applebloom balances several pies on her back and head; they stop in the middle of the pasture. “Who wants some Apple Pie?!” Applebloom shouted.

“I know I do!” A pony shouted.

I do!” Another one said.

“Come on, Helpful.” Applejack told Helpful as she runs down toward Granny Smith and Applebloom. “You better get some before they eat it all.” Helpful runs after her.
“I’m coming!” Helpful shouted in panic. Once he got there all the ponies were all in line getting a piece of pie from Applebloom once it was his turn the pie was gone.

“What?” Helpful said sadly.

“Sorry, Helpful, that’s all the pie.” Applebloom apologizes; Helpful looks uneasy.

“B-but… Oh well.”

“You’ll just have to come back next time.” Applebloom tried to cheer him up, but then Granny Smith intervened between Applebloom and Helpful.

“Hold on there. I have something for you, Helpful.” Granny Smith pulls out a fresh pie out of Applebloom’s ear.

Whoa!” Helpful exclaimed in amazement.

“I made this just for you, Helpful; nopony else just you.” Granny Smith gives the pie to Helpful. “Whoa. I don’t know what to say.” Granny Smith pulls out a piece of Helpful’s pie and stuffs it into his mouth.

“Well then eat up, Pretty boy.” Everypony laughs except Helpful. Later, after lunch and help with more work, Helpful and Applejack stand at the gate waiting for Twilight and spike to get Helpful to the next location he needs to go. Helpful sits down bored. “Is she always late like this?” Applejack leaned on the fence.

“Actually this is a first for me.” Applejack answered. “Twilight hasn’t ever been late like this before.” Applejack spotted something in the distance. “Oh, wait, hold on.” Helpful got up and tried to spot what Applejack was trying to so hard to make out in the distance.

“What? What is it?” Helpful asked. “What do you see?”

“I think its Twilight, but I can’t tell.” Helpful leaned toward Applejack a little too far and then fell on his side.

“Ouch!” Applejack then spotted Twilight and Spike, who rides on her back, not too far away now.

“Yep, it’s them alright.” Helpful gets up.

“Is it Twilight and Spike?”

“Yep, it’s them alright.”

“Great.” Twilight and Spike approached Helpful and Applejack.

“Hello, Helpful, Applejack.” Twilight greeted. “How did it go; the helping picking apples and everything?”

“It went great.” Applejack answered. “We cleared the entire north field before lunch.” Spike and Twilight look amazed.

“Wow! Sounds like you didn’t have any problems, Helpful.”

“Nope, I didn’t.” Helpful answered. Applejack laughed.

“Helpful pulled nine times Big Macintosh’s weight in apples. Nopony; and I mean nopony, can beat that record.” Applejack pats Helpful on the back. “Isn’t that right, Helpful?”

“Yep, I agree”

“I gotta say that’s pretty impressive.” Twilight said. “I didn’t expect you to do that since you’re from Celestia and all.”

“Celestia knows well on whom she picks, that’s what I know, and she picked pretty wisely. He’s got a lot of tricks up his sleeves and he just doesn’t know it.” Helpful searched his arms.

“I don’t have sleeves, Applejack.” Helpful protested. Twilight, Spike, and Applejack laugh; Helpful looks pretty puzzled. “What?”

“It’s nothing, Helpful. Come on. Let’s go to where you’re supposed to go next.” Twilight turns around and starts to leave Helpful follows, but Applejack stops them.

“Wait! Just one more thing before you leave.” Applejack pulls out a bag and gives it to Helpful it had two packs on both sides for even weight and it was yellow; he puts it on his back.

“What’s this for?” Helpful asked.

“It’s a gift from the Apple Family, hope you like it, it has all you need from all of us. Consider yourself part of the family.” Helpful smiled so big, that it almost shone in the sunlight.

“Oh cool. I’m part of the Apple Family.”

“Yep, when we need your help; we’ll call for you. So you don’t have to be here twenty-four seven, okay?” Applejack chuckled.

“Okay.” Spike looks pretty impatient.

“Are we done yet?” Spike asked harshly. “We’ve got things to do.”

“Okay, Spike. Good bye, Applejack, see ya later.” Helpful follows Twilight walking away from Applejack; who waved good bye.

“Good-bye, Helpful; come back soon!” Soon Applejack was out of sight and the fence for Sweet Apple Acers was far behind Helpful; they were now walking on a dirt road that was right at the edge of the dark forest Helpful spotted earlier; Twilight stops. “I almost forgot.” Twilight turned around. “Where do we go next?” Helpful pulls out the list to read, but then a strong wind blows through and swipes the list from Helpful.

“Whoa!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise. The list flies into the dense forest, and Twilight gasps.

“Quick; get that list!” Twilight ordered. Helpful, Spike, and Twilight chase the list into the forest. The list flew past all the trees and branches, no problem, but, Helpful, he had a few problems getting through the brush and branches, unlike Twilight. She runs up to the list with Spike on her back. “Spike, grab it now!” Twilight said. Spike reaches for the list just barely touching its edge then the wind blew harder and the list flies away faster, but Twilight grabs it with her magic. “I got it!” Twilight shouted then Spike points out in front of her.

“Look out!” Spike warned. Twilight looks in front of her and crashes into a tree. The wind picks up the list again even faster. Helpful chases the list past Twilight as fast as possible. Spike gets up and spots Helpful running towards a cliff! “Helpful! Wait!” Spike warned, but Helpful didn’t hear him, he kept running toward the cliff only trying to get the list that was flying away from him towards the cliff. Spike started to panic; he shook Twilight trying to wake her up. “Twilight; get up!”

“Five more minutes Spike.” Twilight groaned and slept some more.

“Oh-no,” Spike sighed; it was up to him now. “A dragon’s gotta do what a dragon’s gotta do.” Spike turns around and spots some large, red, squishy, white spotted mushrooms beside him and thinks. “That’ll work.” Spike jumps on the mushrooms and sinks deep inside it. “Uh-oh’ that isn’t-” Spike said, and then he launches off toward Helpful at full speed. He lands into Helpful’s pack without him noticing. “Oof!” Spike looks out the pack confused and dizzy. “Okay, not what I expected, but this’ll work.” Spike turns his attention to Helpful who still runs after the list that’ll lead them straight toward the cliff; now Spike really starts to panic. “Oh-no. Helpful, stop! If you don’t, you’re gonna get us both in deep water!”

“What do mean ‘deep water’?” Helpful asked still fixed on chasing the list. Spike grabs Helpful’s face and turns it down toward the cliff they’re about to fall over.

“Oh shoot!” Helpful quickly hits the brakes and slowly skids closer toward the edge, Spike covers his eyes, but they stop directly at the edge of the cliff. “That was close.” Helpful sighed of relief; Spike opens his eyes and finds himself at the edge, and sighs of relief.

“Too close.” Spike agreed. Helpful and Spike lean over the edge of the cliff and spot a dense fog covering the bottom of the seemingly dark, bottomless abyss that had two walls on the way down; no doubt had a river at the bottom. Spike whistles a long amazed whistle. “That is one long drop.”

“Yeah, Spike” Helpful agreed with the baby dragon. Spike spots the list flying above them as the wind starts to die off and the list slowly lands on the edge of the cliff in front of them. Helpful picks up the list, but then the cliff’s edge begins to crumble. “Oh-no, this can’t be good.” Helpful replied wide-eyed. The cliff crumbles down fast, with Helpful and Spike shouting as they fall down the canyon. Spike pulls out a rope from Helpful’s pack that Applejack gifted them, and ties it around Helpful who looks curious. “What are you doing?!” Helpful asked trying to shout over the sharp wind.

“Don’t worry! I’ve seen Applejack do this all the time!” Spike explained as he threw the rope at a root sticking out the abyss wall. It grabbed on and Helpful swung toward the wall and landed perfectly on the gray bed rook. Spike and Helpful watch as the cliff pieces fall into the fog out of sight. After a few moments, they hear a loud splash and look surprised and shocked. “Wow.” Helpful said.

“Took the words right out of my mouth, Helpful.” Spike replied, he looks around and spots the root slowly coming out of the wall. “Uh-oh.”

“What?” Helpful asked. Spike smiled nervously.

“The root that’s holding us from the river is giving in.”

“Leading us down to the river that who knows how far down it is?” Helpful asked with a serious look.

“Yep.”

“Sharp rocks at the bottom?”

“That’s most likely.”

“Bring it on.” The root snapped out of the wall and Spike, who screamed out of pure fear, and Helpful, who really seemed to enjoy this, fell into the river below with a loud splash.

Meanwhile, Twilight is awakened by Applejack on the ground in Everfree Forest. “Twilight you okay?” Applejack asked. Twilight looks around and finds Spike and Helpful has disappeared; she begins to panic; she pulls Applejack right up to her face. “Applejack, where’s Helpful and Spike?!” Twilight asked too fast for Applejack to understand.

“Say what now?” Applejack asked. Twilight lets go of Applejack and looks around.

“You know Spike and Helpful. Did you see them? They’re gone.” Applejack looks around.

“No, as a matter of fact, I haven’t seen either of them.” As Applejack answered her question, Twilight goes up a tree and pops her head out a hole in its side; looking real panicked.

“What?? Oh-no.” Twilight said as she got out of the tree. “If I’ve lost Helpful, he’ll get lost and Celestia’s tasks that were given to him won’t get finished and who knows what Celestia might do to him. I might’ve messed up his perfect record of never finishing a task late, and he’ll hate me forever!” Applejack pauses in mid-thought.

“Uh...” Applejack started to protest, but Twilight comes straight up to her face panicked, spooking her.

“Please, tell me you saw them Applejack. This is critically important, please!” Applejack steps back from Twilight, who looks mentally ill, and thinks.

“Well I haven’t seen Helpful or Spike. Maybe Spike is guiding Helpful.” Twilight shacks her head.

“Not likely. Spike would wake me up, and I’d be with them. Something had to happen. Did you see anything suspicious?” Applejack looks like she just remembered something.

“Yeah, in fact I have. Follow me.” Twilight follows Applejack to a cliff that seemed to have lost its edge not too long ago. “I was just walking along here when I heard a loud crumbling sound so I decided to check it out, then I found you back there asleep. I was about to wake you up when I heard something hit the water. I kept walking and found this cliff gone. What do you make of it?” Twilight looks down towards the bottom of the abyss, and all she sees is the dense fog at the bottom.

“I don’t know, but judging by how freshly broken the cliff is, I’d say that Helpful and Spike fell down here trying to get the list that some crazy wind blew away. I hope they’re alright.” Applejack looks down the abyss.

“I’m sure they’re alright’ Twilight. I mean’ I know we don’t know the guy, but Spike’s with him I’m sure that they’ll be okay.”

“I know, but what now?” Twilight thinks, then she comes up with an idea. “Let’s get a search party together and look for them.” Applejack smiled.

“I’ll get all of Sweet Apple Acers to look for him.” Twilight brightens up.

“Great and keep it on a down low. We can’t let Celestia know.” Applejack salutes.

“Yes, mam!” Applejack and Twilight run off swiftly to Sweet Apple Acers.

First Sight

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Chapter Three

First Sight

“Helpful.” Spike’s voice spoke into hearing. Something shook Helpful hard causing him to open his eyes, and Helpful finds himself and Spike at the bottom of the abyss; they were on dry sandy land more like a sidewalk beside the river. “You okay Helpful?” Spike asked concerned as Helpful got up.

“Yeah’ sure’ I’m fine Spike.” Helpful assured. “Where are we?” Helpful and Spike looked up and all they saw was the dense fog above them, it was so dense that they couldn’t see through it at all. Helpful turns his gaze to Spike who shrugs. “I don’t know, but I think we’re in the bottom of the Endless Crevice.” Spike answered his voice echoed off the walls. Helpful digs into his pack and pulls out what seemed to be a map; he gives it to Spike. “You do know how to read these maps’ right’ Spike?” Helpful asked. Spike looks at the map and makes a few faces while turning the map in several weird directions; he finally stops and shrugs sadly.

“Sorry’ Helpful.” Spike apologized. “Maybe we can find a way out of here by walking either direction,” Spike pauses. “Or we’ll keep walking for days without food or water.” Spike’s stomach growls; he fell onto the ground and pulls himself towards Helpful’s face, he looks panicked. “I can’t live like this!” Spike shouted, and then a loud rumbling sound comes into hearing. Both Helpful and Spike widen their eyes. “Uh oh.” They both say as they look up to see rocks falling from above. Spike jumps into Helpful’s pack. “Run!” Spike shouted as he buttoned the flap of the bag over himself. Helpful runs through the water from the landslide from above, narrowly dodging the rocks as they land on the ground. “How are we going to get out of here now?” Helpful shouted as he dodges another rock from above him. Spike pops his head out of the bag.

“How am I supposed to know?” Spike answered bitterly. “Nopony has ever came to the bottom of the Endless Crevice and returned!”

“Like that’s supposed to make things better.” Helpful then spots some light coming out not to far from in front of them and smiles widely. “I think I see the way out.” Spike spots the same light.

“We’re gonna make it!” Spike shouted. They get closer and closer to the light, but, once they got there, they find the unexpected edge of a waterfall. Spike gasped “Oh no!” Spike shouted. “Hit the brakes!” Helpful tried to stop, but the sand under him couldn’t make enough friction for them to stop from falling over the edge, and they soon fall straight down once more down the waterfall anyway. “Not again!” Spike screamed in fear. They hit the water below with a huge splash, and Helpful was the first to get out of the water; he looked side to side searching for Spike, but he wouldn’t pop out of the water like the stallion expected. “Spike’ where are you? Spike!” Helpful panicked. “Oh shoot!” He took a deep breath in and dived in after Spike. Once underwater he spotted Spike getting deeper and deeper into deep, dark water, he was unconscious. Helpful grabbed the baby dragon and pulled him back up toward the surface. Once they get out above the surface, Spike sputtered and coughed as he gasped for breath. Helpful dragged Spike to the edge of the small lake they fell into, and laid him on the ground. “Spike’ you okay?” Helpful asked quite concerned about Spike’s condition. Spike sits up and looks around to find them in a small forest.

“I’m fine’ Helpful’ thanks for saving me.”

“That’s what I do Spike, or at least I think so.” Helpful smiled. Spike stands up and turns his gaze up the towering waterfall above them; he was quite astonished to find that they survived the fall.

“Are we in Everfree Forest again?” Spike asked. Helpful shrugs.

“I have no idea Spike. Maybe, but I doubt it.” Helpful answered, he looks up to scan a tree. “Maybe you can climb up there and find out.”

“Okay.” Spike climbs up the tree bark and into the leaves. Helpful starts to feel a little thirsty.

“I’ll be back’ Spike. Just gonna get a drink.”

“Okay’ Helpful!” Spike shouted over the rustling of leaves. Helpful turns toward the water’s edge and leans his head, mouth-first, down into the water to drink. Not too far behind him a yellow, light purple haired Pegasus mare walks backwards guiding some baby ducks in single file. “Now don’t worry little ones we’re almost to the water.” The mare cooed to the ducklings, unknowingly, she bumps into Helpful from behind.

“Whoa!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise as he fell into the water. The mare quickly spins around and finds Helpful in the water trying to stand up; the ducklings jump into the water and swim away. Helpful rubs his eyes as he gets out of the water; the mare apologizes. “I-I am so s-sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” The mare said; Helpful chuckles.

“No biggy. I’m used to it anyway.” Helpful replied.

“N-No. I-I really am. It’s my fault.”

“It’s not that bad. You really shouldn’t be…apologizing…to…me.” Helpful stops rubbing his eyes and finds, what seems to him, the most beautiful mare he has ever laid his eyes on. Her eyes were the deepest emerald green he has ever seen; her hair was a violet color that made him feel like jumping for joy; even more her nose was as cute as a button, and her voice was like fresh fine silk. The sound of it was comforting to Helpful; made him a bit sleepy. The way her eyes fixed on him made him freeze in place; too nervous to move or talk.
Meanwhile’ up in the tree’ Spike climbs up closer to the top, and then he stops to catch his breath. “No more ice cream before bedtime.” Spike said to himself. “I gotta start losing weight.” He reaches for the branch above him, but he loses his footing and falls into the lower branches. His head gets stuck in-between a forked branch and he hangs by his head. Spike tries to pull himself out of the branch’s grasp, but his attempts land in futile. “Oh come on!” Spike thought. “Can’t I just get to the ground below?” Spike notices a second branch beside him just close enough for him to put his feet on. He reaches for the branch with his feet, and once he gets onto it, he tries to pull himself onto the branch, and then his head pulls free from the hindering branch that held him. “Yes!” Spike celebrated, but gravity catches up to him and he falls once again to the ground. “Whoa!” Spike falls into the bushes below with a thud, startling the mare. “WH-What was that!?” The mare shouted. Spike walks out the bushes holding up his head, like he had a headache.

“Ow.” Spike said as he rubbed his head. The mare sighs of relief. “It’s just you Spike. What’re you doing here?”

Spike crakes his back. “I might ask you the same question, Fluttershy.”

“I was just leading some ducklings to the pond, but then I accidentally bumped this guy into t-the water.” Fluttershy pointed to Helpful beside her; who doesn’t even twitch. “Once he got out I tried to apologize, but he won’t say anything.”

“Huh. Is that so?” Spike walks up to Helpful and stares real hard into his eyes. “Hey’ Helpful’ are you with us?” No answer. “If you’re with us; blink once.” Helpful doesn’t move still. Spike puts his ear on Helpful’s chest. “Well he’s breathing. Why am I doing this? This is Twilight’s job.” Spike reasoned with himself; he pulls up Helpful’s hoof and checks for pulse. “Normal heart-rate,” Spike lets go of Helpful’s hoof. “I don’t get it. How could Helpful be doing this? He hasn’t done this before. Has he?” Spike turns his look onto Fluttershy; who simply shrugs.

Above them, Rainbow Dash stares down toward Ponyville, searching for something to amuse herself, and then turns her gaze to Evergreen Forest. She couldn’t find anything there either, and then she sighs of boredom. “I’m…so…bored. There’s nothing to do today.” She notices Fluttershy, Spike, and Helpful down below in the forest. “Hello what’s this?” She gets the idea of Fluttershy talking with Helpful. “Wait a minute. Is Fluttershy…?” She snickers. “Okay. Okay. Okay. Be cool.” Rainbow Dash flies down in-between Helpful and Fluttershy. “Mind if I cut in?” She asked. Fluttershy looks at Rainbow Dash surprised, but glad to see her old friend.

“Not at all’ Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy answered with a smile. “I was just apologizing to this guy, but something’s wrong.”

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s in some trance.” Spike explained. “I don’t know why.”

“Who is this guy?” Rainbow Dash walked over to Helpful and stared into his cyan eyes.

“His name is Helpful the Selfless. He’s a servant from Celestia. He’s got some errands to do here in Ponyville.”

“Then what is he doing here? Better yet’ what are you all doing here?”

“Well ya see. It’s a long story. Twilight and I were guiding Helpful to his next errand to finish, but Helpful’s list blew away and we chased after it.” Spike explained. “That’s when we ended up here, and Fluttershy was just bringing some ducks to this waterfall. How she knows how to get here I don’t know.”

“Wow. That’s weird.” Rainbow Dash said; she looked around as if trying to find something. “Well if Twilight was with you; where is she?” Spike gives a worried look as he reluctantly answered Rainbow Dash’s question.

“Ouch!” Fluttershy said.

“You said it’ Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash shuddered. She waves a hoof in front of Helpful’s face. No reaction. “Hey! What gives??” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in confusion; she waves her hoof in front of his face again, nothing. Dashie then grabs Helpful’s face and shacks him harshly. “Wake up!” Rainbow Dash shouted furiously.

“Huh?” Helpful mumbled as if waking from a deep sleep. “What’s going on??” Rainbow Dash lets go of Helpful; he looks around. “What happened?” Helpful notices the light blue Pegasus with rainbow mane and tail; she also had a cutie mark shaped like a white cloud with rainbow lightning coming out of it. It looked awfully familiar to him. He still doesn’t know why though. The mare that put him into a trance-like state by accident also had a familiar cutie mark: three purple butterflies. Why is these cutie marks so familiar to him? Are they links to his forgotten past? “Helpful are you alright?” Spike asked the tan Pegasus.

“Oh’ yeah’ I’m fine Spike. No worries.” Helpful answered.

“Are you sure you kind of looked like you blacked out there for a sec, but I guess you’re alright.”

“You’re name’s Helpful right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yeah’ it is.” Helpful answered curious.

“Nice to meet you, my name’s Dash. Rainbow Dash; the fastest flier in all of Equestria.” Rainbow Dash posed like she was going to fly off in a second. “And you’ve probably already met Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash pointed to Fluttershy; who looked down real shy-like and rubbed her hoof on the ground. Rainbow Dash looked a little uncomfortable. “What’s the matter? Say ‘hi’ Fluttershy.” Spike told Fluttershy. She looked up real slowly.

“Um’… h-hi’ Helpful.” Fluttershy whispered softly. Spike and Helpful both look at Fluttershy oddly.

“Don’t worry about her Helpful. She’s just being Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash assured. “Where are ya headin’?” Helpful turns to Spike for an answer; he shrugs.

“We gotta find that list first’ Helpful. It’s the only thing that knows where to go next.”

“Wait. I saw a list that flew by not too long ago.” Fluttershy spoke up with a smile, but it quickly changes to a hesitant frown. “But it flew toward the Ursa Major’s lair in the Forevergreen Mountain. It could be so deep in there that it’s probably gone for good.”

“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Rainbow Dash shouted excitedly. Spike looks nervous.

“But remember what happened last time somepony went into that place.” Spike shuddered. “Ponyville was nearly half destroyed and ‘the great and powerful’ Trixie ran off, and that was only an Ursa Minor.”

“What are you two whining about? It’s just an Ursa Major’s Lair. I mean what is so scary about that?”

“T-The Ursa Major itself.” Fluttershy answered nervously. Dash looks at Fluttershy oddly then she rolls her eyes.

“Just shows how chicken you are. Besides the Ursa might be just sleeping. What do you say’ Helpful?” Rainbow Dash notices that Helpful was gone. “Helpful?” Dash, Spike, and Fluttershy look around the area around them to find Helpful.

“Helpful!” Spike shouted, but was startled to hear Helpful, not too far ahead of them on the path toward the Ursa Major’s Lair, shout towards them.

“Well? What are we waiting for?” Helpful shouted. “Let’s go!” Helpful runs off ahead of them. Rainbow Dash makes a smirk. “See? Helpful’s not scared. So come on!” Rainbow Dash flies after Helpful; leaving Fluttershy and Spike alone. “Sh-Should we follow them?” Fluttershy asked Spike.

“Why should we? I mean they’re going straight toward the Ursa Major; I mean’ come on.” Spike reasoned. Then a howling of a Timberwolf pack came into hearing; unnerving Spike and making Fluttershy hesitant on staying beside the lake. “I’m g-going with them.” Fluttershy replied and started to follow Dash and Helpful’s path, Spike follows her. “I’m right behind you!” Spike ran after her.

The Sweet Apple Acers’ barn was full today. The entire Apple Family was there for, what they were told, a special meeting. The barn was filled with the unneeded chatter about several things not about the subject at hoof. Applejack pulls herself a crate and stands on top of it. She whistles a loud, ear-busting whistle that made to entire barn silent. “Thanks for your attention.” Applejack said. “Now my friend, Twilight, has something she would like to ask.” Applejack stepped off of the crate for Twilight the step on. Twilight looks upon her audience as she stepped up on the wooden crate; each one was listening with open ears.

“Thank you all for coming here.” Twilight began. “There is an emergency.” The barn quickly drowns into a deep sea of never ending conversations of concern and panic. “Please calm down! Everypony please don’t panic!” Applejack, once again, makes a loud ear piercing whistle that made the barn quiet once more. “Thank you’ Applejack.” Applejack smiles at Twilight. “Listen. Helpful the Selfless, a trusted servant of the princess that was put into my hooves, and Spike, my assistant, has disappeared, and Applejack and I need your help to find them.” Twilight explained.

“Well’ how’d you lose such a sweet stallion?” Granny Smith scolded Twilight. Applejack smiled uncomfortably.

“Granny Smith’ uh…” Applejack started, but Granny Smith climbed up on top the crate to speak.

“Helpful is the most handsome, strong, and patient boy I know, and he’s helped finished countless things in Sweet Apple Acers in a day, and he’s an honorary member of the Apple Family.” Granny Smith began her speech. The groups of listeners each nod their heads in agreement with the old mare.

“Eeyep.” Big Macintosh agreed. Twilight and Applejack exchange uneasy looks to one another.

“And furthermore, I’d be a eatin my own rockin chair if he doesn’t marry Applejack!” Granny Smith continued her speech, but Applejack pushes the light green mare off the crate and toward the exit of the barn. “Okay’ Granny. I think it’s about past your nap time.” Applejack said as she pushed the old mare out of the barn. The doors close with a slam. The group then turns their attention to Twilight’ who seems a little confused. “Okay’ so the bottom line is: can you help us find Helpful and Spike?”

“Well’ where’d you last see them?” A mare named Appleslice asked.

“Near the Endless Crevice, that’s not too far from here.” Twilight answered. Applejack returns into the barn.

“Alright’ I’m back.” Applejack announced. “What’d I miss?” The entire family of apple picking ponies stare at Applejack, most smiled impishly, making Applejack uncomfortable. “What?”

“Nothing,” Applebloom answered with an impish smile. “It’s just the fact that Granny Smith thinks that you and Helpful should get together.” Applebloom and the rest of the Apple Family laughed. Twilight tried to keep a straight face, but it was too funny to think about so she smiled cheerfully. Applejack’s face turned to a faded red; she was too embarrassed to hold back the redness of her face, but she managed to stay serious. “Come on now’ Apples,” She silenced the group of hard working ponies. “This is serious talk, and as Apples, we must stay serious’ am I right?”

“Eeyep.” Big Macintosh agreed with Applejack.

“For all we know, Helpful and Spike could be lost in the Endless Crevice, or in danger with a dangerous creature in there. We have to find them before they get hurt, or worse.” Twilight explained. “Are you with us?” The group of jolly farmers huddled together and whispered in a conversation that neither Twilight nor Applejack could hear; Applebloom walked around the huddled Apple Family, jumping up so she could hear them. Then they broke their huddle and Big Mac whispered into Applejack’s ear. “Thank you’ Macintosh.” Applejack said; she turned around to face Twilight and smiled. “Twilight Sparkle’ you have the Apple Family’s full support and number. We’ll find Helpful and Spike in no time.” Applejack announced with delight.

Meanwhile’ Helpful, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike walk through the dark shadow of Everfree forest. Spike rode on Helpful’s back; who didn’t mind at all. The forest was dark and at most times unnerving, but Helpful finds it all intriguing on how all the plants grow so large and yet it is still small from outside. Helpful, walking not too far beside Fluttershy, felt increasingly strange every time he looked at her. What was this feeling that overcame him at the lake the mare was apologizing at? It was hard for him to speak even at short breaks to find how far they were from the Ursa’s Lair. What was even stranger is that it gets stronger when she is near him, or even looks at him for a short-lived moment. The feeling was starting to make him annoyed because of this. He has never felt this way with anymare before. It’s weird. Spike brings Helpful out of his thoughts. “Hey’ Helpful.” Spike grabbed his attention. “Aren’t you scared?” Helpful thinks for a moment.

“I don’t think so.” He answered. “Why?”

“Well’ you do know what an Ursa Major is right?”

“No’ not really, but I don’t really let that bother me.” Then Rainbow Dash stops them to a halt.

“This is it guys.” Rainbow Dash announced. “Here’s the Ursa’s Lair.” Helpful looks up to see a dark, damp, root-covered, huge, deep cave in front of them. Spike looked a little uneasy.

“M-Maybe we can ask another list from Celestia.” Spike said hoping that Helpful would change his mind; he got off of Helpful. “Yeah’ that sounds like a great idea. ‘Go ask Celestia for another list.’ Come on’ Helpful.” Spike walked the opposite way from the cave, thinking that Helpful was following him, but soon noticed that he wasn’t, he stared at Helpful puzzled. “Helpful I said ‘come on’. That means ‘follow me’.”

“I’m not leaving.” Helpful finally said, grabbing Dash’s attention. “I have to get that list no matter what.” He continued. Spike looked a little confused and worried.

“Wait. Don’t tell me you’re gonna go in there…alone.” Spike said nervously. Dash quickly puts an arm across Helpful’s shoulders.

“Don’t worry’ Spike.” The light blue Pegasus assured. “He’s not in it alone. I’ll go with to make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.” Fluttershy stood beside Rainbow Dash.

“I-I’ll go too.” The shy Pegasus added.

“Great! The more the merrier!” Helpful shouted with delight.

“Well’ okay’ I guess I should go too.” Spike sighs as he gets onto Helpful’s back, and the four brave adventurers enter the pitch black cave. It was cold inside the cave, which made them shiver a little, but the most hindering was the lack of light. Fluttershy trips over a root beside Helpful. He helps her up gently. “Um’ are you okay…?” Helpful asked Fluttershy. She smiles. “Yes’ um’ thank you.” Fluttershy walks ahead of Helpful who blushes. Spike notices his blushing smile and seems a little curious.

“Helpful’ what are you smiling at?” Helpful then remembers that Spike was still with him; he looks away from Fluttershy and curls in his lips. “Now what do I do?” Helpful thought. “I can’t lie, and I’m not ready to tell anypony about this; gotta change the subject so Spike won’t know the truth.” Helpful looked around to find something to help change the conversation, but Spike climbed off of Helpful and looked at him real curious then he turns around to see what Helpful was looking at, then Helpful, out of pure reflex to keep Spike from knowing the truth, stomped on Spike’s tail, which made him, involuntarily, blow fire onto the roots on the wall beside them, illuminating the cave dimly. Once Spike stopped his fire spouting, he turned around to face Helpful cross, but before Spike could say anything, Rainbow Dash picks up a root with a burning end on it. “Great idea’ Spike!” She exclaimed excitedly. “Now we can see in the dark better.” Spike looks a little confused, but he goes along with the flow.

“N-No problem here’ Dash.” Spike smiled with nothing to say. The wall of burning roots fell before the four friends revealing a secret hall. It was more bricked on the walls, ceiling, and floor. Making the hall look like it was part of a pyramid. Rainbow Dash walks into the hall with the torch in mouth. “Whoa.” Dash said, the hall echoed the word several times until it faded out of hearing. Spike gets on Helpful’s back and looks closely on the brick wall. It was old. Very old and untouched by ponies hoofs for at least decades. “Okay’ well’ this is new.” Spike thought out loud.

“What is it Spike?” Fluttershy asked the small dragon. Spike turns his attention from the wall to Fluttershy.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I was just thinking out loud there for a sec.” Spike answered. “These walls haven’t been used in years.” Rainbow Dash scoffs.

“That’s a no-brainer.” Rainbow replied. “I mean just look at this place.” She kicks some dust from the ground; making Helpful and Spike cough. “There’s so much dust in here that the dust bunnies are as huge as the Ursa Minor.” Fluttershy gasps and shivers behind Helpful and Spike; who exchange odd looks at one another. Then Spike’s ear twitches as if he was barely hearing something. Helpful noticed this. “What is it Spike?” Helpful asked; Spike leans to the left towards the hallway. “I can’t tell.” Spike answered. “Maybe it’s trees being sawed. No. That’s not right. Um’ hold on.” Spike gets off of Helpful’s back again and walks slowly down the hall, and then he turns around. “Come on! I think it’s coming from in here.” Helpful looks at Rainbow Dash beside him, who simply shrugs and follows the baby dragon down the ruined hallway, Fluttershy and him followed quickly. Soon further down the old hallway’ they reached a fork in the walkway and Spike stopped and twitched his ears in various directions, and then he points to his left. “I think…” The dragon drops his arm and twitches his ears again. “No. Wait.” He points to his right. “It’s that way. It must be that way.” Helpful looks down the path that Spike was pointing toward; nothing could be seen in the pitch black darkness. He wasn’t sure what Spike was getting, but he must be getting something. Spike’s ears twitch again; he holds his head like he was getting a headache. “Argh’ I can’t find which way the sound’s coming from!” Spike admitted. “It’s like lab rats in a maze…and we’re the lab rats.”
“And the sound must be the cheese we need to get.” Rainbow added.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying’ Dash.” Helpful looks from Rainbow to Spike and back confused.

“Would somepony please start making sense?” Helpful demanded wildly looking anxious. Rainbow Dash stares at Helpful oddly, but, before she could ask ‘why’, she notices something behind him.

“What’s that?” Dash asked as she passed by Helpful to the wall. Helpful, Fluttershy, and Spike all turn around to see a giant, celestial mural on the wall. It had a pony at the top of it clad in knight’s armor and at the bottom of it had six ponies. Each stood on its hind legs and a colored beam shot from the head of each of the ponies into another pony clad in a different design of knight’s armor. It was etched on the mural to where it looked like it was in mid-fight and a white beam from the head of the flying pony hits the pony on the top of the mural clad in knight’s armor. “Spike’ can you at least figure out what this mural says?” Rainbow Dash asked the small dragon. “O-okay’ I’ll try.” Spike said as he dusted the inscription under the mural. He looks at the message closely. “It’s a prophecy! It’ says: ‘on the day of Mortal Judgment, the world will fall into a never ending rule of the Cursed Prince-’” Rainbow Dash interrupts Spike.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! The Day of Mortal Judgment, and Cursed Prince,” Rainbow said. “What are they?” Spike looks at Dash and shrugs.

“I have no idea.”

“Keep reading.” Helpful urged for Spike to read the mural. Spike turns around and returns to the story.

“’He will hold six powerful symbols of Chaos, and take all from the surviving peasants of his empire. They will be destined to die on his lands-’” Fluttershy gasps.

“D-D-Die??” Fluttershy asked saddened by the murals prophecy. “They’ll all die?” Her eyes begin to fill up in tears, but Helpful puts a hoof on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry.” Helpful reasoned with Fluttershy trying to cheer her up. “It’s only a mural. What it says doesn’t always happen the way it does…it may even never happen at all.” Fluttershy’s tears go away as she feels better. Helpful turns his attention to Spike. “You can continue.” Spike reads the last of the mural.

“’He will stretch his reign of evil everywhere and there will be nowhere to run, but fear not, for the Lost Prince shall fight the Cursed Prince and the two royals will fight: one for his endless dark reign, and the other one for the peace and freedom of the world. The Lost Prince will fight with powerful symbols of Harmony, and the two royals will be evenly matched in power, but the Light will conquer the Darkness for six Embodiments of Harmony will add their power to the Lost Prince’s, and the Cursed Prince will be defeated, and peace will forever reign under the rule of the Lost Prince, over the world.’” Spike finished the inscription. “Wow. That sounds unbelievable.”

“But what does it all mean?” Helpful asked. Then loud, rumbling snoring sounds scare the four explorers. Fluttershy hugs Spike real tight to where he couldn’t breathe.

“WH-What is that!?” Fluttershy screamed in fear. Rainbow smiles of delight after the sound faded away.

“Sounds like the snoring of an Ursa Major to me.” Rainbow Dash flies off leaving the three others in the dark. Fluttershy squeaks in fear.

“Fluttershy… I can’t breathe.” Spike choked. Fluttershy lets go of Spike and apologizes. The baby dragon breathes in deep breaths for air. Helpful looks around; can’t see anything in the dark without the torch Dash flew off with. Another deep rumble of the Ursa Major’s snoring goes though the hallway. Fluttershy yelps and plays dead on the floor. Helpful looks down at Spike’s tail, he smirks. Spike noticed Helpful’s look and then he realized what he was planning to do, and he doesn’t like it. “Oh no’ you’re not gonna do that again!” Spike started to protest against him. Helpful scooped up Fluttershy and sat her on his back; he did the same with Spike except he faced backwards. Helpful spreads his wings and stomped on Spike’s tail again. The dragon blows out fire like a rocket and Helpful flew off like a bullet through the hallway. Soon they caught up with Rainbow Dash from behind. Passing by her at quite an incredible speed, they surprise Dash as Helpful says, “Hi!” Rainbow stares wide-eyed and speechless as they slowly pass by her. Helpful laughs. “We just passed by the ‘fastest flier in Equestria’!” Helpful shouted to Fluttershy, who was scared to death by sudden burst of speed she experienced. She smiled, but soon realized that Spike was running out of breath. She looks back at Spike and sees the fire he was blowing out begin to sputter and die down. They were losing their source of speed. Fluttershy turns to Helpful. “Spike’s losing it’ Helpful!” Fluttershy tried to shout over the loud rumbles of snores and the high speed wind, but Helpful couldn’t hear her right.
“What?” Helpful asked her.

“Spike is running out of breath!”

“I can’t hear you! Say that again!” Before Fluttershy tried again, Spike slowly ran out of breath and they began to lose altitude. Spike, after taking a quick breather, grabbed another rope from Helpful’s bag and threw it to a root sticking out the wall then he tied it to Helpful. “Brace yourselves.” Spike warned. The rope then tugged them back hard in mid-flight; stopping them, and then they fell, but hung from the edge of the broken hallway; not so far down from them, they instead find themselves hanging over whatever was snoring. “I can’t see a thing.” Helpful whispered. “Spike’ check if there’s something that’ll give us light.” Spike salutes to Helpful.

“I’m on it’ Helpful.” Spike checked through Helpful’s bag and pulled out a flashlight. “Ha! Found you!” Spike shouted. Helpful and Fluttershy shushed Spike. “Right’ I forgot. Sorry’ guys.” Spike takes the flashlight and turns it on, but he had the light in his eyes and it blinded him, and because of this he accidently dropped the flashlight.

“Spike!” Helpful whispered. The flashlight hits the floor below and it rolled to where the light shone into the face of a giant fanged bear-like creature. The monstrosity had a star on its forehead and on the rest of its body had smaller stars as well. Fluttershy gasped and Helpful and Spike looked nervous. “Don’t make a sound.” Helpful whispered. He then noticed something in the creature’s teeth. Something white and paper-like was stuck in-between. “The list.” Helpful gasped. “Spike’ I found the list.” Spike looked around for the list that Helpful spotted.

“Where is it’ Helpful?” Spike asked.

“Right down there in-between that monster’s teeth.” Helpful pointed below. “We can just reach down and take it now.” Spike looks even more hesitant.

“I don’t know.”

“Come on now’ Spike. It’ll be a breeze. Trust me.” Helpful beckoned, he turns his gaze to Fluttershy. “You should fly up to the hallway so you won’t get hurt.” But, before Fluttershy could say anything, the rope broke and they fell onto the floor under them. Fluttershy and Spike got off of Helpful; who was flattened on the ground.

“S-Sorry if I hurt you’ Helpful.” Fluttershy apologized as she and Spike helped him up.

“It’s no problem’ Fluttershy.” Helpful assured her. They were before the giant bearish creature now; Helpful picks up the flashlight Spike dropped and spots the list in the furry creature’s teeth. “Over here.” Fluttershy and Spike follow Helpful as he creeps toward the snoring creature. He slowly bites the list and pulls it from the teeth of the sound asleep creature. Fluttershy and Spike look anxious as Helpful pulls the list out. They sigh of relief. Helpful turns around with list in his mouth and reads softly. “’Number two: go to Sugar Cube Corner to help taste new recipes.’” Spike’s stomach growled. He smiles and laughs uncomfortably.

“Just in time too.” Spike replied. “I’m starved. When we get there I’d like to have a Sapphire Cupcake, some Emerald Pudding, and’ uh…” Spike stops to think.

“Where is this Sugar Cube Corner?” Helpful asked Fluttershy.

“I-It isn’t too far away in Ponyville.” Fluttershy answered. “It’ll be easy to spot.” Spike gasped as he remembered what else he wanted from the Sugar Cube Corner.

“Oh! Oh! And some Ruby Taffy!” Spike whispered loudly; he rubbed his belly and licked his lips as Helpful rolled his eyes. Then a light came down from above and landed on a rock; it was Rainbow Dash.

“Come and get some’ Ursa Major!” Rainbow Dash shouted making echoes in the cavern. Helpful, Spike, and Fluttershy give looks of uneasiness and panic as the echoes repeated in the cave. However, the creature remained asleep. Spike faints on the floor, and Fluttershy and Helpful sigh of relief. “Wow. It sure is a heavy sleeper.” Helpful remarked aloud. The creature’s eyes shot open and it starts to move slowly up right; it rubs its sore eyes as it yawned. Helpful, Fluttershy, and Dash cover their ears from the blasting sound; Rainbow smiles with pleasure. “Oh’ yeah’ this is gonna be good.” Dash said as she flew up toward the creature. It notices her approach and growled deeply at her, making Fluttershy nervous, but Rainbow keeps her cool. “Okay’ Ursa Major.” She started. “I believe you have something that belongs to us. Something…” Dash thinks for a second. “Oh’ I don’t know; a slice of paper perhaps. Just something with a lot of important writing’ okay?” The Ursa Major looks at Rainbow confused. A slice of paper, writing? The Ursa scratched its head and took a minute to think. “Dash’ we already have the list!” Helpful grabbed Rainbow’s attention. She looks surprised and annoyed.

“What?? You got to the list before me??” Dash shouted, but then was nervous to hear the sound of growling behind her. She turned around looking at the growling Ursa embarrassed and laughed uncomfortably. “Uh’ okay’ I guess we’ll be on our way then. So…” Dash said then she flew of at high speed, surprising the Ursa Major. “Well’ don’t just stand there!” Rainbow ordered. “Run!” Helpful tossed Spike onto his back and turned to Fluttershy. “Well’ you heard the mare.” Helpful reasoned. “Come on!” Fluttershy and Helpful ran leaving the Ursa Major confused and irritated. The Ursa rumbles a humungous roar and chases them. Spike woke up, and found himself on Helpful’s back. He looks up to see the Ursa Major gaining on them. He gasped and fainted again. Fluttershy looks at Helpful beside her. “What are we going to do?” She asked, trying to shout over the Ursa’s roaring. Helpful looked around. He couldn’t see anything in the dark. All he had was a flashlight. “I don’t know!” Helpful answered, and then he spotted a small opening under a broken pillar not too far ahead of them. “Look out!” Helpful shouted as he slid under the pillar. Fluttershy flew over it, and the Ursa broke straight through it; sending pieces of stone everywhere. A piece hit Spike and it woke him up once more, he looks up at the Ursa Major, who was still chasing them. “Whoa!” Spike exclaimed in fear. “Come on guys! Pick up the pace!”

“We’re trying Spike, but we’re running as fast as we can.” Helpful replied. “Can’t you do something?” Spike looked around. His eyesight was far better than Helpful and Fluttershy’s in the dark. He saw a turn coming up ahead that was too sharp for the Ursa Major and it as too narrow for it to get into. “There! Turn on your left!” Spike pointed out. “Turn now!” Helpful and Fluttershy turn sharply to the left and lose the Ursa Major immediately. They stop to take a breather and look back toward where they lost the Ursa Major. “We lost it.” Helpful pointed out. “Now we’re safe… for now.” Spike got off of Helpful’s back and to the floor.

“That was too close.” Spike reasoned. “I am not doing that again.” Fluttershy looks around worried.

“W-Where’s Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked worried about her good friend. Helpful and Spike look around too. They couldn’t find Dash anywhere.

“She must’ve passed by here without turning this way.” Spike assumed. Helpful walked back to the way they came; making Fluttershy and Spike confused and uneasy. “Just where do you think you’re going’ Helpful?” Helpful stopped half-way into the fork in the hallway.

“I’m going back to find Rainbow Dash.” Helpful answered. “I can’t let her stay here alone and lost.” Spike thinks about Helpful’s answer; he was right. It wouldn’t be right if anypony would ever leave somepony alone in this type of cave; especially with that Ursa Major running rampant. “If you don’t want to follow that’s understandable. I can find Dash on my own. You two, if you want to bad enough, can leave back to Ponyville and find help.” Helpful tossed the flashlight he held to Fluttershy and Spike. “Use this and you’ll be out in no time.” Fluttershy takes the flashlight and looks up to Helpful concerned for his safety.

“H-How will you find Rainbow without a light to help you see?” Fluttershy asked. Helpful laughed softly.

“Don’t worry about me. Worry about yourself, and don’t worry; Spike will protect you.” Helpful smiled as he walked into the pitch black darkness alone. Fluttershy started after him, but Spike held her back.

“Come on!” Spike urged. “We gotta get outta here and find Twilight, and the others.”

“But’ Helpful’ he…” Fluttershy protested. “We gotta help him! We can’t just let him find Rainbow Dash alone!” Spike looked at Fluttershy serious.

“I know, but he can do this. I’m sure of it.” Spike climbed onto Fluttershy’s back. “After all, he saved me from getting crushed by a rockslide and drowning. Now let’s go.” Fluttershy slowly took a few steps toward the other way from where Helpful was going. She thought about what Helpful did and what he said to her and Spike. Nopony treated her in such a way that made her feel much less nervous in these times. Out of all the other stallions, Helpful was…different; a good type of different, in fact, he had a childish care-free nature, but also had kindness and care. She felt like she needed to be near him; it makes her feel less troubled about everything, but then the thought of leaving Helpful as he went to find Rainbow Dash alone in the lightless cave with an Ursa Major running loose came into mind. Her conscience couldn’t tolerate this at all. Fluttershy stopped; making Spike a little confused, “We can’t just leave Helpful alone. We… I have to help him!” Fluttershy thought, and then she turned around and bolted full speed after Helpful; freaking out Spike.

The Escape

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Chapter 4
The escape

Heart racing, wings flapping at full speed, and starting to get tired; Rainbow Dash kept flying away from the Ursa Major. Soon she reaches a gap in the stone walls and hides in it. She has flown quite a long way through this cave all because she aggravated an Ursa Major; now she doesn’t know where Spike, Fluttershy, and Helpful might have gone to. “I hope they’re safe.” Rainbow said to herself. She peeks past the corner of her ‘hidden hole’ and couldn’t see anything in the pitch black darkness. She sighed of relief and moved back into the gap. “Great. All we needed to get from here was only Helpful’s stupid list, and now I’m chased by an Ursa Major in the Forevergreen caverns with no idea on how to get out. Darn it. It just isn’t my day.” Then the sound of huge stomping came into hearing.
Dash could feel the vibration of each footstep get more violent as they got closer. Then she could see the Ursa Major, just right beside the entrance of the gap, stand up and scratch its head; it was obvious to Rainbow that the Ursa was confused on how it lost them in the cave ruins. Soon the large behemoth turned around and stomped away. Rainbow looked around to see if the Ursa was truly gone; it was nowhere in sight; Dash sighed of relief. “That was too close.” Rainbow took the torch she held and walked deeper into the cave, she noticed the torch was glowing dimmer; it was losing its flare. Soon a freezing wind blew though the cavern and made Rainbow shiver harshly and close her eyes for a second, then, when she opened her eyes, the light was gone. The torch was out, most likely, from the bone-chilling wind. Dash looked around; trying to see through the pitch-black darkness, and soon she spotted a light shooting out from a hall just around the corner. Dashie ran around the corner and found herself in a large chamber somehow filled with warm light. At the top of the chamber, Dash could see a large crystal that was somehow making the light in the room. The light it made was very warm, like a day at the pool in the Summer time.
Besides the giant celestial rock in the ceiling, Rainbow noticed that there were statues lined at both of the walls to the sides; they looked like warrior ponies from long ago; each with a sword and shield. On their shields had a symbol that looked like a crown and light was coming down to the land below from the celestial headpiece; it was a very strange sight to her, but she tossed the thought aside and continued scanning the chamber. She spotted stairs that went up to a large sapphire gem on top of a stone stand. “Whoa! This is just like the book: Daring-Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone!” Rainbow Dash gasped excitedly. She ran right up to the blue jewel. It was larger than she anticipated; it was at least a yard tall and wide. It took the shape of a large, craggy sphere.
Rainbow leaned so close to the sapphire that she could almost smell it. Her eyes were right up to her reflecting ones, then, without warning, something dark and shadow-like flew though inside the jewel; scaring Dash backwards onto her rump. That was not what she thought would happen, in fact, that was so unpredictable that Rainbow even knew that Rarity wouldn’t look at a sapphire the same way again if she experienced that. Dashie stood up and backed away from the sapphire real slow-like. “O-Okay’s t-that’s just unnatural coming from a big jewel like you.” Dash stammered quickly. “S-So I’ll be on my way.” The rainbow colored maned Pegasus turned around and ran straight out the bright chamber and into the lightless cave. She ran into Helpful in her panic; who looked quite surprised to find her so easily. They landed on the floor and Spike and Fluttershy helped them up. Once she stood up, Rainbow realized that Helpful, Fluttershy, and Spike found her. She was still in a state of panic so she started to explain to her friends what she just experienced a little too fast. “Helpful, Spike, and Fluttershy; am I glad to see you! I was being chased by that Ursa Major, but then I finally lost it and found this strange chamber, not too far from here, and found a sapphire in there! I took a closer look at it and something moved in it and surprised me, so I left the chamber and here I am!” Rainbow Dash explained her story too rapid for the others to understand. “What did you say, Dash?” Helpful asked her. Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and calmed herself down, and then she explained her story at a reasonable speed for them to understand. “Wow’ that sounded pretty scary!” Spike replied. “You said it’ Spike.” Helpful agreed. “But there’s no need for staying around to see for ourselves. Let’s get out of this place.” Fluttershy nodded in agreement. The four run off deeper toward the exit of the cave.
Meanwhile, at the edge of the Endless Crevice, the Apple Family searched the area on both sides of the deep trench. Twilight has set up a large, purple tent beside the canyon with a six pointed star above the door. Applejack walks inside the tent, almost tipping over a vase of maps and other charts, and finds Twilight going through some maps. “Twilight, we searched everywhere, but we can’t find a safe way down the Endless Crevice anywhere.” Applejack told her old friend. Twilight put the maps down and looked at Applejack’ mentally disturbed.
“What?? No!” Twilight started to giggle insanely. “They could fall all the way down there and live; I know that much, they’re still alive. They’re alive!” Twilight laughed insanely loud, but Applejack smacked the back of Twilight’s head hard; putting a stop to the unicorn’s insane laughter. “Twilight’ you gotta grab a hold of your sanity.” Applejack scolded. “You going coo-coo in the brain will only make this harder for us to find Helpful and Spike.” Twilight looked down toward the ground ashamed.
“I know, Applejack; I know.” Twilight made her apology for losing herself for a moment. “It’s just the pressure about Helpful being lost, and if he’s lost: he won’t be able to finish his errands that Celestia gave him before sundown, and then he’ll be in trouble and Celestia will be asking me where he is, and I’ll be in so much trouble.” Twilight started to panic again, but Applejack smacked the back of the student of Celestia’s head back to reality. “Thank you’ Applejack.” Applejack nods. “Anyway’ if we don’t find a way down there soon… it’ll be too terrible to comprehend.” Twilight looked out a window on her left and stared at the Endless Crevice’s clouds rising up from below. It was only normal to see such a phenomenon from that canyon; then Applebloom busted through the fabric doors of the tent, tipping the vase of course-plotting charts. Luckily, Applejack saves the vase from breaking into a million fragments of pottery; she sighs of relief after she lifted it up-right, then turned her attention to Applebloom who seemed quite excited. “Applebloom, what’s got you all hyped up for?” Applejack asked her little sister confused and curious.
“We found a way down to bottom of the Endless Crevice!” Applebloom explained energetically. Applejack and Twilight both look surprised. “We have to go through Everfree Forest to get there.”
“Well, chop my trees and sell em as firewood;” Applejack laughed, patting Applebloom’s back. “There is a way down to the Endless Crevice after all.” Twilight looks at an early map of Everfree Forest to be sure of Applebloom’s report.
“It’s true!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise “In fact’ there was a way; through Everfree Forest. It’s like a ramp the disabled ride on to get to somepony’s home. We’ll just walk down it and beside it to find the Endless Crevice.” Applejack smiled greatly.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Applejack asked. “Let’s get a move on!” Applejack and her sister left the tent then realized that Twilight wasn’t following them. They walk back inside to find Twilight putting on a large bag filled up to the top with charts, navigational tools, science tools, and many other contraptions that wouldn’t be necessary to bring in the first place. Applejack gives Twilight a questioning look. “Uh’ Twilight’ what’s with all the’ uh’… stuff you’re bringing?” Applejack asked thoughtfully. Twilight looked at the backpack of educational tools then laughed a little uncomfortably and turned her gaze to Applejack, self-conscious.
“Oh, I see. Um, I don’t really need these, now do I?” Twilight asked slowly. Applejack nods. “Okay, well, I’ll just put these back then.” Twilight took off the collage gear and walked with Applejack and Applebloom toward Everfree Forest.
Meanwhile’ at the entrance of the Ursa’s Lair; Rainbow Dash, Helpful, Spike, and Fluttershy exit out of the ruined cave. Spike jumps off of Helpful and kissed the ground several times. “Oh, thank Celestia we got out of that cave!” Spike exclaimed in relief. “I thought we would never get out of there.” Helpful laughed.
“I told you, Spike, which we could get out.” Helpful told the dragon. “Now, we can take care of those errands.” Helpful pulls out the list and reads aloud. “’Go to Sugar Cube Corner to help taste new recipes.’ Okay, let’s go.” Spike climbed onto Helpful’s back and started to leave Fluttershy and Dash.
“Wait a minute.” Rainbow shouted after them; she and Fluttershy shortly caught up to Spike and Helpful. “Can we come along too?” Dashie asked the two, which surprised both Spike and Fluttershy.
“Sure, why not?” Helpful answered with a smile. The four once again walk through the dark, dense Everfree Forest. Rainbow walked beside Helpful.
“Thanks for finding me in that cave back there.” Dash thanked the Tan Pegasus, surprising Spike and Fluttershy even more. “You really do live up to your name.” Dash stopped in mid-thought. “You’re awesome! We should hang out more often.” Helpful started to get excited.
“You really mean it??” Helpful asked excitedly. Rainbow smiled.
“Yeah, totally; where do you live?” Helpful thinks, but before he could answer Spike answered for him.
“He’s a servant of Celestia so he would probably live in Canterlot Castle.” Spike explained. “Isn’t that right, Helpful?”
“I guess so.”
“’You’re a servant of Celestia? That sounds cool.” Rainbow said aloud. “How long since you become her servant?”
“I started to be her servant today.” Helpful answered a little in thought. “The reason why is because I was helping her other servants around the castle. She noticed this and was very grateful, so she made me her most trusted servant, and then she sent me here.” Dash found this all interesting.
“Wow, that’s really cool!” Dashie then noticed on Helpful’s flank there was no Cutie Mark, which aroused many questions inside her mind. “Say, if you’re a servant of Celestia; what happened to your Cutie Mark, Helpful?” Helpful’s smile soon dropped to a frown; he stopped, making Spike, Fluttershy, and Dash uneasy.
“I have Amnesia.” Helpful answered seriously. “I can’t remember my past or my real name, and, as a result of this, my Cutie Mark disappeared with my memory.” Fluttershy could barely see a tear drop off Helpful’s chin as he said that; she felt awfully sorry for him. A stallion with no apparent memory of his past and identity would surely be lost and afraid, but Helpful wasn’t afraid he was only ashamed of his blank side. She knew she had to do something to cheer him up.
“D-Don’t worry’ Helpful.” Fluttershy spoke hesitantly. “I-I believe your Cutie Mark will come back… w-with your memory.” Fluttershy hoped that would be enough, then Dash added onto Fluttershy’s statement.
“Yeah’ I bet your Cutie Mark’s gonna be awesome!” Rainbow agreed with Fluttershy. “Just you wait!” Helpful rubbed the tears off his face and looked up to Fluttershy and Dashie.
“Thanks’ Rainbow Dash and F-Fluttershy.” Helpful thanked them with a small smile; Spike patted Helpful’s back.
“It’s okay’ Helpful.” Spike assured him. “Nopony can blame you. Besides’ you’ve done a lot for all of us here… I think.” Spike stopped a minute to think, and then he continued. “You saved you and me from being crushed by rocks; you also saved me from drowning in that lake, not too long ago, then you went to search for Dash even though you knew there was an Ursa Major on a rampage. You’re a great friend, Helpful… to all of us.” Helpful’s face brightened after seeing Dash and Fluttershy both nod in agreement with Spike.
“Wow’ I don’t know to thank you all!” Rainbow rolls her eyes.
“Just say it’ Helpful.” Dash told the enthused stallion with a smile.
“Okay!” Helpful shouted as he grabbed all his friends together for a big bear hug. “Thank you; I love you all so much!” Helpful shouted in glee as he hugged his friends a little too tight, surprising them. Spike could barely breathe, but he somehow managed to talk in his agony.
“Yeah’… we love you too’… Helpful,” Spike gasped in pain. “But could you please… soften the hugging?” Helpful lets go of the bear hug; letting the others gasp for air. Dash was surprised at Helpful for being so gracious toward them.
“S-Sorry’ heh’ don’t know my own strength.” Helpful apologized. Dash, Spike, and Fluttershy’s breathing begins to retard.
“It’s alright’ Helpful.” Rainbow assured. “You’re our best friend’ so it’s okay.” There it was again ‘best friend’ Helpful made three new best friends along with Applejack; that made a total of four best friends in one day. He wondered if he could be best friends with Celestia and Typhoon, not to forget, Twilight. Then Spike climbed onto Helpful’s back again, bringing him out from his thoughts. Dash flew up in the air over the trees and spotted Ponyville not too far off. “There’s Ponyville! We can make less time if we fly there.” Rainbow shouted back to her friends below. “Can you fly, Helpful?”
“No, sorry, Dash” Helpful answered. “I can’t remember how.” Dashie then landed between Helpful and Fluttershy; scaring them in the process.
“Okay’ then’ we’ll walk. It’s not too far away.” Rainbow walked forward in the direction toward Ponyville; Helpful and Fluttershy followed behind her. After some time of walking through bridges and dragging Fluttershy along the way, Helpful thought about when Fluttershy and Spike followed him deeper into the Ursa’s Lair’ even though he thought he told them to leave the cavern for their safety, to find Dashie; who was lost in there. The questions kept harassing him to the point of curiosity; finally it got the best of him. “U-Uh’… Fluttershy?” Helpful stuttered unwillingly. “I have a-a question.” Fluttershy turns her gaze to Helpful; curious; that made Helpful a little more uneasy for him to speak to her.
“Yes, Helpful?” Fluttershy asked him.
“Uh’ while we were still inside the cave back there; I told you and Spike to go back to Ponyville so you could be safe, but, when I thought you did, you followed me anyways.” Helpful explained to the shy Pegasus. “I just wanna know why.” Fluttershy looked a little hesitant after Helpful asked her that question, but, before she could answer, Rainbow, ahead of them, shouted toward them.
“Hey, guys!” Dash shouted. “I found Zecora’s place.” Helpful and Fluttershy ran up to Dashie, and found a home within a strange tree. Around it had many strange, scary, and yet colorful masks; there was a light inside the tree coming out of the windows. To Helpful’ it meant somepony was inside there. Through the light he could see many bottles on shelves and a table. “This is Zecora’s, Helpful.” Dash explained to Helpful. “She’s a friend from another far off land. You should meet her. At first you might find her strange, but she’s really a great gal. Don’t worry if you don’t understand her; it happens all the time to us.” Helpful smiled a little excited.
“Okay’ then’ Dash.” Helpful replied. Rainbow, Helpful, Fluttershy, and Spike enter the house. Inside’ Helpful saw shelf’s of bottles, like the ones he saw outside earlier, a table topped with mixing bowls and other tools for mixing, there was a bed topped with silks, and finally at the center of the room was a cauldron boiling, and what stood next to it was a zebra with golden rings around her neck up to her head, there were also gold rings that covered her forelegs. An earring of gold was clipped to her ear; finally her Cutie Mark was a black spiral. As they came in’ Fluttershy and Dashie were the first to greet her. “Hey, Zecora!” They greeted. Zecora smiled as they all came in.
“Hello’ my good friends; I was just tying some loose ends.” Zecora greeted back in an odd rhyming vocabulary, and then she noticed Helpful and walked right up to him close; making the tan Pegasus feel uncomfortable. “Just who do we have here; what is your name my dear?” Helpful backed up and smiled uncomfortably
“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked Helpful.
“Oh, uh, nothing, Fluttershy.” Helpful answered clearing his troat. “My name’s Helpful the Selfless.” Zecora then pulled out a hair from Helpful’s mane; hurting him. “Ow!” She then took the hair to a mixing bowl and added some strange herbs into the bowl and then crushed them togeter with a masher. Helpful looked questionably at Spike; Spike shrugged. Then the zebra took the mixture; blew out the candles, and then threw the mixture between her and her friends; spooking them. “What’s that all about, Ze-?” Dash’s question was stopped by the smoke rising out from the mixture pile; it made different colors and shapes as it raised, and then it all stopped in mid-air. The smoke then made a shape of a baby colt wrapped in swaddling cloths and extending from it was six beams of light. “What is this?” Helpful asked.
“That is simply the mixture that tells us your life.” Zecora explained not rhyming this time. “This symbol only explains a small part of your past. It says that you were born specail in an old, forgotten, but yet proud family.” The smoke again shifted to another form; almost making Spike sneeze. It looked like a compass, but the arrow spun in different directions, and the abbreviations for north, south, east, and west were gone. “Now, this tells us about your present life. It says that you have somehow forgotten your past and cannot find your way anymore and your Cutie Mark is gone.” Helpful was surprised to find the mixture so precise. Then the mixture shifted again, but, before they could make out the new image, Spike accidently sneezes fire; blowing the smoke away and lighting the candles again. Once he stopped’ Zecora was singed black with soot; she shot an awfully annoyed look at Spike. Spike smiled uncomfortably back at Zecora. “S-Sorry.” Spike apoligized. Zecora wiped off the black soot with a washcloth.
“It is alright ‘Spike; though we won’t know what Helpful’s future is like.” Zecora started stating rhymes again. Rainbow looked confused.
“What do you mean ‘we won’t know what Helpful’s future is like’?” Dash asked the zebra.
“I have ran out of a herb called Nature’s Glass, and the season for it to be harvested has made it’s pass.”
“Oh.” Helpful said, looking like he understood what Zecora explained, but then made a confused look. “Huh?” Fluttershy, Spike, Dashie, and Zecora all laughed at the confused stallion. Soon the five friends stood outside at Zecora’s front door ready to be on their way. “Thanks for teaching me about your hometown’s traditions and all that stuff.” Helpful said to Zecora. The zebra smiled at the tan Pegasus.
“Your welcome’ Helpful; I know what I taught you was quite an earful.” Zecora replied cheerfully. “I hope you’ll remember all your past, and your Cutie Mark really fast.”
“Heh, heh’ thanks.” Dash looked around behind the four others to find the not very well marked path back to Ponyville. “Ah!” She spotted the path not too far off from them; now it won’t be long to get there. The light blue Pegasus then turned around back to her friends. “Hey, guys, I found the path back to Ponyville!” Dashie announced excitedly. “If we move now we’ll make it in time before Sugar Cube Corner is backed up on service again.” Spike climbed on top of Helpful’s back again.
“Come on’ Helpful.” Spike told his friend. “Let’s get there before the service back up so I can have those goodies I wanted.” Helpful laughed at the purple dragon.
“Alright’ Spike.” Helpful replied. “Good bye’ Zecora. See you again.”
“So long’ my good friends; if you’ll excuse me I have to tie some loose ends.” Zecora went back into her home and closed her door. Helpful and his friends left Zecora’s home toward Ponyville.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Everfree forest, Twilight, Applejack, Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Applebloom find a small pond with a towering waterfall above it. Twilight reads her map she held with her magic, and then she looked up toward the waterfall. She folded her map and sighed; annoyed. “Where’s this entrance to the Endless Crevice anyway, Twilight?” Applejack asked Twilight, but, before Twilight could answer, Granny Smith stepped in-between them sniffing the ground, then she scoped some dirt and put it into a jar and shook it violently, and then she looked into it from the bottom. “Yep, just as I thought.” Granny Smith thought out loud. Applejack looked curious.
“What is it’ Granny Smith?” Applejack asked. Granny Smith pulled out a tan feather and a purple dragon scale, and threw the jar of dirt behind her; hitting Applebloom on the head.
“Ouch!” Applebloom exclaimed in pain as she rubbed her sore noggin. Granny Smith shows them to Twilight and Applejack.
“Do you recognize this feather and dragon scale?” Granny Smith asked both Twilight and Applejack.
“Uh’ yeah. It kinda does look familiar.” Applejack answered. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that dragon scale looks like Spike’s and that feather looks like Helpful’s.”
“Then that means that Helpful and Spike are alive,” Twilight gasped. “And they went through here maybe not too long ago.” Applejack looked around.
“Well, if that’s true, which way did they go?” The group went into silent thought; Applebloom, on the other hand, found hoofprints under where she stood and followed them into Big Mac. “Ugh!” Applebloom exclaimed when she walked into her older brother; grabbing Applejack’s attention.
“Big Mac, Applebloom, find anything yet?” Applejack asked her older and younger siblilings. Applebloom smiled big.
“I found something! I found something!” Applebloom shouted jumping up and down excitedly. Twilight walked over to see what was going on.
“Okay’ well ‘ what did you find?” Twilight giggled.
“I found these hoofprints right here.” Applebloom pointed at the hoofprints in the ground. Twilight examined the hoofprints. There were at least three ponies walking through here. If Helpful was here, who were the other two ponies that was with him and Spike? Their only answer was to follow the tracks. “Well, these tracks here could be Helpful’s, but the other two: I don’t know.” Twilight explained.
“Then we’ll just follow them to find out.” Applejack replied as she followed the hoofprints. “Come on’ guys.” The rest of the group followed Applejack deeper into Everfree Forest.
Meanwhile, at the edge of Everfree Forest, Helpful, Spike, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash finally leave the dark, unforgiving woods and see the gratifying sight of Ponyville. Spike jumped off of Helpful’s back excited. “Come on’ guys!” Spike beckoned them to follow; he ran at full speed toward Ponyville. Helpful laughed with delight and ran after the baby dragon. Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow and looked at Fluttershy; she looked like she enjoyed watching Helpful and Spike joking around. Dashie smiled at Fluttershy like she was up to no good. “What are you lookin at, Fluttershy?” Dash asked the shy Pegasus. Fluttershy, realizing that Rainbow might be finding out her feelings about Helpful, looked away from him.
“I’m staring at those pretty flowers over there.” Fluttershy pretended.
“No, you weren’t.” Dash protested. “If I didn’t know any better, you were watching Helpful.” Fluttershy started to blush, but she kept it hidden from Rainbow so she wouldn’t notice.
“I… have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Wh-what’re we waiting for?” Fluttershy quickly walked ahead of Dashie. “Let’s get to Sugar Cube Corner before it backs up on service.” Rainbow rolled her eyes and followed the others into Ponyville. Once there, Helpful looked around side to side searching for Spike; who ran too far out in front of him. “Spiiiike!” Helpful shouted for his friend. “Where are you? Spike!” Spike landed on Helpful’s back; scaring him in the process. Spike laughed as Helpful freaked out. Helpful smiled at Spike delighted to see him again. “Okay, you’re in a good mood now.” Helpful remarked.
“I’m just glad that we’re out of that Everfree Forest safe and sound.” Spike explained. “Anyway, Sugar Cube Corner isn’t too far from here.” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy catch up to Helpful and Spike.
“There you are.” Dash told them. “We thought we lost you. Anyways, follow us; we’ll lead you to Sugar Cube Corner.” Helpful and Spike followed Dashie and Fluttershy to the so-called Sugar Cube Corner. They stopped at the front door and Helpful and Spike turned to Dash and Fluttershy behind them; they were about say ‘so long’. “Okay’ well’ this is as far as we go, Spike and Helpful.” Rainbow explained. “We have other things to do anyway.” Fluttershy nodded her head.
“Good bye, Helpful.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Yeah, I’ll see ya later, guys.”
“Okay, then bye, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.” Helpful waved to his friends as they left.
“Yeah, see ya!” Spike shouted after to two mares as they walked out of sight. Helpful made a more clearer look at the Sugar Cube Corner. It was tall for two floors, and looked like it was made out of gingerbread. A very comforting sight to Helpful. Spike opens the door and Helpful followed the dragon inside. It was different inside than out, the room had glass cases everywhere filled with small goodies and treats. There was a red carpet on the floor and a record player stood not too far from them. Some stairs lead to the higher rooms; a couple of saloon doors lead into the kitchen. “Wow, this place has a lot of stuff to buy.” Helpful spoke aloud.
“Yeah, it’s got a lot of stuff alright. The Cakes own this place and they have all sorts of parties.” Spike explained; he rang, what seemed to Helpful, some sort of bell. Nothing happened. Spike looked around confused.
“Odd, this isn’t what’s supposed to happen.”
“What’s supposed to happen?” Before Spike could answer, they heard loud racket from the kitchen which made the whole building shake somewhat; then they could hear voices from the kitchen.
“Honey, he’s at it again!” A mare’s voice shouted.
“I-I got him!” A stallions voice answered. Then a baby Pegasus colt flew out the kitchen. It had a brown mane and eyes along with a cream coat. The colt landed softly if front of Spike and Helpful and reached out to Helpful, as if it wanted a hug. An Earth Pony stallion walked out the kitchen and stopped for a breath for he was chasing the colt; he was orange coated and maned. He wore an apron and hat. His Cutie Mark was a cake. Helpful smiled and rubbed the young colt’s head. “Hey, there little guy.” Helpful greeted warmly. “What’s your name?” The stallion smiled and walked toward Helpful and Spike.
“His name is Pound Cake.” The stallion explained. “He seems to like you, sir.” Then a light blue flash of light appeared behind Helpful, he looked back to find a orange coated and maned baby unicorn filly chewing on his wing. The orange stallion laughed. “And that’s Pumpkin Cake. She likes you too.” Spike almost laughed at Helpful getting his wing chewed off. The Earth Pony walked around Helpful and gently pulled Pumpkin loose from Helpful’s wing. “Now, now, Pumpkin, we don’t chew on our guests.”
“Helpful, this is Mr. Cake.” Spike introduced the Earth Pony. “Mr. Cake, this is Helpful the Selfless.”
“So you’re Helpful the Selfless, huh?” Mr. Cake asked with delight. “We’ve been expecting you.”
“Y-You were?” Helpful asked a little surprised.
“Yeah, we were told by Pinkie Pie about you coming here to help with some tasks.” Spike gave a confused look toward Mr. Cake.
“Pinkie Pie?” Spike asked surprised and confused toward Mr. Cake. “We didn’t tell her about Helpful coming to Ponyville.”
“She told us she overheard you and Twilight talking about that as you left your home.” Mr. Cake explained. “Why she told us I don’t know, but, before we could ask, she ran off, looking for you… we believed.”
“Yeah, that sounds like Pinkie Pie.” Pound Cake walked into Helpful, playfully pushing him a little. Helpful pretended to be scared and weak, just for the baby’s entertainment.
“Oh no! You got me!” Helpful pretended. “Help, somepony, help me! Pound Cake’s got me!” Pound Cake laughed and pushed Helpful’s leg again and he fell on the floor still pretending. Pound Cake jumped on top of Helpful and jumped on him. Pumpkin Cake got excited because of this and crawled out of Mr. Cake’s arms and joined her brother. Spike gave Mr. Cake a questioning look. “You’re just gonna let them jump on Helpful?”
“Oh, let them.” Mr. Cake answered. “They haven’t had any fun since Pinkie left.” Soon, after playing with the Baby Cakes, Helpful, Spike, and Mr. Cake walk into the kitchen surprised to find the room covered top to bottom with party decorations. A dull blue mare noticed them come in and smiled welcomingly. “Hello, Dears. Did you get Pound Cake, Honey?” The mare asked Mr. Cake.
“I sure did, Hon.” Mr. Cake answered. “Let me introduce you to Helpful the Selfless.” Mr. Cake pointed to Helpful. “Helpful, this is Cup Cake, my wife.” Cup Cake smiled warmly.
“You can just call me Mrs. Cake, Helpful.” Then, behind Helpful, a pink coated and maned mare appears from behind a blue balloon, without the others noticing.
“Surprise!” The mare shouted at the top of her lungs scaring everypony, they all watch as the mare falls from the balloon face-first into the floor. Helpful noticed that the pink mare had blue eyes and three balloons for a Cutie Mark. Again, another familiar Cutie Mark, that is a total of five familiar Cutie Marks. What do these mean? “Uh, Pinkie Pie?” Spike asked as the mare stood up. “What are you doing?” Pinkie gave Spike a confused look.
“What do you mean ‘what are you doing’?” Pinkie teased Spike. “I’m hosting a party, duh.” Pinkie ran up to Helpful into his face, excited. “You must be the new pony in Ponyville!” Pinkie dramatically gasped. “I overheard Spike and Twilight talking about you and I was like,” She dramatically gasped again. “So I went all over Ponyville searching for you, and then I found you and Spike entering Sugar Cube Corner. So then I came up with an idea to make a party for your visit to Ponyville and I was like: ‘totally, yeah’! Now, here I am decorating the party and explaining to you how I got here.” Pinkie finished with a huge smile that could be considered a mirror. Helpful looked at Pinkie surprised on how she could explain to him so quickly in three breaths of air. Pinkie tossed a long list of ponies’ names on top of Helpful, who looked through the list surprised. “I’ve invited millions of ponies in Ponyville to this party! It’s gonna be like Roxy’s housewarming party!” Pinkie explained to Helpful. “That one was crazy fun!” Spike picked up the list and started to read it out loud.
“’Rose, Daisy, Hayseed, Luc-‘, hey!” Before Spike could finish reading the list, Pinkie rolled it up.
“I’m sorry, Spike. Did you say something?” Spike growled at her annoyed, then Mrs. Cake spoke up.
“We’re sorry, Helpful.” Mrs. Cake apoligized to the tan Pegasus. “When Pinkie Pie gets in the mood for a party there’s no stopping her.” Pinkie then walked in-between the Cakes, Helpful, and Spike with a stake of records on her back into the kitchen.
“Excuse me.” The pink Earth Pony said as she walked though, and then she tapped on Helpful’s shoulder on the other side beside him; scaring him in the process. “I don’t think we were properly introduced. I’m Pinkie Pie, and you are?”
“H-Helpful.” Helpful answered stutteringly. “How did you…?”
“How did I what?”
“You just walked through here just a second ago, and then you appeared right beside me the next. How’d you do that?”
“Oh, that. Lots and lots of practice.” Mr. Cake then gave an uneasy look.
“Uh, Pinkie Pie, Helpful’s not here for a party.” Mr. Cake uncomfortably told Pinkie, who gasped dramaticly.
“He’s not?” Pinkie asked with a shocked look.
“No, he’s not.” Mrs. Cake explained. “He’s only here to taste some new recipes.” Pinkie then smiled without concern.
“Oh, okay then! That’s fine!” Pinkie Pie giggled, she then turned to Helpful. “Don’t worry, Helpful. I’ll just postpone the party some other time.” Helpful gulped. “Hope you enjoy your visit my friend!”
Meanwhile, in Everfree forest, Twilight and the rest of her search party find themselves at entrance of the Ursa’s Lair. Applebloom looked pretty nervous. “Y-You think that Helpful and Spike are in t-there?” Applejack checked the hoofprints below her and yes they lead straight into the damp caverns. “Well, if I’m reading these right, and I know I am, they went straight into the Ursa’s Lair.” Then Applejack noticed that the tracks looked like they ran out of the cave. “Hold on here.” Applejack said stopping the others from going in.
“What is it, Applejack?” Twilight asked curious.
“Now they’re running away from the cave.”
“What does it mean?”
“It means that Helpful, Spike, and whoever’s with ‘em woke up an Ursa Major and almost got eatin’.” Granny Smith answered Twilight’s question before Applejack. “They were lucky to get out before the Ursa got ‘em, and no doubt they headin’ to Ponyville now.” Applejack seemed confused.
“Now, uh, Granny Smith, how do you know that? They could be still lost in Everfree Forest for all we know.” Applejack protested. Granny Smith shot her a sharp look. “Applejack, who told ya how to track when you were younger?” Applejack thought about that question for a few seconds.
“I don’t know. Can’t seem to remember right now.”
“Well’ how can you not remember?? It was Big Macintosh, your brother!”
“Eeyep.” Big Mac agreed with Granny Smith.
“And who taught you how to track Big Mac?”
“You did Granny Smith.”
“Exactly!” Applejack, annoyed by being corrected by Granny, stopped the discussion.
“Now, come on!” Applejack ordered. “We better find Helpful and Spike wherever they are.” The group started to leave the cave, but Twilight stopped Applejack for a second.
“Wait. Shouldn’t we check the cave for clues?” Twilight asked Applejack, who didn’t think it as a bad idea at all.
“That’s a mighty fine idea there, Twilight.” Applejack agreed, but, before she could make the order for a search, a rumbling roar busted form the cave, blowing them all away. Once it stopped, Applejack popped her head from the bushes. “Not a good idea! Not a good idea!!” Applejack reasoned. “Let’s go before that Ursa gets out of there!” The rest of the group popped out of the bushes beside Applejack.
“Right!” Everypony agreed with Applejack and they sped off without a trace. Meanwhile, in Sugar Cube Corner, Helpful bites into the last treat for tasting. It tasted sour at first, but it quickly shifted to a sweet taste. “It’s sour at first…, but then it turns sweet.” Helpful explained. “I say ‘it’s today’s special’, if you ask me.” Mrs. Cake smiled with delight.
“Spike! Put the Sour Sweet Swervy Split for today’s special!” Mrs. Cake shouted to Spike, who stood beside the menu.
“The Sour Sweet Swervy Split for today’s special.” Spike repeated as he wrote on the menu. “Got it!” Helpful looked around to see Pinkie Pie eating the treat he just now tasted in one bite. She smiled at him, but then her face immediatly winced because of the sourness of the cupcake. “Too… sour.” Pinkie said as she slowly fell to the floor twitching.
“Well, Helpful, that’s all for today.” Mr. Cake told Helpful. “I’m sure you have more things to do today. So good bye.” Mr. Cake escorted Helpful and Spike to the front door, then Pinkie jumped off the floor disappointed.
“Aw, can’t Helpful and Spike stay for a little longer?” Pinkie asked disappointed.
“Sorry, Pinkie, but we have things to do.” Helpful explained. “No hard feelings, right?”
“What are talking about? Of coarse no hard feelings! We’re best friends!” There was another best friend. Helpful was delighted to have Pinkie Pie as a best friend, her energy and happiness made him feel like he knew her for eons. “Okay, well, bye!” Pinkie waved as Helpful and Spike left Sugar Cube Corner. Walking through Pony Square, Helpful pulled out his list and read aloud the last part. “’Go to Twi-‘ whoa!” Helpful tripped over a white cat and fell in the mud. He looked up to see the list fall on the other side of the mud hole untouched. Spike sighed of relief. “Well, that’s a relief.” Spike said, then behind the dirty Helpful and Spike, a mare’s voice, that Spike couldn’t forget no matter what, spoke out. “Are you alright, sir?” The voice asked, Helpful turned around to see a white unicorn mare with a dark purple, curly mane. Her Cutie Mark was familiar to him because it was three diamonds. She had blue eyes like Pinkie Pie, but a bit darker. “Oh, I’m fine.” Helpful answered.
“Are you sure?” The mare continued to ask. “After all, it was my cat that tripped you over.” She turned her attention to the white cat Helpful tripped on. She gave it a cross look. “Bad Opal! Go inside and think about what you’ve done.” Opal walked away glaring at the white mare coldly. She turned her gaze back to Helpful and is shocked to find him totally covered head to hoof in mud. “Oh my stars… you look dreadful! I simply cannot, cannot let a charming stallion like you walk about looking like this. No, sir!” Before Helpful could protest, the white mare pushed him out of the mud. “Come! Come now! We go!” Spike followed the white mare and Helpful in a trance-like state to wherever they were going, then the white mare stopped and grabbed Helpful’s list with her magic. “Can’t forget you now can we?” The white mare pushed Helpful away from the mud and who knows where next.

Fixing Problems

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Chapter 5
Fixing problems

Inside the deep shadow of Everfree forest, the group of seekers for Spike and Helpful find themselves in front of a long, old, and rotted bridge that seemed a little untrustworthy, but it was their fastest way to Ponyville. Applebloom peeked over the edge of the dark, deep canyon, but was quickly scared out of her mind when a swarm of bats flew out to greet them. Applebloom ran to Big Macintosh and hugged on his leg tightly. Big Mac didn’t flinch when the swarm of bats flew past the rest of the group, scaring them in the process. After the bats left, Applebloom was the first to break the long silence. “Do ya think there’s another way to Ponyville?” Applebloom asked. Applejack sighed.
“This is the fastest way back to Ponyville, Applebloom.” Applejack explained. “Any other way would take too long, and besides…” Applejack looked up to see the sun starting to lower in the sky. “We don’t have much time. We have to cross the bridge one at a time. Who’s first?” Silence sets in as each pony exchanged looks to one another, and then Granny Smith broke the silence.
“Well, not everypony at once.” Granny scowled. “I’ll go first.” Granny Smith stepped closer to the bridge, but was stopped by Twilight.
“But, Granny Smith, it’s too dangerous to let you go first.” Twilight protested.
“Hush up, Sugar Cube. I know what I’m doin’ so make way for the old coot!” Twilight stepped to the side as Granny Smith walked past her and watched as the old mare walked across the bridge. All seemed well as Granny made it to the other side safely. “See? There’s nothin’ wrong with this bridge. It’s just old. C’mon, ya Slowpokes.” Applejack looked at Twilight who sighed.
“I guess I’ll go next.” Twilight replied, but Applebloom made a sour look.
“But I wanna go next!” Applebloom argued. Applejack shot her sister a sharp look.
“Now, Applebloom, you’re too young for us to let you walk through this bridge alone.” Applejack reasoned calmly. “You’ll have to ride with Big Macintosh.” Applebloom looked down on the ground and kicked it unhappy.
“Aw, but I ain’t too young.”
“Don’t argue with me, Applebloom. Stay with Macintosh.” Twilight stared at the bridge, too nervous to walk across it, but she took a step forward and heard the loud creak of the boards below her. It held her as she took the next step. Now it wasn’t too bad. She could walk on this all day in fact, but she still knew it could break at any moment. So she kept walking carefully through the bridge. Soon she found herself on the other side of the canyon beside Granny Smith. “See? I told you there was nothing wrong with the bridge.” Granny Smith said rubbing it in. Twilight turned around to see Applejack crossing then Big Mac and Applebloom on his back. As Macintosh walked across the bridge the creaking floorboards were louder than when Applejack crossed; making the others a bit more uneasy. “Careful, Big Mac.” Twilight told the big stallion. “You’re much heavier than us so please be careful.”
“Eeyep.” Macintosh assured. When he stepped on the next board his hoof broke through, almost making him fall through and knock off Applebloom. Macintosh bit Applebloom by the tail and hurled her onto the other side of the bridge. Applejack caught Applebloom from hitting the ground. “Okay, Big Mac, stay calm!” Twilight tried to calm Macintosh; who already was. “We’ll figure out a way to get you out of there! Don’t worry.” Twilight looked around and spotted a vine and threw it to Macintosh with her magic. “Grab on!” Big Mac grabbed the vine and Twilight, Applejack, Applebloom, and Granny Smith pulled him to the other side. After this, they watch as the bridge’s floorboards break off one at a time down to the other side. “Okay, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m getting a move on.” Applejack spoke astonished by the bridge’s collapse.
“I’m with you on that.” Twilight agreed with her friend. The group then continued through Everfree Forest.
Meanwhile, in some boutique in Ponyville, Helpful was having a shower, with a curtain around him, inside the white mare’s bathroom. It was white inside and had many tiles on the walls, the sink was golden and had jewel encrusted nobs. In the hallway, the white mare read Helpful’s list quietly. Spike, inside the bathroom, holds a towel for Helpful once he got out. After reading Helpful’s list, the white mare breaks the ice. “So your name’s Helpful the Selfless, right?” The white mare asked Helpful, who only heard it muffled, but understood.
“Uh, yeah.” Helpful answered.
“My name is Rarity.” The mare continued. “I own this boutique and I sell fashionable cloths far and wide.”
“Um, actually, Rarity, you only sell your cloths in Ponyville, or so I currently know.” Spike protested, but then felt some toilet paper hit the back of his head. He turned around and saw Rarity, sticking her head out the door, motioning for Spike to be quiet. Spike smiled at Rarity impishly. Rarity then closed the door, not making a sound. “Anyway, I understand that you’re from Canterlot, is that true?” Rarity asked.
“I guess you could say that.” Helpful answered after a moment to think. Opal walked up next Rarity, who jumped excitedly several times, giggling.
“Opal! You won’t believe this! The stallion is named Helpful the Selfless, he’s from Canterlot, and he’s in my boutique! In my boutique!” Rarity squeaked excitedly. “Do you know what he can do for my business?” The white cat meowed at Rarity. She looked up in thought “Well, that I’m not sure, but he’ll surely tell others there and my business will be the talk in Canterlot.” The cat meowed again, making Rarity look offended. “Since when did I ever mess up on something like this?” The cat meowed twice this time, making Rarity think again. “Well, I suppose I did do something like that on accident.” Then the bathroom door opened and Rarity is astonished to find Helpful walk out looking like a portrait of her imaginary Prince Charming. The white mare was so dazed by Helpful’s appearance she was speechless. “Thanks for your hospitality,” Helpful thanked Rarity. Rarity couldn’t take so much astonishment that she muttered gibberish and fainted dramaticly onto the floor, she seemed like she was hit by a truck. Spike walked into the hall and was shocked to find Rarity out cold. “Uh, Rarity?” Spike asked. “Are you alright?” Opal copied Rarity’s reaction.
Meanwhile, at the edge of Ponyville, Twilight, Applejack, Granny Smith, and Applebloom return to their hometown. Twilight looked up to see the sun sink closer to the ground below it. They were running out of tine a little too fast. If they didn’t find Helpful and Spike soon Twilight would be in incredible trouble. Twilight sighed, trying to calm herself from going insane again. “Maybe we should get some food to bait Helpful and Spike.” Applebloom opinionated.
“I know just what you mean, Applebloom!” Granny Smith exclaimed in delight. “C’mon, Sugar Cube. We’ll get that Helpful and Spike out in the open in no time.” Granny Smith, Applebloom, and Big Macintosh walked back to Sweet Apple Acers. “Now don’t worry. We’ll be back before you can say ‘Apple Pie.’” The others waved as they walked out of sight.
“Now what do we do?” Applejack asked Twilight.
“I guess we wait.” Twilight answered.
“But we don’t have much time. If we wait too long it’ll be nightfall before ya know it.” Twilight sighed.
“I know, but we don’t have a choice right now. We’ll just have to wait till they come back with the food.” Twilight reasoned. “I hope they’ll be back soon.” Applejack wasn’t sure about this, but if it was fine with Twilight it was fine with her. “Well, okay then. I guess we can wait.” Applejack agreed with her calmly. The two walk to Twilight’s library to wait for the others to return with the ‘bait.’
Meanwhile, in Rarity’s boutique, Rarity slowly wakes up from her slumber, finding herself in her own room on her bed. Then Sweetie Bell walked past the doorway not realizing that Rarity was awake. “Hey, Rarity.” Sweetie Bell greeted as she walked along, then quickly dashed back to the door after she realized Rarity’s condition. “Rarity! You’re awake!” Rarity rubbed her eyes half-awake.
“Yes, I’m awake, Sweetie Bell.” Rarity replied as she yawned, then she gasped. Her expression turned from tired to worry. “Where’s Helpful?”
“Uh.” Rarity jumped out of her bed and held Sweetie Bell by the head squishing her face. “You heard me. Where?”
“Rarity…,” Sweetie Bell tried to speak up. “I can’t… breathe.” Rarity dropped Sweetie Bell, who gasped for air.
“I’m sorry, Sweetie Bell. It’s just really important to know.” Sweetie Bell caught her breath and stopped to think.
“Well, Helpful’s downstairs playing Pin the Tail on the Pony.” Sweetie Bell finally answered. “He’s just now learning it and so far he’s still needs some polishing.” Then the two hear a vase break downstairs.
“Sorry, Sweetie Bell!” Helpful’s voice spoke up.
“Make that sanding.” Sweetie Bell sighed. Rarity jumped with excitement.
“Helpful’s still here! Yes! My business is saved!” Rarity shouted in excited triumph, but before Sweetie Bell could ask why, Rarity dashed past her, making the white filly spin rapidly. Down below Spike wasn’t sure about Helpful trying to pin the tail on the pony one last time was a good idea, after all, he broke a lot of vases and toppled over many manikins in his blind, dizzy walks to pin the tail on there. Another go at it will surely do more damage than before. “Maybe we should take a break, Helpful.” Spike tried to reason. “I mean, you are getting bored with this, right?” Helpful stared at Spike questionably.
“Bored? Of this?” Helpful laughed. “No way! This is much too fun!” Helpful tied the blindfold around his eyes again, put the tail in his mouth, and spun rapidly several times until he felt dizzy. He took a few steps forward and slowly fell on top of Rarity’s gems chest hard. Spike ran over to Helpful and helped him back up. “You okay, Helpful?” Spike asked concerned. Helpful took the blindfold off and winced in pain.
“I’m fine, Spike.” Helpful answered trying to not make Spike worried.
“You sure? Cause you don’t look like you’re okay.” Spike asked again. Helpful smiled.
“I’m fine, Spike. No worries.” Rarity then walked down the stairs and was devastated to see the whole room sabotaged, though she showed only an eye twitch and jaw drop. Helpful and Spike noticed her appearance in the room and was nervous to find out what her reaction is. “Uh-oh.” Spike said. “We’re in trouble. Let’s get out of here.” Spike tried to walk out the boutique, but Helpful stopped him.
“No, Spike.” Helpful reasoned. “It’s my fault. You shouldn’t run away. I’ll go apologize and clean this mess up.” Helpful went over to Rarity and looked at her with an uncomfortable smile. “S-Sorry, Rarity. Don’t worry I’ll clean this place up in no time.” Rarity then sighed, trying to keep in her anger, but she still had to struggle.
“Okay, then, Helpful, if you insist.” Rarity gritted her teeth and smiled kinda awkwardly. Helpful stared at her confused.
“Okay, if you say so.” Helpful and Spike started to sweep up the broken vase shards and stood up the manikins. Soon the room was clean like once before. Rarity looked more controlled now, she was quite happy that Spike and Helpful cleaned the mess they made, without complaining. She still had some things to do with Helpful to make her business booming once more though. “Um, Helpful.” Rarity said grabbing Helpful’s attention. “I would like to thank you for cleaning this up, but I think saying it just isn’t enough, um…” Rarity began to think long and hard, and then an idea came into her mind. “Oh! I know just what to do!” Rarity pulled Helpful with her, surprising him, and stood him on top of a stand. In the room Helpful was in, he saw three mirrors surrounded him from behind, and before him he saw Rarity going through some colored fabrics and silks. “Now, I know you’re from Canterlot.” Rarity explained as she kept skimming through the fabrics. “So how is it now? I’ve heard Canterlot is lovely this time of the season.” Then she pulled out a golden fabric and gasped surprised. “Oh, my! I didn’t even know I even had this!” She looked back to Helpful and held up the fabric with her magic in front of him. Trying to determine how it would look on him. “Ah! This’ll work perfectly.” Rarity quickly took some scissors and snipped some shapes off the fabric. Helpful began to get curious. “Uh, what are you doing, Ms. Rarity?” Helpful asked curiously.
“You’ll see.” Rarity answered. Spike walked into the room and looked around curious.
“What’s going on?” Spike asked Helpful; who shrugged. Rarity started the sewing machine and, after some time, she finished what seemed to be some sort of suit. She put it on Helpful and stared at him hard. It looked good on him, but there was something missing. “Pin cosine!” Rarity shouted to Spike; who, at first, didn’t get the message. He then realized what she meant and quickly responded. “Yes, Lady Rarity!” Spike answered as he ran to get the pin cosine on the top of the shelf. He climbed up to the top and grabbed the cosine then jumped down, but, on the way down, he accidently toppled over the shelf with him; falling on top of him. Rarity was beginning to become impatient. “Spike! I need that pin cosine now!” Spike pulled himself out from under the shelf and slowly walked back to Rarity with the pin cosine in hand. Rarity took the pin cosine with her magic. “Thank you, Spike.” Spike fell on the floor exhausted from the experience he had. Rarity poked in some pins on Helpful’s short selves. “So as I was asking, how is Canterlot?”
“Don’t you go there yourself?” Helpful asked her confused.
“Not lately.” Rarity stretched out Helpful’s wing and gasped at its unique shape and design. “Oh, my! What marvelous wings you have!”
“Uh, thanks.” Helpful smiled a little embarrassed.
“The black tipped feathers are very stylish. Gives a sense of dignity and strength.” Rarity continued. “The falcon shape of the wings also makes it look great and powerful, but the whole thing, I’d say, actually brings out a lot of mystery.” Helpful turned his gaze back to Rarity curious.
“Mystery?” Helpful asked.
“Why, yes. I’ve never seen a Pegasus with such beautiful wings. How did you get them to look like that?”
“Well, I’d tell ya,” Helpful’s proud smile turned to a frown. “But I can’t remember.” Rarity then shifted her gaze from the wing to Helpful, curious.
“Can’t remember, but why ever not?”
“I have Amnesia, it’s taken my entire memory away, and my name’s not Helpful the Selfless; I can’t remember it either, but that’s not all that was taken away from me.”
“What else was taken?” Rarity urged on.
“Helpful’s Cutie Mark was taken too.” Spike answered for him. “Now he doesn’t know his past, his name, and his talent. He’s got no help to retrieve his mind. He’s lost so to speak.” Spike pointed to Helpful’s blank flank. Rarity was quite shocked to find that such a very important guy would have such a blank memory. She felt sympathy towards Helpful and wanted to cheer him up. “Well, then I’m going to be your friend. No! Your best friend. I’ll help you find your memory and your Cutie Mark.” Rarity swore. Helpful started to feel better thanks to Rarity. So many ponies he’s met in one day. About six best friends to help him remember his past. They were very kind to be doing such things. He smiled at Rarity graciously. “Thanks, Ms. Rarity.”
“Call me: Rarity.” The white mare insisted as she pinned in the last pin that the suit needed. She stood back and smiled excited and turned the stand Helpful stood on toward the three mirrors. “What do you think?” Rarity asked. Helpful stared at his suit with admiration. It was a golden suit that looked much like a tuxedo, but instead with a red tie around his neck. It looked very handsome on him. “It’s looks great!” Helpful answered delightfully.
“Great? It looks fabulous!” Rarity exaggerated greatly. “I never knew that you would look so… so… indescribable!” Helpful started to blush.
“Thanks, Rarity,” Then he frowned. “But I have no money.” Rarity paused for a minute to think after she stopped herself from talking.
“That’s quite alright, Helpful. It’s on the house.” Helpful stared at Rarity questionably.
“’On the house’?”
“She means free, Helpful.” Spike explained.
“Really? Wow! I don’t know how to thank you, Rarity!” Helpful shouted with glee. The white unicorn smiled warmly.
“Think nothing of it.” Rarity insisted. “We are the best of friends, are we not?”
“Of course.” Soon, Helpful and Spike were about to say their good-byes and leave with Helpful’s new suit in a bag, when Sweetie Bell ran up to them with Helpful’s list in her mouth. “Wait, Helpful!” Sweetie Bell shouted muffled by the list in her mouth she then spits it out. “You can’t leave without this.” Helpful picked up the list and puts it under his wing.
“Thanks, Sweetie Bell, and thanks for teaching me how to play Pin the Tail on the Pony.” Helpful thanked the filly. Sweetie Bell looked a little uncomfortable.
“Yeah, uh, you’re welcome.” Sweetie Bell replied. “Just keep practicing.”
“Right.” Helpful laughed, and then shifted his attention to Rarity; who was working on a dress. “Bye, Rarity, and thanks for everything!” Helpful waved. Rarity turned around and smiled back.
“So long, Helpful and Spike.” Rarity waved back.
“See ya later!” Spike waved back to Rarity. Then they left the Carousel Boutique back into the market. Helpful pulled out his list and read it out loud. “’Third: go to the Golden Oaks Library and take out a book based on the history of Equestria.’” Helpful read to Spike; who looked kind of surprised.
“Our home?” Spike asked confused. “We don’t have anything there that needs help.” Spike explained.
“But it said ‘take out a book based on the history of Equestria.’” Helpful explained. “So it’ll just be a quick in and out anyway, then we’ll find Twilight later.”
“Okay, then.” Spike shrugged. “I guess we can do that, but we need to be quick and find Twilight.”
“Alright, Spike.” Helpful replied as Spike climbed onto his back. The two leave toward Twilight’s house.
Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acers, Granny Smith pulled out the last apple pie from the oven and settled it in front of some fan that Applebloom turned on to cool down the pies. Big Macintosh stood outside waiting for Applebloom and Granny to fill the wagon he had. Applebloom walked out to Big Mac and set some apple pies in his wagon. She walked around to Macintosh. “Don’t worry, Big Mac.” Applebloom encouraged her brother. “We’ll be done in a few seconds so it won’t be long.”
“Eeyep.” Macintosh said. Then Granny Smith came out, humming some small song and balanced the last the pies, and slammed them into the wagon.
“Okay, Big Macintosh!” Granny shouted. “Get ‘er movin’!” Granny smacked Macintosh’s rump; forcing him to jump forward. “It won’t be long now. Once we get there, Helpful and Spike will be running like chickens at feeding time. They’ll be bookin’ it to these pies in seconds.” Granny explained to Applebloom; who giggled.
“Are you sure that Helpful and Spike would come for these?” Macintosh asked Granny. “I mean, they wouldn’t be able to smell them far away. We don’t even know where, in Ponyville, they are.” Granny Smith puts a hoof on Big Mac’s mouth.
“Now, hush, Big Macintosh.” Granny ordered. “I know for a fact that Helpful and Spike would come for these pies, ‘cause boys, who work hard, like to eat a lot.” Soon, they enter Twilight’s Library, leaving the wagon of pies outside. Twilight is reading some books and Applejack stares outside watching the sun. Applebloom walks in the middle of the room. “We’re here!” Applebloom announced proudly. Applejack turns around delighted to see them.
“Well, welcome back y’all!” Applejack greeted back. “Did you get what we needed?”
“We sure did!” Applebloom replied as Macintosh pulled in the wagon of pies. “We got twenty pies, all ready for baitin’!” Twilight closes her book and turns her attention to the wagon of apple pies and is quite astonished that Granny, Applebloom, and Big Mac made them in such small time.
“Wow!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise. “Do you think this many apple pies are necessary?”
“Does a dog bark and a cat meow?” Granny asked her. Twilight thinks for a minute
“Well, yeah, because it’s instinct for a dog and cat to do that, and if they didn’t well that wouldn’t be very possible, unless you-.” Twilight’s explanation was interrupted by Applejack.
“Uh, Twilight.” Applejack interrupted. “This isn’t the time for a science theory.”
“Oh, right, sorry.” Then, the front door slammed. The three look around to see Spike and Helpful in the library not noticing the wagon of pies or the others.
“Well, this is it.” Spike pointed out. “Home, Sweet Home. Now the last thing you need to do now is find a book based on the history of Equestria, right?”
“Yep.” Helpful answered, but then he and Spike noticed the wagon of apple pies and Twilight, Applejack, Applebloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac; who all looked pretty surprised to see them. Spike and Helpful look surprised to see them as well. Then, Applebloom broke out of her surprised trance and runs toward Helpful, giving him a hug. “Helpful!” Applebloom shouted with joy as she hugs him. “How did you know we were here?” Helpful smiles at Applebloom.
“We actually didn’t.” Helpful answered. “We-.”
“I knew it! I knew it!” Granny Smith interrupted. “You both came here for these here apple pies! I told you they be bookin’ it here in seconds! You must be starvin’ to death!”
“Uh, actually, Granny Smith,” Spike explained to the old mare. “We were coming here to get the last thing on Helpful’s list. Not for apple pies…” Spike’s stomach growls as he stared at the wagon full of pies. “On second thought, maybe a piece or two will do me some good.” Spike jumps into the wagon of apple pies and starts scarfing them down, and then he tosses a pie to Helpful. “Try one, Helpful. Granny Smith’s pies are the best in Ponyville.” Spike told Helpful as he was munching on a piece.
“I already know, Spike.” Helpful replied, but ate the pie anyway. Twilight walks up to Helpful; curious about what Spike and he experienced.
“Helpful, what happened to you and Spike and where did you go?” Twilight asked him. Helpful thinks for a minute.
“Well, it’s a long story.” Helpful explained. “But you can talk to Spike. He’ll be able to explain it.”
“Alright then.”
“Well then, you should be able to tell us what you did in Ponyville.” Applejack added.
“Sure. I just finished the rest of the list Celestia gave me.” Helpful replied. “Now, all we need to do is take out a book from your library, Twilight, based on the history of Equestria.” Twilight then remembers the book that Helpful needed to finish his errands.
“Ah! Wait right here.” Twilight said as she pulled out a book from one of her many shelves. She walks back to Helpful and gives him the book with her magic. “Here this is the book: Equestrian Histories.” Helpful puts the book under his wing.
“Thanks, Twilight.” Helpful thanked the purple unicorn. Spike finishes the last of the apple pies Granny, Applebloom, and Big Mac brought and burped incredibly loud; making the entire library shake and spooking the others.
“Pardon.” Spike excused himself with a big innocent smile after the shaking stopped. Everypony stares at him surprised. Spike climbs off the wagon and looked embarrassed. “Heh, heh, sorry.” Applejack opened the front door.
“Alright, Apples, it’s high time we head home.” Applejack told her family. “We had a long day.” The Apple Family walks out leaving Applejack inside with Twilight, Spike, and Helpful. “I’ll see y’all later.” As Applejack turns to leave Helpful follows.
“I gotta go back to Celestia.” Helpful explained. “I guess I’ll see ya later too.”
“Well, I guess so, Helpful.” Twilight assumed. “But can’t you stay a little longer?” Helpful turns his gaze to the sunset and sadly turns it back to Twilight.
“Sorry, Twilight. I don’t have enough time for it.” Helpful reasoned. “Maybe some other time.” Helpful closes the door then stops. “No hard feelings, right?”
“Of course, Helpful.” Twilight agreed with a smile. “I guess we can be friends.” Helpful’s face lit up in excitement.
“Really? Well then, if friends we’ll be best friends, right?” Helpful asked with delight.
“Uh, if you say so.” Twilight answered kind of uncomfortably. Helpful closes the door and went after Applejack.
“Hey, Applejack!” Helpful shouted; grabbing Applejack’s attention. “Wait up!” Helpful runs up next to her and takes a breather. Applejack stares at him confused.
“Hey, Helpful.” Applejack greeted. “What’cha doin’?” Helpful breathed in slowly now.
“I was just wondering if you could accompany me to the train station back to Canterlot.” Helpful explained. “I can’t seem to remember where it is right now.”
“Why, sure, Helpful!” Applejack replied with a delighted smile. “What are friends for?”
“Thanks, Applejack. Let’s go!” Helpful walked forward a few steps, but then was stopped by Applejack.
“Uh, Helpful…the station’s that way.” Applejack pointed the other direction. Helpful laughed uncomfortably.
“Oh, right.” Helpful said as he walked in the direction Applejack pointed.
“Helpful! Applejack!” A voice shouted from the market. Helpful and Applejack turn around to see Rarity walking up to them. “I see that you have already met my best friend Helpful, Applejack.” Rarity told the hard-working mare; who looked at her questionably.
“Your best friend?” Applejack asked confused.
“Why, yes. He’s very sweet and caring; I just had to become his best friend. He’s such a brave one, you know, walking around without a Cutie Mark.” Rarity explained pulling Helpful closer to her. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I have something for Helpful to try out. I know he’ll just love it!” Rarity pushes Helpful away, but then Applejack pulled her back by the tail; looking quite cross.
“Now hold on here just an apple-pickin’ minute, Helpful’s my best friend and I know for a fact that he doesn’t want to try out any new cloths, right, Helpful?” Before he could answer, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walks to them.
“Hey, Helpful, Applejack, Rarity!” Rainbow greeted.
“H-Hi, Helpful.” Fluttershy also greeted.
“Hey, gals.” Applejack greeted back.
“What’s goin’ on?” Rainbow asked curious.
“Oh, nothing.” Applejack answered, but then locks her head against Rarity’s like a goat. “It’s just that Helpful’s my best friend and not Rarity’s.” Rarity locked her head back against Applejack’s.
“Oh, is that how you wanna play, huh?” Rarity scoffed. Dashie cutted in-between Rarity and Applejack.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! There’s no point in arguing about who’s Helpful’s best friend.” Rainbow protested. Rarity and Applejack’s hard expressions were replaced by reasonable looks.
“You’re right, Dash.” Applejack admitted.
“I agree.” Rarity also replied. Dash laid an arm around Fluttershy’s shoulders.
“After all, Helpful’s Fluttershy’s and my best friend, right, Fluttershy?” Dashie replied proudly. Fluttershy immediately starts to hesitate.
“L-Leave me out of this,” Fluttershy squeaked stutteringly. “Please!”
“Now, hold on here just an applebuckin’ minute!” Applejack protested, and then Dash, Rarity, and Applejack argued against one another on who Helpful’s best friend is concurrently. Then Pinkie Pie walked on by and noticed the argument the three are having and looks excited. “Whatcha’ doin’ gals?” Pinkie asked. “It looks like fun!” She then ran into the center of the vocal battle and, instead of arguing, she started blabbering gibberish and nonsense. Fluttershy walked next to Helpful; looking at the dirt as she walked up beside him. “S-So, um, Helpful?” Fluttershy grabbed Helpful’s attention.
“Yes, Fluttershy?” Helpful replied.
“Rainbow Dash and I were wondering if we could teach you to fly again, i-if you don’t mind that is.”
“Well, I’d love to. Really!” Helpful looks to the sun it was almost disappearing into the ground just by several inches. “I gotta go!” Helpful runs off.
“Oh, but, Helpful, wait!” Fluttershy shouted trying to stop him, but he ran out of hearing. The argument between Applejack, Rarity, and Dashie, followed by Pinkie’s nonsensical gibberish continued until Twilight came by; confused on why they are arguing. “What is going on?” Twilight shouted; silencing them all except Pinkie Pie.
“So I said: ‘Lemon Split? What kind of flavor is that’?” Pinkie then notices everypony staring at her and then looks disappointed. “Aw! Are we already done?”
“Hey, Twilight.” Applejack greeted. “I was just telling these two that Helpful’s my best friend and my best friend only.” Rainbow locks heads with Applejack.
“No, he isn’t.” Dash protested; pushing Applejack back.
“Is too.” Applejack pushes Dashie back.
“Is not!”
“Is too!” Twilight pushed in-between Applejack and Rainbow from each other.
“Girls!” Twilight shouted sternly. “Why are you fighting? I mean, you’re all best friends and you haven’t fought like this before.”
“Twilight’s right.” Rarity agreed. “Why waste time bickering on who’s Helpful’s best friend when we can all be his best friend.” Applejack and Rainbow exchanged looks of apology.
“I’m sorry girls.” Applejack apoligized. “I was so wrapped up in thought of Helpful being my best friend that I forgot about you.”
“I’m sorry too.” Rainbow added.
“I’m not leaving myself out of this like some selfish pony.” Rarity also added to the apology. “I’m sorry as well. I too was so obscured by Helpful I forgotten my best friends.”
“You’re all forgiven.” Twilight told the three. “Looks like you all learned a new lesson on friendship.”
“We sure did, Twilight.” Applejack agreed. “I guess it’s: never forget your old friends when you meet new ones. You might even save your friendship.” Rainbow looked around for Helpful; he was nowhere in sight.
“Hey, where is that Helpful, anyway?” Dashie asked them.
“He left not too long ago.” Fluttershy explained. “I don’t know where he went or when he’ll be back.”
“Probably back to Canterlot Castle to report to Celestia.” Twilight thought out loud.
“You sure that we didn’t scare him off?” Rarity gasped.
“C’mon, Rarity!” Applejack laughed. “This is, Helpful we’re talkin’ about.”
“He’s too brave to be scared off easily.” Rainbow added proudly. “I’m sure he’ll be back.” The six old friends exchange uncomfortable looks to one another as it became dark.


In Canterlot Castle, Helpful walks into the throne room and keels before Celestia; who smiles warmly at him. Inside the throne room had a long red carpet, two Royal Guards stood at both sides of the carpet, and stairs lead straight up to Celestia. “Welcome back, Helpful the Selfless.” Celestia greeted him delightfully. “I was starting to worry about when you’ll be back.” She then notices the bag that held the suit Helpful got from Rarity and was curious. “Helpful?”
“Yes, Your Highness?” Helpful asked her.
“Where did you get the bag?” Helpful turns his gaze to the bag and smiles at her.
“Oh, this! It was a gift from one of the townsfolk. I know I shouldn’t have accepted it, but she insisted on it anyway.” Helpful explained. “I’ve finished what you’ve given me to do, Your Highness.” Celestia felt delighted on this report.
“Very good, Helpful. I am glad to see that the townsfolk appreciate you.” Celestia replied. “Do you have the book I wanted?” Helpful pulls out the book, Equestrian Histories.
“If you mean, ‘Equestrian Histories’ then yeah.” Celestia walked down the stairs and stopped in front Helpful. She took the book and opened it with her magic.
“Well done. I’m going to take some time to read this tonight.” Celestia walks past Helpful. “Would you care to join me?” Helpful stood up surprised, but delighted to be asked by the princess to join her on reading the history of Equestria.
“S-Sure!” Helpful caught up to her. Soon they walked through the halls of Canterlot Castle.
“And that, my friend, is the history of Equestria.” Celestia read the last of the book; she then closed it with her magic. “So, Helpful, what did you think?”
“Well, I didn’t know that at first everypony didn’t like one another and blamed their problems on each another.” Helpful answered deep in thought.
“Yes, it was quite a difficult time for them to put their differences aside, until they learned things the hard way.” Celestia replied. “But, when they did, their world changed for the better.” Celestia turns her gaze to the window outside. The night has fallen into rule now until it would be time for the day. “It’s late. You should rest. You have a busy day tomorrow.”
“Right then, I guess.” Helpful yawned. “I believe you’re right. Good night, Princess Celestia.”
“Good night, Helpful.” Celestia waved. Helpful entered his room, jumped into his bed, and laughed.
“Wow. What a day.” Helpful thought. “Those Cutie Marks those six mares have. They’re so familiar. Could they be part of my past, but how?” Helpful continued contemplating on the familiar symbols, when the window in his room blows open and surprises him out of his thoughts. The Tan Pegasus sits up to see a black Alicorn standing in his room. She had dark blue hair that swayed constantly in the air like Celestia’s only that it sparkled. Black bracelets were worn around her hooves, and she wore a black crown on her head. Finally, her Cutie Mark was a crescent moon. She smiles at Helpful comfortingly, but it didn’t make Helpful any calmer. “What are you doing in here?” Helpful asked, trying to keep his voice down.
“I am sorry for intruding thou room.” The Alicorn apoligized. “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Princess Luna; Celestia’s younger sister.” Helpful starts to calm down now.
“Okay then, I’m Helpful, uh; Helpful the Selfless.” Helpful climbs off his bed. “Why are you here?”
“I am here, because I wanted to meet thou in person.” Luna explained. “Tell me, where is thou from?”
“I don’t know, I can’t remember anything. Didn’t Celestia tell you this?”
“Actually, I didn’t bother to ask her. I wanted know from thouself.” Luna stares out into the night. “Well, allow me to skip the personal questions. Tell me, what does thou think of darkness?” Helpful took the time to think.
“Well, I don’t know much about darkness, but isn’t it a bad thing?” Helpful asked her thoughtfully.
“Yes, it can be, but it isn’t all bad, thou see.” Luna explained to Helpful. “Darkness is only a mysterious force beyond nature, though many wouldn’t see it that way. Darkness only becomes evil when tempted by Chaos; the real evil of the world. It is only deep down inside will thou see that Darkness is only like light; kind and caring.”
“Oh, I see.” Helpful began to grow curious. “But why are you telling me this?” Luna turned her gaze back to Helpful.
“Because I once was like the Darkness tempted by Chaos. I became a dreaded mare of darkness; Nightmare Moon, but six ponies saved me from torturing Equestria forever. I wanted ask some other pony about this to see what they thought about darkness.”
“What was it like being this Nightmare Moon?” Helpful asked the princess; reminding her of bare, fuzzy memories.
“It was cold, dark, and above all lonely.” Luna explained slowly. “The only one to talk to was the evil spirit thou let into thou heart. Thou might ask her time and time again to let thou go, but she’ll only laugh at thou questions like thou were her court jester.” Luna dropped a tear from her saddened face, she then sighed. “It was the worst torture anypony would ever endure.” Helpful noticed the tears falling from Luna as she sighed again. He couldn’t let her cry, so he gave her a tissue box.
“It’s okay, Luna.” Helpful assured. “It’s over with. She’s gone and you’re here in Equestria; where you belong. So no worries.” Luna accepted the box of tissues, took out a tissue, and blew her nose. “Just smile and all your cares will be a thing of the past.” Luna felt better after Helpful patted her back in sympathy.
“Thank you, Helpful the Selfless.” Luna wiped the tears from her cheeks and smiled graciously. “I believe I should leave thou back to thou sleep. I only wanted to meet thouself, Helpful, and I see that thou live to thy name. Good night, Helpful the Selfless.” Luna said as she gracefully and silently flew out the window. Helpful dashed to the window and looked outside, but Luna was nowhere in sight.
“Good night, Princess Luna.” Helpful muttered. He walked back into bed and slept peacefully.


Morning broke into Helpful’s room; he awakened from the light of the sun’s dawn and yawned as he stretched his arms out wide. He looked around the room, and then jumped, startled from the unexpected knock on his door. He rolled out of bed and opened the door to find Princess Celestia at his doorway. She smiled at him. “Good morning, Helpful.” Celestia greeted warmly.
“Uh, good morning, Your Majesty.” Helpful greeted back. “Is there a problem that calls for my attention?”
“No, I was just thinking about last night. I received a letter from Twilight Sparkle about a lesson in friendship; you taught them this lesson. So I came with the idea of letting you stay at Ponyville.” Celestia explained.
“Okay, if you say so.” Helpful replied skeptically. “But I don’t have a house to live in. Where will I stay?”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve already found a mansion not far from Ponyville.” Celestia explained. “It may be old and dusty, but it has a beautiful view of Ponyville.”
“Great!” Helpful shouted excited. “When do I leave?”
“Today, in fact, you can leave now.” Celestia answered. Helpful closed the door, and all Celestia could hear was clanging and shifting of the dresser and wardrobe, and then Helpful opened the door; carrying the backpack Applejack gave him and the bag that held the suit that Rarity also gave him. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Helpful replied. Celestia led Helpful to the Canterlot train station. There all the rich ponies gathered around, flashing strange devices and started a mashed chat together. Celestia stood in front of Helpful and on both her sides stood two of her Royal Guards. Beside Helpful’s right stood a large bag of gold. Helpful hauled the ton-weighed bag on his back. “Do I really need this much gold, Princess Celestia?” Helpful asked her curious.
“Yes, you do.” Celestia giggled. “You’ll need enough money to buy the things you need.”
“As you wish then.” Helpful replied. Celestia pulled out a small jewelry box with her magic and gave it to Helpful.
“Here I want you to have this.” Celestia told Helpful. He opened the box to find a large emerald inside. Inside the emerald had what seemed to be a tornado, constantly swirling in the center.
“Wow!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise. “What is this?”
“That is a Wind Emerald; so-called for its wind-like appearance. Consider it a Farwell gift.” Celestia explained calmly. Helpful closes the box and packs it into his yellow saddlebag.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Helpful thanked the royal princess. His expression turns to disappointment. “So I guess this is Farwell.” Celestia sighs calmly and closes her eyes.
“Yes, I believe it is. Farwell, Helpful. Don’t forget that you are still my most trusted servant and I will still have many tasks for you.” Celestia opens her eyes and was surprised to find Helpful gone. “Helpful?” The train’s wheels began to whirl around and the train began to move forward. Celestia watched as the train left and then spotted Helpful sticking his head out from a window; waving good bye.
“So long, Celestia!” Helpful shouted over the train’s steam. “I won’t forget my duty to you!” Celestia smiled of relief as she watched Helpful’s train vanished out of sight. Soon, Helpful made it to Ponyville and he found the old mansion Celestia told him about. It was two stories high and the windows were broken along with the doors that covered them. A porch stood at the front of the manor; spreading across the wall. The roof above the porch was somehow patched with wood. Could somepony have done this? Probably happened years ago. Helpful looks up toward the roof and saw it covered mostly in fresh blocks of wood; they were all nailed in. Now he knew somepony was here some time ago, or was probably still here. Helpful walked up to the old wooden door and entered the mansion. Inside was so dark that he couldn’t see his hoof in front of him. He closed the door and tried to see through the darkness. “Okay. Where’s a light when you need one?” Helpful asked to himself, and then, as if what he said was some cue, the lights turned on and Helpful found the room filled with ponies top to bottom. “Surprise!” Everypony shouted loudly; scaring Helpful half to death. He faints twitching on the floor.
“Oh, my.” Fluttershy replied softly. “Was I too loud?”

Perfect Gift

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Chapter 6
Perfect gift

“Do you think he’s alright?” Applejack’s voice fuzzily came into hearing. Helpful tried to open his eyes, but they were too heavy.
“I hope so.” Fluttershy’s comforting voice also became audible. Helpful finally opened his eyes.
“Look; he’s waking up.” Twilight said. Helpful’s sight at first was blurry, but then it came into focus and Helpful could see Pinkie Pie’s big blue eyes up to his.
“Hi, Helpful!” Pinkie shouted excitedly. “You’re up!”
“Yeah, Pinkie Pie.” Helpful replied. “What happened?”
“Well, last night, Twilight received a letter from Celestia and it said that you were coming here to Ponyville, and I was like,” Pinkie dramaticly gasped. “So I came up with an idea of having a house warming party at your place.”
“How many did you invite, Pinkie?” Helpful asked hesitantly.
“Oh, just all of Ponyville!” Pinkie shouted as she steps away from Helpful so he could see all the ponies that shouted ‘surprise’ earlier. Helpful stood up off the couch, shocked and surprised.
“How did you all get in here?” Helpful shouted freaking out.
“Uh, through the front door.” Rainbow Dash answered obviously. Helpful twitched his eye; making Applejack uncomfortable.
“Please don’t be mad at us, Helpful.” Applejack pleaded. “It took us almost all night to fix up this mansion to make it nice and pretty. So please don’t be mad.” Helpful looked slowly around the room. It was clean and repaired; most of the manor was replaced. The room had comfortable looking furniture, above him hung a chandelier made of gold with quartz. It hung very high above him, and under him laid a red carpet with silver lining that covered most of the floor. Wooden stairs lead up to the top floor at the center of the first wall you see. Then his gaze landed on Rarity; who seems quite curious. “Well, Helpful?” Rarity asked. “What do you think?” Then Helpful started to laugh softly, but it then grew louder until he fell on the floor; laughing away like somepony gave him laughing gas. Everypony exchanged looks of confusion. “I don’t get it.” Spike told Pinkie. “What’s so funny?”
“It must be the squeaky floorboards.” Pinkie answered bouncing up and down on the floorboards making them squeak loudly. Spike rolled his eyes.
“Helpful, what are you laughing at?” Twilight asked almost laughing herself. Helpful calmed himself down and stood up.
“It’s just the fact that I got scared over nothing.” Helpful explained joyfully. “I’m thankful for having such thoughtful friends. The laughter you heard was the laughter of thankfulness.”
“So y-you’re not mad at us?” Fluttershy asked.
“Why would I be mad at my greatest friends in Equestria?” Then, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy all hug Helpful; surprising him. Rainbow tried to stay out of it, but they pulled her in with them. Spike grew jealous.
“Lucky.” Spike complained, but then was pulled in by Twilight’s magic.
“C’mere you!” Twilight laughed along with everypony. Pinkie then let go of her hug and turned on the record player.
“Enough of this!” Pinkie shouted. “Let’s get this party started!” As the music played from the record player, some of the ponies there start to dance, others played games, and a few enjoyed the refreshments. Helpful joined the few ponies drinking juice and eating cupcakes. Once he got there, he watched a pony named Lucky eat a Sour Sweet Swervy Split cupcake in one bite, but then he immediately made a sour face and fell to floor; twitching. “Don’t worry.” Helpful assured him. “It’ll wear off soon enough.” Then Pinkie walked up to Helpful with a Sour Sweet Swervy Split in her hoof.
“Isn’t this great??” Pinkie shouted. “I got the Cakes to make all the cupcakes for the party into Sour Sweet Swervy Splits! They’re just the greatest sweets that ever hit Ponyville!” Pinkie bites into the cupcake and swallows it. “I learned only to eat it slowly. If I eat it in one bite I’ll end up like Lucky again.” She ate the last of her cupcake. “Sure it may be dull to eat it slow, but at least it’s worth it.” Then she felt a sudden urge to eat another whole. Pinkie grabbed another cupcake. “Ooooh! I can’t resist eating it all!” She ate it in one bite and the sourness of the cupcake caught up the next second. She fell on the floor again; sour-faced. Helpful rolled his eyes and found Lucky standing back up. He looked really tired from his experience with the sour cupcake. Helpful held up another Sour Sweet Swervy Split to him. “Want another?” Helpful asked politely. The stallion shook his head and continued to party somewhere else. Then, Rarity came by to get a drink from the punch bowl. “So are you enjoying your party, Helpful?” Rarity asked as she filled up her cup using her magic.
“You bet!” Helpful answered, and then he takes a bite from the cupcake he held. Rarity filled another cup and gave it to Helpful using her magic.
“Punch? It’ll help you wash down the cupcake.” Helpful accepted the drink.
“Thanks, Rarity.” Helpful took a sip from the punch.
“That’s great to hear, Helpful. You won’t believe how hard it was to fix this place, but now it’s more beautiful than before. I somewhat envy you, but, anyway, I was wondering.”
“Yes, Rarity?”
“Would you come to Fluttershy’s birthday party tomorrow? I’m sure you being there will brighten her day.”
“Why do you say that?” Helpful drank the last of his punch and allowed Rarity to fill it again.
“I don’t know. It’s just a feeling, but, since you’ve gotten here, she’s been more talkative than usual. It’s strange really.” Rarity answered thoughtfully.
“But, well, I don’t have an invitation, I mean, without one; it’d be rude of me to enter uninvited.” Pinkie jumped back up off the floor with an invitation in her mouth and gave it to Helpful.
“I almost forgot.” Pinkie replied cheerfully. “You’re invited to Fluttershy’s birthday party.”
“Great. Uh, thanks, Pinkie.”
“Don’t forget to bring a present!” Pinkie shouted as she bounced away on the squeaky floor. Helpful returned his attention to Rarity.
“Well, that’s covered, but I don’t have a present.” Helpful thought for a minute, but then an idea popped into his mind. “Oh. Wait right here.” Helpful dug into his bag and pulled out the box Celestia gave him. “You think Fluttershy will like this?” He opened the box, revealing the Wind Emerald inside; astonishing Rarity.
“Is that a Wind Emerald??” Rarity gasped. “That must be at least thirty carrots.”
“Yep. Will she like it?”
“I know I do.” Rarity said admiring the gem, coveting it, but then Helpful closed the box; cutting Rarity off from the precious gemstone, making her disappointed.
“Great! Then this’ll be her birthday present!” Helpful stuffed it back into his bag, but then he was surprised to hear Fluttershy’s voice behind him.
“Who’s birthday present, Helpful?” Fluttershy asked him smiling. Helpful spun around to greet her.
“Fluttershy!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise. “I, uh-.”
“It’s a present for you, Fluttershy.” Rarity told her calmly, but then Pinkie popped in-between them seemingly cross.
“Shhhh!” Pinkie Pie silenced Rarity. “Don’t tell her! What’s the fun in that??”
“I wasn’t going to tell her. I was only going to say ‘it was hers.’” Pinkie’s expression turns bright.
“Oh, okay. Why didn’t you say so?” Rarity growls irritated at Pinkie.
“Okay. I guess it’ll wait till tomorrow.” Fluttershy replied walking away. Once she was gone, Helpful turned his gaze back to Rarity.
“Okay. You’re gonna have to promise not to tell anyone.” Helpful told Rarity; who seemed offended.
“Since when have I never kept a secret?” Rarity asked him. Pinkie took a deep breath of air, but Rarity stopped her. “Don’t answer that question.” Pinkie released her breath.
“Okay!” Pinkie shouted.
“You promise?” Helpful asked again. Rarity sighed.
“I promise.” Rarity assured, but turns uncomfortable once Pinkie got little closer to her. “Pinkie Promise?” Pinkie Pie asked. Rarity sighed again.
“Cross my heart,” Rarity began by rubbing a hoof across her crest. “And hope to fly,” Then raised her arm high. “Stick a cupcake in my eye.” Rarity finished by putting a hoof to her eye. Helpful and Pinkie laugh.


The next day, Helpful cleaned the last of the trash left behind from yesterday’s party. As he dropped a paper plate into the trash bag, he was startled to hear a knock on his door. “That’s strange.” Helpful thought. “Fluttershy’s birthday party doesn’t start till later today. Who could that be?” He opened the door and found a purple baby dragon much like Spike, but its comb was yellow, as were its eyes. It shivers in the morning cold; hugging itself to keep warm. “P-Please sir.” The baby dragon stuttered from the cold. “C-Could you spare some food…and maybe a blanket or two?” Helpful was shocked by seeing such a young dragon alone with nopony to take care of it. His conscience couldn’t allow such a torture. “Oh my gosh!” Helpful exclaimed in shock. “You must be freezing in this weather. Come. Come inside. Hurry.” Helpful pulled in the dragon. It sat on the couch and Helpful quickly gave it the blanket Rose gave him from the party and a warm cup of tea that Zecora showed him how to make. “Here ya go. The tea’s recipe was given to me from a friend. She said it could make others feel better in an instant.” The dragon sipped the tea and felt a little refreshed. She felt a lot of graciousness toward Helpful.
“Thank you so much for your generosity.” The dragon thanked Helpful.
“Think nothing of it.” Helpful replied proudly. “My name’s Helpful the Selfless, but everypony calls me Helpful. What’s your name?” The dragon continued to enjoy her tea.
“My name is Sunny.”
“And where ya from, Sunny?” Sunny sipped her tea again.
“I’m not from anywhere I believe. You see, I’m a wanderer and I have nowhere else to go. I’ve been wandering in Equestria for some time. Months maybe.”
“Wow. That sounds pretty bad.” Helpful thought out loud.
“Oh, trust me. Bad is an understatement when you’ve been chased by a bear, hunted by Timberwolves, and almost froze to death on Mount Forevergreen. So don’t talk to me about ‘bad.’” Sunny snapped back at Helpful; who was surprised that she has such an attitude. Sunny then sighed calmly. “If only I had someplace to call home.” Then an idea hit Helpful like a ton of bricks.
“Oh, I got an idea! You can stay here!” Helpful shouted with glee.
“You… you really mean it?” Sunny asked almost not believing him.
“Of course you can!” Helpful continued. “You can stay here as long as you want, wherever you want. Besides, I have many bedrooms.” Helpful then turns his expression to thought. “And bathrooms, and a kitchen, and a living room, a-.”
“Okay, okay, I get it!” Sunny interrupted Helpful, then she sighed. “Thank you so much. In fact, I’m going to make up for it. I’ll clean the mansion. Clean the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, basement, attic, and whatever else needs cleaning.” Sunny counted on her fingers, and then her stomach growled at her. She rubbed it and laughed uncomfortably. “Say, Helpful, do you have anything for me to eat. Being a wanderer in Equestria, food is scarce and since I’m not anymore, could I have something to eat?” Helpful looked around.
“Well, I don’t know if I have some gemstone lying around.” Helpful then remembered the Wind Emerald he was saving for Fluttershy. He walks to the shelf and pulls out the box that holds the gem and gives it to Sunny. “Here this was going to be a gift for somepony special, but you need this more than her.” Sunny accepted the emerald and looked at Helpful questionably.
“You sure you want to give me this?” Helpful nodded assuring Sunny. “Well, if you say so.” Sunny ate the gemstone in one bite and then swallowed it up. She jumps off the couch and took a deep breath. “Okay. My first act of business is to help you find a present for this ‘specail somepony.’” Sunny made quote marks with her fingers and laughed.
“No, you don’t have to.” Helpful protested kindly. “Really.”
“No. No, no. It’s a start and I’m stickin’ to it!” Sunny shouted proudly. “Now, where do we start?”

Sunny then found herself riding on Helpful through Everfree Forest. She is very curious on why they are going through here. She knew they are walking through Timberwolf territory. Where are they even going? “Helpful?” Sunny grabbed Helpful’s attention.
“Yes, Sunny?” Helpful asked.
“Where are we going? I mean, I thought we were looking for a gift for Ms. Specail Somepony?” Sunny asked teasing Helpful; who rolls his eyes.
“You’ll see.” Helpful answered. “We’re almost there anyways.” Sunny began to grow impatient. She knew wherever Helpful and she is going would have the present for whoever Helpful dubbed ‘specail somepony.’ Soon, Helpful and Sunny make it to their destination. Sunny climbed off of Helpful and looked up and was shocked to see the feared Ursa’s Lair. Her jaw drops and Sunny turned her attention to Helpful; who noticed this. “What?” Helpful asked curious.
“You’re joking, right?” Sunny shouted bewildered.
“Look, Sunny, I’ve been told that there’s tons of gems in there,” Helpful explained. “And they’re not even close to where the Ursa’s sleeping.” Helpful walks into the dark cavern. “We gotta get the perfect present.” Sunny watched as Helpful disappeared into the Ursa’s Lair alone. She soon feels guilty of herself not following him.
“Me and my big mouth.” Sunny sighed and ran after Helpful. The pitch black darkness was not a problem to Sunny’s dragon eyes; she could see every little detail in this cavern, but then she accidently bumped into Helpful from behind.
“Sunny, is that you?” Helpful asked.
“Yeah.” Sunny answered.
“I can’t see a thing.” Helpful complained, but the remembered his flashlight he left at home. “Shoot. I forgot my flashlight.”
“Why need a flashlight when you have a dragon?” Sunny picked up a root off the ground and blew fire onto it. It caught the fire; illuminating the cave like a torch allowing Helpful to see better now. They walk through the cave for some time then find an illuminated chamber that Dashie described before, but it had no sapphire inside; like it disappeared. Sunny looked up toward the ceiling and spotted the giant shining crystal above her lighting up the chamber. “Wow. What is that?” Sunny asked Helpful amazed. Helpful looked up to see the huge celestial rock.
“I have no i-.” Then something hit Helpful like a truck. Somehow the crystal made him feel like he has always known it, but then the gem flashed white light blinding Helpful and Sunny for a second. Once the light ceased the chamber grew dark. All that illuminated the chamber was the torch that Sunny held. Helpful scanned around the chamber and then spotted the sapphire that Rainbow Dash described a few days back. Unfortunately he forgot about the scary experience she had with the gem and ran up to the large gem excited. “This is great!” Helpful exclaimed in eagerness. “Just as beautiful as Fluttershy.”
“So the specail somepony is named Fluttershy, huh?” Sunny teased him again; making Helpful turn around blushing uncomfortable.
“I, uh, um, well-.” Helpful stuttered to protest.
“Mm-hmm.” Sunny crossed her arms and looks at him mischievously. “So she is! Don’t worry. I can keep a secret.”
“Thanks, Sunny.” Helpful calmed down then he tries to move the yard wide, blue gem off the stone stand, but it would not move no matter how strong he was. “Sunny, this sapphire won’t budge.” Helpful strained. “Would you lend me a hand?” Sunny then pulled Helpful out of the way so she could try to move the jewel.
“Leave it to the females to get the tough jobs done.” Sunny scoffed. She dug under the stone stool half-way with her sharp claws and leaped to the side for the gem to fall off the block. It hits the floor with a bang. Helpful and Sunny then checked the gem for cracks, didn’t find any. Helpful then felt really eager. “Great! Now all we need to do is take this to Fluttershy’s Birthday Party!” Helpful exclaimed in eagerness; but then was surprised to hear rumblings shift through the chamber making the statues fall off of their stands and shatter into fragments. Helpful recognized these vibrations. “Uh-oh.” Helpful said as he and Sunny spotted long black claws break through the wall above the entrance of the chamber and opened it wide to reveal the terrifying Ursa Major. It must have heard the sapphire hit the floor and awakened. No doubt back for revenge from their last encounter. It raised its huge starred claw and batted the blue jewel before them; which rolled away at a very destructive speed under then Ursa and through the rest of the cavern. Sunny climbed onto Helpful’s back and kicked him. “Hi, ho, Helpful!” Sunny shouted. “Away!” Helpful reared unintentionally and dashed under the Ursa Major before it could slice them into pieces. He caught up to the sapphire and made sure it wouldn’t roll away from where it needed to go.
The Ursa Major; after realizing what happened, stampeded after them with blistering fury, and grabbed Helpful and Sunny and then stopped its mad dash; leaving the sapphire rolling free, and held the baby dragon and Pegasus up to its face. It growled at them; making them very scared. Helpful could swear the Ursa could have swallowed them, but then Sunny breathed in several times deeply and fast and then she sneezed fire into the Ursa’s eyes. The monster immediatly released its grasp on them and roared in unbearable agony. Helpful landed on the ground safely and caught Sunny on his back. The dragon didn’t care if the Ursa was in pain; she just wanted to get out of its Lair now, but then, before Sunny could kick Helpful again, the whole cave started to rumble and stalactites fall from the ceiling. Helpful didn’t need that kick from Sunny to make him dash as fast as possible.
He dashed in seconds before the Ursa Major stopped its uproar and chased half-blinded after Helpful and Sunny even more infuriated. “Helpful, what should we do?” Sunny shouted over the cave tremors. Helpful scanned around him and notices that the entire cave was collapsing above and they were running out of time quickly. “We get out!” Helpful shouted while dodging a stalactite, and then Sunny noticed a light coming from the outside.
“Helpful, do you see that?” Sunny asked him.
“I see it alright!” Helpful answered, but then he was shocked to hear the Ursa Major roar in agony again and look behind to find it being buried in rubble from the cave collapsing. It wouldn’t bother them or anypony again. The tan Pegasus ran out the cave after the renegade jewel, and they chased it through Everfree forest and out straight toward Ponyville. They tried to catch up to the gemstone, but it kept gaining speed; as if it had a mind of its own. “That rock is heading straight toward Ponyville,” Helpful explained obviously. “Who knows what it could do once it hits there.”
“Especially if it breaks.” Sunny added thoughtfully. “Wouldn’t Fluttershy be so…disappointed?” Something snapped in Helpful once he heard that; and his expression turned to thought.
“Fluttershy…disappointed?” Helpful thought then he felt something unusual. It felt more like a burning fire in him, no, an inferno; anger. The type of anger that would be used for the correct purpose and not destruction. “Never!” Helpful growled as he spread his wings out wide, making Sunny curious and surprised, then they flew up faster than the runaway sapphire to the edge of Ponyville. Helpful lands before a bridge and raised a hoof of defiance toward the blue celestial boulder. “Stop!” Helpful shouted at the top of his lungs, but, instead of the sapphire stopping at Helpful’s outstretched hoof, it rolls Sunny and him over into paper, rolls off the bridge like a ramp, and breaks into tiny pieces. Helpful and Sunny dashed to the crash site and then the Tan Pegasus began to panic. “Oh-no!” Helpful complained in sorrow. “This was supposed to be Fluttershy’s perfect present, but now look at it; broken into unappreciative pieces. Now how am I gonna get the perfect present for Fluttershy?”
“Gift exchange?” Sunny shrugged. Helpful sighed sadly.
“It’s no use.” Helpful moped. “Probably be best if I didn’t go.”
“Now, Helpful, I’m surprised at you!” Sunny scolded crossly. “You went smack dab into Timberwolf territory and almost got us out of that collapsing Ursa’s Lair to get that present for Fluttershy! Now you have the present right here, but you’re saying ‘you shouldn’t go’!’” Sunny continued. “Nuh-uh! That is not what I expected from you Helpful! You’re gonna take that present and give it to Fluttershy!”
“But it’s broken.” Helpful sniffed.
“Who cares if it’s broken? It’s the thought that counts.” Helpful felt better than before and hugged Sunny; who seemed surprised. “Thanks.”
“Uh, don’t mention it,” Sunny laughed uncomfortably then she turned stern. “Ever.” Helpful let go of his hug and Sunny gave him a box. “Here use this.” Helpful accepted the box and filled it with the sapphire shards.
“Thanks, Sunny.” Helpful balanced the box on his back. “Come on. We’re late for the party.” Sunny climbed onto his back and patted him in sympathy.
“Good to see you’ve smartened up. Now let’s go.” Helpful and Sunny left the area; unaware of the puddle that was left behind by the sapphire crash. Soon, they make it to Fluttershy’s quiet cottage. The area was filled with animals everywhere and had a small river flowing under a natural bridge. Birds of all common kinds flew above head into trees or birdhouses. Around back was a shed, a small chicken coop, and many other homes for animals. Helpful walked to the front door of the cottage. He swore he could hear laughter inside. “I hope I followed the directions right.” Helpful told himself.
“Don’t worry, Helpful.” Sunny assured. “You did.” Sunny knocks on the door, and then Pinkie Pie opened the door immediatly; looking excited.
“Oh, hi, Helpful!” Pinkie shouted and then noticed Sunny. “You’ve brought a friend.” Pinkie pulled them both inside the cottage and closed the door behind them, and then she shook Sunny’s hand excitedly. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie and you are?” Pinkie greeted Sunny.
“I-I’m Sunny.” Sunny answered her shaken by Pinkie’s rough hoofshack; she let go of Sunny and walked away.
“Hope you enjoy the party!” Pinkie left them to the rest of the party. Helpful could see the cottage was filled with steamers and party décor like he saw at his mansion, but he mostly saw many other animals, toys, and homes. He also noticed the rest of his best friends: Twilight and Rarity at the punch bowl, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy eating cake, and Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Spike dancing to the music. Sunny begins to grow curious. “Say, Helpful, who’s Fluttershy?” Sunny asked, and then pointed to Twilight. “Is she Fluttershy?” But then she pointed toward Rarity. “No, her! She’s got to be her! I like her.” But then Helpful pulled her arm down.
“Sunny, she’s not her.” Helpful explained.
“Then which one is it.” Sunny said irritated. “I would like to know.”
“Well, it’s…” Helpful pointed to Fluttershy. “Her.” Sunny noticed Helpful’s expression of what seemed to be like he is watching the most beautiful thing he has ever seen and giggled impishly.
“Well, what are you waiting for? An engraved and neatly polished invitation?” Sunny pushed Helpful toward Fluttershy. “Go talk to her.”
“Talk to her?” Helpful repeated hesitantly. “But what do I say?”
“Just compliment her on how she looks today and start off from there.” Sunny answered.
“But what if I mess it up?”
“You won’t. Trust me. It’s fool-proof.” Sunny assured.
“Well, okay.” Helpful took a step toward Fluttershy, but he then pivoted the other way. “Maybe there’s some punch left.” But then Sunny pulled down his ear hard and painfully. “Owowowowow!” Helpful exclaimed in pain.
“Now, listen, and you better listen good.” Sunny whispered crossly. “You’re gonna go over there to Fluttershy and talk to the little lady, ya hear me?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I hear ya.” Helpful grunted painfully, and then the dragon let go of Helpful’s ear; snapping it back in place.
“Good, and to make sure you don’t mess it up, I’ll go with you.” Sunny told him gladly, but then Pinkie stepped into the center of the room.
“Oh, I almost forgot to announce this!” Pinkie gasped. “Hey, everypony! Helpful’s here!” Then everypony surrounded Helpful and Sunny in a concurrent chatter.
“Welcome back, Helpful.” Twilight greeted warmly. “What took you so long?” Before Helpful could answer, Sunny did it for him.
“Bad traffic.” Sunny answered; making Rainbow Dash look at her curious.
“And you are?” Rainbow asked.
“The name’s Sunny.”
“And where ya from, Sunny?” Applejack added.
“I’m not actually from anywhere, you see, I’m a wanderer.”
“A wanderer?” Spike asked Sunny curious.
“Somepony who doesn’t have a home and lives by walking from town to town alone.”
“So did you bring the present for Fluttershy, Helpful?” Pinkie asked excited.
“Oh, yeah!” Helpful remembered. “Happy Birthday, Fluttershy.” Sunny walks up Fluttershy with the box in her hands, but then was surprised to be excitedly hugged by her tightly; almost making it hard for her to breathe.
“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Helpful!” Fluttershy exclaimed excitedly. “I always wanted a talking baby dragon to take care of!” Sunny tries to pull herself out.
“I’m sorry, Miss…, but I’m not the present.” Sunny tried to gasp for air, but Fluttershy hugs her tighter.
“But of course you are! Why else would Helpful bring a talking baby dragon?”
“Maybe the same reason he’s here.” Sunny answered almost wheezing in mid-speech, and then Fluttershy’s expression turned to realization of Sunny not being her present.
“Oh.” Fluttershy let go of Sunny; who gasped for air, and looked around confused. “Then where’s the real present?” Sunny gave her the box of gem shards, and she accepted it and opens the present, and then she gasped surprised. “Helpful, this is the absolute-.”
“I know.” Helpful replied sadly. “Worst present ever.” Fluttershy looked at him with a great smile.
“No, no, Helpful. It’s much more than that.” Fluttershy then pulled out a sapphire shard roughly shaped like a heart with wings. “It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received from anypony.” Everypony, except for Helpful and Sunny; who seemed surprised, gasped amazed at the sight of the beautiful gem shard.
“You simply must come to my birthday party next time, Helpful!” Rarity shouted amazed and excited. Fluttershy walks up to Helpful with the sapphire shard in her hoof.
“Helpful.” Fluttershy began. “ I-I don’t know how to thank you.” Helpful smiled at her.
“Just say it.” Helpful answered for her.
“Okay, um.” Fluttershy took a minute to think, but then she gave Helpful an unexpected hug of gratitude. Everypony looked surprised as Fluttershy gave her hug, including Helpful. Sunny’s jaw dropped with a clang surprised as well. “Thank you.” Fluttershy whispered into Helpful’s ear.
“D-Don’t mention it.” Helpful stuttered mostly because of being surprised. This is the first hug he ever received from Fluttershy and he would never forget this moment; even if he lost his memory again that’s for sure, and then Fluttershy let go of her hug onto Helpful and they both laugh uncomfortably and blush. “So, if you two ‘Lovebirds’ are done, can we proceed with the party?” Sunny asked teasing them. Helpful turned his gaze to Fluttershy.
“Well, it’s your call, Fluttershy.”
“Yes.” Fluttershy answered; quite fixed into Helpful’s eyes.
“Finally! Thank you!” Dashie shouted in relief. “Now we can eat.” Pinkie pushed a large cake that said ‘Happy Birthday, Fluttershy!’ and it was a yard high and had three cakes on top of one another; making Helpful confused on why they needed so much cake.
“Here’s the cake, Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. “Okay, everypony. Ready?” Everypony takes a deep breath of air except Helpful; he did not know what everypony was doing.
“But, Pinkie, the candles aren’t lit.” Fluttershy pointed out; making Pinkie stare at the unlit candles surprised.
“By golly you’re right, Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie wondered where the matches went. Rarity began to grow curious about Helpful not bringing the Wind Emerald, but instead brought a sapphire.
“Say, Helpful?” Rarity grabbed Helpful’s attention.
“Yes, Rarity?” Helpful asked.
“What happened to the Wind Emerald you planned on giving Fluttershy?” Helpful turned nervous.
“Uh…” Then they were spooked by Sunny burping fire and lighting the candles on cake. Rarity realized that Sunny ate the Wind Emerald and glared at Helpful annoyed; making Helpful laugh uncomfortably toward Rarity.
“Now they’re lit!” Pinkie shouted excited. “Ready everypony?”
“Happy, Happy Birthday from all of us to youuuu!~” Everypony sang cheerfully. “We saw you when you were smaller and then you grew, and grew!~ Hey! Happy, Happy Birthday from all of us to youuuuu!~ We sing the rest of this verse on these old kazoos!~ ” Everypony; except Helpful and Sunny, pulls out a kazoo and plays the theme of the song for a verse. “Hey! Happy, Happy Birthday from all of us to youuuuu!~ Now we’ll give you this cake and you’ll soon know what to do!~ Happy Birthday, Fluttershy!”
“Okay, now you can blow out the candles and make a wish, Fluttershy!” Pinkie explained cheerfully. Fluttershy blew out the candles and closed her eyes, making her wish; making Helpful curious on what her wish was so he decided to ask. “What did you wish for, Fluttershy?” Helpful asked her.
“Helpful!” Pinkie shouted sternly toward him; making him uneasy. “She’s not supposed to tell you; if she did, her wish would never come true!”
“S-Sorry.” Helpful apoligized.
“It’s okay, Helpful.” Fluttershy assured comfortingly. “Besides I think I really have everything I ever wanted right here.” Fluttershy and Helpful stared into one another without blinking, but then Pinkie broke the moment.
“Okay everypony! It’s time to play Pin the Tail on the Pony!” Pinkie announced ecstatically.
“Oh! Me first!” Rarity shouted.
“I think Helpful should be first. After all, he is our new best friend.” Twilight reasoned. Rarity tried to question Twilight on her thought, but Helpful replied before she could say anything.
“Okay then!” Helpful agreed as he followed his friends outside. Spike, on the other hand, stayed inside; curious of what else was in the box Helpful gave Fluttershy. He dumped the box on the floor spilling gems to and fro and stared at the shards amazed. “Whoa!” Spike exclaimed in astonishment. “Where’d Helpful get so many sapphire shards?” Spike asked himself, but then his stomach growled and he began to droll. “And they look so tasty.”
“Spike!” Twilight’s voice shouted behind him as she pulls Spike to her by the ear using her magic; surprising him. “Spike, those are Fluttershy’s, and if you eat them you’ll be in big trouble, mister.” Then a shadow from the spilled sapphire shards escaped; undetected by Twilight or Spike and hid under a chair.
“I’m sorry, Twilight.” Spike apoligized sadly. “I guess that dragon side of me gets pretty strong sometimes.”
“You’re forgiven, Spike.” Twilight smiled assuring him. “Now come on. We’re about to play Pin the Tail on the Pony.” Twilight walked to the door and Spike ran after her.
“I’ll be right there!” Spike shouted as they closed the door. The shadow exited its hiding place and flowed out from under the cottage door and continued its venture to the puddle of water left from the sapphire crash. It entered the puddle of water, and then, after all the ponies left, an Alicorn clad in gray armor up to his wings and face raised from the puddle of water, he also had six gems embedded in his leg armor, helmet, and chest plate. Once he stood at full height the water disappeared from under him and the Alicorn looked up to the sky. “Blue sky.” The Alicorn observed raspy, and he then observed the ground below him. “Green grass. I’ve…returned, but how? Bah! It does not matter. For what does is that I’m back and I will return to rule this land, no, the world for I, Envious, Ruler of Darkness, am king!” Envious laughed darkly as he transformed into the form of a shadow and flew away in a second.


The next morning, Helpful walked out the front door and breathes in the crisp morning air and breathed it out slowly. “Heh. Seems like a great day.” Helpful told himself, but then he hears clanging from the backyard; making him curious. He walked around to the back and finds Sunny chasing crows from a barrel of apples. “Shoo! Shoo!” Sunny shouted scaring the crows off. “Shoo, you pesky crows!” As the crows fly off, Helpful walked over to Sunny curious.
“Good morning, Sunny.” Helpful greeted. “What’s up?” Sunny turns to Helpful surprised.
“Oh, good morning, Helpful!” Sunny greeted back. “I was bringing these apples from the market then those stupid crows attacked.” Sunny then walked over to the shed and opened the doors and turned her gaze back to Helpful. “Since you’re here. Why don’t you make yourself useful and take those apples and put them in here?” Helpful loaded the barrel on his back and walked into the shed.
“Sure thing, Sunny.” Helpful settled the apples inside the shed and walked out closing the doors, and then Sunny tossed him a rake; surprising him.
“Here rake the yard up while I clean the rest of the mansion.” Sunny ordered Helpful. He saluted to her and started to rake up the leaves from the many seasons of fall. As Sunny walked to the backdoor of the mansion she stopped in mid-stride and felt something in her stomach rising, and then she burped out fire and from the flames appears a letter in mid-air. It fell into her hands and she ran back to Helpful. “Helpful!” Sunny shouted, stopping in front of him; making Helpful confused.
“What is it, Sunny?” Helpful asked her.
“It’s a letter. Now, who in Equestria would send me a letter? I haven’t received a letter in years.” Sunny explained as she opens the message. “It’s from Celestia.”
“What’s it say?” Helpful urged. Sunny cleared her throat and began to read.
“’Dear, Helpful the Selfless.’” Sunny began. “’Return to Canterlot Castle immediately. This is an emergency. I have already sent a message to Twilight for her to report to the castle as well. I will be waiting for you both and your friends at Canterlot Castle.’ Helpful this sounds important.”
“You think. We gotta be there now.” Helpful agreed. “Climb on!” Sunny climbed onto Helpful’s back and they both fly away toward Canterlot Castle.

Cursed Prince

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Chapter 7

Cursed Prince

Celestia patiently sits in her throne inside the castle. She has been told of some very startling and shocking news, and has sent a letter to Helpful the Selfless and Twilight Sparkle; both her most loyal and trusted servants. The Princess smiles of relief when Helpful first entered the throne room with Sunny walking beside him. Sunny was mentioned to her by Twilight’s letters since she read this she was able to send two letters instead of one to her subjects. Helpful walks in before Celestia and kneeled to her. “Greetings, Princess Celestia.” Helpful greeted humbly. “I came as swiftly as I was able.”
“Helpful the Selfless, welcome back.” Celestia greeted back warmly.
“What seems to be the problem, Your Majesty?” Sunny asked respectfully.
“Ah. So you must be Sunny. It is a pleasure to meet you face to face.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Celestia.” Sunny agreed with the princess, and then, soon, Twilight and the rest of Helpful’s friends enter the throne room in a hurry.
“Sorry if we’re late, Celestia,” Twilight apologized.
“What seems to be the problem, Princess?” Applejack asked. Helpful notices that Fluttershy wore the sapphire shard shaped like a heart with wings as a necklace.
“Yeah, whatever it is; we can take it!” Rainbow added proudly. “Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Helpful the Selfless, and Sunny, thank you for coming here.” Celestia listed, but then her expression turned serious. “Please, follow me.” Everypony followed Celestia into a blank hallway and at the back was a dead end. Celestia stops before the wall. “We’re here.” Celestia explained. Everypony looks around confused and all they could see was the blank walls and the ceiling. Just what are they looking for? “Uh, no offense, Your Highness,” Rainbow broke the silence. “But I don’t see anything.”
“Patience, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia reasoned. “All is not what it seems.” Celestia tapped her horn on the wall and it soon separated in half; reveling an old, dusty, secret chamber on the other side. Celestia lit the torches in the chamber reveling ancient murals on the walls. One looked like two stallions beside one another the smallest had a crown over his head; on the next looked like the taller stallion was destroying a castle; another looked like six ponies surrounding the same stallion and blasting him with beams of different color, the last mural was the two stallions again, but, instead of being beside one another, they faced one another in knight’s armor and surrounding them was six ponies that looked more like Helpful’s friends. Everypony was amazed to see the hidden chamber. Nopony has ever set hoof inside here before. Celestia turns around and faces her subjects. “This chamber is kept hidden from everypony’s eyes except for Luna’s and mine,” Celestia explained to them serious then sighed sadly. “Until now. The story I’m about to tell you is secret, and it is not meant for ponies’ ears. Are you ready?” Twilight looks back to her friends; who all nod in agreement.
“We’re ready, Princess.” Twilight answered.
“Then prepare yourselves for this story isn’t going to be pleasant.” Celestia warned gravely.
Meanwhile, at the doors of Canterlot Castle, two of Celestia’s Royal Guard stood watch at the great entrance of the castle. One of the Guards notice a shadow fly from under one of the townsfolk and flew under a barrel. He grows curious. “Did you see that?” The Guard asked the other.
“See what?” The other asked.
“That… that shadow that flew from under one of citizens to that barrel.” The Guard explained. “You didn’t see that?”
“It’s probably your imagination. Don’t worry.” The other assured, but then the two Royal Guards were startled to hear the screaming of townsfolk and find a gray armored Alicorn walking toward them. Its mane was made purely out of darkness; always dissipating into the air. The Guards quickly find the courage to charge at the intruder at full speed, but instead were repelled away by some unseen force and crashed through the doors; allowing the Alicorn to enter the gate. The Alicorn stares up toward the castle, but then he spots one of the Royal Guard running to the bell on the wall. Once he saw this he summons a great snake between the Guard and the alarm; scaring him away, and then he turns his attention to the front door of the castle and found it was covered by twenty of Celestia’s Royal Guard and around him at the top of the castle walls were giant crossbows aimed at him; loaded and ready to fire. A Royal Guard cladded in purple armor stood at the front of the group guarding the front castle door. No doubt he was the captain. “Surrender now and we’ll let you live.” The Captain warned the Alicorn.
“How very bold of the Royal Guard to stand against me even though they’re nothing compared to Darkness.” The dark Alicorn laughed darkly at the Royal Guard. “They won’t be able to protect their precious castle from me.” The Royal Guards started become obviously nervous, but the Captain kept his stallions together.
“Steady, stallions.” The Captain ordered calmly, and then turned his gaze to Envious. “Who are you?”
“Have you forgotten who tried to take the throne over his brother?” The armored Alicorn asked harshly. “Have you not heard of the story of the Cursed Prince?”
“Cursed Prince?” The Captain asked him curious. “What are you talking about?”
“You’ll know soon enough.” The gem on the Alicorn’s helmet shines dull red and then a portal appeared above the Royal Guards and extending from the portal was a shadow claw that was huge enough to grab them all and pull them inside the portal. They all screamed and exclaimed in terror then the commotion ceased. The portal still continued to stay open. One of the Royal Guard, second in command, gave the order to fire the giant crossbows. They fired, but the spears were instead sucked into the portal, and then several shadow claws stretched out from the portal and grabbed all the Guards and pulled them inside. The Alicorn closed the portal. “Don’t worry. You won’t be imprisoned for long.” The Alicorn laughed mockingly. “You’ll be of great use to me soon.”
Meanwhile, inside the hidden chamber, Celestia finishes the ancient tale. “And Prince Joyful will rule the land in peace just as it was intended to be.” Celestia finished.
“That’s some story.” Sunny commented thoughtfully.
“Yes, it is.” Celestia agreed with the small dragon. “The reason I tell you this is because I have reason that Envious has returned.” Everypony exchanges looks of confusion to one another.
“But that can’t be possible.” Twilight protested. “Envious was sealed away three thousand years ago.”
“Yes, but Luna has mysteriously disappeared along with the moon.” Celestia explained. Everypony gasps of shock.
“But how can somepony take away the whole moon?” Applejack asked confused. “That’s just not possible either.”
“True. It would take a great amount of power to make something such as the moon disappear.” Celestia continued. “This pony couldn’t take away the moon by using unicorn magic alone. He or she would use something sacred and ancient… like the Elements of Chaos: Cruelty, Cowardice, Deceit, Gree…,”
“Greediness, Anger, and the most powerful: Dark Magic.” A shadowed voice echoed through the hall scaring Fluttershy; who jumped behind Helpful for cover. “All tools of my trade and weapons for battle.” Everypony searched for where the voice came from, but the source was nowhere in sight. “Ah, Celestia is it? It is a pleasure to meet you finally, dear little sister.” The group turns their attention to Celestia confused, but she doesn’t seem to be affected; just cross.
“What do you want, Envious?” Celestia growled. “Show yourself!”
“I find your shouting and anger most amusing, young sister.” Envious’ voice laughed. “But if you insist.” Shadows flew from the cracks in-between the bricks of the hallway and they come together forming the dark form of Envious. Everypony gasps of shock, but Helpful. Instead of fear, he felt something burning in him, but slower than last time. It kept him from fearing Envious that’s for sure. “I have captured your Royal ‘Pests’ and your castle is unprotected. Surrender your land to me and I’ll let you live. You have my promise.” Envious ordered. Rainbow Dash couldn’t stand for this; she flies up in the air.
“Nopony tells the princess what to do!” Rainbow shouted and charged at him full speed, but then stopped to see an Ursa Major somehow appear and roar at her. She screams in fear and lands on the ground trying to hide herself from the Ursa. The rest watched confused and shocked to see Dashie hide from nothing at all. Envious laughs amused at Dash’s show. “Loyalty is easily crushed into pieces by Cowardice. If you were truly the Spirit of Loyalty, you would be able to fight off an Ursa Major without hesitation.” Envious repelled Dashie away into Rarity using his magic.
“Dash!” Twilight shouted shocked.
“My patience is growing thin. Surrender now or pay the consequences!” Helpful’s anger burned more than ever! It could explode at any minute.
“Like we’re going to listen to you!” Helpful shouted in blistering fury; surprising his friends and Celestia.
“You tell him, Helpful! Woo, woo!” Sunny shouted proudly.
“Ah, so your name is Helpful now is it?” Envious asked calmly. “A shame you can’t remember anything, can you?” Everypony turns their attention to Helpful confused.
“How do you?” Helpful asked confused.
“I know much about you, but what does it matter? I am here to take what’s rightfully mine: this land and its inhabitants!” That did it! Helpful’s anger was over its natural limit. Without realizing, the black tips on his wings glows bright yellow light; illuminating the hallway greatly; surprising and amazing his friends even more.
“Never!” Helpful roared in an incredible fiery force. He bolted straight toward Envious; wings outstretched and leaving streaks of light behind him. Envious waited for Helpful to get closer and once he got in front of Envious; he was slashed by his bladed wing; wounding him greatly. “Helpful!” Fluttershy screamed in overwhelming shock. Helpful grunts in pain as he fell on the ground as Envious laughs darker than before.
“You have seven days to surrender your kingdom to me or perish.” Envious flew off from everypony in the form of a shadow in a second. Helpful’s friends run to him on the floor concerned. Fluttershy held up Helpful’s head gently. “Helpful, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked the most concerned. “Please be okay.” Helpful opens his eyes slowly and coughs.
“Fluttershy, is that your voice I hear?” Helpful asked breathing hard.
“Yes. You’re okay, right?”
“I don’t know.” Helpful coughed. “I’m so cold.” He could see a tear form in Fluttershy’s eyes. Celestia turns to Spike and Sunny.
“Spike, Sunny, get the nurse.” Celestia ordered. “We need help to carry Helpful into the nearest bedroom.” The two dragons salute to Celestia.
“Yes, mam!” Spike and Sunny replied and they run out of the Hall to get help. Twilight turns to Celestia worried.
“Celestia, is he going to be alright?” Twilight asked.
“I can’t say to be sure, Twilight. Helpful’s wound is great.” Celestia explained sadly. Helpful looks around confused.
“Where’s Sunny?” Helpful asked.
“She left with Spike to get the nurse.” Applejack assured him. “You’re going to be alright, Helpful.”
“I’m so sorry.” Helpful apologized sadly. “That was foolish of me, wasn’t it?”
“Now, don’t say that, Helpful.” Rarity ordered him “Yeah, Helpful, it was the bravest thing anypony has ever done.” Rainbow added. Spike runs back to Celestia out of breath.
“The nurse is coming.” Spike announced. Twilight turns back to Helpful with a comforting expression.
“Hear that, Helpful?” Twilight asked. “You’re gonna be okay.” Helpful’s eyes began to grow heavy and he couldn’t keep them open for much longer. The unconsciousness was catching up to him.
“That’s… great.” Helpful whispered as his eyes closed to slumber.


Later, in the decorated halls of Canterlot Castle, Twilight, Spike, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Sunny, and Princess Celestia wait patiently for the nurse inside Helpful’s room to come out. Fluttershy was very sad about what happened to Helpful. She hopes that he would stay alive for her. With him gone, her life would mean nothing to her, and her animals she took care of so thoroughly of would not mean anything either. Everything would be dust to her and nothing could cheer her up again like Helpful could. Then the white unicorn nurse walks out and was startled by everypony’s, except for Celestia and Sunny, concurrent questions about Helpful’s condition. There were too many for her to answer in time. Sunny then steps in-between them stern. “Quiet!” Sunny silenced them. They ceased their random questions. “Can’t you wait for her to speak? Sheesh.” Sunny turns to the nurse calmly. “How is he, Miss?”
“Not well I’m afraid.” The nurse sighed sadly. “His wounds are far too great to heal with magic. I’m afraid he won’t be able to survive the night.” Fluttershy’s eyes fill up with tears and her lip quivers. She looks at Applejack for comfort. Applejack notices this and puts an arm over her shoulders out of sympathy, but then was surprised to find Pinkie Pie bumping into her under her other arm with a very sad expression also.
“Isn’t there anything else you can do?” Applejack asked the nurse. “I mean there must be something.”
“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing we can do.” The nurse apologized. The others exchange sad expressions to one another. Then Twilight turns her attention back to the nurse.
“Can we see Helpful?” Twilight asked the nurse.
“Be my guest.” The nurse steps to the side to let them inside.
“Thank you.” Twilight thanked her as they entered the bedroom. Inside they find Helpful lying in a large bed with a white bandage wrapped around his waist. He smiles at them delighted. “Hey, guys.” Helpful coughed. “It’s good to see you one last time.”
“Don’t say that, Helpful!” Twilight pleaded as they gathered around him. “You’re strong and you’ll pull through this.”
“You and I both know that isn’t possible.”
“Come on, Helpful.” Dash also pleaded. “You still have some things to live for. You still have to remember your past and find your Cutie Mark.”
“Even though I don’t remember my past we must keep in mind that life isn’t always fair and we all have to go at some time.” Helpful reasoned. “Mine is coming soon. Even though I go, please, find Prince Joyful, the Elements of Harmony, and defeat Envious.”
“But Envious took and probably hid the Elements.” Applejack explained. “We checked and they were gone. They could be anywhere by now.”
“True.” Helpful coughs again. “But you got to believe that you’ll find them, because I do.”
“We’ll try our best, Helpful.” Twilight promised. Helpful turns his attention to Fluttershy and remembers all the time he had with her in Everfree Forest, the Ursa’s Lair, Ponyville, his housewarming party, and her birthday party. He remembers the first time she hugged him. It pained Helpful to know that he might never see her again and she might never see him again. He had to take this moment and confess. “Fluttershy, I’ve always wanted to tell you this ever since we first met.” Helpful coughed.
“Yes? What is it?” Fluttershy asked curious. Helpful felt a strange feeling sweep over him; he then realizes that it is time. “I l-love…” Helpful’s eyes roll back, close, and his head falls to the side lamely; it was clear to his friends that he has passed on. Fluttershy’s eyes flood in tears that fall from her cheeks.
“No!” Fluttershy cried. “No, Helpful, don’t go! Noooooooo!” Fluttershy weeps on Helpful’s dead body as Applejack’s eyes also fill up, but she takes off her hat, holds it across her chest, and bows her head sadly. Sunny tries to comfort Rarity; who cries on the ground. Pinkie Pie also cries for Helpful while Rainbow Dash pats her back comfortingly; her eyes also fill up in tears. Spike hugs Twilight’s arm and sobs; Twilight too begins to tear up. Celestia closes her eyes, bows her head, and sighs sadly.
Meanwhile, at the top of the Forevergreen Mountain, Envious watches the ponies weep over Helpful’s dead caucus through a portal he made with his Dark Magic. He laughs softly. “Excellent.” Envious gloated. “That was easier than I thought. Now the world will be mine much faster than I planned.” Envious laughed in triumph, but then it was cut short by a familiar old voice from behind.
“Gloat while you can, Envious.” The voice said. Envious turns around to see the familiar face of his once old friend Magi.
“You’re still alive you old stallion?” Envious laughs. “Your Prince Joyful will never return.”
“You’re wrong, Envious.” Magi protested. “You’ve returned and I know for a fact that he’ll return again.”
“We’ll see about that.” Envious used his Element of Cowardice and summoned a dragon in front of Magi; who seems unaffected by the terrifying sight of the monstrosity, and it blows fire upon him. It seemed to burn him, but once the fire stops Magi stands unaffected by the flames. Envious gasps surprised.
“You have seemed to forgotten that I am still immortal because of the potion I have created three thousand seven hundred fifty eight years ago.” Magi explained. “You can’t harm me.”
“Maybe so,” Envious made the dragon disappear and then he uses his Dark Magic to open a portal above Magi. “But I can take you away as one of my minions!” A shadow claw came out and went for Magi, but Magi created a bubble around him, destroying the shadow claw, and he closes the portal with his magic. Envious is surprised and angry toward Magi. “Your magic skills have improved, Magi.”
“You forget, Envious, I am the first Spirit of Magic. Of course my skills would improve and they are far more powerful than yours as always.” Magi mocked. “Now, where are the Elements of Harmony?”
“I’ve spread them toward the six corners of the world.” Envious laughed. “They’ll never find them and my so-called brother before I destroy their land.” Envious disappeared into a shadow and flew away from Magi in seconds. Magi pondered on Envious’ words. “The six corners of the world.” Magi thought carefully. “I don’t have a spell to bring them all to me from that long of a distance. I’ll have to make a link from them to their hosts in order for it to be faster, but it’ll take a lot of magic and energy to perform such a spell.” Magi then disappeared using his magic.
Meanwhile, in Helpful’s mind, Helpful finds himself lost in a huge endless area made of various colors. He looks around confused. “Did I pass away?” Helpful asked himself as his voice echoed seemingly endlessly, and then Helpful was startled silly by another voice in the area.
“I’m afraid you did.” The voice echoed. Then an old gray stallion in a long robe; its hood covered his face, appears before Helpful.
“Who are you?” Helpful asked curious.
“That is not important.” The old stallion reasoned. “I have come to tell you that Envious has scattered the Elements of Harmony to the six corners of the world. You must reclaim them.”
“But how can I? Envious said we have one week to surrender or perish.” Helpful protested. The unicorn takes a minute to think.
“True, but my magic is far greater than his. I have casted a spell on them so when one of your friends prove their full potential the element will return to them.” The unicorn explained. “You will find me at the top of Mount Joysong. There I will tell you where to find Prince Joyful.”
“But why are you telling me this?” Helpful asked confused. “I’m not part of this world we speak of any longer.”
“Indeed, but your destiny doesn’t end here. Wait and you’ll see.” The stallion explained as he disappeared using his magic.
“Wait? Wait for what? Come back!” Silence was the only answer Helpful received which gave him the time to think. “Hm, ‘your destiny doesn’t end here’.” Helpful repeated thoughtfully. “Then where does it?”
Meanwhile, in Helpful’s bedroom in Canterlot Castle, Rarity sobs loudly as Applejack escorts her out of the room slowly. After they left, Twilight, Sunny, and Fluttershy were the last inside beside Helpful’s dead body. Each of them had expressions of sorrow, and then Twilight sadly turns to leave. “Come on.” Twilight ordered trying to keep herself calm. “We have to find the Elements of Harmony and Prince Joyful. For it was Helpful’s dying wish.” Sunny follows Twilight to the door.
“I’ll be headin’ home.” Sunny explained. “There’s a lot of cleaning there to do and I know for a fact that he would do the same for me if I owned that mansion and let him in.” Twilight and Sunny stop at the door and turn back to Fluttershy. She kept staring at Helpful with the most deeply sorrowful eyes.
“Fluttershy, aren’t you coming?” Fluttershy didn’t respond she just stares at Helpful unmoving. Twilight and Sunny exchange confused looks to one another, and then they turn back to Fluttershy.
“We understand, Fluttershy. We’ll be in the hallway waiting.” Sunny assured and Twilight and her left the room and closed the door. Fluttershy didn’t know what to think, but to know that her life was over. Everything proved meaningless without Helpful now. However, inside she felt that he was still there just faintly though and maybe she could help him back out by pleading, but she doubted such things would be possible, but it’s worth a try. “H-Helpful.” Fluttershy whispered softly. “If you can hear me please listen; I-I miss you already.” A tear formed in her eye and started its path down her cheek. “I miss your happy voice, your caring smile, and the way you care for others without thinking about yourself. Come back please.” The tear fell from Fluttershy’s chin and landed on the winged heart shaped sapphire necklace; it shines brightly, but Fluttershy couldn’t notice because of her sorrow. “I don’t know how I’d live without you. What I’m trying so hard to say is: I…I love you.” Then, as if activated by Fluttershy’s words, the sapphire necklace crackles with turquois energy and makes a clap of electricity startling Fluttershy, and then blue lightning lashes out from the gemstone and strikes Helpful’s inanimate body and lifts him off the bed. Blue electricity dances across the tan Pegasus’ body, and then Fluttershy could barely see Helpful’s eyes open in a second when a bright blue light enveloped the room; blinding Fluttershy.
When it ceased Fluttershy found Helpful on his bed again as if what Fluttershy experienced didn’t happen, but then Helpful coughs and moans. He was alive! Fluttershy gasped of surprised excitement and started to Helpful, but then stops to see her sapphire necklace shrivel to dust. Helpful groans as he sits up on the bed. He looks around the room sleepily and yawns. “What happened?” Helpful asked himself tired. Fluttershy squealed and tackled Helpful; who seems thoroughly confused, excitedly off his bed and pinned him unto the floor. Fluttershy smiles at Helpful like she just saw the cutest animal she has ever seen. “Oh, Helpful!” Fluttershy shouted joyfully. “You’re alive!” She hugs Helpful; who looks surprised and confused, making rubber duck squeaking noise. “I thought I…I mean, we lost you.” Helpful gives Fluttershy a comforting smile.
“Lost me?” Helpful chuckled. “Fluttershy, you’ll never lose me.” Fluttershy lets go of Helpful and looks at him confused.
“What do you mean, Helpful?” Fluttershy asked him with her big emerald eyes staring into his.
“You’ll never lose me because I’ll always be in your-.”
“Heart.” Fluttershy finished for him.
“Exactly, I’m in your heart.” Helpful explained.
“Oh, Helpful.” Fluttershy blushed then she leaned closer to Helpful with her lips puckered to kiss him. Helpful did the same thing, but then they both stopped surprised to hear Twilight enter the room.
“Fluttershy, I’m sorry, but we can’t stay here any longer. We…” Twilight’s jaw drops when she notices Fluttershy and Helpful; who stare at her with surprised wide-eyes, and stares at them surprised as well. “Helpful, you’re alive, and…what are you two…doing?”
“Nothing!” Fluttershy and Helpful immediately shouted embarrassed simultaneously with nervous smiles. Twilight’s expression turns to confusion.
“Ooookay?” Twilight replied confused. Fluttershy steps off of Helpful and helps him up, and then they smile blushing at Twilight. Then Pinkie Pie enters the room curious of why her friends were taking so long.
“Twilight, Fluttershy, what’s taking you so…” Pinkie notices Helpful, alive and well, standing beside Fluttershy and gasps dramatically and dashes right up to him with a huge smile of excitement. “Helpful! You’re alive!” Pinkie then dashed back to the door. “Hey, everypony, Helpful’s alive!” Then Pinkie dodges the rest of her friends before they trampled her by accident. They all looked relieved and excited to see Helpful again as they gathered around him. Pinkie jumps onto Helpful giving him a big hug. “Helpful! I’m so glad that you’re back! It was pretty sad when you left, but, now that you’re back, I feel like running all over Equestria and spreading joy twice as much as I do every day!” Pinkie shouted joyfully.
“Maybe some other time, Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash reasoned rolling her eyes.
“Dash, is right.” Applejack agreed. “We don’t have much time.”
“Say, Helpful, how did you come back?” Spike asked Helpful curiously. Helpful takes the time to think for a minute. He didn’t know how he got back just that he did.
“I don’t know, Spike.” Helpful answered thoughtfully.
“Perhaps I can explain.” Celestia pointed to the pile of dust beside Helpful’s bed that once was the necklace Fluttershy wore. “Fluttershy, can you tell us what happened here?” Fluttershy remembers what that crazy gemstone did before and explained to her friends what happened. “I see.” Celestia replied. “The sapphire you wore wasn’t any ordinary sapphire. In fact, it was a Water Sapphire.”
“A Water Sapphire?” Twilight asked curious. “I’ve never heard of that.”
“Just what in Equestria is a Water Sapphire, Princess?” Applejack asked just as curious as Twilight.
“The gem has mysterious powers, and is only formed by incredibly powerful magic.” Celestia explained further. “The unique ability of a Water Sapphire is unknown, but many claim that it can revive the users one true love from death.” Then everypony turns their attention to Helpful; who seems uncomfortable, and smile.
“W-What?” Helpful asked them uneasily, and then Pinkie Pie pushes Fluttershy; who smiles uncomfortably and blushes, closer to him. Dashie began to grow impatient.
“Come on, guys! We can’t just sit around here playing match maker all day!” Rainbow complained. “Envious is gonna flatten the place if we don’t get a move on!”
“But where do we start?” Rarity wondered. “The Elements of Harmony could be anywhere and we have no clues.” Helpful then remembers the gray stallion wearing a robe explaining to him how to find the Elements and smiles.
“Actually, I know how to find them.” Helpful explained. “An old unicorn came to me in some weird room before I was revived and told me that the Elements were scattered across the world, but he casted a spell that when one of you proves your full potential your Element would return to you.”
“That’s great!” Twilight exclaimed in relief. “But what about Prince Joyful?”
“Yeah, how do we find him?” Pinkie added curious.
“He also explained to go to Mount Joysong.” Helpful continued. “There he would tell us where to find him.”
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Dash replied. “It’s off to Mount Joysong!”
“Right!” Everypony, except Celestia, shouted in agreement and the all walk out of the room, but Celestia stops Helpful.
“Helpful.” Celestia grabbed Helpful’s attention.
“Yes, Your Highness?” Helpful answered curious. Celestia gives Helpful an old map using her magic.
“I want you to have this.” Helpful takes the map.
“What is this?” Helpful asked.
“That is a map that can show the world outside of Equestria.” Celestia explained. “I’m quite sure that will aid your quest greatly.”
“Thanks, Celestia.” Helpful puts the map under his wing and turns to leave. “We’ll be back with Prince Joyful and the Elements of Harmony in no time”
“Oh, Helpful, wait.” Celestia stopped him again.
“What is it?”
“Good luck.” Helpful smiles comfortingly back to Celestia.
“Thank you.” Helpful closes the door, and then Celestia walks out on the balcony and watches as Helpful flies up to Fluttershy and Rainbow; who wait for him, with Sunny on his back. Celestia began to wonder about who Helpful could actually be. “Could Helpful really be…Prince Joyful?” Celestia thought out loud. “I doubt that, but…something about him makes me wonder.” She watches Helpful, Fluttershy, and Dash fly away back to Ponyville.

Equestria's Edge

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Chapter 8

Equestria’s Edge

The sun above heats the land below as Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy; each wearing a saddlebag, wait patiently at the edge of Everfree Forest for Helpful; who was running late. Twilight begins to grow impatient. She paces over and over again; trying to pass the time, but it wasn’t enough. “Come on, Helpful!” Twilight growled aggravated. “I tell everypony to meet up at the entrance of Everfree Forest and you’re thirty minutes late. What’s taking you so long?” Fluttershy notices her friend’s aggravation.
“Now, Twilight, don’t be that.” Fluttershy reasoned comfortingly. “I mean, you gotta give him some credit. At least he got us all this far.” Twilight then realized she was getting wound up for nothing and sighed calming herself.
“You’re right, Fluttershy. I should be more patient.” Twilight agreed with her shy friend. Then Rainbow Dash walks up beside Twilight curious.
“Hey, Twilight. Why are you bringing Spike with us?” Rainbow asked.
“Because I don‘t k now how long we’ll be gone and I don’t want to leave him lonely.” Twilight explained. Spike crosses his arms and sighs unhappy about Twilight bringing him along.
“I told you before, Twilight, I’m not gonna be lonely.” Spike argued.
“I know, Spike, but I don’t know what Envious can do while we’re gone.” Twilight explained. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“But I won’t get hurt.” Spike protested. “I can take care of myself. Stop worrying about me so much.”
“Okay, okay, fine. You can stay here where Envious could surely find you and take you away in an instant.”
“Yeah, and it’ll be so fast you wouldn’t be able to scream.” Dashie added trying to spook Spike; who seems to rethink about his decision.
“On second thought, I always wanted to see what the outer stretches of Equestria looked like.” Spike replied trying to not look nervous in front of the others. Twilight rolls her eyes, and then Pinkie Pie spots something in the distance and jumps on top of Rarity; who exclaims in surprise, and puts a hoof over her eyes to see it better.
“You could at least use a rock, or a tree, or anything…just not me!” Rarity complained annoyed. Pinkie could almost see the thing better now. It was Helpful and Sunny finally coming.
“Here he comes!” Pinkie shouted excited. Helpful soon made it to his friends wearing his yellow pack that Applejack gave him. Helpful stops in front of Twilight. “I’m so sorry I’m late.”
“It’s okay, Helpful.” Twilight assured. “We all get late once in a while.” Sunny climbs off of Helpful’s back and pulls out a list.
“So you have everything you need?” Sunny asked curious. “Your pillow, blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, floo...”
“Yes, Sunny.” Helpful interrupted annoyed. “I got everything. I told you that a thousand times back at the mansion.” Dashie begins to giggle, but then Applejack nudged her to be quiet.
“But do you have everything?” Sunny digressed. “It’s a long trip and I just want to make sure.”
“Sunny, you can trust me.” Helpful sighed. “I got all that we need.”
“Okay, fine, but if you forget something it’s on you.” Sunny stuffs the list into Helpful saddle bag as Helpful rolls his eyes, and then he turns back to Twilight.
“So we ready?” Helpful asked Twilight.
“Yes, just one more thing to do.” Twilight answered as she pulled out a map using her magic and reads it, but she didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. “Hmmm. This is weird. Mount Joysong doesn’t seem to be on this map at all.” Twilight explained confused. “I don’t get it. This is the most precise map to Equestria. Something’s wrong.” Helpful then remembers the map Celestia gave him back at Canterlot Castle. He pulls it out and gives it to Twilight.
“Maybe it’s on this one.” Helpful grabbed Twilight’s attention; who folds her map into her bag and takes the map Helpful offered. She reads the map thoroughly holding it up with her magic.
“Ah, here’s Mount Joysong.” Twilight pointed on the map, but then her expression turns to astonishment. “Wow. It’s awfully far.”
“How far are we talking about here, Twilight?” Applejack asked curious.
“Like out of Equestria, across the sea, and to the island far.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Dashie intervened confused. “An Island?”
“Yes, Mount Joysong is in an island at the center of the sea.”
“Wow!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in astonishment. “That sounds far.” Then Rarity knocks Pinkie off her back to the ground. The silly filly stands back up without a scratch and smiles.
“Not to mention the danger we’ll be facing.” Dashie added. “No one has ever stepped out of Equestria and returned.” Rainbow tries to scare her friends. Fluttershy squeaks fearfully and pulls Helpful; who looks surprised, closer to her for a comforting hug. Applejack then remembers about Zecora and looks at Dash suspicious. “Say, if nopony stepped out of Equestria and returned, what about Zecora?” Applejack asked suspicious. Rainbow quickly starts thinking of an excuse.
“Oh, uh, that’s because… um, well.” Dashie stumbled for an answer. “Because she only came from outside of Equestria and that doesn’t count.” Dash smiles hoping that her friends would buy it. Applejack just rolls her eyes.
“So how are we gonna cross the ocean?” Applejack asked returning to the original subject.
“We’ll make a boat?” Rarity asked thoughtfully.
“Maybe we’ll find a town near the beach.” Helpful thought out loud.
“Right, I doubt that, Helpful.” Rainbow protested.
“We’ll just have to figure that out once we get there.” Applejack concluded the discussion.
“Well, we’ll need to save the chit-chat later.” Sunny replied. “We’re wasting time. Let’s go!” Sunny climbs onto Helpful’s back.
“Right!” Everypony shouted in agreement as they walked toward Everfree Forest. Fluttershy grows nervous and stops. The rest notice this and stop as well.
“What is it, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her friend concerned.
“D-Don’t tell m-me that we’re g-going in there.” Fluttershy stammered nervously.
“We don’t have a choice, Fluttershy. It’s the shortest route we have to take.” Twilight reasoned. “Any longer and Envious will destroy Equestria and who knows what he’ll do next.”
“Yeah, Fluttershy.” Rainbow added. “Ya just have to toughen up.”
“And you’ve been in there before several times.” Applejack also added comfortingly. “So you shouldn’t be scared, Sugarcube.”
“But I am scared.” Fluttershy protested. “What if Envious made or summoned something in there so dangerous that it’ll gobble us all up before you’ll be able to say: ‘help’.” Fluttershy squeaked; making the others give one another uneasy looks.
“Well, if you’re that scared, you’ll be with Helpful.” Twilight assured as Spike climbed on her back. “I know for a fact that you’ll feel much safer with him instead with the rest of us.” Fluttershy immediately lights up with a smile.
“Really?” Fluttershy squeaked excitedly as she rammed into Helpful hugging him tightly. Helpful smiles embarrassed.
“Uh, Fluttershy.” Helpful whispered clearing his throat. “Everypony’s watching.” Fluttershy then realizes this and let’s go of her hug embarrassed.
“Oh, s-sorry.” Fluttershy apologized blushing. Helpful just smiles at her comfortingly as the rest of their friends move ahead of them. They catch up with their good friends inside Everfree forest. Twilight and Spike take point while Rainbow and Applejack stayed close behind. Behind them, Rarity and Pinkie Pie walks beside one another, and Fluttershy, Helpful, and Sunny take the caboose. Pinkie blows on one of her party noise makers; seemly annoying Rarity. Pinkie blows on it again. “You know that’s beginning to annoy me Pinkie.” Rarity calmly told the pink mare.
“Really? I think it’s kinda fun.” Pinkie blows on her party noise maker again, beginning to make Rarity irritated, but she fought the fury back.
“Just stop doing that, okay?”
“Okay dokey wokey.” Pinkie Pie obeyed. Behind them Fluttershy walks past a bush that then shacks uncontrollably; scaring Fluttershy. She dashes into Helpful; hugging both Helpful and Sunny tightly.
“Helpful, there’s something in the bushes!” Fluttershy shouted scared.
“It’s probably just a squirrel.” Helpful assured comfortingly. “Don’t worry. Just stick with me; and you’ll be safe.” Fluttershy then calms herself down and lets go of her hug on Helpful and they continue on their path with their friends.
“Sorry, Helpful.” Fluttershy apologized.
“It’s okay, Fluttershy. Really.” Helpful assured. “No, really.” Fluttershy pressed. “It’s just that I’ve never walked through Everfree forest entirely; although I’ve walked through most of it just not to the other side. I don’t know what’s ahead.”
“You know; if you stop worrying about what’s in the dark, you’ll be a lot happier.” Sunny nagged Fluttershy. Helpful gives her a sharp look.
“Sunny.” Helpful replied annoyed.
“No. She’s right, Helpful.” Fluttershy insisted sadly. “I should stop talking.”
“Nonsense, Fluttershy; if it’s what keeps you comfortable then carry on.” Helpful insisted assuring her.
“Thanks, Helpful.” Fluttershy thanked the tan Pegasus gladly then she grew curious. “You don’t seem scared.”
“Actually I am.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“What may happen.” Helpful answered confusing the shy Pegasus. Afraid about what may happen? This is something Fluttershy didn’t expect from Helpful. She often thought of him fearless, but she guesses that every so-called fearless pony is afraid of something nopony would expect. Helpful squints his eyes like he’s trying make out something in the distance. “What are they…?” Helpful started confused. “They stopped in front of something ahead. Come on, Fluttershy.” Helpful dashes ahead and Fluttershy soon catches up with him and they catch up with the rest of their friends; who all stare amazed at a huge wooden door in front of them in a seemingly black stone wall that seems to be endless on both sides and it had no end up top; like it was keeping them from coming in or keeping something out. The door was seemingly thick and ancient. It had no pony-made parts in it but two black steel bars that held the wood together and on the metal was ancient symbols from a time and civilization far too old for either Spike or Twilight to decipher. “What’s with the door?” Rainbow Dash broke the astonished silence.
“I don’t know, but, according to Helpful’s map, that door is Equestria’s Edge and we must open it to get through.” Twilight explained then Rainbow flies up to the door.
“No problem. ‘Open it.’ Sounds easy enough.” Dashie pulls on the metal parts of the door, but it wouldn’t budge; surprising Dash greatly. “What the hay? It’s stuck!” Rainbow pulls on the door again and still no luck.
“Move over, Dash!” Applejack grabbed Dash’s attention; who was surprised to see a lasso coming straight at her. Luckily she dodges the rope; which catches on to a loose bolt in the metal, and finds the rest of her friends grabbing the rope behind Applejack and joins her friends. “Alright, everypony; pull!” Applejack ordered and they all pulled on the rope as hard as they could, but even their combined strength couldn’t pull the door open.
“It won’t open!” Twilight told Applejack.
“Keep pulling!” Soon the lasso breaks and the group fell backwards pilling on top of one another. Pinkie jumps out of the pile delighted.
“Woohoo! “ Pinkie exclaimed in excitement. “Let’s do that again!” As the rest of the gang of travelers stand up off of each other an old kooky laughter goes through the air; making them curious.
“Now who’s laughing??” Sunny shouted angry.
“Now, Sunny.” Helpful tried to calm his companion, but, before he could say anything else, Pinkie Pie answered Sunny’s question.
“It must be that guy!” Pinkie pointed out. Everypony turns their attention to an old brown donkey with a stick for a cane because of his terrible back. The donkey continues to laugh then accidently honks at the others. “Pardon me.” The donkey excused himself.
“It’s okay.” Pinkie assured; making the others roll their eyes.
“Who are you?” Applejack asked curious.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m the Door Keeper.” The donkey laughed. “I have been the caretaker of this fine door for generations, and the only way to open this door is to be figured out by you. Trust me; it’s easier than it looks.” The Door Keeper laughed again and accidently honks. “Pardon me. And just who are you?”
“My name is Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight began. “And these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Helpful the Selfless, and Sunny. We’re on a mission to save Equestria.”
“A mission, huh?”
“Yes, sir.” Applejack answered.
“Well, missy, in order to get through this here door you’ll have to figure it out yourself like I said before, or you’ll never get through.” Twilight turns her gaze to the ancient door then to her friends.
“Guys, huddle.” Twilight ordered. The others gather into a circle with Twilight. “What do you think of this?”
“I don’t know.” Spike answered first. “Maybe he’s telling the truth.”
“What Spike said,” Applejack added. “I just don’t know if we can trust him.”
“Well, I for one believe he’s telling the truth.” Rarity protested.
“I second the notion.” Pinkie Pie agreed.
“But what if he’s not telling the truth?” Rainbow questioned.
“My mother told me ‘never trust a donkey you don’t know.” Sunny added.
“M-Maybe he is.” Fluttershy spoke up.
“Never know till you try.” Helpful encouraged.
“I’ll have to agree with Helpful.” Applejack agreed. “It’s not like we have a choice here.”
“I agree as well.” Rarity added.
“Me too.” Rainbow agreed.
“Me three!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“I guess so,” Spike added. “But how do we get to open it.”
“I-I don’t know.” Fluttershy turned her gaze to the huge door. “It’s an awfully big door and I’m not sure if we can open it.”
“Ha! That’s because it hasn’t felt the full fury of Rainbow Dash!” Dashie scoffed, and then she flew up to the door and began beating at it furiously. She soon becomes a blur of various colors, but then she slows down; she was growing tired, and then she falls on the ground; breathing harshly for air. The Door Keeper laughs at Dash’s show. The gang tries to ignore the distracting laughter. “Maybe we need another way to open the door.” Applejack thought out loud.
“Applejack’s right.” Twilight agreed. “There’s got to be a different way to open that door than beating it down.” Pinkie then comes up with an idea.
“Ooo! Ooo!” Pinkie jumped excitedly grabbing everypony’s attention. “Maybe we should try several things at once!”
“Wow, Pinkie Pie!” Twilight gasped impressed. “That’s not a bad idea at all.”
“I get one every now and then.” Pinkie replied proudly.
“What do we do, Twilight?” Applejack asked. Twilight takes a minute to think and observes the wall and door. She knew wooden objects are known to burn easily, and the wall certainly has an end at the top to fly over, and finally, in medieval times, Knights used chopped down trees as battering rams to break huge doors open. Now it all came together. “Spike, Sunny, use you fire breath to burn down the door.” Twilight ordered.
“Can do!” Spike saluted.
“Got it!” Sunny assured.
“Dash, Fluttershy, and Helpful, fly up and see if you can get over that wall.” Twilight pointed up toward the wall.
“Let’s do it!” Rainbow agreed.
“Alright.” Helpful assured.
“O-Okay.” Fluttershy stuttered.
“Good, and, while you’re doing that, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and I will begin on making a battering ram.” Twilight turns her attention to the rest of her friends.
“Yes, mam.” Applejack agreed.
“Of coarse.” Rarity assured.
“Okay dokey wokey pokey smoky antichokie!” Pinkie shouted; making the others roll their eyes again.
“Good, then let’s move!” Twilight ordered. Applejack then pulls out an ax from her saddlebag; spooking Rarity, and chops down the nearest tree. After it hit the ground, Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity helps her chop off any excess branches. As this went Spike and Sunny get busy trying to burn the door down, and Dashie and Fluttershy fly up toward the wall, but then stop in mid-flight; waiting for Helpful. Rainbow grows impatient. “C’mon, Helpful!” Dash shouted at the tan Pegasus. “What’s stoppin’ ya?” As if that was his cue, Helpful flies at high speed between Dash and Fluttershy; making Dashie spin uncontrollably in mid-air. Soon her spinning slowly wears off and she shacks off the dizziness. Rainbow looks up to see Helpful far off above them sitting on a cloud looking down toward them. “C’mon, gals!” Helpful shouted in the distance. “What stoppin’ ya?” Dashie begins stirring up in anger.
“Nopony says that, but me!” Dash growled and dashed past Helpful in a flash; making him uncontrollably spin on the cloud like she did. Finally his spinning spree slows down and Helpful looks awfully dizzy; making Fluttershy greatly concerned. She flies up to him fast. “Oh my, Helpful.” Fluttershy gasped. “Are you okay? Say something.”
“I feel… funny.” Helpful replied loopy-like, but then shook off the dizziness to find Fluttershy rubbing his head gently.
“Oh, you poor dear; you must be sick.” Before Helpful could protest, Fluttershy sticks a thermometer in his mouth and puts a stethoscope up to his chest and listened to his breathing. “How do you feel, Helpful?” Fluttershy asked concerned. “You feel any weakness, nausea, pain in your chest, any hot or cold flashes, do you feel sleepy, feel any awkward itching, sore throat, or anything I haven’t listed that may lead to certain illnesses or injuries?” Helpful takes Fluttershy’s hoof that holds the end of the stethoscope off his chest gently, but Fluttershy didn’t notice this.
“Now, Fluttershy, I’m-.” Helpful tried to reason with his mouth full, but Fluttershy interrupted him.
“Helpful, you have no pulse!” Fluttershy gasped shocked. Helpful tapped her shoulder grabbing her attention.
“Uh, Fluttershy.” Helpful pointed down to her hoof on the cloud. She smiles at him embarrassed.
“Oh.” Fluttershy replied putting the stethoscope back into her saddlebag.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured comfortably. “Don’t worry about me. C’mon. Let’s see if we can find a way over this wall.” Helpful positions himself for takeoff, but Fluttershy stops him.
“Wait!” Fluttershy took the thermometer out of Helpful’s mouth and examined it then she gasped shocked. “Helpful, you’re burning up!” Helpful facehoofs himself annoyed that Fluttershy won’t stop worrying about his condition for five seconds, and then they hear Dash laughing her rump off above them on a cloud.
“Stop it!” Dashie laughed on her back. “It’s just too rich! You’re making me laugh too much; it’s so rich!” Fluttershy flew up to Dashie quite serious.
“You shouldn’t be laughing at Helpful, Dash.” Fluttershy scolded the blue rainbow maned Pegasus. “You could’ve hurt Helpful really bad.” Rainbow stops her crazed laughter and stares at Fluttershy surprised.
“Uh, Fluttershy?” Dash stood up concerned. “Are you okay up there?” Fluttershy’s serious expression turns to a nervous smile.
“O-Oh, uh… w-what I meant to say was: please be careful next time, D-Dash.” Fluttershy stuttered nervously; making Dashie raise an eyebrow in confusion. That wasn’t like Fluttershy at all. She never becomes angry unless… it was about one of her animals or her friends lives were in danger, but there were no animals nor was there any danger. So what made her so wound up all of a sudden? “Uh, okay, Fluttershy.” Dash assured skeptically. Helpful flies up to his friends curious.
“So what’s the hold up?” Helpful asked. “Are we going up or what?”
“Oh, we’re going up alright!” Dashie assured, and then she flew up to the dense clouds above. Helpful chuckles at Dash’s challenge.
“Here I come!” Helpful flew up into the clouds after Rainbow; Fluttershy followed. Soon he finds himself in a maze of clouds too dense to see through. Helpful flies through the first few clouds then spots Dashie flying speedily through some thundercloud; he smirks. “You can’t lose me that easily, Dash.” Helpful said to himself. “Remember that.” Helpful flies after the incredibly fast Pegasus and then finds himself in a clearing; she was gone. Lightning flashes past Helpful too close for comfort. “Whoa!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise. Above him, Fluttershy flies above the cloud searching for Dash and Helpful as they play their little game of tag. She begins to grow concerned. “Where did they go?” Fluttershy asked herself. “It’s too dangerous for them to be in there.” Down inside the thundercloud Dash flies through another darkened cloud, but then stops to find out that she’s playing in a thundercloud. For a Pegasus that’s considered a death wish.
She has to warn Helpful and get them out of here. If she is lucky enough she might even meet the fabled Storm Charger; a Pegasus gifted with the unique ability to charge thunderstorms with electricity. Some say he was born with such powers, but others say it was some freak accident though they can’t determine how it happened, but one thing is certain: he was hired by Celestia to charge thunderstorms with his unique powers. Back then thunderstorms were only charged by unicorn magic, but it was artificial, couldn’t be controlled, and wasn’t enough power to make enough lightning, but, when the Storm Charger was found, lightning was considered natural, more controlled, and had more power. Meeting such a famous pony would only be an honor of a lifetime though now ponies who see him get only a glimpse of him for a second. He is incredibly fast; faster than a Wonderbolt most say. Racing him would be more than just an honor. Rainbow jumps out of her thoughts and returns to reality. She had to find Helpful. Dash flew off fast through the next few clouds.
Helpful was thinking the same thing. Flying through a thunderstorm would be suicide and he really doesn’t want to die twice in one day; how would he come back again? Helpful flies downwards and crashes into another Pegasus different than Rainbow Dash. Helpful gets off the pony and helps him balance himself in the air. “Sorry, sir.” Helpful apologized. “I was just searching for my friend. It’s way too dangerous in here. So I came to get her out.” The Pegasus had a brown mane and his coat was a dull yellow. His Cutie Mark was much like Dashie’s, but the lightning on it was regular instead of rainbow colored and the cloud was dark. “It’s alright.” The Pegasus assured. “If you’re looking for your friend I believe I saw another Pegasus racing through here; haven’t seen another Pegasus come in a thunderstorm in years. Anyway, what’s your name?”
“My name’s Helpful the Selfless. My friend’s name is Rainbow Dash. She’s the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Helpful answered. “And you are?”
“Boltage,” The Pegasus replied. “But everypony knows me as the ‘Storm Charger’. Perhaps you’ve heard of me.” Helpful breathes in some air like he has heard of him before.
“No.” Helpful shook his head. Above over the clouds, Fluttershy still scans the clouds below her for Helpful and Rainbow Dash, but then she spots a pair of luminous red eyes. “Helpful!” Fluttershy screamed as she watched what the eyes rise from the dense clouds. Not far from her, Helpful and Boltage hear Fluttershy’s scream.
“What was that?” Boltage asked curious.
“Oh shoot! It’s Fluttershy!” Helpful exclaimed after realizing who the scream came from and flew toward it fast as possible.
“Flutter-who?” Boltage flew after him. They soon find a huge, light blue, serpent-like dragon looming over Fluttershy; who tries to hide herself in a hole in the black wall of Equestria’s Edge, but she couldn’t fit.
“I got this.” Boltage assured Helpful. He closes his eyes and then electricity starts to run across his body then up to his wings, and then the electricity shoots out; creating lightning, and hits the snake-like dragon, but it didn’t seem to affect it that much. It turns around toward Boltage and growls deeply at him infuriated. “C’mon!” Boltage tempted the dragon. “I’m an all you can eat buffet! Take a bite!” The dragon roars at an incredible blast of sound and launches itself toward Boltage; crashing him into the wall. Down below, Twilight hears the crash from above and grows curious. “Applejack, did you hear that?” Twilight asked her old friend.
“Yeah, I heard that.” Applejack replied. “I hope they’re okay up there.” Above, Helpful couldn’t believe seeing Boltage stuck into the black wall; unconscious from the body slam that dragon laid on him. The dragon whacks Helpful away with his tail; like he was nothing to worry about, and looms over Fluttershy again.
“P-P-Please, Mr. Dragon, sir, um… I’ll do anything.” Fluttershy pleaded; hoping that the dragon would listen. “J-J… Just don’t eat me!” Then the dragon roars at Fluttershy; who then cries out of pure fear, and then it laughs at her. Fluttershy’s remembers her life from the time she was a small filly in flight school, and then when she found her Cutie Mark, and then the time she met Twilight and her friends and all the memories she shared with them, then she remembers the time she first met Helpful in Everfree Forest. She remembers how he just stared at her in a trance; sure it made her confused, but it wasn’t until then she found out how much he cared about others like her and how handsome he would be if he went with her the next Great Galloping Gala, but she thought it would never come to be and now this doubles the theory.
Her life was going to end because of her greatest fear: Dragons. The dragon leans back with is mouth open ready to lash his final attack on his prey, but, when he attacked the shy Pegasus, something stopped his attack from reaching his meal. “Huh?” The dragon exclaimed in confusion. Fluttershy ceases her crying, wipes the tears from her face, and finds Helpful; who looks furious, holding the mouth of the dragon wide open, but what was so different about Helpful was his wings; the black-tips glowed a bright orange this time. The dragon pulls his head away; confused to see the same tan Pegasus he batted away from earlier. The dragon growls at him deeply, but Helpful seems unaffected.
“What’s the big idea, Buster?” Helpful shouted infuriated. “Think you could just come on over and scare the living daylights out of my Fluttershy! Nopony; and I mean nopony, ever makes Fluttershy cry and even thinks he can hurt her!” The dragon begins to grow nervous. Nopony has ever stood up to him like that. A pony with a lot of guts and power had to be that brave. “W-What’re you going to do?” The dragon hesitantly asked.
“This.” Helpful rose up a hoof and punched the dragon’s nose hard. The dragon immediately flies off at full speed in pure fear. “Consider that a warning!” Helpful shouted after the dragon, and then was surprised to be tackled by Fluttershy; who busted into tears, and squeezed him pretty tight. Helpful notices that Fluttershy began crying again and streaks her hair comfortably. “There. There, Fluttershy. It’s alright. The big dragon’s gone now. Like I said before, I’ll protect you.” Fluttershy calms down, but felt much safer in Helpful’s arms so she didn’t let go of her hug. Boltage; after regaining consciousness pulls himself out of the wall the dragon tackles him into and flies over to Fluttershy and Helpful.
“Are you two okay and where’d that dragon go?” Boltage asked curious of what he missed.
“I scared him off.” Helpful explained. “He won’t be coming back for a while, and what kind of dragon was that?”
“Sky Dragon, and if you’re trying to get over that obsidian wall: don’t. The way up there is infested with those monsters.” Boltage explained. “You won’t stand a chance.”
“W-Well, why can’t you come with us?” Fluttershy asked.
“Sorry, Miss, but I can’t. Got places to go; storms to charge.” Boltage explained turning to leave. “You understand, right?”
“Of coarse.” Helpful assured. Then Rainbow Dash flies out from the dense clouds looking worried.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow shouted, but then noticed Helpful and Fluttershy in their hug and Boltage. Her eyes widened at the sight of the one and only Storm Charger. “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Rainbow shouted rapidly and excitedly. “You’re the Storm Charger!”
“A fan.” Boltage sighed disappointed to be found. “Listen. I don’t do autographs, hugs, dates, marriages, kisses, paparazzi, reports, interviews, sidekicks, or races. I don’t have the time for those things.”
“B-But…” Dashie stuttered not knowing what to say now. No races? But Dash just wants one race against the fastest fabled Pegasus in Equestria. Was one race too much to ask? Boltage turns back to Helpful and Fluttershy.
“Well, see ya later you two lovebirds.” Boltage waved to them then turned back to Rainbow; who still looked shocked, but stuck in the excited face. “Well, I’m sorry for being such a heart breaker, but I really don’t have the time for that anymore, but that doesn’t mean that we’ll not see each other again.” Boltage pats Dashie’s shoulder comfortingly and then disappears in a flash of lightning before Rainbow could smile. She looks back to where the Storm Charger flew off, but all she saw was a hole through the entire thundercloud that stretched out to the clear sky at the other end. Further on she saw nothing. Boltage was gone. “Whoa!” Dash exclaimed in surprise. “I’ve been told that he’s fast, but that’s ridiculously over the possible Pegasus speed limit!” She turns her gaze back to Helpful and Fluttershy; who, were still in their hug, smile back. Dashie looks at them with a smart look. “So how long are you going to hug like that?” Helpful’s and Fluttershy’s expressions turn from warm smiles to embarrassment. They quickly let go of their hug and simultaneously protest looking away from Dashie while both rubs the back of their heads and holds both hooves behind their back and smile uncomfortably. Rainbow raises an eyebrow in confusion. “Right. So are we going up still?” Dash asked looking up toward the dark clouds above them.
“Actually, Dash, there’s been a change of plans.” Helpful explained disdainfully. “As it turns out, the way over this wall is infested with Sky Dragons and if we go that way we’ll be dead.”
“Sky Dragons? That doesn’t sound too bad.”
“B-But they are, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy protested nervously. “I-I almost got eaten by one… u-until Helpful and Boltage saved me.”
“Uh-huh. So I guess we’re going down?”
“Seems that way.” Helpful answered. “Don’t want to lose anything priceless.” Helpful and Fluttershy stares deep into each other’s eyes; making Dashie impatient.
“Well, are we going or what?” Helpful and Fluttershy break their lock on one another’s eyes and turn back to Dash.
“Oh, yes!” They both answer; making Rainbow more confused, but she rolls her eyes.
“Whatever. Let’s go then before I puke rainbows.” Dash flies downward and Helpful and Fluttershy follow down to the ground below. Once they land below, they find Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity ramming a chopped up tree into the giant wooden door. “That door’s still closed?” Dashie asked her friends, and then Sunny walks over next to them.
“Trust me, Honey.” Sunny assured. “It’s sturdier than it looks. Spike and I tried all the firepower we had, but it wasn’t enough to burn that sucker down. It may be made out of wood, but it’s fire-proof! No way you’re gonna incinerate that block of wood.”
“Wow.” Helpful gaped at the large door then he turns his attention back to the small dragon. “Sunny, where’s Spike?”
“He’s on Break Time.” Sunny pointed behind her. “Can’t blame the guy. He’s still young. So anyways, did you find a way over the wall?”
“No, unfortunately we couldn’t. The way up there is infested with Sky Dragons.”
“Sky Dragons, huh? Those get pretty mean.”
“Y-You know about Sky Dragons, Sunny?” Fluttershy stuttered.
“Know ‘em? I’ve had experience with those suckers before. Can’t defeat them though; their skulls are five times stronger than diamonds. One skull bash and, well, you’re history.” Sunny explained. “They don’t go down hard. You’re lucky if you survived even a glimpse of the monster, but anyways.” The others, ramming their tree into the door, stops pounding the gate and fall on the ground exhausted.
“How much longer are we going keep on this futile attempt to even crack the door open?” Rarity asked exhausted from her work.
“Until it does so, or until the tree gives out.” Applejack answered Rarity; who sighs of disappointment.
“Come on, Helpful.” Dash motioned for Helpful to follow her to the others. “We gotta help them.” Helpful, on the other hoof, was still concerned about Fluttershy’s safety.
“But what about Fluttershy?” Helpful asked Rainbow; who stops for a second to think.
“Uh,… Fluttershy can wait, Helpful, but our other friends can’t.” Before Helpful could protest, Dashie pulls him by the tail to the others and tied him to the battering ram like the rest and tried once again ramming the door open. Fluttershy and Sunny watch as they tried to break through the door. Spike walks up beside Sunny. “N-Now what do we do?” Fluttershy asked the two young dragons.
“We find a key?” Spike shrugged.
“Like that huge door’s gonna need a key, Spike!” Sunny snapped at the other dragon.
“It was just an idea.”
“I know, Spike!”
“But why are you taking it out on me?” Spike asked confused.
“I’m not taking it out on you.” Sunny growled, but then Fluttershy intervened between the two.
“Stop! There’s no need to argue about something that was just a suggestion.” Fluttershy reasoned politely.
“First of all: it wasn’t an argument, it was a heated discussion, and second: I’m not mad at anypony,” Sunny explained. “I’m just irritated that the stupid door won’t open.”
“Maybe we can find a way in around the wall and…” Spike’s voice left from Fluttershy as he offered some ideas and was more curious about the Door Keeper. She flew up to his side slowly; not to alarm him by accident. If the door could open the Door Keeper would be the only one who knows how to get in; asking him politely should work. She lands beside the Door Keeper; who notices, and smiles innocently at him. “Well, hello there, Missy, and just can I do for ya?” The Door Keeper laughed. Fluttershy wasn’t sure to ask him, but the Door Keeper was very kind to her; so it made her feel little more comfortable on asking him.
“Um,… Mr. Door Keeper, I was wondering.” Fluttershy nervously began.
“Yes?”
“Could we, please, go through the door, Mr. K-Keeper. I know you said was to figure it out ourselves, but as you can see…” Fluttershy pointed to her friends tired on the ground. The Door Keeper listened and understood what Fluttershy meant.
“Well, of coarse, I’ll open the door for you.” The Door Keeper agreed kindly; surprising Fluttershy and turns his gaze to the door serious. “Open Sesame!” The symbols on the door glow in different colors of red, blue, green, purple, orange, and white, and the door creaks; making the ground feel like it’s moving, and opens up slowly; letting the white light from the other side escape to them, and then, after the door opened fully, everypony could see the other side with ease and they gasp astonished as they saw a green endless meadow with butterflies flying around and a blue sky; to Fluttershy it was like a dream come true somewhat. She had Helpful that was enough. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” The Door Keeper explained. “Beyond here straight ahead is a town named Shores-a-lot. There you can spend the night and recover for the long journey ahead.”
“Pay up, Dash!” Helpful laughed as he untied the rope that held him to the battering ram. “I told you that there was a town near the ocean, and there is; right out of the donkey’s mouth!”
“Uh, Helpful, we didn’t bet.” Dash explained confused; making Helpful think back for a moment, and then he remembered what happened near Everfree Forest. “Oh, right.” Everypony laughs, but then a yellow light appears on Fluttershy’s neck surprising her. Everypony notices and watch as the light formed a golden necklace with a pink and purple butterfly around Fluttershy’s neck.
“It came back!” Fluttershy gasped excited. “Helpful, look! It came back!” Fluttershy jumped in front of Helpful; who was surprised and confused.
“I see it, Fluttershy,” Helpful answered, but then took a closer look at it. “But what is it?”
“That, Helpful, is the Element of Kindness; Fluttershy’s Element of Harmony.” Twilight explained.
“You’re right, Helpful.” Applejack added. “The Elements of Harmony will come back once we prove our full potential.”
“Isn’t that dashing?” Rarity agreed.
Soon the nine friends exit Equestria; closing the door, and enter the unknown, but yet beautiful lands. Rainbow flies into the air toward the clouds above to get a bird’s eye-view of the entire country. “Wow!” Dash exclaimed in surprise. “The Door Keeper was right! There is a town not too far from here!” Dashie points forward and Twilight follows the direction.
“C’mon, guys.” Twilight started ahead of them. “Let’s get to Shores-a-lot before dark.” After sometime walking they all take a small rest. Helpful notices Fluttershy feeding a small wild black rabbit a carrot. Curious he leaves the rest of his friends and goes over to Fluttershy wondering what she was doing, but, as he stops next to Fluttershy, he accidently scares the bunny away leaving the carrot and making Fluttershy disappointed. “Oh wait! Don’t go!” Fluttershy whispered after it, but it was too late. The small furry animal was gone in a flash; making Helpful feel guilty.
“Oops. I’m sorry, Fluttershy.” Helpful apologized sadly. “I was just wondering what you were doing that’s all.”
“It’s okay, Helpful.” Fluttershy assured kindly. “It was luck that got me this close to that small bunny. The animals here aren’t as friendly as the ones in Equestria. They’re more scared to be around me; like they’ve never seen a pony before.” Helpful pondered on her statement. Maybe they could find and befriend some animals; just the two of them; gives them a good chance to get closer to one another. “Maybe we can go look for some animals; just you and me.” Helpful offered trying not to look like he was desperate, and then Fluttershy looked at him surprised.
“You really mean it?” Fluttershy asked keeping herself calm.
“Yes.”
“Um, I-I would enjoy that somewhat.” Fluttershy tried to make herself not look too excited.
“Great!” Helpful looked around to see where to search first. “So I’ll go this way…,” Helpful pointed to his left. “And you’ll go… that way.” Helpful pointed to his right. “Okay. Well, let’s go.” Helpful walks to the left; leaving Fluttershy disappointed, but she searches to the other side of the field anyway. While they search, Twilight notices what they’re doing and grew somewhat curious.
“You ever noticed that there’s something funny going on between Helpful and Fluttershy?” Twilight asked her friends; who were resting under some shade and snacking on a few apples.
“I don’t know, Twilight.” Applejack answered as she took a bite out of her apple. “I’ve noticed that Fluttershy’s more talkative when he’s around, but I don’t think it has something to do with anything ‘funny.’”
“Well, maybe you’ll change your mind once you know what I found them doing in Canterlot Castle.” Twilight smiled at her friends mischievously; making Sunny excited quickly.
“No…way!” Sunny exclaimed excited and ran up to Twilight. “Tell me! What they do, what they do??” Twilight backs up from Sunny a little creeped out. “Well, I saw what seemed to be them kissing.”
“What?? Oh my giant pie! That’s awesome!” Sunny gasped.
“But I think I interrupted the courtship.” Twilight smiled embarrassed.
“Oh well, that’s an epic fail.” Sunny replied disappointed. She sat down beside Rarity; who continues the conversation.
“Well, Twilight, that’s actually a lot of evidence that Helpful and Fluttershy might have something going on.” Rarity assured; making Twilight feel a little better.
“Why thank you, Rarity.” Twilight thanked her best friend.
“But the thing is that I don’t think we should be jumping to conclusions now.” Rarity explained. “Let’s wait till we see what they do next.”
“You’re right. We’ll just observe what they’ll do next.” Twilight turned her gaze back to Helpful and Fluttershy searching for animals.
“Well, I for one believe it!” Applejack announced throwing her apple core away, but Rarity caught it and put it into her small trash bag using her magic. “Besides if Twilight says if Helpful and Fluttershy might have something going on that’s good enough for me; then I won’t have to listen to Granny Smith betting Sweet Apple Acers on us getting married.” Twilight giggles remembering what happened at the barn; making Applejack curious. “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Twilight smiled.
“Well, I think that Fluttershy having a boyfriend is marvelous.” Rarity added. “Then she won’t be so lonely every day.”
“Fluttershy isn’t lonely!” Pinkie Pie protested enthusiastically. “I go to her house every day, and she’s always got animals there.”
“That’s because she takes care of them.”
“Exactly.” Pinkie agreed drinking a canteen of water; making everypony confused.
“I’ll never understand that filly.” Sunny replied confused.
“Don’t worry, Sunny, we don’t either.” Twilight assured. “Most of the time.” Then she grew curious about what Sunny knew about Helpful’s secrets. If somepony knew Helpful good enough she would, in fact, she lives with him; so she should know Helpful well enough. “Hey, Sunny. You know Helpful pretty well. Do you know if Helpful likes Fluttershy?”
“Well, first of all, Honey: that’s secret, and second: I don’t know him pretty well; just somewhat.” Sunny protested like she had control over the situation.
“Okay, well, I guess we’ll just ask Helpful then.” Twilight turns towards Helpful. “Hey, Hel-!” Sunny covers Twilight’s mouth.
“Okay, Twilight, you win.” Sunny sighed. “Okay, I’ll tell you just don’t tell him you know, or tell Fluttershy, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Yes, Helpful has a crush on Fluttershy, but he won’t admit it willingly of coarse.” Sunny assured. “Now, nopony tries to get Helpful and Fluttershy together, got it? Helpful plans to do it on his own.”
“Okay, Sunny, we understand.” Twilight assured.
“But what is Helpful doing?” Rainbow Dash asked Sunny. “I mean, look. They’re walking away from each other.” Sunny notices Helpful and Fluttershy as they search the sides of the field away from one another.
“I don’t know, but I know that Helpful knows what he’s doing.” Sunny assured the mares. At the right side of the field, Fluttershy looks carefully around the tall grass for a squirrel, small bird, tiny bug, anything that meant wildlife, and then she spotted a small gray rabbit in the brush. “A rabbit.” Fluttershy gasped; scaring the small creature and it dashed away. “Oh no. I might’ve been a little too loud.”
“Yeah, but you were so close.” Helpful agreed; surprising Fluttershy.
“Oh, Helpful,” Fluttershy sighed of relief. “Did you find anything?”
“Yeah, as a matter of fact I did. Follow me.” Helpful motioned for Fluttershy to follow him. They walk to a small hole inside an Oak tree and stop.
“Take a look.” Helpful pointed to the hole and Fluttershy peeked inside and spotted two cute bunnies sleeping on top of one another. The sight of them snoring and tossing over was adorable. “Cute aren’t they?” Helpful asked as he too took a small peek into the burrow. Fluttershy smiles and leans against Helpful; who looks surprised.
“They’re adorable.” Fluttershy replied as she closed her eyes to get comfortable, but then Sunny broke the moment.
“So what are you two lovebirds doin’?” Sunny asked from behind them; spooking them in the process, but, before they could react, Twilight blew on one of her loud whistles; grabbing their attention, on top of a hill not too far off. “Come on, guys!” Twilight announced proudly. “I can see the town!”

First Costumers

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Chapter 9

First costumers

Inside the old rickety town of Shores-a-lot, the fellow travelers notice that there are not many ponies that live here. Most of the houses have boarded up windows and roofs, and the market didn’t have much food. There wasn’t any grass or flowers just empty gardens; making the town seem very desolate Helpful notices some foals sitting on the ground bored not too far from them. He decides to leave his friends and see what their problem was. “I just don’t get it.” Twilight broke the silence as she watched some ponies walk away. “I thought this town would be filled with ponies since the Door Keeper said we could rest and refresh here. How come it’s almost like a ghost town?” Applejack watches a pony at her stand in the market throw her rotten apples away sadly.
“I don’t know, Twilight, but their food here is scarce,” Applejack answered. “And I doubt they even make a good profit here.” Then an indigo Earth Pony mare passes by and stops; noticing the newcomers.
“Why, hello there.” The mare greeted kindly. “Welcome to Shores-a-lot.”
“Why, thank you.” Rarity greeted back. “It’s good to meet another friendly pony here unlike the others.”
“Oh, that’s because we don’t get many visitors here.” The mare assured. “They’re just shy, but in reality they’re really a good jolly bunch; like your friend over there playing with the foals.” Everypony else turns around curious to find Helpful bouncing a ball to one of the foals; who giggles passing it back. Helpful flip kicks the ball and it bounces off a wall and back into his face; slamming him onto the ground. “Helpful!” Fluttershy gasped as she and the others ran to him. Once there, she lifts up his head worried. “Helpful, are you okay?” Helpful spits out the ball stuck in his mouth and laughs.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured as he stood himself up in front of Fluttershy.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m fine.”
“Well, since you’re here, my husband and I own a hotel not far from here.” The mare explained. “Would you like to stay for the night?” Twilight looks back to her friends; who all nod in agreement.
“We’ll be delighted.” Twilight answered.
“Perfect! By the way, I’m Mrs. Key, and you are?”
“My name’s Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Helpful the Selfless, and Sunny.” Twilight pointed to her friends. “If we may, the day’s getting short and we’re really tired.”
“Of coarse, Dearie. Follow me.” Mrs. Key agreed.
“C’mon, guys.” Twilight motioned for her friends to follow; Helpful followed, but then a small filly tugged on his wing grabbing his attention. “Excuse me, Mr. Welpful,” The filly named Jellyroll whistled for she had no two front teeth. “But could you play with us some more?” Before Helpful could answer, Sunny grabs his ear and pulls him down.
“I’m sorry, Honey, but Helpful needs a nap.” Sunny apologized. “He’s got a long trip tomorrow, and I do mean a long trip.”
“But you’ll be back, wight?” Jellyroll asked Helpful again.
“I can play right now, Jellyroll.” Helpful tried to pull his ear from Sunny, but she pinched it; making him grunt in pain.
“Oh, no, you don’t!” Sunny pulled Helpful away from the filly ahead of everypony else. “I am tired and I want to go rest now!” Mrs. Key watches curious as Sunny pulls Helpful by the ear.
“Is that…?” Mrs. Key started to ask.
“Normal? Yes.” Twilight answered her calmly. Mrs. Key then shrugs and leads the rest of the newcomers to her hotel. Inside, a tall red Earth Pony stallion stood at his desk holding his head up with a hoof bored. “Another day without a costumer.” The stallion thought out loud. “Sooner or later I’ll go coo-coo in the head.” Then his wife walks in with a great smile which brightens the stallion’s day.
“Oh, Sugar bear!” Mrs. Key announced gleefully.
“Yes, Love muffin?” The Earth Pony stallion answered delighted to know what was making his wife so gleeful today.
“We have guests!” Mrs. Key allowed the rest of the fellow travelers inside; Sunny kept pulling Helpful by the ear and once they stopped, she lets the ear go; snapping it back in place. Helpful rubs his ear.
“Welcome to Lock and Key Hotel; where all our rooms are under lock and key.” The stallion greeted. “My name is Mr. Key and you’ve met my wife Mrs. Key; we own this hotel.” Helpful looks around the room and finds it all filled with cobwebs and dust and he wasn’t sure how safe the stairs were for Fluttershy; he was thinking of his friends too, but mostly Fluttershy.
“Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Key.” Helpful started.
“Yes, sir?”
“I know you run a hotel and all, but how sa-?” Sunny kicked Helpful’s shin; making him shout in pain and hop in front of Fluttershy for her to take a look.
“Never mind him, Mr. Key.” Sunny excused Helpful. “He’s just a little grumpy about me taking him from the local foals.”
“Okay, well, I’ll tell you what.” Mr. Key pulled out a small golden key from the shelf behind him and gave it to Twilight. “You’ll all have the best room in the whole hotel since you’re our very first costumers.”
“’First costumers?’” Twilight accepted the key using her magic.
“Yes, you see, we don’t get any visitors here in Shores-a-lot.” Mrs. Key explained.
“I’m starting to see why.” Rarity replied blowing some dust off a nearby shelf into Pinkie by accident; who sneezes.
“It’s really dusty.” Pinkie rubbed her pink nose.
“We’re actually very sorry.” Mr. Key apologized. “Shores-a-lot isn’t a very clean town and we can’t even make a good profit. We keep waiting for visitors to come, but nopony ever shows. Say you’re from the outer lands, aren’t ya? Could you help our town become a better place? We’ve just lost all hope, but maybe you can help us.” Twilight thought for a minute, but, before she could contemplate the situation further, Helpful answered for all of them.
“Sure we can all help you!” Helpful answered delighted. “We’ll all make this town a better place! I promise!” Everypony gasps at Helpful surprised and Sunny facepalms herself.
“So you’ll help?” Mr. Key asked to be sure.
“I guess we are.” Twilight sighed. “I guess we are.” Soon the fellow travelers find themselves helping on repairing homes of local townsfolk. Twilight checks her list on how far they’ve cleaned the town so far. They had only the Capital and the Mayor’s home to clean now and it wasn’t that close to sundown; they could finish the entire town in one day. Twilight puts the list in her pack and turns to Helpful and Applejack. “Helpful, Applejack, I need you two to get more lumber from the forest so we can repair the roof on that Capital.” Twilight ordered. “Yes, mam.” Applejack agreed.
“Gotcha!” Helpful saluted, and then the two disappeared into the forest. A handsome stallion named Luckyshoes then walks over to Twilight curious.
“Excuse me, lass, but I’ve heard that you’re all going to a mountain across the ocean, is that true?” The stallion asked curious.
“You heard right, mister!” Pinkie answered before Twilight.
“Is that so? Well, that mountain isn’t named Joysong by any chance, is it?”
“Why, yes, it is.” Rarity answered surprised. “How did you know?”
“I own a ship at the bay near here. She’s the most beautiful vessel ever.” Luckyshoes replied proudly. “I hear many rumors at the trade; including the one about Mount Joysong being cursed.”
“C-Cursed?” Fluttershy stuttered nervous. “But don’t be alarmed. Rumors aren’t always what they seem.” Luckyshoes assured them calmly. “Me and my crew can take you there in three to four days.”
“Really? That would be great!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise. “I was going to look for a ship to take us there tomorrow, but I guess you beat me to it. Say, what is your name?”
“My name is Captain Luckyshoes,” The sea captain introduced himself. “But you can call me Captain.”
“So, Captain,” Rarity began; it was obvious to her friends that she fancied him. “Since you do own a ship and everything, do you have stories of your vast ventures in the wide ocean?” Before the Sea Pony could answer, he spots Applejack and Helpful coming back from the forest. He notices that Helpful carried two heavy Oak trees and didn’t even seem to be struggling.
“Howdy, Twilight!” Applejack greeted. “We got the lumber you needed right here!”
“That’s great, Applejack!” Twilight replied delighted, and then Luckyshoes walked away from Rarity; making her disappointed, and walked up to Helpful curious.
“Say, lad, aren’t you getting tired from hauling those huge Oak Trees?” The Captain asked Helpful, but, before he could answer, Applejack explained for him.
“Oh, that’s just Helpful, Mister.” Applejack explained. “He can carry anything.”
“Now, Applejack, I wouldn’t say that.” Helpful protested. “I’m not the strongest.”
“Extraordinary and modest.” Luckyshoes pointed out. “You’re quite the trooper. Would you like to be part of my crew, Helpful?” Everypony looks over to Helpful; who just smiles back.
“Well, as much as I think it’ll be fun to be part of you crew; whatever that is, no thanks.” Helpful answered staying with his friends. “I must stay with my friends,” Helpful looks toward Fluttershy. “They mean more to me than the spoils of the world.” Fluttershy blushes and bends her gaze toward the ground and rubs it with her hoof. Captain Luckyshoes’ expression turns to disappointment. “Oh, I see.” The Captain replied sadly. “Extraordinary, modest, and loyal to a fault, you are one of the few special ponies I see every once in a while, but I could never get them on my crew. They’ve always found their calling; like you Helpful.”
“Oh, I’ve never found my calling.”
“What do you mean?” Luckyshoes asked Helpful confused.
“I’ve found my treasure; my friends, but not my calling.” Helpful explained thoughtfully. “I’ve somehow forgotten my past and, well, my Cutie Mark also left with it.” Helpful continued showing his blank flank to the Sea Pony. “So I don’t know what I can do really, but, whatever it is, I’ll always be with my friends till the end.” The Captain thought over Helpful’s explanation. He knew that Helpful could not be persuaded by anypony to be anywhere away from his friends. So he thought of something to celebrate. “Tell you what, Helpful,” The Sea Pony began. “Me and my crew are having a party tonight at the Lock and Key Hotel; would you like to join us.”
“A party!” Pinkie Pie jumped in-between Helpful and Luckyshoes excited. “Don’t worry, Captain. We’ll be there before you will!”
“Uh…, that’s good to hear.” Twilight grows curious about Luckyshoes’ party at the Lock and Key Hotel even though Mr. and Mrs. Key said that they don’t get any costumers.
“Excuse me, Captain, but I thought Mr. and Mrs. Key don’t have any costumers.” Twilight pointed out.
“Aye, lass, they don’t, but my crew and I go there every night we come back to Shores-a-lot to celebrate our voyages.” The Captain explained. “They don’t charge us anything. It’s always been on the house.”
“Well, that makes sense.” Applejack thought out loud.
“Well, we’ll be there at seven sharp. Till then, farewell.” Luckyshoes waved as he continued on his way.
“See ya!” Everypony waved back as they watched the Sea Pony disappeared.
“Oh, what an astonishing stallion Luckyshoes is,” Rarity sighed not watching her work. “So very controlled and handsome. He’s like some mare’s Dream Boy.” Twilight rolls her eyes and turns her gaze to Helpful.
“You can put those logs over there, Helpful.” Twilight pointed to the local lumberjacks near the Capital.
“Sure thing, Twi.” Helpful hauled the logs toward his destination, but then his wings’ black-tips glow a light orange and Twilight watched surprised as Helpful threw the logs up high and used his wings to chop them to small usable planks of wood in mid-air. He caught them before they hit the ground, and then the lumberjacks applauded Helpful’s show of skill and strength. “Thanks, guys. You’re too kind.” Helpful thanked the burly lumberjacks, and then walked to Twilight; who looked astonished, and laid the planks beside Rainbow Dash; who was nailing the roof. “Here ya go, Dash! This should be enough to patch up that roof, right?” Rainbow takes a gander at the planks.
“Sure, Helpful, that’s more than enough.” Dashie picked up a small plank and nailed it into the roof covering a hole in the Capital. “Uh, Helpful…could I talk with you for a second.” Twilight grabbed Helpful’s attention. He walks over to Twilight curious.
“Yes, Twilight?”
“How…how did you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Your wings they glowed a bright orange,” Twilight explained pointing at his wings. “And at Canterlot Castle; they glowed a bright yellow. Do you think that it’s got something to do with your past; where you came from?”
“I don’t know, Twilight.” Helpful answered thoughtfully and examined his outstretched wing. “I think it may have a link to my past, but it doesn’t tell me anything at all. I only wish I knew what it meant.”
“Who knows, but I think that it’ll come in handy in the future.” Twilight shrugged. “We need to get back to work. We’ll be done before sundown that’s for sure.” Helpful nods in agreement and returns to his work.
Meanwhile, inside Envious’ dark twisted world or dimension, the Cursed Prince closes the portal that showed him what his enemies; Helpful and company, were up to. Behind him, inside a box-like cage, Shining Armor grunts in pain as he stands himself up; he was tortured by Envious in so many ways it would be considered a miracle that he survived it all. Envious turns to meet Armor’s attention. “So I see that you’re still alive.” Envious laughed. “Good. I still need your help.”
“I’d never join against Princess Celestia.” The hardened stallion replied. “You can forget such things. I’m Celestia’s Captain of her Royal Guard, and I’ll never leave her side unguarded.”
“Ah, still as stubborn as ever, aren’t you?” Envious placed an armored hoof on Armor’s cage. “No wonder you’ve lived through everything I’ve thrown at you.”
“You can keep me caged here forever; torture me as you will, but you’ll never break me.”
“Oh, I’m not going to break you, Shining Armor.” Envious explained. “I’m going to make an example of you toward your precious Ruler of Equestria, but it seems that you are too stubborn to die,” Armor gasps shocked toward Envious. “But you’re just what I need really. You’re loyalty to the princess just shows how loyal you are going to be toward me once I’m done with you.”
“Hear me, Envious.” Shining Armor growled. “Do what you want, but, as I said, you’ll never make me turn against Celestia.”
“Oh, I believe once this is finished you’ll think otherwise.” Envious laughed darkly. “Any last words?” Shining Armor thought for a few seconds.
“I have just one question.” Armor replied. “What happened to my soldiers?” Envious uses his magic and black, fanged, and bat-winged non-pony creatures appeared before them. Armor gasps in disbelief. “No. You didn’t!”
“What’s the problem, Shining Armor?” Envious joked. “Aren’t you happy to see your friends again?”
“Envious, you monster!”
“It only took a matter of moments for them to be…‘newly reborn’ into something more than just pathetic ponies.” Envious explained. “Have you ever wondered what they might be thinking inside those small heads of theirs?”
“You’ll never get away with this, Envious! Twily and her friends will stop you!” Armor ignored the question.
“Stop me?” Envious pretended to be dramatic. “Oh, I’m in so much trouble. A little filly and her tiny little friends are going to stop me.” Envious laughed so loud it felt like there was an earthquake to Shining Armor. The gray armored Alicorn then pulls the Captain of the Royal Guard out of his cage in front of the ugly sleeping creatures. He tried to get up and fight, but he was too weak to do it. Envious spreads his wings far apart. “Let us begin.” Envious used his magic to lift Armor off the ground and darkness leaked from his armor into the Captain’s face; making him scream in enormous agony, but soon regretted it after he let more of the shadow slip into his mouth; silencing his shouting. The darkness covered every inch of his body, and then it disappeared; leaving Armor unconscious, but then bat wings broke out of his back, fangs grew from his mouth, and his coat changed from white to black instantly. He was Shining Armor no more, but now one of Envious’ newly reborn minions. Envious stood his newborn servant before him. It opens its blood red eyes awake. “Listen, my servant, I am your master, and they are your brothers.” Envious pointed toward the rest of his minions. “You are their leader and you will only answer to me.” The new minion bowed to Envious.
“Yes, Master.” The minion replied in a ghastly voice.
“Envious!” Shouted a voice behind the dark entity; who turns around to see his counterpart: Merciful.
“What are you begging for this time, Prince Persistent?” Envious joked.
“Stop this now!” The Alicorn pleaded cross. “You’ll only make so much suffering in the land that nopony will be left for you to rule.”
“Oh, I believe you know that from all the useless school and duties you finished; trying to be the future prince of the land that, instead, your younger brother received isn’t for you to try to protect.” Envious shot back coldly.
“I told you, Envious, I don’t care about what happened anymore.” The old prince replied. “You just want the crown because of me.”
“Exactly, Merciful!” Envious shouted cross. “So don’t be whining about what I’m doing when this is your entire fault!” Envious blasted a fireball at Merciful flinging him backwards onto the ground hard. The dark Alicorn turns back to his new minion. “Join your brothers in sleep. When I call you…you’ll know what to do.” The new minion nods and fell to slumber beside one of his brothers. Envious disappears into a black flame; allowing Merciful to stand up. He looks at the once ponies of his precious land with sadness. “He’s right.” Merciful told himself. “This is my entire fault. I never… I must find help from the other side.” Merciful flies off from the horrid minions of Envious deep into the twisted dark realm.
Soon, at the Lock and Key Hotel, Pinkie Pie hangs some steamers along the walls of the Dining Hall as Mr. Key brings in the refreshments. He brings out some bread and water and sets them on the table; making Pinkie confused. “Hey, don’t you ever have any cake or punch at your parties?” Pinkie asked confused.
“Cake? Punch?” Mr. Cake replied confused. “We don’t have any of that here.”
“No cake or punch??” Pinkie dramatically gasped. “Then how do you even enjoy your parties?”
“We drink water, eat bread, and Captain tells stories of his adventures with his crew.”
“What?? That’s just crazy! You need more than just water, bread, and boring old voyage stories!”
“Why, what do you mean, Pinkie Pie?” Mr. Key asked concerned that this party would become a total bust, but then was confused to find Pinkie pushing him out of the dining room and into the kitchen.
“All we need to do is all in here!” Pinkie pointed at her noggin.
“In your hair?”
“No, silly.” The pink Earth Pony laughed. “In my memory!” Pinkie Pie pulls out a mixing bowl and some other kitchen utensils; Mr. Key was very curious now. “What is all this for?” He asked again.
“For cupcakes, silly!” Pinkie replied cheerfully as she poured in some flour and water. “It’s all very easy! I can teach ya!” Later, Mr. Key pulls out some cupcakes from his old trusty wood stove and set them on top the countertop for Pinkie Pie to see. “How are these, Pinkie?” The cheerful Earth Pony takes one of the normal-looking cupcakes out and tastes it.
“Mm!” Pinkie exclaimed in delight. “It’s very good; better than the few hundred other tries you made.” Pinkie points to the pile of burnt cupcakes covering the trashcan.
“At least you like it.” The red Earth Pony sighed; trying to keep a positive outlook on things. “And now what next?”
“Punch!” Pinkie replied excited, and then she pulled out a small jug and filled it with water then settled it on the countertop. “Could you pass the sugar?” Mr. Key gave Pinkie Pie the bag of sugar they’ve been using lately and she pours the sugar into the bowl. “Now, where’s the punch powder?”
“It’s over here.” Mr. Key grabbed the pink mare’s attention as he took out a small packet of powder from the cabinets and gave it to her.
“Thanks, Mr. Key!” Pinkie poured the powder from the packet into the jug and mixed it with a spoon. Soon, she pours some of the liquid mixture into a cup and gives it to Mr. Key; who stares at it confused.
“What is this?” Mr. Key asked the kinky mare trying not to be rude.
“It’s Punch! Strawberry flavored. Mm!” Pinkie replied delightedly. “Try it!” Mr. Key just stares at the cup of punch curious and nervous; not sure how it would taste, he couldn’t find the courage to try something new. “C’mon, Mr. Key!” Pinkie kindly encouraged him. “It’s just some old-fashioned punch. Nothing new.” Mr. Key carefully sips the punch from the small glass cup, but then was surprised to find how sweet the drink was, in fact, it did remind him of strawberries. So chugs he the rest of the delicious drink; surprising Pinkie Pie greatly. “Wow! You really like that?”
“I’ve never tasted something so…so…delicious!” Mr. Key replied enthusiastically. “Such a drink would be considered a strong medicine!” Then the hotel owner started to jump up and down excitedly. Pinkie couldn’t understand what was going on, but nor did she care, instead, she joins the Earth Pony’s excited rush of energy.
Meanwhile, outside in the Shores-a-lot market, Twilight, Fluttershy, Spike, Rarity, Applejack, and Mrs. Key stroll down the road of newly built shops and stands; each had very delectable foods now unlike earlier thanks to Applejack’s eye for ripe and ready food, and others had very interesting souvenirs. Twilight begins to grow curious on some items at one of the stands. She trotted over curious and gave them a better look. They were all basically made out of wood, but they were also painted several colors. Some took the shapes of small eggs and others took the shape of small cubes. The designs of paint on them were cute to Twilight reminded her of Spike when he was just a small little tyke. “May I help you?” The stand keeper asked kindly; bringing Twilight out of her memories.
“Oh! Uh, I was just wondering…” Twilight replied. “What are these adorable items you’re selling?”
“They’re Good Luck Charms; made special from scratch.” The stand keeper mare explained. “They’re very potent in what they do. Like for instance,” She points at one of the wooden eggs with a night-like design painted on it. “This one keeps you safe from monsters at night time,” Then she pointed to a cube with a sun design painted on it. “While this one can keep you safe from monsters in the daytime,” She then pointed to another cube with a road design painted on it. “And finally this one can keep your journeys joyful during and after it. Is there anything that you are interested in?” Twilight scans the rest of the nifty little charms, but then notices one different from the others. It was indeed an egg like some, but it wasn’t painted, neither was it wooden. It was made of what seemed to be a more crystal-like substance in several different colors. “What’s this?” Twilight pointed at the odd Good Luck Charm. The stand keeper looks down at the crystal egg and chuckled.
“That is a very delicate Good Luck Charm. A Master Piece of professional craftsmanship.” The pony picked up the egg and held it up proudly. “It’s very powerful, but…”
“But?”
“That’s just it; I have no idea what it does.” The stand keeper explained. “Originally I wanted to make something both beautiful and useful, but instead I don’t know what it does.”
“Well, why are you selling it?” Twilight asked her confused.
“I’m not. I’m only hoping that whatever it does will just happen out of the blue.” The stand keeper explained. “But until then I’ll have to wait.” Before Twilight could ask how she made the charm, Applejack grabbed her attention.
“Twilight!” Applejack waves from another stand that was owned by a stallion. “Come on over here and take a look at these neat little crystal balls!”
“Coming!” Twilight replied. “My friend’s calling me. Thanks for explaining your inventory.”
“Not a problem. So long.” The stand keeper waved. Twilight left the mare and walks over to Applejack curious on what she wanted to show her. She finds several small crystal balls for sell on the stand; each was the same unlike what Twilight saw at the other stand. “Would you look at these little glass balls.” Applejack picked one the items on the stand. “Aren’t they just precious?”
“I guess, Applejack.” Twilight replied still thinking about that crystal egg at the stand she was at earlier. Applejack looks into the crystal ball she held, but then was surprised to spot somepony inside it, but it was only for a brief moment. She gasps as it disappeared from her vision. Twilight notices her response and grows curious. “Applejack?” Twilight started. “Are you okay?” Applejack broke from her trance into the translucent sphere.
“What? Huh?” Applejack returned to reality. “Oh, I’m fine, Twilight.” She turned her gaze to the fit Earth Pony. “How much for the crystal ball?” “Three bits.” The stallion replied. Applejack reaches into her pack and pulled out three gold coins and gives them to the stand owner.
“Will this do?”
“Yes.” The stallion puts them into his old and usually empty chest. “Pleasure doing business with you.”
“You’re welcome.” The hard-working mare replied as Twilight and her friend left. Not far from them, Rarity and Spike walk up to a stand full of many priceless gemstones of different variety. Some hung from the ceiling, while others were piled inside a small tub for them to see. Rarity was so astonished to find so many various gems in one spot she was tickled pink; while Spike began to get hungry. His stomach growls; making Spike laugh uncomfortably. “Sorry. I guess the tons of crystals are making me hungry.” Spike apologized to the white unicorn; who only smiles at him.
“It’s quite alright, Spike.” Rarity assured, and then an idea came into her mind. “You know what? I’ll buy you a gem; if you’d like.”
“Really??” Spike exclaimed in surprise. “That’ll be great!” Rarity looks around the stand for a gem for Spike to eat, but they were all so beautiful she couldn’t pick one for him. “You know what, Spike? I’ll let you pick this one out.” Rarity replied a little awkwardly.
“Uh…okay, Rarity.” Spike looked around the stand for a gem he could eat, and then he spotted a fairly large Fire Ruby hanging above the old unicorn stand owner. It seemed pretty old and tasty. “How about that one?” Spike pointed out for Rarity to see. She finds the Fire Ruby hanging from the ceiling and turns her gaze back to Spike; who smiles back.
“Um, okay, Spike.” Rarity assured the baby dragon. “Excuse me, mam.” Rarity tried to grab the old mare’s attention, but she continued her nap. “Mam? Excuse me, mam.” Finally the old mare begins to awaken from her deep slumber.
“Huh, oh, what?” The stand keeper stuttered sleepily. “Oh, yes, pretty lady? What can I do for ya?”
“Hello. My name’s Rarity and this is Spike,” Rarity introduced them humbly. “And we were wondering how much that Fire Ruby costs.” The old mare looks up to the above average sized gem above her.
“What? Oh, this old thing?” The store keeper pulled off the gem stone from the ceiling at and settled it in front of her costumers. “It’s one of my family’s most greatest finds; though nopony was able to afford it yet.”
“Your family?” Spike asked intrigued about the old mare’s history.
“Why, yes, youngin’. My family’s been diggin’ for gemstones since …uh, who knows.” The store keeper shrugged. “But anyway, this here Fire Ruby is fifty years old and is worth fifty pounds.”
“Fifty pounds!” Spike gasped astonished from the gems expensive price then he turns his gaze to Rarity saddened. “I’m sorry, Rarity. I guess I’ll have to wait till the party soon.” Rarity’s expression turns stern. She couldn’t let a small, innocent dragon, like Spike, starve; she had to buy that Fire Ruby for him no matter what, but she didn’t have the money to buy the gemstone either. What was she going to do now? Then an idea pops into her mind. Helpful has a lot of money he received from Celestia; surely he could buy it for them. “Oh, Helpful!” Rarity called in a sing-song voice for the tan Pegasus; making Spike confused.
“Uh…Rarity? Why are you calling for Helpful?” Spike asked, but then was startled to find Helpful running through a crowd of other ponies.
“Excuse me!” Helpful shouted as he dodged a few ponies. “Sorry about that.” Finally he stops in front of Rarity and Spike with a smile. “Yes, Rarity?” “Wow, Helpful! How did you hear that?” Spike replied before Rarity.
“I was just near enough to hear it I guess.” Helpful laughed, but then turned his gaze back to Rarity. “Is there something you need me to help you with?”
“Yes, Helpful.” Rarity replied delightfully. “In case you haven’t noticed, Spike’s starving to death and I thought about buying a gemstone for him to eat,” Rarity pointed to the Fire Ruby. “But, sadly, the Fire Ruby he wants is much too expensive for me to purchase. Could you buy it for me, please? It would be such a help.” Helpful pulls out a small bag of gold from his saddlebag.
“Well, okay, Rarity.” Helpful agreed with the white mare. “I’ll see if I can buy it.” Helpful turns his gaze to the old mare. “How much for the Fire Ruby?”
“It’s fifty pounds, son.” The stand owner replied.
“F-Fi-Fifty pounds?” Helpful stuttered dumbstruck, and then he smiles at Rarity uneasy, but he looks back at the old mare. “You think could lower that price a bit?”
“Nope.”
“So you’re saying that the price is fifty pounds and you’re not going to slash the price by a few pounds?” Helpful asked to be sure.
“Yep.”
“Uh-huh.” Helpful replied serious. “Oh well, I guess that Fire Ruby is too expensive for us to buy, but it is a dragon beacon.”
“A dragon what??” The stand owner exclaimed a little surprised.
“Well, yeah. That Fire Ruby looks awfully delicious and it may smell unbelievable to many dragon far and wide. It may even lure some here.” Helpful explained. “But, since you want to deal with that, we’ll just be on our way.”
“Um…” The old mare thought for a second; if what the tan Pegasus was saying is true, then she’ll be dragon food in seconds. “Here!” The old mare tossed the Fire Ruby toward Helpful; who almost dropped it. “You can have it seventy percent off!” Helpful and Rarity exchange smiles to one another. After Helpful paid for Spike’s Fire Ruby, the dragon chomps deep into the Fire Ruby.
“Mm!” Spike exclaimed in satisfaction. “Thanks, Helpful!”
“Actually, you should thank Rarity.” Helpful pointed to Rarity. “It was her idea to buy it for you and it’s the thought that counts.”
“Oh, right!” Spike swallowed his red gem. “Thanks, Lady Rarity.”
“You’re welcome, Spike.” Rarity replied with a smile. “Helpful, how did you make you such an unbelievable tale.”
“What tale?” Helpful asked. “I was just telling her what was possible.” Rarity stops surprised at Helpful, but she then shrugs and continues to follow Spike and him through the market. Fluttershy, not far from them, was looking around some stands and found a small silver coin on the ground. It wasn’t like all the other silver coins at Equestria, in fact, it was etched with ancient writing from years ago, but is very unreadable. She even doubted that Twilight would be able to read it. As she picked it up, a dark brown unicorn stallion noticed. “Hey!” He shouted; startling Fluttershy; almost dropping the coin. “You’ve found a Luck Coin!”
“A w-what?” Fluttershy stuttered nervous.
“A Luck Coin.” The stallion walked up to her. “Rumor has it that it’ll give luck to whoever holds it. You must be a very special gal.”
“Oh…uh, maybe…” Fluttershy stuttered flattered by the stallion’s comment, but, before the stallion could continue, Helpful runs in-between them from some foals; who all laugh and giggle excitedly. The unicorn watches confused as they ran around the market, and then he turns his gaze to Fluttershy; who watches Helpful with entertained eyes.
“Who’s that?” The stallion asked curious.
“That’s Helpful the Selfless.” Fluttershy answered still watching Helpful and the foals play around. “He’s a servant from our princess: Celestia and he’s aiding us in our quest.” The shy Pegasus turns her attention back to the unicorn. “Anyways, my name is Fluttershy, what yours?”
“Oh, my name?” The stallion replied surprised. “My name’s Slipknot.”
“Slipknot? That’s a very unusual name.” Fluttershy giggled.
“I would say the same about you. Fluttershy’s the name for a very silent and unsocial type, but your neither, aren’t you?”
“Well, you see…ever since I met Helpful, my life’s changed.” Fluttershy explained thoughtfully. “I’m not what I’m used to be, why do you ask?”
“Oh, I’m just the type of pony who likes to meet new ponies in town,” Slipknot answered. “Even though this town doesn’t get many visitors.”
“Oh, I see.”
“There’s many other towns and there’s several other folks living in those towns.” Slipknot continued. “You see, I’m a sailor and I’ve been to many of these places, meeting and getting to know others is like second nature to me.”
“Oh.” Fluttershy looked over to Helpful still playing with the young foals, and then he noticed her staring at him and smiled back. The shy mare waves back as the tan Pegasus gets tackled by a young colt; making Fluttershy giggle.
“I see that you have feelings for this stallion.” Slipknot grabbed Fluttershy’s attention; who blushes and tries to cover her smile with her hair. “Oh, uh…I-I-I…” Fluttershy stuttered nervously.
“You do, don’t you?” Slipknot replied.
“Y-Yes… I do.” The emerald eyed Pegasus sighed. “He’s different.”
“I see. Tell me about him.” Slipknot insisted.
“He’s very…different.” Fluttershy tried to explain.
“And, by different, what do you mean?”
“He’s more…unique than the other stallions.” The shy Pegasus continued. “He can’t remember his past, and he’s still curious about it, but he still makes time for others. The way he acts around everypony is very weird, but it’s more of a caring and childish nature and I enjoy it, you see.” Fluttershy sighed. “I believe he likes me too.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He’s been protecting me ever since we left Ponyville…o-our home.” Fluttershy explained. “He’s also been very kind to me ever since we met… It’s a long story.”
“I see.” Slipknot then turned to leave. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Fluttershy. I enjoyed our conversation we had and I hope that we’ll meet again soon.”
“Oh, so do I, Slipknot. So long.” Fluttershy waved as the Unicorn continued his merry way.
“Hey, Fluttershy!” Helpful grabbed the shy Pegasus’ attention. “Watch this!” A small chubby colt named Haybale, Helpful, and Jellyroll all sat in front of Fluttershy and gurgled water to an old song Helpful could barely remember, finally, after they finished, they spat the water straight up; raining on top of them in the process and making them wet. It was touching to Fluttershy; in a weird, gross, and childish way, but that’s what she liked about Helpful, besides the gross part. The emerald eyed Pegasus laughed and applauded them all cheerfully; making Helpful even more pleased. “You really liked it?” Helpful asked excited.
“It was adorable, Helpful.” Fluttershy giggled. “How did you get the foals to do that?”
“Um, well…they actually taught me. I only remembered the song.” Helpful smiled at her widely and innocent; making roll her eyes and giggle. Helpful looks up and spots the sun getting lower in the distance. It was getting close time for the party. “C’mon, Fluttershy. We’re gonna be late for the party.” Helpful trotted toward the hotel and Fluttershy followed close beside him; leaving the young foals to play with one another.

Party Time

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Chapter 10

Party Time

Late afternoon at the Lock and Key Hotel, Helpful and Fluttershy walk inside several minutes before the party, and find Mr. Key running around the entire hotel in, what seemed to be, a bad case of the Sugar Rush. Mrs. Key stops in front of the couple out of breath. “Oh. Darlings, am I…glad you’re here.” Mrs. Key tried to catch her breath. “My husband’s got the worst case of Sugar Rush in the century.”
“What happened?” Helpful asked curious, and then Pinkie Pie ran over into his face; looking panicked.
“Helpful! Thank Celestia you’re here!” Pinkie shouted nervous.
“Uh…what’s the problem?”
“Mr. Key has gotten into the worst case of Sugar Rush ever!”
“Um, Pinkie… Mrs. Key already explained that.” Fluttershy explained carefully.
“I know! Isn’t it tragic??”
“Um, Pinkie Pie, I don’t know what a Sugar Rush is, but come on.” Helpful replied calmly. “It can’t be that bad.” Then the four hear a crash from the other room and they run inside to find out that Mr. Key had tipped over the shelf of fine vases that Mrs. Key and him collected over the years; shattering them into pieces.
“Oh no!” Mrs. Key dashed toward the tremendous mess shocked. “He’s destroyed our collection of old vases.”
“We’ll clean it up for you, Mrs. Key.” Helpful offered kindly.
“Thank you, Helpful, but, first, we need to put Locker Key out of his Sugar Rush of Terror.”
“’Sugar Rush of Terror.’” The pink mare giggled. Then Twilight, Spike, Sunny, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash came inside and were surprised to see Mr. Key running rampant through the hotel. Rarity drops her jaw in shock. “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Sunny reasoned with herself not to get into this mess.
“What in tarnation is goin’ on here?” Applejack exclaimed in confusion, and Pinkie Pie ran straight up to them.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s tragic! It’s the worst case of the Sugar Rush ever!” Pinkie explained in rapid panic, and then she breathed in deep. “Run for your lives!” The pink mare bolted out the window before anypony could speak.
“I-I’m not going to find out what’s got Pinkie so riled up!” Spike ate the last of his Fire Ruby and jumped out the window after Pinkie. Everypony else just stares out the window confused and shocked for so much uncalled for nonsense, and then Sunny broke the silence. “Well, if anypony needs me, I’ll be upstairs.” Sunny climbed up the stairs. Twilight looks over to her friends; who all look at her confused as much as she was, but then Helpful, Fluttershy, and Mrs. Key walks into the room.
“Hey everypony.” Helpful greeted. “You saw Mr. Key, didn’t you?”
“Uh…was that Mr. Key?” Rainbow Dash asked trying to clear the air.
“Yes and no.”
“What do you mean, Helpful?” Twilight urged to know.
“It’s the Sugar Rush.” Mrs. Key answered. “It’s turned my Sugar Bear to a rampaging lunatic and if he isn’t stopped soon-” Then Mr. Key runs through the room, but, before he could continue, he hits the floor unconscious. “Sugar Bear!” Mrs. Key gasped shocked. She lifted up his head softly, but the stallion didn’t respond. “Is he alright?” Twilight examined the stallion’s state and came to a conclusion.
“He’s fine. He’s just in a Sugar Coma.” Twilight assured.
“Oh, thank goodness.” Mrs. Key sighed of relief. “But will he wake up soon?”
“I’d say near a week or so.” Twilight answered thoughtfully. “That’s the usual time.”
After cleaning the mess Mr. Key accidently made and taking the red Earth Pony to bed, Captain Luckyshoes and his jolly crew arrive at the Lock and Key Hotel. Most of the stallion’s in his crew were big burly Unicorns and some were strong Earth Ponies while the rest were buff Pegasi; which they all made Rarity pinch herself. “We’re here for the get together, Locker Key and Chest Key!” The Captain announced. Mrs. Key came to greet them.
“Captain!” Mrs. Key greeted surprised. “You’re here earlier than expected.”
“As always, Chest.” The handsome Sea Pony replied. “Where’s Locker?”
“Oh! Well, you don’t need to be worrying about him, Captain.” Rarity intervened between them; getting close to Luckyshoes. “He won’t be joining us. He just fell into a coma.”
“Oh, my.” The Captain exclaimed in surprise. “That’s a shame. I hope he gets better soon, and you sure he didn’t catch the Scurvy?”
“Uh…” Rarity thought for a minute before answering.
“We’re quite sure it isn’t that sort of illness, Sir.” Twilight answered before Rarity.
“Wow.” One of the crewmates exclaimed in surprise over Twilight’s answer. “The Bonnie Lass knows her, uh… What do they call it?”
“It’s called Grammar.” Twilight replied proudly.
“Ah, is that what they call it now, eh?” The Sea Pony continued; making Twilight giggle.
“Allow me to introduce my crew.” Luckyshoes offered and then he walked in front of his crew; who all orderly stood shoulder to shoulder facing him, and then he stopped at the end of the line and pointed to an Earth Pony beside him. “This is Calm Water,” Then he pointed to another Unicorn. “Lantern Light,” The Captain introduced his able-bodied crew to Twilight and her friends one at a time till he got to the last Unicorn. “And, finally, this is my First Mate: Slipknot.”
“Uh, First Mate?” Applejack asked curious.
“He controls the ship while the captain does his job in his cabin.” Twilight explained to her good friend.
“Oh, so he’s the captain replacement when he’s not around.”
“That and a few other responsibilities.” Slipknot replied. “I report the crew’s state to Luckyshoes. If there was a problem with the crew, it would be my responsibility to report it to him so he would either turn the ship around or keep going.”
“So, you’re like the guy who keeps up with everything?”
“I guess in a way.” Slipknot replied.
“Hey! He’s just like you, Twilight!” Applejack laughed teasing; making Twilight roll her eyes.
“So, shall we continue with the party?” Twilight asked curious.
“Aye, my wee lass.” Luckyshoes replied. “Let the party begin!”
“Wahoo! Finally!” Pinkie Pie dashed toward the record player and started up the music. As the party began, Rarity and Mrs. Key talked with the Captain about his voyages; some crewmates shared their knowledge about the sea with Twilight and Spike; a few crewmates held a conversation with Applejack, Sunny, and Pinkie Pie; Rainbow Dash learned some speed tactics from the crew Pegasi; while Fluttershy and Helpful spent some time at the punch bowl. Helpful offered a drink of punch to Fluttershy; who accepted it with a smile. “So, you’re looking lovely, Fluttershy.” Helpful complimented trying to start a conversation with her.
“Oh, why thank you, Helpful.” Fluttershy blushed. “You’re looking pretty good too.”
“Thanks.” Helpful chuckled. “So, are you ready for tomorrow?”
“I-I guess I am.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve been told by Twilight that we’ll be sailing through the ocean.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve been told too.” Fluttershy drank from her punch.
“Don’t you think it’ll be fun sailing?” Helpful asked her excited.
“I-I guess so…” Fluttershy replied looking down on the floor. Helpful notices her long face.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” The light tan Pegasus grabbed her attention concerned. Fluttershy just sighs sadly. “It’s okay, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured her comfortingly and laid his arm across her shoulders. “You can tell me your problem.”
“I…I-I wanna go home.” Fluttershy stuttered nervously covering face with her hair. “I miss Angel and the rest of my sweet animals I take care of. I asked Lyra and Bon Bon to take care of them while I’m gone, but now I’m worried sick.” Helpful watches as a tear falls from Fluttershy hitting the floor as she sniffed.
“F-Fluttershy.” Helpful started a little surprised. “I never knew you were that homesick.”
“I just want to go home.” Fluttershy sniffed again.
“It’s alright, Fluttershy. I’m sure your pets are fine.”
“You really…think so?” Fluttershy looked up to him with tear-filled eyes; which pained him to look at, but he continued.
“Yes, I do, Fluttershy,” Helpful wiped the tears off the shy Pegasus’ emerald eyes. “And there’s nothing for you to worry about. So, please, don’t cry.”
“Oh, Helpful!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she hugged him and cried in his caring, reliable arms. Helpful smiled at Sunny as she gave him a thumbs up. That night, after the party, in Helpful and friend’s room, everypony made ready their beds as it was getting close to mid-night. The room was filled with bunk beds that lined the walls of the room up to the other side; which held a window to see the town outside. As Rarity made her bottom bed, she was annoyed to find confetti falling onto her careful work. She turns her gaze to Pinkie Pie above her. “Out of all of this land, why did I have to bunk with you?” Rarity growled.
“Because everypony else was taken.” Pinkie replied with a big smile; irritating Rarity.
“Just, please, keep the commotion down tonight. I’m trying to have my beauty sleep.”
“Okay dokey wokey!” The pink mare assured; making Rarity roll her eyes. Twilight made her bed beside them with Sunny, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash bunked together, and Spike and Helpful bunked together in a bed as well; leaving Applejack sleeping alone in her bunk. Sometime after they hit the lights, Applejack notices a dim blinking light from her saddlebag hanging on her bunk. “What the hay is this?” Applejack whispered to herself; trying not to wake the others. She took her saddlebag into the hallway and checked to see if the coast was clear. When it was, the hard working mare pulled out whatever was blinking in her bag; it was the crystal ball she bought from the market. It was mysteriously acting up, but, before she went back into the bedroom to wake up Twilight, the ball shines bright, and then, once it stopped, a gas-like light flew slowly out from the sphere and formed a body of a dark blue Alicorn. He seemed young, but his steely gaze said otherwise. The Alicorn was also very tall, but what made him very interesting to Applejack was that his left eye was white like the full moon and the edge of his right ear was chipped off. He had an ebon mane and tail, and, finally, his Cutie Mark was a full moon, but it had four six-pointed stars around it; making Applejack very curious. “Ah, the Second Spirit of Harmony.” The Alicorn began. “It was pure luck that I’ve found you.”
“Uh, howdy? What’re you…?” Applejack replied confused.
“We do not have the time for explaining those things.” The Alicorn insisted. “I greatly require your assistance.”
“What fer’?”
“Do you have the Elements of Harmony?”
“Well, we only have one right now.” Applejack explained thoughtfully. “Why’re ya askin’?”
“Oh no.” The winged Unicorn thought out loud. “If the Spirits don’t find the Elements soon, the world is doomed.”
“What’re you talking about?”
“It is nothing. Where are you all heading now?”
“To Mount Joysong.” Applejack explained.
“Of coarse.” The blue Alicorn thought out loud again. “Magi. You sly sorcerer.”
“Uh…how’d you end up in that crystal ball I bought from the market, anyhow?” Applejack asked greatly confused over the speed of what was happening.
“Like I said, there’s not enough time for those types of questions.” Then the Alicorn began to start fading from view. “Time is running out. Listen closely; follow the caves in Mount Joysong. There you will find what you seek.”
“What? Follow the caves? But…” Before Applejack could ask further, the Alicorn disappeared into the crystal orb. “What in Great Equestria was that about?” Applejack questioned herself overwhelmed by what happened, and then Twilight came into the hallway curious about what Applejack was doing out of bed.
“Applejack,” Twilight yawned tired. “What are you doing out in the hallway?”
“Oh, uh…I was, uh, getting a drink of water.” Applejack answered with an awkward smile.
“Really? For a second, I thought you were talking to somepony.”
“Yes, really. I was talking to myself on the way back.” Applejack yawned. “It’s getting really late, Twilight. We should hit the hay.” Applejack walks back into the bedroom and goes to bed; making Twilight confused.
“Strange. Applejack’s acting a bit different.” Twilight whispered to herself. “I hope she’s not changing like what Discord did to her.” She then decides to put the thought aside and return to her peaceful sleep.


That night, Helpful dreamt himself inside what seemed to be a great castle. The walls were made of a pure white marble, and the windows were covered by long red drapes. The carpet under him was green with a design of a rainbow hued gemstone in the center. The ceiling above him was painted as a cloudy sky with several Pegasi flying and playing around. It was obvious that he was in a hallway of some sort. As he continues to observe the walkway, the Light Tan Pegasus felt strangely at home; like always knew this place, but he can’t remember anything. How could he know this inquiry? He soon saw a servant running through the hallway with a bowl filled with water. “The baby’s coming! The baby’s coming!” The servant shouted grabbing other servants’ attention. More servants walk out of rooms; some were curious, others were excited, but they all quickly followed the other servant; who seemed to be in quite the hurry. Confused and curious, Helpful follows the group of maids to the end of the hallway and into a large room. The entrance was guarded by two burly knights in silver armor. Both of them were equipped with a shield and sword. Once inside, Helpful walks around the group of servants to find what all the commotion was about.
He saw a handsome tall light tan Alicorn stallion stand beside a bed, holding a beautiful white Alicorn mare’s hoof. The Alicorn stallion’s mane was dark blue and it wasn’t very long in length. His eyes were a silver-like color, and his Cutie Mark was a platinum crown that shone light. His wings’ feathers had a different color faded onto each one; like a rainbow. The chest plate he wore was golden and had an octagon shaped Fire Ruby embedded into the metal. He also wore a gold gem encrusted crown on his head; which told Helpful that he was Royalty. The Alicorn mare’s mane was golden and it always swayed in the air; like Celestia’s and Luna’s. Her eyes were a mixture of different colors. It was like they were made from gem stones. Her wings were like his; only that they weren’t falcon-like. The golden chest plate she wore had a sphere shaped amethyst gemstone embedded into it. She wore a gem encrusted crown on her head. Helpful notices that she was breathing very hard and looked like she was in pain, and then he realized she in labor.
The Alicorn King held on to his beloved wife’s hoof to make it easier on her to pull through the agony. “We are going to receive another foal to rule this land.” The Alicorn remarked with tears of joy. “I will help thou pull through this like we always have been, Faithol.”
“It is grand to know…that you are joyous…to have another foal…to teach leadership…to.” Faithol breathed hard and slow, but then she felt her new foal wanting to be released into the world. “Oh, Razeil! It’s time!” Faithol shouted in agony as she began to push. Helpful watched beside the Alicorn mare as she gave birth to her newborn foal. A servant held up the baby as it cried its first few breaths in the world. The servants gathered around to where Helpful couldn’t see the newborn. “It is a colt, Your Majesties!” One of the servants told the two Alicorns, but then Helpful woke up from his dream. The light tan Pegasus gasps as he sat up swiftly. He then realized that he was back in Shores-a-lot. “What was that all about?” Helpful thought. “I know it was a dream, but what if it had real meaning?” Tired, Helpful returns to sleep.


The next morning, the smell of breakfast lingers into Helpful and friend’s bedroom; awakening Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Applejack immediately. Pinkie sits straight up hitting her head on the ceiling and breathes in the smell through her nose. She could always recognize that one and only aroma in the air. “Is that what I think it is?” Spike exclaimed in excitement.
“Oh, yes, Spike!” Pinkie replied gleefully.
“Mmm-mmm!” Applejack smelt the air. “It’s just like what Granny Smith used to make every day when I was a filly. Grass Pancakes!!!” The three hungry friends dash out of bed into the dining room downstairs and find Mrs. Key setting up the table with several plates; each had a stack of Grass Pancakes. Mrs. Key notices them enter the room.
“Oh, Good Morning, Dears,” Mrs. Key greeted kindly. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Mornin’, Mrs. Key.” Applejack greeted back. “Yes, we did. Thank ya kindly.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve made these pancakes for all of you to show our appreciation on fixing the town.”
“How’s Mr. Key feeling?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.
“He’s still asleep, unfortunately, but besides that, he’s fine.” Mrs. Key replied. “Are the rest of you awake yet?”
“Not really.” Spike answered. “They’re still asleep, but they’ll be here soon.”
“Okay. Well, since you’re up, help yourselves to these fresh off the stove Grass Pancakes I’ve made. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to clean the kitchen.” The indigo Earth Pony mare walked out the room as her guests thanked her for her generosity. Spike’s stomach growled loudly. The small dragon smiled and chuckled uncomfortably.
“Enough gawkin’. Let’s eat!” Applejack insisted as she found herself a spot in the table and began to eat her meal. Pinkie and Spike do the same. Soon, Spike fills up on his meal before Applejack and Pinkie Pie and steps off of his stack of cushions. “I’m full, girls.” Spike explained as he rubbed his stomach satisfied. “I’ll be checking the others to see if they’ve got up yet.” The two mares nod their heads; understanding Spike. The purple dragon leaves his friends into the bedroom and he finds Helpful, wide awake, gazing from the top bunk he laid on toward the ceiling above him. It was obvious to Spike that he was in either deep thought or he was imagining Fluttershy. The young dragon walks over to Helpful’s bunk. “H-hey, Helpful?” Spike grabbed the Tan Pegasus’ attention. Helpful turns over on his bed down toward Spike with a glad smile.
“Oh, Good Morning, Spike.” Helpful greeted comfortingly. “How are you?”
“I’m feeling pretty good right now, Helpful. Thanks. I see you’re awake.”
“Oh, yeah. I had the strangest dream last night.” Helpful replied thoughtfully; making Spike curious.
“What happened?” Spike asked his friend interested. Helpful explains his dream to the young dragon. “Uh…that is strange, but do you know what gender the baby was in your dream?”
“Uh…” Helpful took the time to think about that question, but then Fluttershy walked over to them curious.
“Good Morning, Helpful and Spike.” Fluttershy greeted favorably. “What are you talking about?”
“Helpful had a strange dream last night.” Spike explained, but then was surprised when Fluttershy gasped shocked and flew up to Helpful worried.
“Oh, Helpful! Did you have a nightmare? Was it scary?” Fluttershy began her questionnaire on Helpful holding his head up to hers so she could examine him again.
“Uh, Fluttershy.” Helpful tried to protest, but Fluttershy interrupted him.
“It’s okay, Helpful. Fluttershy’s here. You can tell me all about your bad dream.” Fluttershy insisted as she snuggled up beside him. Helpful could feel her soft fluffy hair against him as he tried to cope with this new experience.
“Uh, I-I, um…” Helpful stuttered flabbergasted; making Fluttershy even more worried.
“Oh my! Was it that bad?” The Shy Pegasus wondered worried.
“It wasn’t really a bad dream, Fluttershy.” Spike sighed, embarrassed to watch Helpful accidently embarrass himself. The baby dragon explains to Fluttershy Helpful’s dream. As he explained, the rest of their friends awaken and become curious themselves. “And that’s when Helpful woke up.” Spike finished.
“Interesting.” Twilight spoke up; surprising Spike. “Your dream, Helpful, isn’t what I’d expect from you.”
“I know, right?” Helpful agreed with his friend. “Do you know what it may mean?”
“I’m not…sure.” Twilight thought carefully for a brief moment. “It may have been a late memory from some time ago, but I’m not sure.”
“Well, I think we should get to Captain Luckyshoes’ ship.” Rainbow Dash changed the subject. “We really need to get a move on.”
“Good call, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight agreed gladly. “The bay isn’t very far from here.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” Rarity giggled excitedly as she remembered all the burly stallions she met last night.
“So are you two Lovebirds done up there, or do you need a few minutes alone?” Sunny teased Helpful and Fluttershy chuckling.
“Oh! Uh…we were just about to come down.” Helpful smiled awkwardly as he climbed down from his bed. As Fluttershy followed him she accidently slips and falls onto Helpful’s back; breaking her fall. The Shy Pegasus smiles blushing as she climbs off of Helpful. “S-sorry, Helpful.” Fluttershy apologized.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy. Are you okay?” Helpful asked curious and concerned.
“I’m okay, Helpful.”
“Mm-hmm.” Sunny teased putting her claws on her hips with a smart smile.
“Sunny!” Helpful exclaimed in embarrassment.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Sunny giggled. “You two just make such a cute couple.” Everypony rolls their eyes as they leave the room.


Meanwhile in Celestia’s bedroom, Celestia activates her crystal ball with her magic. The light from the magical orb formed an illusion of an Alicorn stallion named Gemini. His mane was translucent and it was short and smooth enough to give the impression that the strands were melted together as they often swayed in the air. His eyes had the ability to change color prior to his emotions. They were green; which meant he was calm or glad. His coat had a light purple aura glowing eerily; but the being had no Cutie Mark. Two stars floated and circled around him; one was red, the other: blue, and on his forehead was the Zodiac of Gemini. “Good Morning, Celestia.” Gemini greeted. “Since you’re calling me again, you must want me to show you how your ‘heroes’ are faring in their journey.”
“You are correct, Gemini.” Celestia replied. “Like you always are.”
“Well, I am the reflection in your mirror. What would I not know?” Gemini laughed.
“Where is Twilight Sparkle, Helpful the Selfless, and their friends?”
“They’re in a town named Shores-a-lot.” Gemini answered as he began to float in the air backwards; as if he was trying to get comfortable.
“Show me, Gemini.” Celestia urged the unique being. Gemini stopped floating around the room, and concentrated his powers to summon an illusion of the mane six and Helpful trotting through Shores-a-lot. Spike rode on Twilight’s back, while Rainbow Dash and Rarity followed beside her. Applejack and Pinkie Pie weren’t far behind, and Sunny rode on Helpful’s back as he trotted along with Fluttershy. “Your Loyal Subjects are about to sail into the sea.” Gemini explained the scene. “They have only found one Element of Harmony. A Sea Captain, named Luckyshoes, is expecting them soon. He was generous enough to help them cross the ocean to Mount Joysong. Oh! There’s one more thing. Envious has transformed your Royal Guard into his Minions of Darkness, so don’t be surprised if he’s not alone next time.” Shocked by Gemini’s explanation of the current status of her Guards, Celestia was silent for some time, but then she put the subject aside.
“How long is their trip going to take?” Celestia continued.
“Oh, measuring the length of the trip and predictable speed of the wind…” Gemini calculated the possible situations and math to a conclusion. “I’d say four days at least.”
“Four days?” Celestia asked surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Hey! I’m just the Zodiac who can only tell you what happened and what’s happening now. I can’t see the future--just guess the most possible situation. I’m sorry.” Gemini explained to the princess bitterly; turning his eyes to a red color; which meant he was annoyed or angry
“Of coarse, Gemini. My apologies.” Celestia apologized. “That is all I needed to know. Inform me if something goes wrong.” As his eyes turned back to green, Gemini returns to his crystal sanctuary, but before he went inside, he turns back to Celestia with blue eyes.
“I’m sorry for being harsh with you, Celestia.” Gemini explained comfortingly. “I’m just as mad as you are about what Envious is doing to the lives of innocent ponies everywhere. My omnipresence is like torture now that he runs free.”
“What do you mean, Gemini?” Celestia asked curious. Gemini didn’t answer. “Show me.” The Alicorn used his powers to create an illusion of other lands being decimated by Envious’ Reign of Darkness. The sight of what Envious’ Minions wrought was incredibly shocking to Celestia. She saw kingdoms crumble and cities demolished within moments as Envious’ Minions took the innocent lives of many a pony and zebra alike. The prophecy was coming true. “’In the future, Envious would return, but with more hatred and anger against ponies.’” Celestia recited Magi’s Prophecy. “’He will bring the six Elements of Chaos, and will rule the world in darkness and destruction, but Prince Joyful, the Prince of Harmony, will also return and fight his brother with his unique abilities.’”
“’They will be evenly matched, but the Light of Harmony will win against the Darkness of Chaos. Six brave ponies will help double the Prince’s powers by using the Elements of Harmony.’” Gemini continued the Prophecy. “’Envious will be defeated, and Prince Joyful will then rule the land in peace as it was intended to be.’”

The Storm

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Chapter 11

The Storm

As the group of fellow Equestrians walk onto the dock of Shores-a-lot, they all were astonished as they marveled each huge ship they found. Twilight has studied small boat sailing before, but ships? She had Spike take notes as she tried to name each part of each vessel’s exterior. “Ugh!” Rarity stopped disgusted by two rats in her path. “Go away! Shoo! Shoo!” The rats dashed away from Rarity into a ship. “Oh! These ships are filled with nasty vermin. I will not stand riding in a filthy dump, like that!” Fluttershy walks over to Rarity concerned.
“What’s wrong, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked the White Unicorn concerned.
“That is what’s wrong, Fluttershy!” Rarity pointed at the ship that the two rats ran into.
“T-the ship?” Fluttershy tried to clarify.
“No! Rats! These ships are infested with disgusting rats, and I will not take part in any sailing with those…things.”
“Well, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve cleaned out the Tide Churner last night.” Slipknot’s voice came from behind Rarity; who was surprised and excited to see him as she jumped around.
“Well, hello, Slipknot!” Rarity greeted in a sing-song voice as she blinked her eyelids several times rapidly; making the Unicorn stallion strangely uncomfortable.
“Uh, hello, Rarity.” Slipknot tried to keep his smile.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t clean the entire ship for me, did you?”
“To be honest, we only cleaned the entire ship for all of you.” Slipknot tried to explain. “I can take you all there personally. I was on my way back anyway.”
“Well, I’d--I mean, we’d love that. Thank you!” Rarity smiled at Slipknot greatly; making the others exchange looks of confusion. The fellow travelers follow the First Mate back to Luckyshoes’ ship; the Tide Churner. It was several feet high and wide. Like all ships, it was made out of wood. The bow of this vessel had a wooden Sea Pony mare pointing straight in front of her. There was also one mast that rose from the deck of the ship, it held three sails, and at the top of the Main Mast, held a Crow’s Nest which the Pegasus stallion Lantern Light worked at. Finally, at the back of the ship sat the Captain’s Cabin. They trot onto the ship and find the burly sailors from last night pulling ropes to load cargo into the ship. The deck was nice and wide, and they could see the wheel of the ship where the Earth Pony stallion Calm Water was stationed. Rarity was felt like she died and found herself in Stallion Heaven; she was so dumbfounded by all the strapping and adorable stallions working hard for the voyage ahead, that she caught the hic-ups. “Seems like this’ll be a fun trip,” Applejack remarked gladly. “Eh, Rarity!”
“Wahahaa!!” Rarity exclaimed in excitement with a crazed look followed by a hic-up.
“Uh, okay?” Applejack replied confused and creeped out a little, and then Luckyshoes noticed them and trotted over to his guests satisfied that they’ve arrived.
“Ah, Helpful, Twilight, and the rest of their jolly group,” The Sea Captain grabbed their attention. “It’s great to see you’re all here before we set of into the sea.”
“Hello, Captain.” Twilight greeted back. “I see you’re all almost ready to set sail.”
“Aye, Lass. All the cargo’s almost in stock.” The Sea Pony explained. “Just need to load in some ‘special’ cargo.” Then a few cannons were loaded into the ship for reasons unknown to the Fellow Equestrians.
“What’s with the heavy artillery, Captain?” Applejack pointed toward a few cannons being attached into the ship’s port side.
“Well, Lass…” Luckyshoes thought for a second. “The sea isn’t always, uh…trustworthy. There’re dangers in times you least expect it, and other things that will make all seem lost…but don’t worry, Lass. We know this ocean like the back of our hooves. We’ll get you all there in no time.”
“I do feel completely safe in your ar--I mean ship.” Rarity giggled with an abnormal, mentally ill smile. Later, Luckyshoes and Twilight begin plotting their course through the sea on some sea charts in the Captain’s Cabin, while outside the crew began to prepare the ship.
“Hoist the Main Sail!” The crew immediately began their work as Slipknot gave the orders, and then he notices Luckyshoes and Twilight exiting the Cabin. He trots over to them “Do we have a heading, Captain?”
“Aye, Lad. Seventy-five degrees north of here.” The Captain pointed out.
“Aye, Captain!” Slipknot replied with a salute. They soon began to sail out into sea. Twilight began to grow curious on where her friends and she were sleeping in the ship.
“Captain?” Twilight cleared her throat.
“Aye, Lass?” Luckyshoes replied politely.
“Just where are we sleeping tonight, Sir?”
“Well, all y’all are goin’ to sleep in my Cabin.” The Sailor answered. “I have many hammocks for you to borrow. As for the Lads, they’ll be sleeping with the rest of my crew.”
“You mean Helpful and Spike?” Twilight tried to clarify.
“Aye, Lass. There shouldn’t be anything wrong.”
“Yes, Captain.” Twilight agreed. “I’m sure they won’t complain.” Down on the deck, the Earth Pony named Calm Water tied down a rope in order to tighten the Main Sail more so it wouldn’t fall, and then Rarity trotted over to him quite fixed over his charming looks. The Earth Pony was indeed very charming. His coat was a perfect shade of gray; like Tottie Hottie’s, and his eyes were a sea green. His mane was a Light blue color with white highlights. “Oh, my.” Rarity exclaimed of astonishment as Calm hauled up a barrel of flour.
“Oh, Ms. Rarity.” The Kind Earth Pony greeted the Unicorn mare gladly. “How are you enjoying your ride on the Tide Churner?”
“Oh, well, you see…” Rarity thought for a second flipping her hair with her hoof. Calm began to worry.
“Are you not satisfied that we are giving you a generous ride toward Mt. Joysong?” Calm asked confused.
“Why would I ever not?” Rarity gasped shocked. “I am very pleased that you would give me, I mean, us…a ride on your fine fetching vessel.” Rarity finishes with an awkward smile; making Calm Water look at her oddly.
“If you say so, Ms. Rarity.” Calm Water then leaves. “I must bring this barrel to the cook, and then return to my post at the wheel.”
“Oh, o-of coarse, sir.” Rarity watched disappointed as the stallion of her dreams continues his work. “Sooner or later, I’ll get some attention from these…these b-burly boys.” As Rarity continues on grabbing attention from the crewmates, downstairs, Applejack and Sunny are in the kitchen working with the cook. “So, you say you’re good at makin’ great food?” The cook asked his two guests.
“Yes, sir.” Applejack assured gladly.
“Let’s see what y’all can do at dinner tonight for everypony.” The red maned stallion explained. “If you can make a good enough dinner, I’ll consider you two workin’ in the kitchen.”
“You got it, sir!” Sunny saluted to the fairly obese stallion.
“We’ll be on it like mice on a hunk of cheese.” Applejack assured him as the cook left them in the kitchen. The hard-working mare turns her gaze over to Sunny concerned. “You sure you know how to cook, Sunny?”
“Of coarse I know how to cook, AJ.” Sunny assured her friend as she picked up a pot and spun it around like a ball. “Besides, how else would I survive alone?” Then thunder surprised them both; making Sunny drop the pot on the floor.
“Sounds like a Thunderstorm are goin’ through here.” Applejack remarked as Sunny and she ran up to the deck to see a huge, black Thundercloud coming toward them; making a harsh wind blow through the ship, and the water toss and turn under it; making the vessel swing back and forth. Lantern Light jumps down from the Crow’s Nest and lands beside Luckyshoes.
“Captain, we have a problem.” The blue and yellow maned Pegasus stallion saluted to his Captain.
“What is it, Lantern?” Luckyshoes asked.
“There’s a Thunderstorm, and it’s coming toward us fast, Sir.” Twilight answered before the white coated Pegasus as she looked through her spyglass.
“Aye, I’ve noticed.” The Captain replied with a smile. “We’re headin’ right into a hurricane.”
“A Hurricane, Sir?” Lantern gasped.
“Aye, and this is the roughest of them all.” The Sea Pony answered, and then he turns over to his crew working on the deck. “Tie down the sails and ropes good and tight, and fasten your Life Lines!” The crew immediately did as they were ordered by the Captain. Luckyshoes turns his gaze to Twilight. “Get your friends together and hide inside my Cabin until it’s over.”
“Yes, Captain.” Twilight replied as she ran down to gather her friends. The Sea Captain turns his attention to Helpful and Rainbow Dash down below on the deck.
“Helpful, Rainbow Dash!” Luckyshoes grabs their attention.
“Aye, Captain?” Helpful saluted.
“What’s up?” Dash replied.
“Rainbow Dash, I need you to help tighten the Main Sail with the rest of the Pegasi!” The Captain ordered. “Helpful, I need you to secure all Life Lines!”
“Yes, Sir!” Rainbow saluted and flew off to help with Main Sail.
“Life Lines?” Helpful asked the Sea Pony, but then Slipknot ran past him.
“Follow me!” Slipknot beckoned; making Helpful follow him. As Twilight gathered the rest of her friends, the rain started to pour down hard on the deck of the ship making it extremely slippery. Applejack couldn’t stand not helping the rest of the crew with the storm, so she runs over to help Calm Water with the wheel. “We’re being pulled in.” Calm Water grunted as Applejack and he tried to keep the wheel from flying.
“Don’t lose hope, Calm Water.” Applejack encouraged the stallion. Helpful and Slipknot quickly tightened all the Life Lines tied onto the masts.
“Life Lines secured, Captain!” Helpful assured as he tightened the last rope.
“Very good, Helpful and Slipknot.” Luckyshoes replied with a smile.
“What’s got you in such a fine mood, Captain?” Slipknot asked the esteemed Captain.
“We’re speeding up.” Luckyshoes answered, but then a rope above him snapped; letting it fly free. It hits one of the crew mates and tangles him up high above the deck.
“H-help! Help me!” The Earth Pony stallion shouted in fear. Applejack notices and turns to Dashie.
“Rainbow! Help Calm Water with the wheel!” Applejack grabbed the light blue Pegasus’ attention; who immediately flew down to help.
“I got this!” Rainbow Dash assured. “Go!” Applejack dashed from the wheel, took some spare rope, and lassoed the dangling Earth Pony.
“Helpful! I need you to cut the rope!” Applejack grabbed the Tan Pegasus’ attention.
“What??” Slipknot protested as he tried to pull the rope from her. “Are you daft? You’ll get Flyleaf injured!” Applejack pulled the rope back.
“Do you have a better idea?” Thunder exploded as Applejack shot back at the Unicorn; who sighed.
“Fine.” Slipknot agreed. “Cut the rope, Helpful!”
“Uh…” Helpful just stares at the rope questioningly, and then turns back to the others. “How do you do that?”
“Just cut the rope!” Applejack and Slipknot shouted.
“Okay! Uh?” Helpful bites the rope and it breaks; letting Flyleaf fall toward the deck. Applejack pulls the lasso attached to him and braces for impact as the stallion crashes into her and Slipknot. Helpful dashes over to them and helps Applejack up. “Are you okay, Applejack?” Helpful asked concerned.
“I’m fine, Helpful. Thanks.” Applejack replied. Slipknot helps up Flyleaf; who is actually unharmed. “How’s Flyleaf?”
“He’s fine, Applejack.” Slipknot answered relived. “Thanks to you.”
“No problem.” Applejack saluted, but then was surprised to notice a light appear on her neck. It then forms a golden necklace with an orange gemstone shaped like an apple.
“What is that?” Slipknot asked her.
“That’s another Element of Harmony.” Helpful answered.
“The Element of Honesty.” Applejack added. “We need to find the rest of these Elements before the end of the week.”
“I see.” Slipknot replied. “Enough talk. We need to get back to work.” Applejack, Helpful, and Flyleaf all nod as they return to their work on the ship. The storm was perilous, but they managed to pull through the hardships. Finally, after some time of keeping the ship together, the storm left them in the sea and the crew celebrates in triumph as it left them. Luckyshoes walked down to his cabin to let out Twilight and the rest of her friends. Fluttershy was the first to dash toward Helpful concerned. “Helpful! Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked concerned. “You didn’t get hurt, right?” Fluttershy checks around Helpful for injury.
“I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured as he yawned. It was night time over the sea, so Helpful and the rest of the crew became very tired after their fight to keep the vessel in good condition.
“Helpful, you look tired. Did you wear yourself out?” Fluttershy gasped even more concerned.
“I’m a little tired.” Helpful replied, but before he could protest, Fluttershy gently pushes him toward the stairs that lead to the barracks.
“You poor dear. You need your rest now. I’ll take you to the barracks for you to sleep.” Fluttershy insisted.
“B-but-.” Helpful began to protest.
“Don’t you ‘but’ me, Mister. You’re going to bed and that’s final.” Fluttershy interrupted as she nudged Helpful down the stairs. Their friends and the crew began to laugh.
“Alright, you.” Luckyshoes grabbed everypony’s attention. “It’s been a long night, and like Helpful, you all need your rest for tomorrow too.” The crew nod in agreement as they trot downstairs. Luckyshoes, the Mane 5, and Sunny return to the Cabin to sleep. Spike follows them, but then Twilight notices.
“Spike.” Twilight glared at him; confusing Spike.
“What?” Spike tried to clarify.
“You’re sleeping with Helpful and the rest of the crew, remember?” The purple mare pointed out.
“Oh, yeah.” Spike replied as he smiled innocently. The dragon walks downstairs to rest for the night. Fluttershy soon climbs back up the stairs and into the Captain’s Cabin.
“Helpful’s asleep.” Fluttershy announced to Sunny. “He seemed pretty peaceful in that hammock. I hope he’ll have pleasant dreams.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Flutters.” Sunny assured comfortingly. “I mean, he’s never had a bad dream.”
“But w-what about the one this morning?” Fluttershy stuttered nervously.
“That was a weird dream, not a bad dream.” Sunny explained a little irritated. In the other side of the room, Rainbow Dash finds a sofa in front of the window.
“I call sofa!” Rainbow shouted as she jumped onto the soft furniture. She tosses around to find a comfortable position and finally finds one. “Ah. This is the life.”
“Aw, but I wanted the sofa.” Rarity began to complain.
“Well, if you wanted the sofa so bad, why didn’t you get it?” Dash shot back.
“Well, I was till you crashed into it.” Rarity pointed out. “So that makes it mine for the night.” Dashie looks around the exterior of the furniture.
“I don’t see your name on this.”
“Why I never…” Twilight jumps in-between them.
“Girls!” Twilight shouted to grab their attention. “We’re not supposed to fight like this. We’ll only be defeated by Envious easily if we keep fighting like this. So please, stop.”
“Fine.” Rarity and Dash turned away from each other aggravated. Twilight sighs. She knew this was gonna be a long trip for all of them. She trots over to Applejack; who packs the Element of Honesty in her saddle bag. “Well, that’s two down four to go.” Twilight tried to make a conversation with her.
“Got that right, Twilight.” Applejack nodded. “But I don’t know how we’ll be findin’ the other ones.”
“Helpful said if we prove our full potential, it’ll return to us.” Twilight explained thoughtfully. “I’m sure they’ll pop up anytime.”
“Uh…okay, Twilight.” Applejack agreed with her old friend. She then laid out a blanket on the floor and made her little pallet. That night in the barracks, Helpful could not help, but stay awake. He has been thinking about what happening so far in his life. He woke up in Canterlot Castle and met Celestia; who gave him the title of Helpful the Selfless. She made him her most trusted servant, just because he helped her servants with their tough jobs. At the time he could not remember his past, but he did not care. He was sent toward Ponyville to finish a few tasks. Help Sweet Apple Acres pick apples, Help taste treats at Sugar Cube Corner, and receive a book from Twilight’s Library. He was supposed to be guided by Twilight Sparkle and Spike, but then everything went wrong, and if was not for that, he would not have met Fluttershy, the Mare of His Dreams, and neither would he have met the rest of their friends that day. After he was finished with his jobs, Helpful returned to the Castle to report back to Celestia, and then he was taught the history of the land he set hoof on. Later that night, he met Luna, Celestia’s younger sister. They had a conversation about the reality of Darkness. The next day, he was sent to Ponyville to stay. Pinkie Pie made him a Housewarming Party at the mansion. The next morning he met Sunny, his latest friend, and he found out she was more mothering than mean. Sure she had an attitude, but she was still reasonable.
They had to find Fluttershy the perfect present for her birthday party Helpful was invited to. After escaping from an Ursa Major, they gave Fluttershy Water Sapphire shards that she loved. Helpful received a hug as her thanks. The next day things seemed to have taken the turn toward this journey. Helpful actually was killed by Envious, but then he was brought back from Fluttershy’s Water Sapphire necklace. Helpful explained to his friends what an old stallion in his vision explained to him. After that, they set off through the Everfree Forest, pass the Edge of Equestria, trotted through a field, and helped the old town Shores-a-lot, and now they are sailing to the next Island. “I did all these things, but there are still questions.” Helpful thought. “How can my wings glow light? Why do I recognize my friends Cutie Marks, but can’t remember where I found them? And how does Envious know me? And that dream I had last night, did it actually happen?” The Tan Stallion sighs as he climbs down from his hammock and went up the stairs to the deck. He looks up into the moonless and starless sky. All he could see was the blackness of it all. He looks out onto the sea as he turned on a lantern to help him see.
He was busy lost in thought as he stared out toward the moving water that swayed the vessel he rode gently back and forth. Soon, his Train of Thought turned him toward anger. He slams a hoof on the railing, frustrated that he does not know who or what he is. “H-H…Helpful?” A soft voice seemed to have reached out to the Troubled Stallion; making him forget what he was trying so hard to figure out.
“F-Fluttershy?” Helpful turned around surprised that she found him out here. “W-What are you doing here?”
“U-um…I was just… I-I saw you on the deck…and I w-wanted to know…w-what you were doing.” Fluttershy explained nervously, but Helpful understood what she meant.
“I was just thinking.” Helpful sighed thoughtfully.
“Oh…what were you thinking about?” Fluttershy continued curious.
“I was…thinking about my life…”
“I-I see…” Fluttershy replied as Helpful leaned his head down sadly; making her concerned. “What’s wrong, Helpful?” Helpful did not answer. “Y-you can tell me. I can keep a secret…” Helpful sighs once more.
“I don’t really remember anything…” Helpful sat on the deck. “Sure, my life has had some happy moments, but I don’t know where I came from, and these wings,” Helpful outstretched his right wing. “They have some weird power and I’m not sure if I even am a pony.” Helpful sighed again. “My life is so…puzzling.” Fluttershy felt sorry for the Tan Stallion. After all this time, she thought he did not care about his past, but the reality was that it really did bother him, he just tried to forget so he would not have his friends worried. Feeling sympathy toward him, Fluttershy hugged Helpful; thinking that it would cheer him up. “Don’t worry, Helpful.” Fluttershy comforted him. “You may be different to yourself, and you can’t remember who you are, or where you came from, and I know that your Cutie Mark being gone isn’t helping, but…the way you act around others…I love it. The playful attitude you have when you’re having a good time…it entertains me. Other foals look up to you Helpful. Some might even say that you favor them. When you help others even though you understand you’re putting yourself in danger…sure it’s scary, but it’s what you are…and to me you always will be.” Fluttershy continued encouraging Helpful. “You will always and forever be my Helpful the Selfless.” After she finished, Fluttershy lets go of her hug on Helpful; who actually seems to feel a lot better.
“T-thank you, Fluttershy.” Helpful thanked gladly. The rest of the night, Helpful and Fluttershy sat beside one another as the vessel sailed across the dark sea, and the only light they had was a lantern and once that extinguished, Helpful used his wings to light the darkness. Soon, the night caught up with them and they went to bed.
In the Chamber of the Immortal Sorcerer, Magi summons a portal before him. It has been three centuries since the return of Envious. Now, he must slow the entity down as much as possible in order for Helpful and his comrades to find his Masterpiece: The Elements of Harmony, and Prince Joyful. They have already found two of the Elements, but they still have some ways to go. Walking through the portal, Magi had himself sent to the Arid Black Lands, a monstrous desert that is rumored that nopony has ever returned alive, but for Magi, he knew the desert and its ways. It seemed that the entire land was endless with dunes and sands everywhere. Focusing his magic, Magi could see thousands of Envious’ minions. The Cursed Prince must have sent a Battery, no, a Battalion toward a town in their direction. If Magi does not stop them soon, more lives could be lost. Thinking, Magi concentrated his power on the sands around him. The grains of rock began to shift into different patterns and pile on top on another the where they could form a singular solid body. Magi had created a Sand Golem with only a fraction of his power. It was humongous. Its entire body was made of ancient stone. It stood on its hind legs and it balanced itself on its feet. It raised its arms to an amazing length above its head. As soon as it was finished, Magi used his magic to create more like the first Sand Golem. Soon he finished six of them, and could see Envious’ Battalion of Minions coming straight toward them, and then the Old Stallion summoned the Ancient Scepter of Kronos. A long staff made out of an unknown metal and embedded on the top was an Ice Diamond; used by Kronos to summon his titans and other impossible spells. The Minion Battalion came closer, but then stopped in mid-air, and then Envious flew out slowly and landed on the sand below with the rest of his minions. “Magi! You dare oppose your king?” Envious laughed darkly. “Seems that your age has taken its toll.”
“Laugh now, Envious, but I will not obey a King of Torture and Sorrow.” Magi protested strongly. “You are not fit to be king. The Star Symbols did not see you ruling in peace, like Prince Joyful will.” Magi pointed upwards, Envious looked up toward the sky and could see the stars which he thought he stole back. “The Stars are more powerful than you think, Envious. You cannot just take them from their home.”
“You were foolish coming here, Magi!” Envious growled frustrated. “You will now be punished for disobeying the crown!” The Armored Entity of Darkness turned his attention to his Minion Battalion. “Attack, my Minions! Crush his puny statues to the sand they were before!” Immediately, the horrid pony-like beings charge at Magi and his Sand Golems. Magi smiled as Envious took the bait. Raising his Scepter, the Sand Golems raised their arms at the Minions; the palms straight toward them, as if they were stopping them. Magi then slung his Scepter to where it pointed at the incoming Battalion. A mysterious power appears in the Sand Golems’ palms, and then a huge bright energy blast shot from the Golems and hit the Minions; making them scream in agony. Once the blast ceased, the minions fell onto the ground unconscious. “No!” Envious shouted in intense anger. “You will pay, Magi!”
“You forget about the Sand Golems of the Black Lands, Envious.” Magi explained. “They are the guardians of this deserted land.” Infuriated, Envious dashed at Magi in full speed, threatening to impale him with his sharp wings. Magi dodges and took this advantage to counter attack. He used his Scepter to control one Sand Golems’ arms to hammer Envious into the sand. The Dark Alicorn was crushed under the Golem’s fist, but when Magi lifted it, Envious was gone. “Envious, you coward.” Magi thought out loud as he turned back to the unconscious creatures, but then they began to stir and awaken. Magi then used his Scepter to send them back to Envious, wherever he was. “This is only the beginning.” The Old Unicorn remarked as he contemplated on what to next.
The next morning, Helpful awakened earlier than most of the crewmates. He climbed off his hammock and trotted up to the deck. He found Slipknot jumping from one the masts down to the deck below and tied a rope down. “Whoa.” Helpful exclaimed in astonishment. The Unicorn stallion notices Helpful around and trotted over to greet him.
“Ahoy, Helpful!” Slipknot greeted kindly. “I see you’re up early.”
“Yeah, I’ve just had that type of nature, I guess.”
“Well, that’s good. Could you help me with the lines here?” Slipknot asked him. “They need to be tightened some more over what happened last night.”
“Sure, Slipknot.” Helpful replied as he held up a rope and tightened it hard.
“So tell me, Helpful.” The Unicorn conversed as he worked. “What do you think of Fluttershy?”
“Uh…” Helpful paused in mid-thought. “She’s a very beautiful mare. Why?”
“Oh, I was just wondering.” Slipknot replied as he tightened another rope down. “You see she favors you too.”
“Yes, I’ve noticed.” The Tan Pegasus smiled as he flew up to tighten a line up top. Once he tightened it, Slipknot was beside him; surprising Helpful.
“Why don’t you tell her your feelings for her?” Slipknot urged curious.
“It’s not that simple.” Helpful paused for a moment. “I mean, she has told me about her feelings for me last night, but…”
“But?”
“I don’t know if I can do that.” Helpful sighed.
“You shouldn’t be scared, Helpful.” The Unicorn explained comfortingly. “When a Lass tells you about her feelings for you, you tell her your feelings for her.”
“It’s not that I’m scared. It’s just…” Helpful stomped a hoof on the mast. “I don’t know!” Helpful leans his head on the mast irritated, and then Slipknot pats his back with assurance.
“It’s okay, Helpful.” Slipknot assured; calming him. “Just do your best to try.”
“Alright then.” Helpful replied with a smile.
“Good. Now, let’s get back to work.” Slipknot and Helpful continued their work on the deck almost all morning. Soon, everypony else awakened not too long after they finished, and Luckyshoes was satisfied toward Helpful and Slipknot for having the morning work done. “Good job, lads.” Luckyshoes bragged gladly. “You’ve gotten all the morning work finished. Now the rest of the crew can take a break…for the morning.”
“Land ho!” Lantern Light shouted from the Crow’s Nest above. How he got up there so quickly is one of the many mysteries on the Tide Churner. Immediately, everypony ran over to the railing. They could see a tropical island, which was covered in a dense jungle of tropical trees; there was also a volcano in the center, and they could see smoke coming from the top. “Welcome to Tropical Resort, where our live volcanos will surely incinerate you.” Sunny joked indifferently. “We also hope you enjoy the dangerous natives here too.” Fluttershy began to grow nervous as she stepped closer to Helpful for comfort.
“There aren’t any natives here, lass.” Luckyshoes assured comfortingly. “Or so we think, but we haven’t seen any actual ponies in there, so we think it’s empty.” Luckyshoes turns to his crew. “The tide’s up. What are you waiting for? An order? Get the ship on the Island, now!” The crew speedily began their work on the ship. Soon, they landed the ship on the beach, and they exited the ship once the tide stopped. “Okay, we’ll watch the ship for now. She’s takin’ a break from the sea so we can repair any damages from last night’s storm.” Luckyshoes explained to Helpful and his friends. “You take this time to explore the island.”
“Sure, Captain.” Helpful replied delightfully. “We’ll be back soon.”
“Just be back before the tide comes again.” Slipknot remarked. Helpful and the rest of his friends wave as they enter the jungle. Sunny rode of Helpful’s back as he walks with Fluttershy; who was very excited to see what animals she could find. Twilight and Spike was beside Pinkie Pie while Rarity wasn’t far behind with Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “Oh my goodness, Helpful.” Fluttershy giggled excitedly. “What kinds of animals do you think we’ll find in here?”
“I don’t know, Fluttershy,” Helpful replied thoughtfully as he scanned the tall trees and vegetation around them. “But if you’re excited, I guess I am too.”
“Aw. Isn’t that sweet?” Sunny teased the two. “Now remember, we still need to get back to the ship before the tide comes back. So let’s don’t spend too much time.” Twilight trotted up to Helpful and Fluttershy.
“The tide will be back before sunset.” Twilight explained gladly. “So we have plenty of time before we continue our voyage.”
“That’s good to hear, Twilight.” Helpful replied with a smile. “So then we don’t have much to worry about except lunch.”
“Hey, Sunny.” Spike grabbed Sunny’s attention.
“Hey, what?” Sunny replied indifferently.
“You think we’ll find any other dragons here?” Spike asked her curious.
“Well, actually Spike, other dragons can have greedy green eyes, and become very mean at most times.” Sunny explained.
“Yeah, I know, but do you think we’ll find a nice dragon?”
“Doubt it.” Sunny replied. “Look, Spike. I know you’re young and all, but the world can be more cold and cruel than you think.”
“Umm…”
“You haven’t been stuck wondering around in Equestria for most of your life, like I have.” Sunny paused in mid-thought; which made the others a little uneasy. Finally, Spike broke the silence.
“What made you start wondering in Equestria anyway?” Spike asked; bringing the other baby dragon out of her thoughts.
“Oh, uh…” Sunny paused for a sec. “Nopony ever asked me about that before. Hmm…” The young dragon tried to remember what happened so long ago. “I was in the care of a rich unicorn named Lord Snowtrot.” Sunny began her life story. “When you’d be born onto a rich pony’s house, you’d think that your life would get be better than other ponies.”
“Well…” Rarity thought out loud.
“But it didn’t. I was forced into strenuous labor as one of Snowtrot’s maids.” Sunny continued. “Day after day after day, cleaning and scrubbing the entire manor. It seemed that Snowtrot wouldn’t help me either. He didn’t care. All he cared about was finding a new mare to call his wife.” Sunny growled in anger as she burned a small tree beside Helpful to the ground. Everypony gave Sunny a surprised expression. She clears her throat. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay, Sunny.” Twilight assured still staring at the ashes of the tree. “Please continue.”
“Anyway, one night, there was a massive storm that hit the residence. The winds were so harsh that it flung open my window. So I took this advantage to escape, but I had nowhere else to go. I was lost, cold, scared, and hungry for many weeks and years.” Sunny sighed sadly as she remembered all the hardships she had to endure in her life. Applejack puts a comforting hoof on her friend’s shoulder. Sunny turns her gaze to the honest mare; who’s smile made her feel better. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Applejack answered.
“Anyway, then I met Helpful; who was kind enough to let me live at his mansion.” Sunny continued. “I’m only paying him back by cleaning his place up, and I also got mixed up in his crazy attempt to get Fluttershy’s perfect present.” Sunny noggied Helpful playfully. “And now I’m here with you all.”
“Well, that makes total sense, Sunny.” Twilight explained.
“It does?” Sunny asked her friend confused.
“Yeah. It explains why you get so cold when you talk some sense into other ponies, and it explains why you work so hard, like a mother.” Twilight explained thoughtfully.
“Watch it, Sister.” Sunny shot back.
“Still our good little Sunny.” Helpful replied as Twilight and the others giggled, but then they hear a snap in the bushes; spooking them. Fluttershy hides behind Helpful in fear.
“You ready, Helpful?” Dash readied to pounce on whatever was coming from the bush.
“Sure.” Helpful assured, but then darts shot from the dense vegetation and hit Spike, Helpful, Sunny and, Dash in the neck; making them fall over unconscious. Helpful hit the ground with a thud. Fluttershy ran over to him concerned and tried to talk to him, but all Helpful could hear was dense sounds and mumbling. His eyesight blurred out as he fell asleep on the ground.

Wrong Sacrifice

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Chapter 12

Wrong Sacrifice

The throne of Canterlot Castle was filled with many a stallion from Ponyville to Cloudsdale. Celestia sent out a decree for every stallion from Ponyville and Cloudsdale to come to Canterlot Castle. The room was filled with many a conversation concerning about the problem around the land. Many ponies have been disappearing everywhere. It has become quite worrisome and most of them did not want to show up, but since it was from the princess, they had to come. A stallion named Fancypants heard about the gathering, and he tried to get any other stallions left in Canterlot, but he only persuaded a few simple folk to follow him: one Pegasus, an Earth Pony, and another Unicorn. The Pegasus was named Flight Lock, the Earth Pony was named A.C. Turnip Top, and the other Unicorn was named Jacko Lantern.
Flight Lock was just as tall as Fancypants. His coat was dark blue, and his spiked mane was blond. His Cutie Mark was a star with a wing on it. Jacko Lantern was shorter than the rest of the Canterlot Stallions. His coat was a dull orange, and his curly mane was a light ginger. His Cutie Mark was pumpkin with a knife stabbed into it. A.C. Turnip Top was taller than Jacko, but shorter than Flight Lock. His coat was a light brown, and his brown mane was covered by his work hat.
Fancypants scans around the large group of gathered stallions from Ponyville. “I say, Flight Lock, there’s quite a many stallions here from out of town.” Fancypants remarked astonished by the large number. “I wonder what the Princess wants them all for.”
“Uh, I don’t know, Fancypants.” The Dark Blue Pegasus replied.
“It seems that we’re all here for something very important.” Fancypants thought aloud, but then he noticed Turnip Top missing from the rest of them. “I say, where is our friend, Turnip Top, anyway?”
“Over there.” Jacko Lantern pointed out. Fancypants and Flight Lock spots Turnip talking to Big Macintosh in the crowd. “He’s talkin’ to somepony.”
“Well then, let’s go meet his friend, shall we?” The rich stallion leads the others to Turnip and Big Mac. The buck toothed colt and red stallion notice their approach.
“Hey, Fancypants, Flight Lock, and Jacko!” Turnip waved at them.
“Hello, Turnip.” Fancypants greeted back. “We couldn’t help, but notice, who is your friend?”
“He’s Big Macintosh!” The Bucktoothed Colt explained gladly. “He’s from Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville!”
“Eeyep.” Big Macintosh agreed with him.
“Interesting.” Fancypants smiled. “Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Fancypants. I’m one of the richest ponies here in Canterlot.” The Rich Stallion points to Flight Lock and Jacko Lantern. “These two are Jacko Lantern and Flight Lock.”
“Nice to meet you, Big Mac.” Flight Lock greeted.
“Hello.” Jacko Lantern also greeted kindly. The Red Stallion nods to them both; making Fancypants curious.
“I say, he doesn’t talk much, does he?” Fancy asked Turnip.
“He’s more of the strong, silent guy.” Turnip replied with a broad smile. “But he can be a real good friend!” Just then, Celestia enters into the throne room as a servant tried to blow the trumpet to sound her arrival, but comes off a little off key. As the Princess walks down the pathway cleared for her, all the stallions bowed to her. Celestia finally stood at her throne; where she faced the stallions; that all then stood up straight. “Greetings, my loyal subjects.” Celestia welcomed warmly. “I ordered you all here for something very important.” She then turned to a crystal ball beside her, and then used her magic to somehow activate it. “You can out now, Gemini.”
“Gemini?” Fancypants repeated curious down in the crowd.
“Uh, what’s that?” Turnip Top asked just as curious as Fancy. Then the entire room fills with a harsh wind, and then the glass orb sparked up lightning. A blast of light that shot from the orb toward the ceiling illuminated the room; blinding everypony, but then when the light ceased, Gemini bowed before the Princess. “Princess Celestia.” Gemini greeted respectfully. “I believe you want me to show you how your heroes are faring?”
“In another time, Gemini.” Celestia replied. “I need you to show these stallions the problem at hoof.” Gemini turns around the meet eye to eye with each stallion in the room.
“As you wish, Princess.” Gemini agreed with the royal.


“Helpful?” Spike’s voice came into hearing. “Helpful, are you okay?” Helpful felt something push him; awakening him. Helpful sat up and scanned the area they were in. He found them in a dark cave, and the only light they had was coming from above them. The ceiling was covered by vines and roots. “How’d your beauty sleep go?” Sunny teased Helpful playfully. “Did you dream about Fluttershy?” Helpful laughs at Sunny; who was beside him and Spike.
“Not this time Sunny.” Helpful replied giggling.
“Well, we’re trapped like rats right now.” Sunny explained as she looked around, but then they heard Dash groaning behind them.
“Rainbow Dash?” Helpful quickly turned around and found Rainbow standing herself up. Helpful quickly dashed over to help his friend.
“Thanks, Helpful.” Rainbow thanked Helpful.
“No problem.”
“Where are we?” Dashie asked curious as she gawked around the cave, and then she began walking around. Spike, Sunny, and Helpful exchange looks of confusion. “C’mon, guys. There’s gotta be a way to get out of here.” Helpful and Spike scan around the dim lighted cavern, the Tan Stallion could not see a way out anywhere, but Spike notices some bones on the ground around him.
“H-hey, Helpful.” Spike grabbed Helpful’s attention.
“Yeah, Spike?” Helpful turned to Spike curious.
“Look down.” Spike pointed down to the bones on the floor. Helpful looks down to the white broken bones and ribcages on the floor around them, and then drops his jaw shocked. Sunny walks over to him curious. “What are you two…?” Her voice trailed off as she noticed all the bones on the floor. Dash then trots over to them.
“Hey. Where’s the o-.” Dash’s mouth was covered by Sunny’s hand; who shushed her. The Sassy Dragon points down to the bones under them. Dashie notices all of them, and then grows curious. “What’s with all the bones?” Rainbow asked; making Helpful, Spike, and Sunny shush her again. “And why are we whispering?” Dash whispered curious and confused.
“We think there may be something else in here.” Spike answered quietly. “These bones don’t just fall into a pit by themselves.”
“But what’s in here?” Dashie tried to clarify.
“Helpful, you think you could turn on your wings for a sec?” Sunny rubbed her eyes. “It’s hard to see without some decent light.”
“Sure thing, Sunny.” Helpful replied. He then tries to focus everything hard, but after sometime, Helpful farts on Spike; who faints on his back from the bad smell. Dash and Sunny cover their noses and fan the smell away. Helpful smiles embarrassed. “Heh, sorry, guys.” Helpful excused himself.
“What do you say, Helpful?” Sunny replied with a serious expression.
“Uh, excuse me.”
“Ugh!” Rainbow exclaimed in disgust. “What did you eat, Helpful?”
“I do not know.” Helpful covered his nose from the hideous smell. “But whatever it was, it was bad.”
“Guess I have to do everything, huh?” Sunny sighs as she picked up a stick and blew fire on it. It caught fire and illuminated the cavern around them, but what they saw was shocking. A humungous lion-like creature stood up above them. It was a translucent red filled with stars up to its mane. A seven pointed star was set on its forehead, like the Ursa Major’s. Sunny only heard rumors about this incredible entity. “T-that’s a L-L-Leo Major!” Sunny exclaimed in fear. The huge lion-like creature roared at an incredible volume of sound; making Helpful’s and Rainbow’s hair stick out the back of their heads. It growls deeply and menacingly toward them. Dash has never seen such a dangerous creature before. It was far worse than the Ursa Major for sure. Before the mare knew it, her entire life began flashing before her eyes. It was all mostly a colorful blur though. Helpful notices Rainbow’s trance of fear.
“Dash?” Helpful tried to grab her attention, but she didn’t respond as usual. “Oh-no.” He turns back to the Leo Major and stands in front of Dashie. “Come on!” Helpful taunted toward the humungous entity; who growls at him. “You don’t look so tough! Why don’t you pick on somepony your own size?” Before Sunny could protest, she notices a young white dragon peeking behind what seems to be an exit. He waves at her and then motions for her to follow. Sunny then taps Helpful’s shoulder; grabbing his attention. “What is it?” Helpful replied. Sunny points at the white dragon beckoning for them to follow, but before he could comprehend this, the Leo Major raised his claw and batted Rainbow Dash into a wall. “Dash!” Helpful and Sunny exclaimed in shock. Rainbow fell onto the floor out cold. Helpful and Sunny dashed over to her. The Tan Pegasus scooped up Dashie and Spike, and dashed toward the cavern the white dragon motioned for them to follow. “Let’s get out of here!” The white dragon leads ahead of them. The Leo Major tried to grab them inside the cavern, but they went in too deep for it to capture its lunch. So it roared in fury. After some time, the white dragon leads the four out of the cavern into the dense jungles of the island. Helpful and Sunny stop to catch their breath, and lay Spike and Dash on a large tree root. “We’re okay.” Helpful remarked gladly. “Thanks to you, um… What’s your name?”
“My name’s Snowy.” The white dragon answered a little nervous. “Y…you don’t eat meat…do you?”
“What?” Sunny exclaimed a little surprised. “Of coarse ponies don’t eat meat. What do you mean by that?”
“Well, there’s a tribe cannibalistic ponies on the island.” Snowy explained shyly. “The very same that took your friends.”
“Wait. You mean a tribe of cannibals took Fluttershy??” Helpful gasped shocked, and then he turned to Sunny wildly. “We gotta save her!”
“You mean ‘them.’” Sunny corrected with an impish smile.
“Uh, yeah.” Helpful raised an eyebrow. Spike finally woke up from his slumber and looked around confused.
“Where are we?” Spike asked them.
“You’re back out in the dense jungles from the dreaded Leo Major.” Snowy explained.
“Okay, and who are you?”
“We don’t have time for that.” Helpful protested while he walked into the jungle. “We have to get to the others before they become cannibal stew.”
“Wait a sec. Cannibals!?” Spike exclaimed in shock.
“Yes, Spike.” Helpful answered with a serious look. “We have to find them now.”
“But what about Rainbow Dash?” Sunny asked concerned. Snowy examined Dash’s wings. Dashie winced in pain as he finished.
“She’s fine.” Snowy explained. “But her right wing is broken. It’ll take some time to heal.”
“This isn’t good.” Sunny thought out loud. “I’ll watch over her as you three help the others.”
“Gotcha.” Helpful replied.
“Alright then.” Spike agreed.
“I can lead you to the tribe, but you need to do as I say.” The White Scaled Dragon ordered. Helpful and Spike exchange looks of uneasiness, but then they turn back to Snowy.
“We can do that.” Helpful assured.
“Good. The path is dangerous. Anything could happen.”
“Like Helpful said.” Spike replied with smirk. “We can do it.”
“Alright. Let’s go!” Snowy ran ahead of Helpful and Spike; who soon follow deeper into the jungle.
Meanwhile at the other side of the island, Twilight wakes up and finds herself in a cage made of native bamboo sticks. Around her was what a large tribe of native ponies seemed to her. All of them wore a primitive face and body paint. Some danced around a big wood-fire in a circle. Others stood around and made very awkward music with their crudely shaped instruments. There were also many dome-shaped huts around them made out of dead leaves and possibly with warped lumber to make the interior. She looked around her cage and found the rest of her friends still sleep. She went to Applejack and shook her gently. “Applejack.” Twilight whispered softly. “Applejack, wake up.”
“Wha’? Huh?” Applejack mumbled half awake. “What’s goin’ on?”
“Shh.” Twilight shushed her friend so they wouldn’t grab any attention from the natives. Applejack stood up and looked around confused.
“Where are we?” She whispered to her friend.
“I don’t know, but I think we’re in some tribe.” Twilight answered thoughtfully. Just then a native foal ran into the tribal camp and started shouting their native language; making them all stop whatever they were performing. Applejack couldn’t even understand them and neither could Twilight. “What’s he sayin’?” Applejack wondered, but then a plump stallion walked out in front of their huge fire and shouted the language some more. The other cannibals began concurrent conversations that they couldn’t make out. “What’s goin’ on?” Applejack asked again.
“I don’t know, but it seems that the fat one must be the chief.” Twilight explained thoughtfully, but before she could continue two native stallions used bamboo sticks and lifted the cage off the ground with ease; making Applejack and Twilight become uneasy and almost fall off balance. They were leaving the tribe camp to...somewhere. The purple unicorn began to panic as the rest of the tribe followed them into the forest. She dashed over the wall of the bamboo cage. “Where are you taking us?” Twilight panicked as she grabbed the chief’s attention, but the only answer she received was silence and a cold stare. Twilight turned back to Applejack; who too looked nervous.
“Did he even say anything?” Applejack asked her, but her friend shook her head sadly.
Meanwhile as Sunny collected water from a river beside her Dashie, Rainbow Dash woke up and sat up slowly, but her wing ached as she did this; making her lay back onto the root she laid on. “What?” Rainbow asked semi-consciously as she scanned around her surrondings. “Where am I?”
“You’re outside, Dash.” Sunny replied calmly. “Helpful, Spike, and another dragon has gone ahead to save the others from being served on a platter.”
“Oh, right.” Dashie stood up slowly. Sunny quickly ran over to help her friend balance. “Thanks, Sunny. We need to help them.”
“You can’t. Your wing’s a mess, if you haven’t noticed,” Sunny protested with a strong look. “And they might already be there by now.” Looking around, Dash quickly remembered about the Leo Major and what Fluttershy said about grouchy animals. “’If you want to tame a mean animal, you need to find what its problem is.’” Rainbow repeated confidently running ahead of Sunny; who looks at her confused.
“Say, what?” Sunny quickly chased after Dash.
Meanwhile, Helpful, Snowy, and Spike find the tribal camp abandoned. “Wait a sec.” Spike wondered out loud. “If our friends were captured by cannibals, how come nopony’s here?”
“I don’t know, Spike.” Helpful replied just as confused as he is. Snowy looked into the chieftain hut for any clues and came back with nothing.
“Well, your friends aren’t eaten, that’s for sure!” Snowy told them with an uncomfortable smile. Helpful then notices the hoof prints all on the ground around them. Snowy also noticed them too.
“Where do these lead?” Helpful asked the white dragon; who walks around them following the many trails left by ponies. Snowy kept walking around them into huts and other small buildings; making Helpful and Spike exchange looks of confusion.
Meanwhile, the other friends have awakened and are still being moved somewhere. Fluttershy has been hiding herself from the cannibals; while Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Twilight try to figure out where they are. “You think we’re being taken to somewhere dangerous?” Applejack assumed thoughtfully.
“That’s nonsense, Applejack.” Rarity scoffed. “I’m sure we’re just being relocated, that’s all.”
“Some relocation.” Pinkie remarked looking around.
“How do even know we’re being relocated? I mean, they could be doing something else for all we know.” Applejack protested.
“Well, we’ll just have to find out, now won’t we?” Rarity walked over the wall of the cage and turned her gaze to a nice looking stallion beside them. “Excuse me!” Rarity began with a lively voice. “But could you tell us where you fine folk are taking us, hm?” The stallion continued his walk ahead not even thinking about glancing at Rarity or the others; surprising Rarity. “Well, I never…!”
“Relocated, my dirty hooves.” Applejack stated crossly; surprising her friends.
“Applejack!” Twilight exclaimed in shock.
“Well, what else can I say?” Applejack reasoned.
“Well, certainly not that.” Rarity replied.
“Well, we need to make sure that if Helpful, Dash, Sunny, and Spike are following, they might know where we are now.” Applejack explained as she walked over to the back edge of the cage and threw out her hat; that hit the dirt path. “Hopefully they’ll find that.”
“But, Applejack,” Twilight protested even more surprised. “That’s your favorite hat!”
“We need something to tell them they’re going the right way.” The others exchange look of uneasiness, but then they agree.
“You’re right, Applejack.” Twilight agreed. “What would we do without you?” As they were carried off, Rainbow Dash and Sunny return to the Leo Major’s Lair. Sunny of coarse, thinks Rainbow has either lost it or she’s stupider than she looked, but either way it was a bad idea to return to a Leo Major. They were just at the edge of that hallway they escaped through and they could the Leo groaning in anger as he tried to climb up the walls of the cavern; not having any luck getting out. Getting out? Was the Leo Major only mad because it couldn’t get out and see the world outside? “Hmm…” Rainbow thought for a second.
“Rainbow Dash? If it’s all the same for you, I’d like to get out of her before we’re mauled into chew toys.” Sunny tried to persuade her friend to reconsider, but she didn’t listen.
“He just wants to get out.” Dash thought out loud; making Sunny uneasy.
“’Get out?’” Sunny repeated confused. Just then the Leo stopped his efforts to free himself and lies on the ground with sad-filled eyes. Dashie couldn’t stand this, she trotted out the secret hallway straight toward the Leo Major; making Sunny face palm herself. The Leo notices her approach and growls at her bitterly; making Dash nervous, but she tried to keep calm. “It’s okay li—I mean, big guy.” Rainbow comforted the monster feeling like Fluttershy a bit. “I don’t mean any harm.” The Leo stops growling slowly. “Listen, I’ve noticed that you’ve been trying to get out of this place.” Dashie explained and walked up closer to him; surprising Sunny with her jaw down. “I think I can help you big guy.” She jumped into his huge mane and the creature stood up as Dash popped her head out to see. “We can do this, Leo! We just need to try and keep trying hard!!!” Sunny watched surprised to see Dashie bravely lead a Leo Major to free them out of a crevice.
Meanwhile, Helpful and Spike lay around playing dirt Tic Tac Toe as Snowy kept tracking the trail of hoof prints. “Tic Tac Toe! Three in a row!” Helpful announced as he won for the fiftieth time.
“What?” Spike exclaimed in surprise. “I thought you never played this game.”
“I haven’t.” Helpful answered with an innocent smile. Finally, Snowy found the tracks leaving the area.
“Hey! I found where they went guys!” Snowy announced gleefully. Helpful and Spike then stood up and followed Snowy into the deep parts of the jungle. As they tracked, Twilight began pacing back and forth in her cage. They just stopped at the side of the volcano and who knows what the natives are planning next. Applejack felt awkward without her hat as always, Rarity is dumbfounded that none of the other natives will even look at her, not even a glimpse, Pinkie Pie tried to keep Fluttershy calm in this pressing matter while the yellow mare tried to hide herself. Finally, Twilight looked up toward the volcano’s poisonous smoke and gases, and then sighed sadly. “We’re a Sacrifice.” Twilight admitted semi-consciously.
“’A Sacrifice?’” Applejack overheard her surprised. “What do you mean ‘Sacrifice?’”
“We’re going to be thrown into the volcano in order to stop the coming eruption.” Twilight explained not looking up. “They do it because they believe it will save them.” Rarity and Applejack exchange looks of uneasiness and confusion, but then the crude drums banged harshly; scaring Fluttershy behind Pinkie.
“What’s goin’ on?” Applejack looked around confused, and then the cage they are in was lifted againand they started up the steep incline.
“It’s starting.” Twilight replied nervously.
“W-w-where’s Helpful?” Fluttershy stuttered out of pure fear hugging onto Pinkie Pie. “He’s c-coming…r-right?” Applejack and Twilight exchanged looks of uneasiness again and the Hard Worker sighs.
“He’s coming, Fluttershy.” Applejack assured with a comforting smile. “I’m sure of it…” As they were carried away, Rainbow Dash, Sunny, and the Leo Major tried to free themselves out of the pit, but they’re efforts land in futile. As the Leo sorrowfully moaned on the ground, Rainbow jumped down to his face and pushed him further. “C’mon, Leo!” Dash encouraged greatly and angrily. “You aren’t a Quitter! You are a Champ! You can get out of here! Don’t you want to be Free!?” The Leo roared furiously at Rainbow; making her mane stand straight back and it gave her a shocked expression. “O-okay…l-l-let’s go!” Dashie stammered as she climbed back into the mane. The Leo crouched down, ready to pounce, and, using all its strength, he busted through the vine covered ceiling; free to do anything as he climbed out into the light of the outside world. It roared it triumph as it breathed in the air of freedom. Rainbow and Sunny jumped down from its mane on the grounds of the jungle. “Okay, dude!” Rainbow began to explain to the Leo what they needed him for. “I wo—huh!” Dash’s sentence was cut off by the Leo grabbing her playfully and licks her as his way of saying ‘thank you.’ “Heh, heh. You’re Welcome, Big Guy…” Dash tried to speak as she was licked by its big wet tongue. Soon, it let her down and she flew up into his mane with Sunny on her back. “Wait… I can fly now?” Dash asked herself as looked at her wing. It was somehow was fully healed to perfection; in fact it felt better than ever; come to think of it her entire body felt a hundred percent cooler than she’s ever felt. “Whoa! Sunny, my wing! It’s all better!” Dash shouted gleefully to Sunny; who also was surprised.
“That’s… That’s amazing, but how did heal so quickly?” Sunny wondered. Dashie looked down from the Leo’s mane to the Leo itself. Somehow she felt like it was him who healed her wing, but how was unexplainable, and there was no time for pondering. They had to quickly help Helpful, Spike, Snowy, and save the rest of her friends from those cannibals. “C’mon, Leo!” Dash gently pulled on the lion’s mane; making it stand up over the trees. “We got friends to save! Hyaah!” She wiped his hair strands like they were reins and the Leo Major roared as it jumped into freedom of its new home.
Tracking down a tribe of cannibals was harder and longer than it seemed. Helpful and Spike have been following Snowy’s direction through the jungle for some time now at a rapid pace. Snowy rode on Helpful’s back as he galloped; pointing out where they need to go as Spike sat behind him. “Stop!” Snowy eventually shouted. Helpful hits the brakes and they gradually stopped in front of Applejack’s hat. Helpful picked it up and gives it to Spike. The Purple Dragon takes the head ware and examines it. “It’s Applejack’s Hat, Helpful!” Spike explained.
“I know and we must be getting close.” Helpful replied with a cold stare forward. “We don’t have much time. Snowy.”
“Yeah?” Snowy answered a little uneasy.
“We should be able to get to them by going straight ahead, right?”
“Yeah?”
“Then let’s go!” Helpful immediately, without warning bolted forward; making Snowy and Spike hold onto him tight as they winds blew past them due to inertia.
Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle, Celestia looks down to her newly formed armies of newbie stallions. She had needed an army and this is what she had to counter Envious. Though small, it was enough to protect the innocent from those horrid minions Gemini described. Each stallion was given a rank and they know what is expected of them, but she isn’t certain what they could be able to do it yet. Down below, Fancypants and Flight Lock have been discussing inside a tent for defense posts they would have every stallion stationed at when AC and Big Macintosh entered the tent dirty as ever. “We got those holes you wanted to be dug down, Sir!” Turnip Top reported with a salute.
“Yes, quite.” Fancypants replied taking a small step away, but was careful not to be rude to them. “Have you dug them completely as I described?”
“Sure did, Boss!”
“Splendid. Now get yourselves cleaned and gather the troops together so we can station them.”
“Yes, Sir!” AC saluted almost knocking himself off balance and dashed out the tent with Big Mac, not too much in a hurry, to Jacko Lantern and Soarin’; who were both watching the soldiers practice battle techniques. Turnip crashed into Soarin’; who hit the ground, but AC didn’t notice. “Hey, Jacko Lantern!” Turnip Top shouted at his friend; who already was looking at him.
“Yeah, Turnip?” Jacko replied rubbing his sore ear. “Not so loud next time, please.”
“Fancypants said to get all the troops together so they can be stationed!” Soarin’ gets up irritated at AC, but decided to put the thought aside.
“We’ll get them ready, Turnip.” Soarin’ explained assuring AC. “You go get yourself cleaned up before the princess sees you.”
“Yes, Sir, Soarin’ Sir!” Turnip dashed off out of sight with Big Macintosh following slowly. Jacko sighed; thinking about his wife and foals at home. Soarin’ notices this and grows curious.
“What’s eatin’ ya?” Soarin’ asked the stallion; bringing him out of his thoughts.
“Huh? Oh, uh…” Jacko thought for a second. “I’m just thinking about home. My wife and foals are all worried about the events from this ‘Envious’, and since I’m going to battle, I don’t want them worried about me.”
“I see.” Soarin’ understood and thought about the last time he spent time with his marefriend: Fleet Foot. They haven’t been going out as much now that this is going on. He’ll have to make this work out somehow. “They’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
“I sure hope so.” Jacko pushed thought aside and focused back on his task as Drill Sargent. “Troops: Formation!” The stallions in armor all cease their practice and form a shoulder to shoulder line in front of them. Soarin’ and Jacko Lantern are both Drill Sergeants for Celestia’s Army, as Flight Lock is the commander, and Fancypants is the General; unfortunately for AC he’s the Private. Fancypants and Flight Lock soon exit out of the tent and walk toward the troops. “Troops: Attention!” Jacko ordered; making all the stallions stand directly straight and proper. The Proper Unicorn and the Dark Blue Pegasus stopped beside the Dull Orange Unicorn and took a good look on each stallion, and then they soon began assigning stations.
Meanwhile, Helpful finds himself at the bottom of the Volcano’s climb, and he immediately jumps up to the rocks and climbs in order to save his beloved. Spike and Snowy have been gripping Helpful the entire roller coaster ride. “Helpful!” Spike tried to grab his attention almost vomiting. “You think you could slow down a bit?”
“No time, Spike!” Helpful replied jumping over boulder and almost knocking off Snowy. “We need to save them now, if we’re not too late!”
As they continue climbing up the volcano, the Leo Major jumps past the tribal camp; demolishing a few huts, and continues toward the volcano; where they can plainly see Helpful, Spike, and Snowy climbing it. “There they are!” Dash remarked excited. “Now we catch up!” She wiped on the Leo’s mane and the Starred Lion made a glorious jump into the air and landed on the base of the volcano with a large thud; almost knocking off Helpful. He looks down to see the Leo, but not Rainbow Dash and Sunny.
“Ack! We need to climb up faster!” Spike exclaimed in fear. Helpful couldn’t argue with that as he flew up toward the top of the volcano. At the top, Fluttershy was the first to be let out from the cage, but she was blindfolded and pushed toward…something. The natives kept pressing her forward with the back ends of their spears. She became very scared and unsure of what was going on she was so confused and lost, until she could feel the very edge of the ground she was walking on, and then she could feel a wave of intense heat pass her face; like she walking near a fire. It was then she realized that she was at the edge of a cliff above the lava of the volcano. Scared out of her wits the shy Pegasus dropped to the ground and covered her head with her hooves and she screamed: “Helpful!” over and over again, and she cried her tears through the blindfold. The natives only laughed as they pushed her closer to the edge, but then they were surprised to hear a shout from behind. “Let her go!”

Stingless Death

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Chapter 13

Stingless Death

“I said, ‘let her go!’” Helpful stomped his hoof on the ground; making a few cracks in the stone case of the volcano. Snowy and Spike stood beside him, maybe not as serious, but serious. The cannibals only laughed at the trio of two baby dragons and one Pegasus. What could they possibly do to hinder their ritual? The Chieftain turned to the largest of their tribe; a muscular stallion named: Thunder Jackal. He was their greatest warrior with the strength of ten burly stallions. He also lead the battle against the other local tribes; making them the last here. The Chieftain motioned Thunder Jackal toward Helpful. The stallion nodded and hoisted up his huge tree-sized club—how the big guy got it up here is a little mind blowing. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie watched too nervous to look away as the stallion stomped up to Helpful.

He was looming right above the tan Pegasus with his greater height. Pinkie Pie immediately covered her eyes once she saw the warrior raise his club. Helpful just stared at the cannibal stallion deep into his eyes until the warrior noticed and stopped what he was doing. Thunder could’ve sworn he could see a bright blaze inside Helpful’s own eyes, but the Tan Pegasus’s wings shone a bright orange and he tackled the giant down into the stone. “Get the others!” Helpful ordered to Spike and Snowy. The two dragons dashed over to cage, but it was guarded by two other warriors unlike Thunder Jackal. Acting fast, Snowy breathed out a blur of ice onto the two warriors freezing them in place; surprising Spike. “You breathe ice!?” Spike exclaimed in surprise.

“Ice Dragon.” Snowy replied with a proud smile. The Cannibals attacked Spike and Snowy as they continued to protect their friend with blasts of ice and fire. Thunder quickly stood up and swung his club at Helpful; who quickly jumped over it and landed on top. The Warrior then launched his adversary toward the outer edge of the volcano, but Helpful landed on the stone safely. The cannibal warrior smirks as he stomped toward Helpful to hammer him into the ground, but was completely taken by surprise once a Leo Major, freed from its cell, hoisted itself right behind Helpful and roared its mighty roar at him; making his hair stand straight behind his head. Immediately, he turned tail and ran away as fast as possible. Helpful turned around and spotted Rainbow Dash and Sunny pop their heads out of the Leo’s mane. “You seriously didn’t think I’d skip out on a party, did you?” Rainbow laughed as she flew down from the Leo’s mane.

“Rainbow Dash!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise. “You can fly now?”

“Pretty neat, right?” Before Dash could gloat any further, Fluttershy yelps as she was pushed even closer the edge of the cliff-side by the Chieftain. Quickly acting, Helpful dashed straight toward them and tackled the Chieftain away. He fell onto the ground and he was surely scared. “Don’t you ever try to even do this to my Mare-friend, you big fat jerk!” Helpful shouted as the Chief could plainly see the huge burning incinerator in Helpful’s eyes. Before he say anything further, the cliff Fluttershy stood on began to crumble under her and she fell toward lava with her seemingly last scream. Helpful immediately took action as he jumped from the broken cliff-side and flew straight toward Fluttershy. The tube was deeper and darker than what Helpful expected. He could barely see anything, but he could hear Fluttershy’s screams; it pained him to hear such fear-filled exclamations. He tried to reach her, but the problem was he wasn’t fast enough. “Helpful!” Fluttershy screamed in terror. “Help me!” The Tan Pegasus was up to his limit, he couldn’t reach her now without straining himself, but then a red light seemed to have filled the tube; allowing Helpful to see Fluttershy; who was a few feet under him. Now he was falling faster than before. He reached and grabbed Fluttershy by the hoof and held her close, and then he flapped his wings to the max right before they hit the lava, and they flew straight up with incredible speed. It was almost like he was a rocket, but even faster, close to be the speed of light, it felt. A cloud of poisonous gas somehow moved above them and Helpful covered Fluttershy’s face so she couldn’t breathe the poison in.

They flew past it and Helpful immediately started to falter and weaken, but not in speed. They shot out of the Volcano and Helpful landed under Fluttershy, cushioning her landing, as they hit the obsidian. The cannibals have already run off, and the others have been freed by Spike, Snowy, Sunny, and the Leo. As they gathered around Helpful and Fluttershy concerned, Fluttershy began to laugh softly, but then louder; making everypony exchange looks of confusion. Fluttershy looks up to Helpful while still holding onto him with an entertained smile. “That was fun,” She giggled playfully. “Right, Helpful?” But Helpful didn’t answer, he instead, breathed really abnormally. “Helpful?” Fluttershy stood up concerned over his condition. “Helpful?” Helpful groaned in pain as he rolled his head to the side unconscious.

“Oh-no.” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed worried. “He must’ve breathed in some of the gas in there.” She turns to Sunny in the Leo Major’s mane. “Quick! We need to get Helpful to a doctor!”

“I hear ya, Honey!” Sunny replied as they loaded Helpful on the lion’s back. It wasn’t long till they made it back to the Tide Churner before the high tide kicked in. The crew quickly aided them as they carried Helpful inside to the Captain’s Cabin. “What happened?” Luckyshoes asked Twilight concerned, but she didn’t answer; making Rainbow Dash answer for her, and she explained to him the story. “Explains the Leo Major, alright, but Cannibals?” Luckyshoes contemplated hard. “We’ll mark this island a danger from now on. At least you’re all alright.”

“Yeah…” Dash replied sadly.

“We’re about to sail off.” Luckyshoes explained. “We can take your friend Snowy along, but we can’t carry a Leo Major.”

“Right.” Rainbow replied a little disappointed. She knew there had to be some time she had to say good-bye to her companion. She turned to the Leo Major; who was sitting on the beach-side beside the ship. She sighed as she tried to figure out what exactly to say. “So I guess this is…good-bye.” Dashie started a little sadly, but the Leo just licked her to cheer her up. “Okay, okay!” Dash chuckled. “I’m gonna miss you too.”

“Prepare to set sail!” Slipknot shouted his orders; forcing Rainbow to speed this up.

“Good-bye, Leo. I’ll never forget you.” She hugged his cold, wet nose and walked back to Sunny with tear-filled eyes. To her surprise, Sunny too was crying. “Sunny? Are you crying?”

“No.” Sunny sniffed and rubbed her eyes. “I’m just…I’m--oh shoot! Now you got me all Sappy!” Rainbow Dash laughed at Sunny as the tide came in lifted the ship off into the sea. A light appeared on Rainbow’s neck and formed the appearance of a golden necklace with a red lightning bolt gemstone on it. “The Element of Loyalty!” Rainbow Dash squeaked excited. “Now we just need three others!” As they sailed off, Applejack was helping and learning from the crewmates of the ship, while Rarity was still trying to grab their attention on deck. Spike and Snowy were having a conversation with Sunny, and Pinkie Pie was inside helping with Slipknot on checking inventory. As for Fluttershy, she was inside the Captain’s Cabin with the Doctor and Twilight; who were working on an antidote. She began to regret not having the Water Sapphire Shards she left home, and worried that Helpful might die again and that she couldn’t bring him back. The lights on his wings were glowing and fading as he breathed unconsciously, and laid on the sofa. This didn’t make things easy at all. “Is it ready, yet?” Fluttershy asked for the eightieth time.

“Fluttershy, I’ve told you that it’ll take some time to get the antidote ready.” Twilight replied a little irritated, but still kept her patience.

“I know, but…” Fluttershy slammed her hoof on the floor hard; surprising Twilight and the Doctor; almost making them mess up the formula. “Why can’t you both work faster, Twilight?!” She shouted at them angrily. “Helpful’s dying! Can’t you see that?! We need that antidote now!” Surprised and shocked by Fluttershy’s outburst, Twilight stared at her wide-eyed. Soon, Fluttershy’s usual-self kicked back in. “O-oh, my…” Fluttershy stammered nervously. “I-I-I’m s-so sorry, Twilight. I-I don’t know what came over me.” A tear fell from her face as she apologized to her friend. The Purple unicorn was a bit dumbstruck, but she pushed the thought aside and smiled comfortingly toward her as she sat beside her.

“It’s okay, Fluttershy.” Twilight assured her friend. “I know you didn’t mean it to be harsh. We’re just as worried as you are about Helpful’s condition. We’re putting it together as fast as possible, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy didn’t respond she just stared at Helpful and sighed sadly.

Meanwhile in the princess’ room, it was evening and Celestia and Fancypants have been discussing about their course of action to take. “Your Highness,” Fancypants began as he studied the map they set on the floor. “We should try to figure out where Envious wants to strike next.”

“Indeed.” Celestia agreed with him. “That’s why we are here.” She used her magic to activate Gemini’s crystal ball and Gemini appeared before them both.

“Your Majesty, and General.” The entity bowed to them. “I believe you are wondering how your heroes are faring?”

“In another time, Gemini.” Celestia explained. “Where is Envious attacking next?” The Star Symbol just stared at them both a little withdrawn with white eyes; that meant he was either shocked or scared, but he created an illusion for them to see, but all there was seen was a black haze.

“I can only show you so much.” Gemini grunted straining for his concentration. “There is something blocking my sight.” But then the haze immediately cleared and they could see Envious through the illusion. Luckily for them, he didn’t notice this.

“I know you are all growing restless, My Children.” Envious grabbed the attention from his army of minions. “But you must remember our time will come soon. In just six days, Equestria will be ours!” The minions began to grow obviously anxious and frenzied as the Dark Alicorn continued. “Yes! The world will be ours soon, My Minions, and you will be ruled by me!” The hideous black creatures frenzied around and on top one another; it meant they were excited and impatient to attack Canterlot, but then the two notice another dark blue Alicorn enter into view their vision.

“Who is that?” Fancypants asked Celestia curious.

“That is Merciful…my Elder Brother.” Celestia replied not taking her eyes off the illusion. This surprised the Rich Stallion as he watched this illusion. As the Alicorn walked, he seemed quite maddened and serious. He stopped just a few feet from Envious. “You are only going to destroy everything, Envious.” Merciful told his dark-self coldly. “You’re being foolish.”

“Foolish?” Envious glared at him; nopony could really see Envious’ eyes, but it was obvious that he was glaring. The Minions stopped the frenzy and turned their attention to the Alicorns. “You’re one to talk about ‘foolishness.’ Letting me fester and manifest inside you; allowing me to feed on your thoughts, your emotions, and your heart.” Envious took a step toward Merciful, and as he took this step, a stand of darkness swept around it. “You allowed me to take over your body; your life, and yet you say that I’m foolish!” Silence sets in, letting Envious sinks in his words on Merciful, but the Dark Blue Alicorn said nothing, nor did he show any weakness; that seemed to have affected Envious instead. “The only foolish one I see is you!” The Armored Alicorn pointed straight at Merciful; making the minions laugh and snicker at the Cursed Prince softly, but only to make him crack.

“Say what you will, Envious,” Merciful spoke toward his adversary calmly. “But it was not me who allowed you in; you forced yourself inside.” Silence immediately sets in coldly around them all. “You lied to me, you took away my feelings, you fed on my jealousy, and you took over me.” Merciful protested against Envious; annoying the Dark Alicorn. “Your ‘Deceit’ blinded me, your ‘Greediness’ brainwashed me, your ‘Anger’ took over my thoughts,” The Prince stated as he walked closer to Envious with an icy glare. “Your ‘Cruelty’ pained me, your ‘Cowardice’ stopped me, and your Dark Magic took me away, so you could take over.” He stopped eye to eye with Envious right in front of the Dark Entity. “I assure you, I didn’t ‘let you in.’” Envious couldn’t respond; he was so dumbstruck by Merciful that he couldn’t fight back without obvious weakness, but then he remembered something.

“I know what this all about.” Envious responded finally. “You’re in love, aren’t you?”

“What does ‘love’ have to do about this subject?”

“Everything, Merciful.” Envious answered with a smirk under his dark armored helmet. “You’re in love with one of the six Spirits of Harmony, and your trying to beat me down to just buy them some time. Clever one, aren’t you?”

“I-I…” Now the tables have turned on this argument. It was true that Merciful loved a certain Spirit of Harmony; it was only first sight though. He looked away from Envious; trying to ignore him, but the Dark Alicorn continued. “I thought so.” Envious turned to his minions. “Tomorrow, you set out to kill the Spirits of Harmony!”

“No!” Merciful exclaimed in shock as the minions snarled and howled in excitement.

“Let’s see how the prophecy will be fulfilled if there is no Spirits!”

“You can’t do that!” Merciful tried to jump Envious, but he was repelled away by an invisible magic force field. He landed on the ruined stone pillars of the twisted black realm, and looked toward Envious looming above him.

“Oh, but I can, and I will!” Envious laughed loud and dark; making Merciful fear the worst for his beloved Spirit. The open illusion closed as Gemini lost consciousness; he held up that illusion too long and strained himself, and hit the stone floor.

“Gemini!” Celestia exclaimed in shock as she and Fancypants ran over to the omnipresent entity. Fancypants looked around his body to check for anything else wrong, but he was relived to find nothing. “It’s quite alright, Your Majesty.” Fancypants explained to the white Alicorn. “He only used his power for too long and is now unconscious.” Fancypants lifted the unique Alicorn to a bed near them using his magic. “He’ll be awake soon.” Celestia looked out the window and noticed the stars and the moon out for another night.

“Fancypants, the night is growing old. You should find rest.” Celestia pointed out to the night. Fancypants nodded in agreement.

“I will discuss this matter with our Royal Night Guard.” Fancypants assured as he exited out the room and closed the door with his magic.

“Good Night, Sir.” Celestia finished as she contemplated on the current situation. They needed to warn Helpful and Twilight Sparkle before Envious’ minions attack them by surprise. “Tomorrow, I will send a letter to them early in the morning.” Celestia promised herself. “But tonight I must rest.” The princess set herself a nice bed beside Gemini’s and slept in peaceful unwavering sleep.



As the night swept over and made its leave, morning broke the third day. Twilight awakes from her good night’s sleep in the Captain’s Cabin and stood to see Fluttershy asleep on Helpful; who was still poisoned. The scene touched her greatly in that brief moment. “Fluttershy really does love Helpful.” The Unicorn thought almost shedding a tear it was so touching. “I wish we can finish that antidote soon.” She trotted over to the table and returned to making that formula. “Hmm…” Twilight wondered. What should she do next? That formula isn’t documented and it takes some time to create if done correctly. She sighed and hit her head on the table flummoxed on what to do next. One certain medicine can make a positive reaction to most others, but it only makes a negative reaction to one other. That’s what it felt to her when she looked at all the medicines organized on the table. None of them would work for her. Finally, she just pushed the problem aside and sat on the floor thinking, but then she heard a soft tune from outside the Cabin. She grew even more curious as she trotted over to the wooden door to find out what was that music coming from. She opened the door and found Slipknot, Calm Water, and Lantern Light all sitting on a few barrels. Lantern Light was only tuning his guitar, cord by cord; making sure it was sound. He had this guitar ever since foal-hood. Finally, Calm Water grew bored. “Play us a merry song, Lantern.” Calm Water jumped up from his barrel. “Something to lighten the day for us.”

“Alright, Calm.” The Pegasus agreed as he strung his guitar to find the right cords. “Here we go.” Lantern Light began playing a merry song to his friends. It felt like such positive tune to Twilight; who was watching them from the other side of the door cracked open. They even sang the words to song in very pleasing tones. It went like this:

“Cloud-filled day, and Starless night,
“No pirate will give us a fright,
“No dragon, storm, or ice filled sea,
“Will never ever stop us, you see,
“We’re Luckyshoes’ Merry Crew,
“We’ll take you down, and turn you to stew,

“With that said, you better run,
“When Captain’s mad, he’s never fun,
“But deep down, he’s a merry stallion,
“He can drink more punch by the gallon,
“We’re Luckyshoes’ Merry Crew,
“We sail the seas, that’s what we do,

“Lands away, wives in perfect stay,
“We’re merry each and everyday,
“None can ever stop this song,
“Except ourselves; it’s much too long,
“We’re Luckyshoes’ Merry Crew,
“We sing this song when there’s nothing to do,

“Cloud-filled day, and Starless night,
“Nopony is allowed to say good-night,
“We dance around in a merry way,
“We also hope our guests enjoy their stay,
“We’re Luckyshoes’ Merry Crew,
“We sing this song to enlighten you,

“As the musician makes his final strum,
“And numbers begin to sing along,
“We hope you enjoyed our merry yarn,
“And we hope to see you again for one more song,

“We’re Luckyshoes’ Merry Crew!”

When the three stallions finished, they were surprised to hear Twilight applauding them on the deck not too far from them. She had become so transfixed on the song that it made her walk out and listen. “What a wonderful song!” Twilight cheered them. “Where’d you find such a song before?”

“We didn’t actually.” Calm Water replied with a smile. “We made it up, Lass.”

“Oh. Well, you did a very good job of it all.” Twilight smiled kindly. Just then they all noticed Pinkie Pie beside Twilight; who was also intrigued by the song too.

“Can you teach me it?” Pinkie giggled excited.

“Of coarse, Lass.” Slipknot answered a bit confused on how she got here in the first place, but he turned the thought aside as he and Lantern Light taught the Pink Mare the cords and the words to the song. Twilight turned around, but then was surprised to hear racket from under her that made the entire ship feel like it shook and Spike ran out from the barracks down below with a hammock wrapped around him; covering his face. He walked around blind, but finally hit the floor of the deck right in front of Twilight. “Spike. What are you doing?” The Purple Unicorn asked the dragon confused, but the only response she received was muffled by the hammock that wrapped around Spike. She sighed as she used her magic to untangle him. Spike stood up a little dizzy from his spill from earlier, but then he grabbed his consciousness.

“Oh, uh…” Spike handed over a letter to Twilight. “It’s a letter from the princess.” Twilight accepted the letter and read it carefully. “’Dear, Twilight Sparkle,’”

“’I must warn you that Envious plans to hunt you down and destroy you. You’ll need to find a safe location or prepare for the worst. The minions must have already departed and are coming straight toward you, so you’ll need to decide quickly!’”

“’Forever your friend, Princess Celestia.’” Twilight finished shocked to realize the incoming attack. Instead of conversing with Spike about the pressing matter, she ran into the Captain’s Cabin to warn Luckyshoes. “Captain!” Twilight shouted as she swung open the door waking her friends and Luckyshoes.

“What is it, Lass?” Captain rubbed his eyes half-awake.

“Envious is attacking! We need to prepare for the incoming assault!” The Purple unicorn explained looking quite ill-minded. The Brave Sea Pony rolled off his bed and walked outside to see for himself; Twilight and her friends follow except Fluttershy; who was too busy giving Helpful company. The Captain looked into his spyglass and--lo and behold--he spotted a battalion of black, bat-winged, hideous, pony-like, and blood thirsty monsters come their way. Immediately, he snapped his spyglass to its compact state and turned to the deck. “All hands to Battle Stations!” Luckyshoes ordered them all with great force in his tone. In that second they all stopped what they were doing and readied the cannons for the incoming assault.

“Load all the cannons!” Slipknot ordered as well. “Make ready for attack! Get the swords!” All the crewmates, including Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Snowy, and Spike, did as they were told quickly. Spike and Snowy ran down below to fetch the weapons Slipknot ordered them to retrieve, while Rainbow and Applejack manned their cannon. As the two unlikely friends found the swords, they notice one of the crates shinning a multicolored light through its cracks and small openings. It shook many times; like something wanted to get out. “What’s that?” Spike exclaimed in surprise as the crate jumped.

“I don’t know.” Snowy replied curious, and he pulled out a sword from the armory stash. “But there’s only one way to find out.” He walked over to the crate and he jumped and stabbed the sword onto the large crate’s top, but he hung above the floor like some wet rag being dried. His weight wasn’t enough to lift the nailed down lid of the crate, so Spike jumped up and grabbed the sword and added his weight with Snowy’s, and then the lid popped off; making the two dragons fall on their rumps on the floor. Spike held up the sword they used; it was bended crudely right in the center of the sword’s flat. “Well, there goes that one.” Spike remarked as Snowy and him climbed up the crate and found that the source of the light was in fact a multicolored, crystal egg. They watched as it rolled around; ramming into the walls of the crate. “It’s kinda cute.” Snowy remarked as he chuckled.

“Do you think it wants out?” Spike asked the white dragon; curious of what he was thinking.

“Only one way to find out.” Snowy replied as he tipped the crate over onto the floor without warning; making Spike fall onto his back hard. The Ice Dragon watched as the egg rolled out of the crate and toward the stairs leading upward. Spike moans in pain as he stood up from the unfortunate spill. “What was that for?” Spike exclaimed a little irritated as he cracked his back. Snowy didn’t listen; he was too fascinated by the unique egg that he followed it. “Hey! Where are you going?” Spike shouted after him, but he received no answer. He decided to follow, but then he remembers the swords they were supposed to return and collected as much as he could and then followed; dropping daggers and small axes along the way. The egg could roll up the stairs by itself, it only rammed into the bottom stair; attempting a futile effort to climb, but Snowy kindly helped it up the stairs, with Spike right behind him, until they made it to the top deck. Snowy continued to follow the strange little egg, while Spike, not sure what to do now, dumped the weapons on the deck for everypony to have and followed close behind. The egg rolled straight and true toward the Captain’s Cabin and rammed into the door; startling Twilight and the rest of her friends inside. Cautiously, Twilight opened the door to see only Snowy and Spike, but she didn’t see the egg roll past her into the room. “Snowy, Spike. What is it?” Twilight asked them curious. “You scared us all half to death there for a second.”

“Twilight! There’s a neat a little egg who wants to get inside the Captain’s Cabin for some reason.” Spike tried to explain, but she ignored him.

“You two should be helping the crew out there.”

“We know, but—.”

“No ‘buts.’ Go and help them.” She closed the door on the small dragons; unaware of the little egg rolling around inside toward the sick Helpful.

“Who was it, Twilight?” Pinkie Pie wondered out loud; not noticing the egg’s glow as it rolled on behind her.

“Oh, it was only Spike and Snowy.” Twilight explained to her friends, still unaware of their intruder in the room.

“Those two better not have been trying to get in here.” Sunny warned them as the egg rolled slowly past the bookshelf. “They should be out there helping them prepare for the incoming attack.”

“Well, yes, but you have to remember, Sunny, they’re both still young.” Rarity explained; annoying Sunny somewhat. “They’ll have to come in here for cover some time.”

“Alright, I guess. We’ll let them in when it’s time.”

“Good to hear, Sunny.” Twilight replied as the glowing egg hit the leg of the sofa that Helpful laid on. Fluttershy was the only one to hear this while she watching Helpful sleep. She looked over to her left and picked up the strange egg. “Hey…Twili—!” In that moment, a strange amount of energy blazed onto the egg; making Fluttershy squeal and drop it on the floor. She hid behind the rest of her friends; who also was surprised to see what was happening. The crystalized egg floated above the floor and glowed bright as ever as it blazed into an energy-like fire. The flames of many colors danced around the room. Engulfing almost everything, but they seemed to not even singe a single item inside. These flames weren’t ordinary. It all surrounded them as Twilight stuck out her hoof into the fire and quickly pulled it back by instinct of being burned, but she wasn’t burned at all. “Fascinating.” Twilight thought to herself out loud. She looked over to where Helpful was and saw him engulfed by the flames, but he was indeed not incinerated. Inside it seemed like the flames were only playing on his chest, and then they sink down into him; like he absorbed the magical substance. His friends watched in surprise and amazement as the fire sucked into Helpful, first slowly, but then quickly until it all was, somehow, fitted into his body. The egg fell toward the floor, but Twilight quickly caught it with her magic. They all watched Helpful curiously; as if waiting for something to happen, and to their surprise, Helpful coughed and wheezed as he sat up slowly half-awakened somehow by the experience they all had. “What happened?” Helpful asked as his coughing retarded. He looked around curious. “Are we back in the ship?” Fluttershy, overjoyed once more by Helpful’s survival, jumped right into him; hugging him so tight until he couldn’t breathe again.

“Helpful! You’re alive again!” She squealed excitedly as she tightened the hug.

“I-it’s…good to… see you too…Fluttershy…” Helpful wheezed as he tried his best to breathe and speak. “But…if you want me…to still…live…you’ll need to let…me go.” Fluttershy straightaway lets go of Helpful; he coughed and wheezed in air again, but his breathing slew down quicker than before.

“S-sorry, Helpful…” Fluttershy apologized to him shyly.

“It’s fine, Fluttershy.” Helpful assured her comfortingly. “I’ve just about gotten used to it…I think.” He rubbed his head like he was trying to remember something. “Say how did we get back in here anyway?” And instantaneously, his stomach growled too. He rubbed it gently. “And I’m starving. Since when have I eaten?” Everypony laughed at Helpful for being so ignorant, but they also knew he didn’t know how long he slept. “What’s so funny?”

“You’ve been asleep for a day now, Helpful.” Twilight explained with an impish smile. “You were poisoned by the volcanic gases and you got sick. We took you back here and we left the island with Snowy.”

“What about the Leo Major?” Helpful asked her curious.

“He’s staying at the island to enjoy his freedom while it lasts.” The Purple Unicorn assured him. “But now we need your help to ward away an entire army of Minions from Envious.”

“Wait. What?”

“We’re under attack, Helpful!” Sunny shouted at him irritated so he would understand.

“There’s no need to shout it.” Helpful stood up from the sofa, but then fell onto his knees. He wasn’t strong enough to stand up alone, and he was sure not strong enough to help fight the assailants off. Fluttershy quickly helped him back up. “Are you okay, Helpful?” Fluttershy asked him concerned.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Helpful assured, but then he fell again as he tried once more. Fluttershy quickly aided him back up onto his hooves and kept him up by putting his arm over her shoulders. “Heh, I’m not myself right now.”

“You need rest, Helpful.” Fluttershy insisted Helpful, but he didn’t listen.

“I’ve rested enough, Fluttershy. I gotta help the others.”

“But you can’t walk at all.”

“I’m fine.” Helpful insisted as he tried to walk again, but Fluttershy restrained him. “C’mon, Fluttershy. I need to help them.”

“But you’re still in no condition to help.” Fluttershy argued; surprising their friends a little. “You can’t just run out into battle like this. You have to wait until you’re totally refreshed.”

“But, Fluttershy, there isn’t any other defense in the ship strong enough to save us.” The Tan Pegasus protested sternly, but nervously. “My life is far less important than everypony else’s!”

“I don’t want to lose you again!!” Fluttershy shouted in dismay. She hung her head down and began to lightly cry as she held back the tears. “How can you say, ‘I’m lower than everypony else’? Helpful, you can’t just go into battle, not worrying about your condition, because you’ll get hurt terribly, and I can’t stand you in pain.” Helpful was saddened by Fluttershy’s explanation as he listened. “The time you died, was the time I died too, Helpful. I died inside. I felt nothing was important anymore, but I somehow revived you. And when you came back I was overjoyed, and I vowed to never let you die again! Helpful, if you die, I will never forgive myself ever, you must understand. I love you, Helpful.” Fluttershy hugged Helpful. As she cried in his arms, Helpful remembers what Slipknot told him to tell Fluttershy before, and he found the strength to speak.

“F…Fluttershy. I feel the same way with you.” Helpful replied finally. “I loved you ever since I first saw you. When Rainbow Dash was lost in the Ursa’s Lair, I told you and Spike to leave, because I love you, and I didn’t want you to get hurt.” The others watched and listened carefully and understandingly as the Falcon-winged Pony continued. “I protected you from the Sky Dragon, because I would never bear to see you ever get the slightest scratch from any beast at all. You’re all that matters to me, Fluttershy.”

“Do you mean it?” Fluttershy sniffed sadly as she listened.

“Every word of it.” Helpful answered with a smile. “You are the most adorable, gorgeous, incredible Pegasus I have ever met, and nothing in this world will make me change my mind. Your hair is like long silk, your ears move in a very unique way, and your eyes are like huge, deep emeralds. When you run, you hair moves in the air, as if it is the air itself. When you smile, it feels like I have just found true peace. You are like a bright light in a dark world to me.” Helpful could feel Fluttershy begin to hug him tightly as he began to wrap this up. “There will never be anything that’ll make me forget you. There would never be any amount of money that’ll make me happy without you. I only help without thinking about myself, because it’s somehow in my nature. I could never put myself in front of others, but if you need me to rest in order for you to find peace, than I will not argue, because…I love you too, Fluttershy.” The Shy Pegasus pushed herself to face Helpful eye to eye. It was clear to her that he was indeed telling the truth, but then again, he’s Helpful! He never lies; it’s not in his nature. She smiled greatly as she kissed his cheek sweetly, but fervently. She blushed as Helpful sat there with a blank expression of surprise, but he quickly snapped out of his trance. “Okay, but how will the crew be able to defend the ship? I mean, without me, there wouldn’t be much of a chance.” Twilight contemplated on this situation, and then came up with only logical solution.

“Leave that to us, Helpful.” Twilight assured her good friend.

“O-okay, Twi…” Helpful contemplated on this matter a bit. He knew his friends could take this attack straight on, but letting them go and help defend the ship would be too risky; even for him, but he supposes there is no other way. “You’ll be okay, right?”

“We’ll be fine, Helpful.”

“Hmm... Okay, then.”

“Good.” The Purple Unicorn quickly began pondering on how they would all be able to defend this vessel. “Fluttershy, you’ll stay here and watch over Helpful.”

“Okay!” The Shy Pegasus saluted to Twilight; looking quite serious, but then her expression turned to an impish smile as she hugged Helpful excitedly. The Tan Pegasus just chuckles. “The rest of you, follow me outside. We’ll help defend this vessel top to bottom.”

“Yes, mam!” The others followed Twilight out the Captain’s Cabin.

“Twilight!” Helpful grabbed the unicorn’s attention before she went out the door.

“Yes, Helpful?” Twilight asked curious.

“Be safe.”

“You can count on that, Helpful!” Twilight smiled as she shut the door with her magic.

Shocking Truth

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Chapter 14
Shocking Truth

As the Equestrian’s ran out of the Captain’s Quarters, they were shocked to see that they were already surrounded by the hundreds of Envious’ underlings. The crew has already begun firing cannons at them, but their attempts land in futile. Instead of attacking, the Minions seemed to be just playing with the crew as they continue to blast them out of the sky, but they kept dodging the cannonballs like it was a game of Dodge ball. “Uh…I know weird, and that, my friends, is weird.” Pinkie Pie broke the abnormal silence from the others as they just stared out to the battalion flummoxed. Twilight finally pushed the thought aside and quickly commenced a plan to help defend the ship. She quickly made a force field large enough to protect the Tide Churner from the Minions; who were obviously infuriated about their game of Quick Dodge was stopped abruptly without warning. “Rarity, Pinkie Pie.” Twilight grabbed their attention. “You two should help defend the cargo downstairs.”

“Yes, Sir! Mam, Sir!” Pinkie Pie saluted to Twilight.

“Right.” Rarity also agreed.

“Sunny, you should go and help Spike and Snowy and together you should be able to blast them with both ice and fire.”

“Sure thing!” Sunny assured sounding a bit like Helpful.

“Hurry! This spell is hard to completely keep up. I don’t know how much longer I can sustain this.” Twilight explained almost straining herself. Her friends nod in agreement as they run off to their posts. The Minions have been whacking and tackling the force field, and they were pleased to find that they were indeed getting though, crack by crack though. Sunny seems to have no luck finding Spike and Snowy anywhere. She stopped beside a barrel and began to contemplate on where two dragons could be, but then her ears begun to twitch to the sound of breathing and faint whispering. It came from the barrel beside her. “Are you kidding me?” Sunny opens the lid of the barrel and peeks inside to see the two dragons inside curled up into balls; as if bracing for something. Sunny sighed as she threw the lid behind her. “Hey, guys.” Sunny grabbed their attention. “They’re gone now.” Snowy and Spike uncurled and stood up in the barrel and looked around curious.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked the other baby dragon.

“No, I was lying so you two can get out and help me.” Sunny explained; surprising both Spike and Snowy.

“What? You brought us out here in the open!” Snowy shouted at Sunny bewildered.

“Good job, Coronal Obvious.” Sunny joked as she pulled them both out onto the deck. “Now let’s give the crew some cover fire before those freaks of nature get through the shield.” Looking around, Spike and Snowy then decided that there now was no choice, but to aid Sunny.

“Alright, Sunny.” Snowy agreed a bit unwillingly. “Show us what to do.” As the three dragons began to prepare for the attack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were downstairs with other crew members; who were manning the artillery inside. “Where’s the cargo?” Pinkie asked Rarity confused on where everything was.

“Didn’t you help Slipknot with inventory?” Rarity exclaimed in shock.

“Oh, yeah! I forgot!” Pinkie remembered where it all was before. “Follow me!” Rarity and Pinkie Pie ran down to the Cargo Hold located on the bottom of the ship. Up top, Twilight could not focus on the shield anymore. It was beginning to fall apart. Luckyshoes, also being a Unicorn, adds his magic to Twilight’s to strengthen the force field. “I’m not letting the entire ship go down while I’m in command!” Luckyshoes explained as he focused his magic. Twilight was a bit surprised at this, but she threw the thought away and continued to keep the shield up. The Minions were infuriated at this and they then pounded and smashed at the force field till it shattered the entire magical force to shreds. “Fire!” Slipknot ordered immediately; making the crew fire lead cannonballs toward the Minions; this time they were a bit surprised and a few were shot out of the sky into the sea. The crew took action as the monsters boarded the ship and attacked. “This should be interesting!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in excitement as she tackled one of the minions into the deck. “Ha!” She exclaimed in triumph, but then she was surprised to see a Minion above them and out of its arm stuck out a bone-like weapon obviously sharp and used as a sword. “Uh-oh…” The Minion under her kicks her off onto the deck, and he stood up with another bone-like weapon that slips out of its arm with a slicing sound. It lunges toward her, but was too fast for the creature and she dodged just before it even got a hair of her tail. “Whoa now.”

“Rainbow Dash! Catch this!” Slipknot tossed a sword to Dash; who caught it luckily. She looks back to him; who was fighting a couple of Minions in combat. “Use the sword!” The same Minions from before charged straight at Dash before she could comprehend this in time, but she blocked the Minion’s attack; looking like she knew what she was doing, but she wasn’t, and they fought in close combat, until a second Minion aided his ally. Now Dash was having a difficult time trying to fight two enemies at the same time, but then Applejack ran over to help her friend by charging at the two Minions; who have her pinned down at the edge of the ship’s railing, and jump kicked them away from her ally. “You okay?” Applejack asked helping her friend up from the deck.

“I’m fine.” Dashie assured her good friend, but then they were surrounded by even more Minions on the deck and in the sky. They readied for anything that could throw at them. “C’mon!” As they fought the assailants diligently, Twilight used her magic and attacked several Minions with laser-like spells. Slipknot was doing the same; it seemed that they had an exact amount of magical power. “Student of Celestia?” The Captain asked Twilight curious as he used levitation to launch a barrel at a group of Minions.

“Yes!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise as she used her magic to shoot a Minion her Revealing Spell by accident. To their surprise, the Minion was shifted back into his original form as Shining Armor. The Purple Unicorn gasped in shock as she realized who they were actually against, and ran over to Shining Armor mostly concerned, but also confused. “Shining Armor!” Twilight tried to shake him awake. The Captain of the Royal Guard slowly met consciousness and found himself in a battle scene with Twilight in the middle of a great lake?

“Huh? What?” Armor stood up rubbing his sore noggin. “Is? Are we? What happened?”

“I don’t know, but I’m glad you’re okay.” Twilight explained to Shining Armor gladly. Her older brother gasped remembering everything immediately and looked pretty scared.

“Twiliy! You have to save the others!” Shining Armor shook her frightened; making her a bit scatter-brained. “They’re all--!” The Unicorn lets go of Twilight as he felt intense pain in his stomach; making him hit the deck and exclaim in agony.

“Shining Armor!” Twilight exclaimed in shock. “What’s wrong?”

“You…have to…save them…before…he takes control!” Shining Armor shouted in even more agony as a dark gas surrounded him and consumed him before Twilight’s eyes, and once the darkness swept away, Shining Armor was colored black with bat wings. She stepped carefully toward him. “A-Armor…?” She tried to see if he was okay, but immediately, the creature turned around and tackled Twilight into a wall. She screamed in shock and fear as the Minion of Envious hissed at her.

“Get off of her!” Luckyshoes launched a barrel, knocking the Minion off Twilight into the air, using his magic. He quickly ran over to the Purple Unicorn to comfort her. She was scared and shocked by what she had just experienced about her once older brother almost killed her. “Are you alright, Lass?” Luckyshoes asked her concerned.

“He’s gone!” She shouted not thinking at all. “He’s gone, I tell you! Gone!” She laughed maniacally, but then Captain whacks Twilight in the back of her head; bringing back her senses. “Ow.” Twilight rubbed the back of sore her head. “That hurt.”

“Forgive me, Lass, but I had no choice.” The Sea Pony apologized sadly as helped the unicorn mare onto her hooves. “We need to find a way to repel these monsters off. Follow me.” Twilight quickly followed Luckyshoes into his Cabin and they straightaway slammed the door; startling Helpful and Fluttershy for a brief moment. “What happened?” Helpful asked them.

“Helpful!” Twilight replied in distress. “The Minions are actually Innocent Ponied transformed into monsters!”

“What! Why that little…” Helpful growled irritated at Envious. They didn’t know it, but they were indeed being watched. Envious had used his Dark Magic to open his all-seeing portal and he had Prince Merciful, beaten, bruised, and chained, beside him. He wanted Merciful to watch as the Spirits were murdered before their eyes, so Merciful would be so depressed and stricken, that he would never bother Envious again. The Dark Alicorn took Merciful’s face and he held it up to where he was looking at the portal. “You will watch this.” Envious crackled as he continued to watch the battle ensue. Merciful was too shocked and shamed to even rebel now; he felt so foolish and careless now that his crush was going to die and he can only do so much.

Envious smiled under his grim helmet greatly as he continued to watch this battle land in his favor as the Minions did indeed begin to overwhelm the vessel with their large numbers. The Prince was so devastated that he began to cry inside, but then a voice spoke into his head. “Use your magic to fight back the minions.” The elderly voice spoke in his head. Merciful knew that any message or unexplained voice meant there was help…somewhere. As Envious, kept his attention on the portal, Merciful focused his magic on fighting back against the Minions. To his surprise it was easier than he thought. He began flinging Minions into other Minions and making extra ropes tangle onto the assailants. Envious noticed the random objects crashing and tangling his Minions. Most of them began to retreat from the ship—making more follow them. “What manner is this?” Envious shouted under intense rage. Merciful could feel the heat around him begin to grow as Envious’ anger kindled ever greater over this change of events. The Dark Alicorn then stepped through the portal and flew into the battle to lead his Minions to destroy it. “Don’t retreat, my kin!” Envious ordered as he grabbed their attention. “We will not leave until that vessel surely meets the bottom of the ocean!” The Minions then all regrouped around their master and once again attacked the ship—making it even more difficult and dangerous than before. Dash and AJ were becoming exhausted in this dangerous and even life threatening battle. Dash dodged one of the minions diving down toward her—making his sharp, bone-like weapon stick into the deck. Taking this moment as her advantage, Dashie aimed her sword toward the creature’s throat, but was surprised by the most shocking and unexplainable response. “H-Help m-me.” The Minions pleaded in the most pony-like voice. “M-My wife ha—. Argh!!” The Minion exclaimed in pain as a dark-like gas swam directly into his eyes—shocking Rainbow even more. The dark gas came from Envious—who was using his Dark Magic to attempt this.

“You will listen and you will not ever again rebel against my command, Slave.” Envious muttered as the sample of darkness from him flew into the Minion’s eyes, and it stood up as it pulled out its bone-like weapon from the deck.

“Yes, Master.” The Minion agreed with his voice turning to a sharp hiss. It slashes at Dashie, but she narrowly dodges it. A small tuft of rainbow hair sprinkled on the deck before her. The Minions’ weapons that seem to be parts of their body are actually sharper than expected. “Okay, now that’s new.” Dash replied a bit shocked. The monster lunged at Rainbow, but she quickly reacted and kicked the Minion into the mast. “Sorry, dude.” Applejack wasn’t having a good time either. The minions outnumbered her greatly, and every one she’d defeat, ten more would replace it. It was downright hopeless! She was forced into a corner, but this did not go unnoticed. Prince Merciful spotted this, and was infuriated about this problem. He started toward the portal, but then stopped himself. He was merely a figment of his own mind, his sanity. How would he be able to manifest into a physical form out there. A Minion took Applejack’s sword away in one fluent motion. Now she was unarmed, and unable defend herself. One of them raised their weapon toward Applejack—threatening to stab into her and end her life in one rapid motion. The Prince then jumped through the portal, not worrying about how he would be able to manifest in the realm, and he landed in-between Applejack and the Minions.

Using his black hued magic, Merciful blasted the Minions away. Envious notices this, and he uses his magic to restrain Merciful, but then his concentration was broke by Rainbow Dash Falcon Kicking him into the deck. “Who’s a coward now, huh?” Dashie exclaimed in triumph, but then she saw a vision of herself falling into an abyss. Of coarse for a Pegasus she could easily fly, but that’s just it. She couldn’t fly! Her wings were gone, and she was falling, falling, falling into an endless abyss; screaming and shouting in terror as reality shows that she still had her wings, but she was tossing and turning on the floor as she yelled and exclaimed in terror—amusing Envious greatly. The Cursed Alicorn laughed at Dashie as he stood up to face Merciful and Applejack, but they were gone. “Hmm…” Envious thought aloud, but then he motioned for his minions to kill the Pegasus mare. They did as they were told, but were stopped by some unforeseen force. Envious turned around as his Minions were repelled by Merciful’s force field. The Prince and Applejack both stood beside Rainbow Dash giving Envious harsh expressions. The Pegasus mare was still under curse as they protected her. “You’ve become quite the nuisance, Prince Persistent.” Envious gravely warned. “It is now making me consider your death.” The Armored Alicorn crackled darkly.

“You will not harm the Spirits of Harmony, Envious.” Merciful protested against him strictly.

“Look around you, fools! It is only seconds before this vessel is under water!” They didn’t believe him at first, but somehow the entire ship seemed to be actually going down! Slipknot runs over to the railing to find out what was going on.

“We’re sinking!” The First Mate exclaimed in surprise, for he indeed saw the water rising from under them.

“No!” Merciful replied as Envious laughed due to so much amusement over this. The Minions were already departing from the vessel, and it seemed that they were indeed sinking into the sea. “It’s a trick!” The Royal Alicorn tried to explain sense into them. “We’re not sinking! Envious is deceiving you!” Slipknot didn’t listen, he only ran into the Captain’s Cabin to warn the Captain. Envious continued his laughter till the point that Merciful was infuriated.

“This is only the beginning, you fools!” Envious taunted heavily. “You’re Spirit of Loyalty is only a coward, Helpful cannot heave the strength to save you, and you’re ship is sinking to the bottomless abyss! You have no more hope!” Applejack didn’t know who to believe. What Envious explained so far seemed to be true. Rainbow Dash was screaming her head off, the ship seems to be sinking, and Helpful cannot even stand on his four legs. But it seems that the same the Alicorn that called her the ‘Second Element of Harmony’ was implying otherwise. Merciful turned to her with a desperate expression. “It’s all a trick, Honesty.” Merciful pleaded. “You must believe me.”

“I--.” Before Applejack could reply anything she spotted one of the gem stones on Envious’ armored legs shining a dark red. “Wait a minute.” AJ told them as she stared at the gemstone. It all made sense now. Envious was indeed lying to them so they would lose all hope on winning this battle. “I know what you’re up to now.” Applejack scoffed proudly. “You’re lying!” All that she had received was a dreadful laughter that surely could cripple the hopes of thousands.

“You are very dull minded.” The Dark Alicorn replied finally. “All that you see is actually happening.”

“Not everything. This ship is not sinking. It’s an illusion of some sort.”

“You are quite wrong. This vessel is taking on water as we speak.” Just then crewmates were scrambling onto the deck from the floor from under, along with Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

“She’s taking on water!” One of the crewmates shouted in panic.

“Get to the boats!” Another ordered, but once they got to where the boats were, the lifeboats were gone. Envious laughed so loud it would be considered a sign of coming death.

“There is no escape, fools!” Envious assured them with the most deadly tone. Captain Luckyshoes, Twilight, and Slipknot exit the Captain’s Cabin into the deck. The Armored Alicorn was very entertained to see that his entire enemy was all around them; all soon meeting their demise. A Pegasus would try to fly to land, but he would only be able to fly so far and will have to rest somewhere, and there was no land, nor cloud, for miles. Envious’ Minions made sure there was no sign of them for miles, and besides that there was a huge invisible force field made by Envious’ Dark Magic. Luckyshoes stood by Slipknot and Twilight Sparkle as it turned out to their last stand here. Sunny, Spike, and Snowy soon joined them all. “You’ve got us all where you want us Envious.” Luckyshoes told Envious disdainfully. “Why don’t you kill us all now?”

“That would be too easy, Captain. If I killed you now, it wouldn’t be as fun as this is. Nothing would make me happier than to see you all drown.” The Armored Alicorn crackled.

“You only want to make us believe that we’re drowning so when the water comes up, we’ll all hold breathing until we pass out.” Merciful called Envious’ bluff. “You obviously don’t think things through.”

“What makes you believe that?”

“We won’t actually die.”

“Do you really think that won’t happen? If you weren’t going to die, then why did my kin retreat from here?”

“Then why are you still here?” Before the discussion could continue, Merciful’s hair began to dissipate into the air along with patches of his coat. He couldn’t manifest in the physical realm, and he was disappearing. Everypony gasped of shock at the sight of this, and Envious laughed. “You obviously don’t think things through. Especially now.”

“A small sacrifice to save this realm.” Merciful protested against his darker self.

“Whatever. It’ll just be a burden taken relieved from me.” The Armored Alicorn grimaced under his metal helmet.

“What’s happening to you?” Twilight exclaimed in shock on Merciful’s appearance.

“I am not capable of manifesting inside this realm, and as such, I will be erased from this world.” Merciful reluctantly answered mostly meeting gazes with Applejack as he explained, but she only looked away—paining Merciful. The water began to flow onto the deck now—churning and splashing onto it, and flooding around them. Envious flew up into the air before this even happened, and he laughed manically. “Farewell, hopeless fools!” The Dark Alicorn flew away into a dark portal. The water was just rising up slowly like quick sand, but Applejack and Merciful stood firm unlike the others. Some crewmates tried to escape by climbing up the mast to higher platforms. Luckyshoes, Twilight, Rarity, Slipknot, the three baby dragons, and Pinkie Pie were all unsure about this, but Applejack and this strange, now disappearing Alicorn both seem to believe this is all a trick. But the water rising felt too much like actual water rising up their necks. How could this be a trick from Envious? It was much too real to everypony else. “Uh, Persistent?” Applejack tried to grab Merciful’s attention. “Persistent?”

“Don’t hold your breath.” The Prince assured as the water rose above their heads. Once it rose a good few inches above them, everypony opened their eyes to see that they were seemingly underwater, but then again they weren’t. Pinkie was the first let her breath go, and breathe in even more air instead of water. “What a second.” The pink mare gasped. “There’s air in here!”

“Pinkie, that’s impossible.” Twilight protested with bubbles coming out of her mouth, still trying to hold her breath. “It’s water. There’s no air under here.”

“Then how come I’m breathing?” Pinkie Pie made her point. She was actually breathing in air underwater. Merciful sighed as he looked up to see the water still rising above them.

“It’s only water if you believe it is.” The Prince explained finally—his voice had become distorted over his dissipation. Applejack was also breathing in air too. The others soon had let their breath escape, only to find that it was all a lie. It wasn’t water; only a powerful illusion. “This is amazing!” Twilight thought out loud as Merciful used his magic to free Rainbow Dash from her curse. She soon stopped screaming and caught her breath. She looked around to find herself underwater with the others. “Whoa!” Rainbow exclaimed in surprise. “How are we…?”

“Don’t ask.” Twilight replied just as flummoxed as her, but enthused to be defying logic, but then she remembered about Fluttershy and Helpful in the Captain’s Quarters. “Oh-no.” She dashed to the entrance and opened it, but Fluttershy and Helpful were there to greet her. “What??” Twilight exclaimed in even more astonishment.

“Hey, Twi.” Helpful greeted happily. “I’m feeling better.” All Twilight’s response was just an expression of shock—making Fluttershy worried.

“Oh, Twilight. Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked her worried. She only shook her head and rubbed it to gain focus.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Twilight answered her a little semi-consciously. Luckyshoes walked over to Twilight, Helpful, and Fluttershy very delighted to see they’ve seen through the bluff as well.

“You’ve actually survived the yarn, eh, Helpful and Fluttershy?” Luckyshoes laughed greatly. Helpful looked around confused.

“What yarn?” He asked the Sea Pony—trying to clarify the situation, but everypony else, except Merciful, laughed. “What?”

“Oh, nothing.” Twilight answered finally. “You’re just our good ol’ Helpful!” Merciful groaned in pain—making him kneel onto the deck and hug his stomach in pain. He gritted his teeth as he breathed in deep. This was not a good sign at all. “Are you okay?” Applejack asked Merciful concerned.

“I am not ‘okay’.” Merciful groaned. “My time here is almost up… I need something to help me return to Envious’ realm of twisted darkness. I cannot manifest here physically, and as such, I will surely perish.”

“That can’t be good…” Applejack thought out loud, but then she thought of an idea to save him. She ran into the Captain’s Cabin and then back with the small crystal ball that she bought from Shores-a-lot. “You used this before to contact me. Can’t you use this to return back to your home?”

“It is very possible…” Merciful coughed harshly. “Let us try.” The Prince laid his hoof onto the crystal ball, and then his entire arm was slowly being sucked in as the glass orb glowed bright.

“It’s working!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in surprise and excitement.

“Farewell, Spirits of Harmony.” Merciful smiled at Applejack. “May we meet again soon.” Merciful then turned into a gas-like substance and flew into the glass orb. Just in that moment, the water around them disappeared—leaving them back above water like before.

“Whoa.” Helpful remarked surprised. “That’s new.”

“And we know just who we’re up against,” Twilight added. “An extremely dangerous entity.”

Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle, AC and Big Mac were walking through the hall on patrol outside Celestia’s bedroom door. They have been given the responsibility of protecting the princess from any spies from Envious. Celestia exited from her bedroom door, but she was stopped by Turnip Top—surprising her somewhat. “Sorry, your Majesty,” AC apologized to her. “But me and Big Mac can’t let you go out unprotected until Fancypants gave the order.”

“Eeyep.” Macintosh agreed with his friend.

“Oh, my apologies, Sirs.” Celestia smiled understandingly. “I must have forgotten about such strict rules that have been made to protect me. Um…I’ll be just in here… Working on whatever I can do here.” The princess chuckled as she closed the door. AC waved as it clicked close.

“Okay, Princess! Have fun!” Turnip then turned back to his guard duty with Big Macintosh. Hours seemed like days as the day rolled by. Celestia would pop her head out to ask for something she needed, and either AC, or Big Mac would retrieve it for her. Dawn soon came about, and Big Mac and Turnip Top seemed to grow tired over this entire wait. Soon, they began to fall slowly asleep in seconds--allowing Celestia to exit her bedroom to Star Swirl the Bearded’s wing. Once she entered the library, she found hundreds of books mostly explaining the world outside of Equestria. There were many lands. Three of which are very prosperous and very peaceful lands. The first land she found was named: Grifforion; the Griffin Lands. Here was a land filled the population of mostly griffins. Ponies were there, but only a few towns. The land was a land of war—mostly because of the ruthless Changelings that ruled the lands. Even though it wasn’t peaceful, there were many precious resources there, such as: gemstones, iron, aluminum, and many other resources used primarily for war.

The next was a land named Toyana: the Land of Invention. This land had millions of specially gifted ponies who could actually create the most sophisticated of what they called ‘mechanical wonders.’ She took careful time to study the many blueprints in each journal she read, but they were too sophisticated and brilliant for even her intellect to comprehend. Resources there were mostly used for inventions, but they had the exact same resources as Grifforion.

The last land was her favorite; Zebaron; The Fertile Zebra Lands. Celestia knew only one Zebra in her land named: Zecora. Perhaps she could explain what it is like there. The land is extremely peaceful, and beautiful. Many huge gardens are seen there with the most plentiful and delicious harvests. But Celestia reads in the text, ‘the land is a grand sight to behold, but it is filled with mystery. Many great lengths of this continent has been riddled and littered with ruins not even built by Zebras, nor ponies, and not even Griffins. These ruins have been made by something else. Luckily, for us the walls have strange prints on them, but they aren’t hoof prints, nor are they claw prints.’ Celestia turns the page to find a strange outline of what mostly seemed to be a claw, but it had now sharp ends on the fingers. Instead they were rounded and dull, as if they couldn’t harm anything. The princess counted four fingers and one thumb on the side of the palm. This was a most intriguing find, and she had to know more. As she continued reading the text explained mostly about the print. It was indeed not a claw and obviously not a hoof. No animal in the entire world has that, and it isn’t from here. Celestia closed the book with her magic. Indeed there was nothing in this world that had that imprint before, or was there? The Princess had enough for tonight; it was indeed getting dark outside, and she walked back to her bedroom. “Keep up the good work, Gentle Colts.” Celestia teased as she entered her chamber. AC and Big Mac awakened right after the door closed behind them.

“What was that, Big Mac?” Turnip Top yawned as he pulled up his spear and looked around. He turns his gaze to Big Macintosh—who only shrugged.

Name It John

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Chapter 15

Name It John

“Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this…” Spike mumbled as he and Snowy was on one of the sails. It was the fourth day, and Snowy was tying a few ropes on Spike so he would conduct an experiment. What he planned was simple. All Spike had to do was jump of the sail so the ropes would theoretically pull him back up. “I mean don’t you think this’s a little…oh, I don’t know, dangerous?”

“Nonsense, Spike.” Snowy assured him as he tightened a rope to the baby dragon’s leg. “I used to do this with vines all the time to pass the day. Now, the ropes act just like them…almost like them.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.” Spike gulped nervously. The Ice Dragon finished the last rope on Spike’s tail.

“Alright, Spike. Jump!” Spike looked down to the deck below. It looked awfully dangerous to hit, even at this height. He could get hurt really bad if this doesn’t work out. “I-I don’t know, Sn--!” Snowy sighed right before he pushed Spike off the sail. Spike exclaimed really loudly in terror until he hit the deck face-first. “Spike!” Twilight and Rarity both exclaimed in shock concurrently. They ran right to where Spike hit. “Spike, are you okay? Say something! Anything!” Rarity began to panic. Finally, Spike groaned in pain as he slowly pushed himself up off the deck, and he spat out a few teeth.

“I’m okay.” Spike answered seemingly semi-consciously. “I just need a little nap.” The baby dragon hit the floor again and snored on the deck; making Twilight and Rarity shocked even more.

“Spiky, Wikey!” Rarity exclaimed in shock. Twilight looked up toward the sail, which the ropes that were tied to Spike led to, and saw Snowy up top; who smiled innocently.

“Heh. Too much slack.” Snowy spoke up shyly.

“Snowy, what happened?” Twilight Sparkle demanded to know.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, but I really just wanted to check if the ropes would work like the vines did back home.” Snowy apologized sadly. “I know that I shouldn’t have used Spike to know, but I did, and I regret such an action. I’m sorry…” Before Twilight could continue to conversation, Lantern Light had spotted an island not too far from them.

“Land ho!” The Pegasus Stallion shouted toward Luckyshoes below. The Captain spots the land with his spyglass and smirks. “Treasure Island.” He mumbled softly.

Meanwhile, inside Canterlot Castle, Jacko Lantern had his stallions executing drills inside the castle. “Intruder in the Throne Room!” Jacko shouted loudly. The troops, armored and equipped with sparring weaponry, immediately ran into the castle in a tight formation and they swung the door open to fight Soarin’s troops. They were only practicing possible battles inside the castle, so they would be able to fight Envious’ Minions; prepared and confident. Jacko had just defeated a couple of troops and they hit the floor, alive, but only for practice. This was a routine drill after all. The point was to fight in a certain form and plan to defeat either one of the teams. Jacko’s routine was to defeat Soarin’, and then the drill was over. He had just ducked an incoming opponent; who had accidently rolled over him instead of pretending to impale him with his sparring sword. The stallion hit the floor and fell victim to a different troop sparring spear. Please note that whatever happens here, the troops aren’t actually being killed. Jacko spotted Soarin’ sparring with another soldier amongst the battle. This was his advantage to attack. Jacko Lantern charged at Soarin’ from behind, but the Wonderbolt noticed this and he flew straight up into the air—allowing Jacko to charge into the soldier’s sword. Luckily for them, sparring weaponry is too dull to actually pierce through armor. So Jacko lived and he pretended to die on the floor dramatically. “Troops: Attention!” Soarin’ ordered. Everypony stopped the battle and the pretend dead troops stood up as well. “Okay, everypony. Jacko’s team has lost, so now we switch areas again.” Everypony from Soarin’s group marched out of the throne room, while everypony else stayed inside it.

“Help me, Soarin’.” Jacko grabbed Soarin’s attention as he coughed.

“Get up, Jacko. You think the armor you’re wearing is a mare’s dress?” Soarin’ rolled his eyes. This was the ninth time today Jacko’s did that. It was beginning to annoy Soarin’ somewhat now it was so old. Jacko stood up with a disappointed expression. “Just have your stallions ready before we come back again.’

“Sure, Soarin’.” Jacko assured as Soarin’ left. He sighed to gain back his seriousness and focus. “Enemy approaching! Protect the Princess!”



The island wasn’t any ordinary island. In fact it was hot and volcanic, as if it had an eruption not too long ago. Helpful, Rarity, Spike—he had just recovered from his nap--, Twilight, Fluttershy, Snowy, and Pinkie Pie had rowed their way to the island with Slipknot and Luckyshoes to find resources. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Sunny stayed behind to help mind the ship. “Slipknot and I will check the eastern part of this island while the rest of you can look around the western edges.” Luckyshoes ordered comfortingly. “We’ll meet back here before sundown.”

“Yes, Captain.” Twilight agreed as Slipknot and he left the group. Helpful looked around with Snowy on his back. There was no sign of food anywhere. How were they going to find anything is this wasteland? “Hey! I found something!” Pinkie’s voice echoed not too far away from them. She somehow sneaked away, before they even started. The group followed Pinkie Pie’s voice to a small cave that soon grew larger the deeper they went. Once they found the Pink Mare, they found a huge chamber with a stone dragon statue holding the hugest Wing Emerald ever. Rarity spotted the humongous gemstone and started to laugh maniacally as she charged right up to the crystal. “Oh, my stars! It’s the most gigantic Wind Emerald I’ve ever seen!” Rarity squealed so excitedly she received the hic-ups.

“Pinkie Pie!” Twilight greeted her friend. “How did you find this place?”

“Lucky guess.” Pinkie replied with a huge smile.

“You seem to be filled with those.” Helpful remarked thoughtfully as he marveled the stone statue before them. He noticed that the dragon statue also had one arm raised to slash at something before him, and it made him wonder. Rarity didn’t care; all she had was the most beautiful gem ever, but was it real unlike what Discord made a huge boulder seem like the hugest most gorgeous diamond in her life, or was it? It had the windy vortex inside it, that was for sure, but Rarity just had to be positive. “Spiky dear.” Rarity grabbed Spike’s attention. “Could you come over here for a second?” Spike didn’t know what to do at first, but he walked over to Rarity anyway.

“Yeah, Rari--whoa!” Spike exclaimed in surprise as the white unicorn picked him up with her magic. She levitated the baby dragon up to the giant Wind Emerald and she pulled his tail; making him stick his tongue out and lick the Wind Emerald. The taste was so sweet that Spike couldn’t help, but lick another time. After this Rarity shoved Spike away quickly and hugged the giant gemstone with an obviously mentally ill grin. “It’s mine!” Rarity shouted harshly as the echoes filled the cavern. Everypony just stared surprised and a little shocked as Rarity talked sweetly to huge gem; rubbing it and calling it ‘Darling.’ Helpful and Snowy both raise eyebrows awkwardly. The Tan Pegasus turned to Twilight curious. “Is that normal?” Helpful inquired to know from his good friend.

“Well, not exactly.” The Purple Unicorn smiled awkwardly. Helpful just looked her confused; she sighed. “The last time she did that was when Discord took over Equestria and manipulated everyone. Rarity was deceived as well, and she was hauling a huge boulder around insisting that it was diamond she named ‘Tom.’”

“That’s just weird.” Snowy replied with an awkward look. They looked back up to Rarity and the Wind Emerald.

“You really are real, aren’t you? Otherwise, Spiky would have been spitting out a horrible taste.” Rarity smiled at Spike awkwardly; he only crossed his arms at Rarity a bit cross. “Now, anyway, I shall name you: John.”

“John?” Snowy remarked a little surprised by the name. “Who in the great, blue sea would name a gemstone ‘John’?”

“Well, I just did, and—newsflash!—I’m not from the ‘great, blue sea.’” Rarity shot back at Snowy. She turned her attention back to the Wind Emerald, now named John with sweet eyes. “Now, you and I will never part at all. I’ll bring you with me, wouldn’t you like that, John? Yes, you would, instead of being here with that repelling dragon statue. Helpful!”

“Uh, yeah, Rarity?” Helpful asked her curious.

“Would you be a dear and help me carry John out of this chamber?” Helpful walked up to Rarity and the Wind Emerald.

“Uh…sure.” Snowy got off of Helpful’s back, and the Tan Pegasus lifted the giant crystal off the dragon’s claw onto his back; pleasing Rarity, but Fluttershy noticed a green glow in the dragon statue’s eyes. She gasped as it raises his claw to strike Helpful, Rarity, and Snowy. “Helpful! Look out!” She shouted to warn Helpful.

“Huh?” Helpful responded as he looked behind to find the dragon slashing at them. “Look out!” Helpful tackled Rarity away from the dragon’s arm span. It missed, but that only made him more irritated. The dragon roared at the group in intense anger; scaring Fluttershy onto her back with her legs straight up in the air. John rolled off of Helpful’s back, but he saved it quickly. “Everypony run now!” Helpful ordered as he ran ahead with Rarity and Snowy. Twilight quickly used her magic to levitate Fluttershy as she, Pinkie Pie and Spike escaped into a different hallway than what Helpful, Snowy, and Rarity escaped through.

The Dragon Statue only followed Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike. Unaware of the direction the Wind Emerald was taken. He stomped as he chased them through the cavern. Spike noticed that it was gaining on them rather quickly, and it didn’t make anything better. “C’mon, guys!” Spike encouraged them desperately. “We need to run faster. You can do it!”

“We’re running…a fast…as we…can, Spike.” Twilight replied as she tried to breathe. “We can’t…run any…faster.” The dragon roared in fury as stomped closer. The baby dragon gulped as he watch it gain on them.

Meanwhile outside, Slipknot and Luckyshoes were looking around for anything suspicious instead of food or water. They were looking for treasure. The island they stood upon was indeed named the fabled ‘Treasure Island’; where it was rumored that it had treasures beyond your wildest dreams. “There can’t be any treasure in this wasteland.” Slipknot complained as he continued his search. “It’s probably buried under the dried lava everywhere. We should find some food before we return.”

“We’ll get to that, Slipknot.” The Captain assured. “First we must find the treasure.”

“I know we’ll be rich beyond our wildest dreams, but would it really benefit us at all, sir?” Luckyshoes stopped for a second to contemplate on his First Mate’s quote. What would they ever gain finding millions of treasure chests filled to the brim with gold and precious gemstones? They have always wanted to find this island ever since foal-hood. Should they just give up their search now and forget about it? No! Not when they’re this close to fulfilling their dreams like this. “We keep searching, Slipknot.” The Sea Pony ordered as Slipknot sighed disappointed, but then a rock before them started to move just a little. Slipknot noticed this. “What was that?” He asked his Captain as the rock moved again over to the side revealing a secret hole from under it. As the two walked over to it curious, Helpful climbed out with the gigantic Wind Emerald on his back, he settled it on the ground, and he helped Rarity and Snowy out. “Thank you so much, Helpful.” Rarity thanked him as she hugged John again.

“That’s just disturbing.” Snowy remarked as he stared the white mare. Helpful expected for Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike to follow, but they weren’t behind them at all.

“Oh-no.” Helpful frowned as he looked down into the cave. “Where’s Fluttershy, and the others?”

“They must’ve got lost in the cavern.” Snowy guessed as he too noticed they were gone.

“Where’d you find such a huge Wind Emerald?” Slipknot asked Rarity astonished by the gemstone’s massive size.

“Oh, just inside some old chamber beneath the island,” Rarity chuckled. “And it’s mine!!” The White Mare hugged onto the gem even tighter; making Slipknot give her an awkward gaze.

“Okay then.” He replied just a little creeped out. He then whispers in the Captain ear. “What should we do, Sir?”

“It’s too late now.” Luckyshoes replied as he sighed disappointed.

“I’m going after them.” Helpful announced to the others.

“But what about that Dragon Statue, Helpful?” Snowy asked him concerned.

“It’s just a big, carved, piece of rock. How dangerous can it be?” Helpful answered proudly. He turns his gaze to Rarity and the two other stallions. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay, okay. Just go.” Rarity replied not minding if Helpful did leave at the moment. She had John, that’s all that mattered at the time.

“Um, right…” Helpful replied just a little surprised at Rarity’s response.

“I’m coming too.” Snowy insisted to help.

“Then let’s go.” Helpful agreed as Snowy hopped onto his back and Helpful flew down into the cave. Rarity was too fixed on her gem to notice, but something started to nag at the back of mind; telling her to stop gawking at John and follow Helpful. “Okay, Helpful. I’m coming as well.” Rarity sighed as she turned around to find that he was gone. “Oh-no. I need to catch up with them soon. I’d hate to leave John all by himself though.”

“Don’t worry, Lady Rarity.” The Captain assured her. “We’ll watch and take of your gem as you catch up with Helpful and Snowy.”

“Oh, thank you!” Rarity smiled as she dashed down into the cavern after them. As Rarity caught up with Snowy and Helpful, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike were cornered by the Dragon Statue; who was walking slowly toward them. “We’re trapped!” Twilight remarked as she looked around for anything to help them out of this situation.

“Why don’t we make friends with the big guy?” Spike suggested as he walked up to the dragon holding out his claw to shake his. “Hi! I’m Spike, and these are my friends: Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and--!” Spike ducked as the dragon tried to slash his head off. “Whoa! You seem to have quite the temper, pal. Maybe you should just be friendly for a change and let’s be friends.” The baby dragon held out his claw toward the Dragon Statue, and it looked at him questionably. Finally, it slowly grabbed Spike’s hand and shook it gently. “See? That wasn’t so hard wa--!” The baby dragon was thrown toward Twilight; who luckily, softened his landing, but they both hit the wall behind them; making the Dragon Statue laugh hard. Fluttershy helped them both up. “Oh, my gosh. Twilight, Spike. Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked them concerned.

“I’m fine, Fluttershy.” Twilight assured as she noticed the Stone Dragon laughing as hard as possible. Small cracks on its body structure could be hardly noticed as it continued to laugh. “Wait a minute. It can’t sustain itself while laughing, it’s so old.” She turned her gaze to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie. Can you make it laugh even more?”

“Do a dog and tree have bark?” Pinkie asked proudly.

“Uh…yes.”

“Then there’s your answer!” The Pink Mare ran straight up to the laughing Dragon Statue. “Good Day, Mr. Stone Dragon, Sir!” Pinkie grabbed its attention as she juggled a few rocks into the sir. “Say, how many roaches does it take to screw in a light bulb?” The Dragon shrugged confused. “Nopony knows. Once the light goes off they scatter.” The Stone Dragon laughed even louder than before, and Twilight could now more plainly the cracks begin to grow.

“It’s working, Pinkie Pie!” Twilight shouted to her friend. “Keep going!”

“Now, here’s another one!” Pinkie continued to juggle her rocks. “Why did the chicken cross the road?” The Dragon raises an eyebrow curious. “To get to the other side!” The Dragon laughed even harder. “Now, I’ve got another for ya to think about. One day there was a stallion driving his carriage down the road and he saw a tree in the middle of it and so he swerved to dodge it. Well, then another tree came onto the road again, and he swerved to dodge it. Finally, the other stallions who were pulling the carriage stopped to ask him why he was making them swerve a lot. The driver replied, ‘I was just trying to dodge this tree that kept appearing in the middle of the road so we wouldn’t hit it.’ Then the others said, ‘sir, that’s not a tree. That’s your air freshener!’” The Dragon was now laughing so hard, it was pounding on the floor several times; making the cavern shake and Pinkie lose her balance, but she kept the act up. The cracks were getting larger and deeper now; Pinkie Pie needed one last joke to wrap this all up. “Here’s my last joke for the day. One day, a colt went to a farm, and when he got back home, he told his parents all about it! ‘I even saw a pony who builds other ponies!’ he said. ‘Are you sure?’ the parents asked him. ‘Yes,’ the colt said, ‘he was just nailing on their hooves when I got there!’” The dragon’s laughter was so loud, it started to rumble the entire cave until the cracks on his body shined bright green light and he fell apart into rubble scattered onto the floor. Pinkie Pie stopped juggling her rocks and sighed of relief; glad it was over. Spike was still laughing though. “Spike.” Twilight grabbed his attention.

“What? Comedy gold.” Spike explained as stood up from laughing on the floor. Twilight rolled her eyes, but then a bright yellow light appeared on Pinkie Pie’s neck and it formed a gold necklace with a blue balloon in the center. “Look, look, guys!” Pinkie Pie shouted and hopped around them as excited as could be as she sang this song:

“I got my Element,
“I got my Element,

“I proved that when it comes to laughter, I can be the best,
“It wasn’t too hard for me to pass such a serious test,

“I’m Pinkie Pie,
“I’m Pinkie Pie,
“I’m silliness in a box,
“Nopony can’t stay sad for long once I’ve turned over their giggle box,

“I’m Pinkie Pie,
“I’m Pinkie Pie,
“I’m here for your amusement,
“If you’re down, don’t you frown, I’ll fill your life with merriment,

“Hee, hee, hee,
“Ha, ha, ha,
“Hoo, hoo, hah, hah, ho, ho,
“I laugh everywhere I go just to make sure that everypony’s got some,

“Hee, hee, hee,
“Ha, ha, ha,
“Hoo, hoo, hah, hah, ho, ho,
“You never ever have to cry once that you’ve learned how to smile!”

Helpful, Snowy, and Rarity followed the singing till they found Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Spike. “Fluttershy!” Helpful shouted as he dashed over to her and gave her a huge bear hug. “I thought you were lost in here. C’mon. We’ve found a way out, and we can leave.”

“Helpful!” Fluttershy finally replied. “Pinkie Pie’s found her Element of Harmony.”

“The Element of Laughter!” Pinkie Pie replied with a proud expression.

“It’s suits you.” Snowy complimented politely.

“I know, right?” She giggled excited. She then jumped up and down rapidly. “This is just so exciting! Are you excited? Cause I’m excited. I’ve never been so excited!” Soon the group returned to the Tide Churner, and Luckyshoes and Slipknot were there to greet them.

“Ahoy, Friends!” The Captain greeted happily; he noticed Pinkie Pie’s necklace. “So I see you’ve also found another one, eh?”

“Yes, indeed.” Twilight replied proudly. “Did you find any food in the island?”

“Not a lot, unfortunately.” Slipknot answered sadly. “The island’s to volcanic to find enough food anywhere.” Rarity then remembered her huge Wind Emerald she left in Luckyshoes’ and Slipknot’s care.

“Where’s John?” Rarity shouted obviously looking quite worried.

“Uh, if you mean the Wind Emerald we brought board here for you, it’s in the Cargo Hold.” Slipknot explained to her kindly. The White Unicorn gasped dramatically and dashed straight down under the deck.

“Now, that that’s over with,” The Captain cleared his throat to continue their conversation. “We’ll be headin’ back into sea soon. So, Helpful, Snowy, and Spike; you should get back to work.”

“Yes, sir!” The three saluted to the Captain in agreement. Pinkie Pie and Slipknot went downstairs to check inventory again as Twilight and Luckyshoes went inside the Captain’s Cabin, and Slipknot gave orders to set sail again. As Helpful, Spike, and Snowy carried out their orders, Fluttershy stood at the edge of the railing and watched as the sea rolled by softly.



Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle, at the outside of Celestia’s bedroom door, Flight Lock went to go check on AC Turnip and Big Macintosh for a report on how things were going. He wasn’t surprised to find them both sleeping on the job though. “AC, Big Mac!” Flight Lock ordered seriously. “Attention!” The two immediately awakened and jumped up into attention.

“Uh, what?” AC murmured half-awake with his helmet covering his eyes blocking his eyesight. “Morning already? Oh-no! Envious is in the castle! Big Mac, protect the princess! I’ll fight him off!” AC then swung his spear around blindly trying to hit anything he could.

“Turnip.” Flight Lock tried to grab his attention. “Turnip.” The bucktoothed stallion didn’t hear him still as he continued to slash at anything. “Turnip Top, Front and Center!” Flight Lock finally ordered after he rolled his eyes.

“Yes, Sir!” AC quickly pulled off his helmet and stood beside Big Macintosh straight.

“Report.” The Commander sighed to calm himself.

“All is well, sir.” Big Macintosh answered.

“Yeah! Not a single shadow can slip past our watch.” AC shouted proudly.

“Is Celestia inside?” The Pegasus asked them curiously.

“She sure is!”

“Have you even checked?”

“Eeyep.” Big Mac replied.

“Well, check again.” AC looked through the door and found Celestia sleeping under some covers for what seems to be a nap. He closed the door slowly.

“She’s in there alright!” Turnip Top answered him proudly. The Commander left the two guards as he continued his path to receive any more reports from the other guards. Little did they know that the Celestia AC thought was napping was actually a fake. Celestia was in Star Swirl the Bearded’s Wing again; searching for any history left inside. She thought she cleaned out this entire library by now, but she still wanted to find more information on these outer lands. “There must be something around here still I can find.” Celestia told herself as she pulled out another book she already read before. She sighed disappointed and a bit tired of finding another book she had read an hour ago. “Now I know how Twilight Sparkle feels when she can’t find any answers to what she wants to know in her library.” She pulled out another book from the shelf, but this time it stopped only halfway, and made a clicking sound that surprised Celestia greatly.

The shelf moved on its own and opened a secret chamber that even she didn’t know was even there. “What in Equestria is this place?” She asked herself as she entered the ancient chamber. There was a shelf in the center of it; it was circular and it had a polished Aquamarine on the top, and above it was a stained glass window that had several weird scenes in it. One was a unicorn colored in gold fighting some strange, circular creature in the sky; another was what seemed to be an Alicorn, Pegasus, Unicorn, and an Earth Pony fighting four enemies at once. Three of them was Discord, Nightmare Moon, and Envious, the forth was a dark entity holding some scepter of power, the Earth Pony was equipped with a sword, shield, and a scabbard as he fought the dark entity, the Pegasus fought Envious, the Alicorn fought Nightmare Moon, and the Unicorn fought Discord, color wasn’t specified amongst the four heroes; another scene looked like the Crystal Empire being swallowed up by some huge darkness with four bright green eyes, but at the center was what it seemed that seven ponies in a circle and one at the center of them in the air surrounded by a large bubble of light repelling the darkness away; three scenes in one stained glass window. It was obvious that they were not from history; unlike the stained glass windows she had in the ball room. “Interesting.” Celestia remarked thoughtfully as she studied the window above here. Then she looked around the walls and lit the torches using her magic. They blazed into light and the walls could be more plainly seen, but they were bare and had no other shelves. That was fine with Celestia, she only needed just a few more books anyway, and she had enough. The shelf at the center had many books to make her occupied for the day. As she turned her attention back to the shelf, she spotted the Aquamarine above it shine bright and the stained glass window above opened into three parts; allowing her to see the night sky above.

The light from the Aquamarine, reflected from the fire in the room, shot a beam of light into the sky, a beam that all of Equestria could see within miles, and then a second beam shined onto the floor before Celestia and formed the body of an Alicorn Stallion. He did not have a cutie mark, but he was uniquely muti-colored in some bright light that made a beautiful glow in the room. He was very tall, in fact taller than Celestia, and he had interestingly shaped wings. They were obviously not from this world and they were indescribable in detail, but they were basically like folding fans, but they still had separate feathers with very elaborate symbols. He had three horns instead of one, and they seemed to be holding in a beautiful blue flame. His eyes were like calm flames themselves and they made Celestia feel like she was in her room sleeping beside her fireplace which blazed a warm fire to keep her warm. She noticed, like Gemini, the Alicorn had a symbol on his head; a seven pointed star, and his mane had very long, but calm flames swaying in the air. “H-Hello.” Celestia greeted a little dumbfounded by the Alicorn’s handsome charms. “W-Who are…?”

“Who am I?” The Alicorn replied finally with a sweet smile. “I am Polaris; the North Star. I have been summoned forth by you, Great Majesty.” He bowed to Celestia in a very humbling fashion. “How may I be of service to you?”

“U-uh…” Celestia didn’t know what to do. She was actually surprised to have found this chamber and now she’s accidently summoned a Star to be of service to her. Wouldn’t you do the same if this happened all of a sudden? She cleared her throat for a start, and she tried to speak to Polaris, but she couldn’t find any words to pronounce. The Star began to grow a little concerned. “If my appearance is a distraction, I can change form.” Polaris offered kindly.

“No!” Celestia spoke finally; surprising Polaris a little. “I-I mean, that will not be necessary. Thank you.” The Star then smiled kindly and used his magic to pull out a book from the shelf behind him, and he opened it.

“You haven’t read this yet; have you, Your Highness?” He asked her as he flipped through the pages.

“No, I have not, Polaris.” Celestia replied a little calmer than before now. Polaris than stopped flipping through the pages and gave her the open book.

“Read this then.” He offered as Celestia accepted the book with her magic, and read it aloud.

“’Armageddon?’” Celestia read out loud, but looked at Polaris confused. “But isn’t that some tale over ten thousand years ago about a love story gone horribly wrong?”

“Not to my kind.” Polaris answered to her with extremely serious eyes, but then he changed his expression to a grand smile. “Please, feel free to read through any books at all in here. They’re all basically prophesies and other forms of magic made by Magi of the Seventh Chain. So enjoy! If you need me just say so.” The Star then disappeared into the Aquamarine before Celestia could ask any further questions. The Stained Glass Window then closed right when the beam stopped, and Celestia stared right at the third mural of the Crystal Empire being swallowed by darkness. It made her wonder greatly of Polaris’ meaning of ‘not to my kind.’



The fifth day has come, and all is quiet around the Tide Churner as they sail straight through one of the thickest fogs they’ve seen. There was very little wind, and the ship was moving very slowly through the water. “Captain.” Slipknot grabbed Luckyshoes’ attention.

“Yes, Slipknot?” The Captain answered as he stood by Calm Water at the wheel.

“Twilight and I have been navigating through the charts and we believe that we’re in Pirate Territory.” Slipknot explained as Twilight looked around to see if she could find anything through the fog.

“Aye.” Luckyshoes agreed with them. “I’ve known this ever since we’ve first sailed into this forbidden deathtrap.” He turned his gaze to Lantern Light in the crow’s nest. “Keep a sharp eye out for anything unnatural in this dreaded fog!”

“Aye, Captain.” Lantern saluted to him as he used his spyglass to see through the fog. Down below them, Rarity had been carefully polishing John as the rest of the crew ate lunch for the day. Sunny and Applejack made it all by themselves, and it was a grand lunch for the crew as they drank their drinks and discussed their voyages with their guests. “And then, without warning, the dreaded dragon swooped down from nowhere, and I was lucky enough to dodge the deadly monster as it almost bit my head off!” Flyleaf explained his story as he made motions that show what happened. “I ran off into the caves, but of coarse, that was a bad move, and I was running away from one of the most infuriated dragons in history! My gems in my bag, I kept running till I returned in the same chamber of that monster, and I hid amongst the pile of various gemstones as it entered back inside. I could feel my own heart beat in the most extreme speeds as the ugly dragon crept closer to my hiding place. Uh, no offense.” The sailor apologized for that remark to Sunny, Spike, and Snowy who were al sitting in the same table.

“None taken.” Spike assured for he was very transfixed on finding out the ending of the story. “What happened next? Did you kill it?”

“Spike!” Sunny shouted at him a little withdrawn by his quote.

“Heh, sorry, Sunny.” Spike smiled at her innocently.

“Well, the crew was already getting the ship ready, and there was no hope for me to get help inside of the cave. So, as the dragon looked around the pile, I stayed perfectly still.” Flyleaf continued staying still himself.

“You stayed still?” Sunny asked him raising an eyebrow indifferently.

“Yeah, some dragons eyesight are based on movement, right, Flyleaf?” Spike asked him curious.

“Aye, but this dragon wasn’t.” The sailor answered with an awkward smile. “He growled so deeply at me, I thought I was done for till--!”

“We’re under attack!” Slipknot shouted as he ran down into the mess hall. “Get your rumps up and get to Battle Stations! Battle Stations now!” Everypony immediately jumped off from the tables and ran up to the deck. Helpful and Sunny spotted another ship beside them, but it flew no flags.

“Oh boy.” Sunny remarked as the cannons from the ship beside theirs were primed and ready to fire. “Pirates.”

Not-so-mean

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Chapter 16

Not-so-mean

“If you were given one chance to go back in any part of your life, where would you go, Big Mac?” Turnip Top asked his friend curious. It was mid-day, and guarding the princess is hard work for these two friends as they guard the front door of Celestia’s room. Big Macintosh began to think about that question for some time.
“I would go to the day when the class went to Hearth Warming’s Eve play in Canterlot when I was seven.” Big Mac answered finally.
“Why would you do that?” Turnip asked him curious.
“To stop me from embarrassing myself before the show started.” The big Earth Pony explained; making AC even more curious.
“What happened?” Before Macintosh could answer, Celestia opened her door and popped her head out.
“Excuse me.” She grabbed their attention. “But I need to use the restroom.” She whispered to them both.
“Okay, Princess!” AC shouted gladly as he let the princess out. “Follow us to the restroom!”
“Sh!” Celestia raised a hoof to her mouth, and then chuckled. “We don’t need to let all of Equestria know.”
“Oh, sorry.” The Earth Pony apologized.
“It’s quite alright.” Celestia forgave the bucktoothed stallion. Turnip Top and Big Mac lead Celestia through the hallway to the restroom. On the way, they bumped into Fancypants; who was quite curious on why they were letting the princess out. “Turnip Top and Big Macintosh. Why are you letting Her Majesty out of her room?” Turnip Top breathed in real deep. “Answer without announcing it everypony in the world.” AC then whispered the reason into Fancypants’ ear. “Oh, you don’t say. Well, don’t let me stop you. Continue.” The Rich Stallion stepped to the side to allow them to pass.
“Thank you, Fancypants.” Celestia thanked him as they continued down the hallway. Soon, they found the restroom and Celestia entered it. “I won’t be long, Gentle Colts.” She closed the door with her magic.
“Say, Big Mac.” AC grabbed his friend’s attention.
“Eeyep.” Big Macintosh replied.
“Why do we call it the ‘restroom’ anyway?” He asked; making the big stallion think for a moment. He shrugs. Inside, Celestia actually was not using the restroom. Instead, the Princess of the Sun used her magic to activate a secret passage behind the mirror and sink that would lead into the hallway on the other side. As she exited the restroom, she closed the passage and walked into the hallway. A few soldiers were walking through the hallway having a conversation and did not notice Celestia ahead of them. Not wanting to find out what would happen if she was caught snooping about, Celestia hid behind a column. The stallion passed her and they didn’t even notice her as they walked by. When they left, she walked out into hallway and tried to figure out where she was exactly. “I’m in the North Wing. Star Swirl the Bearded’s Wing is located in the west.” Celestia said to herself thoughtfully. “This should be interesting.”

“Ar! I am Captain Fang Scar of the seven seas!” An Earth Pony stallion shouted out to them all. “Y’all are askin’ for punishment if you don’t surrender now, and give your treasures to us!” All the other pirates at the edges of their ship’s railing; slashing and clanging their swords together as they all shout yell out their battle cries. Fluttershy was shaking in her ponyshoes as she hid herself right behind Helpful for cover.
“Not this Joker again.” Slipknot sighed; making Helpful and his friends curious.
“What do you mean by that, Slipknot?” Applejack asked him curious.
“Fang Scar is only the most infamous pirates in the entire ocean.” Slipknot answered facehoofing himself. “He never gets what he wants.”
“Ar! I heard that, you Scurvy Dog, and now I’m blowing your ship to Kingdom Kong!” Fang Scar growled at them. “Fire!” The ship’s cannons fired at the Tide Churner and they blasted straight into the ship; leaving very deep holes inside. One almost hit John, and Rarity almost had a heart attack it was so close. She sighed of relief as she found no cracks on the Wind Emerald. “What’s going on out there?” She shouted bewildered.
“Return fire!” Luckyshoes order with great force in his serious voice. The crew immediately fired off their cannons straight into the opposing ship.
“Attack! Board their vessel!” Fang Scar ordered toward his crew; who were waiting just for that. Earth Pony Pirates used ropes to swing into the vessel; Unicorns teleported aboard, and Pegasi flew aboard themselves. Each was equipped with a sword, or a dangerous weapon. One Unicorn Pirate threw a hatchet, but missed Rainbow Dash; who noticed. “Hey! That’s playing dirty!” She shouted at the Pirate aggravated. She head-butted the Unicorn off the railing and he hit water with a large slash. “Ha! He didn’t even stand a chance.” Dashie turned around to find the same Unicorn Pirate with a very irritated expression, and he punched Dash in the gut, and as she hugged herself in pain, he threw her off, but then she flew back from the water. “Now you’ve crossed the line!” She exclaimed in intense anger as she tackled him into the floor. As they continued to fight, Slipknot had locked Twilight and the others inside the Captain’s Cabin to keep them safe. He blocked a slash from one of the Pirates and he kicked him away from the door as he continued his swordplay. Helpful tackled Slipknot’s attacker into a wall. “Thanks, Helpful.” Slipknot thanked him as he tossed him a sword.
“No problem.” Helpful assured as he caught the weapon, but then he spotted the cannons firing again from the opposing ship. Instantly his instincts took over and the black tip on his wings glowed bright red light which surprised Slipknot and Helpful flew off from where he stood to in-between the ships blocking all the cannonballs from hitting it in only a blink of an eye. The cannons fired again, and Helpful’s wings then glow bright purple light. The cannonballs all stopped in mid-air around him and the Tan Pegasus focused them to fly right into the opposing ship. The cannons fired again, but Helpful’s wings glowed a bright cyan color and everything around him stopped, like time froze around him. Helpful the realized what was happening and he was astonished on what he did. “Whoa.” Helpful exclaimed in astonishment. “Did I do all that?” His wings stopped glowing and everything returned to motion. He dodged a cannonball that missed the Tide Churner. Luckyshoes and Fang Scar were fighting each other as Calm Water continued his steering through the dense fog. “You will not take over this ship, Fang Scar!” Luckyshoes growled as he blocked another slash.
“Well, today I’m feeling awfully lucky, so I’m not just gonna let you keep on when I’m in this much of a good mood.” Fang replied with an obviously devilish smile, but then his crew began abandoning their ship for it was sinking from a large rock in the water sticking out; his smile turned to shock and fear. “Not again.” But then Luckyshoes knocked the Earth Pony into unconsciousness; blacking out everything.

The two guards minded their own business as they pass by a torch stand with rainbow colored flames? It Celestia hiding behind it as the guards continued their patrol around the area. As they left, Celestia walked out slowly and entered into Star Swirl the Bearded’s Wing. She opened the secret chamber and closed it behind her. “Polaris.” She spoke to the Aquamarine on the shelf. “I need to speak with you.” The Aquamarine shone brightly and Polaris appeared before Celestia with a very glad smile.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Polaris bowed to her humbly. “How may I be of assistance?”
“I need to understand Armageddon’s Prophecy.” Celestia replied with a comforting smile, but Polaris stared at her a little scared and shocked. That made Celestia a little nervous. “Is there something wrong?” The Star then shook himself to reality.
“Huh? Oh, no, Your Majesty.” He answered; making Celestia sigh of relief. “I will gladly show you my history.”
“Wait. Show?” Celestia tried to clarify, but then everything around them changed into a huge vast emptiness. Before them was a huge world that looked like hers. It was very beautiful to see such a large planet in space again, because of Luna taking her to see the world from the moon. The moon was there like she knew it always would be. “Remember, Celestia, this is just an illusion, and nopony can see, or hear you.” Polaris explained.
“Where are we?”
“When is more like it. We are thousands of years in the past when the earth was first made.” Polaris explained with a still serious expression. “You may find some things shocking to you, Your Majesty.”
“If I need to understand what happened, then I must experience this.” She insisted the Star.
“Very well…”

Water slashed onto the Pirate Captain, making him wake to find himself tied up to the mast with the rest of his surviving crewmates. “Ar! You won’t be able to keep us tied up forever! Yar!” He warned them with a very angry expression. Helpful could now get a good look at Fang Scar now. The Pirate’s coat was a dark green, and his mane was also a dark red. His cutie mark was only a small bag of gold. He wore a big hat on the top of his head with a big blue feather sticking out. “Cut the act, Fang Scar!” Slipknot ordered with a serious expression. “You never was a pirate captain and none of your crew are pirates anyway, and you could never get a ship, or even to slightest gold coin from a foal’s wallet. Just give up now.” The Pirate just sighed as his eyes began to fill up with tears.
“It’s true! I could never be a good pirate!” He cried so loudly that the rest of crew cried with him. “I can’t fight, can’t pillage, and I can’t even tie a single rope to the mast. I’m worst pirate ever!” He cried even louder; making Luckyshoes’ crew and his guests a little uncomfortable.
“Geez, Louise. These guys are even softer than pillows.” Sunny whispered to Helpful beside her a bit embarrassed to watch prates cry.
“Yeah.” Helpful replied thoughtfully.
“It’s just not in my blood to do bad.” Fang Scar sniffed.
“Then why are you a Pirate?” Twilight asked the captain curious.
“Because I wanted to make my daddy proud of me. He was the most notorious pirate that ever sailed the ocean, but he only favored my brother more than me.” Fang Scar sighed sadly as he continued his story. “I became a pirate and tried my best to plunder out every single ship in the ocean, but I failed every time, and my dad only laughed and laughed at me more and more. I was just a clown to him, and he said I would never amount to anything.” Fang Scar cried again as his crew all agreed with his story.
“I never wanted to be a pirate.” One of his crew spook up bravely. “I always wanted to be florist.” Sunny just stared at him with a confused look.
“I never wanted to be a pirate neither.” Said another. “I only wanted to be a weather pony!” As the remaining not-so-mean pirates admitted themselves not being pirates and explained what they only wanted to do in life, Sunny just stared surprised and confused. “And what did you want to be?” Rainbow Dash asked the unicorn curious.
“I only wanted to be a Dentist.” The Unicorn explained with a smile at Dashie, but she stared at him confused.
“O-Okay…”
“So, I guess this is the end of all you crimes, eh, Fang Scar?” Luckyshoes asked him with a trusting smile.
“Yes, sir, but I still need to make my father proud of me for doing something right.” Fang Scar replied as Rainbow untied them all from the mast.
“Well, uh...” Rarity spook up, flicking her hair and looking away as Luckyshoes and Fang Scar looked at her curious.

Inside the Chamber of the Immortal Sorcerer, Magi has been practicing a spell he has been perfecting for quite a long time. The Old Unicorn Stallion stood in front of a stone he settled at the center of the chamber, and he concentrated deeply onto it to where he could see the atoms and molecules inside of the microscopic exterior. He concentrated even harder and he began to start deep breathing as he used his magic to move atoms and molecules and recreate them into a different combination; thus turning the rock into something completely different. This process had to be done extremely slowly and carefully; if he made two incompatible atoms collide, he would face an explosion. He carefully moved the atoms into a new position, and he made another molecule inside. He breathed in deeply again and he created another molecule. One by one, Magi carefully constructed each molecule inside the stone. After long periods of time, the stone soon was turned to a crystalline rock, but it was only being done part by part though. Magi had now carefully constructed another molecule, and he put it into the others. Now he was getting tired and his old age was getting to him, but he had to continue, or the stone will explode, and it becomes quite the nescience to clean up the entire chamber again, and starting over with a different stone. His focus became a bit blurry, but he put together the molecule carefully, and he readied the last atom to be attached along with it, he accidently sneezed and the atom hit a different molecule, thus making the stone explode, but Magi protected himself and one half of the chamber with a force field that held the explosion inside. He sighed disappointed as the smoke cleared on the other side. He let the force field down and fixed the damage with his magic. “Another failure.” Magi said to himself. “I need to be more careful next time.” As he finished, he wrote into his journal on what he had experienced in his practice and he closed it away. As he looked out the window of his chamber, he could see the view of the sea before him, but it was occluded by the fog that we couldn’t see anything. He walked over to a crystal ball in his chamber and activated it with his magic. “Come hither, Gemini.” He beckoned as Gemini appeared before him he had green eyes.
“Magi of the Seventh Chain.” Gemini greeted warmly. “My, haven’t we grown old?”
“Spare me the jokes today, I would like to see how the adventures are proceeding.” Magi explained with a serious look.
“Oh, Magi. I forget how grim you can be when it comes to life or death events in this world.” Gemini started to float around Magi, getting comfortable in the air.
“You know why, Gemini. You’ve watched as Envious and his Minions plagued the world. You’ve watched in helplessness as they torture the lives of thousands.” Gemini gave an expression of thought as his eyes turned to a blue color. “Do you really want to joke about that?” The Star Symbol stopped floating around and stood beside Magi saddened by what he said, and he shook his head.
“But don’t you have some form of magic to see them on you own?” Gemini asked the Sorcerer curious and confused.
“I would rather see them with an old friend.” Magi explained with a caring smile. Gemini’s eyes turned yellow; which meant he was excited, and he made an illusion before Magi. In his illusion, Magi could see the pirates shaking hoofs with Luckyshoes’ crew as they say their good byes. Behind the pirates was a huge Wind Emerald, and behind the others was Rarity softly crying as Spike tried to comfort her. “As you can see here, Rarity has given her giant Wind Emerald, she named: ‘John’, to some now-quitting pirates whose captain need it to impress his father.” Gemini explained the illusion, but before he could continue. Magi laughed very loudly and cheerfully.
“Just like Serenity when she would receive something humongous and beautiful, she’d name it something like ‘Mickey’ or ‘Fred.’” Magi explain to the Star Symbol; who then understood.
“Anyway, they have found four Elements of Harmony and are approaching Mount Joysong as we speak.” Gemini explained as he stopped his illusion.
“Splendid.” Magi clapped excited that this catastrophe was coming to an end soon. “Now, I just need to wait for them to come inside.”
“But they need all six Elements.” Gemini protested.
“That won’t be a problem.” Magi explained knowing that everything was going as he had planned for it to be done. Gemini had always known Magi for his great knowledge and wisdom, and he trusted him through and through no matter what ever happened in the past. There was something that Magi saw in the future that he couldn’t. “Very well, Magi.” Gemini bowed as he left. “It’s good to have you back.” Once Gemini entered his crystal sanctuary, Magi was all alone, but that did not bother him.
“Good to be back.” Magi said to himself.

Celestia was very shocked and horrified by what she had experienced, but she understood it all once Polaris returned them to the chamber. The princess had seen very beautiful things gone horribly wrong, and the most terrifying times of her race’s history, but in the end, it all made sense. She grabbed back her wits, her sanity, and stood up from the floor to face Polaris. “I am sorry if what you saw scared you…” Polaris apologized to her sadly.
“There is no need for you to apologize to me.” Celestia reasoned kindly. “You were only doing as you were told, Polaris.” The Star smiled at Celestia sweetly, but then he looked up the murals above them.
“I leave you with warning, Your Highness.” Polaris explained seriously. “The three murals you see are prophecies, one is when a Unicorn will fight a sky beast able consume lands in moments, the next is when four heroes will fight the Lord of the Titans and he armies with him, and the last is when Armageddon will be freed from his cell, and he will then consume this world, but Prince Joyful and Seven Spirits of Harmony will defeat such an entity.”
“Seven?” Celestia exclaimed in confusion. “But I thought there were six.” Polaris only smirked playfully with Celestia.
“The Seventh Element can be only found within a realm of light and a realm of darkness; while the Seventh Spirit can found as a Prince of Gems.” Before Celestia could comprehend this, Polaris disappeared into the Aquamarine. Celestia took this time to comprehend what has happened so far. She now had to expect three more travesties in the future. “Looks like a lot to look forward to.” Celestia told herself as she left the secret chamber, and remembered leaving AC Turnip Top and Big Macintosh guarding the restroom door, and she could not leave them there thinking that she was still inside. So she left back into the restroom, through the secret way, and slowly opened the entrance of the restroom. She found Big Mac and AC snoring away. They were very loyal guards and they have not left even while she said she wouldn’t be gone long, but she left them for several hours maybe even three quarters of a day. Feeling bad for tricking them like this, Celestia stood out from restroom stood between the two sleeping, and then she kissed them both on their foreheads. To Celestia, her subjects are like her foals. She loves them ever greatly and she would never hurt them unless they had done wrong, and she wouldn’t be very happy to punish them like a parent. She needed somepony else to be the Royal Judge instead of her from now on. As she stood there waiting patiently for Big Mac and AC to awaken, she cleared her throat. The two awakened from their slumber. “I didn’t do it!” Turnip Top shouted as he looked around frantically, but then he realized on what was going on and smiled at Celestia gladly. “You’re all done, Your Majesty?” AC shouted delightedly.
“Yes, I have, Turnip Top.” Celestia chuckled sweetly. “And remember what I’ve told you about whispering?”
“Oh, sorry.” AC apologized sadly. “You must think I’m a horrible guard.”
“Nonsense.” Celestia protested with a smile. “You one of the most loyal Personal Guard I’ve seen so far AC, and I will make you from now one of my Personal Guard.”
“Wait. Really?” The Bucktoothed stallion exclaimed in surprised.
“You as well, Big Macintosh.” Celestia offered to the Big Stallion kindly.
“Uh, sorry, Celestia, but Big Mac can’t be your Person Guard.” Turnip Top explained; making Celestia curious.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. He needs to stay at Sweet Apple Acres and help with the harvest. He’s the strongest one they have in the family. They need him.”
“Eeyep.” Big Mac nodded in agreement.
“Of coarse.” Celestia chuckled. “I forget how important you are to castle.”
“I am?” Big Mac asked her curious.
“Indeed. You are the harvester, and without you, this castle wouldn’t have as much food as it does now.” Celestia explained to them both. “You both are two are Diamonds in the Rough. Nopony knows how important you are until your gone, but with the correct chipping and polishing, you can both be the most important stallions in Equestria.”
“Whoa.” Big Mac and AC both exclaimed in surprise.
“Now, if you’d be so kind to bring me back to my bedroom. It has become quite late, and I believe I need my rest.” Celestia explained further.
“O-of coarse, Celestia.” AC stuttered a little astonished by such amazing compliments from the high princess. He could almost run around and announce it everypony, but he had job to return to and finish. As for Big Mac, he looked forward even more to return to his home in Ponyville. Now he had twice the motivation to get those apples out of there and all over to the castle. Two Diamonds in the Rough, a high name from royalty. After Celestia entered her room, Big Mac AC noticed that they had kiss stains on their foreheads and they tried to rub them off, but they wouldn’t come off easily so they hid them with their helmets.

“I thank you so much for helping us get back home.” Fang Scar thanked the Captain for the fiftieth time excitedly. “You have no idea how much this impress my father. Do you have any idea how impressed he’s going to be?”
“I can only imagine.” Luckyshoes answered again with an indifferent expression. They saved a few lifeboats from Fang Scar’s ship and now they’re loading them up with food, water, and John. Rarity could only watch in awe as her beloved gem was now departing from her. She walked to the big gemstone and rubbed it sweetly. “Now, don’t cry.” Rarity began to speak to the celestial rock. “If you cry then I’ll cry, and we’ll make a scene. You have to remain strong, John. Yes, I’ve given you to some pirates, but it’s for a good cause, I promise. Don’t be sad; be happy that we’re doing the right thing… Just remember to write and get yourself polished every day.” Tears begin to fill up in her eyes as she continued. “I believe we’ll meet again in the future. Don’t fret for long, my dear. Don’t cry. I love you; so don’t cry.” Rarity hugged the large Wind Emerald, and kissed it. “Good bye, John.” She walked away from the gem and began to softly cry and Spike noticed. He ran over to Rarity to help comfort her, as the crew began to load the Wind Emerald into the lifeboat.
“Rarity, are you okay?” Spike asked her concerned.
“I’m fine, Spike.” Rarity sniffed sadly.
“It’s okay, Rarity. You don’t need a gemstone to make you happy.” Spike comforted her sweetly. “Your friends are the only thing that can make you truly happy in the world.”
“You actually mean that, Spike?” Rarity looked at him with big, blue, sorrowful eyes.
“Every word.” Rarity then hugged Spike tightly; making a rubber ducky sound, and she cried and cried onto his shoulder. Spike was at first surprised, but then he just hugged Rarity back. Sunny and Helpful noticed this and as did Snowy. “Looks like Spike’s got himself a Honey.” Sunny remarked with a smile. Helpful and Snowy looked at each other confused.
“What’s a Honey?” Helpful asked Snowy, but Snowy and he just shrugged. Finally, the once-pirates left as Luckyshoes’ crew and Helpful’s friends waved good-bye as they them disappear into the fog.
“I’m actually a little surprised at you, Rarity.” Slipknot spook first once they were gone. “I thought for sure you would never give up such a marvelous Wind Emerald, but you gave it to the pirates instead. Why is that?”
“Oh, y’know. Fang Scar needed something to impress his father for a change.” Rarity answered with a smile. “And he needed that gemstone more than I did. Besides, friends are more important to me than all the gemstones in the world.” As she answered that question she mostly looked at all her friends there; who all smiled greatly back.
“A very generous sacrifice, I say.” Luckyshoes announced delighted. “Such a gem would’ve cost a fortune, and since you’ve given it to a once-pirate for a better cause, that is what I call selflessness and generosity.” Just as he explained that, a bright light appeared on Rarity’s neck and it formed the appearance of a golden necklace with a dark purple diamond attached. Rarity gasped surprised, but excited. Twilight ran right up to her just as delighted. “We finally have the Fifth Element of Harmony!” She announced delightedly.
“Oh! Oh!” Helpful jumped up and down excitedly. “I wanna guess this one!” He shouted excitedly.
“Go ahead, Helpful.” Applejack giggled at Helpful’s show.
“That’s the Element of Generosity!”
“That’s right, Helpful.” Twilight assured him with a smile as everypony laughed. Later that night, Helpful, Spike, and Snowy were in the barracks with the crew. Snowy and Spike listened to last of Flyleaf’s tale.
“I was saved by Captain Luckyshoes and Slipknot’s magic just in time, and we left the island with those jewels.” Flyleaf explained with a smile. “And I have proof.” He pulled out a large diamond from his bag and gave it to Spike and Snowy; who both exclaimed in astonishment. Helpful was watching them and he rolled his eyes over the fact that they were both still very young. Kids were Helpful’s pride and joy, and he never though they could do any wrong on purpose because of their innocence. He though on how difficult it would be on raising on himself, but that would be a lot of hard work and no doubt he couldn’t do it alone. He decided that he shouldn’t be considering those types of decisions until he was ready. He had enough on his plate as it is. Up top in the Captain’s Cabin, Rarity puts in her Element of Generosity in her bag. “Now that we have five, nothing can stop us now.” Rarity announced proudly, but Twilight noticed that all her friends have their Elements of Harmony, how could she prove her full potential and receive hers? It wasn’t very clear on how it would be possible, but it had to be…somehow. “So, I’ve noticed that you and Helpful and become a bit more attached.” Sunny told Fluttershy; who immediately started blushing.
“U-uh…” Fluttershy stuttered nervously.
“Oh, leave her be, Sunny.” Rarity protested for Fluttershy. “It’s not time for her to start admitting things yet.”
“Alright, alright. I’m sorry.” Sunny apologized to Rarity and Fluttershy. “I’m getting tired myself. I’m going to bed.”
“Okay, Sunny.” Twilight replied as she watch her go to sleep. She turned her attention to Applejack; who laid in her hammock hanging from the walls. It was obvious that she was thinking about something. Knowing Applejack all too well, it had to be something that has grabbed her attention. Twilight walked up to her good friend with a comforting expression. “Something bothering you, Applejack?” Twilight wondered kindly. Applejack looked at Twilight like she just now noticed her.
“Oh! Nothing, Twilight.” Applejack explained with a comforting smile. “I was just thinking.”
“About what?”
“Y’know, what would happen once this is all over with.” Applejack explained further. “How things will change once Prince Joyful takes Celestia’s place. Y’know?”
“Well, the prophecy explained that it will be true peace.” Twilight thought aloud. “I don’t see anything else that could be bad.”
“Yeah, but what if Celestia’s not your teacher anymore?”
“Come again?”
“What if this Joyful is to be your mentor?” Twilight was just speechless to this thought. What if Celestia wasn’t to be her teacher anymore? How will she learn from Prince Joyful instead of her usual everyday mentor? It would be a very hard thing to get used to, but will she be able to get used to it fully? Maybe it won’t be so bad. Maybe she’ll get to talk with Celestia now and then. Maybe Joyful doesn’t have to be her mentor, he’ll probably understand. Besides that thought, things would probably be changed for the better, and it would be a little weird for Joyful to get used to the world around him and would most possibly be confused on how much things have changed lately. At the age of over four thousand years, he would be very confused on almost everything around him, but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Twilight looked out the window and spotted the night coming through again. She smiled as she left the thought behind. “It’s late, Applejack.” Twilight explained. “We should get some rest.”
“Alright, Twilight.” Applejack replied with a frown of uncertainty, but then she turned to a smile. “Good night!”

Follow the Caves

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Chapter 17

Follow the Caves

Soarin’ took his spyglass in the north tower and looked around the entire land surrounding Canterlot. It had become the Sixth Day and the Wonderbolt was anticipating anything this day; he had a very bad feeling nagging at the back of his head. When this ever happened, he knew there was something wrong. Jacko Lantern walked upstairs to find Soarin’ spying around the land through the spyglass. “What’re ya doin’, Soarin’?” Jacko asked his friend curious.
“I’m on Look Out.” Soarin’ answered not leaving his attention from the spyglass. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Uh, actually I am.” Jacko answered him with an awkward smile. Soarin’ then spotted a swarm of black creatures coming their way from miles away. Any sight of something unidentifiable would be a sign of attack. Soarin’ quickly ran over to the horn and blew on it as hard as possible. The blast of sound was loud enough for Fancypants to hear, and he gave orders to the unicorns to combine their magic to create a force field around Canterlot. Within moments, the force field was completed, and the Minions of Envious were there as well. Jacko Lantern and Soarin’ dashed down from the North Tower and grouped with Fancypants, Flight, and the rest of the army. “Soarin’ and Jacko Lantern.” Fancypants greeted them. “I have a few jobs for you to carry out. Make ready the troops for battle. It seems that Envious has changed his mind on something.”
“Yes, Sir!” Soarin’ and Jacko saluted to him, and the ordered the troops to their correct formations for the battle ahead. Stallions equipped themselves with spears, swords, and shields, and they were anticipated for anything as they made formation. Inside the Castle, Celestia could see Envious’ Minions outside of the Force Field and she could see Envious lurking about through the group. To her relief Turnip Top and Big Macintosh entered her room. “Celestia!” AC shouted to grab her attention. “Fancypants has gave the order for us to bring you to the shelter! You have to follow us!”
“Of coarse.” Celestia agreed with the Earth Pony as she followed them through the castle into the throne room, and they lead her into a secret passage under her throne.
“Hurry, Celestia.” Big Macintosh urged as she entered into the passage. Big Macintosh and AC followed her as they closed the throne above them to seal off any entry.

“Land ho!” Lantern Light shouted from the Crow’s Nest. “Mount Joysong is ahead by few miles!” The crew, Slipknot, Helpful the Selfless, Luckyshoes, and the rest ran over to the railing to see an island not too far from them. The island had just a large jungle, but at the center of it had an incredibly tall mountain that stretched in height into the clouds above. It was just so amazing, and the best part was that this was the only place they needed to be. This crisis is almost over with, and the world was going to be saved finally! But they only had five Elements of Harmony: Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Honesty; Magic had to be found somewhere obviously in that mountain. Twilight Sparkle could feel it in her bones she was so close. “We have saved two extra lifeboats from Fang Scar’s ship, would you like to use those?” Luckyshoes asked the Unicorn; bringing her out of her thoughts.
“Yes, indeed.” Twilight replied with a smile. As the crew then started to ready the lifeboats, Twilight then remembered Luckyshoes asking her about her being a Student of Celestia, and she became very curious about how he would know such things before. “Excuse me, Captain.” Twilight grabbed the Unicorn Stallion’s attention.
“Yes, Lass?” He replied curious.
“How do you even know about Celestia?” The stallion just laughed a jolly good laugh as she asked that question.
“You see, Lass.” Luckyshoes finally replied. “I’m not from here.”
“You’re not?”
“No, I am not. You see, I was once a rich stallion in the city of Canterlot, until one day I felt very…obsolete.”
“Obsolete?”
“Indeed. I felt nothing around the other ponies around me, or even being important at all. It was the fact that we weren’t actually friends. They only wanted to be around me so they wouldn’t mistakes in public, thus embarrassing themselves, and making them unpopular.” Fancypants explained thoughtfully. “I then tried to have more spice in life by doing things differently around me, my appearance, my attitude, and my pleasures in life, but as I did this, my reputation slowly chipped away and before I knew it, everypony forgot me, and so I left Canterlot; not worrying about my education in Celestia’s Academy for Gifted Unicorns. Soon, I left Equestria to a new home.”
“Shores-a-lot.”
“Exactly, Lass, and I met the most charming couple in the entire blue ocean: Locker Key and Chest Key. They were the first to greet me—which I have no doubt they met you the same way—and they allowed me to stay in their hotel, but I still needed to pay.” Twilight listened to Luckyshoes as he continued his lifestory. “On the day I ran out of money I saved from my fortune, I began to start looking for a job to help pay for the rent and whatnot; that’s when I put my attention on sailing. It was a good pay to move cargo. At the time I was only a Cabin Boy, but it all suited me well in the end, unlike at first. I had developed character and a sense of improved responsibility.”
“So that’s why Mr. and Mrs. Key allow you to come there for free when you visit now, but wait. Didn’t they say we were their First Costumers?”
“Indeed.” The Captain chuckled assumed. “But at the time, the hotel wasn’t in business, it was their home, and they allowed me to stay, and I paid rent on my own.”
“Oh…”
“Come with me.” Luckyshoes led Twilight Sparkle to his Cabin and he opened a secret locker behind his self-portrait. Inside it was a music box with a very cute decoration on the outside. “This was my first wife’s before she died. Go ahead; open it.” Twilight lifted the lid of the music box and inside was a pile of letters. Each was scribbled with the most interesting writing she’s ever seen, but it was very legible. “These are my letters to Celestia and my worries, fears, sadness, and anger I’ve written to make forget it all.”
“But why are you showing me this?” Twilight asked Luckyshoes confused, but curious.
“I need to ask you of something.”
“Okay.”
“Could do this old stallion a favor and burn these old letters to spare my sorrow?” Luckyshoes explained as he pulled out the box with his magic. “They’ve been a pain in my side ever since I collected them in the first place. Please?” At first, Twilight did know what to say, but she accepted the box with a comforting smile.
“With pleasure, Captain.”

Outside of Canterlot Castle, Flight Lock flew up the Fancypants to receive his orders. “Reporting for Duty, General.” Flight Lock saluted as he landed before him. Soarin’ and Jacko Lantern dashed up beside the Pegasus both saluting to the General.
“Jacko Lantern.” Jacko announced.
“And Soarin’.” Soarin’ added.
“Reporting for Duty, Sir.” Jacko and Soarin’ both announced concurrently.
“Yes, well, at Ease.” Fancypants ordered; making the others lower their salutes. The Wonderbolts were also there as well. “Ladies and Gentle Colts. We all are quite aware that this is Fifth Day, and Envious has changed his mind as you can see, but we will not let him catch us with our trousers down. Yes. We have trained our army, they are anticipating his every move, and will fight to death!”
“Hear! Hear!” Jacko agreed with grabbing attention around him.
“Yes, quite.” Fancy raises an eyebrow. “As I continue, Spitfire and Curly, you two will move your troops to the north wing as you were stationed before; Blitz Dive and Fleet Foot, you will move your group to the South Wing like you were stationed; Fall Breeze and Hail Storm, you two will cover the East Wing with your group; and Jacko Lantern and Soarin’, you two will have the West Wing to patrol with you troops.”
“Yes, Sir.” Everypony agreed with him.
“Good. Flight Lock and I will evacuate the ponies in Canterlot to a safer location than inside the castle, because that’s where Envious is wanting. Any questions?” Nopony answered him at this moment. “Good. Now go!” Everypony carried out their orders as Fancypants and Flight Lock left the Castle to help in Canterlot with some troops. Soarin’ caught Fleet Foot before she flew off with Blitz Dive.
“What is it, Soarin’?” She asked her stallion curious.
“I just wanna make sure you’ll be okay.” Soarin’ explained to her concerned.
“Of coarse, I’ll be okay.” The Wonderbolt chuckled amused. “Why do you have to worry so much?”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Oh, that’s sweet, Honey.”
“C’mon, Fleet Foot!” Blitz Dive urged for her to follow. “We need to the troops to the South Wing now!”
“Coming!” Fleet Foot then kissed Soarin’s forehead sweetly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be okay.”
“Alright.” Soarin’ replied as she flew off with Blitz. The Wonderbolt sighed in disappointment, but then Jacko brought him out of his thoughts.
“You comin’, bro?” Jacko grabbed his attention.
“Oh, sure.” Soarin’ assured as he followed Jacko Lantern to the West Wing.


As the rowboats hit land, Helpful and his friends jumped out of the boats onto the sand with their saddlebags equipped on them. Snowy looked back to the Tide Churner, and remembered what it felt like to be stranded on an island with nopony to help him survive or take care of him. He sighed sadly as he sat on the sand. Twilight noticed this and grew very curious. “Hey, Snowy.” Twilight grabbed the Ice Dragon’s attention. “Something bothering you?”
“I was thinking.” Snowy replied after a moment of silence.
“Uh-oh. That’s dangerous.” Sunny teased, but this time Helpful nudged her to be quiet.
“I just hope we don’t get stranded here.” Snowy explain mostly looking over to the ship.
“By whatever do you mean, Snowy?” Rarity asked him confused.
“It all started when I was an egg.” Snowy sighed as he went back into his past. “My parents were migrating to a colder environment, and they were taking me with them, but then one of the other dragons bumped into us, and I fell into the trees in the island you all found me. The egg shattered into a million pieces, but I was already ready to hatch at the time.”
“But how did you grow up all alone?” Pinkie Pie asked him curious.
“I had used my instincts to grow up and survive. Ever since then I became a survivalist in the jungles of a cannibalistic island. Fighting every day to survive and see another day.” Snowy finished his explanation with a tear falling onto the sand. “I never knew my parents, and I never knew friendship or anything until I met you guys.” He hugged Twilight; who was sitting beside him. He cried as she patted his back assuring him that she understands. Once Snowy stopped his bawling, the group had begun journeying through the island. Fluttershy beside Helpful as she carried Snowy, Helpful carried Sunny, Twilight was leading with Spike on her back, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack followed close behind everypony until they reached the foot of the mountain. “This is it.” Twilight remarked as she folded her map. “Mount Joysong.”
“Just how do we climb such a steep mountain?” Rarity asked curious for the mountain was very steep, and it made her wonder why it was even named Joysong in the first place.
“Over here!” Pinkie Pie shouted at the edge of a path that led to the top. “This is an easier way up there! Follow me!”
“Wait!” Applejack stopped Pinkie Pie from going up the path. “Didn’t Luckyshoes say this mountain was cursed?”
“Now that’s nonsense, Applejack.” Rarity protested as she walked over to the path. “He also said that it was only rumors.”
“Actually, Rarity, Applejack’s right.” Twilight explained to her friend. “Luckyshoes explained to me that Mount Joysong’s curse was that when you climbed it you would be force to sing forever nonstop!”
“Really? That sounds fun!” Pinkie Pie shouted excited.
“Until you die.”
“Fun gone.” Pinkie gulped as she looked up the mountain path.
“Well, we shouldn’t be risking our lives to climbing this if that’ll happen.” Rarity believed Twilight. “We should find another way.”
“Like over here!” Pinkie Pie’s voice echoed from a cave not too far from them. The group followed the echoes and found the Pink Mare standing at the entrance of a cavern. “Looky what I’ve found guys!” Pinkie Pie shouted as her echoes filled the cavern. “Echo!”
“Pinkie Pie. This is not the time for clowning around…”As Rarity continued to explain to Pinkie what was going on, Applejack remembered what that Alicorn told her a few days ago.
“Follow the caves.” Applejack said to herself.
“What was that, Applejack?” Fluttershy asked her curious.
“Follow the caves!” Applejack shouted with joy.
“Of coarse!” Twilight realized what she meant. “The caves! They aren’t cursed. They’ll lead us to the top with getting us cursed by the outside. It makes total sense why they’re there.”
“And just how do you know that ‘they’re’ going to lead us to the top?” Rarity asked them in disbelief.
“Let’s just say, a certain somepony told me a few days ago that if you ever go to Mount Joysong, you should follow the caves.” Applejack explained as she entered the cavern and as she expected, no curse ever came upon her and she smiled. “See? Now come on!” The rest of her friends followed her into the cavern, but Rarity was a little irritated.
“Just why does everypony never listen to me?” Rarity whimpered next to Helpful.
“Just be patient, Rarity.” Helpful explained to her. “I still listen to you anyway.”
“Oh, you.” Rarity giggled delightedly as she felt a little better from Helpful’s encouragement.

Envious’ anger kindled greatly in him as he concentrated his Element of Anger onto the force field. Soon cracks began to appear into the magical force and they grew even larger as Envious continued his focus. Finally, Envious broke through the force field and it shattered into millions of fragments onto the entire city. His Minions began to attack Canterlot, but Envious held them back. “No! Attack the Castle!” Envious ordered his Minions. “You will take city soon enough!” The Minions obeyed and soon they attacked the Canterlot Castle. Fancypants and Flight Lock had already evacuated everypony from the city just in time as Envious attacked the castle. “We have to help the others!” Flight Lock shouted as he spotted the battle commenced.
“Then let us go and assist our allies!” Fancypants held out his sword and charged toward the castle. “Charge!” Amongst the battle, Jacko Lantern was having a rough time with the Minions around him as he continued to defend the West Wing with his troops. He threw he spear and it missed one of the Minions; who then dived straight toward him with his bone-like weapon threatening to impale him. The Unicorn used his magic to throw the Minion off course into another one. “Ha!” He exclaim in triumph, but more jumped him out of nowhere, but Soarin’ used his speed to kick them away from Jacko just in time. “Thanks, Soarin’.” Jacko thanked his friend.
“Don’t mention it.” Soarin’ assured him. “This entire battle’s going down! We’re losing over here and the other wing can’t take so much pressure! We need to fall back!” Jacko Lantern looked around and they were indeed being overtaken by so much pressure that they would start losing too much stallions if they held their ground.
“Fine then. Everypony! Fall Back!” Jacko ordered his group as he ran toward the castle. His group followed and so did the rest of the Wings. Before they knew it, they had accidently let Envious slip inside. They all entered the throne room to find Celestia inside a cage of darkness unconscious and AC Turnip Top and Big Macintosh with her. Everypony gasped at the sight of Envious in Celestia’s throne as he laughed darkly. “Foolish. Foolish. Foolish.” Envious grimaced under his armor. “You all could never keep me from the castle all by yourselves. Did you think so?” He laughed even darker than before. “Then you must been underestimating everything. See here. I have your princess, and if you don’t surrender now, and become my slaves, I will kill her.” The Minions had already surrounded the entire castle, making any escape impossible. They were all cornered now, and Envious had taken control of the castle. Jacko Lantern and Soarin’ both dropped their weapons onto the ground first, and soon, the rest of the troops did the same. “Very good.” Envious told them. “Now watch as your new king; you rightful king, takes back what’s rightfully his!” As Envious laughed maniacally darkly the troops could feel something under them move, like a small tremor, but then it grew larger, and before they knew it, the castle flew up into the sky. Luckily for Fancypants and Flight Lock , they had gotten into the castle ground before it happened, and they watched as the entire castle was ripped out of the mountain and flew into the sky; leaving Canterlot behind. Dark clouds swirled above them as the castle floated into the air. “Wow.” Flight Lock remarked as he looked down below to see Ponyville. “Now, that’s what I call power.”
“No time for gawking now.” Fancypants told his friend. “We need to save the princess from that Envious.”
“But how? We have no way to get inside without being noticed.” Fancypants then noticed a door closed and unguarded by Envious’ Minions.
“There.” He dashed with Flight Lock close behind and the General opened the door with his magic, and the two entered inside and closed the door.

Helpful used his wings to illuminate the entire cavern as he and his friends continued into it. Spike rode on Twilight as she followed Helpful; who had Sunny riding him, Snowy rode on Fluttershy as she walked beside Helpful, Rainbow Dash and Applejack followed Twilight as Rarity and Pinkie Pie followed them. “So how high up do you think this mountain is?” Sunny asked Twilight curious.
“I don’t know, Sunny.” Twilight answered her thoughtfully. “I wish I knew though.” The caves inside Mount Joysong were mostly like an upward spiral that seemed to go up to the top. They all continued walking until Helpful and Sunny spotted a bright light around the corner.
“What’s that?” Helpful wondered as he ran around the corner to find that it was coming from a bright white orb floating off the ground. “Whoa.” Helpful gaped as he walked to it slowly. Sunny hopped off of Helpful’s back and took a closer look at the orb. It looked neatly polished and seemed fragile to her. “It’s a pretty orb.” Sunny remarked as her ears flopped down from its beauty.
“What do you think, Fluttershy?” Helpful asked his friend, but there was no answer. “Fluttershy?” Helpful looked around himself, but there was no Fluttershy and there were none of his friends, just him and Sunny. “Oh-no. Where’s Fluttershy, Sunny?”
“I’m sure she’s fine, Helpful.” Sunny replied still staring at the orb. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Exactly, Helpful.” Another voice echoed through the halls. “Don’t worry about it.” Envious appeared before them; scaring Sunny from the orb. “In fact, allow me to help you not worry about it, or anything for that matter.”
“What do you mean?” Helpful asked Envious curious as Sunny ran over to him nervous.
“Well, have you ever wondered about your past, Helpful the Selfless?” Envious asked him.
“Uh…yeah.”
“Well, the orb before you is actually contains your past; memories and all. You won’t need to worry again, and you can have it right now.” Envious used his magic to levitate the orb to Helpful; who was much temped to accept it, but he wasn’t entirely sure he should. “Go on, Helpful. You want to remember everything, correct? Well, here’s your chance just take it.”
“I-I…I don’t know.” Helpful answered finally.
“Then I will let you think about it.” Envious disappeared before Helpful could say anything. Twilight was shocked over what just happened as much as Spike was. Everypony seemed to have disappeared and only Spike and her was left with just a light Twilight had to use with her magic. “Where do you think everypony went?” Spike asked Twilight curiously.
“I don’t know, Spike.” Twilight answered just as flummoxed as he. “But I think this is all Envious’ doing.”
“You don’t think he’s…”
“I don’t know, Spike.” Twilight answered after a moment of silence. “But we have to keep our hopes up.”
“I hope everypony’s okay.”
“So do I, Spike, so do I.” Twilight then walked into a bright light that blinded them both, and when they opened their eyes, they couldn’t believe it. They were inside the hugest library in imagination. Shelves were as high as the eye could see and they halls were as long as life. It was amazing to find so many books in one place! “Oh, my gosh!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in amazement. “Look, Spike.”
“I’m looking, but it’s just too incredible.” Spike replied just as amazed and excited. Twilight dashed over a shelf and pulled out a book. She flipped through the pages and found all sorts of spells inside. “Great Celestia! All these books must be based on spells!” Twilight exclaimed in excitement.
“Looks like we have our work cut out for us.” Spike remarked feeling a bit like Sunny for a sec.
“Just look at all these books, Spike!” Twilight pointed out before them. “It’ll take a lifetime to read everything here.”
“Actually, it’ll take a million lifetimes to finish every book here.” Another voice different from Spike’s replied. Shadows came from under the shelves and they formed the body of Envious before Spike’s and Twilight’s eyes.
“Envious!” Twilight growled at him ready for anything.
“Calm yourself, Twilight.” Envious assured her calmly. “I mean you no harm.”
“What do you want then?” Twilight asked him now confused.
“To offer you a deal.” Spike and Twilight exchanged looks of confusion, but they both listened. “This library holds every single spell from around the globe, even spells forgotten in the past, and spells from the future. All this is yours once you’ve vowed to me that you’ll cease this useless quest to stop me.” Twilight didn’t know what to say, abandon her friends and live here forever learning magic beyond her wildest dreams, or decline such a huge offer.
“Forget it, Envious!” Spike answered for her instead.
“Spike.” Twilight tried to stop him, but he didn’t listen.
“You can just go back to your li--!” Envious used his magic to make Spike’s mouth disappear. Spike was shocked to find his mouth gone, and he tried to speak, but he couldn’t.
“That should keep you little pest from talking out of place.” Envious growled at Spike. “Now what is your answer, Twilight?” The Unicorn looked at Spike; who shook his head then looked at Envious; who only stood there patiently for an answer. Learning spells forgotten from the past would be fun, but she had to help her friends, but learning spells from the future would also be a blast. She couldn’t decide and as such she rubbed her head in pain. “Very well, Twilight.” Envious spoke after some silence. “I will leave you to contemplate on the matter.” Before he continued any further he disappeared into a shadow and flew off in a second. Rarity had walking in the dark for quite some time, and the only light she had was the spell she was concentrating on so she could see. “Oh, where did everypony go?” Rarity asked herself. “Don’t lose hope yet, Rarity, they’re probably around here somewhere. Just be patient.” But then she felt no footing under her next step, and she exclaimed in terror as she fell onto the ground below, luckily for her, it wasn’t too far down to cause anything serious to break. She was fine as she dusted herself off, but as she turned back on her spell, she was astonished to find millions of gemstones all around her. The light from her horn reflected off the other gems and they brightened the room even more. There was piles upon piles of precious gems everywhere around her; making Rarity excited to the extreme. She ran over to the gems pile and dived right in; picking through every single gemstone as she swam through it all. As she jumped out, she found Envious before her, and she gasped of shock. “Envious!” Rarity exclaimed surprised.
“Fear not, for I am here to offer you a deal, Milady.” Envious explained comfortingly.
“From where I understand, sir, is that you lie.” Rarity protested strongly.
“That may be true,” Envious disappeared into a shadow in a second, but then he appears on the reflection of the gemstones. “But let it not be said that I’m not a Prince of My Word.”
“Uh…”
“Here’s the deal,” Envious appeared in the reflection on a huge diamond. “All these precious gems and whatnot can be all yours if you will surrender to me, and forget that quest for world peace.”
“But what would happen to me?”
“You’ll be perfectly fine, my dear Rarity.” Envious explained as he walked into another gemstone’s reflection. “Just say ‘yes.’”
“U-Uh…” Rarity stuttered uncomfortably as she looked around thoughtfully. Each gemstone is just as beautiful as the one next to it, how could she oppose to such a generous offer, but her friends needed her to help rid of Envious, but there was just so many crystals in one place. “I need some time to think about it.” Rarity answered finally.
“Very well.” Envious disappeared from the gems’ reflections; leaving Rarity in peace. Fluttershy and Snowy have been walking through the dark hallway for some time. “W-W-Where is everypony, S-Snowy?”
“I don’t know, Fluttershy.” Snowy answered, but he kept trying to comfort Fluttershy.
“I wish Helpful was here.” Fluttershy wished sadly.
“And he is.” Envious appeared with a dim light from his horn before scaring Fluttershy as she pulled out Snowy for protection, but then she noticed that Helpful was beside Envious, and she ran up to him to squeeze him tightly.
“Helpful, you’re okay!” Fluttershy exclaimed in excitement. “I thought you were gone with the others.” But then Helpful pushed her off harshly.
“Why are you here?” Helpful growled at her with very hateful eyes.
“B-But, Helpful…” Fluttershy stuttered shocked.
“Why don’t you go back to that cottage with the rest of your putrid animals?” Helpful spat at Fluttershy. Tears started to develop in her eyes.
“I thought you l-loved me!” Fluttershy began to cry heartbroken from Helpful’s insults.
“I never loved you! When have I ever loved you, you twit?” Helpful shouted angry at Fluttershy. Snowy ran over to comfort Fluttershy quickly, but she was so heartbroken, that tears were making puddles under them. “You’re just an ugly, horrid, gross puddle of mud, and that’s all you’ll ever be!” Fluttershy cried even louder; making it harder for Snowy to comfort her.
“You stop it, Helpful!” Snowy warned him gravely. “Can’t you see that you’re breaking Fluttershy’s heart?”
“Exactly, Snow cone!”
“Snow cone? Now see here!” Snowy protested against Helpful, and as they argued amongst themselves, Envious walked over Fluttershy with a terrible grimace under his steel helmet.
“What’s the matter, Fluttershy?” Envious asked her with a caring tone in his voice. “Can’t take the truth from the one you love? I can lift the burden off of you right now, if you’ll just surrender to me now, and forget everything.” Fluttershy looked up to Envious and sniffed as she looked over the Helpful and Snowy arguing and then she looked back to Envious. Everything was happening so fast she couldn’t comprehend it at all! She bursts into tears again. “I will leave you to contemplate on this matter then. I will return shortly to hear you answer, Fluttershy.” Envious disappeared leaving Fluttershy in the dark listening to the argument of Helpful and Snowy continue, and she cried even more.
Rainbow Dash hated not being able to see, even alone in the dark, but she continued with an irritated attitude. Finally, she found an exit out into the sky filled with millions of clouds, and all around them were the Wonderbolts flying around practicing stunts, and then one of them noticed Rainbow Dash and beckoned for her to come. “Oh, my gosh!” Rainbow Dash squealed excitedly as she flew down toward them in the clouds. “Hi, guys!”
“Hi, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire greeted her warmly. “What brings you to our practice area?”
“Wait. This space of sky is the Wonderbolts’ Practice Area?”
“Sure is!” Curly answered her delightedly.
“Oh, my gosh!” Rainbow exclaimed in excitement, but then cleared her throat. “Well, you know, I was cruisin’ through here, minding my own business.”
“Well, since you’re ‘just cruisin’, would you like to practice a few stunts with us?” Spitfire asked her curious.
“Would I ever?” Dashie exclaimed in intense excitement.
“Well, then follow my lead.” The Wonderbolts all immediately flew up into the sky, and Rainbow Dash quickly followed to catch up with them. Soarin’ turned his gaze to meet Dashie’s, and she smiled at him. They all then turned left and Dash followed, it wasn’t before long until she had gotten used to following one’s lead, and they were doing fabulous stunts together. They stopped at another cloud to rest and start again. “You do…a pretty…good job, Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire remarked kindly. “You catch on pretty quick…”
“Hay, yeah! I’m the fastest out there!” Rainbow Dash gloated proudly.
“Well, keep this up, and we might consider you being a Wonderbolt.” Dash’s only reaction was jaw drop and widened eyes. This is all happening so fast and unexpected; she was becoming a Wonderbolt faster than she can comprehend it.
“O-Okay, sure!” Rainbow Dash replied finally after her face returned to normal. As Spitfire left her to converse with the others, Envious appeared beside Rainbow Dash.
“A very good day, is it not, Rainbow Dash?” Envious asked her; making Dashie jump around ready to fight him.
“Envious! Come on! You big old mule! You don’t scare me!” Dash shouted as she held up her hooves to fight the armored Alicorn.
“Calm yourself, Rainbow Dash.” Envious assured her. “I come with a deal.”
“A deal?”
“Yes, you see, the Wonderbolts now want to practice their tricks with you, and you’ve waited all your life for this moment, correct?”
“Y-Yeah?” Rainbow answered thoughtfully.
“I am giving you this moment to actually become one of them only if you’d swear to stop fighting to save your world.” Dashie then backed up from Envious a little withdrawn.
“No way, Envious! I would never let you take over the world!”
“Oh, but you want so desperately to become a Wonderbolt your whole life, and now’s your chance shine like you’ve always dreamed; performing tricks beyond your wildest dreams to thousands with your heroes, and the crowd would love you, Rainbow Dash. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, what do you say?” Rainbow stared at Envious speechless, looked at the Wonderbolts and Spitfire waving at her, then back to Envious.
“I’m not sure.” Rainbow answered him finally. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“Suit yourself, Rainbow Dash.” Envious disappeared from plain view.
“So, Rainbow Dash, you comin’ along, or what?” Spitfire asked her curious.
“S-Sure thing!” Rainbow answered as she followed them again for another stunt. Pinkie Pie had been walking through the darkness, not minding everything around here, and then she finally entered the Grand Galloping Gala, and to her surprise, all her friends were there along with all the rich ponies from the last time she went to the Gala. It was all so confusing, but it also very exciting to find everypony here and have a party! Pinkie Pie ran right up to her friends. “Hi, guys!” She greeted them excited.
“Hi, Pinkie Pie!” They all greeted her concurrently, which was a bit weird, but she pushed the thought aside.
“We gonna have some fun, right?” She shouted excitedly as she went to the DJ booth and started the records up, and played the music. As it played every danced with Pinkie Pie as the party went on. Finally, Envious appeared beside her. “Exciting. Is it not?” Envious greeted her.
“Envious?” Pinkie Pie raises an eyebrow confused. “What’re you doing here?”
“I just come here to see how you were enjoying the party I made for you.”
“You made this?” The Pink Mare asked even more confused.
“Indeed, my dear. You see, I have come to make you a deal.”
“A deal?”
“You can party here at Grand Galloping Gala each and every day of your life nonstop by just swearing to me that you would cease your futile attempt to stop me.” Envious chuckled as they watch everypony dance to the music. “What do you say?”
“I-I…” Pinkie Pie was very tempted to party in the Grand Galloping Gala for the rest for her natural life nonstop, but she had to help her friends keep the world safe, but it would be too fun to accept this offer. “I don’t know.”
“Very well.” Envious sighed tired. “I will return to hear your answer soon, my dear.” Envious then disappeared as a stallion walked in-between him and Pinkie Pie; making the Pink Mare confused. Applejack had been walking for who knows how long alone in the dark. Her friends have mysteriously disappeared and she has no light to help her see. “Hello?” Applejack hollered to see if anypony was around, but then she was surprised to hear laughter echo from a distance. “What is this?” Applejack asked herself as she continued toward the sound of common ponies. She soon walked into a light and found herself inside the Grand Galloping Gala. Everywhere around her was not only high class ponies, but her family members and all other ponies she’s met in Ponyville were also there; even her friends! Applejack walked around to her friends, but on her way she noticed that the same Alicorn stallion that came from her crystal ball was also there among the other rich ponies. She stopped to meet his gaze with a curious expression, but then he disappeared as a pony walked between them. “Huh?” Applejack wondered as ran over to the spot where the Dark Blue Alicorn was before. She looked around confused, and she spotted him again walking out of the room; she chased after him, through the hallway into another room that was the ball room that reminded her of that night they wrecked the Gala before. She looked around, but sighed sadly as she had lost the Alicorn. The Earth Pony mare walked over a balcony that allowed her to see the entire span of Equestria. Her home in Ponyville could be seen as she remembered all the fun she had with her family and friends. Applejack stood there with dream-filled eyes as the Alicorn stallion walked up to her not making a sound, but then he cleared his throat gently to grab her attention. “Huh?” Applejack exclaimed in curiosity as she turned around to see the Alicorn dressed in quite the charming suit; making him seem very handsome and gentle-like. “Oh, it you!”
“Hello.” The Alicorn greeted with a kind smile. “My name is Prince Merciful.”
“I’m Applejack.” She replied with a big smile. “You must be Prince Joyful’s Brother.”
“Indeed, I am.” Merciful chuckled. “And might I say, your dress makes you look lovely tonight.”
“Uh, what?” Applejack asked confused. “I’m not wearing a dr--.” Applejack spotted her reflection on some glass cup a servant was bringing around, and she saw herself in a very beautiful dress and her mane was made an eloquent fashion. She looked down and gasped to see herself the same dress she saw in the reflection of the glass cups. “How…?”
“Now is not the time for asking questions.” Merciful took Applejack’s hoof with an assuring expression; making Applejack blush a bit. “Come with me.” Merciful led Applejack into the Garden Area of the Castle. “Please, tell me; every tree here, which has the spoiled apples?” Applejack looked at Merciful questioningly. Why would he bring her here and ask her to explain to him such things, but she decided that it had to be some way to understand Merciful. Maybe he was trying to understand her. Applejack then stared at all the apple trees and carefully. Her old apple picking skills then took over and she spotted the tree with the spoiled apples. “There!” She pointed out to the tree beside them. Merciful laughed.
“Very interesting.” He complimented thoughtfully.
“Okay, now that you’ve asked me question, I wanna ask you one.”
“Go on.” Applejack led Merciful into the ballroom.
“What do you think of this party?” Merciful took a moment to think; knowing that this was all a sham, but he was given this chance from Envious to spend time with the mare he loved.
“It isn’t the best I’ve seen, and I’ve been to many more sophisticated balls before, but none can be compared to your eloquence.” Merciful answered with a comforting smile; making Applejack blush even more than before.
“Ah shucks! You’re making me blush, Merciful.” Applejack looked away with a smile of embarrassment. Merciful only chuckled happily.
“The Gala is very beautiful, but it cannot compare to a beauty as wondrous as you, Milady.” Merciful stood next to her, but then he spotted a shadow fly through the room across the walls. “I must go, but don’t worry. I will return soon.” Applejack watched a little surprised that her time with Merciful was short-lived, but then Envious approached her.
“Did you enjoy the chat with your friend?” Envious asked her with a comforting tone.
“Envious?” Applejack exclaimed in surprise. “What’re you doing here?”
“Just to offer you a deal.” Envious floated around her to the other side. “You see I’ve noticed how you’ve looked at that Prince Merciful, and I was thinking that maybe you two should get to know one another.”
“You mean, you made all this happen?”
“Indeed, and I’ll let you and Merciful live together if you will just forget your friends.” Applejack was now flummoxed. Leaving her friends would be dishonest and bring shame upon Sweet Apple Acres, but Merciful was a sweet guy and she felt pretty strong toward him, but she could never let Envious take over, but she couldn’t decide on this offer. It was just to mind-blowing to make up her decision. “I-I don’t know, Envious.” Applejack answered him looking down onto the floor. “I’ll have’ta think about this.”
“Then I will return soon to hear your answer, but please enjoy what I’ve given you for the time being.” Envious then disappeared into the shadows. Now he had them all where he wanted them to be, no way he would lose this time. Envious had offered Helpful his past, offered Twilight Sparkle a library of endless books, offered Rarity infinite Gemstones, crushed Fluttershy’s heart, offered Rainbow Dash to become a Wonderbolt, gave Pinkie Pie the chance to party in the Grand Galloping Gala forever, and had allowed Applejack and Merciful to get to spend time with one another. It was all coming together and he could almost taste victory.

Fitting the Pieces

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Chapter 18

Fitting the Pieces

As Princess Celestia slept in her cage of Darkness, she was nudged by something soft and warm, and as she awakened, she found herself locked in her throne room with Big Macintosh and AC Turnip Top. “Huh? What happened?” Celestia asked them a bit scatter-brained, but before either of her guards could answer, an unforgettable voice replied.
“You were capture, Sister.” The voice replied. Everypony turned their gaze to find Princess Luna also caged with them.
“Sister!” Celestia exclaimed in shock as she ran over to her and hugged her sister. “You’re okay!”
“Yes, I’m fine, Sister.” Luna hugged her back. AC and Big Mac both cleared their throats as they turned around to give them a moment. Celestia broke their hug.
“Are you hurt, Dear Sister?” Celestia asked concerned. “Envious didn’t torture you, did he?”
“No, he didn’t.” Luna laughed softly. “He just left me in this cage saying that I would be out of the way.”
“Well, I’m delighted that we’re reunited, Sister.” Celestia chuckled as she looked around their cage. “We must escape this prison.”
“I’m sorry, Sister, but I’ve tried everything in my power to free myself before, but the cage is too strong, even for you.” Luna replied sadly.
“We must try.” Celestia pressed, but then they all turned around to the sound of Fancypants clearing his throat.
“Perhaps we can be of assistance.” Fancypants chuckled as Flight Lock opened the door of their cage.
“Fancypants, sir!” Turnip Top exclaimed in surprise. “How did you get here?”
“Well, Flight and I just hitched a ride, and we just thought that you needed a little help, Turnip Top. Now, come along quickly.” Fancypants beckoned as they exited the cage. “We must escape before Envious returns to the castle at once. Follow me.” They all ran out of the throne room through the entire complex of the castle.
“Where’s the exit?” Turnip Top asked Flight Lock a bit confused on the entire maze of this castle, but then heard the loudest, most frustrated shout in their lives that made the entire castle shake pretty rough. It was Envious; he returned to find that his captives have escaped and now he is infuriated.
“Go! Go!” Fancypants ordered as he led the group outside to the gate, as they ran out, Envious’ Minion flew out from every door and window of the castle to stop them from escaping. Flight Lock could just see the gate not too far from them; they were gonna make it. As he pushed open the gates with Big Macintosh, they all could see just how far up they were from the grounds below. The castle has flown higher than Fancypants and Flight Lock anticipated, and it was just too risky to escape now. “We need to jump.” Luna told them as she looked behind to see the Minions closing in on them.
“Maybe we could just find another way.” Turnip Top suggested, but then Flight Lock pushed him toward the edge.
“No time! We jump!” Flight Lock pushed Turnip Top off the edge and he followed, and the rest of the group did the same.
“I say, that’s quite the distance I—AH!” Fancypants exclaimed in fear as Celestia pushed him off as well. She flew down after the group as the Minions followed. Turnip Top, Big Macintosh, and Fancypants were all falling from the sky, but then the others grabbed onto them to help them land safely onto the ground. Celestia grabbed onto AC; Luna helped Fancypants; and Flight Lock strained to hold onto Big Macintosh. “Oh, why thank you ever so much, Princess.” Fancy thanked Luna as they closed in toward the ground softly.
“Don’t mention it.” Luna replied with a smile as she dropped Fancypants onto a field safely. Celestia and Flight Lock soon joined them. Flight Lock was of coarse, too exhausted from Big Mac’s weight and he let him land on the ground safely, but a few feet higher than where Luna dropped Fancypants.
“What have you been eating?” Flight asked the Big Stallion as he landed beside him curious. As they all looked up, they saw the Changelings retreat back into the castle; making them all curious.
“Why are they all goin’ back?” Turnip asked Celestia confused.
“I don’t know, but it seems that it isn’t good.” Celestia answered staring at the castle above deep in thought.

Helpful has been staring at the bright orb for quite some time; ever deep into thought as he remembered all that Envious said. This could be his only chance to ever know who he truly is. Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be crazy to decline, and he would remember everything even his Cutie Mark would be returned to his flank. “Don’t do it, Helpful.” Sunny begged beside him.
“Why not?” Helpful asked her confused. “Isn’t it a good thing to have my memory back?”
“Yes, but think for a sec, Helpful.” Sunny explained reasonably. “Envious never does anything good; he only wants everything to bow down to him, and you’re just gonna let him have what he wants by taking his offer?”
Do I have a choice?”
“’Have a choice?’” Sunny repeated a little withdrawn. “Yes, you do have a choice, Helpful! Now, chose the right choice. What would Fluttershy want for you?”
“Hm…” Helpful thought for a second, but then his attention was taken by Envious appearing before them.
“So, Helpful.” Envious greeted warmly. “Have you decided yet?”
“Yes, I have decided, Envious.” Helpful answered taking a look at the bright orb, and making Sunny nervous beyond belief. “Y’know, who needs a past?”
“What?” Envious exclaimed in shock.
“Certainly, not me.” Helpful continued winking toward Sunny. “A past is just something that’ll wear you down to a crawl, Envious, and the sooner you’ll accept that fact, the better you’ll be. My sight is set to now, and I will not let my friends down now, because they need me!” The bright orb them shattered into fragments, and Envious exclaimed in fury as a harsh wind blew through the cavern and Envious disappeared; leaving Helpful the Selfless and Sunny alone. “Where’d he go?” Sunny asked as she looked around to find any signs of the Armored Alicorn.
“Seems that he’s gone.” Helpful answered thoughtfully.
“Well, good riddance.” Sunny scoffed as they continued to find the others. Fluttershy had been listening to Helpful and Snowy arguing for hours in the pitch black darkness as she sniffed tired from crying, but still very saddened from what was going on. “I thought we were going to be together, Helpful.” Fluttershy whispered sadly. “I thought you loved me dearly.” The Shy Pegasus cried to tears again as Envious reappeared beside her with a dim light.
“You have been here for some time, Fluttershy.” Envious grabbed her attention. “It must burn you up to know that Helpful the Selfless never loved you in the first place.”
“Y-Yes, I know.” Fluttershy sniffed sorrowfully.
“He never cared for you even from the day you met, and now he hates you as he always has.” Envious continued grimacing. “After all, he never lies.” What a minute. Helpful never lies; that’s it! The Helpful here is only a fake used by Envious’ Element of Deceit to trick Fluttershy into giving everything up.
“No, he d-doesn’t.” Fluttershy answered thoughtfully. “Unlike this one, Envious.”
“Wait. What?” Envious exclaimed in shock again. “You know Helpful could never lie.”
“But that Helpful’s a fake used by you to trick me,” Fluttershy replied assertively. “And you know what I have to say to your offer? No!” At that moment, the Fake Helpful immediately disappeared, and Envious did so as well; leaving them in the dark, and Snowy confused.
“What just happened?” Snowy exclaimed in confusion as he looked around him.
“The Helpful we saw was only a fake used to trick us, Snowy.” Fluttershy answered him happily. “But it didn’t work, because Helpful said before that he loved me, and Helpful never lies to any pony.” Snowy scratched his as he comprehended this experience.
“Oh, that makes sense.” Snowy replied with a smile. Just then Helpful and Sunny’s conversation came into hearing as they saw a light come from behind them, and Fluttershy immediatly gasped excited.
“Helpful!” She shouted as she ran over to hug the stallion of her dreams. “It really is you, isn’t it?”
“It’s me, Fluttershy!” Helpful hugged Fluttershy back and they stood there for a minute as Sunny and Snowy watched.
“Are done now?” Sunny asked them both, and they immediately broke the hug embarrassed. Pinkie Pie had been just having the time of her life! Dancing, eating cake, telling jokes, and just having a blast with her friends as the Gala continued endlessly. Pinkie Pie went over to the punch bowl to get herself refreshed from all this madness, and as she drank her drink. Envious appeared before her on the other side of the punch bowl. “Enjoying your party thus so far, Pinkie Pie?” Envious asked her politely.
“You can bet the world I am!” Pinkie Pie answered ecstatically.
“Well, then would you like to stay here forever.”
“No.”
“What! Why would you decline such a humongous offer?” Envious snarled at her angered by her decline.
“Well, partying at the Grand Galloping Gala would be great, but forever? C’mon, Envious. I have a life, y’know?” Pinkie Pie giggled, but then everything around swirled into darkness and left her inside the caves of Mount Joysong again. “Thanks for understanding!” Pinkie giggled, and she soon was found by Helpful, Sunny, Fluttershy, and Snowy shortly. Rainbow Dash was taking a breather as she landed onto her cloud to rest for a second. She and the Wonderbolts have been practicing forever now. It’s becoming quite tiring for her to keep up. “Come on, Dash!” Spitfire waved toward her. “You wanting to become a Wonderbolt, right?”
“Yeah…just let me…let me.” Dashie collapsed onto the cloud exhausted from all the hard work they’ve been doing so far. Her wings have ben aching for a long time, and she can’t take much more spinning now she was so tired.
“Okay, Dash!” Spitfire agreed with the Pegasus Mare. “We’ll let you rest for a sec, but you need to get back up soon!”
“Okay, Spitfire!” Rainbow sat up and looked around her in the sky, but then Envious appeared beside her.
“How are you enjoying your practice with the Wonderbolts so far, Rainbow Dash?” Envious asked her with a comforting tone in his voice.
“It’s been fun. Really, but…” Rainbow answered him thoughtfully.
“But?”
“I’ve been thinking; if I ever become a Wonderbolt, what would happen to my friends? I mean, won’t they miss me?”
“They won’t miss you if they see you in every show you star in.”
“Yeah, but…I don’t want to become a Wonderbolt, Envious.” Dash replied a bit hesitant. “Or at least not now, I really need to help my friends, and not going to fall for your lies.” Just then the sky around them turned to a pitch black night and Envious left Rainbow Dash inside the caverns, and soon her friends found her. Rarity had been pacing back and forth all around her precious gems contemplating on what her answer should be. “Pro! All these gems Envious has offered are all just too beautiful and it would be rude if me to decline such generous offer. Con! My friends need me to help them stop Envious with Prince Joyful and save the world from certain destruction.” Rarity continued to pace as she thought about this carefully. “Pro! This is probably my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have all the gems I’ve ever wanted for my fashion to let my business grow to a huger reputation! Con! Helping my friends save the world will give us all world peace and we will all live as the world was intended to be… I don’t want to let them down, but what about all these...gems?” Envious appeared before Rarity; spooking her for a second. “Oh, Envious. You’re here to hear my answer?”
“Indeed, Rarity.” Envious answered comfortingly. “What is it?”
“I-I…I don’t need all these gems. Thank you very much though.” Rarity answered with a great smile. “Besides, I once said that my friends mean more to me than all the gemstones in the entire world, and I will not go back on my word.” Then all around her, the millions of gemstones began to spin, along with Envious, and Rarity couldn’t take so much at once that she had to hide herself, and then when she opened her eyes, everything was gone; she was left in the cavern with just her magic spell. “Well, at least he’s gone.” Rarity optimized as she continued to find anypony.
“Rarity?” A voice came from behind her.
“That sounded like Helpful?” Rarity turned around to find all of her friends, except Twilight, Spike, and Applejack. She quickly dashed over to greet them. “Everypony! Am I delighted to see you now! I--!”
“We’re delighted see you too, Rarity.” Helpful assured her with a smile. “What happened?”
“Well, Envious was here and he offered me ton and tons of gemstones, and I just couldn’t oppose such a generous offer, but then--.”
“You didn’t accept it did you, Rarity?” Fluttershy gasped concerned.
“Oh, heavens, no, Fluttershy. I declined it, but he disappeared, and who knows where he’s at now.” Rarity chuckled relieved that it was over with.
“Weird. Envious seems to tempting us all with our greatest desires, and breaking us with our greatest fears.” Snowy thought aloud turning his gaze to Fluttershy; remembering what happened.
“But why does he want to do that?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.
“To break us apart, Dash.” Sunny replied. “Envious knows that only our selfish desires and greatest fears would cause us to break apart from one another.”
“But it didn’t work,” Helpful added with a smirk. “And now we’re coming back together; one by one.”
“Hold your horses, Helpful.” Sunny told him, but then was surprised to see him holding onto Fluttershy. “It’s an expression.”
“Oh.” Helpful chuckled as he let go Fluttershy, but then she hugged him instead with a delighted grin.
“Applejack, Spike, and Twilight are still gone, and if we don’t find them soon…I don’t know what would happen.”
“Then let’s get moving.” Helpful agreed as he led his friends through the cavern with his wings lighting the way. Twilight Sparkle looked through all the books she pulled out of the shelf behind her, and was busy looking for a spell to bring back Spike’s mouth. The Unicorn Mare had been looking through each book, and found many useful spells, but there was no mouth restoring spell in any of them. “Oh-no.” Twilight began to become nervous. “How are we going to find a spell on restoring your mouth at this pace?” She asked Spike as she looked around the entire library that surrounded them. Spike’s response was only muffled by not having his mouth. “What was that, Spike?” Spike just looked at her thinking, but then he ran over to one of the books, opened it up, and then ripped out a blank piece of paper. “Spike! What are you doing?” Spike turned around and motioned for Twilight to be patient. He then ran over to her saddlebags, pulled out a quill and started writing on the paper. Twilight at first didn’t understand, but then it all started to make sense as Spike turned back toward her; holding the paper out to her. She accepted it with her magic and read out loud the text. “’Just say ‘no!’” Twilight read aloud, but before she could asked Spike ‘why’, Envious formed up beside her.
“Twilight Sparkle, I believe that you wouldn’t say ‘no’ to such a huge offer.” Envious greeted with an assuring tone. Twilight noticed Spike shaking his head, and then she looked back at Envious thoughtfully.
“You’re right, Envious. I do have an answer.” Twilight replied with a smile; making Spike nervous till he started to sweat.
“And what is it?” Envious urged to know.
“Absolutely…” Twilight replied with a smile; making Envious laugh, and Spike faint. “…not.” Envious’ laughter softened to a chuckle, and Spike looked up from the floor.
“Excuse me?” Envious asked her with a little anger in his tone.
“You may have made it possible to put all these books of spells in one place, but if I am smart, and I am, I would have to decline your offer.” Twilight explained with a smile; making Envious growl at her frustrated. “My friends are more important than all these books and I believe that we will win together! Separated we fall; you know that, but united we fight, and we will win!” It was in that moment everything around them started to form into darkness and liquid-like shadow as Envious began to kindle his anger even more.
“You may have rejected my offer, but that doesn’t mean that your friend will either!” Envious laughed maniacally as everything around Spike and Twilight disappeared; leaving them back inside the cavern like before.
“That was too close.” Spike remarked, but then he realized that his mouth was back. “Twilight! My mouth is back, Twilight!” Twilight turned on her light, and sure enough, Spike’s mouth was back as it should have been.
“It seems that we’ve restored your mouth, Spike.” Twilight chuckled, but then she noticed that they were before a huge door with no way to open it, but there was a hole in the center of it. It made her wonder greatly as she took a closer look. Spike followed curious as she was. “What is it, Twilight?” Spike asked her curious. “Do you think’s a keyhole?”
“It might be, but I can’t tell for exactly.” Twilight explained as she studied the hole carefully. “It’s too big for a horn to be used to open it, and there surely isn’t any key big enough to fit in there.”
“Well, what do you assume it’s for?” Spike inquired to know.
“I don’t know, Spike.” Twilight sighed a little annoyed. “I think it might be something activated by a certain form of magic, but…I’m just not sure.” She looked up to see seven gemstones above the door. Each one had a different shape. One was shaped like a diamond, another was shaped like an octagon, the next was shaped like a sphere, another was shaped like a triangle, the fifth was shaped like a cube, the next was shaped like a six pointed star, but the seventh that was in the middle of it all was shaped like a heart; which made Twilight wonder why it was there in the first place. “Hey, Spike.” Twilight grabbed her dragon’s attention.
“Yeah, Twilight?” Spike replied curious.
“Do you see that up there?” Twilight pointed up to the gemstones. Spike looked straight up to them.
“I don’t know, Twilight, but maybe you could use your magic on them like that door at the Crystal Empire?” Spike explained. Twilight then concentrated her magic long and hard, and then casted a spell of happiness onto the gemstones. They all soon shone with light, but then some energy crackled and ran straight down through Twilight’s spell right into her; shocking the focus out of her. Twilight hit the floor hard, and Spike ran over to her concerned. “Twilight! Are you okay?” Spike worried as he shoved her awake.
“Huh? What?” Twilight stood up and looked around. “Where am I?”
“You’re in Mount Joysong, remember?” Spike grabbed her attention.
“The Darkness…” Twilight gasped remembering everything. “The Elements of Harmony and Prince Joyful!”
“She’s back.”
“The door here must be the entrance to Magi’s chamber!” Twilight pointed out. “But I don’t know how to get inside.”
Meanwhile, Applejack had been spending time with her friends at the Grand Galloping Gala. It had been fun joking around, and whatnot, but Applejack was still concerned on how she would answer Envious, but Merciful wasn’t around anymore; like he disappeared.
“Hey, guys.” Applejack her friends’ attention. “Do you I should say ‘yes’ to Envious, or ‘no’?”
“You should say ‘yes.’” They all answered her concurrently; making Applejack feel a bit uncomfortable.
“Uh, okay. I’ll be looking for somepony right now. I’ll be back soon.” Applejack left her friends right back into the Gardens where Merciful was sitting in the center of it all. He looked like he was trying to concentrate on something hard, but nothing was happening. He then charged without warning and applebucked one of the trees, but it hit the ground hard as he broke through it. “Um, oh-no.” Merciful said to himself. “Let’s see here.” He focused his magic to lift the tree off the ground and fix it back into place as it was before. Merciful then applebucked the tree again, but softer than before, and the apples fell onto the ground. “Huzzah!” Merciful exclaimed in triumph, but then the tree fell onto the ground again. The Dark Blue Alicorn sighed sadly as he used his magic to fix the tree back into place like before. “Is there not a way I can pick these apples without breaking the tree into shreds, like dear Applejack?” Merciful stomped his hoof into the stone; making it form cracks; which really grabbed Applejack’s attention. Merciful doesn’t even know his own strength and he must be too much of a prince to realize that. Merciful picked up all the apples that hit the ground before with his magic and settled them all into a basket, but then was surprised to see Applejack on the other side of it. “Applejack!” Merciful exclaimed in surprise. “I-I, uh…”
“Hey, Prince Merciful.” Applejack greeted him kindly. “Whatcha doin’ here?”
“I was just picking apples.” Merciful cleared his throat. “A prince has to something with his spare time.”
“Yet, there’s a party goin’ on inside.” Applejack smirked. Merciful started to blush, but he cover his face with his wing to keep Applejack from noticing.
“The party means nothing to me, Milady.” Merciful answered. “You already know that.”
“Yeah, I do.” Applejack replied with a comforting expression that made Merciful feel a little calmer. “I saw what you were tryin’ to do back there, and I think I can help ya!”
“You can?” Merciful asked his a little curious.
“Sure, I can. Who do think’s been pickin’ apples the most here?”
“Of coarse, Madam.” Merciful followed Applejack to one of the apple tree in the garden.
“Now, Applebuckin’ is nothin’ to it, just kick the tree.” Applejack assured him. Merciful looked at the tree questioningly, and then he turned over his gaze to Applejack.
“But didn’t you see what I did to the tree before?”
“I know, Merciful, but just kick this one a little softer.”
“Yes, Milady.” Merciful lightly kicked the tree and it didn’t move.
“Try a little harder.” Applejack encouraged. Merciful kicked a little harder and the tree only shook lightly. “Little harder.” Merciful kicked it harder, but only a few apples fell. “Little bit more harder.” Merciful kicked it again, but nothing fell.
“That must all t--.” Merciful’s sentence was cut off by a huge number of apples falling from the tree and burying them both under the huge pile. Applejack and the Prince both popped their heads out. “I am sorry, Milady.” Merciful apologized to the Mare. “I do believe that I have too much strength to by ‘pickin’ apples.”
“What do you mean ‘too much strength’?” Applejack laughed. “There’s so much strength in you that you could pull eighteen wagons a time!”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, that you’re just strong enough for me!” Applejack laughed, but then immediately realized what she just said and covered mouth. Merciful only laughed as she did this; making Applejack throw an apple at his head.
“Ow!” Merciful exclaimed in pain as he looked at Applejack confused, but then she laughed. The two playfully fought against one another as time rolled by; throwing apples and chasing one another till their clothes were wrecked, but they didn’t stop there. They continued to play until Merciful tripped, and Applejack, who was chasing him, fell on top of him. They both laughed at one another after having so much fun together. Merciful bit into the apple Applejack wanted to throw at him, and Applejack noticed this. “Hey!” Applejack laughed again. They both just laid there on the grass and stared into once another eyes. Sure, Merciful may have had a big white eye, but it soothing to Applejack; reminded her of a big white moon at one of her campouts with her brother and sister in Sweet Apple Acres. The maroon eye of his was also very comforting as well. To Merciful, Applejack’s bright green eyes made him feel so strange that he couldn’t help, but stare into them, and smile deeply. “You’re troubled.” Merciful broke the silence finally; making Applejack look at Merciful shocked.
“How can you tell?” Applejack asked him confused on how he knew, but Merciful only sighed and looked away from Applejack. “You can tell me.” The mare turned Merciful’s face with her hoof.
“When Envious returns, tell him ‘no.’” Merciful answered finally. Applejack only laughed at Merciful.
“Now why would I tell him that?” Applejack hugged Merciful fondly. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.” Merciful then broke his hug with Applejack, and he pushed her off so he could sit back up.
“No!” Merciful reasoned with her. “This is all a lie, Applejack.”
“A-A lie?” The mare replied with a shocked expression.
“Yes, Envious wants your curiosity to blind you from actually doing the right action.” Merciful explained to her with a serious expression. “You have to decline his offer, Applejack. You and I cannot be together!”
“B-But…” Applejack stuttered a bit shocked on what was happening. Merciful looked around, and spotted Envious coming their way.
“I must go.” The Prince ran off from Applejack.
“Wait, Merciful!” Applejack shouted after him and chased him into the Gala, but she soon lost him inside the crowd. Tears filled into her eyes as she couldn’t find him anywhere, but then she gasped surprised to see Envious behind her.
“Is there something wrong, Applejack?” Envious asked her comfortingly.
“No, Envious! I don’t want to stay here!” Applejack shouted at him infuriated. Envious growled at her as the walls started to chip away all around the room. All the food molded and turned to dust all around the table, and the ponies all hit the floor groaning in pain as they squirmed. Applejack was shocked to find out that the castle was coming apart, and the ponies here weren’t as they seemed. “I have been rejected for far enough!” Envious growled madly. “I will not let the prophecy come true, and I will not let you escape!” All the ponies around Applejack turned into the Minions of Envious and as the entity laughed the entire castle fell apart into second and Applejack was falling into an endless pit of nothing. As she screamed in fear, she was caught by something that she would never forget. It was Merciful! He came back to save her from certain death. “Are you alright, Milady?” Merciful asked her concerned.
“Merciful!” Applejack hugged the Alicorn. “You came back!”
“Of course, I came back, but don’t have time for hugging.” Merciful looked up to see the Minions coming straight down toward them. “We need to escape now!” Merciful immediatly flew off in a second, but the Minions chased after them. Applejack could hear Envious’ crazed laughter as they flew through the twisted dark realm. Merciful flew in-between some pillars, and it stopped the Minions for some time, but they came back shortly. “Don’t these guys ever quit?” Applejack asked Merciful surprised to see them back.
“They are the Minions of Envious.” Merciful answered as they flew through a ruined palace. “There is no end to them.” The Minions followed them through the hallway, and they were beginning to gain on them, but then Merciful used his magic to knock one of the columns out of place, and cause the entire palace to crumble around them.
“Uh, Merciful.” Applejack tried to grab his attention as they were flying through the entire collapsing palace. “Merciful?”
“Hold on tight!” Merciful ordered as he dodge an incoming column that drew the Minions back. They finally escaped from the disastrous ruin that collapsed onto the Minions so they would buy time.
“Suckers!” Applejack laughed as they closed in on a certain pillar with a Ruby Orb at the top. Merciful flew up toward it, but then Envious was coming in fast. Merciful activated the Ruby with his magic and it opened a portal into the outside world. He flew up the portal, and Envious was coming extremely fast. “Quickly,” Merciful pushed Applejack inside gently, “Go and find the last Element of Harmony and Prince Joyful before it’s too late.”
“But what about you?” Applejack asked him in the other side of the portal.
“Like I said before, ‘there is no time for those questions.’” As Applejack could see Envious threatening to impale Merciful with his sharp wings, the portal closed at the last second.
“Merciful!” Applejack gasped shocked to see only the wall. “Merciful!” The mare ran to the wall and began digging into it; hoping that she’ll find him; she was so panicked. She stopped digging and cried onto the floor. She knew it was too late to save him, and there was no time to go back. She had to look ahead, but she couldn’t find the strength to stand up and walk. Soon the rest of her friends, except Twilight and Spike found her crying on the floor. She was no longer wearing her dress, and her hat was back where it belonged. “Applejack?” Helpful grabbed her attention.
“Helpful?” Applejack looked up curious, but glad to see her old friend.
“You okay, Applejack?” Rarity asked her concerned.
“I’m fine.” Applejack stood up. “I just had the worst experience of my life.”
“Same here.” Fluttershy agreed with Applejack.
“Well, you can explain it to us as we go on up, Applejack.” Sunny told her as they continued up the mountain caves; listening to Applejack’s story.
Meanwhile, Twilight had been pacing back and forth trying figure out another way to open the huge door before her and Spike, but then they heard voices come from the hall. “What’s that?” Twilight wondered as they came closer. Soon, they saw a bright light come their way, and then the rest of their friends were there to greet her.
“And that’s when the portal closed.” Applejack finished her story.
“Whoa.” Helpful remarked a bit surprised. “That sounds like you had quite the spill, Applejack.”
“I know.”
“And I’m jealous.” Rarity scoffed a little irritated. “You just met the most charming and selfless prince I’ve heard of, and he loves you. I wish I was you for a change.” Everypony just raised eyebrows at one another confused on why she just quoted that, but they threw the thought aside.
“Applejack, Pinkie Pie, everypony!” Twilight grabbed their attention as she hugged them all. “I’m so glad you’re all here! This should never happen again! In fact, I’m so glad I could just explode with excitement!”
“Let’s not do that, Honey.” Sunny remarked as a bright light formed over Twilight’s head.
“Oh, but I want to. You know why, because you’re all my best friends and I will never ever doubt you’ll ever be there!” The light above Twilight’s head formed a golden tiara with a purple, six-pointed, crystal star on the top. “I love you all!” It was that moment that the tiara shone light and Twilight began to float above the ground. As did all of her friends except for Helpful, Sunny, Snowy, and Spike; who all watched in awe as the light illuminated the room, and all the Elements that the others had reappeared on their neck and shot beams of color toward Twilight’s tiara and it shot six beams of color into the seven gemstones, except for the center one and they all shone light. A handle appeared in the hole of the door, and it was made by crystals of different color. As the show from Helpful’s friends calmed down to a crawl, Helpful pushed open the door, and he found himself inside a chamber filled with seemingly endless shelves of books and contraptions. “Whoa.” He remarked as his friends all came in as well. The chamber had many shelves indeed and contraptions she’s never seen before. As she scanned the entire chamber, she spotted an old stallion wearing a robe reading a book that was settled onto a stand. Twilight grew curious and slowly walked up to the old stallions as her friends marveled the huge chamber. She walked right up to old stallion. “Excuse me, sir.” Twilight greeted him warmly. “Excuse me?”
“Has it been so long that everypony forgot how to knock before entering somepony’s home?” The old stallion asked her not turning from the book.
“Uh…” Twilight just shook head to forget that question. “We’re here looking for a Sorcerer named: Magi.”
“Indeed, I know him.” The old grey stallion answered her kindly.
“Well, where is he?”
“You are staring at him.” Magi explained as he continued reading his book. Everypony gathered behind Twilight and listened carefully.

Truth Revealed

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Chapter 19

Truth Revealed

“I see you have found the Elements of Harmony.” Magi remarked not breaking his concentration the book.
“Yes, indeed, Magi, and we’re here for you to tell us where we can find Prince Joyful.” Twilight replied excited to find out where to find the last thing they need. Magi closed the book with his magic and teleported it into the bookshelf.
“Of course.” Magi turned around to meet her and her friends’ gaze. He mostly looked at Helpful the Selfless though. “But first, I must explain to you something important.” Everypony exchanged looks of confusion.
“Uh, okay, Magi.” Twilight agreed with the old stallion. Magi used his magic to pull off his robe and hang it onto a hook sticking out of the wall beside the stand. Pinkie Pie was the first to spot Magi’s Cutie Mark which was actually Twilight’s! Pinkie Pie hopped over beside Magi. “Hey, Magi! You have Twilight’s Cutie Mark!” Pinkie Pie shouted excitedly, and then everypony noticed this as well.
“Whoa. Wait a second.” Helpful told everypony. He now started to see things clearly. He has met Magi before, but where and when? “Have we met?” Magi only chuckled.
“Many lifetimes ago you might say.” Magi explained with a smile.
“Why do you have my Cutie Mark? Are we--?” Twilight’s sentence was interrupted by Magi.
“Related? Distantly you might say also.” Magi explained with a glad smile. “You are actually my descendent, Twilight Sparkle, and for the rest of you, I know each of your ancestors from the forgotten past.” He pointed at Rainbow Dash. “Your ancestor, Rainbow Dash, was Sir Rainbow Bash,” He then pointed to Rarity, “Yours, Rarity, was named: Serenity,” He pointed to Applejack, “Yours, Applejack, was named: Apple Fritter,” He then pointed to Fluttershy, “Yours, Fluttershy, was named: Golden Hope,” He finally pointed to Pinkie Pie, “And your ancestor, Pinkie Pie, was named: Senator Blue Pie.”
“Senator Blue Pie?” Sunny laughed interrupting Magi. “Who in that time period would ever name their son, or daughter: Senator Blue Pie?” Magi only gave Sunny a cold glare as he walked up to her laughing on Helpful’s back. She then noticed and slew down her laughter to a small giggle.
“My dear Sunny,” Magi began. “Senator Blue Pie was one of the most important ponies in the kingdom; he was my travel companion at most times, and he is the kingdom’s representative, and back then it was considered immoral to ever make fun of our Senator’s name.”
“Wow. He was that important, huh?” Sunny’s expression turned to guilt. “I’m sorry.”
“It is quite fine. I know he would forgive you of your ignorance in that case.” Magi assured her.
“But I don’t understand. How can a Senator be a Representative?” Applejack asked Magi confused on that works.
“Many have questioned Blue Pie’s tactics and reality, but none could argue with his results.” Magi explained with a smile.
“Sounds like a filly we all know.” Sunny remarked referring to Pinkie Pie; who was standing in front of a mirror wearing an old fashioned, blue garment with a pie for a hat. She was laughing at herself in mirror loudly.
“I see that you’ve found his attire.” Magi walked over to Pinkie Pie with a delighted smile. “He often times laughed at himself in the mirror.”
“Well, he has great sense of style!” Pinkie complimented as she messed with the hat.
“And I would expect no other response from you.” Magi chuckled delightfully. Rainbow Dash flew up to Magi.
“Excuse me, Magi, but what was our ancestors like?” Dashie asked him curious.
“Well, they’re you.” Magi answered, but everypony exchanged looks of confusion. He sighed knowing that they wouldn’t understand. “You are your ancestors from the long forgotten past. The Arrogance and Loyalty of Sir Rainbow Bash, the Beauty and Generosity of Serenity, the Meekness and Kindness of Golden Hope, the Commitment and Honesty of Apple Fritter, the Silliness and Laughter of Senator Blue Pie, and the Faith and Magic of myself, Twilight Sparkle.” As this was being explained, Helpful remembered where exactly he found his friends’ Cutie Marks; they were all belonging to their ancestors from the time long ago; four thousand years ago in fact. It was beginning to make sense now. “Magi’s right.” Helpful grabbed everypony’s attention. “All of your ancestors were just like each and every one of you Cutie Mark and all.”
“So, you are remembering things now?” Magi asked him with a proud look.
“Bits though.” Helpful answered rubbing his head.
“Allow me to clarify.” Magi’s eyes turned purple and his horn glowed with magic. The entire room around them was being shifted to a different room and time. Helpful looked all around with his friends, and what he saw was that was in the same dream he had in Shores-a-lot. Only that they were all in it now with Magi. The Queen had he newborn colt in her arms as it cried out its first breathes of air, and the King stood beside her with a smile as the servants all watched; some were crying tears of joy and others were just excited. The colt had big cyan eyes and his wings were falcon-like, and his horn was cute as a button. “Where are we?” Helpful asked Magic curious.
“Do you not remember?” Magi replied. “This was the day you were born in Raziel’s Kingdom. You were born as she youngest son.”
“Isn’t he adorable, Dear Husband?” The Queen: Faithol asked Raziel as she kissed her new son.
“He is very cute, Faithol.” Raziel answered with a proud smile. Soon, the colt calmed down and now looked at his mother and father; both smiling at him dearly. He then grinned back and giggled at them, and Raziel was over-joyed. “Ha, ha, ha!” He lifted up the baby colt with an enthused smile into his arms. “Because of your joyous smile that made me even more joyful, I shall name smile that make me even more joyful, I shall name you Joyful!” The colt laughed as the servants gathered around the king to see the new prince.
“I-I’m Prince Joyful?” Helpful exclaimed in shock. “How can I be Prince Joyful? I’m even suited for being a King!”
“But you were better suited for the kingdom around you.” Magi replied with a smile. “Continue watching this.”
“Merciful, dear!” Faithol shouted toward the door kindly. “Come and see your new baby brother.” Applejack gasped as a young Alicorn colt stepped in from the hallway shyly. Both of his eyes were maroon and his ears were perfectly normal. The colt continued down his small path, but then the door closed behind him and he jumped. “Do not worry, Son.” Faithol assured her colt. “It is only the door.”
“Y-Yes, Mother.” The colt replied as quickly dashed to his mother’s bed still very scared.
“Come, Merciful.” Raziel walked over to Merciful slowly. “See your new brother?” Merciful looked into Raziel’s arm and he saw the baby colt inside. “His name is Joyful, and he is now to be your younger brother through thick and thin, and no matter what, you will never fight without good cause.”
“Yes, Father.” Merciful answered him as the colt grabbed his nose and giggled.
“Baga!” Joyful shouted as Merciful shook his head from the unexpected encounter. The baby, not understanding what had happened, began to cry loudly. Merciful felt guilt onto himself and put nuzzled Joyful playfully; who then giggled and hugged his nose. “Aw, Helpful.” Fluttershy cooed. “You just so cute when you a wittle baby!”
“I know, Fluttershy.” Helpful replied, but then was surprised to find them all staring him with goo-goo eyes and smiles. “Can we please stop?” Magi laughed as he changed the scene to another time in the castle. They all were now inside the hallway and they watched as Senator Blue Pie hopped along with Prince Joyful behind giggling and laughing all the way; he was still a tot though “Come, Prince Joyful.” Blue Pie beckoned. “I bet you can’t catch me!” The little tyke still chased after Blue Pie, but then his horn glowed with magic, and then Blue Pie hit a wall without looking. “Ow.” He exclaimed in pain as he hit the ground and found the wall wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place. It was somehow moved by a magical force. “How in Raziel’s Kingdom did that happen?” Blue asked as Prince Joyful stood onto his hind legs behind him and pounced onto the Senator.
“Got you!” The Prince shouted as he giggled with his adorable little voice.
“Yes, you have me!” Blue Pie laughed as he put the Prince onto the floor. “But can you catch me again?” He then hits another wall that mysteriously moved out of place and he hit the floor next to Prince Joyful; who playfully pounced on him again.
“Got you again!” The Prince giggled as Senator Blue Pie stood up confused on how this happened.
“How?” Blue wondered, but then Magi walked out from a room in the hallway reading a book, and then noticed all that happened around them. He was much younger than the Magi that was them at the moment.
“What happened?” Magi asked them curious.
“I don’t know, Magi.” Blue Pie explained. “I was playing with Joyful when these walls moved out of place.”
“Strange.” Magi remarked as he looked at the walls carefully then he used his magic to move them back into place. “Prince Joyful must be having Magic Surges.” Magi remarked as he looked the tot.
“How can you tell?” Blue Pie asked him confused.
“I have never seen this ever been done by anypony before,” Magi explained, “Until now. Keep a close eye on him Blue Pie.”
“Aye, Aye, Magi!” Blue Pie saluted as Magi left them with his book. The Senator stared at Prince Joyful with large eyes. The Young Prince only giggled at him and hugged Blue. “This is starting to make sense.” Helpful remarked thoughtfully. “I think.”
“Well, when you had your horn, you had the most powerful magic in the kingdom, until one day.” Magi explained as he shifted the scene to the time when Prince Joyful was about to trot down the stair, but then he tripped and fell down the entire staircase hard.
“Ow.” The foal rubbed his sore noggin, but then he felt nothing, but hair. He gasped as he looked up to see that his horn was stuck in the staircase. It had broken off and now he had no magic. The foal bursts into tears; making the servants rush over to comfort him, but they too were shocked to see his horn broke off. “I-I lost my magic?” Helpful stuttered surprised.
“Basically, you did,” Magi explained, “But it was a blessing in disguise as I used it to create the Elements of Harmony. Continue watching.” Magi used his magic to shift into another scene. Two foals were running through the hallway, and Prince Joyful was following them as quick as he could; the poor guy was dragging his wings onto the ground as he followed. He was only a weak flyer back then, and because he was so weak he couldn’t pick up his wings long. “Wait up, Jester and Cork Screw!” Joyful shouted after them, but then he was stopped by Raziel; who looked pretty serious.
“Joyful. What have I said about dragging you wings on the ground?” He told his son with a serious look. The foal immediately picked up his wings and smiled innocently. “A Prince does not drag his wings on the floor, remember that.” Raziel continued on his way; allowing Joyful to run off with his friends.
“Guys! Wait—UGH!” Joyful exclaimed in surprise as he bumped into Magi again.
“Oh, my apologies, Your Majesty.” Magi apologized to the prince. “I wasn’t watching where I was going, but I was just looking for you.”
“You were?” Joyful asked curious.
“Yes, indeed, sir. Would you like to come and help me and your older brother with an experiment I am conducting?”
“Would I ever!” Joyful agreed as he jumped up off the floor excited.
“What is this all about?” Applejack asked Magi, but he puts a hoof to his mouth telling to be quiet. “Oh, sorry.” They were now all in Magi’s first chamber, and Merciful and Joyful were watching as Magi read through his journals.
“Alright, Your Highnesses.” Magi grabbed their attention. “Hold still.” Magi concentrated hard on his magic and light danced all around Joyful and Merciful till they blurred around in circles; making Joyful dizzy, and fall onto the floor.
“Aw, you were just so cute, Helpful!” Fluttershy hugged the Tan Pegasus; who rolled his eyes. Sunny giggled, but then all the lights flashed brightly, and the past Magi lost his concentration and the light ceased.
“What happened?” Merciful asked the Sorcerer.
“Nothing happened,” Magi answered, “But I think I accidently thwarted the experiment.”
“What do you mean?”
“You are not immortal, like I planned for you both to be, but you both can live longer than anypony else here.” Magi explained as he used his magic to study Joyful and Merciful carefully. “I call it the Youth Curse.”
“So, I can live longer than anypony at all?” Helpful asked curious as everypony else.
“I wish I could do that.” Rarity commented thoughtfully.
“Yes, but not as long as me, Joyful.” Magi answered. “I am immortal thanks to a potion I made, but I made sure that nopony evil would get a hold of the formula and so I’ve destroyed the journal that contained everything about it.”
“Now, I’m jealous.” Rarity added to her comment.
“Trust me, Rarity. Immortal may be living forever and never being to die, but you still age.”
“Okay, never mind.” Rarity immediately changed her mind; making everypony laugh.
“But what about that prophecy you made for Prince Joyful and Merciful?” Twilight inquired to know from Magi.
“That, my dear, was not needed to be seen.” Magi explained to her.
“Huh?”
“The prophecy was made the day after Joyful’s birth, but we must continue.” Magi shifted the scene to the time of a great battle of Barbarian Griffins attacking the castle. At this time, Merciful was an adult and as well Joyful. Even though several years have passed, Joyful and Merciful only aged slowly. Merciful was preparing himself for battle, while Joyful watched him. “What’s gonna happen, brother?” Joyful asked him curious to know.
“I’m going to battle, Joyful.” Merciful explained to him as he placed on his helmet. “You will stay here with mother until I return.”
“B-but--.”
“Don’t argue with me, Brother.” Merciful ordered him. “You aren’t fit for battle, and you have not been coming to you studies like you should have been.”
“But I can fight!” Joyful insisted as he picked up his brother’s sword, but it was too heavy and it hit the floor with a clang. Merciful took his sword with his magic as his younger brother smiled innocently.
“You cannot pick up sword, Joyful.” Merciful remarked to him reasonably. “How can I let you battle against the Griffins with father and I if you cannot even be strong enough to lift a sword?” Joyful only looked down to the floor sadly.
“Yes, brother.” Joyful answered him finally. Then Sir Rainbow Bash entered the room, and Rainbow Dash gasped excited.
“Your Highness, are you ready for battle?” He asked him curious.
“Yes, Sir Rainbow Bash.” Merciful followed him outside. Soon, after some time of waiting, Joyful decided to disobey his brother and run out of the room to go and help fight, but on his way to the armory, he bumped into several Griffins who had all broke into the castle. Joyful was scared to the extreme now. “It’s the Prince.” One of the Griffins snarled. “Let’s get him!”
“Ah!” Prince Joyful ran away from the Griffins. Merciful; who was fighting outside, noticed this and he went to go save his younger brother. Joyful was backed up to a corner scared to the point of hyperventilation.
“C’mere, you.” Said one of the Griffins. “We promise we won’t hurt you.”
“Yeah, it’ll be just painless.” The other griffin laughed, but then Merciful broke through the windows behind them.
“Hey, you!” Merciful shouted with his sword pointed straight them. The Griffins turned around to see Merciful, but then a light came from behind them, and illuminated the entire hallway, and they all saw Joyful’s wing glowing as he tried to hide himself. The light grew brighter until it was searing hot, and the griffins all exclaimed in agony, but when the light ceased they were gone, and Merciful was fine, but when he uncovered his eyes from the light, Joyful gasped of shock that his left eye was blind. “Whoa.” Helpful exclaimed in shock. “I did that to him?”
“Yes, but it was an accident, and he knew that as well, so he forgave you.” Magi explained as he shifted the scene. “But that also was the sign I predicted that one of you would be the next king, and it was from your wings, Joyful.”
“It was?” Helpful looked at his wings curious.
“Yes, they have extraordinary powers beyond comprehension and belief.” Magi answered him, and then the scene changed to a ball. Many of Raziel’s subjects were there and they were all enjoying the party as the party continued. Pinkie Pie gasped excited. “It’s a party!” She remarked as she jumped around excitedly.
“Yes, indeed, Pinkie Pie, and it was all planned by you ancestor: Senator Blue Pie.” Magi explained delightedly as they watched Senator Blue Pie scarf down the cake beside his friends.
“Well, he sure acts like you.” Sunny remarked indifferently.
“I know! Isn’t it great?” Pinkie Pie squealed excited. All of the other ponies had the exact Cutie Mark that Helpful’s friends had.
“Wait a second.” Applejack grabbed their attention. “Is those our ancestors?”
“Yes, they are, Applejack.” Magi pointed over to a mare with a chef’s hat on. “Apple Fritter was the Royal Cook here,” He then pointed to a mare with a beautiful dress on and make up, “Serenity worked as head of the maids,” He then pointed to Sir Rainbow Dash wearing his armor and sword proudly, “Sir Rainbow Bash was the leader of the Knight of Light and he was the first to create the Sonic Rainboom,” He then pointed to a cute mare beside Serenity; trying to half-way hide herself behind the large dress, “And Golden Hope was the Royal Animal Caretaker here.”
“No way!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in excitement.
“That’s high class if you ask me!” Applejack commented proudly.
“Ooo! Ooo! What flavor is that cake you eating?” Pinkie Pie shouted to Blue Pie; who then stuck his head to breathe.
“Mm. Buttermilk.” He dove back into the cake.
“Oh, my gosh! That sounds good! Can I try some too?” Pinkie asked him, but he was just an illusion.
“Pinkie Pie, he’s just an illusion. He can’t hear you.” Twilight reasoned with her.
“I know, but I just want some Buttermilk Flavored Cake!” Twilight facehoofed herself.
“Just leave her alone.” Rarity told her. “She’ll give up eventually.” Helpful looked around, but he couldn’t see Merciful or himself anywhere.
“Hey, Magi. Where am I?” Helpful asked him curiously, but then a dark shadow stretched above them all and everypony gasped and screamed in shock. The darkness then formed to form on Envious and he landed in front of Raziel and Faithol.
“I am here to take what is rightfully mine!” Envious growled.
“Merciful! How dare you?” Raziel growled angry at his son for his disobedience, but Envious only laughed at Raziel.
“This Merciful you speak of no longer exists.” Envious flew up into the air with his darkness flowing all around them and tuning everypony into Minions everywhere. “I am Envious; the Prince of Chaos. And I will take what’s mine!” Envious used his magic to throw the king and queen off of their thrones and he sat onto and laughed maniacally.
“We need to get out of here!” Magi ordered as he and his friends escaped the scene, and the present Magi shifted the scene back into his chamber of the Joysong Mountain.
“Wow.” Helpful remarked over what all happened. He saw the time he was born to the time when Envious took over the castle. It was not pleasant to comprehend, and he was silent for quite some time.
“Helpful?” Fluttershy tried to grab his attention, but he didn’t respond.
“We should leave him alone so he can take the time understand everything.” Magi reasoned as they all gave Helpful space to breathe. It wasn’t long until the Tan Pegasus began to walk around, but he was still trying to comprehend everything that happened. He just could not believe it at all. Prince Joyful? How could he be the Lost Prince of Harmony from long past? It was just impossible. He is Helpful the Selfless; the Most Trusted Servant of Princess Celestia, how could he stop Envious from destroying the world and ruling it with his empire of darkness? The memories he saw did answer questions, but were they actually his memories, and if it’s all true than how would he rule Equestria in peace? He doesn’t even have the slightest clue. Finally, Magi trotted over beside him and patted his back kindly. “I know that your past is still a bit blurry, but you need to realize the truth.” Magi assured him, but Helpful just sighed.
“I’ll just try to live with it.” Helpful told Magi compliantly.
“That’s the Prince Joyful I know.” Magi chuckled delightedly as the rest gathered around them curious.
“So, you’ll do it, Helpful?” Twilight asked him curiously.
“Sure.”
“Alrighty!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down excited. “Now we go defeat Envious!” Pinkie pie started toward the door.
“But wait.” Magi stopped her from exiting. “I must explain something important before you attack the Cursed Prince.”
“What is it?” Sunny asked him curious.
“Joyful’s powers.”
“You mean the times when Helpful’s wings would glow in different colors?” Applejack tried to clarify.
“Indeed.” He turns to Helpful. “Joyful, you have six different abilities each representing a Harmonic Element. The Element of Honesty allows you to have Incredible Strength; the Element of Loyalty allows you to have Superior Speed; the Element of Generosity allows you to Freeze Time, but for a short moment; the Element of Laughter allows you to Summon Light; the Element of Kindness allows you Heal the injured; and the Element of Magic allows to have Telekinesis.” Everypony exclaimed with sayings of excitement and amazement as Magi explained this. “Each can be easily triggered by the Armor of Peace.”
“Armor of Peace?” Rainbow Dash asked Magi curious.
“An artifact that I’ve made for him to defeat Envious,” Magi explained, “But it can only be found in the most desperate of times.” His horn glows and he creates a portal with his magic. “We used enough time here. Depart through the portal and it will lead you back to Canterlot.” Everypony exchanged looks of confusion on why they were leaving so quickly.
“Um, thank you, Magi.” Twilight thanked him as they trotted toward the portal, but Magi spook again as he returned reading to his books.
“Be warned. The Canterlot you knew has become a maze of nightmares and dreaded darkness. It is filled with nothing, but lies, traps, and your worst fears.” Magi explained with a cold tone. “You must stay as one, work as one, and think as one. Envious will try anything to make you hate one another, or make you fear one another. Either way, he will tear you apart, but if you succeed, you’ll find him in the Throne Room of course.” Everypony then exchanged looks of nervousness and uncertainty as the Sorcerer explained this.
“Spike, you’ll need to stay here.” Twilight ordered her dragon.
“But why, Twilight?” Spike asked her confused.
“If what Magi says is true, then we’ll accidently put your life in danger.” Twilight explained to him, and Spike listened and understood.
“Okay, Twi.” He replied. “I’ll stay.”
“You’ll need to stay here, too, Sunny.” Helpful told the sassy dragon. “Same reasons to be honest.”
“Alright, Your Highness, but please don’t get hurt.” Sunny replied as she stood next to Spike. “I mean, if you died than who’s gonna live with me in the Mansion? If there is one that is.”
“Yes, I understand, Sunny.” Helpful chuckled by her humor.
“Y-You should stay here too, Snowy.” Fluttershy told the Ice Dragon kindly.
“Y-Yeah, I know.” Snowy replied as he stood next to the two other dragons. “You go save the world, guys.” Everypony nodded their head in agreement, and they gave their goodbye hugs, and they entered into the portal. It closed and Magi sighed nervous.
“Please win.” He breathed to himself with a small tone of hope.

Light, Darkness, and Chaos

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Chapter 20

Light, Darkness, and Chaos

Inside the secret chamber of Star Swirl the Bearded’s Wing, the Aquamarine above shone brightly and Polaris was released from the gemstone. He scanned around himself with a cold glare. A dark presence had taken over the castle and he has twisted it to a demonic maze of pure chaos. Before he could search for this entity, a portal opened before him and out trotted Helpful the Selfless, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. Each wondering where they were, but before they could converse among themselves, they noticed Polaris with them in the same room. Rarity was just flabbergasted beyond belief at the sight of such a massively handsome stallion. Helpful immediately remembered who he was the second he saw the Star. “Polaris; Librarian of Prophecies.” Helpful greeted delightedly, but a bit confused on how he knew him so much. “How’d you get here?”
“Prince Joyful?” Polaris gasped surprised. “Seems that Magi has cleared your amnesia.”
“Uh…somewhat.”
“Uh, you two know each other?” Applejack asked them curious.
“Joyful has met me under four thousand years ago when he was a colt.” Polaris explained thoughtfully. “Envious has now twisted up this castle into his own image, Your Highness. I can lead you toward a safe route into the throne room without becoming trapped inside.” The Star floated gently across the floor to the door that sealed them inside the secret chamber, and he used his magic to open it wide. “Follow me.” Everypony followed Polaris to the door and were all astonished to find that, what was once Star Swirl the Bearded’s Wing, became a twisted labyrinth of shelves and books. Books even floated across the air and shelves floated along with them. “Oh-no.” Twilight remarked heavily worried. “Envious has twisted and turned our beloved Canterlot Castle into a Maze of Darkness.”
“Just like Magi said!” Pinkie Pie added cheerfully.
“Is there a way down?” Helpful asked for they were awfully high up in a shelf that was too high for them all to jump off. He looked down and there was no end in sight of the abyss under them.
“We just need to walk on the book shelves like so!” Pinkie’s voice shouted as they all spotted her standing on the shelf sideways with a delighted smile.
“Pinkie Pie! How did you do that?” Rarity exclaimed in shock.
“I just watch Polaris do it.” Pinkie pointed out to Polaris walking across the ceiling ahead of them.
“Oh, Celestia! There he goes!” Helpful exclaimed in surprise as he walked onto the shelf sideways with Pinkie Pie. “Magi knows that Star will lead without warning. C’mon!” Helpful ran ahead catching up to Polaris on the ceiling. The others soon followed; a little hesitantly, but they followed, and they were all walking onto the ceiling. “How is this even possible?” Twilight asked Polaris confused.
“It isn’t.” He answered her with no other explanation. A huge, dark laughter filled the room and the bookcases that floated around floated up slowly toward them making a maze-like pattern and they were all trapped inside the maze of bookcases; separated from one another. “This is just like when Discord took over Equestria, now were all sunk.” Twilight remarked scared, but then the bookcases ignited and burned into ashes all around them, and Polaris stood with a small inferno in his horns, but it soon died down to its calmer state.
“Are you all well?” Polaris asked them concerned.
“We’re all fine, Polaris.” Helpful answered him for them. “We should continue moving.” Fluttershy ran over to hug Helpful for comfort.
“Well, I’m feeling a little faint over all this drama.” Rarity answered and she laid onto the floor. “Would somepony please carry me to the throne room?”
“I have the strength to carry you and ten other mares at once, Milady.” Polaris scooped up Rarity with his magic. “I shall carry you.” Rarity giggled excitedly as they continued across the ceiling. It seemed that entire Labyrinth of books stretched for miles, but they found the exit of the massive complex. Helpful was the first to enter into the hallway from the strange library and he helped in his friends as they tried to walk inside with him. As Helpful helped Twilight inside, Polaris landed inside with Rarity laying on his back. The White Unicorn had the hugest smile Helpful’s ever seen from her. It was mostly awkward to him, but he decided to put the thought aside and allowed Polaris to lead them. “I’m glad that’s over with.” Applejack sighed of relief as they followed Polaris into a hallway that seemed to be destroyed from top to bottom with claw marks littered all over the place and numerous items destroyed and scattered around.
“Looks like the Minions had a party last night.” Rainbow Dash remarked a little astonished to find everything so obliterated and ruined. “How are we going to find the throne room; if the castle is just a giant Labyrinth, Polaris?”
“Simple, Spirit of Loyalty.” Polaris explained calmly as they continued. “As we all know that Darkness is the opposite of Light, and if you want to find something lost in Darkness, you would need Light to clearly see everything.”
“I see what you mean, Polaris.” Twilight replied thoughtfully. “But how will that help us here?”
“Let the answer come to you.” Silence settled in around them as they all exchanged looks of confusion. They all trotted up to the door of the hallway’s exit into the ball room. Twilight opened the door with her magic, but all they saw was pitch black nothing. Applejack was the first to start toward the entrance, but she was stopped by Twilight’s voice. “Careful, AJ.” Twilight warned. “We don’t know what Envious has in store inside, so be careful.”
“C’mon, Twilight.” Applejack assured her she was going to be fine. “How bad can it be?” But then as she walked toward the room, she quickly found the edge of the floor, and almost fell down it.
“Whoa!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as she looked down to see that there were spikes sticking out from under. “Now that’s too close.” The others soon joined her and they all gasped in shock to find that the ball room was twisted into a spike pit for not so careful travelers to fall toward their doom.
“Should there be a way to get across?” Fluttershy asked curious to Polaris.
“Yeah! Flying across!” Rainbow answered instead, but then as she shouted, parts of the ceiling fell and hit the floor; making her rethink what she just said.
“Forget about flying, Dash,” Twilight protested, “There’s no way across, and we have no light to guide the way.”
“Ha! You forget, Twilight.” Helpful scoffed proudly as he turned on his wings that illuminated the room slowly. “I have light!” The light quickly changed the room back into its original form as the beautiful ball room. Uniquely, Helpful’s light had an effect on the environment around them all.
“I think I understand what you mean, Polaris.” Twilight told the Star as they trotted through the ball room into another hallway.
“It is grand to know that you are beginning to understand the differences of Light and Darkness.” Polaris replied as he opened the door to let them inside another hall, but then Helpful remembered the discussion he had with Luna about the truth of Darkness.
“Hold on, Polaris, if Darkness and Light supposed to be different, then how come darkness can be kind and caring?” Helpful asked the Star curious. Of course, this was not a good place to discuss about Darkness if the entire castle was twisted by Darkness. His friends just all exchanged looks of confusion. “But, Helpful, didn’t Envious turn this entire castle upside down by using Darkness?” Twilight asked him curious.
“True, but the true Darkness is only sweet and gentle, and everypony doesn’t seem to see that.” Helpful explained carefully.
“If Darkness is so ‘sweet and gentle’ then how come every pony has suffered so much evil from it?” Rainbow Dash inquired to know from him.
“That’s just it; Envious is using Chaos to do all these dreadful things.” The Tan Pegasus explained trying to make them understand.
“Helpful, you’re not making any sense, dear.” Rarity told him.
“What I’m trying to say is that Envious is only a form of Darkness tempted by Chaos to destroy everything.” Helpful explained thoughtfully. “Darkness isn’t the real enemy; it’s Chaos, and it’ll forever be our enemy unless we see the big picture!” Silence sets in a Helpful breathed to settle him calmly. That outburst was just uncalled for, but it made terrible sense. Darkness could be good, for instance, Darkness can help you lull to sleep faster, and you’ll be dreaming dreams as Darkness grows the forests and lets the water evaporate into a fog to water everything that needs it. Darkness protects others for not letting the assailants be able to see at night, and they will often hit or stumble upon something in their path. Darkness become the time of hunting for some animals for them to find food and live. Darkness brings the cold in the summer to help comfort you when you sleep. Darkness is sweet and gentle, it does not want to hurt anyone, but if tempted by Chaos it will attack and hurt you, and in the end, Darkness regrets everything it did to harm others. Chaos is actually Envious’ real power, and will use everything within that power to rule the world in Chaos. Polaris nodded in agreement as the others just exchanged looks of uneasiness. “Your Highness, I understand the concept of what you mean.” Polaris broke the silence. “Darkness is indeed not our enemy, but our friend; Chaos is the liar behind closed doors, and unless we see the big picture, it will be our demise.” Polaris gently floated toward the throne room door. “That is what I meant to teach you all, and it is a lesson well learned.” He used his magic and opened the doors wide; allowing a blast of darkness lash through them, and they could see inside was a dark room. “Proceed with caution, Brave Spirits.” The Star used his magic to set Rarity beside them. “You have only scratched the hard surface of Envious’ power.”
“Are you coming with us?” Fluttershy asked him nervously.
“Unfortunately, I cannot. Magi’s prophesy explained that your friend was to fight Envious, and fight him he shall.” Polaris started to gently float away.
“But where are you going?” Twilight inquired to know from the Star.
“To allow this battle to happen without interruptions. I will suppress the Minions from interfering with the battle so you may have a fighting chance.” Polaris then phased through the doors before anypony could respond. Everypony then turned their attention to the opened doors into the twisted throne room. Twilight gulped nervously as she walked slowly into the throne room and her friends followed her slowly as well, Helpful was right behind Twilight and so was Fluttershy. As soon as Applejack was the last to enter, the doors slammed right behind them and they all turned around and exclaimed in surprise as Envious laughed amused by their fear. Helpful scanned around for any signs, but there weren’t any.
“Show yourself, Envious!” Helpful growled, and then Envious’ reflection appeared in a window on their left.
“Very well then.” Envious crackled evilly. “Since you’re here, Magi must have explained to you everything, Joyful; my dear Younger Brother.”
“You use that term loosely, Envious.” Helpful glared at him coldly. “I cannot be a brother to a Tyrant like you, and I will stop you from destroying everything in this land.”
“That’s what we’re all here for.” Twilight announced and all of them nodded in agreement. Envious just stared for a short moment, but then the reflection disappeared and shadows formed together Envious on his hideous throne.
“Very well.” Envious smirked under his helmet. “If you here to do so, take your best shot.” Envious then laughed maniacally and he formed several other forms of the mane six made out of darkness. They laughed with Envious as he stood and walked beside them. “Cruelty can so amusing at these times.”
“You won’t be able to win this way Envious!” Rainbow Dash shouted angered by this insult.
“Then let us raise the stakes.” Envious then used his Element of Greediness and the floor around them separated into various fragments and leaving each one of them to fight with their darker selves made by Envious while Helpful fights him. The castle was halved to allow much space for them. “Let us begin!” Envious and his dark allies attacked Helpful and his friends, and there was a great battle in the air. Rainbow Dash bucked her Dark Self away into the broken floor, but it quickly stood up and jumped her. Dash blocked her attack and reacted, but her attack was blocked. “It’s like they know our every move.” Rainbow exclaimed in surprise. The others were having the exact same problem; the Pinkie Pies were attacking one another, but they seem to be landing no positive blows; the Twilight were using the same amount of energy every time they would use magic to attack; Applejacks couldn’t seem to get anywhere with their fight at all; neither the Rarities, but Fluttershy couldn’t fight her own self. It was an impossible fight for her, and she frightened every time her dark self would try to jump her, but she would dodge it and the Dark Fluttershy would miss. “Get back here!” Dark Fluttershy snarled; making Fluttershy run as fast as possible away from her, but she was stuck on a floating piece of stone floor floating hundreds of miles above the ground. How could she escape without falling to her doom? Envious slashed at Helpful with his wings, but he gracefully dodged them without getting his mane cut by the blurring sharp-edged wings. “Enough of this!” Envious shouted frustrated as he pinned Helpful in the floor. “You are becoming a large thorn in my side, Oath! It is now time to kill you where you lay.”
“You won’t be able to kill me in this battle, Envious!” Helpful protested as he tried to push the dark entity off. “My friends and I will stop you, and--!”
“And what? Prance off, like this whole mess never happened?” Envious taunted as he interrupted him. “This is reality, Joyful, not some world where everything is perfect and there is no evil anywhere! There’s nowhere to hide from my shadows, there’s no chance to aid your friends, and there is no way to fight when you can’t even control your powers easily! I will win this fight, but first…” Envious pulled Helpful up with his magic and he turned him toward Fluttershy being forced to the edge of her stone platform. “Let’s watch as your pathetic, beloved one perishes.”
“Fluttershy!” Helpful shouted in shock as she tripped over a pebble and fell to down toward the ground below. Envious and Dark Fluttershy laughed in amusement as Helpful’s tears began to fall from his face and they watched as she fell toward the ground. “Helpful!” Fluttershy shouted in her dismay. In that moment, Helpful’s anger kindled greatly against Envious and then his wings shone a powerful light than pained Envious greatly. “The Light!” He shouted as his magic let him go to fall toward Fluttershy. He flapped his wings as hard as possible and the black tips shone a bright red and his speed doubled in power, even tripled. He caught Fluttershy right in the nick of time, and they landed slowly toward the same pond with the waterfall in Everfree till they were just floating a few inches above it. Helpful was not flapping his wings now, and neither was Fluttershy. They both opened their eyes to see that a golden light had enveloped around them and several animals, all Fluttershy’s friends, came and found them floating above the water. Each was astonished as joyous to see such a sign of peace. Fluttershy chuckled as her little animals applauded and cheered for her. “Helpful, they’re applauding us.” Fluttershy looked back to Helpful, but was surprised to find bright colorful lines dash across the tan Pegasus until his entire body was covered in a futuristic design. “Helpful, what is?”
“Going on?” Helpful chuckled as the lines turned white. “I don’t know.” Golden armor then appeared and shifted into place; first at Helpful’s back hooves, and then to his belly and up till his own face was covered in a golden helmet with a black visor. He spreads out his newly armored golden wings and he looked up to the sky. Fluttershy could see seven symbols appear on his armor, the rest were their friends’, but the seventh one seemed to be a heart. “Hold on.” Helpful told her as he launched them into the air with a stream of red light behind them. They soon re-entered the castle and Helpful’s light fixed the floor back into place and the castle collided back to its original form, but it still floated in the air; he also decimated the Dark Mane Six from thin air. Helpful settled Fluttershy beside their friends, and stood in front of them, but his stature seemed quite different than before. He was just as tall as Envious was and his falcon-like wings have grown to a larger span. His armor was golden, his wings were sharpened like Envious’, and it was obvious that he felt no fear toward the Cursed Prince. “Envious!” Prince Joyful shouted in anger. “Not only has thou stolen control of my Elder brother, but you have also tried to defile and murder in cold blood my beloved Fluttershy!” He light seemed to flicker brighter every time he said a word. “Thou will not be given anymore mercy from the Elements of Harmony, I will promise you that!”
“So you actually believe the Elements of Harmony will actually stop me from ruling this land?” Envious crackled evilly trying to make Joyful unnerve, but he stood there with the most hateful gaze through his visor.
“I believe that once this is over, thou will be no more.” Joyful swore gravely. Envious immediately flew straight toward Joyful slashing him with his wing, but it was blocked by Joyful’s wing and they clashed and slashed in close-combat as Helpful’s friend hid for cover. Darkness and Light were fighting for the first time before their eyes, and the symbolism of it all seemed rather detailed, and it reminded Twilight about the last passage in the Prophesy. “’But six Spirits of Harmony will fight with him and they wield the Elements of Harmony thus doubling Joyful’s power, and Envious will be defeated.’” Twilight turned to her friends with a serious look. “We need to help Prince Joyful!”
“What?” Rarity exclaimed in surprise. “We’ll be sliced into pieces in that fight. Do you actually believe we’ll be able to fight Envious too?”
“Yes! Don’t you remember the Prophesy? We are the Spirits of Harmony!” Twilight explained reasonably. “And we can help fight.”
“Alright!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in excitement. “What do we need to do?” Wind then began to swirl around them inside the room; Envious and Joyful were colliding Light and Darkness against each other so much, that it started to disturb the natural balance around them.
“We need to find a position worthy enough for our advantage!” Twilight shouted over the sharp wind as Applejack’s hat flew off.
“My hat!” She exclaimed in shock as it flew around circles in a small tornado that enveloped the room. The others stared in shock as the tornado started to repel pieces of the castle away.
“This is no good!” The purple Unicorn shouted again to allow the others hear her. “We’ll never be able to get a clear shot of Joyful in order for him to defeat Envious if we’re just being broken away!”
“Yeah! Too bad your little colorful egg can only revive others!” Pinkie Pie agreed with Twilight, but then Twilight stared blankly into space for a second.
“Pinkie Pie, say again!”
“Say what again?” Pinkie Pie giggled thinking this was a Guessing Game.
“The thing you just said earlier!”
“Oh, I said, ‘too bad you little colorful egg can only revive others!” The Pink Mare answered her, and then it all was clear to her. She pulled out that multi-colored egg and she examined it carefully. This was the same Good Luck Charm that she saw at a market. It somehow was given to Luckyshoes and its power has just come out of the blue like stand owner said. A very unusual Good Luck Charm at that as well, for its power could revive anypony, but could it also have the power to do anything? She concentrated her magic and the egg activated and shone brightly. “Twilight?” Applejack tried to grab her attention. “What’re ya--?” Just then everything froze in place and things went into reverse, as if time was going backwards, and the castle pieces were linked back together; it all stopped once Envious and Joyful were separated a good distance. Twilight almost hit the floor, but Applejack caught her in time.
“Woohoo!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in excitement as she jumped up and down excited. “Let’s do that again!”
“Are you okay, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked her concerned; she almost fainted before them all, but she lucky enough to recover in time.
“Yes, I’m fine, Aj.” Twilight assured her as she stood up straight. She looked around to see that everything was back to the way it was. Joyful and Envious also noticed this, and they were confused.
“What manner is this?” Envious growled irritated over his confusion. The Mane Six ran over to Joyful and all gathered around him and faced Envious; each certain about this endeavor was close to a close.
“We’re here to fight with you, Your Highness!” Twilight assured their friend, but then she was surprised to hear Envious laughing at them.
“You fools!” Envious snarled as he used his Dark Magic to repel them into the wall.
“Girls!” Joyful exclaimed in shock as they groaned and grunted in pain against the wall they were pinned into. “Thou won’t get away with this Envious!” Joyful growled as he used his Superior Speed to tackle Envious through the wall to the outside, and they fought in close combat again; allowing Helpful’s friends to fall onto the floor and cough for air. Twilight stood up and saw the fighting ensuing outside. “Oh-no. Not again.” Twilight remarked a little unhappy, but before she could reach for the magic egg, Envious pushed Joyful back.
“Enough of these games!” Envious growled and fire began to form around them both in rings and they circled and revolved around slowly, but obviously gaining speed.
“Thou think that rings of fire will be enough to slow me to a crawl?” Joyful uses his Telekinesis and he used the wind to blew the fire away. “Not good enough!” But then the rings came back and they bound around him; making it impossible for him to react back in time.
“I believe they’re much faster than you think, Prince.” Envious assured him darkly as he slowly floated up to him with his wing outstretched to slit his throat. “You never could be able to think straight anyway, you were always so wounded up in fun, and I believe that’s your downfall.” Just as the Dark Entity’s wing touched Joyful’s chin, his black-tipped wings shone a bright orange and the Prince broke free of his blazing bonds; grabbing Envious and drop-kicking him into the castle; making another large hole in its side beside the first one. Joyful then flew back inside and froze time right before Envious was able to slash his head off again. They couldn’t see how exactly he was doing it, but the Mane Six watched in amazement as Envious tried his best to slash into Joyful, but the Prince of Harmony kept reappearing behind him each second it seemed that he had him. “Whoa.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in astonishment.
“You can say that again.” Applejack replied still watching the battle.
“Whoa.” Twilight then shook her head to get rid of the distraction. If this was going to be their only chance to have the advantage, than now was it.
“C’mon, girls!” Twilight grabbed her friends’ attention. “We need to find a favoring position now!”
“Of course!” Rarity agreed as they all followed Twilight to a balcony on the floor above Envious and Joyful. They could see plainly now that Joyful had Envious backed up to a balcony; disappearing and slashing at him toward the edge off it.
“Here’s a good place.” The purple Unicorn gave everypony their Element and they all walked to their positions. “Concentrate on your Elements; let them flow to Helpful.”
“But what if it doesn’t work?” Fluttershy asked Twilight concerned if they’ll hurt Joyful instead.
“It has to work! If we don’t do this now, then we’ll never get to save Equestria.” Fluttershy then nodded in agreement understanding what Twilight meant. They each stood by one another and concentrated their power onto Joyful. The Elements crackled with intense energy and they all enveloped the six in a bright light. Envious noticed this and reacted quickly. “No!” Envious shouted as he tried to fly up to stop them, but Joyful quickly grabbed him and threw the Dark Entity back onto the balcony; almost making him break through and fall off.
“Thou will sit there and pay for you crimes against Father!” Joyful shouted angrily, and then he flew up a feet and waited for the energy to be shot into him for the final blow. Once it did, Envious coughed and twisted in pain.
“No! No! You will not gain control again!” Envious shouted, but then he looked up to Joyful. “Do it, Brother.” Merciful’s voice came out instead of Envious’, and Joyful nodded in agreement as the colorful energy enveloped him and powered his abilities twice as much as he had before, and he shot out a beam of white light into Envious as Twilight opened her white eyes. Envious screamed and exclaimed in pain as the light shot through him and bits of his armor came off. “Noooooo!” He screamed in agony, and then the light enveloped all of the world; healing the wounded from Envious’ plague, repairing towns from the onslaught, turning Envious’ Minions back to the ponies they were before, and restoring the castle back to its former glory in Canterlot. Celestia, Fancypants, Luna, AC Turnip Top, and Big Macintosh all watched with Ponyville as the light changed into a golden ray that eventually let off beautiful sparkles that fell around them. “It’s a miracle, Sister!” Luna joyfully announced excited as they ponies all rejoiced and marveled the falling sparkles. “Envious is defeated and the world is saved, at long last!”
“Indeed, Sister” Celestia noticed Derpy Hooves opening her mouth for a sparkle to fall in and closed it, but she quickly realized that something beautiful doesn’t necessarily mean that it tastes good. She spat it out and rubbed the taste off her tongue as much as possible; making Celestia giggle. “Peace has finally come…” She then realized that since Prince Joyful returned and defeated Envious, she and Luna both had to resign from their Leadership. She sat onto the ground a bit dumbstruck by this thought, and everypony else noticed.
“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” AC asked her concerned, but his only answer was silence.
“Is there something wrong, Sister?” Luna asked her as well, and the elder Princess sighed.
“Prince Joyful has returned, Sister, and we must give the throne to him, for it was what Father would’ve wanted.” Celestia explained finally.
“Wait a minute.” Fancypants spook up after the crowd gasped surprised. “You mean that you’re no longer leading us?”
“It is what must be done, general.” Luna answered sadly. “We must give him the crown.”
“If that is to be done, but, if you could forgive me for asking, why?” Fancypants wanted to know as much as the others did. Celestia looked toward her castle then to her subjects. It was close time for her reign to be over for a better future for her people, and she walked toward the castle, not answering Fancypants’ question. “Oh, dear.” Fancypants cleared his throat concerned for what was to happen.
“There are some things better left unanswered, Fancy.” Luna told the stallion as she followed Celestia to the castle and they flew off; leaving Fancypants and the others behind.
“What do you think of this, Flight Lock?” Fancypants asked his friend curious, but AC answered instead.
“The beginning of a new journey.” Turnip Top answered, not taking his eyes off the princesses as they flew off.
“Eeyep.” Big Macintosh agreed with his good friend.
Inside Canterlot Castle, Joyful shrank down to his original form and the armor he wore fell off onto the ground; clicking and clanging as his friends came down to meet him. Fluttershy was the first to reach him with tear-filled eyes and she hugged him tightly as the others followed. “Helpful!” Fluttershy shouted with tears of joy. “I thought you wouldn’t be able to survive this!”
“Fluttershy!” Helpful chuckled at his beloved. “I’m Prince Joyful. I can survive anything!”
“I’m just so…so…” She bursts into tears again as she hugged him even tighter. The others watched with glad smiles that this was all indeed very much over. Polaris floated inside to meet them as well. “The crisis is over, and the Prophecy has been fulfilled,” The Star rejoiced delighted as much as they were, “And now His Great Highness will rule over the land as it was intended to be!” Everypony exchanged looks of confusion at first, but then they all realized what he meant. Helpful the Selfless was Prince Joyful and he had to rule the land as should, but how would this all effect Equestria around them? “Do I have to?” Helpful asked him curious, but then another voice entered the room.
“I’m afraid you must, Brother.” Celestia replied as the other ponies noticed her presence with Luna’s.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed in joy, but then she noticed that she did not seem very happy. “Is there something wrong?” Celestia did not answer, but only look down and sigh sadly. Luna patted her sister in sympathy.
“Twilight we must give up our leadership over Equestria.” Luna explained reluctantly as her elder sister lightly cried, knowing that all she has ever done will no longer happen again.
“But…” Helpful tried to protest, but Polaris stared at him reasonably. “Isn’t there another way?”
“Magi’s Prophecy cannot be twisted by anypony, but himself.” Polaris explained calmly. “It is as it should be and we will follow the Prophecy.” He turned his gaze to Celestia and Luna. “When will the Crowning of Prince Joyful begin?” But then a portal opened and Magi of the Seventh Chain stepped out along with Snowy, Sunny, and Spike.
“Hold on now.” Magi protested as he closed the portal. “Truth be told, when I saw the Prophecy before I explained it, I saw Prince Joyful defeat Envious, but I didn’t see him crowned as ruler here. That’s where I couldn’t finish, and I couldn’t leave Raziel wondering if Joyful would be ruler, or not, so I lied about the crowning part.”
“Woo!” Sunny exclaimed in surprise. “Even as an Immortal Sorcerer, he still has problems with guilt.”
“Sunny!” Helpful and his friends all laughed. Spike ran over to Twilight and hugged her tight.
“I’m glad you’re okay, Twilight.” Spike told her delighted. “I worried if you were gonna be okay.”
“Well, now there’s no need to worry.” Twilight assured him kindly as the other dragons walked over to their friends.
“You mean to say that Prince Joyful was never meant to be crowned?” Celestia asked Magi curious.
“The Star Symbols’ power and standards are higher than any of ours, You Majesty.” Magi explained carefully. “It was not my fault that they would not tell me everything that happened. Even Polaris; Librarian of Prophecies, doesn’t know.” Every pony turned their attention to Polaris; who nodded in agreement.
“But—wait—I thought you are a star.” Twilight protested a bit skeptic.
“It is true that I am, but the Symbols never explain to me everything.” Polaris explained carefully. “They just give me the Prophecies and tell me to keep it.”
“Say, who are these Star Symbols anyhow?” Applejack asked curious.
“Star Symbols are the Guardians of our world, Applejack.” Magi explained to them carefully. “Even though I may tell the Prophecies doesn’t mean I create them. They send heroes to us in the most unpredictable of places, and often times these heroes are unlikely to be chosen for such responsibilities to save everything in the world, but back then, we respected their authority over us and what they gave was nothing to be laughed at. They had a secret hidden inside; a center. Prince Joyful was one of those unlikely heroes back then.” Magi continued to explain. “He was one of the most playful princes I knew and he never went to any classes; mostly because, he thought they were boring and a waste of his time and life. Of course, at the time, everypony thought that Merciful was to be crowned the new ruler. Until, the Star Symbols showed us the sign we were waiting for a long time. Joyful was to be the next ruler, but then the unexpected happened as Envious tried to take over.”
“The Unexpected happened?” Twilight repeated confused. “But I thought you said they could predict anything.”
“They could, but they didn’t tell us this for a reason.” Magi explained. “The time when Joyful lost his horn, I tried to fix it back on, but it couldn’t be restored. His horn held immense powers beyond imagination, but it might have still been more powerful than the power I have now.”
“Interesting, but what does Joyful’s horn have to do with this?” Twilight inquired to know.
“Well, as Envious took over the castle, I took Joyful’s horn and broke it into pieces and I used the most powerful forms of Magic I knew at the time, and I formed the perfect masterpiece: The Elements of Harmony. Your ancestors and I defeated Envious after that.” Magi explained carefully. “That is why he holds them all inside him. He is the Elements, and he is you. You were all brought to him because you are all meant to be together.”
“That makes sense.” Applejack replied thinking about what he meant so far.
“But the question still stands.” Luna grabbed their attention. “Will you be the new Prince of Equestria, Helpful?” Helpful stood there for a moment and thought about everything that happened so far as he looked at his friends. He remembered all the laughs they had, all the hard work they’ve been through, all the team effort they’ve shared, all the memories they’ve had together, all the hard times they’ve pulled through, and all the love they’ve shared amongst themselves. How could he leave his greatest treasure in the entire world, in all his life? Helpful could never abandon his friends for anything. “No.” Helpful answered; making every pony gasp surprised. “Besides,” Helpful turned gaze to Fluttershy, “These are my friends, and I’ll never ever leave them for all the spoils of the world, or even a single chance to start over in life. I love them all, and I love you, Fluttershy.” The Shy Mare couldn’t take Helpful talking so much that she immediately kissed him in the mouth right after he finished, and they held it for quite the moment. It was passionate, loving, and above all their first. Once it broke, they could both swear to be hearing the wedding bells bonging and fireworks exploding in the sky as they both stared into each other’s eyes deeply and sweetly. “Woo!” Sunny broke the silence excitedly. “Fluttershy, you just kissed yourself one Prince Charming! Ha, ha!” Every pony applauded and exclaimed shouts of delightfulness. Helpful and Fluttershy exchanged looks of embarrassment, but decided to left the moment be theirs as they continued to applaud. Then Applejack noticed something limp out of the balcony into the throne room. She looked over to it and found that it was Prince Merciful! He somehow survived the blast and he now has full control over his body, but he was hurt badly as he hit the floor hard. “Merciful!” Applejack exclaimed in shock as she ran over to him concerned. The others soon followed her, and Helpful lifted Merciful off the floor and his wings shone a bright pink as he stood his elder brother up.
“Are you alright, Brother?” Helpful asked him concerned. Merciful then pulled off his helmet with ease, revealing his face to everypony. His white eye had been the same ever since, but his hair had oddly grow a little too long as it hit the floor below. “Oh, sorry.” Merciful apologized humbly. “Three thousand years and you don’t have any control over your body; your hair tends to grow too long, especially if it’s just made out of darkness.” Applejack didn’t say anything; she only hugged Merciful tightly and warmly.
“I missed you.” Applejack told the Dark Blue Alicorn, confusing her friends a bit. “I thought you were hurt badly, and that I would never see you again, but…”
“I’m here now.” Merciful assured her with a grand smile that made her cry on his shoulder. Everypony allowed them to have a moment in privacy, but then a light shone on Helpful’s flank and everypony gasped in amazement.
“Helpful, your Cutie Mark!” Fluttershy gasped as it appeared before them. It was a shield the had the shape like Shining Armor’s, but it had a different design, such as a yellow cross with a circular center.
“My Cutie Mark!” Helpful exclaimed in joy; hugging his flank. “My Cutie Mark! It’s here! It’s here! I finally have my Cutie Mark, and I remember everything now! I am to be protector of others, even when I’m not trying!” Helpful finally noticed that everypony was staring at him oddly, but then they all laughed with Helpful as they continued to the inside.

The trumpets sound from the Royal Guard, returned from their tortures of being Minions of the dreaded Envious, whose name was long forgotten, they were sounding the time of the Awards Ceremony in Canterlot Castle. Everypony far and wide came to this momentous occasion. In fact, one hundred fifty--two stallions were awarded by Celestia for their bravery and sacrifice to the crown, including Fancypants, Flight Lock, AC Turnip Top, and Big Macintosh, who were all awarded the Medal of High Honor. Merciful having his hair cut and having himself cleaned up for this occasion, stood by Celestia’s right side as Luna stood on her left, and Celestia held up ten Medals of Equestria; given to only the completely loyal, self-sacrificing, and bravest of all of Equestria. “Hel—.” Merciful cleared his throat to correct his younger sister. “I mean, Prince Joyful, Twilight Sparkle, Sunny, Spike, Snowy, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.” Celestia begun gladly. “It is with great honor and delight that I give each of you a Medal of Equestria.” She gave each of them a Medal embedded with a brightly colored diamond. Under it had the design of Equestria’s flag with the sun and moon. “And from now on you are to be respected and well-remembered of you self-sacrifice to save this world and us.” Later, the Awards Ceremony progressed to the feast and every pony ate a lot of food, including Merciful, who hasn’t ate in three thousand years and only being a figment of his sanity. He scarfed down all the food before Applejack could start. “Geeze, Merciful.” Applejack remarked a little surprised on how he ate so fast. “Since when was the last you ate?” Merciful burped loudly and excused himself.
“Three thousand years ago.” Merciful laughed at the joke of it all. Jacko Lantern and Soarin’ sat with their friends and they explaining what they could remember so far from being Minions and all.
“I say, that’s quite the startling story, boys.” Fancypants remarked surprised.
“Yeah, and it was just terrible.” Soarin’ explain to him. “Strange that I can’t remember everything though.”
“Yeah, me too.” Jacko agreed as he rubbed his head. Twilight, her parents, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence were all having a conversation with Magi and it was going awfully swell, and as for the others they conversed with themselves, but Helpful noticed that Fluttershy had been missing from the room, and looked around to find her at the balcony broken and she was only looking up to the moon. He walks over to her slowly and sits next to her. “The celebration’s inside. Why aren’t you with us?” Helpful asked her curious, but she only sighed sadly.
“What do you think will happen next?” Fluttershy asked him still staring at the moon.
“I don’t know, Fluttershy.” The Tan Pegasus answered her, “But don’t you think that it’s not the time to be thinking about yet?”
“Well…” Fluttershy thought aloud. “You’re right. I should be inside with the others.” She turned around and kissed Helpful’s cheek. “I’ll see you inside.” She continued past him to the celebration, but Helpful did not follow, he instead stared the moon with a cold glare.
“Beautiful as you are, you hold more secrets than Magi does.” Helpful breathed silently, but then he trotted back into the party with his friends.

The Prince Returns

by Shadowslash101

Prologue

A New Beginning

Friendship Begins

First Sight

The Escape

Fixing Problems

Perfect Gift

Cursed Prince

Equestria's Edge

First Costumers

Party Time

The Storm

Wrong Sacrifice

Stingless Death

Shocking Truth

Name It John

Not-so-mean

Follow the Caves

Fitting the Pieces

Truth Revealed

Light, Darkness, and Chaos

Epilogue