> The Seventh Element of Harmony > by The Masked Ghost > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 7th element of harmony Prologue It was a sunny morning. The birds were chirping away and the animal’s were going about their businuess, but princesses Celestia was very busy that morning. She was talking to some ponies for the next gala party they were going to have in a few weeks. Celestia was trying to get the elements of harmony to set up the party, for last time they were at the Gala, they were more fun than the other ponies she usually see’s around Cantorlot. Celestia was calm of course, while planning, but not all was calm. A messenger running through Cantorlot. He was galloping and shoving other ponies out of his way to give a very important message to the princess. However, the message was more than important, but a dreadful message, that Celestia was afraid of. As the messenger reached, the castle gates, he was stop by two guards. The two guards were pegisi of course, and they spread their wings out to stop the pony. “Halt!” said one of the guards. “None shall pass, unless otherwise authorized,” said the other. The pony that was in a rush then replied, “There is no time.” The pony then pushes the guards with all of his strength out of his way, for the message must be told. He then rushed down the corridors and went around a few twists and turns, but he finally, burst into the main throne room. “Princesses Celestia!! I have dire news!,” said the messenger. “What is the message,” replied Celestia. The messenger than replied, with a little nervousness in his voice, “the thing has returned.” “What thing,” questioned Celestia. “The thing long ago before Luna’s time. The thing that you or any other pony that is afraid to speak of.” Then Celestia’s eyes widen. Celestia knew what the messenger was talking about. She has been dreading this day. Hoping not to worry about it, but she knew she couldn’t deny it, for it had returned. She then said, “everypony, we must cancel the meeting and do it some other time. Guards. Use the chariots and bring all of the elements of harmony here to me. And as for you messenger, tell my sister Luna to come see me immediately.” “Yes your highness,” the messenger said. The messenger than ran outside of the room. 1 hour later. The chariots were pulling into Cantorlot. As they were, Twilight was wondering why princess Celestia need her and her friends needed to come immediately. Before she was asked to come to Cantorlot, she was busy studying spells, so she could advanced her magic a bit more. Applejack, were busy bucking zap apples, for the apples, had to be bucked before they were no longer good. Pinkie Pie, was busy doing her job of baking cupcakes and other delicious goods, for other ponies in Ponyville. Rarity was busy making a new fashion line and had been making more dresses for her new clients she had. Fluttershy was busy taking care of her animals, while Rainbow Dash was helping the weather Team out preparing for winter that was coming in 3 months. Twilight and her friends were walking the corridors of the castle. The mane six were a bit nervous, wondering if they have to use their elements of harmony again. Hopefully, it would be something easy they can do. The mane six walked in, Celestia said to the guards, “thank you. Now please leave us alone, so we can talk.” Twilight asked, “Why have you called us here? Is there something wrong?” “I’m afraid there is,” said Celestia, with a little hesitation in her voice. “I have called you all down here for I need your help. I already informed Luna about this. “ You see. Before I was ruler of Equestria, somepony else wanted Equestria. However, that pony didn’t want to use it for good of the ponies. She only wanted to use it for her own shellfish needs. The pony, I shall not name, for it was dark times when see was around. The pony had followers, and ponies that were loyal to her. She had an army. She was going to kill the previous ruler of Equestira and make it her own kingdom. As for me, I couldn’t allow that to happen, however, I could not kill her, so I used a very powerful and tricky magic spell, which I’m afraid, I can longer use I again. I locked her away in a dark place, far away from Equestria. I couldn’t lock her away forever, so I locked her away for over 2000’s years. Her years of imprisonment are almost up. By hearts warming’s day, she will have escaped her prison and will rise again. The sign’s of her escape has already begun. “ You must be thinking of course I need you to use your elements of harmony again. Well, I’m afraid to say, your elements will not work on her, for she is too strong. However, there is still one hope left. You see, you all thought there were only 6 elements of harmony. Well, I’m here today to tell you, that there is another. There is a seventh element. However, the reason why I have been keeping it a secret is that a prophecy was told that the element will come in when the darkest are upon us. The other reason is, it’s not an element of friendship, but what a friendship needs though,” said celestia. “what’s the element then,” twilight asked. “The element of strength. The prophecy that was told it is also not a mare, but of a stallion. A stallion who is strong, loyal, and not so kind,” celestia continues to say. “Do you know who it is?” asks twilight, once again. “That’s the problem. I have no idea. However, I was able to narrow down the town the best I can to find the stallion. The thing is though; he is in a town far beyond the Everfree forest. Far beyond the mountaintops. Far beyond were my laws has reached upon Equestria. It’s where towns know that I am the ruler of land that they stand on, however, they do not care, for I’m never there. Therefore, they don’t obey the laws. The town’s people over there have made their own laws. From what I’ve heard, it’s mostly moral, but it’s somewhat of a tough place to live at. I have asked you all today to go on a journey to find the seventh element of harmony and bring him back here, for I believe that ‘she’ will be striking here first." “ I know it will be a tough journey, but I will help you girls prepare for the journey,” Says celestia. “But how will we know who’s the seventh element?” says rainbow dash. “Stand back please,” Asks celestia. Celestia then uses her magic to open up a secret basement hidden underneath the floor. Celestia walks to the basement, so does the other mane six. Celestia walks over to an old dusty box and opens it. She then grabs out a ring. “A ring?”, pinkie say out loud. “Yes, this is the seventh element. The ring will glow if it’s on the seventh element, and only the seventh element. When you get to the town, find the strongest stallion in the town, and put this on him. If it glows, then it is him. I then want you to being him back here, so I can talk to him and make sure he’s prepared for the fight,” says celestia. “But what if we fail?” asks twilight, with dread in her voice. “I hope not my little ponies. I hope not,” says celestia one last time. Celestia then walks out of the basement to help prepare the royal guards for the worst to come. > Chapter 1:The Departing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: The Departing Twilight “What do you mean you have to go away for two weeks!?”, spike said with a wornness in his voice. “Don’t worry spike. I will only be gone to Raptureville for a few days. The longest part is the travel,” says twilight, hoping to calm down spike, although she knows spike continued to complain. “But that’s far away. Even far away where the dragons fear to go at,” said the complaining spike. Twilight then replied back with, “don’t worry spike. I’ll be fine. Besides, the fate of Equestria is in my hooves. I do not plan to let down Celestia or this country.” Twilight then finished packing for her long journey. She then headed out the door, and said her goodbyes to spike, for she will not be coming back for a while. She then closed the door to the tree library, and went to the edge of town, where she said she would meet her friends. They will depart from there. However, she was not the only one who was saying their goodbyes. Applejack Applejack was getting her saddlebag ready, while Applebloom was complaining how she doesn’t want applejack to go on the long and dangerous journey. “But applejack, You’ll get killed!” said Applebloom. “I know you mean well, but you got to let me go. Celestia is counting on us to find the seventh element and bring him back. Besides, you’ll have Big Mac to keep you company while I’m gone,” said applejack with a little sadness in her voice. Applebloom just stared at her, with her puppy dog eyes, and then jumped on her big sister to hug her. She then said, “will you promise me you’ll come back?” Applejack then replied with a not so confident voice, “I Pinkie promise Applebloom. I Pinkie promise.” As applejack gently put down Applebloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith walked in and said goodbye and wished her good luck on her trip. She then headed for the door, and left for the Departing point. Fluttershy Fluttershy was shaking a little while she was packing her saddlebag. She kept thinking to herself, how she won’t be able to do it. The reason that she thought she couldn’t do it, was because she was afraid to and step into the unknown, or at least the unknown lands to most ponies. Most ponies just stay in a general area or in safe parts of Equestria for most of their lives. Fluttershy thought to herself, that she couldn’t do it. She remembered that one time, when there was a dragon inside a mountain, and she had to travel outside of Ponyville to reach the mountain. However, ever since that event took place, she knew she could expand a little bit more, and not be afraid to go outside of Ponyville, or to go to any place that was safe from terrifying creatures, that she thought wasn’t safe. She thought about this so much, that she then collapsed on the floor, and huddled in a corner. Then, her pet bunny, angel, came up to her, and drove some sense into her; by using charades on telling her, she could do it. Fortunately, the bunny charades were enough to motivate Fluttershy to go on the trip. However, she was worried that no one will take care of the animals while she is gone, but then remembered that she asked some other ponies in town to look after them. After fluttershy was finished packing, Fluttershy then headed out the door, and to the Departing point. Rarity Rarity was packing her things. However, she barley even packed her saddlebag, because she was looking over the outfits to wear. She could not decide between a camouflage and a snowy white coat, when she enters the cold part of her journey. Rarity knew that it didn’t matter, because it was more about the fate of Equestria then fashion. She even knew no one would care, because the other ponies she will potbelly meet, would not give two shits and one fuck about her fashion. However, Rarity then thought, even though no one will care and it didn’t matter, that didn’t mean she couldn’t go in fashion. After Rarity finished overlooking her cloths, she packed her saddlebag with supplies that she felt important to her. She also said goodbye to her little sister Sweetie Belle, because she would not be seeing her in awhile. She knew, however, she would eventually have to fight while on the journey. She knew this would be very dangerous. She then shrugged the thought off as much as possible, because she couldn’t think about it, for she had to get to the departing point. Pinkie Pie Pinkie Pie was so excited. She couldn’t keep still about going on the trip. She wondered all the things she will see and the things she will get to do. She didn’t even remembered why she was going on the trip. She also knew the trip would be very dangerous. However, she was also the element of Laughter, which means, she will try to laugh and look on the bright side of things, when it gets rough. All she tries to do is shed a little light on a grey day. Pinkie had soon packed everything she needed and was out the door faster than a cheetah. She was even out the door before the cakes could say their goodbyes. Pinkie also talked with the cakes about her leaving the shop for a few days, and they were completely ok with it. Besides, the cakes knew this was the fate of Equestria on the line. Therefore, pinkie was off to join her friends at the departing location Rainbow Dash Rainbow Dash was doing some exercises. She knew if she was going on this journey, she knew she had to be strong. She had to be tough. She would have to fight through things when things got rough. She was doing some last minute exercises with her forelegs and wings. As soon as she finished, she quickly grabbed all of her stuff that she would need for the trip. As soon as she was finished, she went say goodbye to scootaloo, who was her number one fan. She was also not too long ago, taken under Rainbow’s ‘wings’. After she said goodbye, she headed for the Departing point. Soon, everyone was there. They all showed up on time and in the correct spot as well. Then they all looked at each other, and each other knowing that look meant that they could not go back until they came back with the seventh element. As soon as they were sure they wanted to leave, they continued from there Departing point. They all soon left and disappeared into the Everfree Forest. > Chapter2: The Escape > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter2: The Escape Many years ago, when Celestia was the new ruler of Equestria, she knew many would come and try to take the throne. Celestia knew she could defeat whoever tried to defy her, because she wanted to protect her royal subjects. However, there was one that she knew, even with her magic, she could not defeat. It was the Alicorn that only wanted Equestria for her own needs. To be a tyrant. She was the one who tried to take the throne of Equestria in the past and her name was Nightmane. You would think she wouldn’t be so much trouble, even with an innocent name. However, she is a beast. She will kill all those that stand in her way. When Celestia defeated Nightmane, she had to put her in a prison. The reason was because Celestia was almost killed by her, and made Celestia very weak the amount of magic she used against her. Celestia made her prison on a side of a mountain, far away from Cantorlot. She also put her in a purgatory or hell in this instance. It was a hell to Nightmane, and she swore, when she got out, she would make Celestia prey for mercy. The place almost turned her into a psychopath. Her hell consisted of being isolated from the world. She almost went insane. She was also chained in a large contemned cell that had been protected by magic, with guards with the most powerful of weapons, ready to strike. They would attack her even if Nightmane moves her legs. However, that is what Celestia did to her. From Ngihtmane’s point of view, it was much worse than that. She had been kept there for 2,000 years. If you ask, what were her signs of her escape, well, she still had a following. It was a little cult, which worshiped her, and believed she is the true ruler of Equestria, and not Celestia or Luna. The signs were the cult rising, and planning for her escape. When Celestia saw the signs of this, she ordered the guards at the mountain to double security. On the night of the mane six’s departure from Ponyville, the cult had been traveling for days, and had finally reached the mountain. The mountain had been the most undiscovered, isolated, and dangerous mountain to climb. Only the bravest of the brave would dare to go towards the mountain. The cult had been planning this escape for years, and determined not to fuck it up, for it was their only chance they would ever have. If they failed, they would be put in a dungeon in Cantorlot, or Exiled from Equestria, for Celestia had enough patients with them. The cult had planned 3 or 4 cult members to kill the guards that were ordered to go to the mountain for double security. They then put on their amour, and sneaked through the guard posts. They then singled each other, and killed the guards at the posts, and let the other cult members in. as soon as they got prepared with the weapons, they started the fight, and tried to kill every single guard who was on or around the mountain. The fight lasted about an hour, before the last guard’s neck was snapped. They then set up posts to make sure no other guards came. If some did come, they would kill them, for if they let them go, they would have an army at the posts within minutes. Then, the leaders of the cult, or also known as the wise ones, where escorted through the prison cave system in the mountain. They were there to set Nightmane free from her prison. They had brought everything they need to break the cell and chains open. However, the problem they ran into was the magic spell that was casted upon the cell. They were expecting this, and brought their supplies to create a potion that would be able to destroy the barrier of magic that sealed Nightmane. The problem though, it will take a few hours to do it, for the potion was complicated to make. They soon got started on the potion, for it was very sensitive to handle. If they had made it early in advanced, they would have died, for the potion is very sensitive. If the potion was to shake as much or even a single drop was on the ground, and not on a specific magic spell, a deadly gas would have been made. The potion could only work if it touched magic, or a magical barrier. As they were making it, the guard posts did run into a few guards that were coming in for security. The guards were a few hours late, because theircarriage had been lost for a while, but eventually found its way to the mountain. The cult guards made sure none were alive. One guard even begged for mercy and promised not to tell anypony of what he saw, for he had a family. The thing was with the cult was that they were cruel, and didn’t respect the ones that weren’t part of the cult. One of the cult members soon killed the guard and made him suffer a slow and painful death. A few hours went by, and the potion was finally made. One of the wise ones carefully took the potion in the bottle with both of his hooves and slowly walked over to the cell with caution. As he made it to the cell, he touched a little bit of the barrier, and it burned. The magic barrier was made to burn whoever who tried to break open the cell. If the cell was successfully opened, the barrier would still be there, and Nightmane would burn into ashes if she ever went through it and Nightmane knew it. The wise one then took the pain and tried to concentrate how if he was successful, Nightmane could reward him for the pain he went through to free her. The wise one slowly poured the potion all over the barrier as much as possible. The magic slowly started to decay and eventually wither into nothing. As soon as the barrier went away, the tough members of the cult then broke the door open with an iron weapon. They were also successful. However, there was one thing that Celestia never told anypony about. There was also a triggered explosive if the cell door is to be opened. It was Celestia’s idea, if the magic barrier was to be somehow destroyed, an explosive trigger would go off. However, she wasn’t the one who put the explosive trigger on the door. In fact, an inventor of the prison cell put it there, and unfortunately, his calculation of the explosion radius was wrong. The explosion did kill the members who broke open the cell; however, it destroyed the cell, and almost made a cave in happen. When all was calm and silent, the wise one’s and other members stared at the empty space that used to be the cell. They were afraid that they had killed their leader, and felt guilty and wanted to kill themselves for what they have done, however, they didn’t see any remains. Then, all of a sudden, a hoof popped up from the broken rock, and out came Nightmane. She stretched her back and had a small little grin on her face. She was back. She was also released early as well, because she had thought the members would have come to get her near hearth warming’s eve. As she finished stretching, all the members and the wise ones bowed down to her, and worshipped her, as If she was god. She then went up to one of the wise one’s, who had poured the potion over the barrier. She gave him a look, and asked in a venomous voice, “Are you the one who purged the magical barrier, and suffered burns?” The wise one was so happy, for he was acknowledge for his efforts. He then gladly looked up at her, and said, “Yes. Yes I am your highness.” As he said those words, he could imagine what award he would have gotten. Perhaps she would heal his burning wounds or maybe a place by her side. All the wonders he had thought. However, he had thought wrong. Nightmane then grabbed him by the neck with her magic. She made sure to make it tight around the neck. She then said, “How dare you fucking hurt me! Especially your leader! You were a fool to destroy the magical barrier. You could have killed me when the explosion was triggered!” Nightmane then threw him against the wall, and he soon later died on the ground. Before he died, he heard faint noises from Nightmane, and had a blurred vision of what he saw. He then took in the last breath of air, and died where he was thrown. As Nightmane looked at the dying pony who she had blamed for almost killing her, she talked to the rest in a dark voice. “As for the rest of you. I expect this will not happen again. For if it is repeated, I will make all in this room pay. I also have to thank you for releasing me from my imprisonment. I am also aware of Celestia knowing of my escape. However, she expected me to escape near hearth warming’s eve. Moreover, that’s what we are exactly going to make her think. We will study her every move and plans she has for me.” She then thrust her right forelegs out and used her magic to make a black raven bird appear on her foreleg. She then said to the bird, “I want you to go find Celestia, and report back to me when you have found out her plans is for me.” The bird then nodded and flew off into the night sky. Nightmane had watched as the bird flew off into Luna’s night, and then turned her attention back to the ones in the room. “As for right now, this will be our base until I kill Celestia, and take my rightful place as ruler.” She then walked off to go see outside, for she had been locked away for 2,000 years, and wanted to see what had happened while she was gone. Some of the members were afraid of her, but they knew she was the true ruler of Equestria. The wise ones, however, had a big smile on their face, and thought she will rise again and become the new ruler of Equestria > Chapter3: the Watching Brid > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: The Watching Bird Not too long ago, the bird departed from his master. The bird knew of what his master’s wishes were. It has been years since he had been freed. When the bird departed from the mountain, the bird stopped at an abandoned farmhouse, not too far from the mountain. The bird stopped there to stretch for it has been 2,000 years since he had been able to move about. When the bird stopped, he stretched out his wings and was preparing for the journey he was about to endure. Since the mountains were far from Cantorlot, he would have to fly over canyons, great lakes, deserts, snow covered areas, and mountains. After his long journey, he would then had to be careful not be spotted in the air over Cantorlot. He feared that the princess would recall him, and send archers to kill him. He planned to go to Cantorlot at night, so he wouldn’t be spotted and be killed on sight. After he rested and stretched his wings, he took off. He flew for two days, and two nights. When he finally reached the edge of the Everfree forest, he then spotted Cantorlot. He decided to rest a little, and wait for nightfall to come before he ad vanced to the castle. He knew he could get to Cantorlot within an hour from the edge of the Everfree forest. He landed on a tree, which was safe from any predators that felt they wanted to snake on him. Of course he was a bird servant for Nightmane, which meant that he was a little bit of a magical bird, but he was still a normal bird, with a black coat that was black as night. As he was resting, he saw something that made him take cover. He found a hole in the tree, and he took shelter there, until the danger passed. He was avoiding from being seen by the elements of harmony. Even though he was cut off from the rest of the world, and didn’t know what had happen while he was locked up with Nightmane, he knew they were the elements. He could feel the presence of harmony when it ever got close. Since he was a bird servant of Nightmane, he had dark magic in him, and the presence of harmony made him sick to the bone. He couldn’t stand it. However, it didn’t mean it was his weakness, because it was the dark magic was weak in him. Dark magic cannot handle harmony. However, if dark magic is strong, like what nightmane has, it could repel the harmony feeling, and will be able to fight back. However, dark magic didn’t have a problem with harmony, if it was violent, or wasn’t friendly, but these were friendly, and since the bird had weak dark magic, he was opened to harmony. He also knew harmony existed, because he recalled the feeling of harmony two-thousand years ago, when Ngihtmane was fighting Celestia for Equestria. However, since the bird didn’t know what had happened over the years, he was confused of why he felt harmony within the ponies. Fortunately, for him, the ponies didn’t notice him when they entered the Everfree forest. When they passed, he was relieved, and was able to continue his objective. He flew to Cantorlot, and was luckily not seen by any of the guards. He then flew around the castle, until he could find some sort of opening, to where he could spy on Celestia and Luna on their plans for Nightmane. Of course, the bird didn’t want to do this at all. However, the bird was bounded to his master, Nightmane, so he had no choice in the matter. He struggled to find an opening, and unfortunately, he couldn’t find one. He thought the princesses were smart, and taking precautions to make sure that their plans are safe from any spies. The bird landed on a part of the castle roof, thinking how he had failed his masters wishes, and figured he was going to pay for failing his mission he was given. He knew his master wouldn’t be happy with him, for failing to find out on the plans of Celestia and Luna. Then all of a sudden, he saw a small vent, and he was happy to see it, which meant he didn’t fail yet. The vent hole was small, and he had to do a straight dive far from the sky. He then took off from where he was, and hovered about three hundred feet in the air, and did a straight noise dive into the vent. The bird then struggled his way through the vent. The vent was not a straight forward shot, but the one with twists and turns, sort of like the castle itself. The bird mange to find his way through the vent. When the bird finally found the way out, he appeared in Celestia’s studies. He looked around to see if there was anypony there, and fortunately for him, there was no living creature insight. He then tried to see if there was a way out of the room, and fortunately enough, Celestia left the door open to her studies. The bird then flew out of the room quickly as the wind, as he was afraid if he continued to stay there, somepony might discover him. He wasn’t going to take any chances. Besides, there was no hiding place for him at all in the room. However, out in the castle halls, the ceilings were tall and big enough, he could possibly land on a pillar, or simply stay close to the ceiling as close as possible, where he wouldn’t been seen. When the bird flew out of the room, his thoughts were exact. The castle halls were big enough to fit a giant. The bird always wondered why castles had to be so tall, where the ceilings were up so high, that only a hydra could only touch it. The bird then slowly flew up towards the ceiling, making sure no guards or the princesses themselves were around to notice him. He was successful in his goal, and decided to start looking for Celestia. He had two options. There were two doors where in the hall he was. One door would lead to Celestia’s throne, and the other that would lead to more halls, with twists and turns. The bird went towards the south door, hoping it would be the correct one. Unfortunately, the door led to more hallways. He then decided to go back towards the north door, since it only led to one room. It was also a wise decision, because he heard guards coming from the west halls. He could hear them from a mile away. With dark magic being in him, one of his specialties was super hearing. He could hear things from two to three miles away. Therefore, he went towards the north door. As he was approaching the door, he started to hear voices inside the room. It grew louder and louder. Then all of a sudden, the door flew open. It was Celestia and Luna talking. The bird overheard there conversion. “Are you sure they will be safe?”Asked Luna, with concern in her voice. Celestia then replied, “I am sure of it little sister. I have complete trust in them. All I hope is that they will find the seventh element in time. Or all of Equestria will be lost to Nightmane.” Luna then softly said, “I do hope as well. However, which direction did you send them? The way to get to Raptureville is dangerous. Even for us!” “Do not worry sister. I put them on the quickest route and safest route I could give them. I had given Twilight a map to go by. They just left this morning and started out in the Everfree Forest.,” said Celestia with confidence. Luna was shocked at what her sister had done. Sending the elements of harmony to the Eeverfree was dangerous. Even she knew it wasn’t safe to go out into the Everfree, unless you were prepared, with strong magic, like what an Alicorn had, or was strong. Celestia could read the expression on Luna’s face, that she had done a terrible mistake. She then responded, “Do not worry Luna. I realize what I have done, but I know them, and they can handle it. besides, they survived the Everfree when they were looking for you when you had returned from your banishment from the moon. Besides, the other routes would’ve taken them to far more dangerous territory.” Luna then calmed down a bit, and concluded, and gave trust to her big sister. Then, she noticed something flickering near the ceiling. She looked up, and yelled in her Equestrian voice, “SPY!!!” Celestia looked at the ceiling, and noticed the watching bird. She quickly tried to use a quick spell to paralyze the bird, but her aim was off, and it missed the bird. Instead of hitting the bird, the spell hit the ceiling and made a hole big enough for the bird to slip through. The bird noticed the hole, and went through. It was a tight squeeze for the bird, but he got out in time. Then Celestia looked at her sister with sadness and fear in her eyes. Her last words during Luna’s night were, “I hope the elements will get to Raptureville in time, because I fear that our time will be running short.” The bird flew high in the sky. Of course the bird had to make the journey back, which would take two days to make, however, the Everfree stretched on for miles, and would at least take five to six days to get out of the Everfree. He had enough time to go and give the message to his master. After the bird flew for two days, he was back at the mountain again. He saw all the guards watching for enemies to come. He also saw his master, Nightmane. He saw her standing there with a grin on her face. Nightmane trusted her hooves out, and the bird landed on the foreleg. She then said, “Let’s go somewhere private, shall we?” Thirty minutes later Nightmane stood there, with a black expression on her face. The wise ones were in the cave room with her, watching her as she was thinking. She then said, “So, that’s what she is planning then. She is planning to use the seventh element of harmony against me. This is our time to strike.” The wise ones looked at each other, with a worried glance. Then one of the wise ones spoke up, saying, “excuse me for asking your majesty, but she sent the elements of harmony. We’re afraid; it’s too late to strike.” Nightmane just stared at him, as if she was looking into his soul. The wise one that spoke up felt the feeling of her staring into his soul. Judging him, to see if he shall live or shall be executed. The wise one was even starting to sweat for how nervous he was. He just stared into Nightmane’s soulless face. Fortunately, Nightmane just continue to speak. “Yes. I am aware of that. However, these are six little ponies, that can’t even defeat my dark magic. There elements aren’t even strong enough against me. So, this is the time to strike, while we still have a chance before they get to the seventh element.” Nightmane then used dark magic from her horn. The horn started to glow with reddish dark aroua around her horn. Then, with very little of her strength, she created almost an army of creatures and beasts that belonged in the Everfree forest. There were wolf like monsters, beasts that were ugly and flew high into the sky. Then there were scaly creatures that could attack in water and on land. There was about an army of them inside the cave. Then Nightmane speaked to the creatures of the night. She yelled her orders to them. “My creatures!! I have called upon you tonight, for I need a bidding of you all. I need all to go to the Everefree forest, track down, and kill the elements of harmony! Show no mercy!! Rip out there bones and tear them from limb to limb!! Make them suffer the worst has ever seen!!! Rip their flesh off!! Tear their horns and wings off and drink their blood!!! Make them watch as you kill each one of them. Make them cry and shiver in fear!!!” the wolf like creatures howled into the hollow cave, while the bat like creatures screeched into the night, while the aquatic like animals, just growled at the thought of killing something. Then, Nightmane opened the cave door, and let the animals run free into the night. As they ran free, she watched them run with energy after their kill, while she had a grin on her face. A big, evil grin. > Chapter 4: Escaping the Everfree > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter4: Escaping the Everfree Day3 It had been 2 days since the departure of the Elements. They had been walking through the Everfree forest, and luckily, none of them got hurt yet. Usually, whenever they would go into the forest, a monster would try to attack them. They had face a hydra, timberwolves, and manicures before in the forest, so they know they had some experience with the dangers of the forest. However, during the past two days, they came across some add creatures thet were properly a new type of species. One was a slender like creature, that was bi –pedal and somehow worn a suit, and had no eyes or a mouth and had tentacles coming out of its back. Of course, Rarity thought the suit looked dazzling on him. At one point, she thought about to go ask the slender creature where he had his suit made at. Of course, when Rarity thought of this, she then decided not to do it, since the creature didn’t have a mouth and even if it did have a mouth, it probably didn’t know how to speak properly. However, she was still urged to go and ask him, but she just fought that feeling, because she knew it would be useless. She also knew it wouldn’t matter since the slender like creature was focusing on another group of Bi-Pedal creatures. They did hear some sort of weird noise when they got close to him as they were walking by though. That was not the only creature they had came across the last couple of days. They had come across a small floating glowing creature. It even said words, although, it only knew how to speak those two words, which were ‘hey listen’. It did get annoying after a while, but Twilight was still amazed at how a creature from the Everfree could actually talk. They also came up to a pony that seemed to have no eyelids at all. The elements even noticed a cut on his mouth, as if he was always smiling. The pony did look at them but trotted off to seem like joining the slender like creature they had walked by not too long ago. Pinkie did like him, because she thought he was smiling at them. Pinkie decided to call him Jeff the pony since he didn’t speak, to them at all. They also came across a tree that was alive. The elements were deathly scared of it, and tried to out run it; however, the tree never went after them. All the tree did was look at them. As they were running away from it, they heard whispering from it, and Twilight decided to call the tree whispering willows. The elements also came across a pony that looked very ill. His flesh was rotten and all the pony did was moan. Then, one of the elements finally figured out that it was a zompony. Rainbow dash had said it, because she knew her mythical creatures very well. Twilight couldn’t believe her eyes, because she had thought they were just a myth. They then ran away from the zompony, but the zompony never even tried to catch them. That’s what had happened over the course of two days. They were on their third day. Three more days they had to go, for the Everfree forest was big and stretched on for miles on end. The elements were walking an abandoned trail they came across. The trail seemed to be safe. Not even a single animal tried to attack them. The elements decided to take a small break on a nice sized rock they had found. The elements put there saddle bags down to give it a rest, for they were tired from walking the trail. Applejack had packed plenty of apple cider for everyone for the trip. She even packed some for the Seventh element if he ever wanted some. Rainbow Dash decided to do some exercises with her wings, so she flew up high into the sky and let her wings fly. She wanted them to get some exercises. Pinkie Pie just simply rested on the rock, along with Rarity who had brought a book along with her to read from so it could past the time. She had figured this might have been a good time to catch up on her reading. She was always busy back at home. She was contently filling in orders for her clients and trying to watch over Sweetie belle to make sure she didn’t get into trouble. Applejack was also on the rock, eating a little snack she had brought along with her. Twilight took a break to look at the map Celestia had given her. She was looking at the trail they had to take to get to Raptureville. It seemed that after they get out of the Everfree, they will have to hike through a tundra. It was because the routes would’ve taken them to more dangerous places. Over, it would’ve been a short cut, but hiking through the tundra would have been far more safer then the short cut. Then after that, the last obstacles were mountains. It wasn’t very big mountains, however, mountains that were easy to navigate through. Fluttershy was also looking at small insects she had found over in the grass area. She was watching the insects eat the plants. All of a sudden, Fluttershy had heard a noise come from the wooded area. Fluttershy squeaked, and took a few steps back, for she was afraid of that was in the darkness of the forest. Fluttershy then saw green glowing eyes come out of the darkness. The glowing eyes started to slowly come closer and closer. The green eyes eventually showed it to be on a face on an animal. A timber wolf. Not just one timber wolf though, but a small pack, as if they were lone wolves at one point, but joined together to create a pack. Fluttershy then ran quickly as she could to the others as fast as she could. The timber wolves followed behind her. The timber wolves kept gaining speed and distance from her. Fluttrershy saw this, and pushed herself even more to get away from the wolves. She was successful a little bit, but the wolves were even faster. Eventually Fluttershy was able to get to her friends. “Fluttershy? What you running from?” asked Twilight as she saw Fluttershy running towards her. Fluttershy eventually stopped and tried to her best very quickly to suppress her breathing and tell the news of what she had seen. “Timber wolves are coming this way. There seems to be a pack of them.” Twilight’s face then had a shocked expression. She then said, “Alright girls, let’s show these wolves who they’re messing with.” Twilight was in ready position to fight. As so was Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow dash. Fluttershy was shivering near the rock, and Pinkie was trying to cheer her up, and make her smile. Pinkie knew she could, because she loved to see her friends smile, and her friends knew it. Eventually, Fluttershy came around, and gave a smile to pinkie. When pinkie saw the smile on Fluttershy’s face, she gave her a big nice long hug. While she was doing that, the others were fighting off the timber wolves. Applejack found some rocks, and threw at the timber wolves, and the method seemed to work. Twilight used some of her magic spells she had practice. She had used the ones from the time when the Changelings invaded Cantorlot. Rarity was kicking with all her strength at the timber wolves. The timber wolves were pushed back and a little hurt, but still tried to come at Rarity. Rainbow dash was hitting the timber wolves and she was doing very well. Soon, the timber wolves were defeated, but the sticks started to glow, and transformed into a giant timber wolf. When the elements saw this, they were ready to fight it off, but fortunately, for them, luck was on their side a little. A user major came up behind the timber wolf monster, and had stomped on him. The first problem had been solved, but the other problem was the user major. Unfortunately, Twilight knew there was no sure way to fight a user major. All she knew was an Alicorn was powerful enough to take one down, but she wasn’t sure how to take one down without being an Alicorn. The best they could do was run and that’s what they did, they ran until they couldn’t see the user major no more. Fortunately, for them, they ran so fast, that the user major decided to not even bother them. After they had rested for a while, they then continued to hike three or four more miles and stopped for the night. Luna’s moon rose up high into the sky, as Celestia’s sun descended to the ground. They stetted up camp, and had a little food before they went to bed. After they had finished eating, they sat there for a while and enjoyed the fire. Then, they heard a howl far into the night. However, Twilight couldn’t recognize the howl, neither could Fluttershy. The elements froze in place, afraid what the noise was. Applejack stood up, and was in a position to stand her ground. So did Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Pinkie pie and Rarity just continued to freeze in place. Fluttershy, however, swiftly went to her tent and hide from whatever creature of the night that howled through the quite Luna’s night. The elements looked at their soundings, and saw nothing. Twilight made a suggestion of finding the source of the howling, but Applejack quickly shot the idea down, for it was too dangerous to do so. Then, Rainbow spotted something in the darkness that surrounded campsite. Rainbow had seen glowing evil yellow eyes. She alerted the others, and the elements just stared at it, as if they were looking at a ghost. Then slowly one by one, more yellowish eyes appeared. It eventually grew into about 11 pairs of eyes looking at them. Rainbow quickly grabbed a stick that was on fire from the fire they had made earlier. She grabbed the stick and quickly ran up to the creatures, trying to push them back, but her strategy failed. The creatures responded by attacking Rainbow dash. The creature quickly pounced onto Rainbow Dash, and the creature revealed itself. The elements didn’t know what it was at all. It was a timber wolf, but this wolf like creature wasn’t even made of wood, but was ugly. It snarled at Rainbow, and was about to swipe its claws into Rainbows Face, when suddenly Applejack bucked its face so hard, it knocked the wolf like creature back with a strong force. Twilight then quickly helped Rainbow up from the Ground. Soon Rarity and Pinkie were out of their trance, and went to join the others and fight. The rest of the wolf like creatures slowly walked up to the other elements, while having opened mouths while doing so. Their mouths wanted the taste of blood. They wanted to rip off the ponies flesh so badly, they would kill each other for the flesh. The wolf as if creatures then attacked all at once, but only five out of the eleven members failed to attack, for the elements attacked them first. As for the others, they had pinned down the elements, and were about to strike them down and were about to taste their blood. The wolf like creature could just taste the blood, as they were moments away from doing so, they had licked their lips, and were about to bite into their prey, when suddenly, Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed another stick that was from the fire, and set the wolf like creature face on fire. It wined and ran ramped through the campsite, knowing not what to do. However, the other creature ignored it, and continued staring at the elements. Rainbow quickly stetted the other creatures on fire. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to do this to them. However, she knew what she had to do. She knew what she had to survive and save her friends. The creatures soon died from being burned alive, and were laying dead for insects to feed on them or for maggots too soon to be born in their corpses. Rainbow Dash had a shocked face, knowing for what she did. She knew she was strong, but she never wanted to kill anything. Applejack saw this, and decided to cheer or friend up. She said, “it’s ok Rainbow. You did what you had to do. And we thank you for it too.” Rainbow looked at Applejack, with a little smirk on her face. She knew her friend was trying to cheer her up, but it didn’t work. However, Rainbow couldn’t help but give a little smirk, as if it was funny to her. Soon, the other wolf like creatures came back, that wasn’t set on fire. Rainbow Dash tried to set the rest on fire, but fail for one of the creatures’ paws quickly swiped it away from her hooves. It even made a little mark on her right hoof. Twilight then used one of her magic spells she was taught by Celestia herself. It was a defense spell she had learned long ago. It was a simple spell she had used during the time when the changelings attacked Cantorlot and had ruined her brother’s wedding. It had knocked out the creatures, but the shots were fired so hard, that the shots had damaged the brain, leaving the creatures to slowly die. Twilight didn’t know she had killed the creatures, and decided that she would stay up to keep watch if the creatures would get back, but they never did. Twilight had stayed up for watch, while the rest went to their tents to drift off to dreamland. DAY 4 When the elements woke up early dawn, they all yawned away, as they got up from their sleeping bags, to go outside. They all saw Twilight had stayed up the entire night, was very tired. Twilight tried everything in her power to stay up. Twilight even dozed off a little bit from time to time throughout the night. Applejack had felt bad for Twilight, which she had to stay up the entire night, protecting them from the Everefree’s creatures. Applejack went up to Twilight and said, “Thanks Twi, for staying up to protect us. Tell you what, when we get to our next campsite, I’ll take watch.” Twilight had a little smirk on her face, but continued to have a depressing look on her face, for she had been up all night and was tired. The elements had packed their tents and food, and headed out to their last campsite of the Everfree forest. They had left the bodies of the wolf like creatures behind at the campsite. The wolf like creatures that Nghitmane had unleashed upon the elements. The elements left it behind and never wanted to speak about it again. Not much happened that day. No creatures wanted to bother them, nor were they were afraid of them. They didn’t bother them at all. It was during the time when Celestia’s sun was setting, and the elements decided to walk for a mile more until they stopped. However, they came across an obstacle. It was a murky, deep swamp lake. The elements looked at it in amazement, for it was the biggest they had ever seen for a swamp lake. Applejack then suddenly started to pick up stable branches and tie them together to make a raft to get across the swamp lake. When the others noticed what Applejack was doing, they stared at her. Applejack noticed this, and said, “Well, aren’t you going to help or what?” the elements got out of their trance and started to help. It had taken them about an hour to finish the raft, but when it was finished, the elements were satisfied. Fluttershy was even proud of herself for what she had helped made. The elements then got onto the raft, and slowly pushed it into the lake. When it was in the lake, Rainbow Dash gently pushed the raft away from the edge of the lake. Twilight had made the paddle and Applejack paddled through the lake. Applejack had some experience with paddling before. In fact, when she went to the apple family reunions, from time to time, they had a family completion of a boat race. Applejack remembered those times, and how she had won every time. She was a paddling champion. After a while, the elements felt a bump underneath the water. Twilight had shrugged it off, possibly being just an air bubble coming up form beneath the bottom, while the others, were worried it was something else. The others had a right to be afraid, because after a little while longer, their raft broke into two. What had destroyed it was a reptilian monster. It had green skin and could walk onto land. After the raft had broke into two, three of the elements got onto each broken half. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy didn’t have a problem getting on the frat, for they had wings. Applejack and Pinkie didn’t also have a problem, because they were excellent swimmers. Neither did Twilight had a problem foe she teleported to the raft. As for Rarity, she struggled to get on to one of the broken half’s. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had helped her onto the raft. The elements soon saw the other end of the lake and decided to make a swim for it. Twilight had teleported to the part of the raft that Rarity was on and teleported her t land, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew. As for Applejack and Pinkie, they swam towards to the land. However, the monster was hot on their tail. While Apple and Pinkie were in the water, they had felt something touching them. Soon, Pinkie was pulled under the water. Applejack saw this, and went under as well, to save her friend. Apple saw Pinkie being dragged under, looking at Pinkie’s face in horror. Pinkie had a horrid look on her face, trying to hold her breath for as long as she could. Applejack quickly swam to the monster who had captured pinkie, before it went to the area of the lake, where the light didn’t reach. Applejack was losing the monster, but she picked up speed as best as she could. Apple eventually got to the monster, and as hard she could try to under water, she bucked the monster, and the monster had loosened the grip he had on Pinkie. Apple had grabbed one of Pinkies hooves and brought her towards the surface. She was close to land, but the monster was coming back for them. Applejack gave Pinkie a little boost, and kicked to land, while she tried to distract the monster. Apple had gone under again, and found a hole; shaped by a wooden branch that probably had been there for years. Applejack quickly went through it, and it was a second too soon. The monster almost had caught her, but instead, the monster’s mouth was caught onto the wooden branch that mad a circle. Applejack swam for the surface, and was closer to land this time. She had seen Pinkie was already at land, and decided to try her best to make it to the others. When she had made it to land, she was shivering cold. Her friends tried to help her out as much as possible. Applejack didn’t feel any better, but felt pride that she and the others had escaped the monster. However, the monster walked onto land, ready to kill and have the taste of blood. The elements had seen this, but had nothing to defend themselves with against the monster. Therefore, the only option they had was to out run the creature. The elements were successful, for the creature was slow moving when it was on land. The elements were far away from the creature; the creatures went back into the lake and hoped to catch some fish. The elements had later set up camp and all of them this time, had rest easily that night. Day 5 It was dawn. Twilight had waked up with a long g yawn. She had a good night’s sleep that night. Something that she thought she would never had gotten to experience, ever since she had stayed up that one night, but it was to protect her friend she had thought. The rest of the elements got up, yawned, and packed their things. They also had a little breakfast, some apples that applejack had brought along with her. Nothing much happened during the day, nor at mid day. As the elements were walking, the temperature started to get cold. The elements were walking up hill. They were going to higher elevation, so it got colder and colder as they went up. It eventually got to the point, where the elements had to put on their winter coats to keep them warm as they travelled through the remainder of the Everfree. It was around nighttime when the elements were about an hour away from the end of the Eeverfree. Twilight had thought that they had finally done it. She knew that they still had a ways to go, but the Everfree took most of the time to get through during the journey. Eventually, the elements could see the exit of the Everfree, however, it was still far away, and the elements could only see a little bit of the end. The elements also saw some phoenixes as they walked by. The phoenixes were making sure that their young were fed and were all right while they were sleeping. Suddenly, there was a screech in the silent air. The elements tried to pin point the source of it, but failed to do so. Then, Pinkie Pie saw a flock of black birds in the sky. She couldn’t tell what type of bird it was, for there was not enough light in the night sky, to distinguish what bird it would have been. Eventually, the birds came swooping down at them; however, the elements were lucky enough to dodge their attack on them. However, when they came down for a second time, the flying creatures pinned them all down. The elements eventually saw the mysterious creatures face, which were the fly ugly creatures that Nightmane had sent after them. They were hideous. The elements were stuck, for they didn’t have anything on them that they could have fought with. However, Applejack saw a rock nearby her, and a family of phoenixes. She then had the idea in her mind, which could help her and her friends out of this alive. Applejack tried to grab the rock with her tail, but failed. She grunted as she failed at picking up the rock. She then tried a second time. Still no luck. She grunted again, but a bit more loudly, that her friends could hear her. She had one more chance to pick up the rock. She had saw the flying creature, hold up Pinkie Pie, while holding the heads of the other elements, so they could watch, as they statured their friends. The creatures had their mouths open and couldn’t wait for taste the blood of ponies and watch, as they ripped flesh from a pony. The creatures knew that they were twisted and evil. Applejack tired to pick up the rock this time, but picked it up with success. She only had one shot at shooting. She tried to concentrate, and tried to have accuracy with higher aim. However, the creature noticed she wasn’t looking what was about to be a killing of a pony. Therefore, the creature turned her head around, to make her watch as they killed her friend. The creature had one of its long and dirty claws on Applejack’s head. Applejack was starting to get nervous. She couldn’t tell if her aim was good, but, took the chance, and threw it at the phoenix. The rock did hit the bird, but it didn’t only disturbed the bird from its slumber, but it angered it. The bird went crazy and flew through the sky rapidly. It then identified the one that threw the rock at it, and aimed for Applejack. Applejack saw this coming, and with all of her strength, she turned to face the opposite direction that the creature had made her face. Soon, the bird lit the bird like creature on fire. The screech from the bird soon woke up the others, and they too went crazy. They soon flew through the forest; however, some had hit trees, and had lilted some trees on fire as well after crashing. Soon, the small area of the Everfree that the elements were in at was on fire, while snow gently came down and touched their coats. Soon, the creatures saw the flames, and ditched the elements to die in the fire. Soon, the elements gained the ability to move freely again, and rushed towards the exit. Each one of them hurried on their hooves, and pushed to their limits of running. Soon, the elements were free from the Everfree forest, but had only one last obstacle left, before they reached Raptureville. The cold and mountains, which that they had to face. > Chapter 5: The Mountains and the Cold > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: The Mountains and the cold The elements were walking up a hill. It was a small snow covered hill, but they were able to climb it. As they were walking, they saw the fire in the Everfree forest. As they kept walking father from it, the fire had become a bright light, to a dim glow in the dark night. The elements had to keep going, for they could not find a suitable spot for them to rest for the night. The elements dragged their hooves along the snow. The snow kept on coming; however, it came gently and touched their noises lightly. The elements kept on climbing and climbing up hill, but as they did, it got colder and colder. It was too the point, that Fluttershy could not stand the cold, and fell to towards the snow. She just gave up. Fluttershy felt like giving up, and lay there to die. However, Rainbow saw this, quickly went to Fluttershy’s aid, and gave her an extra coat that she had with her, so she could keep warm. Rainbow dash said to her, “Come on Fluttershy. One-step at a time. We have to keep moving.” Rainbow had said it to motivate her, so she could keep going. Fluttershy knew how good a friend she had. She wanted to smile and give her thanks for helping her, but she could not. The cold kept her from doing so. Eventually, the snow got thick and it became harder for the elements to walk through the snow. Every centimeter of snow that covered the ground and build up, the more force the elements had to push through the snow. At one point, Twilight thought she had gotten her friends lost, for she was a little confused on the map. She had never seen these landmarks before, for she was always near safer places and near Cantorlot. She always had since she was a filly. Then Twilight remembered the stars. The elements had to go west, so Twilight had to find the North Star. Twilight looked up at Luna’s night sky and saw the stars. Twilight had always loved them. They were beautiful to her, as they danced around the night sky. She knew all of the constellations and where the exact position they were supposed to be in during cretin seasons. She had learned all of this while she was young, and were in her room reading books. The stars has also fascinated Twilight, and always wondered what was beyond them. Eventually, Twilight found the North Star, and then went towards west. The elements then had to climb a steep hill. It was hard for them, for the snow was so thick, that it would have killed them if they even stopped for a second to rest. If they had stopped, then their body temperatures of cooled down, and the heat that they had build up from walking would have ward off. Eventually, the elements made it to the top. As they did, they spotted little old house that had a light on. It was a little farm house, and when they saw it, they had saw hope. The elements then quickly and safely as possible ran down the hill. Pinkie had slid a little bit while running, but soon gain control once more, and down the hill, she went. Soon the elements made it down the hill and were running towards the little homemade home that was made out of logs. As they ran towards it, the snow became less thick and easier to walk through. Twilight had thought maybe the ponies that lived there had shoveled some of the snow a bit. As they were running towards the home, they could hear music going on inside, as if the ponies were having a party. Twilight and Applejack soon made it first, and saw a glimpse of what was going inside. Both of them saw a family, a wife and a husband, with three kids. Three colts and a filly. One colt that seemed to be the oldest in the family was playing an instrument, while the father was playing one as well. As for the colt and the filly, they were dancing along with the music, while the mother stomped to the beat with her hooves. There was also a warm fire going on that was lit. Applejack could feel the warmth from the fire. Soon, the other came to the home, and Twilight knocked. Soon, the music became silent. The father walked and opened the door. He had a surprised look on his face, as if he had not seen another pony before. He then asked, “May I help you?” Soon, Twilight talked. She had explained everything that had happened to them and what their mission was. The father then gestured them to go inside to warm up and have a hot meal. The children were sitting in the living area silent and stared at the elements as they walked in. The mother started to fix left over’s that they had for a hot meal for the elements to have. Soon, the elements were eating, and soon finished their meal within minutes. They have not had a good meal in a while. Soon, the elements went into the living area to join the family that had kindly helped them out. The family was about to continue to play more music, until Twilight came in, and thanked them for their generosity. The father had said that they were very much welcomed, and told them they could have the guest bedroom for the night. The elements gladly took up on the offer and decided to join the family playing the music. Soon, they sang the night away, with an old folktale that most ponies knew. They sang and danced joyfully, however, not all were joyful that night. The creatures that escaped the fire had kept track of the elements. They did not attack them while they were weak, for they had thought that the cold would have killed them. When the elements had spotted the house, they watched as they ran towards it. They then thought, ‘They would have more blood and more flesh to feast on, for they would also have the family to kill.’ However, they decided to let them have a night’s peace, and attack during the morning. When the music was over, the elements were shown to their room. The room was small and only had one bed, but the elements used their sleeping bags. Soon, they were snuggled tightly in to their beds and drifted off to their dreams. Soon it was morning and the elements were still sleeping. Then the father had come rushing in, yelling at them to get up. Rainbow had asked why, and the father replied with, “you have to go! The creatures that you have told of last night are coming!” When the elements ears heard this, they soon got up and packed their things as quickly as possible. Soon, the elements were outside and saw the two colts help pack a few things for them. The father soon gave Twilight the map, and told them a short cut he knew to get to Raptureville. The father knew the shortcut; for he was a farmer and would sometimes sell his crops that, he had grown himself at the market in Raptureville. Soon, the two colts had packed extra supplies for the elements and set them off to the short cut. Soon, the elements were far away from the house, and the creatures had been to the house. They interrogated the father of where the elements were at, but he refused to talk. Failing to cooperate, the creatures slaughtered the family. They ripped their flesh off. The kids were praying to god it was all but a nightmare, but they were wrong. They cried in pain, as they saw their life flash before their eyes, watch as their parent’s being ripped apart, and watch as their organs spilled out all over the snow. The snow became nothing but red then white as light. They tore their limbs off and fought over the meat. They soon drank the blood that they got when the killed the innocent family. The creatures then decided to stay there, for the elements would come back for a nights stay once more. The elements had to travel through a mountain. It was a shortcut to Raptureville. It was dark and damp inside the tunnel, but the lamp that they were given by the two colts lighted their way through the dark tunnel. They saw the cave’s interior and it was blank. Nothing was on it, but old rocky formation’s form over years of forming. Soon, they reached the end, and saw a little trail that would get them off the mountain. In the distance, they saw the town of Raptureville. > Chapter 6: Welcome to Raptureville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Welcome to Raptureville The elements got off the trail from the mountain. As they approach the town, they saw a sign that read Welcome to Raptureville. As they entered the town. The elements had sick looks on their faces. They were disgusted how poor and dirty the town was. They saw ponies out on the streets. Some had manes that had not been clean in weeks and some with overgrown beards. Some ponies that were out on the street were drinking booze, to drink their problems away. Twilight felt bad for the town, for they were poor, but could have helped them if Celestia was here. However, she could not, because she would be too far away from Cantorlot to do so. She could do as a business trip; however, busy things always happened at the castle in Cantorlot. As the elements continued walking, they were getting looks from the townspeople. However, after a while, they stopped staring at them and continued with their business. As they were walking, a mare threw some dirty water out from a bucket, which the water later landed on a homeless pony. The pony was not even bothered by the dirty water at all, but had diseases from all the years he had been living in poverty. Soon, Rainbow suggested to Twilight to visit the local bar, for there would be tough ponies that would know the toughest pony in town, which would be possibly the seventh element. While the elements were making their way to the bar, the seventh element was at the bar. He was in the shadows, playing poker with three other stallions. He was smoking a cigar, holding up his deck. Soon, the stallion across from him had a grin on his face. He then yelled, “Ah! I have three kings and two aces! I win Knight.” Soon, there was a crowd around the table, staring at them intensely. Soon, Knight said, “That may seem that way to you. However, I have straight aces.” Everypony stayed silent, waiting for the other pony’s response. He then said, “You’re cheating! Cheating I tell yaw! Cheating. I fucking win so hand over the bits!” He then grabbed a knife to threaten Knight. However, Knight grabbed a gun from the shadows. The shadows kept his face a secret, except for the smoke that blew into the air from his cigar. He then pointed the gun at the pony, and said, “Are you sure you want to make that move? I could shoot you, and since no pony has a fucking clue what a gun is and I am the only one that has it, no doctor can heal your wound after I shoot you. However, you can still be alive, depending on where I shoot you. That or you might as well die from the bullet that I put in you. So, do you feel lucky today, or do you feel like you’re out of luck.” As Knight was saying the comment, he slowly appeared from the shadows and a straight look on his face. The pony with the knife threw down the knife to the floor, and said, “Next time Knight! Next time, you better not be cheating!” Then the pony paid for his drink of beer and walked out of the bar. Knight watched as the pony he mostly played card with walked away. Knight then collected all of his winnings and paid for his drinks of beer that he had. The bartender also commented on him, saying, “It looks like you win again Knight.” Knight replied with, “I always do when I play poker. Anyways, here’s my money to pay off my tab, so I’m fully paid off and a good day to you.” Knight then gave the bartender the money as he stepped out of the shadows with his black hat that continued to cover his entire face. The bartender had a little smirk on his face and said in return, “You know this isn’t some fancy Cantorlot, right?” Knight said as he was walking out of the bar, “It doesn’t always hurt to be classy sometimes.” As Knight was walking out, he bumped into the elements. Knight then trotted away from the bar. Soon, the elements walked into the bar to ask who the toughest pony there was in town. As the elements walked in, everything in the bar became silent. The bartender soon spoke up, saying, “Don’t mind them fellas. They never really see anypony with high class come walking in here. Is there anything that I can assist you with ladies?” Twilight then spoke up. “Yes. We need to know who in this town is the toughest and strongest pony.” Every pony then laughed at that. They thought it was a joke, because no pony waltzes on in and ask who the toughest was around town. Besides, they knew they could not even talk to him. “And why do you ask?” said one of the ponies at the bar. Twilight then said, “Princess Celestia has ordered us to come and bring the Seventh Element of Harmony along back to Cantorlot. We believe that the Seventh Element of Harmony is to be here in this town, which is supposedly strong and can help us.” “Well good luck with that!” said a second pony from the bar. Everyone then laughed again. Rainbow then asked, “Why? Is he not here?” Then a pony from a table with a cold beer in his hooves said, “Oh he’s here alright. The problem you will be facing is that you will not be able to talk to him. He is a stubborn one, I will tell you that for sure. Besides, you cannot win him over with a prize or money. The stallion is not got any feelings. He does not even believe in love. He is also the toughest pony you will ever meet. He lives in a cave outside of town, and has been ever since he was 7 years old of age. He also tamed a timber wolf, and I will tell you, that timber wolf is a tough one. Both of them are like a team when they’re together.” The elements then had worried looks on their faces. They were worried they may not be able to save Cantorlot. They fear that they might fail in their mission. A mission that they were sent by Celestia herself. Twilight then asked, “Where can we find him?” The pony continued to talk. “It’s in the white forest, in the only cave in that forest that is. The forest is on the opposite side of town. However, if I were you, I would not go. Townsfolk are saying that there will be a blizzard tonight.” Twilight was satisfied that she got an answer and that there might be hope in saving Equestria after all. However, she feared that the blizzard would prevent them to return in time, so the Seventh Element could prepare for Nightmanes return. Soon, the elements had left the bar. They all soon looked towards the east of the town and saw dark clouds brewing up ahead. They were going towards the blizzard.