Apple Bloom wishes she knew how long she has been chained to the chair. She knows it has been hours, but with nothing to look at except for a stone wall and a solid slab of stone for a table, time has eroded into nothing. The only light comes from small torches placed at the corners and the only entrance is a metal door with a glowing rune on it, both of which leave Apple Bloom's gut twisted in a not. There is also the Amulet of the King.

It is sitting on the table, directly in front of her, gleaming in the light like a polished blade, and she does not know if it is the Amulet making the echoing heartbeats or her own. Either way, it is nerve wrecking.

Apple Bloom's tired body perks when the metal door groans, and she winces with drooped ears when it scrapes against the floor, assaulting her ears with a terrible screech. The ponies that enter take her breath away.

The first is a pale green alicorn mare with the tips of her wings and her mane and tail dark green. She is wearing a woven crown of flowery branches, golden bracelets of leafy patterns on her wrists and upper arms, and has a flowing white dress made of silk with a simple green belt around her waist. Covering her dress is a midnight blue cuirass with a silver moon on her chest, and her shins and forearms are protected by silver plates with dark blue trim. Her weapon, from what Apple Bloom can see, is a curved blade with leafs engraved in it.

The second is a gray bat-like alicorn stallion; leather wings, fangs and all. His dark purple mane is short and messy and his golden eyes appear to be friendly, much to her surprise. His armor is similar to the mare's, only he is not wearing a dress, but a thick, lavender tunic. His weapon of choice appears to be a simple, very straight blade with absolutely nothing fancy about it.

His hands are clamped behind his back, and when he steps forward Apple Bloom tenses, but her tension gets an added burden of confusion when the bat alicorn smiles and holds out a small bag.

“Cookies?” he says.

Apple Bloom shakes her head, too dumbfounded to speak, and the green alicorn growls and marches forward.

“Enough chitchat!” she says. She grabs Apple Bloom' shoulders and peers directly into her eyes, burning away any chance of survival and hope for a pleasant death. “Who are you? Who sent you? Start talking, now!”

“My name is-”

“Shut up!”

The alicorn mare slaps Apple Bloom's cheek, jerking her head to the side, leaving a red mark and her eyes spinning. The foaling does not know if she should cry or stay quiet. The slap stings, but her brain is a scrambled box of gibberish at this point and she really has no idea how to decipher what the heck is going on.

“Don't be so hard on her, Nina,” says the bat alicorn, now slinking behind Apple Bloom and placing his hands on her shoulders. “She is just a little thing. Just look at that face. Isn't she adorable?”

Apple Bloom looks at Nina, and even though she did not want to, the pain in her face has caused her eyes to water and her lips to pucker.

Nina huffs and folds her arms across her chest. “She is deceptively evil. Like the Filly Scouts.”

“No, I don't think so.” The alicorn stallion's horn and hand glow, and a comfortable chair appears next to Apple Bloom, which he takes and drapes one leg over the other in a sort of feminine way. “I think she just got wrapped up in something that was not her fault. I think she was given the short end of the stick which set into motion events that led her here. Am I right, Miss...?”

Apple Bloom nods.

“Well, what's your name, foaling?” sneers Nina. “And no lying. If you lie, I will hurt you.”

“Apple Bloom,” says the foaling quietly.

“We just need to know how you came across this particular item,” says the stallion alicorn, his finger tapping against the Amulet.

Apple Bloom looks at the cursed object again, and just by looking it she feels nauseous. For that reason she averts her eyes to the floor.

“Twilight the Purple gave it to me for safekeeping while she went away for research or something,” says Apple Bloom. “But she never arrived at our meeting spot and we had to use her brother for help.”

“Okay,” says the bat alicorn. “So, how did you wind up with Braeburn Apple instead of Shining Armor?”

Apple Bloom is hesitant, but with the gazes of two angelic creatures staring at her with various levels of intensity, she starts stalking. She explains how she and Twist met the other foalings, their trip to Breeze, her encounter with Shining Armor, and her her near death experience against the Windigos. She also tells them about the Monastery and how it was attacked, and then how Rainbow Dash got them lost in the woods, which is where they ran into Braeburn. After that, she explains how the conversation between him and her went, and how pleasantly boring their travel was until they were attacked by the plants.

“That was me,” says Nina when Apple Bloom finishes the story with the plants. “That was all me.”

Apple Bloom decides it is best to hold her tongue about that particular subject, but one question does gnaw at her, so she asks with yet another moment of hesitation.

“My friends. What happened to my friends?” asks Apple Bloom.

“Well,” begins the bat alicorn, “how that question is answered depends on how you answer mine.”

Apple Bloom's heart drops into stomach, and she gulps loudly with beads of sweat trailing her face and neck.

“Answer wisely,” says Nina.

“Answer very wisely,” says the bat alicorn.

“If you answer unwisely we will kill you on the spot.”

“Stab in the heart. Beheading. Incineration. Stuff like that. So, are you ready?”

At this point, Apple Bloom's mouth is dry like desert sand and her heart feels like an over inflated bag waiting to burst, but she still answers with a nod and a croaky verbal acknowledgment.

“What is the color of Purity Smith's bedroom rug?” asks the bat alicorn.

Apple Bloom blinks. “What?”

Nina steps closer to Apple Bloom.

“What land do you hail from?” she asks.

Apple Bloom tilts her head slightly, brows furrowed and mouth slightly open, and the bat alicorn sighs and looks down, rubbing his brow.

“What?” says Apple Bloom.

“What, eh? Do they speak Equestrian in What?” says Nina.

“What?”

Nina grabs Apple Bloom's shoulder and goes nose to nose with her, growling viciously and digging her fingers into the foaling's shoulders, bringing tears to her eyes from the pain.

“Equestrian, you quim! Do you speak it!” yells Nina.

“Yes!” cries Apple Bloom.

“Then you know what I'm saying!”

“Yes!”

“What is the color of the rug in your granny's bedroom!”

“What?”

Nina slaps Apple Bloom on the other cheek, jerking her to the side and almost throwing her to the floor. Her cheek burns and tears swell in her eyes, and she yelps when Nina pulls her upright roughly. When she is straightened, Apple Bloom squeezes her eyes shut and whimpers. Her whole body is trembling and her heart races as tears soak her face and clean off the thin trails of blood left from the slap.

“The rug in your granny's room, what color is it!” yells Nina.

“Wha- What?” stammers Apple Bloom.

Nina growls, yanks out a hidden knife and presses her blade against the foaling's throat.

“Say what again! Say what again! I dare you! I double dare you, you filthy quim! Say what one more time!” screams Nina over Apple Bloom's sobbing and garbled begs for her to stop. “What is the color of the rug in your Grandma Purity's bedroom!”

“Your question doesn't make any sense! Granny don't got a rug in her room!” says Apple Bloom.

The bat alicorn smiles, and with a snap of his fingers and a flash from his horn, the chains fall off of Apple Bloom and clatter to the floor. Nina also steps back and sheaths her blade, nodding approvingly.

“Good answer,” says Nina.

As much as Apple Bloom wants to know what is going on, she is too terrified to move, much less speak or mention the w-word. She only stares at the two alicorns, eyes red and drenched, like her cheeks, and her trembling hands dig into the arms of the chair. She is sure she is leaving an indent in the chair, and her eyes snap to the door when it opens again, revealing another alicorn mare surrounded by well armed and armored guards, who are also bat alicorns in appearance.

In Apple Bloom's eyes, the new mare looks sick, and not even the flowing, silver dress and lavender eye makeup can hide it. Her grayish-blue body struggles to remain upright, heavy bags line her cyan eyes, and her mane, despite it being tied into a ponytail, still has clumps hanging loose.

With the alicorn's arrival, Apple Bloom's interrogators are quick to bow and she orders them at ease in a weak, worn voice.

“Princess Luna, we found the Amulet and its Bearer,” says the bat alicorn. “And the Bearer is not a Changeling.”

Apple Bloom watches Luna cautiously approach the Amulet, and when she extends her hand to grab it she suddenly stops, balls it into a fist and brings it to her chest. She then nods to her guards, and two of them step forward with clamps in their hands while a third carries a box. They put the Amulet in the box, which is sealed good and tight with six locks, two wrapped chains padlocked together and then finally it is placed in a larger box that a fourth alicorn brings out and it is locked with five combination locks. Once that is said and done, the last two alicorns grab a side of it and exit the room without a word, leaving Luna, Apple Bloom and her interrogators alone.

“Ribalue. Nina. See to it that the foaling is cleansed and prepared for the meeting,” says Luna. “We shall alert our sister of the Amulet's arrival.”

“Of course,” says the stallion, Ribalue.

“Consider it done, Princess,” says Nina.

Luna nods and leaves, and once she is out of sight the two alicorns turn to Apple Bloom and grin. Widely. Very widely. And Ribalue drums his fingers together excitedly while Nina cracks her knuckles, both snickering or giggling gleefully.

“We're going to have so much fun,” says Nina.

“So much fun,” says Ribalue.

Apple Bloom gulps.

It takes the alicorn maidens a few hours to scrub Apple Bloom clean from ear tip to toe tip, but now the foaling feels amazing. Lighter, even. With all the dirt and grime washed away, the alicorns take her measurements, and she has a clear look at the scars that have ruined her pelt. The largest are the wounds from the Amulet and Star Swirl, but she spots dozens of smaller scratches she never realized she had, and her body still feels sore from traveling and Nina's plant assault. When the measurements are completed, Apple Bloom is given a robe that is a little large, but still comfortable, and she is given a book by Nina and ordered to relax. She is does as she is told, and her interrogators leave her be. Apple Bloom is alone for a few hours and is halfway through the book when Nina and Ribalue take her away to be dressed in her new garment.

When the alicorns finish dressing Apple Bloom, she stares at herself in a crystal clear mirror, trying not to look like she is suffocating from the dark green, brown laced corset squeezing her life away. Below the corset is a light green dress that reaches her ankles, and beneath that is a light brown undershirt that covers her arms. A golden belt with a ruby in its center wraps around her waist, and a twin collar is wrapped around her neck. She hates the collar. It reminds her too much of Sprinkles choking the life out of her on that insane night. Really, the only thing Apple Bloom likes about the suffocating is that they have tied her bow to her hair, and it was washed and redyed so its red is like new.

Then there is her makeup, which is not too bad. It is a light shade of green around her eyes, and they put a powder on her cheeks to hide the scars. She still wants to wash it off, though. It feels like flour, but tastes a whole lot worse.

“You look adorable!” squeals Nina.

Apple Bloom will do everything she can to forget that she heard that.

“Our shift it almost up,” says Ribalue, holding a pair of sandals with long straps. “This is definitely not how I envisioned this night to go.”

Nina takes the sandals and gives them to Apple Bloom while smirking at her partner. “Jealous that I got to have all the fun tonight?”

“Yes, but next time I get to capture the wanderers and be the bad guard.”

“Of course.”

“As for you.” Ribalue approaches Apple Bloom, who is now putting on her sandals with some difficulty. “My brother will come to pick you up shortly. His name is Eulabir, he wears an officer's armor and is bright only on the outside, but his personality is in need of improvement. Now, when he comes in, the first thing you say to him is that I -Ribalue- checked you and you are not a changeling. If you do not... well, you'll be hurting. Good luck and have fun at the meeting.”

Ribalue pats Apple Bloom on the head and strolls out, and Nina follows close behind, grinning and mouthing: “Good luck.”

When the door closes, Apple Bloom officially decides that she doesn't like Armonia, and after a few minutes of waiting, the door opens up again and an alicorn as described by Ribalue enters. She stands stiff and stares at him, smiling anxiously, and he stares back at her, bright eyed and bushy tailed.

“Eh... Hi,” says Apple Bloom with a quick wave. “Are you Eulabir?”

The alicorn slides into a striking position with his hand on his blade. “How do you know my name?”

Apple Bloom steps back, eyes wide and hands up. “Your brother, Ribalue, told me. And I'm not a changeling, he already checked me out, so can we do whatever it is we need to do?”

“Who's Ribalue?”

Apple Bloom raises a brow. “Your brother.”

Eulabir stares at her.

“He's a bat thing,” says Apple Bloom.

Eulabir continues staring.

“He's with a mare named Nina,” says Apple Bloom.

Eulabir blinks.

Apple Bloom huffs and drops her hands to her sides. “You seriously don't know what your own brother looks like?”

Eulabir thinks for a little bit longer, and then he frowns and relaxes somewhat, but still keeps his hand on his blade. “He is not my brother. He wants to be, but it will never happen. Now, come along, your presence is requested at the Council.”

“But what about my friends?” asks Apple Bloom.

“You'll see them in due time. Now, let's go. Time is wasting.”

Apple Bloom breathes through her nose and reluctantly follows Eulabir. He leads her ooutside and the first thing she catches -besides the morning chill- is how spacious and heavenly Armonia is. Spires and domed buildings tower into the sky, all made with white bricks and covered by golden roofs that reflect the sunlight. Decorative flags wave in the gentle breeze, and covered walkways held up by decorative pillars connect the structures. Outside the walkways are brick paths that lead to gardens, lush grass and healthy trees. Loose leaves are blown across the ground and a float in clear waters that curve elegantly through the city. And surrounding it all is a massive wall standing firm on the mountains with defensive towers placed equally apart.

“Keep up, foaling,” says Eulabir.

Apple Bloom did not realize that she had stopped moving, or breathing for that matter, and the alicorn's voice scares her back to the living. She sees that the alicorn is quite a distance away, so she jogs to his side, really wishing she did not have to wear the sandals since they are slapping against her feet like a leather paddle, but once she is next to him, she slows her pace to match his.

After a few more minutes of walking through walkways, passing murals and gardens, and going by well established shops, Eulabir and Apple Bloom finally reach their destination. The area is just past an archway, and Apple Bloom sees the sealed box containing the Amulet in the center of a pedestal. She also hears joyful cries and shouts, and she stops and smiles when she sees Twilight leap into Sprinkles arms, crying into his shoulder. They two embrace tightly and Twilight's knees would have buckled if it were not for Sprinkles grip and his cane. Her brother dips his head into her shoulder, eyes closed and a relived smile on his scraggly muzzle. They are both dressed well, too, with Twilight wearing a light blue dress with a gold collar and trim, and a purple corset, and Sprinkles is wearing a simple dark gray tunic with a black belt.

Next, Apple Bloom sees Braeburn all cleaned up with a green tunic and a thick brown belt, sitting in a chair, eyes red and puffy and hands balled together in front of his muzzle. His leg taps rapidly against stone flooring and his gaze is on someone Apple Bloom cannot see. She also hears someone with an obnoxiously bright voice of a mare gushing over the scene between the two unicorns. It is after that voice is heard that the two stop and glare at the mysterious pony.

“He's my brother,” says Twilight.

“Oh, I know,” says the mystery mare.

Twilight's eye twitches.

“Apple Bloom!” calls a familiar voice.

Apple Bloom turns, and her smile widens and she squeals with joy as she rushes towards Twist and hugs her tight. Happy tears flow down her cheeks as she and Twist rock in each others embrace, and when Apple Bloom looks up, she gasps and releases Twist to hug the other foalings. Sweetie Belle, Button Mash and Pipsqueak eagerly return her hugs and talk over each other about how happy they are to see her, all while Scootaloo downplays her glee with a cool smirk and friendly pat on the shoulder. Apple Bloom hugs her, anyway.

Not too far from them, Apple Bloom spots Spike sitting on another bench, watching the foalings with an earth pony mare she has never seen before. The earth pony looks like she has been crying, and her red eyes are staring at the wall surrounding the meeting place. But sad earth ponies aside, just when Apple Bloom did not think that the day could get any better, sees Granny Smith sitting on another bench across from the drake and earth pony, watching her with a broad smile.

Upon seeing her grandmother, a ball of sunshine explodes in her heart and warmth and comfort flow all through her. She runs and leaps into Granny Smith's arms, laughing and crying with her, and they both hug and rub each others backs, not wanting to let go. Eventually they pull away, and when they do, Apple Bloom realizes how pale Granny Smith's eyes are and how thin and saggy her skin has become.

“My sweet Apple Bloom, I'm glad to see you are alright,” says Granny Smith.

“It's great to see you again, Granny, but what happened to you? You look like you aged a hundred years!” says Apple Bloom.

Granny Smith chuckles. “I guess this trip took more from me than I thought. Did a couple of alicorns named Nina and Ribalue ask you about the rug in my room?”

“They did, and they scared me halfway to death doing it.”

“They mean well. Nina is really a big sugar cube and Ribalue tells amazingly terrible jokes, but he is still fun to be around. Can't say the same about that one, though.”

For added effect, Granny Smith nods to Eulabir, and Apple Bloom looks at him, and then she looks at Spike.

“How are you, Spike?” she asks.

“Just fine,” replies Spike. He casts an apprehensive glance at Granny's cane before smiling at Apple Bloom. “I'm glad to see you're okay. You had me, Twilight and Purity worried.”

Apple Bloom chuckles awkwardly and rubs the back of her neck. “Yeah, nothing went right, huh?”

“That's an understatement.”

Apple Bloom looks at the mare. “What's your name, miss?”

“Applejack,” says the mare.

“Applejack? Isn't that a colt's name?”

Applejack frowns. “Its unisex.”

“Oh.”

“Jack's been watching us!” blurts Button Mash right next to Apple Bloom, making her body and heart jump. “Jack and Spike, both! They don't like us having fun, though, because they want us to sit still and be quiet, and I'm like, psh, no. I'm my own man!”

“In a minute you won't be a man unless you sit your rump down and shut it,” says Applejack.

Button Mash pales, and his ears droop and his head dips. “Okay.”

“She's been moody the whole time,” says Scootaloo. “I think she might be PMSing or something.”

Apple Bloom hears bones cracking and she looks to the source and sees Applejack's hand balling into a fist. Spike has also slid a foot away from her, and Scootaloo has taken a sudden liking to Pipsqueak's height. Thankfully no words or blows are dealt because a small group of unicorns approach, consisting of six guards and two unarmored unicorns.

One of the unarmored is a stallion dressed in a blue tunic with a red trim and thick belt, and on the belt is a sheathed blade, with a rose engraved on its handle and on the sheath. The second is a mare with a light gray coat and a curled, purple mane with amethyst ear rings and necklace. Draped around her shoulders is a burgundy shawl, and her dress is a light red with with a yellow trim. The corset she is wearing is also red, but has gold laces and blue flowers running up the ribs and tracing her chest. The design of the dress emphasis her hourglass figure, and everyone, especially Spike and including Eulabir, stare at the mare with awe and envy.

“Eulabir, it is a pleasure to see you again,” says the stallion.

Eulabir stares at the mare. Some birds chirp. A guard coughs. And the mare grins and bats her lashes.

“Eulabir?” says the stallion impatiently.

Eulabir turns to the stallion. “Welcome to Armonia, Viceroy Blueblood.” He coughs and waves towards the Council entrance. “We were waiting for you and the foaling, but now that you two are here, Celestia will be able to start.”

“Excellent. Will Rarity be allowed entrance?”

“No. But fret not, for I will be out here to guard her.”

Apple Bloom grimaces, and Granny Smith stifles a chuckle that no one seems to hear.

“Fair enough.” Blueblood turns to the mare, Rarity. “You heard the alicorn. You stay out here, and when I get back I want these clothes washed and pressed and made anew, got it?”

“Of course,” says Rarity.

“Good. Now, which one of these foalings has the privilege of going in the Council Meeting with me?”

Apple Bloom hesitantly raises her hand and Blueblood smiles at her.

“You?” he says. He bows slightly and extends his hand to her. “Come, then, little one.”

Apple Bloom gradually takes his hand and he leads her away from the group. Before entering the meeting grounds, she looks over her shoulder and sees Spike leaning against a pillar, grinning at Rarity and waggling his eye ridges flirtatiously.

“Hi, there. I'm single,” says Spike.

Apple Bloom looks away and steps into the meeting grounds with Blueblood and his guards. The area is circular, and it is filled with the different pony races, all wearing different attire and protected by guards. She recognizes Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry, and they are both wearing white clothing with green trim, and next to them are armored pegasi and a lean, yellow mare trying to hide a fresh bruise on her face using her large pink mane. The two pegasi she recognizes both give her a nod, but Flash has a smile while Dash has barely contained temper.

Apple Bloom wants to have a look at everyone, but Blueblood passes her off to a beautiful, pale pink alicorn mare with flowing rainbow hair. She is wearing a golden breastplate and gauntlets and has a sword clipped to her belt, but her smile is warm and inviting, and she and Blueblood exchange hugs before he sits down on the other side of Twilight and Shining Armor.

“Hello, Apple Bloom, I am Queen Celestia, ruler of Armonia,” says the alicorn.

“Hello,” says Apple Bloom awkwardly. Not knowing if she should bow or shake her hand, Apple Bloom goes with the latter and extends her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Celestia carefully shakes Apple Bloom's hand, but even then the foaling can feel the strength in the alicorn. It is like a thousand earth ponies, all waiting to be let loose for a chance to cause a storm of chaos.

“Apple Bloom, I would like you to meet the members of this Council,” says Celestia, her palm pointed at the group of ponies before the. “From Unicornia, we have Viceroy Vladimir Blueblood, and representing the Everfree Union is King Adirondack Davenport and his son, Dilbert Davenport. From the Kingdoms of Lookout Mountain is High Lord Igneous Rock and his daughter, Princess Pinkamena Diane Pie.”

“Please, just call me Pinkie,” says the pinkest pony Apple Bloom has ever seen.

“Right,” says Celestia. “Next, we have Braeburn Apple of the Confederacy of Loyalist Houses.”

Braeburn flashes a quick, wicked smile at the Davenports, which they return with glares, but even though Apple Bloom is unnerved by the hostility, Celestia appears unaffected.

“And lastly, there is Clan Lord Rainbow Blitz Hurricane and his daughters, Princesses Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy Hurricane of the Pegasi Tribes,” says Celestia. She then places her hand on Apple Bloom's shoulder and says with a bright smile: “And this, everypony, is Apple Bloom of Greenhill, daughter of Rose Bloom and Algal Bloom, and she is the Amulet Bearer.”

A heavy silence bears down on the Council, and all eyes fall on Apple Bloom. She gulps and wrings her hands together, wishing for someone -anyone- to blink. But no one moves. Everyone is stiff and staring right through her, not wanting to believe the truth their eyes and ears have revealed to them. It is only when the silence becomes nigh unbearable does Celestia gently guide Apple Bloom to her seat, which is between her and Twilight.

“As if our luck couldn't be any worse,” says Blitz as Apple Bloom sits. “First, the Shadow of the North emerges, then the Amulet of the King wakes, and now we come to find out that a foaling has been bound to it.”

Apple Bloom's shoulders and ears droop, and she nibbles her lips, looking down, feeling very little comfort when Twilight rubs her shoulder.

“We should not jump to any conclusions,” says Igneous, an old, gray stallion with a thick head of pale hair donned in a black tunic with gold flowers circling the cuffs and collar. “How do we know that this is all just an overreaction? What if there is an easy explanation for all of this?”

Celestia's horn flickers and the box, along with every seal, disintegrates into powder, leaving the Amulet of the King exposed in the center. The air becomes thick and foul, and a chill runs through Apple Bloom as she focuses on the cursed object gleaming in the light. It is a chill that all can feel, for their colors drain and their bodies tighten, and all eyes fall on it; shocked; curious; terrified.

“The Shadow is very real,” says Celestia grimly. “Sombra's rebuilding, and quickly. Very soon his army of the Condemned will march across Equestria for a new Age of Nightmare, bringing an end to every kingdom and its ruling bloodlines. All he needs is this Amulet to seal his victory.”

“So, if this is all that the Condemned need to bring ruin, then why are we staring at it? Why not melt it down and scatter its pieces into the sea?” says Adirondack.

“It is not that simple,” says Celestia. “The Amulet cannot be destroyed by any of our craft. It was forged in the fiery chasms of Mount Dead in the Frozen North. Only there can it be destroyed. One of you must do this.”

The Council quietly stares at Celestia, and then at each other, all casting nervous or terrified glances at each other. The only one who is not phased is Pinkie Pie, but that leaves Apple Bloom questioning how anybody can be smiling in a situation like this.

“One does not simply go into the Frozen North,” says Blueblood direly a moment later, getting everyone's attention. “It is a wasteland as far as the eye can see. It is a gateway to Tartarus itself, abandoned by Faust and claimed by Sombra and the Condemned. Its winds will rip flesh right off of the bones, its cold will freeze armor to skin, and its howls carry the voices of the damned, driving all who hear it mad, and watching it all is the All Seeing Eye of Sombra. He is forever watching every rock, every block of ice, every step and every breath. Nothing can escape his sight and you want us to take the one thing he seeks most into his home to destroy it? That is a foolish and will surely doom us all.”

“And what do you suppose we should do with it, then?” asks Igneous.

“Use it, of course,” says Blueblood. “Unicornia has the best arcane scholars in the world. We will have no problem altering the Amulet and using it against the Condemned.”

Blitz snorts. “Typical.”

Blueblood sneers at Blitz. “What did you say, featherhead?”

“You unicorns are always trying to control something you cannot,” says Blitz. “The Amulet has only one master and to use it will bring harm to everypony, which includes my pegasi. It has to be destroyed, so why not let Fluttershy go and destroy it? She's a disgrace to the Hurricane Clan and needs to redeem herself, anyway.”

Fluttershy shrinks in her seat, nibbling on her lip and wringing her hands, and both Rainbow Dash and Celestia's jaws tighten.

“This is not something to be used as a parenting method, Hurricane,” says Celestia. “The Amulet of the King is the most dangerous artifact ever crafted and needs to be handled as such.”

Blitz narrows his eyes at the Queen. “If that's the case, then why don't you send your precious alicorns to destroy it? After all, we are but mortals, easily corrupted by the dark paths.”

Celestia is silent, and Blitz stands up and starts circling the table, eyeing everybody critically.

“To put it in perspective, Members of the Council, have a look at yourselves, and what do you see?” says Blitz. “I know what I see.”

Blitz glances at Shining Armor.

“We're all adulterers.”

Shining Armor digs his fingers into his chair, scowling and breathing gaining weight, and Twilight puts her hand over his and casts a hateful look at the pegasus, as does Blueblood. Blitz then looks at Adirondack.

“We're all greedy.”

Adirondack's only move is a tender caressing of the Apple pendant around his neck, and as this happens, Blitz looks to Braeburn.

“Wrathful.”

Braeburn smirks dismissively, and Blitz steps by Igneous and Pinkie Pie, barely glancing at them as he puts his focus on Celestia.

“Even the pious are envious and I myself know that I am better than all of you, but apparently pride is wicked, so despite me being better than you pathetic lot at everything I am still no better. Even foalings are gluttons, just because I want to include everybody.”

“Since when?” says Apple Bloom defensively.

“A few hours ago when I was in the library.” Blitz walks back to his seat, but remains standing in between his daughters with his hands clamped behind his back. “So, tell me, Queen Celestia, will you take the Amulet to the Frozen North and destroy it? Or are you too lazy to do it? After all, I apparently cannot send my own pure daughter to destroy it and none of us sin-infested mortals will be able to withstand the Amulet because we have no purity in our wretched souls. We will be driven mad by its power and influence before the year's end and it will end in a cold death for us all.”

Celestia stands up and everybody, including Blitz, tilts their heads to look at her with fear and wonder as she steps forward. Her hand rests on the hilt off her blade and her gold plated, gem studded armor gleams in the sunlight as she approaches with slow heavy steps and a flare of challenge burning in her eyes.

“Rainbow Blitz Hurricane, you come as an invited guest to my kingdom for an important discussion and yet you insult me and everypony here with your malicious words,” says Celestia, now standing in front of Blitz and looking down at him. “Everypony knows that to give an alicorn the Amulet will spell greater chaos, and if I were to succumb to it, the Condemned will surely win. It is not about laziness, it is about safety. Alicorns have always been out of the question, so please think before you damage your pride further.”

Celestia then taps the top of Blitz's head with the tip of her finger, and he crashes down in his seat and would have fallen over if not for the quick reflexes of his daughters. Flashing a quick smirk, Celestia turns around and eases herself back in her seat after a short, graceful walk. After sitting, she drapes one leg over the other and places her arms on her throne, watching the Council carefully.

“Regardless of your mortal failings, I know this task can be done. I know at least one of you can do this,” says Celestia.

“I can do this, easy peasy,” says Pinkie Pie a blink later. “Give me the Amulet and that thing will be gone in no time. In. Out. Boom.”

“No, you are not getting the Amulet!” says Twilight.

Pinkie Pie smirks at Twilight. “You want it, Princess? You gotta fight me for it.”

Shining Armor, Spike and Blueblood and his guards all jump up, as do the guards Igneous brought, and Celestia sighs and hides her face in her hand, shaking her head slowly.

“Did you just threaten my sister?” says Shining Armor.

“No, I just wanted her to fight me for the Amulet,” says Pinkie Pie, still grinning.

Adirondack stands up with the help of his servants, and despite him shaking on his cane, he stays standing and stares unkindly at the group.

“This task is far too important for a Pie or a Sparkle to handle,” says Adirondack. “So, Dilbert will go to the Frozen North and destroy it in the name of the Davenport household.”

Davenport balks at his father. “What? I can't go!”

Adirondack looks at his son. “You can and you will. End of discussion.”

Now Blitz stands up, but he is a little wobbly and when Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash try to help him, he shakes them off and steps forward.

“Council, I already volunteered my daughter. Why are we arguing about this?” says Blitz.

“True. Maybe our children can go together?” says Adirondack.

“I like that idea. The more the merrier.”

Braeburn jumps up. “There ain't no way in Tartarus that I'm gonna let a Davenport and a Hurricane take the Amulet! Y'all probably gonna try to use it the first chance ya got!”

“I'm not stupid!” snaps Blitz. “I know I can't use it so why would I even try to?”

“You may want to send your children to their deaths, but I absolutely refuse to let Pinkamena go on this quest!” says Igneous.

“Since when did you care what I do?” says Pinkie Pie.

“Guys, we need to stop arguing!” says Twilight. “We already agreed that the Amulet must be destroyed, so why are we arguing?”

The arguing continues despite Twilight's pleas, and as they argue, Apple Bloom notices pain on Twilight and Shining Armor. They are fighting the pain, but she can see it in their faces and twitches as they bicker with the others. Soon enough, the voices fade and ambiance disappears. All of it is conquered by the harsh whispers of the Amulet, and the bright sun and welcoming architecture of the Council Hall dims and ice spreads.

It bleeds from under the Amulet and crawls down the table, seeping into the floor and crawling up the chairs and walls, sucking the light away. No one notices, though. No one sees or feels the ice going around their legs or the warmth and light fading to the dark cold. Only Apple Bloom can feel it.

Her body shivers, her teeth chatter and puffs of fog leave her lips. Twilight has to take a seat, where Shining Armor comforts her while Blueblood confronts the others. Celestia argues, as well, but the bodies start to darken, as well. Frost blackens their skin, sinks their eyes and their voices become nothing more than faint wind and rustling, dead leafs.

Soon, all that is left are petrified, frozen corpses with sharp ice dangling from their bodies and black leafs dangle from the shriveled branches. And sitting cross legged on the Amulet is the Shadow Foaling, grinning.

“Will you find me, Apple Bloom?” asks the Shadow Foaling.

“I don't know who you are,” replies Apple Bloom.

“You will, soon enough. But you have to find me, first.”

“How?”

“Take the Amulet to Sombra in the Frozen North.”

Apple Bloom thinks for a second, then asks slowly: “Are you a part of Sombra?”

The Shadow Foaling giggles. “What fun is there in spoiling secrets, Apple Bloom?”

The Shadow Foaling stretches out her leg over the edge of the table, her bones cracking and muscles snapping as she stretches out. Then she brings the other leg over and stretches out her arms and rolls her head, her body snapping and cracking with every stiff motion and her smile remaining locked on Apple Bloom. When she is done, her head is tilted and her teeth and solid eyes glow bright.

“When you find me, the torment will end and we will be free,” says the Shadow Foaling. She walks towards Apple Bloom and grips her head with her cold fingers, digging them into her cheeks and Apple Bloom's terror and pain reflects clear off of her eyes. “Find me, Apple Bloom. Set us free.”

Apple Bloom blinks tears out of her eyes, and when she opens her eyes, she sees sunlight and feels warmth, but everybody is still arguing around the Amulet. Save for Twilight, who is gripping her head and having trouble breathing, but only Shining Armor seems notice if his comforting hug is any indication. Though, it is obvious that he is in some form of pain, too.

“What do cherrychangas have to do with destroying the Amulet?” says Rainbow Dash.

“Everything!” snarls Pinkie Pie.

“I got experienced and honorable troops at my disposal. I should go, alone, with Applejack and my colts, to destroy the Amulet,” says Braeburn.

“You mean your company of murderers and rapists?” sneers Adirondack.

“Don't you dare talk ill about my soldiers, you vile piece of shit!”

The arguing erupts again, and Apple Bloom's heart and lungs feel heavy as she stares at the Amulet. She hears it whispering to her, and her fingers twitch on her legs, which are wound and ready to pounce. Apple Bloom's watered eyes dance between the arguing ponies and the Amulet, thinking about the Shadow Foaling's words, and wincing from cold nails digging into her injuries.

“Return what is not yours,” orders Sombra.

“I will take it!” yells Apple Bloom.

Still, her voice is unheard among the arguing ponies. But as they argue, Apple Bloom stands up and approaches the Amulet.

“Bring me the Sparkles,” says Sombra.

“I will take it!” says Apple Bloom again.

“Return the Amulet!”

Apple Bloom snatches the Amulet from the table. “I will take the Amulet!”

The arguing stops and everyone stares at Apple Bloom . Her breathing is heavy, her heart is fast, and tears of pain and anxiety coat her eyes as she brings the Amulet close to her chest.

“I will take the Amulet to the Frozen North,” says Apple Bloom. “It was given to me.”

All eyes stay on her, and Apple Bloom swallows her tears while her injuries throb and Sombra whispers in her ears in words she cannot understand. Still, she looks down at the Amulet and her tired reflection looks back at her from the blood red gem.

“The Amulet is mine,” says Apple Bloom quietly. She places it in her pocket and looks at everybody equally. “It is was given to me. It is my responsibility. My burden. I have to destroy it.”

Everyone is silent, and Apple Bloom look at Twilight, eyes shimmering and ears drooped.

“But I don't know the way. Can you help me?” asks Apple Bloom.

Twilight nods, approaches Apple Bloom and kneels in front of her and places her hand on her shoulder, looking into her eyes with a scared, but brave smile.

“I will help you, Apple Bloom,” says Twilight. She stands up, and moves behind Apple Bloom and places both of her hands on her shoulders. “You will not carry this burden alone.”

Twilight then looks at Shining Armor, and even though she does not say anything, her begging is unmistakable. For that, he nods and slowly approaches Apple Bloom, and she looks at him with just a small amount of caution.

“My life is still pledged to you. You and Twilight will not be alone for this,” says Shining Armor.

He pats Apple Bloom's head and stands next to Twilight, and Blueblood sighs and rubs his brow.

“Wonderful,” he says glumly. “The heirs to the throne are going on a dangerous quest. Well, I suppose I should tag along. The last thing we need is for you two to get lost or killed.”

Blueblood takes the other side of Twilight, and she looks at him with a skeptical frown while Shining Armor and Apple Bloom eye him curiously.

“You should probably head back to Unicornia. You don't have any experience in anything other than royal banquets. Plus you have to watch my father,” says Twilight.

Blueblood snorts. “You underestimate me, Princess. Besides, my brother is watching your father, so relax. All is well.”

Blitz looks at the gathered group, and shakes his head in disappointment. “So, Unicornia has entrusted the fate of the world to a little foaling?” He looks around at the other members of the Council. “I see no objections, so the Pegasus Tribes will pull their weight.”

Blitz removes his armor, rolls it up neatly and quickly, and then he rests it on top of his shield and gives them to Fluttershy, as well as his spear.

“Fluttershy, go prove yourself,” says Blitz.

Fluttershy pales, and despite the voiced objections, Blitz presses his gear into her, and only lets go when she grabs them. She trembles and tears flow down her cheeks, but when she steps back, Blitz grabs her head and dips it down so that they are touching foreheads and looking into each others eyes.

“Bring glory and honor to my bloodline,” he says.

Fluttershy nods and swallows, and when she is released, she walks to the company, sniffling and barely able to walk. When she is behind Apple Bloom, Twilight smiles reassuringly at her, but she looks away, whimpering and shaking.

“Father, you can't do this to her!” says Rainbow Dash.

“You said it yourself that she needed to toughen up,” says Blitz.

“That was years ago!”

“Words stick and my decision remains the same.”

Rainbow Dash hurries to Fluttershy's side and despite her smaller stature, she still puts her hand on her sister's shoulder.

“Fine. If Fluttershy is going, then I am going, as well,” says Rainbow Dash.

“As am I,” says Flash Sentry, stepping to Rainbow Dash's side. “The more the merrier, right?”

Blitz stares at Flash Sentry and Rainbow Dash, and they wait for him to say something, but instead he just shrugs and steps back, leaving everyone once again surprised. Then Adirondack comes forward, dragging an unwilling Davenport with him.

“I am too old to go on this quest, and it is too important to leave in the hands others,” says Adirondack. “For that, Dilbert is still going to ensure its completion.”

Adirondack shoves Davenport towards the group, and he stumbles and almost falls over, if not for Flash Sentry catching him. Davenport quickly straightens and brushes himself off, and after giving a short, appreciative nod, he slinks to the back of the group, glaring murder at the old king. It is at that moment that Braeburn hurries from his spot and stands next to Davenport, arms folded across his chest and a mean smile on his face.

“Well, shoot, if the Davenports are officially involved, why not some Apples? It'll be like the good ole days when we were friends,” says Braeburn.

Davenport gulps and shrinks back a little, and Pinkie Pie groans dramatically and uses her hammer to help her stand up.

“Well, I got nothing better to do, so I think I will join this party.” Pinkie Pie sheathes her hammer and bows in front of Apple Bloom. “You have my hammer, short stuff, and nothing Igneous can say will change my mind.”

Shining Armor and Twilight exchange uneasy glances, and Pinkie Pie butts her way between the two and wraps her around their shoulders and squeezes them against her in a group hug.

“This is going to be fun,” says the Ranger.

“Yeah... fun,” says Twilight slowly.

Seeing this, Igneous slumps in his chair, his eyes distant and Apple Bloom sees his fingers and lips twitching, but she averts her eyes when Celestia speaks.

“It appears that we have finally agreed on something,” says the Alicorn Queen, smiling with relief.

“Wait!” calls Twist.

All heads turn to see Twist running in with Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, Pipsqueak and Button Mash following close behind. Spike, Applejack and Rarity come in seconds later, apologizing endlessly to their respective masters. The foalings all flank Apple Bloom, with Twist hugging her and Scootaloo standing protectively with her arms folded across her chest and a mean sneer on her face.

Blitz laughs.

“That mean look is really adorable. If I was my wife I'd pinch your cheeks,” he says.

Scootaloo's eyes narrow at him, but she says nothing, mostly because Pipsqueak talks first.

“She isn't going anywhere without us,” says Pipsqueak.

“We've been through a lot together, and we'll finish this thing together,” says Scootaloo.

“Besides, you need ponies of intelligence on this mission... quest... thing,” says Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo rolls her eyes. “That leaves you out, Sweetie.”

Sweetie Belle glares at Scootaloo, and Pinkie Pie gasps joyously and slides in front of the group to get a better look at the foalings.

“More midgets. This is really going to be fun!” says Pinkie Pie.

“Weren't you the one that made the fuss about the horse all those months ago?” says Pipsqueak, eyeing the mare critically.

Pinkie Pie smirks and pats him on the head. “Of course I am. But I paid good didn't I?”

“I'm sorry, Twilight. I tried to stop them, but they didn't listen,” says Spike as he takes a spot next to her.

As this happens, Rarity -whose mane is a mess and her outfit is stained with juice- finds her spot next to Blueblood, seething with balled fists and muttering something along the lines of “vile imps”. Meanwhile, Applejack sulks behind Shining Armor and Braeburn to avoid Adirondack's wrathful gaze. Then there is Pinkie Pie.

“Spike!” she says excitedly.

Pinkie Pie leaps up from her spot in front of Pipsqueak and puts the drake in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground and cracking his back. Spike yelps and his body stiffens in odd ways, and everybody cringes and seethes. Except for Igneous. He merely sighs and shakes his head.

“We're going on a quest together! Isn't that great?” says Pinkie Pie.

“What?” wheezes Spike while attempting to pry himself out of her grip.

“Pinkie is going with us on a quest to destroy the Amulet,” says Twilight flatly.

“WHAT!?” yells Spike, now turning blue around his face.

“You should probably let him go. He ain't looking too good,” says Apple Bloom.

Pinkie Pie releases Spike and the drake stumbles and has to use Twilight for support while he gulps in air. Then Pinkie Pie manages to slide her way between Spike and Twilight and put her hands on their shoulders.

“Wow. We got slaves and masters, soldiers and scholars, foalings and rebels, and merchants and hobos. This is going to be the greatest road trip ever!” says Pinkie Pie.

“Is she always like this?” asks Rainbow Dash to no one in particular.

“You'll get used to it,” says Applejack.

“I doubt it.”

Pinkie Pie, oblivious or uncaring of Dash's word, suddenly gasps and squeezes Twilight and Spike closer together so their cheeks are pressed against hers.

“I got it! We should call ourselves the Fellowship of the Amulet!” says Pinkie Pie.

Davenport frowns. “Why? None of us are friends, here.”

Pinkie Pie sighs dramatically and looks up at the sky. “It just sounds right.”

Apple Bloom and the others look up, as well, but all she sees is a blue sky and white, fluffy clouds. And a passing bird that was actually quite beautiful.

Celestia chuckles “I like that. It does have a good ring to it.”

Pinkie Pie smiles proudly. “I know, right?”

“Well, let's wrap this up. Will the company please raise their right hands?”

The fellowship raises their right hands, as does Celestia.

“Do you swear before Faust that you will protect Apple Bloom to the best of your abilities?”

The group voices their agreement with various levels of enthusiasm.

“Do you swear before Faust that you will protect each other to the best of your abilities? Even dying for Apple Bloom and those in your company?”

Again, the agreements are vocalized, but some not nearly as enthusiastic as others.

“Excellent.” Celestia lowers her hand. “By the powers granted to me by Faust the Creator, I now bless this Fellowship of the Amulet.”

“Great!” chirps Sweetie Belle. “So, where are we going?”