Ficus and Pine lead the Fellowship down a wide path lined with thick trees that tower high into the sky. Blue tint lines their leafs and the air, while chilly, seems less so now that they are in the forest. Watching the group are civilians of all ages dressed in simple tunics and cloaks. They keep their distance, using the trees, their huts or carts for cover. Directly ahead of the Fellowship is a throne made of twisted roots and branches with a banner of a green tree on a blue background hanging above it. Flanking the throne are two dozen more guards with the same cloaks and light armor, but they alternate where one looks directly at the Fellowship while the other looks into the forest.

Standing in front of the throne is a buck with brown fur, a white muzzle and red plate armor with a little golden bird resting on his shoulder. Unlike the others, he is not wearing a cloak and has a falx held tightly in his hands, which he is keeping in front of him.

“Blackthorn,” chirps Ficus, “I am back from my trip! Fetch the King, will you?”

Blackthorn scowls at him.

“Please?” adds Ficus.

Without a word, Blackthorn slips around the throne, and the Fellowship looks at him with varying expressions of disbelief and confusion

“Since when does a prince say please to a guard?” says Rarity.

“It's because he isn't a prince,” says Spike flatly. “He's adopted.”

Braeburn frowns at Ficus. “So, you're a liar, huh?”

Ficus rolls his eyes. “Please, everybody's a liar. Besides, I'm an unofficial prince, so it was more like a half lie. I'll be a full on prince in a day or two, anyway.”

“That's nice,” says Fluttershy.

“That's a lie,” says Rainbow Dash.

Ficus whips to Rainbow Dash. “Oh, really? What would a rainbow vomit feather head like you know?”

“Because you just don't wake up one day and say I'm going to be royalty. You're born into it.” Rainbow Dash taps the side of her head. “Duh. This is kids stuff. And if you talk like that to me again I'll-”

Fluttershy grabs Rainbow Dash's muzzle and squeezes hard. Very, very hard. Hard to the point where the smaller pegasus is whining and clawing at her hands with tears bubbling in her eyes and her face getting hotter by the second.

“She'll forgive you because she is a nice sister. Right, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash nods, and Fluttershy releases her, allowing her to tenderly massage her muzzle while giving death glares to her sister.

“Sister, huh?” says Ficus with a grin. “That means I'm in the presence of two warrior princesses. My fantasy is becoming a reality.”

Rainbow Dash grimaces, and with slow, stiff movements, she grabs Flash and drags him in between her and Ficus, all while Fluttershy stares at him with wide eyes and sealed lips. The rest of the Fellowship remains quite from sheer disbelief of what they are hearing. Save for Blueblood. He is yawning.

“Don't count on her being your fantasy mare. She will cut you down quicker than you can think,” claims Scootaloo.

“And she'll lick your blood off of herself,” says Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom quickly smacks both of them on the back of their heads and turns them around so she is eye to eye with them.

“Are you two trying to get us killed?” says Apple Bloom. “Do you not see the arrows pointed at us, right now?”

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle look around, then in unison say: “No.”

“Exactly.”

“Visitors!” booms Blackthorn. “You are now in the presence of King Aspen!”

Apple Bloom looks up and gasps, and a quick order from Blueblood is enough to get the entire group to bow. Standing in front of the throne, surrounded by light is an old buck with white fur and brown spots around his eyes. He is clothed in robes of white with a gold belt and cuffs, and on his belt is a ruby heart with lavender tinsel hanging from the bottom. Though, while his clothing is graceful, his stature is the opposite. It is guarded and his eyes are condemning.

“Father, I know this is against your rules,” begins Ficus, but he falls silent when Aspen holds up his hand.

“Be silent,” orders Aspen, his voice heavy and firm. “To think I do not know what happens within my borders is asinine. I knew unwanted visitors entered the moment they set their foot in my kingdom, and with them, a great evil.”

Apple Bloom gulps and shrinks back, and the Fellowship inches closer to her to form a shield of flesh while Shining Armor flexes his hands and tightens his grip on Applejack.

“However,” says Aspen, “rather than having you all buried, I was convinced to let you live by my adviser. That said, there was one thing that she could not sway my mind on.” Aspen points at Pinkie Pie. “You. You were to never return.”

The Fellowship looks at her, and she casually shrugs.

“What can I say? Crap happens,” says Pinkie Pie.

“I am not amused,” growls Aspen.

“Is there anybody you haven't ticked off?” asks Rainbow Dash.

“When we factor in the population of Equestria, I actually don't make a lot of people mad,” says Pinkie Pie. “It's like a tenth of a tenth of a tenth of a tenth of a tenth of a tenth of the population.”

“Enough!” says Aspen. “Pinkamena, you will be held in the prison until your company leaves, and the rest of you will be quartered until your wounded are well enough to travel.”

“Thank you for your hospitality,” says Blueblood.

“Don't thank me. Thank my adviser.”

Aspen steps aside, and another figure appears from behind the throne. The Fellowship's silence cannot hide what is on their minds, for the blushes say plenty. Especially for Shining Armor since his face has become red from the fire inside his cheeks. The pink unicorn mare is slender with smooth feathers, her coat shines, and her thick mane and tail of violet, rose and gold curl like taffy. The dress she is wearing is white like Aspen's robe, but it hugs her curving frame with emphasis on her hips and chest, and it has golden trim and leafs that run along her ribs. Her belt and bracelets are golden, and her purple eyes sparkle in the light.

“Cadence?” says Shining Armor.

Cadence looks directly at Shining Armor, and her eyes grow wide. “Shining? Is that really you?”

“You know them, Cadenza?” says Aspen.

She runs down the steps of the throne and briefly turns partially to look at the King.

“I have known Shining for a long time! You didn't tell me you saw him!” says Cadence with no malice in her tone.

Aspen rolls his eyes, and Blackthorn shakes his head slowly when Cadence nearly shoves Rarity and Fluttershy aside to get to Shining Armor. Once she has a clear opening she giggles joyfully and latches on to him tight, prompting a scream from him and Braeburn.

“Easy! Easy!” says Shining Armor as he tries to regain his balance and his grip on Applejack with Braeburn holding out his good hand.

“It has been so long since we last saw each other!” says Cadence. “How are you? I haven't seen you ever since you got exiled!”

Then she sees Spike, and she squeals and pulls Spike in for a hug, which brings out a grunt from him an eyebrow raise from Pinkie Pie.

“Spike, you have gotten bigger,” says Cadence. She feels his arms and tuts playfully. “But you're still skinny for a drake.”

“I told him to eat more rabbit, but he won't listen to me,” says Pinkie Pie. She is ignored.

“Spike's here, Shining's here and...” Cadence becomes momentarily blank when she spots a certain Viceroy. “Vladimir?”

“Hello, Mi Amor Cadenza, I see you haven't changed,” says Blueblood.

Cadence looks him over with a bemused frown. “Neither have you, apparently.” She then closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, and when she opens her eyes with a steady exhale she ends with a hopeful smile. “Now that that is out of the way, where is Twilight?”

The Fellowship looks down, deathly quiet, fighting back tears in one way or the other, and Cadence stares at them, her smile slowly fading. The air becomes heavy, and Rainbow Dash steps towards Cadence. The alicorn's eyes are shimmering and her ears are drooped, and she looks down at the smaller pony when she is in front of her.

“Twilight's dead,” says Rainbow Dash.

“What?” gasps Cadence.

“Twilight's gone,” says Shining Armor quietly, his head still bowed and his hands clenched tight. “She died protecting us from a Nightmare.” Shining Armor tightens his grip on Applejack and places a hand on Braeburn's shoulder. “She died so we could escape, and now these two need help. Can you help us?”

Shining Armor keeps his head down, and Cadence looks at Braeburn and Applejack, then scans the battered faces of the Fellowship. She then looks at Aspen, but his stern expression has not changed.

“I already said you could stay until your wounded are well enough to travel,” says Aspen. “Blackthorn, take Pinkamena to her cell. Pine, escort the wounded to the infirmary. Ficus, keep them entertained until we have a suitable sleeping quarter. And Cadenza, a word with you.”

Cadence nods and gives one last look to Shining Armor before she follows Aspen out of the area. While this happens, Pine orders Braeburn and Shining Armor to follow him, and Blackthorn escorts Pinkie Pie away, leaving the rest of the Fellowship alone. After several moments of silence, Blueblood approaches Ficus.

“Tell me, is there anyway I can have a private conversation with your king?” asks the Viceroy.

“I can ask him, but why do you want to talk to him?” says Ficus.

“I just want to discuss grownup things with him.”

Ficus frowns. “That attitude is not going to win you any favors.”

“Is there a place where I can buy some candles?” asks Spike.

“Yes, Carolina's Candle Shop has plenty. I'll have-”

“What about a place to wash our clothes?” asks Rarity.

“Well,” begins Ficus.

“Or sharpen our weapons?” asks Scootaloo.

“That is-”

“How about mail a letter?” asks Pipsqueak.

“Everybody, please-”

“Everypony,” corrects Sweetie Belle.

Everybody looks at her, and she shrugs innocently.

“What? Its proper?”

Scootaloo sighs and pats Sweetie Belle's shoulder, and Rainbow Dash scoffs and walks away from the group.

“Where are you going?” says Ficus.

“To get some food,” says Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, I know a good place.”

“Nope.”

Some time has passed to where the light is fading. Lanterns hang from the branches of the great trees, dotting the forest in orange orbs. Currently with the Fellowship split apart, each clique exploring their parts of the haven, Fluttershy has ended up with Flash, Davenport and Ficus. However, the word uncomfortable is too soft of a word to describe the state she is in now. Reason being is that Flash has not let his guard down the entire time, which in turn has stressed the other guards. There is also Davenport selling off his expensive clothing, leaving him with just the basic shirt, pants, cloak and his pack. And lastly, Ficus has not left her entire side and has not stopped talking. He honestly reminds her of Pinkie Pie before Ammolite in his seemingly endless supply of breath.

“-And then I ran across the bridge as it fell, using the falling brick as stepping stones and I killed the monster with a great thrust of my blade!” brags Ficus.

He is unaware of the universal eye roll from his guards and Flash, but Fluttershy manages a smile, even though her focus is on Davenport, who has now sold his gold necklace for only a few coins.

“But enough about me,” says Ficus. “What battles have you done?”

“Done?” says Fluttershy, swiftly looking to the odd buck.

“Yes. That armor isn't just worn by anybody, and the craftsmanship of the spear and shield is too good to be wasted on nothing. Surely you have lots of tales.”

“This belongs to my father. He's... more exciting than me.”

Ficus hums and turns towards a booth with lanterns surrounding it, and his eyes skim a collection of horns while the shop owner stares blankly ahead. Completely still.

“You do have training in them, though, correct?” says Ficus.

“Um... I don't do anymore fighting if that is what you are wondering,” says Fluttershy.

Flash steps forward and tilts his head at the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper keeps staring ahead. Flash waves his hand in front of the owner's eyes. Nothing.

“Is he dead?” asks Flash.

“No. Wormwood is just... well, he's special,” says Ficus.

“Fuck off,” says Wormwood.

“And rude. He's lucky I would never have my guards cut his muzzle off.” Ficus points to a curved, red horn with a gold leaf band. “How much for the red horn?”

Flash and Fluttershy exchange looks, and Davenport calmly walks up, carrying his sword in its fancy sheath.

“For you? Eighty coin,” says Wormwood.

“That's robbery,” sneers Ficus.

“So is a bastard wanting to be a prince.”

“How about I beat you bloody and take it for free?”

“If you got the sack for it, do it. But don't blame me when I rip off your balls and shove up your ass.”

Flash and Fluttershy grimace, but what surprises Fluttershy more is how Ficus's guards do absolutely nothing. She knows without a shred of doubt that if anybody ever talked to a pegasus royalty like Wormwood they would be missing a tongue. Or a head. However, not wanting to see a brawl break out, Fluttershy steps forward and smiles as best as she can.

“Uh, yes, hi, Mr. Handsome,” says Fluttershy.

“Wormwood,” corrects the shopkeeper.

“Mr. Handsome Wormwood, I know you want to do the right thing and not over charge a customer because your handsome and strong and handsome strong gentlemen always do the right thing, right? So, how about ten coin?”

Fluttershy finishes with a nervous grin and quickly bats her lashes, but Wormwood remains stonefaced while Flash and Ficus bulge their eyes. Davenport, however, slides next to Fluttershy and puts the sword on the counter.

“I'll trade the sword for the horn,” says Davenport calmly.

Wormwood arches a brow, but grabs the weapon, inspects the sheath, then inspects the blade, and ends with an approving nod.

“Sold,” says Wormwood.

He wraps the horn in a piece of paper, gives it to Davenport, then leaves with the sword in hand, giving the group space to gawk at Davenport.

“What?” asks Davenport.

“You traded your sword for a horn,” says Ficus.

“Why would you do that? We still have a mission to do,” says Flash.

“I don't need it anymore.” Davenport gives the horn to Ficus. “Here.”

Ficus takes the horn, inspects it, then shrugs and gives it to Fluttershy with a broad smile.

“From me to you,” says Ficus.

“Oh... um, thank you...” says Fluttershy as she reluctantly takes the horn. “Its nice.”

“Thank you. I figured a beautiful mare like yourself deserves a gift from a strong, handsome buck like me.”

Flash's ears droop with a frown, but Davenport's bland expression does not change, and the ponies follow Ficus when he guides them down the illuminated path, passing Apple Bloom eating with Pipsqueak and the other Foalings and their guards along the way.

Ass they walk, Fluttershy fiddles with the horn, marveling at its simplistic beauty, even if it was given to her by possibly the most bizarre method she had witnessed.

“That is a nice horn,” says Davenport. “Wormwood was actually underselling it.”

“Really?” says Fluttershy.

Davenport nods.

“And what about your sword? Was that a good trade?”

“It was good enough for me.”

During their short conversation, Flash picks up his pace and places himself between Fluttershy and Ficus.

“Excuse me, Ficus. Something has been on my mind,” says Flash. “You said you were an unofficial prince. Last I checked there was no middle ground to being one.”

Ficus hums. “Maybe for you, but things are different here. Aspen is my uncle, but I call him father since he is more of a father than my real father ever was -whoever he is- and my mother was a thot, so I'm a bastard. But people like me.”

“I can tell,” says Davenport.

“But you lied about being a prince. Isn't that dangerous?” says Fluttershy.

“I didn't lie completely. As I said, I share blood with Aspen, and the only reason why I have not been officially recognized as a member of the family is because of the Royal Purity Council does not want a bastard who just happens to have the blood of a royalty turned thot and some random pleb to taint things. They almost ousted Aspen because of his sister's actions, but he convinced them otherwise and he will do the same for my case.”

“And how long has this issue been going on?” asks Davenport.

“Eh...” Ficus counts with his fingers. “Twenty two years.”

“And you're how old?”

“Twenty three.”

Everything suddenly loses sound, and Ficus grins at the ponies, clueless to the shocked looks they are giving him. After some seconds, Fluttershy clears her throat and awkwardly rubs her neck.

“Oh... um, that... that puts me a bit older than you,” says Fluttershy.

“That's okay. I like older women,” says Ficus.

“Okay, that's enough.” Flash ushers Fluttershy back a few steps. “I'm sorry, Princess, but I really do not trust this man. And you, Ficus, are weird.”

Ficus shrugs. “Eh, better weird than a eunuch.”

Flash's eyes narrow. “What?”

“I know it wasn't your fault. You wanted to be a soldier, defend the pretty princess and all, so they cut off your balls to avoid the temptations of bedding her. I hear all the stories about the pegasi.”

Davenport looks at Flash, mortified, and Flutterhsy squeaks and blushes, hiding her face behind her hands.

“Is that true?” asks Davenport.

“No, its not true!” Flash looks at Fluttershy. “Tell them it isn't true.”

“Well... um...” Fluttershy looks down, her entire face being covered by her mane. “You were one of the lucky ones.”

Flash's eyes are wide enough to be seen across the forest, as are Davenport's and Ficus and his guards.

“I... I'm a lucky one?” says Flash, pointing at himself.

Fluttershy nods, mumbling in affirmation.

“Are you serious? I was only joking,” says Ficus. “You actually do that? What is wrong with you people?”

“That is an interesting practice,” says Davenport.

“Now I feel bad.” Ficus pats Flash's shoulder. “Sorry about your friends.”

“Yeah, me too,” says Flash glumly.

Ficus pats Flash's shoulder again and steps back, clicking his tongue awkwardly. His guards appear to have similar cases of anxiety about the revelations of their winged visitors.

“Well, I best get going. I actually have to do some things that are not here,” says Ficus. “Remember to stay in the vicinity and nothing will happen.” Ficus points at Flash. “And you best watch yourself.”

The three ponies nod, and Ficus waves a farewell before he hurries off with his guards. When the buck are out of sight, Flash exhales explosively and runs his hand through his mane, shaking his head.

“Three more years... Three more years,” says Flash.

While Flash paces and mutters, Davenport inches closer to Fluttershy and leans towards her ear.

“They don't really do that, do they?” asks Davenport.

Fluttershy smirks.

It has been a few hours after Shining Armor left Applejack and Braeburn at the infirmary, and now he and Spike stand ankle deep in the waters of a gently flowing stream. In their hands are small purple candles on leaf shaped boats. They both place the candles in the water and set them off, watching in silence. The water is cold and the chilly wind is not helping, but they persist and watch until a strong gust f wind blows out both lights. When that happens, Shining Armor sighs and runs his dirty fingers through his mane while Spike dips his head.

“We'll see her again, right?” asks Spike.

“You might,” says Shining Armor.

He places his hand on Spike's shoulder and guides him to the riverbed. Once out, their clothes freeze to their skin and a pair of doe hand them new clothes and heavy cloaks. With them is Blueblood, Ficus, and a dozen guards. The two quietly change, with the doe facing away from them, and once that is done Ficus approaches Spike.

“I would like to have a word with you in private,” says Ficus, his tone anxious.

Spike hesitates, but nods and leaves with Ficus and his party, putting just Shining Armor and Blueblood by themselves.

Long seconds tick by. Cold wind bites them, and yet they remain still.

“I have made a quick appointment with King Aspen. He apparently does not have much time on his hands but was gracious enough to allow me to speak with him,” says Blueblood.

“Joy to the world. How are you going to swindle money out of this one?” says Shining Armor flatly.

Blueblood places his hands behind his back and walks next to Shining Armor to watch the river. Shining Armor, however, does not look at him. Instead he looks at the forest.

“I have no intention on doing anything questionable for once,” says Blueblood. “Rather I am looking for an alliance with him. If what we saw in Ammolite is a taste of what Sombra is capable of then we will need all the help we can get. And we will need young leaders to lead the charge. Young. Rough. Experienced in something beyond the courts.”

“Let me know how that goes,” says Shining Armor.

“I'm saying we need you to replace your father instead of Twilight.”

Shining Armor balks at Blueblood. “What?”

Blueblood turns to face Shining Armor. “You were not catching on, so I figured I would be blunt. I want you to return to Unicornia with me, where it is safe, and where you can assume your proper role.”

Shining Armor forces a laugh. “Have you lost your mind?”

“I cannot bear seeing another Sparkle die and your House needs a heir to replace the King. That burden falls on you, now.”

“Why don't you take it? The Bluebloods practically own Unicornia, anyway. Just seal the contract and be done with it with some legal jargon,” says Shining Armor.

“It is not my place to rule and I do not desire it.”

“Well, by law I am not allowed the throne, so have fun ruling.”

“We can work around the obstacles. Return to Canterlot with me and we can make things right.”

Shining Armor stares at Blueblood, and the Viceroy meets his skepticism with a stone cold stare. It only takes a moment for Shining Armor to scoff and leave Blueblood behind.

He does not know how long he has walked, but eventually he finds a good spot by a thick tree with a convenient nook in its trunk and a clear opening for the sky. The sun is setting, and the stars are starting to show on the dark blue sky, but the cold wind is still there, so Shining Armor tightens the cloak around him and illuminates his horn. A bubble shimmers around him and puts him in a state of warmth. Not too hot for him to discard the cloak, but it certainly does not let the cold in. It is a perfect temperature.

Shining Armor sits down and with a heavy sigh he looks at the stars, trying to remember the last time he and Twilight looked at them together.

“I'm sorry.”

Shining Armor closes his eyes and tries to force away the image of Twilight falling, but it sticks. Her terror, her tears, all vivid like she is in front of him, falling once more. His muscles feel just as stiff, just as useless as before. He really wishes he had something to drink, too. It has always worked before.

“Shining?” calls Cadence.

Shining Armor opens his eyes and tilts his head to see Cadence standing at the foot of the tree, hands clamped in front of her, ears drooped and saddened eyes looking at him. He looks back at the sky.

“Where are your guards?” asks Shining Armor.

“I don't need them everywhere I go. I'm an alicorn, remember?” says Cadence.

“Alicorns can die just like everypony else.”

Cadence's steps are light when she approaches Shining Armor, and she gently eases herself next to him and wraps her wing around him. She is met with a defensive look, but he makes no moves to push her away.

“I... I wanted to see how you were faring,” says Cadence.

“My sister is dead. I don't know a worse feeling,” says Shining Armor.

Cadence grabs his hand and gently turns his head so he is looking at her, her hand cupping his scruffy cheek.

“I know you think Twilight's death is your fault, but it isn't,” says Cadence. “The Nightmare killed her, not you.”

“I might as well have killed her,” says Shining Armor.

“Don't say that.”

“It's true. I could have done a thousand things differently that day, but I didn't, and now she is dead.”

Shining Armor sinks into the tree, sniffing and wiping his nose while Cadence rubs his shoulder with slow and gentle strokes.

“If there was a way to bring her back then I would do it in a heartbeat,” says Shining Armor quietly.

Cadence's ears perk and her hand stops moving, and Shining Armor looks at her, oblivious to the concern in her eyes.

“Would you do the same for family?” asks Shining Armor.

“No,” says Cadence after a pause. She shakes her head. “No, I would live on for them, and you should do the same.”

Shining Armor frowns. “How am I supposed to live with myself when I let my only family die?”

Cadence bites her lip and averts her eyes, her hand squeezing his shoulder.

“You just... do it,” says Cadence. She looks back at him. “You just live. You just live for them, and that is all you really can do.”

“I don't think I can do that, though,” says Shining Armor. “I have spent too much time away from her, and now I can't make it up. I have to make it right. I have to get her back somehow.”

Cadence suddenly pulls Shining Armor in for a hug, and while he resists, he still admits to himself that he finds comfort in her embrace. It does not take long for his stiffness to melt and for him to cling to her dress. He bites his tongue and swallows his whimpers, but the tears still flow, and he tightens his grip on Cadence when her hand brushes his head. There they sit in silence, and despite the coldness around them, for the first time in a long time Shining Armor finds warmth and safety in Cadence's company.

Spike follows Ficus into a large hut with a frame of thick wood and walls of wooden branches. Though, the walls are mostly covered by tapestries of trees and birds, and lining the abode's interior are huge torches of oily fire, displayed weapons and furniture occupied with valuable figurines. There is also a covered bed in the corner and a chest at the foot of the bed.

“This place is very nice,” says Spike.

“Thank you,” says Ficus. He looks around outside before he closes the door, and when he sees the questionable look Spike is giving him, he asks: “What do you think of pegasi?”

“Why?” asks Spike slowly.

“No reason. I was just wanting more opinions on them before I made any more moves on Fluttershy.”

“Oh, well, she's nice, but her sister, Rainbow Dash, will probably mutilate you if you try anything funny.”

Ficus pales. “You mean like giving her a horn kind of funny, or...?”

Spike shrugs. “Maybe. But Dash is mostly full of hot air. She'll probably have Flash do the mutilating, instead. Is this all you wanted to talk about? Because if it is, I got a head full of advice.”

“No, I actually wanted to talk to you about something else. It is all spur of the moment, but it is information that I think will help you.”

“Okay, but I got a question. What are you going to do with Pinkie Pie?” says Spike. “Aspen really was not happy to see her.”

While Ficus thinks, Spike walks over to a polished ruby orb sitting in an elevated net made of golden vines. He extends a finger and pokes it, marveling at his red tinted, curved reflection. Drool even accumulates in his mouth, but he quickly swallows it and looks at Ficus when the false prince speaks.

“She is with you, so out of respect we won't do anything too harsh. But if she tries anything we might do something terrible,” says Ficus.

Ficus sits down at a table in a basic cushioned chair and motions Spike to take the seat across from him, which is a copy of his chair. When the drake sits, Ficus leans back and folds his hands over each other and focuses his eyes on him.

“Anyway, let's get on with it,” says Ficus. “We haven't seen each other in almost a dozen years and now here we are.”

The door suddenly opens and a doe wearing a simple green dress with a white belt and scarf enters, carrying a silver tray with pale cups and a teapot, both decorated with leafy patterns. She sets the dishes down with a neat stack of folded cloth, and then she pours into their cups hot tea and quietly leaves after Ficus thanks her. After she is gone Ficus sips his hot drink with no problem, but Spike has to force the foul tasting liquid down his throat. Very quickly an odd silence comes between them, where only the crackling flame of torches, the gentle cold wind and the flapping of cloth provides noise. Spike shifts in his seat and looks around the room, taking a keen liking to the gem studded, tree shaped candle holders and the decorated weapons among other fancy items.

“Since you are heading North it is important that I tell you that there are talks of Sombra moving at great speed,” says Ficus, bringing Spike's eyes to him. “Sombra has already convinced the Lulamoon Sanctuary to join him, among others.”

Spike's heart sinks. “Other Sanctuaries have joined him? Which ones?”

“Moon Dancer, Equality, House of Twins, Polomare to name a few. There's even rumors of the drakes, buffalo and griffins pledging their allegiance to Sombra.” Ficus sips his drink. “Make no mistake, war is coming, and Equestria is too divided to survive. I suggest you go across the Divide to escape the bloodshed. Or maybe I can convince my father to let you stay here. I can't say the same about the others, but I might with you.”

Spike swallows his spit and searches his brain for anything he can use as a force of optimism, but Ficus' stern gaze coupled with what he has seen is suffocating his search. It is only after another stretch of silence, broken by a deep breath from Spike, do some words come out.

“We aren't going to lose,” says Spike firmly. “Uncornia, Everfree, the Confederacy, even the Pegasi Tribes and Lookout Mountain have offered to help us destroy Sombra. The Forest Kingdom can help, too. You can help us. We're all in this mess together.”

Ficus snorts. “You mean your Fellowship? Look at the big picture. The pegasi are stretched thin with their ambitions. Unicornia is so corrupt that the King is nothing more than a puppet to the traders and bankers. And Everfree and the Confederacy slaughter each other every chance they get. And the Mountain is too busy holing itself up to help fight Sombra.”

The chair creaks as Ficus leans forward and stares into Spike's eyes.

“Face it, Spike. Equestria is ending,” says Ficus.

“So you won't pledge support to us because you think the cause is folly?” says Blueblood from a cushioned seat carved like a swirling tree, his eyes focused on Aspen and his hands balled together.

“Yes,” says Aspen from across the way on a larger chair with larger cushions and bronze leafs curving off of the top.

Between them is a table with a map of Equestria with the Forest Kingdom outlined in bold green ink and figurines of forts and soldiers throughout the broken region.

With Aspen staring at Blueblood intently, the Viceroy lightly taps his fingers together and looks at the map, noting heavy military presence on the Forest Kingdom's border and very accurate placement of the other nations' military.

“You have an impressive army, and your son looks very fit and disciplined,” says Blueblood, “and your people have been very hospitable.”

Aspen raises an eyebrow.

“Your people deserve safety and prosperity, and I know we can achieve that if we work together,” continues Blueblood.

“I have made it my personal mission to keep my people out of the affairs of the world,” says Aspen.

“You may do what you can to ignore the world, but the world will not ignore you.” Blueblood leans forward. “Send your son with me and pledge your support to Uncornia and I promise you your kingdom will be blessed with a unique partnership that will benefit your people. They will be safe and spoiled.”

Aspen's face remains unchanged, and his chest slowly rises and falls with a deep inhale and exhale. The wind howls outside and the fire jerks in the torches around the room, painting the walls with dark jagged shapes.

“Ficus is the only son I have left,” says Aspen firmly. “I will not risk him or my House for your quest. My people also follow a strict code of humility in the name of the Tree of Life, and I will not risk displeasing my god to please a unicorn I have only known for a few hours. He has protected us thus far from danger and I will not spit in His face now.”

Blueblood hums and looks around the room, rubbing his fingers and eyeing polished statues with bright gems and a tapestry of an eloquent tree with far reaching branches and roots made from thick fabric. There are a dozen orbs at the roots, each with what Blueblood can only guess to be names, and the branches have various activities in them, from boats in the sea, to birds in the air. One of the branches holds a burning tree with another tree rising next to it; another displays a shattered crown being carried by a dove; and another holds a star surrounded by a dark ball.

“As for my army? I will allow myself to gloat. They are very well trained,” says Aspen.

Blueblood smiles thinly at the King. “Of course.”

“However, they are not trained for open field, which is where your war will be. You put them in a forest and they will make walls out of bodies, but out in the open it will be them that will be the bricks. We will stay here where I know we have a fighting chance.”

“Luckily for you, open field is a unicorn specialty. Training will not be a problem.”

“The answer is still no and the conversation ends here.”

Blueblood hesitates. “Right.” He clears his throat, and he stands up and pulls away the wrinkles from his clothes before making his way to the door. However, when he is at the entrance, he stops and looks at the King. “Ask yourself this, King Aspen, should the other nations perish under Sombra, who will aide you when he brings the blade to your people?”

Aspen exhales through his nose and his eyes narrow on Blueblood. “We will survive without outside help, just as we did before.” He points his palm at the door. “You may leave my chambers.”

A pair of metallic bangs echo in the derelict halls, prompting one of Pinkie Pie's eyes to open.

“Knock knock,” says Rainbow Dash.

From her slab in the damp cell, wearing her normal outfit without any of her weapons, Pinkie Pie looks at Rainbow Dash. She is carrying a bag and wearing a thin longsleeve shirt and pants.

“Come in,” says Pinkie Pie.

“Can't do that. The guards wouldn't give me the keys,” says Rainbow Dash. She grins and wags the bag in front of Pinkie Pie. “But I got some chow.”

Pinkie Pie rolls to the sitting position and rubs her neck. “What did you get?”

“They said it was sweet bread.”

Pinkie Pie drags her feet across the floor, creating a scraping noise that brings a twitch to Rainbow Dash's ears, and when the Ranger is in front of the Colored Witch she tilts her head slightly and squints her eyes.

“You know, I never knew how pretty your eyes were,” says Pinkie Pie, noting gray cracks in the pegasus's purple pupils.

“Relax, you don't have to butter me up,” says Rainbow Dash. “Bread?”

Pinkie Pie snatches the bag and pulls out a thick slice of bread covered with red and green dots. She then returns the bag to Rainbow Dash and leans against the wall.

“I'm surprised you're talking to me,” says Pinkie Pie. “Nopony else has ever since we got here. Or since we left Ammolite. Can't really blame them since I got Twilight, Twist and Button killed and nearly killed Applejack and Braeburn.”

Rainbow Dash pulls out her slice and leans against the wall, just outside of the bars.

“Do you realize how many soldiers I lost because of me?” says Rainbow Dash. “A lot. Shit happens. We can't know the future. I don't even think Faust knows the future. All we can do is react to the present, move forward and do what we can to keep the rest alive. Besides, you're an amazing fighter and if anypony says you didn't try to keep us alive then their teeth will meet my fist.”

Pinkie Pie nibbles on her bread while looking at Rainbow Dash out of the corner of her eye, feeling just a sliver of weight falling off her heart. Though, looking at the Colored Witch she notices that she is smaller in height and weight than the average pegasus. Plus, even with the clothes on Pinkie Pie can see the collection of scars on her exposed body, most notably her palms. If anything, Rainbow Dash reminds Pinkie Pie a little bit of herself if her antics at the Ammolite entrance and her collection of wounds are any indication of who she is. She also is so far the only one of the Fellowship to check in on her after the incident, so that adds some points to Rainbow Dash. This actually brings a sense of disappointment to Pinkie Pie since Spike has yet to visit her, and she had thought that her feelings had been obvious as the Sun.

“You know, what you said was heretical,” says Pinkie Pie, trying to push the disappointment away.

“Says the mare who ruttted Twilight,” counters Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie Pie looks at her half eaten bread, blinking away a haze in her eyes.

“That never actually happened,” says Pinkie Pie. “She was actually the first mare I teased and I guess I didn't take her to bed because I got cold feet or something. And now I feel like garbage since she is dead and I'm talking about her like this.”

“Oh.” Rainbow Dash looks away from Pinkie Pie and breaks off a piece of her bread. “Well, don't feel bad. I lie about myself all the time. It makes me feel better.”

Pinkie Pie stares at Rainbow Dash, her expression lost in the moment of confusion as the Colored Witch pops her bread into her mouth.

“But in all seriousness, I didn't get to know Twilight that much,” says Rainbow Dash. “She actually seemed like a typical unicorn prude to me.”

“She was just scared to live,” says Pinkie Pie. “Just like Maud.”

“Some life, huh?”

“Mhm.”

The two fall silent, and when the seconds become long and dull Pinkie Pie looks at Maud's stone and rubs her thumb along its surface. Very quickly her throat tightens and her eyes burn, and she closes her eyes and closes her hand around the stone and brings it to her chest. She then slumps to the cold ground with tears streaming down her face, and she bows her head and places her fist against her forehead, sniffling.

“Its not fair,” says Pinkie Pie. “Why do all the good ones die?”

“Because Faust hates us,” says Rainbow Dash. She eases herself to the floor and sits crosslegged in front of Pinkie Pie. “She gave us a crappy world and loves to see us fight and die like cocks in a cage.”

“So you believe in Faust?”

“'Yeah, but I think She sucks at Her job. You?”

“I don't have a reason to believe in Her.”

“What about the alicorns?”

“Genetically superior ponies created after generations of intermingling pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies due to close proximity to one another. They just use Faust as a reason to explain their superiority when really they are just hybrids.”

“...Okay, then....”

“Do you have more of that bread?”

Rainbow Dash gives Pinkie Pie another piece of sweetbread.

“I guess when we're through with this quest we'll see if there really is a Faust,” says Pinkie Pie.

“Amen to that,” says Rainbow Dash.

The Colored Witch then holds out her bread to the Ranger, and she smirks with wet, puffy eyes and lightly taps her bread against hers, and the two eat the rest of their meal in silence.

Applejack's eyes snap open. Her body aches, and a particularly large spot on her lower back throbs like an unwanted pulse. Her mouth feels dry like baked sand, and she is quick to grab a silver pitcher with trembling hands and chug down its contents. Thankfully it is water. Very clean, pure water. It is actually the best water she has ever tasted, so she takes another large gulp, uncaring of the copious amount soaking her chin and dribbling on her shirt. When the pitcher is empty she sets it back on its stand, but due to poor placement it clatters to the floor.

Applejack winces and tensely looks for any signs of life, finding relief when she sees Braeburn sleeping on the cot next to hers. Both of their gears are also next to them, which removes weight from her, and she tries to carefully climb out of her cot, but her weak knees bring her to collapse. The ground is cold and hard, and her palms and knees ache from the impact, but the pain does not stop her. She grabs the side of the bed and pulls herself up, grunting and awkwardly pressing her hand against the injury in her back.

She takes one step forward, grabs the foot of the bed, takes another step forward, and stops. The door creaks open and all she is able to do is stare at the doe in front of her. She really had not expected to see one, much less one in a white dress with a red apron.

“Where am I?” asks Applejack.

“You are not well enough to walk,” says the doe. “You must return to bed.”

“Where am I?”

“You are in Thicket of the Forest Kingdom.” The doe walks up to Applejack and gently forces her to lay down on the bed. “Your friends are here. You are safe.”

“Where is everypony else?”

“Rest now.”

The doe's palm glows and Applejack's eyes become heavy, and like candle losing its light, everything fades, and the last thing Applejack sees is the doe putting her palm over her eyes.

Out of all the Foalings that lay asleep in their bedrools against a thick tree with leaves glowing a dim blue hue, Apple Bloom is the only one who remains awake. The rest of the Fellowship has also decided to to get some sleep. Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash arrived later than everybody else and have taken their spots in their respective cliques, with the Witch choosing to be with Fluttershy and Flash and the Banished Prince sleeping alone. Blueblood and Rarity somehow have managed to keep their red rolls in tact to where their royal purple and blue fabric have not dimmed; the pegasi have the more thin bedrolls, and Davenport is nowhere to be seen. She is partially concerned about it and would love to look for him, just to see if he is doing okay, but her legs refuse to move. It is as if they had become stone.

The coldness from earlier has dissipated, and warmth has actually moved in, bringing it to a comfortable level. However, despite the firm support on her back from the tree, the warm breeze, and the barrier of sleeping friends, Apple Bloom's eyes are still wide open with no sign of sleep coming. Dark bags weigh down her eyes and her hand constantly twitches against the pouch holding the Amulet. It makes her lightheaded just fighting the desire to touch it, and when she looks at her hand and sees dark crystals encasing her, like frost on flesh, she feels a bubble of bile move up in her throat. Nothing comes out, though.

No screams.

No coughs.

No gasps.

Nothing.

Total silence.

“You must sleep, Apple Bloom,” says the Shadow Foaling. “You will need the energy to find me.”

Apple Bloom lowers her hand and stares at the shadows. She can see the mass of her demon moving through the shadows, like a little girl playing a hiding game.

“Are you afraid to sleep? Are you afraid of what you will find in the Dreamscape?” continues the Shadow Foaling.

A cold hand brushes along Apple Bloom's cheek. She whimpers and looks out of the corner of her eye to see a gaseous wisp of darkness moving by her. The wisp moves across her face, and Apple Bloom stiffly trails it, coming face to face with the wide, glowing grin of the Shadow Foaling.

“You really shouldn't be afraid,” she says, cupping Apple Bloom's cheeks. “I'm here for you. I will protect us. And when you find me you will see that we were meant to be one.”

The Shadow Foaling then leans forward and gently kisses Apple Bloom's forehead and runs her fingers through her mane, giggling gleefully. With each passing rub, Apple Bloom's eyes become heavier and her muscles lighter, and soon her eyes drift shut and she slumps over in total darkness. However, as soon as she is consumed, something shakes her and a gentle voice speaks.

“My lady,” he whispers.

Apple Bloom's eyes flutter open. Everything is a haze at first, but it gradually clears up to show her that nothing has changed. The trees are still illuminated by the blue leaves, the Fellowship is still sleeping soundly, and the weather has not changed from its warm state. The only difference is now a buck is kneeling in front of her, one hand on her shoulder and another on the hilt of his curved blade. Beehind him are two more, and all three are wearing the light weight, leafy designed armor and cloaks.

“My lady, your presence is requested,” says the buck.

Apple Bloom yawns and rubs her eyes. “By who?”

“Lady Mi Amor Cadenza.”

“Oh... Can it wait?”

“Unfortunately not.”

Apple Bloom sighs and reluctantly takes the soldier's hand when he holds it out to her, and she has to use the tree for support when he pulls her upright. She is led to a glowing lake that has a layer of mist resting on top of it, and sitting on a white bench, watching the mist with a distant look is Cadence.

Apple Bloom looks at the guard, and he nods and motions her forward, and she reluctantly walks towards the alicorn.

The closer she gets to Cadence, the heavier the Amulet feels, and the louder a whisper in her ear becomes.

“Cadenza,” whispers the Amulet.

Cadence's ear twitches and she looks over her shoulder, forcing a smile when she sees Apple Bloom.

“Hello, Apple Bloom. Thank you for seeing me,” says Cadence. She politely dismisses the guard and holds out her hand to the Foaling. “Come have a seat.”

Apple Bloom swallows and hobbles forward, her hand clutching the pouch tight and dark ice crystals flickering along the edges of her vision. When she is next to Cadence, the alicorn lights her horn and the discomfort and crystals vanish, and with the vanishing comes an aggravated growl from the Amulet.

“I see he hasn't changed much,” says Cadence.

“What?” says Apple Bloom dumbly.

Cadence nods towards her pouch. “Sombra. He has always had a temper.”

“... Should I be concerned that you said that?”

“Nope.”

Apple Bloom blinks her wide, tired eyes, then she looks at the lake, her fingers digging into her pants and the thought of running away becoming more vocal.

“I actually do want to talk to you about something,” says Cadence.

“Like what?” asks Apple Bloom.

Cadence looks down and rubs her hands together. “I really don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but you have to leave the Fellowship behind.”

“What?” Apple Bloom leaps up from her chair, horrified. “Why! I can't leave them! I don't even know my way around anywhere!”

Cadence slides to the grass, grabs Apple Bloom's hands and locks eyes with her.

“Please, don't tell me to go alone,” begs Apple Bloom, her lips quivering and teas rolling down her cheek. “I can't do this alone.”

“I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but it is the only way,” says Cadence, blinking the mist from her eyes. “That Amulet is cursed beyond anything we have ever dealt with, and it is breaking everypony around it. All of Sombra's rage, all of his disappointment, his sorrow, his fears, they are all trapped inside it, corrupting everyone it lays its eyes on. How long will Shining last? Or Spike? Or Pipsqueak? Or any of your friends? The Amulet will destroy them all one by one.”

Apple Bloom looks at the pouch the Amulet is stored in. It feels heavier than usual. Colder, even. Like a block of frozen iron. Her heart becomes like stone and air does not enter her when she looks at Cadence again.

“Please... I can't,” whimpers Apple Bloom.

“If you have any amount of love for your friends, you will finish this journey alone,” says Cadence.

“But I can't do this alone.”

Cadence rakes her fingers through Apple Bloom's hair, keeping her eyes trained on the Foaling's. “I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but this task was appointed to you, and to be a Bearer is to be alone.”

“I can't... I'm afraid. I need my friends,” says Apple Bloom.

“And you will lead them to ruin. You have to do this alone if you truly love them. But I know you can do this. Fate uses the smallest seeds sprout the greatest miracles, and I know you are one of those miracles. You just have to keep fighting, and when the time is right, you will win.”

Cadence then kisses Apple Bloom on her forehead and ruffles her hair.

“I'm going to bed, now. Have a good night,” says Cadence.

Apple Bloom's baggy eye twitches, and right as she is about to say something the pink alicorn disappears in a flash of pink light, leaving her alone by the lake. Apple Bloom's jaw hangs loose, and she looks around for any signs of life, but when she sees nothing, she groans and rubs her eyes.

“Why are alicorns so weird?”

Gentle snores float through the still air of the camp. The harsh wind has settled to a gentle breeze that rocks the branches. There is just enough noise to block Davenport's steps as he steps his way over the curled sleeping forms of the Fellowship. His gear is tightly packed and in his sweaty hand is a sealed letter.

Davenport briefly wonders where Apple Bloom is, but he remembers seeing the Bearer being taken to Cadence, so he figures she is with her. He makes his way to the hut here Applejack is being held and sees her covered with a thick blanket. Her armor and weapon lay next to her and her eyes are scrunched tight with her hands balled just as tight. Next to her is Braeburn, who sleeping on the be next to hers and is also covered with a heavy blanket.

Davenport swallows and quietly places the letter in between Applejack's helmet and shoulder pad, and he stands up and takes a shaky breath.

“Is that all?” asks Pine.

Davenport looks over his shoulder and sees Pine and a dozen cloaked soldiers standing still and patient in the doorway.

Davenport nods and hands Pine a bag of gold. “Lead the way.”

The buck nods and motions his escorts to move, and Davenport and the deer disappear into the forest without a sound.

Fellowship,

I am sorry for being a burden on this quest. I am no soldier. I am a merchant. I judge worth for a living and it is through these past few weeks that I have realized how vauleless I am. Henceforth I am renouncing my name and my position in this quest. Your chances of success will be better off without me.

As of now, Applejack of House of Apple is relieved from my services. Applejack is free to chart her own course, but in exchange I ask for forgiveness for the wretched being I am. May House Apple and Faust forgive me, and may your quest succeed.

Farewell.