---

In the ancient writings of Equestria's ancestors, tales of relentless bloodshed, tragic losses, and endless destruction were told...

Long ago, in the Age of Chaos, a dark and cruel shadow remained over the desolate lands of, what would later be known as, Equestria. Within that shadow, countless tales of war, starvation, death, decay, and destruction were all that was told by any travelers who were able to pass through the cruel lands.

One such individual who was able to pass through was a unicorn mage, though not without the aid of a band of human and minotaur knights. Their mission was to find anything that could be used against the Lord of Chaos, Discord... for it was he who brought the darkness over Equestria.

That unicorn's name was Starswirl the Bearded.

He, along with the handful of remaining knights that survived the evils within Equestria, roamed the dark lands for ten years before finally stumbling upon the one source of life that the darkness itself was repelled from: the Tree of Harmony.

After sending word of his findings to the lone King Solaris of Equus, one of the few kingdoms that the darkness hasn't reached, the king sent his beloved daughters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, to Equestria so that they could examine it, and perhaps find the source of its power. Of course, he sent them with only the bravest and strongest of escorts.

Upon arriving, however, they found their unicorn mage bleeding out of his forehead, as a result of the powers of the tree being too much for him to handle. Unfortunately, he lost too much blood before they even arrived, and breathed his last words.

"The Elements inside... are the key... to our freedom."

With a sad heart, the alicorn sisters had his body sent back to Equus, where he and his company would be buried, and a monument erected for all to know of the one who risked his life to save them from the darkness.

Afterwards the princesses, with their alicorn powers, were able to extract the Elements of the Tree of Harmony from the tree, and with them, they defeated Discord, and turned him to stone.

Equestria was saved... but not without the gravest of costs, though.

Due to the nature of the darkness that surrounded the lands, not even the Elements of Harmony were strong enough to keep the darkness from returning... and without the Elements of Harmony in the tree, the darkness was only getting stronger. And if the Elements were to be returned to the tree, then the spell Discord was under would be broken, and he would once again roam freely.

With no other options left, King Solaris sent his subjects to Equestria while he remained in Equus to fend off the coming darkness; sending with them the one treasure that kept the darkness from reaching Equus to begin with... the Rainbow of Light.

With it, the Tree of Harmony was able to repel the darkness once again... but without the Rainbow of Light, Equus mysteriously vanished... and with it, King Solaris, along with the few subjects that chose to remain there to protect their king.

Despite the grief that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna felt for their father's loss, they had no other choice but to co-rule Equestria, and lead their subjects to a better future.

This marked the end of the Age of Chaos... and through the ashes of the old Equestria, new life was born. The Age of Freedom had begun.

With no threats from the neighboring kingdoms, Equestria was able to flourish. New settlements were formed, towns and cities were built, and travelers, pilgrims, pioneers, and settlers from many different countries from across the globe were appearing to either trade or set up new homes. Most of them, however, were focused on the capital city, Everfree.

Everfree was named as a reminder that it was within that city that Equestria's freedom was founded... and it was thanks to King Solaris's sacrifice that it became the prime location for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to build their castle there.

The Age of Freedom lasted hundreds of years. Within that time, however, a bone-chilling wind began to blow from the Northern half of Equestria. Then, at the end of the Age of Freedom, the Age of Ice began.

Equus, in all its glory, was back. Within it, however, was something FAR worse than what the citizens of Equestria had hoped for.

The former king was still alive... but due to the darkness that plagued his mind all those years ago, he was no longer himself...

King Solaris was now King Sombra... and with an iron fist, Equus was transformed into a city of crystal and ice. With his corrupted influence, he was able to send out a plague that was capable of turning loved ones against each other... the Plague of Darkness. Slowly, it built up, and before anyone knew it, wars were declared, blood was shed, and Equestria was doomed to fall under the darkness once again.

With the wars came the cold chill of Sombra's kingdom. For many years, Sombra's kingdom expanded, and the ice soon engulfed most of Equestria. Then, at the last few remaining settlements, Sombra unleashed a group of spectral horse-like monsters known as "Windigos" to finish what he started.

In a final attempt of restoring peace to their kingdom, Princess Celestia and Luna turned to the Elements of Harmony once more, and with its powers, they were able to blot out the plague from their beloved subjects, and establish a rebellion against Sombra's tyranny.

After a huge battle between Equestria and the Ice Kingdom, Princess Celestia and Luna went into the Ice Castle to end Sombra's reign once and for all. The battle lasted for hours, until Sombra was too weak to fight any more.

As a final attempt to bring himself back up to power, he begged for forgiveness and feigned his return as Solaris... and that was where Celestia and Luna believed him... and spared his life.

Then, with their backs turned, he was able to hit Luna with the same curse that slowly changed him into Sombra. Thankfully, though, she survived, and the three battled one last time, before Celestia and Luna were forced to seal his fate with the Elements of Harmony. In doing so, however, the entirety of the Ice Kingdom disappeared again... and with it, their soldiers that went in to aid them were lost in the city to forever remain trapped behind the crystal walls.

The few remaining citizens of Everfree, despite the chaos that took place, survived... and with the help of Celestia raising the sun for extended periods of time, the snow and the ice quickly started to melt.

This process lasted for ten years, until the darkness started to corrupt Princess Luna's heart. Within those ten years, Princess Luna started to grow jealous and envious that her sister was viewed more as a hero, and that the sun, which Solaris originally bestowed upon her sister, was appreciated, while the moon, which was bestowed upon her, was ignored.

Then... she lost control.

With all her might, Princess Luna attacked Princess Celestia, and imprisoned her for one hundred years. During those years, she refused to lower the moon, Equestria was once again starting to turn to ice, and more people were starting to die out...

The Age of Darkness had begun.

Out of fear for their safety, many citizens fled from Everfree, and the few remaining inside it slowly died out, until Everfree was nothing more than a ghost town, which would eventually become a forest.

Finally, after the one hundred years of imprisonment, Celestia was able to narrowly escape the dungeons beneath the Canterlot Mountains, but was greeted with the ruins of her once beautiful city in the distance. The only thing that stood out from it was the castle... and even that was barely noticeable.

After confronting her sister, and hoping for her to still be inside her persona "Nightmare Moon", Celestia was eventually drawn to battle, where she nearly lost her life. During the one hundred years that she was gone, Celestia's powers were far more weaker than her younger sister's... and so, she was left with one final option...

The Elements of Harmony.

With the Elements of Harmony, Celestia was able to banish Nightmare Moon to the moon... but in doing so, she also banished Princess Luna, who's heart was still deep inside her.

Thankfully, though, Princess Celestia still felt her sister's presence, and chose to limit the time that Nightmare Moon would be banished to one thousand years... more than enough time for Equestria to recover, and for her powers to grow again.

After looking through Everfree, it was clear to Celestia that there was no hope for it anymore. The darkness was too powerful there, and the evils that it brought were still at large. So, she had to leave Everfree, and find a new place to establish a capital for Equestria.

First, though, she had to lower the moon and bring the sun back once more.

She climbed the top of Canterlot Mountain, then flew high into the sky. From across Equestria, the few towns and settlements that remained all watched in awe as she lowered the moon, then raised the sun back up once again.

With that as a sign, the citizens of Equestria cheered, as their loving ruler has returned. They were able to repopulate the lands, and establish a capital city over the mountain where their ruler raised the sun over. Named after its mountain, Canterlot City was built, and that day was marked as the first ever Summer Sun Celebration.

At long last, the Age of Darkness was no more.

For one thousand years, the Age of Light has been going strong. Though a few battles have broken out over the years, and a war between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom, Griffania broke for ten years mid-way, no huge terrors have risen. A peace treaty between Equestria and Griffania was made, and with it, the kingdoms allied with Griffania became friendly with Equestria, and the Dragons were granted land in the far south of Equestria, which eventually became known as the Badlands.

To this day, many stories have been made about that fateful night when Nightmare Moon was banished; all of which were shouting praises to their princess who saved them all from certain doom...

But despite the praises, Celestia never once was able to smile at them, for to her, it always was just another reminder of the losses she had to deal with, as well as the memories of her sister's agonizing cry, as she had to banish her to the moon.

It wasn't until the 982nd year of the Age of Light when a small ray of hope for her sister's return was born. A young unicorn filly was born... one who reminded Celestia of her own sister when they were fillies, themselves. When she came of age, Princess Celestia took her under her wing as her personal student, with the permission of her family.

That filly was Twilight Sparkle.

Like Starswirl the Bearded, Twilight showed much potential in magic... but the raw powers that she had as a filly was, and still is to this day, unheard of.

While the mages of Canterlot were able to master a few combat spells with years of practice, Twilight was able to master every kind of spell in the matter of days. Though the signs were vague to some in Equestria, Princess Celestia cast aside any and all doubts about one fact...

This filly is a descendant of Starswirl the Bearded.

While Twilight grew ever more powerful, however, Celestia noticed right away that she was always so caught up in her reading and studying that she never socialized with anyone. This became a problem in Celestia's mind, for she knew that isolation was the key to the darkness finding its way into one's soul.

Her father died in his kingdom alone.

Her sister's jealousy made her feel abandoned by her subjects.

And now, her student was at a risk of falling into the same dangerous category, if not attended to.

This brings us to the day prior to the Summer Sun Celebration. Twilight noticed the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and sent a letter to Princess Celestia addressing the issue.

For her student's safety, however, Celestia never answered directly, but knew that Twilight would need friends, if she were to resist the darkness that Nightmare Moon was corrupted with.

Like Starswirl the Bearded, though, she would need to find someone who could also guard her student while she lives in Ponyville, the town that was chosen to be the one to hold the 1,000'th Summer Sun Celebration.

Unfortunately, though, Twilight always turned down the ones who offered to be her guardian. And so, at that time, she had no choice but to take a risk, and send her alone with the young drake that was hatched as a result of Twilight's Magic Exam.

Despite the knowledge of Nightmare Moon's return, however, Celestia felt a magical disturbance coming from Everfree... and considering the fact that Twilight was far from ready, she had no choice but to send a small band of volunteers to scout the location of the disturbance for any signs of Nightmare Moon possibly returning earlier than planned.

The one in charge of the small party was a brown-coated earth pony named Magnificent Eye. He had a black mane, and on his shoulders, the markings of an eyeball was shown. He wore a white laced shirt beneath a brown vest, black breeches, khaki-colored boots over his hooves, and black gloves over his hands. Of course, he was no warrior, though... he was just a mere archaeologist, and only had a shortsword over his left hip to protect himself with.

He was sent under the additional protection of a noble human named Justus Heartstrings. Justus was on the strong side, and served as a knight for the Elite Canterlot Guards. He had no hair, but a long black beard, brown eyes, and had pale white skin. He wore a set of enchanted golden platemail armor with the Canterlot Logo on a tabard he wore over it; a white background with a sun emblazoned in the front. Rested over his left hip, a golden-handled longsword rested in a marble-white sheath with golden corners. Hanging on his back, he had a white kiteshield with a golden border, and the Canterlot Logo in the center.

With Justus was his wife, a unicorn mage named Lyra Heartstrings. She had a bright green coat with a mint-colored mane, and piercing gold eyes. Despite being a mage, however, she wore simple silver chainmail armor with a yellow cloak over her shoulders, and a Canterlot Tabard of her own covering her chest, and lowering midway down her legs. Across her back, a white staff with a golden handle and a round diamond at the tip rested on a clip attachment built into her armor.

Despite just having two soldiers to protect him, Magnificent knew that bringing a huge army would be more risky, so he was okay with just the two. Besides... they weren't mere rookies. They've seen their fair share of battle before.

They set off earlier that day to investigate... but little did they know that the one they were seeking wasn't Nightmare Moon.

In fact, this entity was even far more unexpected than what Celestia had hoped for... it was a human. And since humans couldn't learn or use magic, this human must've been the target. With that in mind, they had no choice but to try waking him up to find this source of magic.

---

Smoke still filled the air deep inside the Everfree Forest. Magnificent Eye and his party, Justus and Lyra Heartstrings, were heading towards the source of the smoke.

"How much farther do you think it is, Mag?" Lyra asked Magnificent.

Magnificent hummed before checking the map in his hands, as they rode on a carriage being pulled by a pair of horses. "If my calculations are correct, I would assume that it should be somewhere just up ahead."

Justus shrugged his shoulders and turned his head to the right at the sudden sound of rustling in the distance. "Whatever the case may be, I only pray that whatever it is that we find isn't hostile."

Lyra nodded her head in response. "Agreed, Dearest... but what if it is, though?"

Justus looked her way and winked at her while gripping the handle of his sword with his right hand. "Don't worry, Love. I'll protect you if it tries anything!"

Lyra giggled at his statement before leaning back and smiling amorously at him. "Ooh, my hero!"

Justus chuckled at her while Magnificent rolled his eyes out of annoyance. "Ugh! Save it for when we get back to Ponyville, you two!" Regardless of his annoyance, however, he still couldn't help but chuckle at his two friends.

Lyra shrugged her shoulders at him before turning towards Justus. "So, Justus! Are you looking forward to tonight's Summer Sun Celebration?"

Justus nodded his head before replying, "Only a fool wouldn't look forward to it! After all, it is the biggest holiday out there, isn't it? I hear the marketplace is loaded with many people from Griffania and Minotopia." He then looked both ways before inching closer to Lyra's ears. "I even heard rumors that a few Drakes from Drakensonia are planning to visit... though that could very well be a lie." he whispered to her.

Lyra nodded her head in response before whispering, "I bet it is. After all, the chief of Drakensonia's Northern Tribe is so busy dealing with repairs for their last runaway hurricane, that he's even had to request aid from the Southern Tribe!"

Justus rubbed his chin in thought. "And considering that Drakes are naturally stubborn bastards, that must say a lot about the conditions there. Good thing that Drakensonia's on the other end of the globe though, eh?"

Lyra nodded her head and looked away with a weak frown on her face. "Yeah... but I wish there was something we could do to aid the poor fellows. They did help us with the Equestrian Griffin War, after all."

Justus gave her a quick peck on the cheek before gently patting her back. "There's my beautiful Lyra. Concerned for others' well-being. What did I do to deserve such a beautiful little angel?"

Lyra giggled before gently rubbing his back in response. "No idea, dearest." Then her hand started moving down his back. "But maybe you can show me what you can do after the Summer Sun Celebration? You could always show me more of your impressive human strength, your stunning human endurance, and then later... your amazing human speed!"

Magnificent groaned, "Hey, get a room, you two! I can still hear that!"

Justus and Lyra chuckled, but went silent after the sound of distant noises. "Hold on." Justus said before drawing the pure white blade of his sword out of its scabbard, and pulling his shield from his back and into his left hand. His action caused Lyra to draw her staff, while the two of them stood up in the center of the carriage.

At first, the only sound that could be heard was the wheels of the carriage and the clopping of the horses' hooves. Then, the distinct sound of more hooves clopping came into hearing radius. By the sound of the hooves, though, it was clear they were in a hurry towards their direction.

Lyra closed her eyes and raised her staff in the air. Then her horn and the diamond ball at the tip of the staff began to glow a golden color for a few moments, until her eyes shot open. "Bandits!"

As if on cue, an arrow whooshed right by Justus's head just inches away from his right eye. If he weren't wearing his helmet, then his right ear would've been nicked by the arrow.

He raised his sword and shield up defensively while Lyra raised a magic shield bubble around the carriage, and Magnificent whipped the reins forward, which sped up the horses' movement speed.

Before they knew it, a band of three bandits riding on horseback appeared from the trees.

The first bandit was a buff shirtless human wearing a red-painted animal hide cape and harness over his chest, with a brown hide pair of shorts, and boots and bracers made out of fur. He was carrying a large hand-axe over his head with his right hand and giving the travelers a big, menacing, toothy grin.

The second one was a black-feathered griffon with the same kind of clothing as the human. Instead of an axe, however, he was carrying a thick club.

The third one was a blue-coated minotaur with a red mane, though he didn't have a harness or boots on. He was holding a bow in his hands with another arrow drawn... though this one was on fire.

The minotaur bandit let out a battle cry, followed by the other two. Then he released the arrow, and sent it flying towards the carriage. Thankfully, though, Lyra anticipated the attack, and doused the arrow with conjured water before it could even land. Then she began charging a fire spell so that she could strike the minotaur.

While she was charging the fireball, the griffon took that as his cue to leap onto the carriage. He then attempted to strike Lyra with his club, but Justus managed to deflect his shot with his shield and slice the griffon in the stomach.

The griffon yelped out of pain before Justus kicked him out of the carriage. If the stomach wound didn't kill him, then the fall would.

Seeing his comrade fall to his death caused the human to glare before looking at the minotaur and pointing at Justus. The minotaur nodded his head and put his bow away, then pulled an axe out of his mount's saddlebag. Then he sped up his horse just enough to be mere meters away from the carriage before leaping onto it directly in front of Justus, who had his shield raised. Then he raised his axe over his head to end Justus quickly, but by the time he landed, Lyra's spell was ready. She cast it into his stomach, which left a huge scorching hole in the center. Justus then used his right boot to send the minotaur down to join his friend in the road.

The final bandit growled before jumping onto the carriage. Instead of attack directly, however, he picked his fallen comrade's axe up with his left hand and swung the right axe towards Justus.

Justus blocked the axe attack, but was momentarily stunned by the impact of the blow.

The bandit then attempted to strike Justus in the neck with his left axe, but Lyra managed to deflect the attack with her staff.

Lyra quickly blasted the bandit with a burst of wind, but the bandit managed to regain his footing before attempting a double-smash attack on Justus.

Justus managed to block that attack, though the impact of the force caused him to fall to his knees.

The bandit grinned before raising his left axe in another attempt to hack Justus's head off of his shoulders.

Lyra blocked the attack with her staff, but due to the angle they were in, her right leg was slightly nicked by the axe, which caused her to yelp in pain.

Justus's eyes widened, and a bloodthirsty glare was all he gave the bandit before kicking the left axe out of his hand, and shield-bashing the other axe out of his right hand. Then he impaled the bandit in the stomach with his sword, causing the bandit to growl in pain and fall to his knees. When he did so, Justus pulled the sword out of the bandit's stomach and did a clockwise rotation with his sword extended out. Then, when the blade collided with the bandit's neck, his head flew out of the carriage, while his arms flailed out. Justus then kicked the body in the chest, sending it out on the road for the vultures to pick from.

After the bandits were dead, Justus quickly sheathed his sword and ran up to Lyra, who was lying there with her right leg tucked in her arms. "Are you alright, my love?" he asked concernedly.

Lyra giggled before hissing in slight pain. "Just a flesh wound... I'll live!"

Justus, however, shook his head and reached towards her leg. "You shouldn't just call it that, love! You're bleeding out too much for it to be a simple flesh wound!"

Lyra sighed before relaxing her leg, and allowing Justus to look at the damage done.

When he raised her tabard out of the way, he grimaced at the three inch gash that sunk into her right thigh horizontally, and one centimeter in. He shook his head and looked at her. "It will have to be stitched shut, I'm afraid... but first, it will have to be disinfected."

Lyra winced at that thought, as she saw him reach towards the chest that held their supplies, and opened it. Then he searched inside it, until he found a small brown pouch. Looking Lyra in the eyes, he said, "You may not like seeing this, love. Please don't force yourself to watch."

Lyra nodded her head and closed her eyes, while Justus opened the pouch up and poured the contents over the cut... maggots.

For a minute, the maggots crawled inside the wound and peeled away at the damaged tissues inside Lyra's leg. Then, once they were done with their job, Justus used a dagger from the chest to slowly and gently scoop the maggots out of the cut before they could dig inside her any deeper.

Justus then sheathed the dagger in the scabbard that he found it in and placed it back in the chest, before pulling out a sewing kit.

He looked up at Lyra and frowned. "Now... I think you know what comes next."

She nodded her head. "Y-yeah... please be quick, so that it doesn't hurt too much."

Justus nodded his head before picking her left hand up, and placing it on his shoulder. "I want you to know that I will not enjoy putting you in this pain. If you need me to stop, then let me know right away, and I'll stop immediately for you."

She opened her eyes to look at him. Then, with a smile, she replied, "Dear, I'm not that fragile, y'know. I can handle the pain!"

Justus weakly smiled at her and nodded his head. "Understood... though remember that my offer still stands. Okay?"

"Okay." Lyra replied with a nod. She then turned her head to her right again, and closed her eyes.

Justus looked at the sewing kit and pulled the needle out, followed by a black spool of thread. He then threaded the needle and hovered the tip of said needle over the upper half of Lyra's cut.

After taking a deep breath, Justus slowly but carefully started piercing the needle through Lyra's flesh and fur.

For the first few holes, Lyra winced and hissed at the pain. Then, when the needlework was halfway complete, she was starting to get used to it, but breathed heavily nonetheless.

Finally, when the threads were over her entire wound, Justus took her hand and turned to Magnificent, who had the reins of the horses tied on the corner of the carriage, and was now with the two of them showing concern. "Magnificent. Do you think you could do the honors, while I keep Lyra restrained?"

Magnificent nodded his head and took the needle from Justus's hands. Then he shook his head and added, "I just hope she doesn't think up a fire spell."

Justus and Lyra both weakly chuckled at him before looking each other in the eyes. Then Justus took her left hand with both of his and told her, "This will be the worst of it all... but after that, I promise I'll make it up to you later on in the day."

Lyra giggled before letting out a sultry growl. "Frisky, are we? Even at the sight of your wife's own blood!"

Justus merely chuckled before tilting his head in mock confusion. "And yet you did the same when I was struck in the shoulder by an arrow? I'd say we're about even, then."

The two shared a laugh while Magnificent rolled his eyes. "Hey! Don't forget Lyra's still injured here!"

Justus and Lyra nodded their heads to their friend before staring into each others' eyes. "Okay... on the count of three, I want you to squeeze my hands, and try focusing on something other than the pain. Understood?"

Lyra nodded her head and closed her eyes. "Y-yes, Dear."

Justus nodded his head and looked at Magnificent, who nodded his head in response, before looking at the stitched wound. "One..."

Lyra's grip intensified, which caused Justus to wrap his right arm behind her shoulders, and pull her slightly closer to him for a hug.

"Two..."

All three of them took deep breaths, while Justus closed his eyes, already knowing what to expect.

"...Three."

From miles away, anyone with ears would've been able to hear the agonizing screams that Lyra made.

Five minutes have passed by when the source of the smoke was a short way past the treeline. Lyra was still holding onto her leg, while Justus was embracing her to help her ignore the throbbing pain. Magnificent was holding onto the reins of the horses again, though he had a look of confusion on his face.

"I still don't know why the Red Furs were here! Aren't they normally on the roads, rather than Everfree Forest?!" Magnificent asked his friends.

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Indeed. It would seem that whatever this anomaly is that Princess Celestia sent us to investigate, it didn't just catch her attention. That's why we should proceed with complete and total caution, lest we end up ambushed once more."

Magnificent nodded his head and gulped nervously. Then his eyes widened when he saw a clearing up ahead, where dirt was flying from. "Lyra! Justus! We're here!"

Justus looked up and nodded his head before slowly releasing his hug from Lyra. "Keep your head down, Lyra. I don't like the looks of this, and you're in no shape to stand."

Lyra nodded her head and replied, "Be careful, my love."

Justus responded with a quick kiss on her lips before nodding his head and drawing his sword. "Always am, dearest."

Magnificent leaned forward and squinted his eyes to get a good look at whatever could be in the dirt. Then he stopped the horses from moving and tied their reins to a tree, before jumping from the carriage. Justus followed him closely, while Lyra continued to lie down in the back of the carriage to keep pressure from reaching her leg.

When they reached the end of the treeline, Magnificent gasped at the sight before him. Justus, once within range, raised his eyebrows in shock.

Within the clearing was a huge crater that sunk well over ten feet in the center. Around the center, the dirt continued to rise. Despite the amount of dirt in the air, however, there was one thing that stood out... the shadow of a figure lying in the center of the dust.

The figure appeared to be a human male with lightly tanned skin, short brown hair, an inch-long beard, and bluish-green eyes, though the eyes were closed at the time. On his chest, he wore a blue long-sleeved shirt, and on his legs he wore dark brown pants made of denim. On his feet, he wore a pair of light brown boots with strings tying the flaps of the front halves together. He also appeared to be slim around the waistline, and the size of his arms made it clear that he wasn't that strong.

"A human? How could the magic anomaly be coming from a human?!" Magnificent asked before turning towards Justus.

Justus shrugged his shoulders before replying, "Well, considering the fact that humans can't learn magic, I'd say he must've been the target?"

Magnificent's eyes widened at that statement. Then he quickly drew his shortsword and began stepping in circles in case they were being watched.

"Ease up, Mag. That was just a guess... though now that I think about it, if it were an ambush spell, then wouldn't there at least be a trail leading up to the fellow?"

Magnificent paused his worried examination before sighing and nodding his head. "You do raise a point, Justus. Still, though... who could have possibly done this from above? Unicorns can't fly, and pegasi can't use magic. Unless..."

Suddenly, both of their eyes shot open. "AN ALICORN!"

Justus turned towards the fallen human and began walking towards him. "We better take him to Ponyville, then. If he were ambushed by Nightmare Moon, then he would be a witness! Come, help me move him back to the carriage. Perhaps the scientists could examine his memory, and then we could send him back to his people for a proper burial."

When he placed his hands on the other human's arms, however, he froze in place when he saw the stranger turn his head and mumble. "Sweet Celestia! Mag, this man is alive!"

Magnificent gasped before rushing towards the two. "Really?! But how?! Alicorn magic is the most powerful magic in the world! No mere mortals could even think of surviving a blast from such power!"

Justus shook his head while continuing to stare at the unconscious man. "I haven't the slightest clue... but whatever the case, this man must be an exception. We should rush him to Physician Redheart, so that she could check for any injuries."

Magnificent nodded his head and turned around. "I'll go let Lyra know, then. Mayhaps she could also keep him under stable conditions?"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Though doubtable, it's worth a check. Make haste, though."

With that, Magnificent ran back to the caravan to deliver the news to Lyra, while Justus remained next to the unconscious human. As time passed, however, Justus couldn't help but grow ever more curious about the other human. He then started having a mental battle with himself on what his next course of action should be. The human didn't appear to have any injuries on him, so perhaps he wasn't injured? On the other hand, he was probably hit by an alicorn, so he would be lucky if he would even wake up at all.

Finally, after drawing mental straws with himself and his consciousness, Justus decided to do what he felt uneasy trying to do... he placed a hand on the other human's chest, and started shaking him back and forth.

Perspective Change: ??? (Unconscious Human)

Leoni was sleeping peacefully for, what felt like, several long hours. When he woke up, he was woken by the feeling of a hand on his chest shaking him. Shortly following the hand, a man's voice began to echo through his ears... but whatever the man said was incomprehensible.

Leoni couldn't help but squint his eyes open to investigate the source of the voice. When he did, however, the sudden appearance of sand entering his eyes and nose caused him to close his eyes once more and cough profusely. Shortly following him, the source of the other voice did, also.

At first, Leoni tried to open his eyes again, but no matter how hard he tried, the dirt kept him from doing so. Finally, after fifteen seconds of holding his breath, a huge gust of wind brushed past him, and cleared the dust away in an instant.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Leoni opened his eyes, and was finally able to see again, without anything sealing his eyes shut. When he did, he noticed multiple things at once.

One, he wasn't in his home anymore.

Two, there was a bald, black-bearded man with brown eyes and golden armor staring right back at him.

Three, he couldn't remember a single thing before waking up, besides his own name, and basic things like how to speak... something that he felt he should do at that moment.

"Um... hello?" he asked.

The other man raised an eyebrow and tilted his head before replying... in an unrecognizable language.

Leoni tilted his own head in confusion before sighing. "I'm sorry. I can't understand what you're saying."

The stranger groaned before turning around. Then he gasped and began speaking again, though concern was in his voice as he did. Leoni turned towards whatever he was talking to, and instantly froze when he saw, what appeared to be, a pair of nonhuman creatures heading towards them... though one was limping, rather than walking. They appeared to be equines of some kind, but their faces were too rounded to be considered horses. If anything, they highly favored ponies. The one that was limping, however, had a horn on its head, and was staring at the other human with, what appeared to be, a sheepish smile.

Leoni reacted in the most normal of ways, in such a foreign situation... he panicked.

Perspective Change: Justus Heartstrings

Justus gasped when he saw Lyra limping towards them. "Lyra! What in Celestia's mane are you doing up?! You could stir the wound up again!"

Lyra smiled sheepishly at him before replying, "S-sorry, Justus... but I figured I should see this for myself, also. After all, if the human is too injured to move, you would've needed me here, anyways, correct?" She turned towards the said human and raised an eyebrow. "Though it looks like he's perfectly fine, though."

As if on cue, the human panicked. He yelped and backed away, only to trip on the dirt behind him, and fall to his butt with his eyes still glued on Lyra, but jumping towards Magnificent and Justus, as well. Then he began speaking more of the gibberish that he was saying to Justus.

Justus groaned before turning towards Lyra. "Lyra, I don't want you to do things like this, okay? You're too injured as it is! Come, let's just take this man and bring him to Ponyville under restraints. I'm certain we could find out more about him when we find a way to get this language barrier out of the way."

Lyra giggled before shaking her head. Then she looked at the panicking human and replied, "Actually, I already know a spell that could translate any language into Equestrian... though we have to get him to calm down, first."

Justus nodded his head and turned towards the panicking human, who at this point was breathing heavily, while staring at the group with wide eyes. Then he began walking towards the human, which only caused him to back away a little more. Finally, Justus backed up a little and figured he'd try signing his intentions out through body language.

He drew his sword out, causing the human to gasp and back away even more. Then he aimed the blade of the sword at the other human, causing him to flinch and close his eyes. Justus then rotated his arm around until the blade was angled in his right direction, and released the sword. The clattering noise caused the human to jump slightly and look at the cause of the noise.

The human's breathing began to get easier when he saw Justus was no longer armed. Then Justus hooked his shield on his back and lowered to one knee, and fanned his hands downwards in a calming manner.

Finally, the human's breathing was regular, though his expression was still uneasy. Justus took note of that and calmly said, "Don't worry. We're here to help you." Though the human clearly couldn't understand his words, he appeared to be calmed down by the tone of voice that Justus was speaking.

It wasn't until Justus was directly in front of him when he started to flinch even more. He then began speaking once more, but Justus shook his head and weakly smiled before patting him on the shoulder. Looking up, the human noticed that Justus was pointing at his own ear with his left finger, and shaking his head.

The human sighed, closed his eyes, and looked down, while burying his head in his knees. Then his head was engulfed in a golden aura, but due to his eyes being closed, he couldn't see it. Regardless, he began wiping his ears and groaning, before the aura faded. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked from Justus to Lyra. Then he sighed and asked, "Damn it. How the hell am I gonna get through to these people?"

Justus chuckled again before replying, "Well, you could start by calming down, and telling us who blasted you from up above."

The human's eyes widened at that comment. He looked up at Justus and backed away a little more. "W-what the- YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "I do now, though I didn't a few seconds ago. Lyra simply cast a translation spell on you, so now you can speak Equestrian."

The human just sat there for a moment, petrified. Finally, he looked around, and noticed the anthro unicorn slowly limping towards him. Even though she was completely alien to him, however, he felt calmer around her, mostly because she was limping, and could've easily been outrun, should she be dangerous.

Then his eyes widened again when he heard her speaking to him. "It's nice to meet you, stranger! Are you lost, perhaps?"

Again, the human sat there silently. Finally, with no other words to say, his eyes rolled up, and in the blink of an eye, he was unconscious again.

Lyra tilted her head in confusion before looking at Justus again. "Um... is he alright?"

Justus shrugged his shoulders before replying, "I honestly haven't the slightest clue, love... but we can't just leave him here. Please head on over to the carriage, while Mag and I carry him."

Lyra nodded her head and weakly smiled. "Don't be too long... it gets lonely up there!"

With a light chuckle, Justus quickly walked up to her and gently lifted her up from the ground bridal style. "Don't worry, my love. I'll be just a few minutes. In the meantime, why don't I make your trip less painful?"

Lyra giggled before wrapping her arms around his shoulders and gently pecking him on the cheek. "Sounds like a plan, dear!"

Magnificent groaned before turning towards the unconscious human. "Dammit. Why am I the only one who does any labor around here, again?"

Justus and Lyra turned to him before smirking. Then Justus quipped, "Perhaps because Lyra and I were hired to be your guards, rather than your workers?"

Magnificent merely rolled his eyes and began heading towards the unconscious human while Justus carried Lyra out of the area, and towards the carriage.

Perspective Change: Leoni

A little over a minute has passed when Leoni finally regained his consciousness. When he did, however, he noticed that there was something tugging on his right arm. Looking up, he noticed that he was being carried by the brown-coated pony thing with a black mane.

Under normal circumstances, someone may try fighting for their survival, and run as far away from their potential abductors as possible. In this situation, however, Leoni knew he was no fighter, nor was he aware of the environment, so trying to fight his assailant would more than likely lead to his own death. Regardless, however, he knew that if he were to not do anything, then the growing pain of the dirt on his back would only increase. So, he did what his mind told him to do, should such an occasion occur... he screamed.

The scream caused the horse to release his arm and cover his ears, while Leoni quickly picked himself up and started to run away from the stunned stallion... only to trip over something blunt on one side, and sharp on another. Looking at his feet, he noticed the sword that the other human dropped earlier was still lying on the ground. Instinctively, he picked it up and raised it towards the stallion, who stopped trying to move towards him, and raised his arms over his head submissively.

"Whoa! Easy there, lad! We mean you no harm!" the stallion stated.

Leoni shook his head and intensified his grip on the sword. "T-then... answer me this... who are you? What are you?! Why are you dragging me by the arm? A-are you... are you trying to abduct me?!"

The stallion's eyes widened, before he shook his head left and right. "Good heavens, no! We just found you in this crater, and wanted to take you to the nearest town to make sure you were okay!"

Leoni's frightened expression didn't change, but he did lower the sword a small bit. "S-so... you aren't trying to harm me?"

Again, the stallion shook his head. "Nay. You were just lying there, and we felt we should help!"

Leoni's expression slowly began to soften. Then, after blinking once, he sighed before lowering the sword completely. "Sorry... I have no idea what's going on, and..."

The stallion smiled at him before shaking his head again. "No worries, lad. You mustn't blame yourself for defending yourself from the unknown. Honestly, I would've done the same, even, should the situation have been reversed."

Leoni weakly chuckled before nodding his head. "W-well, then... my name's Leoni... or... I think it is, at least. It's nice to meet you, Mr... um..."

Nodding his head, the stallion replied, "Magnificent Eye. Archaeologist from the humble town of Ponyville. The lad you saw earlier was Justus Heartstrings, and the lassie was Lyra Heartstrings."

Leoni raised his right eyebrow up out of confusion. "They have the same last name... are they related?"

Magnificent nodded his head again before replying, "Indeed. They are both wed to each other... and honestly, they even tend to be a little too open about it, if you ask me."

Leoni nodded his head and decided not to press on the subject any more. "Alright, then... so where are we, exactly?"

Magnificent blinked confusedly. "We're in the Everfree Forest, of course! Didn't you notice it before you were hit by the blast?"

Leoni's eyes widened at the realization. He woke up in the center of a crater, after all. Even so, he had to ask something just to clarify what he was hoping and praying wasn't true. "Um... what blast?'

Magnificent's eyes widened in shock. "You mean you really don't know?!" Leoni shook his head in response. "Oh, no... lad, where are you from?"

Leoni opened his mouth to reply, but paused for a moment. Then his eyes opened widely, as yet another realization hit him. "Oh, shit... I don't know!"

There was a moment of silence before Magnificent sighed deeply. "Damn it... are you suffering amnesia, perhaps?!"

Leoni closed his eyes and began lightly pounding his forehead with his fist. "I... hope not, but... y-you might be right, though! I can't even remember my family name!"

Magnificent was about to reply, when the sudden sound of bushes rustling caught his attention. Turning around, he gasped when he saw a pair of glowing green eyes coming from the shadows... followed by another three pairs. "Oh, no... that can't be good..."

Leoni tilted his head before turning towards the area that Magnificent was staring at. Then, once he noticed the eyes, he quickly lifted the sword back up defensively... though out of nervousness, the blade shook rapidly.

"W-w-what the hell are those things?!" he asked while his eyes remained glued to the wolves.

Magnificent drew his shortsword before replying, "Timberwolves... damned beasts are everywhere, nowadays!" He then turned towards Leoni again. "I hope you at least know how to use that!"

Leoni gulped before turning around, only to notice another four of the pairs of glowing green eyes to approach from the other side. "Shit... we're surrounded!"

Magnificent nodded his head before standing back-to-back with Leoni, while the creatures revealed themselves from the shadows. As their names suggested, they were wolves made out of wood and timber... though their brows were made of leaves of different colors, with the dominant color being green.

Breaking from the pack, one of the wolves on Leoni's side decided to leap ahead and attempt to strike down its prey... but before it could even get close, Leoni closed his eyes and looked away while the wolf was engulfed in a golden aura, and tossed into another one, causing the two of them to scatter into pieces after letting out a loud yelp. That caused the remaining two on Leoni's side to dash towards their targets and crouch onto the ground; bracing themselves for a leaping strike, while the four on Magnificent's side spread apart in a formation to reduce the possibilities of escaping from the gaps created by the loss of their other two pack mates.

Magnificent, having been startled by the sudden magic use, had his back turned when one of his four opponents broke from behind and leaped onto his shoulders; clawing at his back, and biting into his right shoulder.

He let out a loud yell, while the other three moved closer to join in the ambush. Leoni, however, quickly dropped his sword and rushed towards the timberwolf on Magnificent's back and used both hands to pry its jaw open. Then it shifted its weight towards him, and caused him to fall on his back. His reflexes, however, made him reach his right foot up and kick the timberwolf off of him before it could even bite him.

As soon as it was off of him, Leoni quickly stood back up and, after noticing another one of the timberwolves dashing towards him, kicked the timberwolf in front of him in the skull; sending it flying back several yards, and causing its body to rush past him in pieces.

From behind Leoni's back, Magnificent sliced one of the timberwolves' skulls in half, horizontally from the jawline. Then one of them pounced on him, but he was quick to buck it to pieces with both of his hooves, and then kick his way back into a standing defensive position. Afterwards, he stabbed his shortsword into another one's skulls vertically.

Looking around, he quickly did a headcount on the timberwolves. "Looks like there are only two more left!"

Leoni nodded his head and replied, "Y-yeah! I t-think we can-" before he could finish his sentence, however, one of the timberwolves managed to leap from Leoni's right and claw at his back with its jaw wide open, and its fangs ready to sink into his neck.

Magnificent gasped and ran towards it... but before he could even take another step, Leoni quickly leaped backwards and, with a loud crash, landed on his back, with the timberwolf shattering to pieces below him.

Groaning in pain, he tried to stand up, only for the last timberwolf to leap towards him for an attempt to strike him down.

Suddenly, the timberwolf was sent flying in the air by an all-too-familiar white and gold shield that was thrown from a distance. When Leoni and Magnificent turned towards the source of the projectile, they sighed in relief when they found Justus running towards them. From a short distance behind him, however, Lyra was quickly limping towards them from behind.

Justus then proceeded to run down the crater while breathing heavily. "Oh, thank Celestia you're both safe! What happened here?"

Magnificent, after helping Leoni up off the ground, looked from him to Lyra with an angry frown on his face. "We were ambushed by bucking timberwolves! At least Lyra was there to stop the first one from attacking, but where were you, Justus?!"

Justus tilted his head in confusion before turning towards Lyra, who was also staring at him confusedly. Then he turned back towards Magnificent and replied, "Lyra and I were dealing with some bandits near the carriage! And Lyra was casting a protection spell over it, as well as myself... what do you mean stop the first one from attacking, though? Did someone use magic?"

Magnificent looked from him to Lyra, and froze for a second. "W-wait... you didn't cast a levitation spell on the first wolf?!"

Lyra shook her head and replied, "It's like Justus said! I was in the carriage casting protection spells... though I also cast a few fire blasts on some of the bandits... but no levitation spells, as far as I know!"

Magnificent then gulped before eying the edges of the crater nervously. "T-then... there must be another magic user nearby!"

Justus's eyes widened at that statement before he turned around and began joining in the scan for any unknown figures. "Damn... and Lyra is in no shape to be casting any more combat spells, as of yet!"

From behind their backs, Leoni cleared his throat and asked in a nervous tone, "U-um... guys? Is... is that normal?!" When they turned towards him, they gasped when they saw the twigs, the branches, and the leaves of the timberwolves move on their own, and gather into a large pile. Then, when the pile was completed, the pieces started shaping up into a massive timberwolf that was three times Leoni's and Justus's heights, six times their depths, and twice as wide as them.

Justus instinctively reached his right arm towards his left hip, only for his eyes to widen when he remembered that he left his sword at the crater... and his eyes quickly fixed onto his sword... which was coincidentally right there behind the behemoth of a timberwolf.

"Damn it! It's an Alpha Timberwolf!" Magnificent yelped.

Justus growled at it. "And my sword is out of reach, too!"

Leoni, however, backed up nervously and stared in horror at the creature that towered above them. "Um... guys? T-think we should run, now?!"

Justus shook his head and replied, "We have to find a way to get rid of this thing, first! Otherwise, it'll just catch up to us and endanger the whole town!"

Before anyone could say anything else, however, the alpha decided to dash towards them. Lyra quickly created a shield bubble around the group, and managed to deflect the timberwolf's attack, and stun it just enough for Justus to run out of the bubble, dodge the alpha's incoming swipe, and reclaim his sword.

"Justus! What are you doing?!" Lyra shouted in a panicked tone.

Justus swiped his sword onto the alpha's chest in a right swing, blocked its second attempted swipe, and bashed it in the snout with his shield before replying, "Distracting it! You three go! Get to the carriage!"

"Not without you!" Lyra retorted.

Justus shook his head and turned towards Magnificent. "Mag! Take them back to town, and send reinforcements! I'll be fine, now go!"

Magnificent gave him a sad frown before nodding his head once. "Celestia guide your path, Justus."

Justus looked back at him and weakly smiled with a nervous look in his eyes. "And to you both, as well." Then he turned to Lyra. "If I don't make it out of this... know that I will forever love you, Lyra!"

Lyra nodded her head and, with tears in her eyes, replied, "D-don't say that, Justus! Y-you'll be fine! We'll be swift!"

With that, the two of them began to run, while Leoni stared wide-eyed at Justus and the alpha. Justus was quick to notice. "I may not know you... but I want you to guard them with your life, boy! You were able to defeat the pack of timberwolves... clearly you are familiar with the blade, at least!"

Leoni nodded his head and joined Lyra and Magnificent in their run, while turning around, and sighing uneasily. He had a bad feeling about Justus's skills. Something had to be done quickly.

When the three of them returned to the carriage, Leoni gasped when he saw a pile of five human corpses, with additional corpses of three ponies and two minotaurs, lying next to it. One of the humans, the skinniest of the group, was in his undergarments.

Lyra winced at the increased weight that she put on her leg while she sat in the back of the carriage. Then she turned towards Leoni and motioned for him to come closer. "That one had armor that was still in decent condition. We figured we could take it to sell... but maybe you should put it on."

Leoni looked at the very back of the carriage. Right away, he noticed a brown leather left glove and right armband, a pair of long leather boots that, when put on, would rise halfway up his thighs, and a leather vest. On the sides of the vest, a pair of steel shoulder guards were sewn into it. Next to the vest was a metal left bracer that would attach to the glove.

With a nod, Leoni quickly strapped the armor pieces over his torso and switched his boots out for the longer pair, while placing his hiking boots inside the carriage. Then he looked at the pile of corpses and sighed, before rushing up to the nearest one and unlatching an iron longsword and its sheath from his belt. Afterwards, he strapped the weapons onto his own belt and ran back up to the carriage.

"We can't delay! We've got to move quickly, before Justus gets overwhelmed!" Magnificent stated.

Lyra nodded her head and continued to stare uneasily at the location where they just came from. The sound of the battle could still be heard going on in the distance.

Leoni looked between the two uneasily before shifting to a fetal position. Then he felt something pressing into his left leg from the leather boots' pressure. When he felt for the source, he noticed that something was in his left pocket. Quickly, he pulled what was out of it, and eyed the object curiously.

It was a thin red tube with a metal tip, a rigid pair of wheel-like devices in the center of the metal tip, and a plastic button on one end of the metal tip. On the other end of the metal tip, there was a hole that led into the metal tube, but was also blocked by something inside the metal.

After staring at the object for five seconds, Leoni gripped onto his head with his right hand, and groaned in pain... which caught Lyra's and Magnificent's attention.

"Sir? Are... are you okay?" Lyra asked worriedly.

Leoni opened his eyes widely before muttering, "Lighter..." then he turned towards the chest in the carriage and quickly opened it up. Lyra gasped and gripped onto his left shoulder. "Hey! What're you doing?!"

Leoni looked towards the inside of it and noticed a bottle of liquid amongst the other junk. "Sorry... just need something to help with this headache... do you happen to have any alcohol?"

Lyra released her grip and looked uneasily at him. "Wait... you drink?" Then she turned towards Magnificent, who shrugged his shoulders and stretched his right hand towards the chest. "Well... we do have Dragon Bourbon, but that stuff is very strong for humans. How much do you need?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before picking the bottle up from the chest. When he looked at the label on it, he smiled when he saw that it was exactly what he needed. "Um... may I try the whole bottle?"

Magnificent smirked before turning towards the horses to move forward. "Sure, it's your funeral!"

Leoni shook his head before gripping onto his right sleeve. Then he pulled down on it, and ripped the entire sleeve off before ripping a strip off of the sleeve. Lyra and Magnificent turned towards him confusedly, while Magnificent pulled on the horses' reins to keep them from moving while he wasn't looking forward.

Leoni then proceeded by removing the wooden cap from the bottle and stuffing the top of it with the strip from his sleeve. "It isn't my funeral." He then sealed the cap on top of the bottle again, with the strip of cloth hanging from the tip of it. "It's that wolf's funeral."

After taking a deep breath, Leoni stood up from the carriage and leaped off of it, landing with a roll, before kicking a dust trail behind him. Lyra and Magnificent reached out to stop him, but before they could even say anything to him, he was already out of sight. "Wait! Don't fight that thing, Leoni! Timberwolves can't be killed! We've already tried for many generations!" Magnificent complained before groaning and turning towards Lyra. Then the two of them nodded their heads and following Leoni, albeit at a slower pace due to Lyra's injury.

Justus breathed heavily while the alpha continued to try clawing at him. His sword was now lodged into its back, but unfortunately, it wasn't as effective as he had hoped. Now all he had left was his shield and his fists... though only a fool would use their fists against a timberwolf.

"Come on, you wooden bastard! You bite worse than a newborn infant!" he jested, which only made the alpha even more angrier at him. It howled before trying to swipe at him once again. This time, however, when he blocked its claw, it ended up swiping again in the opposite direction; disarming him of his shield, and leaving a long and thin cut on his left gauntlet and his chest plate.

Before Justus could react, the alpha swung at him again, and sent him flying backwards. When he landed, his helmet flew off, and his forehead was now bleeding. The alpha snarled and crouched to pounce on its prey.

Suddenly, a large stone flew into the air, and bashed the alpha in the back of the skull, causing it to yelp and jerk to the side. As it jerked, Justus's sword flew from its back, but it seemed unfazed by that.

Justus, out of confusion, turned towards the source of the stone, and gasped when he saw Leoni standing where he ran from mere moments ago. He didn't gasp at the sight of Leoni, however. He gasped at what Leoni was doing... taunting the alpha.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BOY?! YOU CAN'T FIGHT A TIMBERWOLF ALPHA! THAT'S SUICIDE!"

Leoni merely ignored Justus's complaints and continued waving his hand over his head like a madman. "THAT'S RIGHT! OVER HERE, FIDO! FRESH MEAT, TWELVE O'CLOCK!"

The alpha continued to glare and snarl at him before crouching into a pouncing position. Then, once it started to inch closer towards him, he stopped jumping and flailing his arms, and lowered to the ground and picked the bottle of bourbon up from behind his right foot. Finally, he lifted it in front of his chest and began flicking the lighter on, while the alpha began dashing towards him. Then, once the strip of blue cloth was lit up, he did something that made Justus stare at him like he was even more crazier than he thought... he ran towards the behemoth.

Regardless of the image he was painting for himself, there was one phrase that Leoni was thinking as he ran towards the hulking behemoth. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!"

Finally, when the alpha dug its claws into the ground to make yet another pounce, Leoni slowed his running pace and arched the bourbon behind his back, and took aim. Then, when the alpha leaped into the air, Leoni threw the lit bottle towards the behemoth and rolled to the left to avoid getting flattened.

As soon as the glass broke, the liquid splashed all over the alpha, and shortly following it, the entire beast was engulfed in the flame. It let out a series of loud yelps and whines as the flames only intensified with it blindly running in circles.

Leoni was still sitting on the ground when he saw the creature light up even more. Then he turned to his right and noticed Lyra and Magnificent walking into the scene with looks of sheer amazement on their faces. He turned towards Justus and saw that he, too, was amazed at the sight before them. Then, when Leoni turned back towards the alpha, his eyes widened when he saw the fire turning green, and a huge amount of smoke started gathering around it.

"What's going on?" he asked.

Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent continued to stare silently before Justus replied, "I... don't know! This never happened, before!"

As if on cue, the green fire began to loudly crackle, until it loudly popped. Then, as quickly as the pop occurred, the flames dissipated, and all that was left of the monster was a large pile of black ashes.

Justus slowly walked up to the pile of ashes and cautiously poked at it with his sword. Seeing that it was nothing more than ashes, he backed away from it, dropped his sword and shield, and fell onto his knees.

Leoni raised a confused eyebrow and was about to ask what was going on. Instead, however, Justus answered it for him.

"Countless generations... these things have been a major threat to us for countless generations." He shook his head and chuckled. "I've lost countless men to this thing... even the most trained soldiers have fallen at the claws of timberwolves!" Then he turned towards Leoni with a smile on his face. "And now... we have the one person who was able to actually kill the bastards!" He stood up and slowly walked towards Leoni, who was still sitting down. Then Justus reached his right hand down for Leoni to take. He did so, and was quickly pulled back onto his feet... and was now caught in a bear hug, which made his expression change from total confusion, to slight discomfort.

"You have no idea how much this means to us, lad." Then Justus released him and lightly chuckled when he saw Leoni grasping onto his chest, trying to regain his breath. "Tell me... who are you? And where are you from, exactly?"

After relearning his ability to speak, Leoni wheezed, "My... name is... Leoni... but... I... don't know where... I'm from."

Justus's smile slowly started to lower into a frown. "Wait... you don't know where you're from? How can that be, when you remember your name?"

Leoni's breathing soon became normal again before he replied. "I can't say for sure. All I remember is waking up in a place that feels... different from where I'm used to. A little alien, if you know what I mean?"

Justus hummed before scratching on his beard. "Amnesia, perhaps?"

Leoni nodded his head and replied, "Unfortunately... I think it is. I can't even remember my last name, even! Just my first name, a few small basics, like how to talk and what-not... and that's about it." He then lifted his lighter up and added, "Oh... and I also know how to use a lighter again... though I don't think I was able to remember it until after I simply looked at it for a little bit."

Justus tilted his head in confusion before reaching his hands out. "May I see this... lighter thing that you speak of, please?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head before placing the lighter in Justus's hands. Justus lifted it up to his eyes and examined it curiously... something that took Leoni all of his willpower to keep from laughing at. It wasn't until Lyra and Magnificent joined him in staring at it like it was the most fascinating thing in the world, that his built up laughter caused him to smirk and cover his mouth.

Justus looked up at him and pointed at the lighter. "I do not understand. What is this thing supposed to do, exactly?"

Leoni reached his right hand out, and waited for Justus to pass him back his lighter. When he did, Leoni cleared his throat and pointed at the metal tip of the lighter. "Well... think of it like this. This device is pretty much a mix of flint and steel that operates from a liquid called 'butane'... are you familiar with that?"

Lyra nodded her head and replied, "Yes. That is what some of our ovens work with... though that's normally up in Canterlot, or rich businesses, because of how rare it is to come by, and how difficult it is to keep it in liquid form. There are a few in Ponyville that use it, though... but nowadays, we just simply use artificial fire, created by magic."

Leoni nodded his head and pointed at the red tube of the lighter. "Well, inside this plastic container is plenty of butane to keep this thing lit for a good while. By placing my thumb on this rigid part on top, and sliding it down while pressing this button here, the lighter sends out a spark, while holding this button allows the butane to flow from the bottom, and catch the spark. When it catches it, it stays lit up until I release this button, which would essentially make it close up the hole to keep the air from getting into the butane within the lighter." As Leoni explained the basic functions of his lighter, he also lit it to demonstrate. When he did, his "audience" literally jumped back and gasped in awe at the foreign device.

Justus reached his hand out again. "This kind of tool... it could make all the difference in the world! Why, this could be a major breakthrough in our soldiers' safety! Please, Mr... Leoni, was it?" Leoni nodded his head. "Please, Leoni, allow us to examine this tool? We shall not damage it at all... just a simple harmless magic examination? It won't take long, and might even aid you in finding out where you came from?"

Leoni thought for a moment before nodding his head and passing him the lighter again. Then Justus offered it to Lyra, who eyed it carefully while her horn started glowing gold.

Leoni still wasn't sure how magic worked, but after all that he encountered since waking up, he felt it would be best to just avoid questioning it. Instead, he just stood there silently and eagerly waited for any clues on where he could've come from.

After thirty seconds of tirelessly examining the lighter with her magic, Lyra's spell stopped in an instant, her eyes shot open, and she let out a loud gasp. Justus was the first to ask, "What is it, dear? What did you find?"

Lyra stared at the lighter confusedly before offering it back to Leoni. "It's made entirely of resources that we have... that much is true... but the source of your... lighter's resources... I can't seem to find the location the materials came from!"

After Leoni accepted the lighter and placed it back in his pocket, Magnificent stared at Lyra incredulously. "So you're saying that he isn't from Equestria at all?"

She shook her head and replied, "Actually... it gets even stranger than that!" She turned towards her friends and, while pointing at Leoni, stated, "He isn't even from Asgalon! It's almost like... he's from a different world altogether!"

The three of them slowly turned their heads towards Leoni, who was scratching his chin, deeply lost in thought. "And you got this from simply looking at my lighter?"

Lyra nodded her head and, with a worried look, replied, "Yes... I... don't know what to say."

After a moment of silence, Leoni's confused expression became a cheerful one. Then he looked at Lyra and nodded his head. "That's amazing!"

The three of them tilted their heads in confusion, while Justus spoke. "If you're from another world, though... aren't you worried that you may never see it again?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders while looking around at the crater. "Honestly, I can't remember a thing about it, besides how to use a lighter. Also, I know the land between this crater and your carriage over there. That pretty much means I'm more familiar with this one than the one I'm from... so I don't see any reason to worry."

Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent looked at each other again, before smiling and nodding their heads at Leoni. "Well, when you put it that way, perhaps it would be best that we start over?" Justus stated. Then he reached his right hand out and said, "My name is Justus Heartstrings... though I'm sure Mag over there ran his mouth again, and introduced us, already. Honestly, he wouldn't be able to keep his snout shut, even if his life depended on it... but he's a good friend to have around."

Magnificent glared at him and spat, "Oh, and you have room to talk? In case you didn't notice, you and Lyra tend to be a little too open with your 'bedroom conversations', if you ask me!" Then he smiled and turned to Leoni. "Oh, by the way. I hope you don't mind their... couple-related conversations. They've been married for a few months now, after all... and they tend to still speak as if they were home, even when they are in the public!"

Lyra, on the other hand, closed her eyes and, with the golden glow from her horn, the two males were pulled down to her level by their ears, while she complained, "Guys! In case you didn't notice, you're making him feel uncomfortable! Besides, I don't think we should be chatting here of all places!" Then she released their ears from her magic grip and smiled at Leoni while the other guys rubbed their ears and groaned out of minor pain. "Please, don't mind these guys' words. Despite what Mag said, Justus and I are more restrained in our conversations when we're around others. If it makes you uncomfortable, we won't speak that way when in your presence."

Leoni nervously closed his eyes, nervously grinned, and rubbed the back of his hair with his right hand. "Um... it's quite alright, really!" Then he opened his eyes and smiled warmly at the three of them. "I can see that the three of you are trying to help me feel more comfortable... and for that fact alone, I'd like to say thank you. Also, please don't feel restricted around me! I'd rather you guys be yourselves, rather than put on an act, y'know?" Then his eyes widened in realization. "Oh! And... my name is 'Leoni', by the way. It's an honor to meet you three!"

Justus chuckled and patted Leoni on the back. "Well, Leoni, I think the four of us are going to get along nicely! If ever you need to know anything at all, feel free to ask us! We'll do what we can to answer your questions freely!"

Leoni nodded his head and replied, "Thanks! I actually do have a few questions."

Magnificent cleared his throat. "Well, perhaps we should return to the carriage, first. This place isn't really a good location to converse at, after all."

They nodded their heads in agreement and headed back to the carriage, where the hour-long trip to Ponyville would begin.

When they reached the carriage, Leoni eyed the horses that pulled it curiously. "Um... I take it those are horses, correct?"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Indeed, they are. Oftentimes, one would mistake a pony for a horse, either by lack of knowledge, or as an insult. I'm surprised you didn't make that mistake, Leoni! Being from a new world that must've had horses would make that mistake a very likely thing to happen!"

Leoni nodded his head and smiled nervously. "Well... the facial features are way much more different when you look at the two up close... that plus the fur colors."

Lyra smiled and nodded her head at him. "Very good way of putting it! Most other races don't even look past the fur colors when it comes to dating a pony! They just turn them down because of how much like a horse they think they look like... despite us having hands and stuff."

Justus chuckled at her statement. "Yes, but when it comes to feet, you have a tendency to be a fanatic, though."

Lyra giggled at him before nodding her head. "It's true. Sometimes I do tend to go overboard, like how the toes act as secondary fingers!"

Leoni scratched the back of his hair nervously. "I take it that must be what Magnificent called 'bedroom conversations'?"

Justus shook his head and chuckled. "Nay, that one is just an open fact, actually."

Lyra nodded her head and winked at Justus. "Though I'll admit, those secondary fingers can be handy when it comes to massaging more than two areas on a mare's body!"

Justus laughed loudly at that statement. "And that one would be a bedroom conversation, there!"

Leoni coughed a couple times while hiding his face in his hands, attempting to hold back laughter. Lyra, however, was able to notice it right away, and giggled. "Ooh! Looks like someone has something in their mind!"

Leoni cleared his throat before smiling sheepishly at them. "Um... I... have no comments on that."

The three of them chuckled while Magnificent rolled his eyes, but before long, he also chuckled, though only lightly. "Great. We have three dirty minds in this damned carriage, now..."

When everyone settled down from the laughter, Leoni asked, "So... about the questions?"

Justus and Lyra nodded their heads with their friendly smiles still on their faces. Then Justus replied, "Of course! What would you like to know?"

Leoni thought for a moment before asking, "You guys mentioned a 'Ponyville' place... what's it like?"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Ah, Ponyville! A wondrous place, it is! I know you'll love it!"

Lyra chipped in, "And don't let the name fool you. It's only named 'Ponyville' because it was built many generations ago by all three races of ponies; the earth ponies, the pegasi, and the unicorns!"

Leoni's eyes widened at that statement. "Wait... there are other kinds of ponies?"

Lyra nodded her head. "Of course! Which would you like to know about first?"

"Well, you're a unicorn, so I guess we should begin there?"

"Of course! Unicorns are, by nature, far more capable of mastering magic than the other two... though with special methods, the other two can know magic, also! Of course, they would require staffs and wands in order for their magic to work. Unicorns, however, can easily cast magic without tools! All they need is the horn on their foreheads!"

Leoni eyed the staff that she was carrying curiously. "And yet you carry a staff? How come?"

Lyra giggled before replying, "Staffs are good for channeling magic... but when a unicorn uses a staff or a wand, it increases the power that the staff channels immensely! Of course, in doing so, it would lower the capabilities of the other natural elements."

"Natural elements?"

"Yes. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness. If I were carrying a Ruby Staff, then I would be able to cast powerful fire spells... but I wouldn't be able to cast any of the other spells. The same goes for Sapphire, Emerald, Glass, Gold, and Jasper Staffs. The only exception would be the one I carry now... a Diamond Staff."

"I'm guessing a Diamond Staff is the most powerful?"

She shook her head and replied, "No. It's actually fairly weaker than the others! It simply gives a small boost in every element. If I were to get in a fight with a Fire Staff user, and we both were to cast fire spells, then the opponent would have the upper hand... and while I would be able to defeat them with water, if they are strong enough with fire spells, the water will just evaporate, and I would still lose the battle."

Leoni nodded his head and rubbed his chin in thought. "So staffs channel magic for combat... what about wands?"

Lyra shook her head. "Wands are meant for supporting your friends or yourself in combat. Its uses could vary from person to person. Perhaps the user would want to increase their friends' immunity to the certain element? Or they could enchant their friends' weapons with that element, and help them deal more damage to their enemies! The exception to that one would be Nature Wands. Instead of increasing immunities or dealing damage, they are used to heal wounds quickly, at the cost of the user's energy."

Leoni hummed in thought. "So in other words, Nature Magic is good for healing, but nothing else?"

With a shrug, Lyra replied, "As far as I know, yes... though if you ask me, that kind of magic is still very helpful!" Then she looked at her right thigh, and winced in pain as she poked on it a little.

Leoni nodded his head in understanding. "Understood..." Then he rubbed his chin in thought. "So the unicorns are masters of magic... would that make pegasi masters of flight?"

Lyra nodded her head and smiled. "Indeed! They even have the ability to manipulate weather! Also, pegasi are the only ponies that can stand on clouds... it would be wise to remember that, also. Some accidents have occurred when curious people tried walking on clouds... and I'm sure Mag here can relate to that!"

Magnificent huffed, "No comments! It was for science, and discovery!"

Lyra chuckled at him before adding, "You were lying in bed for weeks, telling yourself that clouds are evil!"

Leoni lightly chuckled before shaking his head. "Anyways, so pegasi can fly, manipulate weather, and walk on clouds... what else can they do?"

Lyra hummed before replying, "Well, considering the fact that they are pegasi, it should be obvious that they are naturally immune to wind and water magic. There hasn't been a single unicorn capable of lifting a pegasus with a levitation spell completely. They would have to grip them by the tails or the mane... but even that takes a lot of skill to manage."

"Levitation spells... that's Wind Magic, isn't it?"

Lyra nodded her head and smiled. "That's correct! My, you're pretty perceptive, aren't you?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before replying, "Eh, it just seems like common sense to me. Things floating in the air, must be carried by the wind, y'know?"

"Indeed! I bet if you weren't a human, you would've been a master in the making!"

Leoni tilted his head in confusion. "If I weren't a human? What do you mean by that?"

Justus was the one to answer that one. "Humans aren't capable of casting magic. Usually, we are the balanced forces of the land... though oftentimes, we can be more stubborn than a minotaur!"

"This world has minotaurs?"

Justus nodded his head. "Indeed! As well as griffons, drakes, dragons, satyrs, foxes, goats, changelings, cows, harpies, sirens, and several more sentient creatures!"

Leoni hummed out of interest. "Huh... that's quite interesting... and now that I think about it, I saw a few non-human and non-pony bandits back there near the crater. I'm guessing the minotaurs were the big guys, and the griffons were the bird-like people?"

Justus nodded his head again in response. "Indeed! I'm guessing your memory must be coming back to you?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders and smiled weakly. "I can't say for certain... though it looks like some of the things I knew are still there, thankfully."

Justus chuckled and patted him on the shoulders. "Don't worry. I'm sure your memories will come back to you eventually!"

Leoni nodded his head. "Thanks." Then he turned back to Lyra. "So the pegasi control the weather, and the unicorns control magic the best... what about earth ponies, though?"

Lyra cleared her throat and replied, "Earth ponies are more capable of speed and Nature Magic! Unlike unicorns and pegasi, they don't have anything unique that distinguishes them from the rest. No horn, and no wings. Naturally, though, they can grow taller than the pegasi and the unicorns, so they can occasionally grow stronger, also. One of Ponyville's strongest stallions is even able to beat a minotaur in an arm wrestle!"

Leoni's eyes widened. "Whoa... that guy must be huge!"

Lyra giggled before nodding her head. "Well, they don't call him Big McIntosh for nothing, y'know!"

Justus smirked before looking at Lyra. "Hey, Dear! You aren't fantasizing about him now, are you?"

Lyra's cheeks suddenly turned red when she looked his way. Then she shook her head and, with a sheepish smile, replied, "N-no! Y-you're the only one in my mind, Love!"

Justus chuckled before shaking his head and wrapping his left arm around her. "I jest, love. It would be wrong for me to control what you think, after all. Besides..." He then pressed his lips into hers for five seconds before pulling back from it. "That doesn't mean I can't manipulate those thoughts through actions, does it?"

Lyra sighed deeply before shaking her head and smiling warmly at him. Leoni, on the other hand, couldn't help but look away at the couple to give them their space.

"So, Leoni! Is there any more questions you'd like to ask?" Justus asked once he took his seat next to him again.

Leoni thought for a moment before nodding his head. "I was wondering about the griffons. Are there any unique things about them that I should be aware of?"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Indeed there are. Like the pegasi, they are capable of manipulating weather. Instead of immunity to water and wind, however, they are just as vulnerable as every other element, and are even weak towards Light Magic."

"I take it that would be lightning and stuff like that?"

Justus chuckled. "Indeed, it is! And they also have a slight weakness to fire, though not as badly as the pegasi."

Leoni nodded his head again. "Understandable. What about magic abilities?"

Justus scratched his beard in thought before turning to Lyra. "Care to explain that one, Dear?"

Lyra nodded her head and replied, "Gladly!" Then she turned to Leoni. "Griffons, though capable of manipulating weather, aren't able to cast spells directly. Rather, they rely on enchanting their weapons with an element to increase their capabilities in combat. Say, for example, a griffon gets in a fight with a Tree Spirit... monsters that are usually found in White Tail Woods. They would slide one talon over the blade of their swords, or the ends of their clubs, while imagining a large fire in their minds. Then, when their talon slides down the blade to the tip, a fire engulfs the blade, and makes it powerful enough to burn their foes!"

Leoni thought for a moment before turning towards Justus. "Wait a minute... what about timberwolves? Didn't you say that they've been a threat for so long? Couldn't you just light them on fire with magic?"

Justus shook his head and sighed. "Unfortunately, there's a difference between natural and magical fires. We've been relying on magic fires for generations... and as it turns out, timberwolves happen to be immune to magic, regardless of element. And I can assure you, if it were to strike at Lyra's shield bubble one more time, it would've broken through, had I not intervened."

Leoni nodded his head and hummed. "So fire made from magic is more controlled, correct?"

Justus nodded his head. "Indeed. That's why we rarely use normal fires anymore. Nowadays, all we use normal fires for is fine cooking, and occasionally alchemy... and even that is starting to be replaced by magic."

"I can see why. Without proper care, fire can still be very dangerous." Leoni replied before turning towards Lyra. "So, I guess the knowledge you gained from my lighter might affect the outcome of combat with fire?"

Lyra nodded her head and smiled. "Indeed! I'll also be sure to throw in a good word to the one who taught us how to slay timberwolves!" Then she paused for a moment. "By the way... how did you know that bourbon was able to combust like that?! Nobody would've even figured something like that out, even if they were the smartest beings in the land!"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before replying, "Eh, to each person, their own knowledge, I guess... though I can't say for sure. I... kinda figured it out when I looked at the lighter, also."

"Well, whatever the case, that knowledge will be helpful for the tavern keepers to know! If for any reason, they were to run into normal fire... their businesses would burn down quicker than a manticore chasing after its prey!"

Leoni tilted his head in confusion. "Manticore? What's that?"

Lyra shook her head and place a hand on his shoulder. When he looked at her, she had an amused smile on her face. "You don't want to know."

Leoni gulped and nodded his head, deciding to change the subject. "I might ask more about the other races later... but for now, I'd like to know more about Ponyville. What kingdom is it in?"

Magnificent decided to answer that one. "It's the same kingdom we're in now! Equestria. It's ruled by Princess Celestia, who also happens to be the one who raises the sun and the moon!"

Leoni blinked at that comment before smirking. "You can't be serious... she raises the sun and the moon?"

Magnificent tilted his head in confusion. "But of course! Someone has to do it! Otherwise, the lands will either be charred into desert sands, or frozen into winter nights! Why do you ask?"

Leoni shook his head and replied, "Sorry, it's just that... I kinda figured they already did that on their own... and that the world rotated around the sun!"

Lyra's eyes widened at that comment. "What makes you say that, exactly?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before replying, "It's just another one of the facts that I recall from my world... though I can't say for sure how that is."

Justus hummed before scratching his beard in thought again. "Be best to avoid that subject when we make it to town... but I won't say that it's impossible, knowing that you must be from another world, and all of that."

Leoni lightly chuckled before nodding his head. "Right... and I'll just go with it, regardless of any doubts." Then he looked up at the clearing directly in front of them, where the light began to shine brighter.

Magnificent chuckled before stating, "Finally! We've made it out of the Everfree Forest!"

As soon as the bright rays of the sun entered everyone's eyes, Leoni had to close them in order to let his eyes adjust. Then, when he opened his eyes again, he smiled at the large ocean of green at his left, the distant apple orchard at his right, and the lone cottage just past a small creek nearby... also at his right. Around the cottage, several animals were roaming out and about, and ranged from simple little mice to large dogs, wolves, and even a bear.

What surprised him the most was the fact that even the bear seemed tame, because it wasn't causing a raucous with the smaller critters.

"Um... what's with the house over there?" Leoni asked before pointing towards the lone cottage.

Lyra giggled before replying, "That's Fluttershy's house! As her name implies, she is very shy! You'd have to either be a friend of hers, a friend of her friends, an animal lover, or an animal in order to be able to approach her... and even then, she would get nervous."

Justus added, "But hey, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Regardless of how shy she is, she's also one of the kindest individuals I know."

Lyra nodded her head. "Yeah! She never puts herself over others' interests, and will more than likely keep herself from eating if someone close to her were to tell her not to! It's just that the poor mare is even scared of her own shadow... literally! I even saw her running away from it one day, thinking someone was out to get her!"

Leoni rubbed his chin in thought. "Really, now? Did something happen to her, or someone she knew?"

Lyra nodded her head and replied, "Yes. Unfortunately, she was bullied in the past. As a result, she was always so secluded in her cottage, she doesn't even have many friends. In fact, besides Justus, Mag, and I, she only has one other friend."

Leoni looked towards the cottage again. "I think I can relate... other than you guys, I can't even remember my own family... and what's worse, with this amnesia, I doubt if I'd even be able to tell who would be my family, if I were to return."

Lyra frowned in response before gently patting him on the back. "Hey, like Justus said, I'm sure you'll get your memories back over time."

Leoni weakly smiled at her and nodded his head in appreciation. "Thanks... I just hope whoever it is that I left behind aren't upset."

Justus also patted his back and shook his head. "If the humans of your world are the same as the ones here, then I'm sure they will eventually recover."

Lyra smiled and nodded her head. "Also, if we happen to find a way to send you back, we'll be sure to let you know, should you get your memories back!"

Leoni looked at the two of them and lightly chuckled. "Thanks, you guys. I'm glad it was the three of you who found me, instead of those timberwolves... or those bandits."

Magnificent turned towards him and replied with a smile, "Any time! And for the record, you could always talk to any of us if you need any more help with anything! Just... y'know... maybe not in the middle of the night, or something like that, unless it's an emergency!"

Leoni turned towards Magnificent and nodded his head again. "Thanks, Mr. Magnificent."

Magnificent chuckled before shaking his head. "Please, don't worry about formalities around any of us. You can just call me 'Mag', if you'd like!"

Leoni nodded his head again before turning back towards the cottage. "So you said she has one other friend... does she live here?"

Justus was about to reply, but before any words could come out, a distant brash-sounding female called out, "Hey! You guys are back!"

Curiously, Leoni turned his head towards the source of the voice... but then, his jaw dropped when all he could see was a distant cyan blur with a rainbow streak following behind it.

Lyra, however, smiled and waved at the rainbow maker. "Good day, Rainbow Dash! We've got a newcomer over here!"

Leoni continued to stare at the distant blur in disbelief. Then, in the matter of seconds, the blur was literally right in front of him, merely one foot from his face.

He gasped and jumped back at the sudden appearance of, what appeared to be, a pegasus mare with a cyan coat, purple eyes, and a rainbow mane. Her outfit was a light blue sleeveless shirt, a pair of dark brown pants, a pair of black flat-bottomed boots (since ponies have hooves for feet), and a pair of black armbands that began below her elbows and ended at her wrists.

When Leoni landed on the floor of the carriage, he groaned in minor pain while the pegasus gripped onto her snout and attempted to hold back her laughter. Unable to do so, she fell on her back and burst into a fit of laughter, while Leoni deadpanned at her and tried to stand up to get back on his seat.

Before he could even stand up more than an inch, however, the rainbow-maned pegasus was already hovering over him with her right arm stretched out. Leoni hesitantly took it, but smiled when she helped him back to his seat. "Wow, thanks sir! I needed a good laugh!" she commented before taking a seat next to him. Then she held her right hand out and said, "My name is Rainbow Dash! What's yours?"

Leoni shook her hand with his smile still on his face. "My name's Leoni. It's... a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Dash."

Rainbow sat there silently for a moment, then burst into laughter once more. Before Leoni could even ask why, though, she already answered for him. "Sir, you do not have to worry about formalities around me! Just 'Rainbow Dash', 'Rainbow', or 'Dash' will do! Kay?"

Leoni nodded his head and sheepishly replied, "Um... okay. Sorry..."

Rainbow tilted her head in confusion before asking, "There's no need to apologize. What are you even sorry for?"

"Um... sorry?"

Again, Rainbow burst into a fit of laughter, before standing from her seat. "Hold on! I have got to get Fluttershy over here! I think I've just found her perfect match!"

Magnificent, on the other hand, replied, "Sorry to cut a meeting short, Dashie, but we really need to get to Ponyville. We're running a little late as is, and must ensure that the arrival of Princess Celestia's student is met without any problems! Also, we will need to find a place for Leoni to stay."

Rainbow sighed and nodded her head. "Eh, maybe later, then!" Then she winked at Leoni before taking flight once again. "You're alright though, Leoni... I'll see you around!" And like that, she was off in another rainbow-trailed blur.

Leoni continued to stare at the direction the pegasus flew off from confusedly. His attention was quickly caught by the sound of feminine snickering. When he looked at the source, he noticed Lyra was trying to hold back her laughter.

"Um... did I miss something?" Leoni asked.

Lyra regained her composure, though with a smile still on her face. "Oh, nothing... though if I didn't know any better, I'd say she kinda likes you!"

Justus couldn't help but nod his head in agreement. "Indeed. Normally Rainbow Dash doesn't even fly that close to a stranger, and if she does, it's to look them in the eyes to question their motives." He then chuckled and looked towards where Rainbow flew off to. "I would prepare for a lot of upcoming mischief if I were you."

Leoni nodded his head, but paused for a moment. "Wait a minute... she mentioned Fluttershy's name... was she that other friend?"

Lyra nodded her head. "Indeed, she was! In fact, it caught us all by surprise when the two of them met when they moved in!"

"What happened, exactly?"

Lyra cleared her throat before facing the distant cottage behind them again. "Well like I said, Fluttershy was always bullied in the past. Rainbow actually related to that for a time... but she managed to get popular once she showed her flying speed off to the public. Now, she holds the title of 'Fastest Flyer in Equestria' with pride."

Leoni nodded his head before turning towards the cottage, also. "So what does that mean about her and Fluttershy?"

"When the two of them were being bullied, Rainbow was always the one who stood up for Fluttershy. Though she never admitted it, Fluttershy told us that Rainbow would oftentimes return home with a bloody nose... and bloody knuckles, though the knuckles part was what Rainbow admitted. Even though Fluttershy never resorted to violence, and even avoided it at all costs, she was very thankful to Rainbow for standing up for her. And so, the two of them hit it off as best friends... though on the final day of Flight Camp, that was when things got bad."

Leoni turned towards her and asked, "What happened?"

Lyra paused for a moment before sighing. "When it came time for Rainbow to take flight, she went so fast, that Fluttershy fell from the airwaves... though Rainbow didn't notice at the time. And when a pegasus gets scared or startled, their wings lock up, which stops their ability to fly... knowing how timid Fluttershy is, I'm sure you can guess what happened next."

Leoni gasped, and his eyes widened. "Wait... how did she survive, though?!"

Lyra giggled before replying, "This may sound strange, but... Fluttershy told us that she was saved by a huge swarm of butterflies."

Leoni's expression went from shocked to downright confused. "Wait... butterflies? Seriously?"

Lyra shrugged her shoulders before replying, "Well, yeah! I wouldn't believe it for myself if it weren't for the fact that her cutie mark happens to be those butterflies that saved her."

"Um... cutie mark?"

Lyra chuckled before removing her right shoulderpad and rolling her sleeve up. When she did, Leoni noticed the mark of a golden lyre on her shoulder. "When a member of the equine race happens to find their special talent, these appear on their shoulders... and somewhere else, though I'd rather not say it."

Justus leaned towards Leoni's other ear and whispered, "They also appear on their flanks... and those ones even act as a pleasure point!"

Leoni didn't see it, but he certainly heard the pop come from the back of Justus's head, followed by Lyra's annoyed whispering. "Justus! He didn't have to know that!"

Before anyone else could say another word, Magnificent cleared his throat loud enough to get everyone's attention. "Hey, everyone! We've made it to Ponyville!"

The three of them quickly turned their heads forward and smiled at the approaching wooden gate and walls. From both sides of the gate, a pair of white coated pony guards wearing golden armor similar to Justus's stood to attention. The one on the left was a unicorn, while the one on the right was a pegasus. When they saw Justus, they stomped their right hooves on the ground and saluted him with their right hands.

"Commander." the two of them said in unison.

Justus returned the salute before replying, "At ease, gentlemen. Anything to report?"

The unicorn guard shook his head and replied, "Nothing other than the anomaly in the Everfree."

The pegasus then asked, "Permission to speak freely, sir?"

Justus nodded his head and replied, "Permission granted, soldier."

"What exactly was the anomaly, sir?"

Justus hummed before turning towards Leoni. Then he turned back towards the guards and replied, "Thankfully, it wasn't anything to be afraid of... even something we should be rejoicing for, actually!"

The guards' eyes widened at that statement. "R-really?!"

Justus nodded his head before patting Leoni in the back. "Indeed. The anomaly happened to be none other than this lad right here!"

The guards turned towards Leoni and eyed him warily. "Um... with all due respect, sir... how come we should be rejoicing about this man?"

Justus chuckled before replying, "It isn't simply him we should be rejoicing for! Rather, it's what he is capable of doing!"

The guards looked at each other before turning to Leoni again. "What... can you do, sir?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before looking at Justus confusedly. "Um... I..."

Justus patted him on the back again before replying, "Simple! He actually vanquished a pack of timberwolves!"

The guards' jaws dropped at that statement. "T-timberwolves?! You actually vanquished them?!"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before replying, "I... guess so?"

Justus shook his head and replied, "Not just that, but this crazy lad even went head-first towards an alpha... and slayed the beast!"

The guards continued to stare slack-jawed at Leoni for a moment longer. "Is it true?"

Leoni nodded his head before smiling sheepishly at Justus. "Um... yes, sir... but I don't really see why it's such a big deal, really. I mean... I'm sure pretty much someone would've done the same, eventually."

The guards continued to stare at him in disbelief. Then Magnificent whipped the reins of the horses, making the carriage move past the gate, and into the town.

Leoni stared in awe at the sights around him. All around the dirt and stone road, countless ponies of all shapes and sizes, a few minotaurs and griffons, several goats, a couple foxes, many satyrs and humans, and a small handful of drakes (dragon-like bipeds that stand up to a maximum height of ten feet tall) roamed around, headed to and from multiple buildings. A majority of them wore simple white shirts with brown overalls, black boots, and brown gloves, while others wore multicolored garments that highly resembled "medieval" fashions.

On the direct left side of the entrance was a high-rising tower that housed several more guards. On the top of the tower were even a few unicorn mages wearing chainmail armor similar to the one Lyra was wearing.

Directly to the right was another tower, only the guards on the top of this one were humans and earth ponies wearing leather beneath their tabards. The tabards, of course, bore the Canterlot Logo on them, also.

Next on the left and right were houses of varying shapes and sizes. All of them were made of wood and stone, with yellow straw roofs. They each had wooden postboxes near their doors, with names on the postboxes that told the households' owners names to the public.

Shortly following the houses on the left, a smithy was conveniently placed in a larger gap between the houses and the wide open area known as the town square. The smithy, instead of being a full building, was partially built with one wall missing. On the three walls that were there, countless sharp blades and armor pieces hung to show the pubic the blacksmith's talents.

The blacksmith, a strong minotaur with white fur, a black mane, and piercing yellow eyes, was wearing a pair of black trousers, black leather gloves, and brown leather boots, but he wasn't wearing a shirt. In his right hand, a large steel mallet was firmly gripped, while balanced between his left hand and the large anvil in front of him, a sword with a glowing red blade was being flattened.

After giving the sword a few clean and solid strikes with his hammer, the blacksmith dipped the sword into a barrel of water. As the blade went in, a loud hissing noise followed, and a huge amount of steam rose from the barrel. Then the blacksmith lifted the sword back up and examined the tip of the blade. Finally, with a smile on his face, he turned towards another figure who was working in the smithy; a griffon with white feathers, black talons, a short black beak, and a pair of emerald green eyes. He was wearing a light yellow shirt with sleeves that protruded into a bell shape midway before sinking back in at the area his elbows were. The tips of the sleeves were tied down at the ends to keep the clothing from getting in the way. He also wore black overalls, brown leather gloves and boots, and a black apron.

The minotaur said something to the griffon, but due to the endless waves of sound from the town's activity, his voice was washed away. Regardless, however, the griffon appeared to have heard him clear enough and nodded his head before taking the sword from the smith and carrying it over to a bald human who was sitting on a stool next to a grinding wheel. The human was wearing the same types of clothes as the griffon, only his shirt was light brown, and his gloves were black. He was also wearing a metal mask over his face that hid his face from public eyes.

He nodded his head to the griffon after accepting the sword from him and began turning the grinding wheel to sharpen the blade. Meanwhile, the griffon turned towards the interior of the shop and headed towards the shelves to straighten out the layouts of the hanging items, or to hang any up that may have either fallen over, or were recently crafted.

From the opposite end of the smithy, there was a huge park with a few groups, couples, or individuals of mixed races roaming around. In the center was four young children; an earth pony female, a griffon male, a human female, and a pegasus male. All four of them also wore medieval-like clothes, but due to the distance they were at from the road, it was difficult to tell what they looked like.

The human and the griffon stood side-by-side, while the pair of ponies stood side-by-side. In-between the two was a net that rose up twice as tall as the children. The griffon was also holding a ball in his talons.

The griffon threw the ball in the air and punched it over the net while the pegasus ran up to it and lightly punched it in the air, though a little too short for the ball to pass the net. The earth pony took it as her cue to run up, and so she punched it higher, but it flew slightly backwards. The pegasus then decided to use his wings to his advantage.

He flew up in the air and did a back-flip kick that sent the ball flying towards the human girl on the other side of the net. The griffon, however, managed to get in front of her and punch the ball in the air to decrease the momentum.

The human gave him an appreciative nod before punching the ball in the air, so that the griffon would be able to repeat the pegasus's stunt. Instead of blocking the incoming ball, however, the earth pony managed to punch it with her own hands, while the pegasus punched it high into the sky.

The griffon quickly took flight and did a front-flip kick, which sent the ball skyrocketing towards the human girl.

The human girl, with a determined look on her face, leaped into the air at an alarming height while doing several twirls, and rotating until her feet were over her head. Then, with all her might, she nailed the ball so hard, it flew over the net and landed in-between the ponies in a newly formed crater.

Leoni stared wide-eyed at the sheer power that the children had, and began to fear that maybe all children were insanely strong compared to him. It didn't help that the children were laughing after that incident like it was normal, either.

Shortly ahead from the park was a generic-looking school building. Inside its playground was a multitude of children of different races, as well. They were all playing on different amusement objects, such as see-saws, slides, swings, and monkey bars. There wasn't really much out of the ordinary there that Leoni to put his finger on, other than the fact that several non-human children were there as well.

Finally, after the carriage made it across the entrance road, Magnificent turned the carriage sharply to the left, where a stable rested near another gate. Then, when the carriage was no longer moving, he turned towards the others and said, "Well, this is where I must depart, I'm afraid." He then turned towards Lyra and chuckled nervously. "You know how your sister can be when I'm late getting home."

Lyra giggled before nodding her head. "Yeah, well Minuette is often home late, herself! Maybe you aren't too late!" Then the two of them gave each other a polite bow before Magnificent turned towards Leoni. "Leoni, it's been a pleasure! Mayhaps we can meet at the local tavern! You won't be disappointed!"

Leoni chuckled nervously before nodding his head. "We'll see, my friend... though I doubt if I'll be drinking much alcohol. I gave that bottle of Dragon's Bourbon a small sniff, and now I think some of my brain cells already died!"

The three travelers laughed at his joke, and Magnificent patted him on the shoulders. "My friend, I think you'll fit in with this community perfectly! And now that I think about it, Pinkie Pie may very well enjoy your company, as well! You'll find her in Sugarcube Corner a little ways over in the town square! She even helps out around the tavern next to it at night!"

Lyra looked at Leoni and nodded her head. "It's fairly easy to notice, considering it's the only building that looks like it's edible... though don't let the looks fool you! It's still made out of wood and stone. Believe me... I've tried."

Justus chuckled before shaking his head. "Doubt if anyone wouldn't have given it a curious lick, unless informed by a former victim."

Leoni chuckled before nodding his head to them. "Thank you... um... where should I go to find you all, exactly?"

Lyra and Justus looked at the towers near the entrance. Then Justus replied, "Usually when we're on duty, we will be stationed in the towers over there at the South Gate. That's the one that we just came through."

Lyra then chipped in, "But if we aren't on duty, we'll either be roaming around town, visiting Sugarcube Corner, or we'll be at home! It's the second one on the left when facing the South Gate!"

Leoni nodded his head and smiled. "Thanks! I'll... try not to disturb the two of you if you're at the house."

Justus chuckled before shaking his head. "As long as it isn't late at night, you wouldn't be disturbing us at all!"

Lyra, however, decided to add something else to that statement. "That is, unless we're busy making love! Then you might want to give us an hour!"

Justus merely laughed at that comment while Magnificent shushed the two of them. Leoni, however, coughed nervously before turning away from the couple. "*COUGH* Anyways... I guess I'd best be on my way, then! Have a nice day, you three!"

He walked a few steps before stopping and turning around. Then he asked, "Um... where should I go from here, exactly?"

Justus hummed before scratching his beard in thought. "First, you may want to meet up with the mayor. She should be in the Town Hall at this time, preparing for the arrival of Princess Celestia's personal student."

Leoni's eyes widened at that statement. "Wait, the princess is sending one of her students over here?! How come?"

Lyra giggled before shaking her head. "Sorry, we forgot to tell you! The Summer Sun Celebration is coming up tomorrow, and since this year marks the first one that her student, Twilight Sparkle, is eighteen on, she allowed her to be the coordinator! She'll be busy making sure everything is in order, while our party planner, Pinkie Pie, helps us set her home up!" Then Lyra turned towards her left, and nodded at a distant house that, from the looks of it, was completely built inside of a tree. "She will be moving into that building over there."

Leoni followed her gaze, but scratched the back of his hair in confusion. "Um... that tree over there?"

Justus nodded his head and smiled warmly at the tree. "Indeed. Honestly, I'm quite glad to see that old library will finally have an owner again. The last one was ambushed by a group of bandits several years ago... she was a good lass. Always made a trip to the library worth the efforts for those from across the town."

Leoni nodded his head and replied, "I'm sorry for your loss. I hope the princess's student can fill that gap."

Magnificent nodded his head in response before replying, "You wouldn't be the only one. We could all use more excitement around the town... and books are no exception, either! Not to mention the education for the kids."

With another nod, Leoni turned towards them again. "So I go to the Town Hall to meet the mayor... then what?"

Lyra shrugged her shoulders before replying, "I'd suggest finding a place to stay. Maybe you could check with the local tailor! There aren't many out there that could match how generous she is! Perhaps she would be willing to let you move in with her, at least until you have a better place to stay?"

Justus nodded his head in agreement. "Indeed, that does sound like something Lady Rarity would do. She even tailored the clothes that I'm wearing underneath all of this armor, as well as most of what the townspeople are wearing! Not only that, but the materials she used for mine are quite rare... and yet she gave it to me for free!"

Leoni hummed before nodding his head with a smile. "Sounds good... where can I find her, exactly?"

Lyra pointed at the distant huge white stone building that appeared more regal than the rest, with multiple windows on the sides that had several mannequins of different races dressed in several different uniforms that ranged from casual to regal. "She lives and works there most of the time. Otherwise, she would more than likely be seen in the bathhouse just straight across from it."

Leoni nodded his head again before replying, "Sounds good. Thank you all!" He began walking away, but stopped and turned towards Magnificent. "Um... Mag?"

Magnificent, who had turned his back when Leoni was walking, turned back to him and raised his eyebrows in attention.

"I never really caught where to find you, should I need you for anything."

Magnificent chuckled before nodding his head. "Ah, of course! I'm an archaeologist, so if I'm not in a cave, I would usually be either at the tavern telling folks what I've found that day, or at my home, which is the first house on the left when facing the South Gate."

Leoni nodded his head once more before waving. "Alright, then. Thanks again! You three have a nice day!"

The three nodded their heads in response before waving at him. Then, Leoni was on his way towards the Town Hall.

Perspective Change: ??? (Canterlot Castle)

From inside the tall throne room with marble flooring, walls, and ceilings, a regal alicorn mare sat on a golden throne with a red cushion. The throne was on top of a large staircase with a red carpet that was spread in a neat line from behind the throne to the entrance of the throne room, which was blocked from the public by a pair of golden doors.

The alicorn was wearing a pure white dress with golden trimmings on the corners of her cuffs. Around her neck, she wore several gold and white pearl necklaces. Resting on her scalp, she wore a golden crown with a purple amethyst jewel embellished in the tallest spike that rose up; the central one. On her chest, a golden breastplate was attached to the dress, with another purple amethyst in the center. Both of the amethysts were shaped like a diamond, and shined brightly.

The alicorn had a pure white coat, purple eyes, and a multicolored mane and tail that flowed freely, despite the lack of wind. Her mane and tail were colored in stripes of blue, green, purple, and pink.

She finished writing a letter with a levitating quill. Then she combusted it into a green flame with her magic. The sparkling smokey remnants of the letter vanished in a yellow light.

She then stood from the throne and slowly descended from the stairs before turning towards the window that faced the town of Ponyville. Afterwards, she gripped her hands behind her back and closed her eyes, while looking down. Silently, she said, "Please be strong, my faithful student..."

Her ears twitched when the sound of the throne room doors opening filled the room. At the time, however, the castle was emptied, and most soldiers were stationed in Ponyville to aid in the preparations, as well as watch for the group that she sent to investigate in the anomaly in the Everfree Forest. Regardless, however, she already knew who it was, and briefly cast a spell towards the moon below Equestria's side of the world... surely when the time was up, her student would know what to do.

"So... I see you took your time to get here," she said before opening her eyes and turning towards her visitor. "Luna."

The figure who entered was another alicorn mare, only this one had a dark purple coat, a foggy blue mane and tail with stars that shined through them, and pitch black armor. Her eyes were emerald green, and were shaped more like the slits of a snake's eyes. Her teeth were shaped like fangs, and her mouth was forming a frown.

Her eyes were deadpanned when she heard her name being addressed. "Thou art a fool if thou thinks that's who we are, Celestia. Now, We are Nightmare Moon!" She glared at Princess Celestia before drawing a black handled sword with a handle shaped like a crescent moon pointed upwards. The blade of the sword shined pure white, and released a purple fog from the edges. "And thou knows what We are here for, too!"

Celestia sighed before shaking her head. "Don't do this, sister... you must resist! Think of what father would've done!"

Nightmare Moon merely chuckled at that statement before shaking her head. "Oh, Celly... dost thou really believe that we would consider father our enemy? It was he who gave us this gift... but surely thou dost raise a plausible point! Father wouldn't slay thee!" Then she gave Celestia a wicked grin before pointing her sword towards Celestia. "He would punish thee, as thou hast punished me! And now, thou shalt surely be punished!"

In the blink of an eye, Nightmare Moon quickly dashed towards Celestia with her sword raised high. Celestia, however, anticipated the attack and teleported from where she stood to the other end of the room, while the blade of Nightmare Moon's sword sliced through a marble pillar, leaving a thin line where the blade cut through. Since the line was horizontal, however, it was still in one piece.

Celestia glared at her sister and snapped her right fingers in the air. Then a rod-shaped light flashed from her hand. When the light was gone, a tall golden scythe with a black blade on the edge appeared. The black blade projected a white mist from its edges.

Nightmare Moon chuckled before shaking her head. "Oh, sister... when will thou ever learn to check thy back?"

Celestia's eyes widened in realization, while Nightmare Moon vanished into a purple mist from in front of the pillar. Before Celestia could react, Nightmare Moon appeared behind her with a spell charged in her horn. Then she spread her left hand out and sent Celestia flying away from her, and into the lower half of the cut pillar. As soon as she landed on it, however, she went through it, and crashed into the wall, leaving a crater, and causing the entire pillar to fall on top of her, along with a portion of the ceiling that it held up.

Nightmare Moon shook her head with a chuckle before turning around. Then, after taking a single step towards the throne, the debris from the pile of marble flew into the air, and in a blurring motion, an enraged Celestia dashed through the air and struck towards Nightmare Moon with her scythe, only for each hit to be blocked, parried, and deflected by Nightmare Moon's sword... all while she merely smiled at her angry sister.

Finally, she gasped when one of Celestia's strikes swished mere inches from her face. Then, after a few more misses, Celestia was able to strike her in the right cheek, causing her to yelp in pain and stumble to her knees.

Celestia then aimed her scythe up and prepared to strike... but despite her anger, she hesitated to strike her sister any more... and the cut on Nightmare Moon's face only made her hesitate even more. "Please, Luna! Don't... make me do this!"

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and began shaking her head while looking down. Then her shoulders began to shake, and she began to weep.

Celestia stood there for a moment longer before sighing and lowering her scythe down. Then she offered her left hand out for Nightmare Moon to take. "It isn't too late, dearest sister. Please... we can make things right again."

Nightmare Moon continued to weep... but regardless, she took Celestia's hand.

That was when Celestia's suspicions began to kick in. Sure enough, when Nightmare Moon looked up at her, a demented smile was on her face, and she began to squeeze Celestia's hand even harder. "Oh, sweet and innocent Celly! Dost we really have to repeat ourselves?!"

In the blink of an eye, Nightmare Moon turned into the same purple mist. This time, however, it wrapped around Celestia's neck and arms, then bound her to the ground. She worriedly looked back, and noticed the real Nightmare Moon standing there with her sword drawn, and pointed at her neck.

"Surely thou must've seen this coming! Now, dost thou understand why we turned from thy peaceful ways?! Peace shall only make us all weak! And the weak cannot trump the strong!" She then glared at Celestia while raising her sword over her head. "And thy weakness shows even more with the fact that thou hadst a whole millennium to train! And yet, thou hast failed again! Tell me... how does it feel to not have thy Elements of Harmony to save thee this time?!"

Celestia closed her eyes and shook her head with a sad expression on her face. Then a single tear fell from her right eye before she opened them again. "I still love you, Luna... I know you can hear me."

Nightmare Moon's glare intensified before she swung the blade down towards Celestia's neck... only to stop an inch away. "Thou mustn't forget who thou art speaking to! Perhaps if thou surrenders now, I shall spare thy wretched hide again!"

Celestia closed her eyes again before shaking her head. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from striking you, Luna... I shouldn't have hesitated there."

Nightmare Moon growled in frustration before lowering the blade to a centimeter away from Celestia's neck. "Shut thy mouth at once!"

Celestia weakly smiled at her before shaking her head again. "I will not leave you, Luna... I won't give up on you! You can hear me... I know it!"

Nightmare Moon growled once more before lifting the blade up again. This time, she managed to strike Celestia in the left shoulder, which sent a sharp wave of pain down her body. She screamed in pain before clenching her teeth shut and breathing heavier and quicker.

"I'm sorry, Luna..." Celestia began, only for Nightmare Moon to raise her sword again.

"SHUT UP!" She lowered the sword down again, and struck Celestia's right shoulder.

Celestia closed her eyes and hissed in pain, but opened them at Nightmare Moon and gave a weak smile at her. "You can do it, Luna... I know you can hear me! Please! You have to fight it!"

"ENOUGH OF THESE MIND GAMES!" Nightmare Moon shouted, causing the entire room to shake. She then raised her sword up in the air and, without hesitation, plunged the blade into Celestia's stomach.

Celestia let out a gagging noise, and a few thin streams of blood spewed from her mouth. Regardless, she weakly smiled at Nightmare Moon, and even though there were tears in her eyes, she asked, "Come on, Luna... have you suddenly forgotten who it was that even taught you how to fight to begin with?"

Nightmare Moon tilted her head in confusion before the realization hit her. Her eyes widened and her jaw fell open when she realized what was going on. She quickly turned around just in time for the fake Celestia to vanish from the trap, and an unharmed Celestia dashing towards her from behind. Then, when she was within striking distance, Celestia managed to disarm Nightmare Moon of her sword and, with a quick flourish, tripped her with a sweeping kick beneath her hooves.

Nightmare Moon glared before teleporting to where her sword was and, with both hands on the blade, teleported behind Celestia to try slicing at her back.

Celestia quickly vanished before she could take the strike, and reappeared behind Nightmare Moon to attempt another disarming strike. What she didn't expect, however, was for Nightmare Moon to turn around and unintentionally take Celestia's strike in the stomach, instead.

With a look of horror on both of their faces, Celestia gasped and stared frightfully at the blade that was now sticking out of Nightmare Moon's back with blood seeping from the tip.

Celestia's grip on her weapon quickly dropped, and her eyes were now starting to water. "Oh, no! LUNA!"

Nightmare Moon's cheeks bulged before she spat out a thick hint of blood. Then, with a soft smile on her face, she turned towards Celestia and asked, "S... sister? W-why?" Then her eyes closed, and she fell face-first on the floor, where a puddle of blood quickly started to build up below her stomach.

Celestia covered her mouth and gagged slightly before falling to her knees. Then, after shakily reaching towards her sister's face, she gently brushed Nightmare Moon's cheeks to confirm that she wasn't hallucinating. Sure enough, she felt her sister's familiar fur brushing against her hands.

"Oh, gods! W-what have I done?!"

Suddenly, Celestia noticed the blade of her scythe float out of her sister's chest... only the problem was that it wasn't her who was removing it.

Celestia quickly jumped back to her hooves and stared in shock, as Nightmare Moon, along with the blood below her, vanished into a thick purple mist. Worriedly, Celestia looked around, but was unable to find any signs of who could be wielding her scythe.

That was, until she looked down. Her shadow's "eyes" opened up, revealing Nightmare Moon's piercing gaze. "L-Luna?!"

Suddenly, her shadow detached itself from her and materialized into Nightmare Moon. Then, with Celestia's scythe in her right hand and Celestia caught in a magic grasp with her left, Nightmare Moon sliced the scythe downwards in the air at Celestia's left direction. With the sound of fabric tearing, a portal was formed where the blade sliced, and from the other side of the portal, nothing but the bright rays of the sun could be seen below an endless array of darkness, along with the distant stars.

Nightmare Moon's magic grip on Celestia's neck intensified enough for her to be lifted off the ground. She held onto her neck with both hands while gagging and gasping for air. "L-Luna! P-please! D-don't do this!"

Nightmare Moon lightly sighed before bringing Celestia closer to her. Then she walked around Celestia until the portal was in front of her, with Celestia in-between.

Celestia closed her eyes while tears fell from them once more. "L-Luna! Please! Y-you... you can still fight it!"

Nightmare Moon chuckled again before replying, "Oh, sweet little Celly... why can thou not just get it through thy thick skull, already?!" She then quickly dropped the smile and formed a menacing glare. "Luna... is dead!"

Celestia gasped at that comment, before Nightmare Moon's left hand opened up, and raised flatly. Then a powerful blast of wind launched Celestia flying through the portal and towards the sun.

She was able to quickly regain her composure inside the area, but even so, she flew towards the portal in a final attempt to confront Nightmare Moon. "LUNA!"

With a smug smile, Nightmare Moon sliced the portal again, though this time in an upward motion. Then the portal quickly vanished, leaving Celestia on the other side.

Nightmare Moon chuckled before shaking her head. "Pity. It would seem the years of peace hath weakened her." Then she walked towards the empty throne and hummed before reaching towards the one thing that looked like it didn't belong... a letter.

"Huh... looks like sweet little Celly had some mail. We believe she won't be in need of this anymore..." She opened the letter and began reading through it.

My dearest teacher,

My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is, in fact, Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response!

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

Nightmare Moon chuckled before looking towards the same mirror that she saw her sister looking out of not too long ago... but more specifically, towards the peaceful-looking town.

"Well! It appears Celestia hath hired a new student during our absence!" Then she looked at the letter with a glare, before setting it on fire. "And it would seem she was important to her, no less." She rubbed her chin in thought, before a wicked grin formed on her face. "We do wonder how Celly would react if something were to... happen to her student?"

Suddenly the sound of knocking began to echo in the room. Within a few seconds, a unicorn guard stepped into the room and looked around for Celestia... only to find nothing out of the ordinary. Even the debris that was scattered around the room was no longer present.

With a shrug, he stepped out of the throne room, completely oblivious to the black mist over where the damage to the ceiling used to be. Then the mist followed the shadows of the rooftops until it was on the ground level. Finally, it quickly crawled through the grass, and was inside the Everfree Forest in the blink of an eye.

To Be Continued

---

From our last adventure, a mysterious human with no memories of his past was woken up, after sleeping in the center of a crater in the middle of the Everfree Forest.

With the help of three bold adventurers, Justus Heartstrings, Lyra Heartstrings, and Magnificent Eye, he was able to make it to Ponyville in one piece.

Ponyville, the peaceful little hamlet that rests just below the majestic city, Canterlot, is a lively town filled with traders, travelers, and citizens of any and all races, despite its name. This year would be the thousandth year since the first dawn of the Age of Light, and the town to celebrate for their ruler that made it all possible is none other than Ponyville, itself.

That said, an unspeakable evil is starting to rise from the darkness. Deep in the throne room of Canterlot, the alicorn princess known as Princess Celestia sensed a huge power source coming from the Everfree Forest. After sending the group of adventurers there, however, more problems rose from inside the castle walls.

As a personal request from her student, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia was to allow HER to help coordinate the Summer Sun Celebration this year... but that wasn't the first time she requested to do so.

This year, however, would mark Twilight's first year as a legal adult, and as such, she was given rights to do so... though Celestia saw the impatience in her faithful student's eyes grow with each passing year. She knew her student was starting to take a dark path in life... the same path that her own sister, Princess Luna, took over one thousand years ago, which made her succumb to "The Darkness", a curse that turned her against her own sister. In a fit of rage, Princess Luna, now known as her persona "Nightmare Moon", nearly took Princess Celestia's life... only for Celestia to call upon the powers of the Elements of Harmony to banish Nightmare Moon to the moon for one thousand years.

One thousand years on, and the world was still at peace. The events of Nightmare Moon eventually became nothing more than an old fairytale that parents would tell their children to make them behave. Regardless, though, only a select few people in all of Asgalon would even know PART of the story.

Yes, everyone was going on about their daily lives without a worry in the world...

That is, everyone except ONE particular mare.

Within the marketplace of Canterlot, the very cause of that mare's troubles happened to be running away from the local guards, along with an enraged Noble.

---

Several startled gasps and yelps echoed through the crowded city as a young drake wearing a black cloak rushed through the streets while carrying a red box with a golden bow tying it shut. He breathed heavily while occasionally looking back at the multitude of soldiers wearing white and golden armor, who were rushing towards him while also avoiding bumping into the crowds.

Following close behind the guards was a white coated stallion with a red mane neatly combed over his right eye, who wore a dark blue tuxedo, a pair of black gloves, and a golden monocle over his left eye.

He shouted at the little drake, "STOP, THIEF!"

The drake rolled his eyes and groaned. "Ugh! When will he realize I already payed him for everything that I bought?!" Regardless, though, the guards didn't seem to be slowing down, so he had to improvise somehow.

Looking directly to his left, he spotted an abandoned market stall filled with jewelry... but more specifically, pearl necklaces. Round pearl necklaces. He grinned mischievously before slightly angling himself close enough to where he could reach across the stall. Once he was there, he slid his tail through the necklaces, sending them scattered across the road.

He briefly turned around to watch the guards and the noble trip over the scattered pearls before continuing towards his destination... a tall, five-story high library. As soon as he made it to the front door, however, he ran into yet another problem.

"Oh, no... LOCKED?!" Before he could turn around, a pair of guards grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him into the air. "H-HEY! PUT ME DOWN!"

The guards glared at him before turning him towards the noble, who was glaring daggers at him. "You little brat! Do you have any idea how much damage you've done to my tuxedo?! It will cost me a fortune to have it sewn back together! A FORTUNE!" He placed his cracked monocle back over his eye and snorted. "I hope you're aware of the cost of this kind of damage, you brat!" He lifted his right hand up and began counting fingers. "There's the ribbon, the paper, the box, the bear, my suit..." He deadpanned before lifting his other hand up and counting the fingers on it. "Then there's my monocle... oh, and the fact that you just tried to run away, and resisted arrest!" He then grinned menacingly. "I'd say both of your hands should be lopped off! What say you, Sergeant Iron Blade?" He turned towards the guard that held the drake's left arm.

Iron nodded his head and replied, "Sounds fair to me." Then he turned towards the drake and added, "Though to be fair, the resisting arrest part would've simply had you beheaded! Feel lucky I'm in a generous mood, scum."

The drake sweated nervously before kicking his legs back and forth in an attempt to shake free. "W-WAIT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I DID PAY FOR-"

"STOP LYING AND FACE YOUR JUDGEMENT, KID!" the sergeant shouted back at him. Then the guards carried the drake towards the Town Center, where public punishments and announcements were usually made. Surprisingly, there were already several people of multiple races waiting there, eying the drake. Amongst the crowd, however, was a unicorn mare covered in a dark purple cloak.

Sweat poured from the drake's forehead as he watched the sergeant draw the axe from the stump his hands were tied to. He looked through the crowd nervously and gasped when he saw the robed unicorn step towards the front of the crowd. It was an all-too-familiar sight... but one he was more than thankful to see.

His thoughts were halted when he saw the axe blade gently tip his wrists. He turned to see the sergeant raise the axe over his shoulders while sticking his tongue out and to the side, a sign of his concentration. The crowd got larger and louder, but none of them appeared to be smiling... in fact, they were glaring at the sight before them. Despite being law-abiding citizens, even they had their limits on what was right and wrong... and what they were seeing was, by far, wrong.

However, from the distance, several nobles merely rolled their eyes at the display and brushed it off as if it were nothing of importance.

The drake held his breath and began to cry as he saw the axe slowly lower for the sergeant to test his posture. Then, after the sergeant took a deep breath and lifted the axe one last time, the drake closed his eyes and braced for impact.

Nobody was even aware of the sound of the magic that the hooded unicorn was casting.

As soon as the axe swung down, it stopped midair after being engulfed in a bright pink aura. Iron gasped and held onto the axe while it began to lift into the air on its own accord. It began to lift him off of his hooves... and considering the fact that he was a unicorn, he had no choice but to release it and draw his sword. Then he turned to the crowd and eyed the unicorn while the other guards around her drew their swords and pointed the tips at the mare's neck.

The mare, however, levitated all of the guards' swords into the air and pierced them deep inside the ground in a circle around her. Her eyes, despite being covered in the cloak's hood, were glaring at the sergeant, while the sergeant, in turn, glared at her. "HALT! YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN-" Before he could finish his sentence, his sword was yanked from his hand and pierced into the ground, and his neck began to glow the same pink glow. Then he was forced to the ground on his back via the magic spell.

The mare growled before speaking in a highly noble-accented voice... a voice that struck fear into the sergeant's heart that second.

"YOU STUPID FOOL! HAVE YOU ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'RE DOING HERE?!"

The guards gasped and quickly stood to attention before saluting the hooded figure, while the sergeant stuttered her name.

"M-M-Major Twilight V-Velvet?!"

The mare lowered her hood, revealing her pale grey face, her neatly-combed purple mane with white stripes, and her cold, icy-blue eyes.

When her horn stopped glowing, Iron Blade quickly stood back up and saluted her while remaining silent.

Velvet's glare intensified when she looked at the drake, who slowly stood back up. Then her eyes shifted from the drake to the noble, who was staring at her with an equally intense glare. "You oaf! Have you any idea what you're doing?! This drake-"

"I've heard the commotion, you lout! Regardless of your status, though, you still have to explain the situation in detail, or I shall just consider your ranting as nothing more than useless babble coming from yet another noble who has nothing better to do than to stick his nose up the richer nobles' arses for extra profit." A distant, silenced snicker from one of the guards caught her attention. She turned her glare from the annoyed noble, and was now glaring at a guard who quickly tried to hide his smile, but failed to do so in time. "And you'll find how funny this situation is once you all get back to the barracks to do one hundred and fifty pushups!" Some of the guards groaned at that statement, which only made her glare intensify. "ADD ANOTHER ONE HUNDRED FOR COMPLAINING!" The guards went silent, but the frowns on their faces were enough to reveal their discomfort in the situation. Another glare from Velvet caused their moods to straighten up quickly, though.

The noble growled at Velvet before pointing at the drake. "That drake stole from my shop, and I demand justice!"

Velvet sighed and rolled her eyes before turning back to the noble. "And have you any evidence for your accusations?"

The noble nodded his head and pointed at the box that was lying on the floor in front of the drake. Velvet hummed before levitating the box in front of her and checking the contents inside it. What she found, however, caused her eyes to widen, her jaw to drop, and her face to turn red.

"A Stuffed Bear?!" She glared at the noble again and stomped up to him. Then, in the Royal Canterlot Voice, she shouted, "YOU'RE WASTING THE TIME OF THE TOWN GUARDS AND THE ROYAL ELITES OVER A BUCKING STUFFED ANIMAL?!"

The noble, however, didn't even flinch at the shouting and merely nodded his head. "I'll have you know that theft is still theft! And I demand he either pay the full price, or have a proper punishment!"

Velvet's right eye twitched as she stared at the noble. Then she closed her eyes and turned towards the drake. "Spike... does this man speak the truth, or is he lying?"

The drake, now known as Spike, replied, "T-the price on the bear was ten bits, five for the wrappers, and five for the ribbons! I paid him twenty bits evenly, but by the time I left, he started calling me a thief! I was about to head back inside and explain the situation, but then the nearby guards started chasing me around, and before I could enter, he joined into the chase!"

Velvet turned towards the noble and asked, "And did he pay twenty bits for the merchandise?"

The noble huffed and nodded his head. "Yes, though I was busy changing the sign on it! The bear's price went up by five bits, so he still owes me!"

Velvet rubbed her chin in thought. "And did you change the price before or after he made the purchase?"

"Before, of course! I just returned from changing the price by the time he was at the counter!"

Velvet's glare intensified even more. "So you're saying that he did pay the price of the bear, but you changed it at the last second without informing him of the change in price?"

The noble nodded his head and grinned. "Indeed, I did... but even then, he-" Velvet wasn't able to hold back any more. She rushed up to the noble and gripped the collar of his shirt and lifted him in the air, causing him to yelp. "H-HEY! UNHAND ME, YOU RUFFIAN!"

Velvet simply released his collar, but kept him floating in a spell while she walked up to one of the swords and lifted it from the ground. Then she turned to the noble, who's grin was now replaced by panic, and pointed the sword at him. "WELL, HERE'S A NEWS FLASH FOR YOU, YOU GREEDY LITTLE BASTARD! THE BEAR THAT SPIKE CLAIMED WAS TEN BITS WHEN HE GOT IT, SO IT'S TEN BITS HE HAD TO PAY! AND FOR FALSE ACCUSATIONS," she levitated his left hand up, and forced his pointing finger to stick out, "ONE FINGER!" She then lifted the sword over her left shoulder and sliced horizontally. With a loud *CLINK*, the noble's finger flew into the air, and his agonized yelling followed suit.

"AND LET'S NOT FORGET ATTEMPTED ASSAULT OF THE ROYAL MESSENGER!" The noble's middle finger rose into the air against his will. "ANOTHER FINGER!" And again, she sliced the noble's finger clean off. *CLINK*

"AND THEN YOU LIED TO THE ROYAL GUARDS, AND WASTED THEIR TIME!" *CLINK*

"AS WELL AS THE ROYAL ELITES!" *CLINK*

"AND FINALLY, THERE'S THE MATTER OF WASTING THE ROYAL MESSENGER'S TIME WHEN HE COULD'VE BEEN RUNNING AN URGENT MESSAGE, OR HAVE BEEN SENT BY THE PRINCESS OR HER DISCIPLE TO PURCHASE THE BEAR... BUT SINCE YOU HAVE ONE FINGER LEFT, I'LL SPARE YOU THE TROUBLE!" *CLINK* Instead of a single finger flying, the noble's entire left hand flew into the air. He cried loudly as soon as the spell that held him in the air dissipated. Velvet then turned to Iron Blade, who quickly saluted her again. "NOW, TAKE HIM TO THE DUNGEONS AT ONCE! AND WHEN THAT'S FINISHED, YOU BETTER BE IN THE BARRACKS WITH THE REST OF YOUR MEN, DOING PUSHUPS! AND WHEN I GET THERE, YOU BETTER STILL BE DOING THEM! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

The entirety of the guards, with the addition of the Sergeant, shouted, "YES, MA'AM!"

"THEN WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU ALL STILL DOING HERE?! GET MOVING, NOW!"

"YES, MA'AM!" With that, the entirety of the guards began marching towards the tall stone building with a pair of swords crossing over a golden shield for a logo.

Velvet stopped Iron Wing, though, and levitated him towards her. He eyed her nervously and gulped.

"Just so you know, this screw-up will be reported to Princess Celestia immediately... so if I were you, I'd be ready to pack my bags once I'm able to carry things again... because when the soldiers are done with their pushups, you won't be."

Iron nodded his head and weakly said, "Yes, ma'am."

Velvet deadpanned at him before releasing him from her magic grip. "Now, get going, before I start placing trials on you."

With another nod, Iron quickly ran to catch up with the soldiers. Velvet then sighed and turned to Spike with a weak smile on her face. "Honestly, the nerve of some people, right Spike?"

Spike nervously chuckled before scratching the back of his head. "Y-yes, ma'am... um... t-thank you, Major Velvet."

Velvet lightly chuckled before patting him on the back. "Think nothing of it, dear... but honestly, Spike. You have the rights to address me as 'Mother' while I'm on duty... though I may need a small breather. Come, now. Let's get you home."

Spike tilted his head confusedly while the two of them began walking towards their home again. The crowd that was there originally were now dispersed and were headed on their way. A few of those that remained, however, smiled and nodded their appreciation at their local hero. Some of the younger ones even saluted her, which made her lightly chuckle as she saw them.

"B-but... doesn't Shining Armor and Dad address you as 'Major Velvet', though?"

Velvet nodded her head and shrugged. "Well, they are part of the military as well, Spike. As such, they are more like brothers-in-arms than the family members we see at home while on duty. Think of it as our way of making things fair for the others who aren't related to the higher-ups."

Spike nodded his head and rubbed his chin in thought. "So that's why Twilight always calls you 'Mother' while you're on duty as well, right?"

Again Velvet nodded her head as they began walking towards the house. "That is correct, Spike. Even though she is Princess Celestia's disciple, she doesn't have a role in the military, aside from mayhaps delivering orders to the grunts." She stopped and rubbed her chin in thought. "By the way... not to stray from the subject too long, but... the toy shop isn't that far from the house... so how was it that you were captured to begin with? Were they foolish enough to actually break in? Because I will add that to their list of push-ups as well, if they did."

Again Spike rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Um... n-not exactly..."

Velvet stared at him blankly for a moment before sighing and planting her face in her right palm. "Don't tell me... Twilight left the door locked while you were out again, didn't she?"

Spike waved his hands defensively. "In her defense, though, I didn't tell her where I was going! I just said that I would be back in a little while, and then left."

Velvet lightly chuckled and shook her head. "Honestly, the amount trouble she gets you in... why, if I had a single bit for how many times she's locked you out without even knowing, I would probably be second to Princess Celestia in wealth!"

The two of them laughed as the door magically clicked open through Velvet's spell. Spike nodded his appreciation at Velvet, but froze when he saw someone rushing towards them through the alleyway. When Velvet turned to see who it was, she sighed as a white unicorn stallion with light blue eyes, a short, dark blue mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a dark purple kiteshield with a pink six-sided star in the center, and a trio of small blue five-sided stars over it, rushed over to them with a worried expression on his face. He was wearing purple and golden plate mail armor, as opposed to the usual white and gold.

When he made it to them he quickly broke into a salute and said, "Major Velvet!"

Velvet chuckled before waving her right hand dismissively. "At ease, Shining... I'm on a small break right now."

Shining nodded his head and sighed in relief. "Thank Celestia... b-but is everything okay? I saw the blood in the gallows, and expected the worst."

Velvet pointed at Spike and asked, "Why don't you ask him yourself, Shiny?"

Shining lightly chuckled before nodding his head and turning to Spike. "Hey, little buddy. Are you alright, there?"

Spike nodded his head and smiled at him. "Yeah... luckily Mother was there to save me in time!"

Shining nodded his head, but looked away as a frown formed on his face. "I hope that arrogant bastard rots for making such an attempt..." He winced when a finger and a thumb firmly gripped his left ear. "EEK!"

Velvet glared at him and growled, "When not on duty, you will refrain from that language in front of me, young man! And don't forget about Spike, either!"

"Y-yes, ma'am!" Shining whined. When Velvet released his ear, she turned and walked away.

"Good... now if you'll excuse me, I have to go talk with Twilight... I'd assume she's out reading in the park like usual... but I must ask that the two of you keep news of this little incident out of her knowledge. She's already stressed enough, what with the preparations of coordinating the Summer Sun Celebration this year... and not to mention her recent worries over the contents in the Predictions and Prophecies book."

The two boys nodded their heads as she walked away. Spike turned to Shining and the two of them shrugged their shoulders before heading in. Then, once the door closed, Velvet sighed and shook her head. "Poor Twilight... I hope this doesn't overburden her."

From below the shade of a tree, a young-looking unicorn mare with a lavender coat, a long, neatly combed purple mane and tail with a pink stripe on the outermost corner, two purple eyes, and the cutie mark of a six-sided star with a few smaller white stars surrounding it, was reading a book titled "Predictions and Prophecies, Part II" while relaxing on the grass with the book on her knees as she sat cross-legged. She was wearing a white sleeveless robe with an open purple cloak draped over her shoulders. Over her chest she wore a tabard of Princess Celestia's cutie mark with a pair of purple stripes with her cutie mark in the center of the tabard, parallel and rested over and below the sun, a symbol to let everyone know of her status as Princess Celestia's personal student. Between the tabard and the robe, however, a chainmail vest rested with a purple sash tying everything together around her waist. The lower half of the white robe lowered to her hooves from the front and back, but at the sides they rose to just below her flank. For leggings she wore dark purple leggings with chainmail pads at the lower half to allow her shins protection, while on her hooves she wore purple cloth shoes to allow easier movement. On her arms she wore a pair of white armbands with shorter thick purple armbands on her wrists to keep the other armbands firmly on her arms. Lying next to her was a wooden staff with a large round diamond implanted on the top of it, and a smaller, sharper diamond at the bottom.

She was so focused on her book that she failed to hear the sound of hoofsteps headed her way. When the owner's voice called her name, however, she turned towards the source with a smile.

"Oh! Hello, Mother... is everything okay?" she asked as Velvet stepped forward and sat next to her.

Velvet chuckled before rubbing her daughter's back. "Yes, Twilight... everything is fine. How are you holding up, though? You aren't too concerned about the Summer Sun Celebration, are you?"

Twilight sighed before turning to her book again. "I don't know, Mother... I'm just... I just have a bad feeling, is all."

Velvet tilted her head again. "Oh? How so, exactly?"

Twilight pointed at the picture of the moon with the dark silhouette of a snake-eyed alicorn in the book. Then she looked at Velvet and asked, "If the legends are true... what if Nightmare Moon does come back, but the Elements of Harmony end up being fake?"

Velvet looked at the picture in the book for a long moment before looking back at her daughter. Then she smiled and shook her head. "Believe me, Twilight. If things get bad, I can assure you that we'll find a way to stop her."

Twilight nodded her head and looked at the book once more. "Do you believe that she will return, though?"

Velvet rubbed her chin in thought before smiling at Twilight once again. "What I believe is that you need to be more concerned about how you'll be managing the Summer Sun Celebration, rather than how to stop an evil alicorn from bringing the Age of Darkness back, young lady."

Twilight weakly smiled at Velvet and closed the book. "I understand, Mother... hey, would you like to hear what I have planned for the next few weeks after we deal with the Summer Sun Celebration?"

Velvet tilted her head confusedly. "We?"

Twilight nodded her head. "Of course! You are going to be there, aren't you?"

Velvet's smile faded quickly and she looked away. "I'm... sorry, Twilight. I'm going to have to receive orders directly from Princess Celestia if I am to even visit Ponyville... or anywhere else, for that matter."

Twilight's smile faded at the news. Then she sighed and hung her head down as her ears drooped back. "Oh... okay, then." She looked at Velvet once more before asking, "W-what about Shining Armor, though? Surely he will be there, won't he?"

Velvet shook her head again and sighed. "Unfortunately, he's in the same field as I am on that... but hey, Spike will be going with you, though!"

Twilight's ears shot up at the sudden mentioning of Spike's name. "Oh, no! SPIKE'S SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING BACK HOME NOW!" She was about to take off running, but Velvet caught her with a levitation spell and chuckled.

"Don't worry, Twilight... I've already taken care of the door for him. He should be inside with Shining Armor at the moment."

Twilight sighed in relief before looking at Velvet worriedly again. "S-sorry, Mother."

Velvet shook her head and released Twilight from the spell. "No worries, Twilight... now please, do head home, and find something more suitable to wear. I must get back to the Barracks, though... something about a group of soldiers needing to do some pushups."

Twilight turned towards her mother and tilted her head out of confusion. "Pushups? What did they do this time?"

Velvet waved her hands dismissively and shook her head. "Nothing to be concerned about, Twilight... now please, I must take my leave."

Twilight stared at her inquisitively for a moment before nodding her head and smiling again. Then she wrapped her arms around her in a hug and said, "Of course... goodbye, Mother. Please return home as soon as you can... my chariot should be arriving in a couple of hours, now, and I would like to be able to say goodbye to you, at least."

Velvet nodded her head, returned the hug, and patted her daughter's back before breaking from the hug and turning around. "I'll see if Princess Celestia needs any aid in Ponyville's tower. If so, I may be able to get Shining and I to-"

The skies suddenly went dark for a brief moment. Both of the mares looked up at the sky worriedly, as a few locals in Canterlot began to scream, a huge blue flash fell from the clouds and headed towards a distant forest, better known as "The Everfree Forest". When it landed, however, the sound was able to be heard even from the other side of Canterlot.

What's more, as soon as it landed, the skies turned blue again and Twilight screamed in agony as a sudden throbbing pain began to build up in her forehead. Velvet gasped and looked at her before rushing to her as she started to fall down. She managed to catch her as she was halfway down, and for a brief second, her horn started to flicker before dimming back to normal.

"Sweet Celestia... TWILIGHT! ARE YOU ALRIGHT? PLEASE, SPEAK TO ME!"

Twilight grumbled before rubbing her forehead again. "I... I'm fine. It's... just a little headache, but it's gone, now."

Velvet stared at her daughter worriedly as she helped her rise back up onto her hooves. "You should rest, Twilight... a magical surge of that level could be dangerous if you were about to pass out from the pain!"

"D-did... did you feel it, Mother? Did... did you see it?!"

Velvet shook her head and replied, "No," then she looked towards the feint blue trail and added, "but surely I heard it... and it didn't sound good."

Meanwhile, in the distant town of Ponyville, a young, green eyed, orange coated earth pony mare with a white short-sleeved shirt, brown overalls, black work boots, black work gloves, and a brown stetson hat over her long, braided blonde mane, firmly tilled the land in front of her with an iron hoe, clearing the ground a little more to expand a garden filled with, what appeared to be, golden wheat.

She wiped the sweat from her brow with her right hand and relaxed the shaft of the hoe on her left shoulder before continuing with the tilling.

"Applejack, y'all got a moment?" came a man's voice from behind her. Applejack looked behind her back and noticed that a red coated stallion with green eyes, an orange mane and tail, matching clothes (excluding the stetson), and a large, sliced green apple for a cutie mark, was walking her way with a concerned expression on his face.

Applejack looked at him with a hint of concern on her face. "Big McIntosh? 'Course Ah've got a moment... is somethin' wrong?"

Big McIntosh nodded his head and replied, "Ah think Apple Bloom might need help feeding the pigs today, but Ah'm needed to help Granny Smith bake the pies fer the Summer Sun Celebration... an' Ah don't wanna overclock y'alls schedule none, so Ah would like y'alls opinion on what to do."

Applejack smiled at him and raised her right thumb up. "Don't y'all worry none, Big Brother. Ah'll take care o-"

Her sentence was cut short once the sky started to darken. Then the blue light flew through the sky at an unusually fast pace. Then, once it landed, the crash was loud enough to force the farmers to cover their ears.

As quick as it came, though, the sky cleared up again, and everything seemed normal once more. Applejack turned to Big McIntosh and asked, "What in tarnation was th-AAH!" Her head started to pulse in agony and caused her to fall forward. Big McIntosh, however, quickly rushed up to her and caught her before she could land on the ground.

"AJ! ARE Y'ALL ALRIGHT?!" he asked in a worried tone.

Applejack groaned in pain as the throbbing in her skull continued. Then, after ten seconds, the pain vanished instantly.

"Ah... Ah'm fine, Big Mac... jus' a little headache is all." She tried to stand up again, but was quickly stopped when Big McIntosh lifted her up off the ground. "BIG MAC, WHAT THE HAY?! PUT ME DOWN!"

Big McIntosh shook his head and replied, "Nope."

Applejack grumbled before crossing her arms over her chest. "Y'all know mah hooves weren't affected, do ya?"

"Not takin' any chances. Y'all might've been working in the sun too long."

Applejack rolled her eyes before turning towards the Everfree Forest. "Or maybe it had somethin' ta do with that strange blue light Ah just saw in the sky!"

Big McIntosh stopped walking for a moment before raising a confused eyebrow at her. "What blue light?"

In a simple home close to the center of Ponyville, Justus stretched his arms out and yawned before filling a wooden mug with herbal tea. He gently sniffed the sweet-smelling vapor above the mug before taking a long yet slow sip. When his mug lowered from his eyesight, however, Lyra appeared directly in front of him dressed in her bright yellow night gown. Justus was only wearing his brown cloth pants.

Lyra looked at him with half-lidded eyes and an amorous smile on her face as she reached her arms behind him. "Good morning my love," she said in a sultry voice as their eyes focused on the other's.

Justus smiled and replied, "Good morning, Dear... what has you up this early?"

She lightly chuckled before saying, "I was woken up by a strange headache, and needed to get something to drink..." she lightly growled at him and added, "mayhaps you could enlighten me with some... sugar?"

"Oh? And what kind of sugar are you looking for, exactly?" he asked as his hands found their way behind her back.

She leaned in closer to him before whispering in his left ear, "What if I asked for both?"

He lightly chuckled in response before whispering in her left ear, "I would offer you more, then." He gently nibbled on her ear, an Equine sign of affection, which sent a shiver down her spine. She moaned silently as he kissed her cheek, then another wave of pleasure went through her spine as he very gently nibbled on the side of her neck.

"You... surely do know... how... to treat... a mare, alright..." she whispered between her panting as his hands continued to explore her body. When they both reached a certain part of her flank, however, her back arched up and she let out a gasp, her breath shuddering in delight. Then she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her lips onto his. He returned the gesture while her right hoof wrapped around his legs. He lifted her with his thumbs massaging her flanks, and at once, both of their breathing intensified.

Their moment, however, was quickly broken at the sound of the front door knocking. They froze in place before sighing as Justus lowered her back onto the floor. She grumbled before reaching over the counter and grabbing the jar of sugar. "Damn it... why does this always have to happen during these moments?" she whispered to herself.

Justus lightly chuckled at his wife's silent complaints before opening the door. His eyes widened when he saw Magnificent Eye standing at the other side of the door, holding a scroll in his hands.

"Mag? What..." he looked towards Lyra before turning back to Magnificent with a slightly annoyed tone, "what brings you here at this time? Have you any idea what you interrupted?"

Magnificent shook his head and eyed the scroll with a worried expression on his face. His expression was enough to get Justus's attention. "What is the matter, Mag?"

Magnificent unrolled the scroll and passed it to Justus. When Justus took hold of it, he began to read while Lyra shortly approached from behind. Then they both raised their eyebrows concernedly as Magnificent nodded his head and spoke for them. "Princess Celestia has summoned us to the Throne Room... and she said 'immediately'... it sounds like there's something serious going on... and she doesn't appear to like it one bit."

Justus and Lyra blinked at the scroll before nodding their heads and heading into their home. "We'll be out quickly, then... please, do make yourself at home if you need."

Magnificent nodded his head and frowned at them. "I'm sorry, you two. I know you're both still enjoying the feeling of being newly wed, so I'm certain I do know what I'm interrupting."

Lyra waved her hands dismissively before replying, "Hey, don't worry, Mag! Happens to us a lot more often than you think!"

With that, the two of them began to suit up in their armor before heading out in Magnificent's carriage.

Two hours have passed since the prior events. Leoni, shortly after walking out of the Town Hall, made his way towards the place that the kind mayor of Ponyville suggested he visit for... "Sugarcube Corner", a bakery run by a pair of very skilled bakers, who also have an apprentice that knows every single person who lives in Ponyville by name, race, gender, and even their birthdays, despite them not telling her it. Some of the locals that Leoni asked around said that they were worried she may very well be a witch, but they quickly added in that she would be "the one witch they would never even think of burning".

As the description on the small parchment in his hands said, he was to look for a building that resembles a large assortment of baked goods stacked together in a way that makes the entire place look edible. Next to it would be the other recommended place that he could check out as well, which would be the huge wooden building with the symbol of a happy drake on it playing a lute with his eyes closed, his mouth open, and a few small musical notes floating out of his mouth. Below his picture would be the words "The Singing Dragon" written on another picture of a long double-tipped ribbon.

Leoni was so lost in thought, however, that he didn't notice the equally distracted minotaur set on the opposite path as him. As soon as they bumped into each other, Leoni yelped and fell backwards while the minotaur stumbled back a couple steps, yet remained standing. The minotaur glared at Leoni as soon as he turned his attention back to him.

"S-sorry, sir. I didn't see you there," Leoni said as he tried to get back up.

The minotaur, however, held his right hand out for Leoni to take. When he took it, though, the minotaur shoved him back onto the ground. "Why don't you watch where you're going, you little worm?!"

Leoni raised an eyebrow as the minotaur placed a hoof on his chest. "If you call that an apology, you wouldn't even last a few seconds here! If you want to apologize to me, then I want to hear you beg for mercy!"

Leoni's breathing intensified as he felt the minotaur start putting pressure on his chest. "S-stop! I-"

Before Leoni could finish his sentence, however, a large rock came from out of nowhere and struck the minotaur in the forehead, causing him to yelp in pain, fall backwards, and grip his now bleeding forehead with both hands. He looked towards a crowd that was starting to form, and glared at one particular individual in the crowd who was headed their way.

The person from the crowd was an unusually tall, obese, and strong human female with a white sleeveless shirt, a dark brown belted leather vest, leather shorts, a pair of leather boots, and a pair of leather gauntlets that rose halfway up her arms. She had pale skin, emerald green eyes, and long orange hair tied in a knot that lowered all the way down her back, and even slightly below her thighs. She also had a pair of smaller strands of hair that lowered in front of her ears, right down to her chest. The front of her hair was combed neatly to the right, swept upwards. Resting on her back was an ominously large war hammer made of solid steel that also gave off a dim white glow around the large tip. She stood at nine feet in height, while the minotaur stood at eight.

She walked up to the minotaur and cleared her throat. Then she spoke in, what the locals would call, a "Trottish" accent.

"Oi, ya underbellied brute! If'n ya wants a fight, then why not pick on someone yer own size, eh?!" She looked at the minotaur with an unamused expression while her arms were crossed in front of her chest.

The minotaur spat on the ground before pointing at the interferer. "This doesn't concern you, Edith!"

Edith lightly chuckled before shaking her head. "Says yer brother who's still hospitalized after trying to stir up trouble with the locals a couple of months ago!" The minotaur's fists balled up at that statement.

"And I swore I would take you down one of these days... mayhaps I should make that day today, then."

Edith grinned before unfolding her arms and gripping onto the wooden handle of the hammer behind her back. "Ye can try... though I won't make any promises that ye'll make it to the hospital in time."

They stood still for a long moment while heavy tension filled the air. The crowd only continued to grow with several of the locals going silent as they stared at the situation with interest. The minotaur looked at the crowd with a slightly uneasy expression on his face. Finally, after letting out an angry snort, he turned around. "Filthy humans like you aren't even worth the effort, anyways." With that, he left through the crowd while the crowd began to disperse.

Edith sighed before releasing the hand of her hammer and looking down at Leoni with a slightly amused smile on her face. "Ye'll have ta excuse that coward. He has an anti-human streak going on at the moment, since I introduced Brutus ta his older brother the past two months ago." She motioned towards her hammer on her back before stretching her hand out for Leoni to take. "Name's Edith, by the way... Edith Stormhammer, daughter of the local blacksmith, and part-time waitress of 'The Singing Dragon'."

Leoni smiled at her, nodded his head in silent appreciation, and took her hand. He was surprised when she effortlessly lifted him into the air and gently placed him back on his feet... with one arm. "Um... t-thank you, Ms. Stormhammer. M-my name's Leoni... it's an honor to meet you." He bowed politely to her.

Edith just stood there silently for a moment before bursting into a loud fit of laughter. Leoni backed up a couple steps as he stared at her with unease across his face. Several citizens had to stop and look at her for a moment with mixed expressions across their faces.

When Edith was able to catch her breath, she looked at Leoni and wiped some of the tears from her eyes that built up by her laughter. "Oh, laddie! Ye don't have ta use formalities on me of all people... just 'Edith' is fine... though I'll admit, that was something I needed in a long time! Ye're alright in my books, lad!"

She rubbed her chin in thought before gasping. Then she leaned down to where she was eye-level with Leoni and asked, "Wait a tic! Now that I have a better look at ye, I can't help but ask... ye ain't even from around these parts, are ye?!"

Leoni scratched the back of his hair and shook his head. "Um... n-no, ma'am."

She chuckled before shaking her head and placing her left arm around Leoni's shoulders. "Well then, lad, ye've got ta come with me to 'The Singing Dragon'! Me good friend Pinkie Pie happens to be helping me out at the moment! And I just know she'll love ta meet you! And let's not forget Mortar and Pestle, either!"

Leoni, despite being practically carried against his will, lightly chuckled nervously and nodded his head. "Y-you know Pinkie Pie, I take it?"

She nodded her head and replied, "Ye live in this town, then ye're bound to know her on the first day! The lassie makes it her top priority to befriend any and all newcomers in this town, even!"

Leoni raised an eyebrow at her before turning towards where the minotaur left from. "Um... even that guy I bumped into just recently?"

Edith paused for a moment then sighed. Then she nodded her head and replied, "Aye... though I can promise ye that that one didn't end well for her."

Leoni looked away and rubbed his chin in thought. "Oh... sorry. I hope she wasn't hurt!"

Edith weakly smiled at him before continuing to "guide" him towards the large tavern. "Nay, she wasn't harmed physically... though I'd be lying if I said she wasn't emotionally scarred. That minotaur, Stone Heart, has a brother who happens ta be... unpleasant when it comes to barmaids. He tried ta get Pinkie to... go to his place with him. She said no, and he got mad and tried carrying her to his place. He didn't even know my shift was about to begin. I caught him as I was entering the building, and managed ta save her before he could even leave the place... ye might even be able to see where he landed still, in fact! The wall had ta be rebuilt... and of course, I took responsibility an' helped 'em rebuild it, despite their pleas that I relax an' take the day off." Her smile grew slightly. "At least Pinkie an' I have each other's backs, though! She said that she's forever grateful for my bravery, an' that she'll ask me for my help first if she needs it."

Leoni nodded his head and sighed. "I just hope that those minotaurs don't cause any more trouble for anyone else."

Edith nodded her head in agreement. "Aye... would be quite the news, indeed." Then she gave Leoni a stern, serious look. "Listen... Leoni, was it? I know you are new ta this town, but I have ta ask that you not start any trouble at all... especially to Pinkie Pie. If'n she starts to feel uncomfortable around ye, then you'll just have ta drop whatever actions you're doing an' walk away. She's been troubled since the incident, and has enough matters that she has to deal with as it is... understood?"

Leoni nodded his head and gulped before looking towards the entrance, which was growing evermore closer. "Yes, ma'am... and don't worry. Starting trouble isn't even on my list of things to do... and even if it was, I wouldn't even think of doing it."

Edith stopped and continued to give him a stern look. Leoni just shifted around uneasily as she stared at him. Then, a warm smile formed on her face and she couldn't resist but to pat him on the back.

It only took two pats, however, and Leoni was on the ground again in slight pain. Edith, however, didn't even notice, as she was giving him a toothy grin with her eyes squinted shut. "Then you 'ave a good head on your shoulders, friend! As long as you keep it that way, you're always welcome here!"

Leoni groggily stood back up while rubbing his aching back. Then he weakly smiled at her and nodded his head. "T-thank you... I think?" Then the two of them stepped up to the building. It wasn't until Leoni was a few meters away from the building when he heard the sound of flutes blowing, hands clapping, and a lot of commotion coming from inside. He could even slightly hear the sound of a pair of high-pitched males singing a strange song while hooves tapped on a wooden surface.

Edith stepped forward and held the door open, allowing the loud commotion to burst from the building. "Leoni, my new friend... welcome to 'The Singing Dragon'!" As soon as Leoni stepped inside, his eyes widened at the size of the building's interior.

Hundreds of feet from left to right, countless round, square, and rectangular tables filled the floor, with a multitude of wooden chairs around each and every one of them. What was more impressive, however, was the huge crowd of mixed races inside it, ranging from humans, ponies, bat-ponies, minotaurs, goats, foxes, cows, bulls, griffons, harpies (similar to griffons, but with their wings replacing their arms, and their talons replacing their feet), oxen, drakes, a few half-breeds, and even several satyrs (two-foot-tall goat people with human-like chests, arms, and faces, but goat-like heads, hooves, and a pair of short horns growing out of the sides of their foreheads).

From the corner of one table, a yellow coated, blue maned unicorn stallion with blue eyes and common white and brown villager attire was resting his head on his left fist while sitting next to a pegasus stallion with the exact same coat, mane, clothing style, and eye colors as him. The pegasus was sitting across the table drinking his ale while the unicorn appeared to have refrained from even taking a single sip of it.

The pegasus chuckled at his twin brother and said, "Look, I'm telling you, Blue Light! There's plenty of other ladies out there for you! You'll just have to keep looking, is all!"

The unicorn sighed before looking away. "I don't know, Light Blue... I've just been used by almost every other mare in this town that appeared even slightly interested in me because our parents are both of noble blood."

The pegasus placed his hands on the unicorn's shoulders and chuckled again. "Which is why I said there's plenty of other ladies out there! Try expanding your boundaries, little brother!"

The unicorn deadpanned at him and mumbled, "You're only older than me by a second, genius..."

From another table across the area, a pale-skinned obese human male with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes sat in front of an equally obese minotaur with white fur and a black mane. Both of them were also wearing common clothes. The table had several empty wooden mugs in its center, divided in a couple piles that rose up to both of the customers' chests. They had two mugs in both of their hands as they glared at each other. Then they bashed all four of their mugs onto the others' before chugging both of the golden liquids down, as a large crowd of mixed races repeatedly yelled "CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!"

The human and the minotaur were both able to polish down their drinks in mere seconds before slamming their mugs into their gathered piles, belching loudly, and then shouting, "NEXT!" in unison. Both of their voices were slurred, however, so it sounded more like "NEKSHT".

A satyr male relaxed in a seat next to a griffon and a harpy, while a bull sat on the opposite side of him. The satyr had dark skin with bright red fur. His hair was slightly curled up, and he was standing on the chair so that the table was at the center of his chest. The griffon and harpy both had yellow feathers, red eyes, and blue hair. The griffon, however, was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt below a blue vest and brown pants, while the harpy only wore a blue vest and a long brown skirt, allowing her wings room to fly unhindered. The bull had a black coat with a white mane. He was wearing a white sleeveless shirt and red pants.

The satyr was in the middle of a joke while the others listened intently. "So the minotaur asks the bull, 'Why did you just punch that man?'... and the bull replies, 'He was wearing a red shirt! What was I supposed to do?!'"

Those around him laughed at his joke while the bull even added, "And the funny thing is, we actually do have to take a class to resist doing that!"

On the center of a large table with several different creatures surrounding it, a pair of satyrs were dancing with a flute in each of their hands. There wasn't a single frown on any of the customers' faces, though, as the satyrs were singing and playing their flutes in-sync.

Both of the satyrs had tan skin and brown hair, but one of them had a green left eye and a red right eye, while the other had a red left eye and a green right eye. They both were wearing brown overalls and white t-shirts below.

They continued playing their flutes, until they began singing.

"Oh, there lives a young man named Martin Pops,

A bald human male with mutton chops,

who went to a tavern, asking for ale,

and drank it all up 'til he stumbled and fell!"

For a brief moment they paused from the singing and resumed playing their flutes while dancing in circles around the table. The audience began clapping their hands and talons together in the rhythm, and even caught the attention of a few of the neighboring tables, who started to clap along with the song.

"As he stands up, a lass arrives,

with a beautiful pair of scarlet eyes!

The dress that she wears is quite a sight!

She asks Martin if he is alright!"

Again they pause and continue to play the flute. Rather than just clapping, some of the audience began clapping their hooves and feet on the floor, boosting the bass-like sound of the music. At this point almost all eyes and ears were focused on the pair of satyrs on the table.

"He admires her chest, right down to her arse,

so he starts flirting with the lass.

She screams real loud, and runs from his sight,

as her husband appears, and puts up a fight!"

Once more they break from the vocals to play their flutes. Some of the males in the crowd even start to chuckle at the words behind the song. This time, however, the satyrs begin clopping the other's hooves behind their backs as they hop and circle around the table with unseen accuracy. The hoof-clopping sounds even go with the rhythm of the clapping and the stomping, which only got louder right as they started their impressive little dance.

Once they spun around two times, they lowered their flutes and resumed the words while a few in the back of the audience broke from the beat temporarily to show their applause.

"Now Martin Pops was far more skilled!

He showed the widow her man that he killed,

then he looked at her with hungry eyes,

and took her away to claim his prize!"

This time the audience had mixed results. Some of the men started to laugh while a few of the ladies paused from the clapping and either tilted their heads confusedly, or downright gasped at the sudden change of events in the song. Regardless, though, the satyrs continued to dance across the table, even clopping one of their hooves onto the other's as they passed by with their legs swinging forward extra high.

Finally, they lowered their flutes and finished the song.

"She wanted to run, she wanted to hide,

but Martin had her trapped inside!

He took off her skirt, despite her begs..."

They paused for a moment with sly grins as the audience paused from their clapping and stomping, before they concluded.

"Then screamed at the bulge between her legs!"

Despite the fact that they played their flutes again, the sounds of drinks being forcibly spat out, gasps, and laughter filled the entire room, until the satyrs stopped and bowed their heads. The crowd applauded them as they continued to bask in the attention. Little did they know, however, that a pair of humans were on their way towards them.

Leoni had to cover his mouth to avoid laughing at the strange song he just heard right as he and Edith entered. Edith, however, was leading him towards the two strange little guys, and didn't even bother holding back her laughter.

"Ah, those two horn-heads always sing that song on special holidays!" she said after her laughing ceased.

Leoni lightly chuckled, looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "You know those two?"

Edith nodded her head and replied, "Aye. They're the ones who always help entertain the customers. As ye should know, they were also the ones who suggested the name of this place! Because of that, we allowed them permission to start their little performances on any tables that are hosting a party."

Leoni nodded his head and looked at the table again. Edith placed her right pointer finger and her thumb in her mouth then loudly whistled. "Oi, Mortar! Pestle! Enjoying all the attention, are ye?"

The satyrs quickly turned towards her and smiled widely before leaping from the table and rushing up to her.

The satyr with the red left eye said, "Edith! 'Tis only just the start of the noon, and you're already here?! What's the special occasion, eh?"

The other satyr looked to Edith's left and grinned wickedly before elbowing the first one in the side. "Don't look now, Mortar, but I think she may have found her special someone!"

Mortar raised an eyebrow at his brother before following his gaze. Then he noticed Leoni and gasped. "By the Divines, Pestle! You may actually be-"

"Wrong again," Edith interrupted, "this lad here is Leoni. He's new around town, and could use a warm welcoming after bumping into Stone Heart."

The satyrs gasped before turning towards the confused human again. Then Mortar asked, "Wait, you mean to tell me that this lad actually crossed paths with the Stone Heart?!"

Pestle stepped next to his brother and added, "And survived?!"

Leoni opened his mouth to speak, but Edith interrupted, "That's right, you two! Now if ye'd be so kind, we were wondering which way Pinkie Pie is?"

Both satyrs frowned at Edith before Pestle replied, "Well you see... she just got a message from Princess Celestia. Apparently, she's in charge of the welcoming of her student, who should be arriving any minute now."

Edith gasped before staring at the two in disbelief. "And ye haven't told me 'till now?!"

The satyrs shrugged before Mortar replied, "You weren't here most of the day!"

"Yeah, because I was looking for her!" She sighed and shook her head. "Eh, no use arguing about it now. She may be in need of my help!" Edith turned towards Leoni and weakly smiled at him. "Looks to me like Pinkie Pie may be a little too busy at the moment ta give ye the grand tour o' Ponyville... mayhaps you could ask around Town Hall for a guide?"

Leoni smiled at her and nodded his head. "It's alright. I wasn't really expecting her to give me a tour... and to be honest, I probably would've refused the tour if it would've risked us bumping into that Stone Heart guy, anyways."

She patted him on the back again and nodded her head. "It's good ta know that ye're concerned for her. Not ta worry, though... she actually enjoys giving newcomers the tour. Think of it as a job that she personally gave herself, even. After all, she is the talk of the town most of the time because of her willingness ta befriend anyone!"

Leoni nodded his head and rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, if you put it that way, I guess I could limit my visits today, and ask her for the tour tomorrow?"

Edith nodded her head and winked at him. "Sounds like a plan to me!" Then she turned to Mortar and Pestle again and waved. "I'll see you fellows later! In the meantime, why don't the two of ye take him to the inn? I'm certain they'll have a free room for him temporarily!"

The two satyrs nodded in unison. "Sounds good to us!"

Edith turned to Leoni once again and asked, "Do ya happen to have a backup plan for if the inn doesn't have any room, though?"

Leoni nodded his head and replied, "Yes, ma'am. A few friends of mine said that I should see Lady Rarity, should I be in need of a place to stay temporarily."

Edith hummed and rubbed her chin in thought. "Ah... hate to break it to ye, Leoni, but Lady Rarity is in the middle of decorating for the Summer Sun Celebration. She may not be available today, either."

Leoni rubbed the back of his hair and looked away. "Ah... well in that case, I'm out of ideas, then."

Edith nodded her head and smiled at him before heading towards the door. "No worries, friend! Ye'll have a room to yerself eventually... just might take a little longer than expected. But hey, ye said ye have a few friends who suggested you speak ta Rarity... how about ye ask them for another lead?"

Leoni sighed and shook his head before replying, "Sorry, Edith... they might be a little busy at the moment, what with them being a guard, a mage, and an archaeologist."

Edith froze at the door way before turning towards him, a look of disbelief on her face. "Wait a tic... are you telling me that ye're friends with Justus, Lyra, an' Mag?!"

Leoni raised an eyebrow before nodding his head. "Yes, ma'am... I take it you know them?"

She nodded her head and smiled warmly at him. "Of course I know 'em! How would I not know me older brother, sister-in-law, an' childhood friend?"

From outside the tavern, the unicorn and pegasus twins, Blue Light and Light Blue, walked through the now less crowded streets, lost in conversation.

"Listen, Blue. We all have our special someones out there in the wide world of Asgalon! You've been listening to your ears for far too long... maybe it's time that you listen to what your heart tells you... and I jest you not on that one!" Light exclaimed to the unicorn.

Blue sighed and weakly smiled at him. "I appreciate your concerns, Light... but maybe I just need a moment to myself, is all."

Light nodded his head and winked at him. "Well hey, I'll be in the Mages Tower if you need me."

Blue tilted his head confusedly. "But aren't we off duty at the moment? And isn't that my station to be in?"

Light shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, doesn't mean I can't spend my free time reading up on the latest stories. After all, though it's a military base, it is a public area as well... well, the first two floors are, at least. All the secrecy is held beyond that point."

Blue sighed and nodded his head. "Very well, then... I'll be in the park, if you need me."

Light nodded his head and gave him a quick pat on the shoulders. "Just you wait, little brother. You'll see!"

With that, Light took to the air and quickly dashed towards the guard tower while Blue deadpanned at him and retorted, "Damn it, Light Blue! Stop calling me little brother! We're twins!" He sighed and turned towards the park.

Taking a few deep breaths, he pinched the bridge of his snout and muttered, "I need a breath of fresh air..." before walking towards his destination.

In the center of the park, Blue took a seat on a bench close to a tree. He sighed and looked up at the sky with a smile on his face.

"Ah, Princess Celestia... you've surely outdone yourself with the beautiful sky today." He closed his eyes and basked in the warmth of the near-summer weather.

His attention was quickly taken by the feeling of something warm and fuzzy nuzzling his cheek. He opened his eyes and was met by a squirrel eating an acorn right beside him... or rather, he was greeted by its tail, which was unintentionally brushing against his face even when he woke up.

He smiled warmly and, in a soft voice, cooed, "Well hey there, little guy!"

The squirrel froze and turned around, then stared at him curiously. He gently brushed the top of its head, making it chirp and push its head deeper into his hand.

Blue lightly chuckled at the squirrel before it hopped onto his shoulders and started using his neck as its own personal back scratcher. "Well, aren't you a curious little one?"

Suddenly both of their ears perked up at the sound of a soft female's voice singing not too far away. Both Blue and the squirrel turned their heads to their far left, where they noticed the source of the singing, but only vaguely at the other side of the tree.

Slowly they approached the tree, and was met with the sight of a slim yellow pegasus mare with a long, pink mane and tail gently brushed to the side, and a pair of sapphire blue eyes. She was wearing a white sleeveless shirt with a green sleeveless dress that lowered halfway down her legs. Her hooves were bare, but appeared to be soft, despite her standing on the hard ground. Around both of her wrists were bracelets made entirely out of leaves and twigs. On her shoulders, her cutie marks appeared to be a trio of blue butterflies with pink wings.

Her singing was wordless, but her voice was soft enough to the point where words weren't even necessary. She sang with her eyes closed, and shortly following her, the birds within the tree tweeted the same tune, most of which in-sync with the rest.

Blue and the squirrel both had smiles on their faces at the sound of the pegasus's voice... so much, in fact, that they didn't notice when she opened her eyes and spotted them.

Her singing stopped and she let out a startled yelp. The squirrel quickly jumped onto the tree and climbed up while Blue, after being startled by the yelp, tumbled to the ground.

The pegasus slowly backed away, placed both arms behind her back, and hid her face behind her mane. Blue, on the other hand, quickly stood back up and stuttered, "O-oh, m-my g-g-gosh! I-I'm sorry f-for s-startling you, u-um... h-hi?" He backed up as well while smiling awkwardly.

The pegasus turned her eyes towards him and slightly waved her left hand at him.

"U-um... I... I h-heard you s-singing a little while ago... a-and, um... y-you... I... I think you have a beautiful voice."

She looked away again and backed up a couple more steps. Blue's eyes widened and he shook his hands frantically.

"W-wait! Um... y-you can carry on w-with your singing... um... I-I'll go... um... s-somewhere that's-" While stuttering, he was backing up even more. He didn't even notice the root that was sticking out before he fell backwards and yelped.

The mare looked at him and gasped, but before she could even say anything, he was on his hooves again. "Um-uh... oops? S-sorry, I'll just-" he hit the back of his head onto a branch and yelped again before turning back around and backing away from the branch... only to trip on the root once more.

"EEK!" He quickly regained his footing and turned his head towards the pegasus once again. "S-sorry f-for interrupting-" Again, he bashed his head onto the branch, but rather than stumble, he turned to where he was completely facing her and backing away once more, while rubbing the back of his head, "-interrupting y-your singing... um... g-good luck with that!" With that he turned and ran away, only to accidentally trip over the bench, which he quickly stood back up onto its legs and returned towards the town in a quick sprint. "SORRY!"

The mare hid her face behind her mane again, but placed her hands over her lips as a small smile formed on her face. Then she gently giggled before turning towards the squirrel that quickly climbed her shoulders. "Oh, my... I... I h-hope he's alright."

The squirrel shrugged its shoulders as they watched the now distant stallion stumble towards the town square again. Finally, when he was nowhere in sight, she sighed before looking at the squirrel again. "I, um... w-wonder if I'll see him again."

The squirrel nodded its head, which made her giggle again. "I take it you must've met him already, Mr. Squirrel?"

The squirrel nodded its head again before chirping.

"H-he... he seems to be good with animals, you say?"

Again, the squirrel nodded.

"W-well... I'm s-sure someone as, um... as... h-handsome as him is already spoken for, anyways."

With that in mind, she sighed again before turning to the squirrel with a curious expression on her face. "Um... w-would you like to hear us rehearse for Princess Celestia?"

After nodding its head, the squirrel jumped from her shoulders to the branch that repeatedly ambushed Blue's head. Then Fluttershy gingerly picked up a small twig that she was using to conduct with and cleared her throat. "A one... a two... a one, two, three, four..." With that, the birds began chirping the song that they were practicing.

Light Blue was just about to take flight from the entrance of the Mage Tower when an all-too-familiar tune began to play in front of the main gates. He turned his head towards the direction and gasped when he saw a white and gold chariot enter the front gates, while the guards in front of the gate stood in a salute.

"Well, now! It appears that the princess's apprentice has arrived at last!" he silently told himself with a smile before saluting the chariot as it passed by. He was able to vaguely catch a glimpse of the lavender mare and the young purple drake inside.

"I still can't believe they did that!" Mortar complained as he, Pestle, and Leoni left outside the building named "The Sleeping Meadow Inn". From inside, the receptionist, a yellow coated, blue maned earth pony mare, continued to stare at the three with a bored expression on her face as the door closed.

"Just because you have no bits, no less!" Pestle added to Mortar's rants. The two of them looked at each other with annoyed expressions.

"I tell you, Pestle... those waitresses didn't even look halfway decent, anyways!" Mortar stated matter-of-factly.

Pestle nodded his head while the two of them looked at the entrance in unison. "GREEDY WITLESS WITCHES!"

Leoni lightly chuckled and shrugged his shoulders before replying, "It's okay, you two. I'm sure I'll be able to figure out where I can sleep at the Town Hall. I just..." He paused for a moment when he noticed the crowds on the streets quickly rush to the sides, almost as if a leader was about to pass by.

"Quick, Leoni! To the corner!" Mortar and Pestle stated before pulling Leoni, by the arms, to a clear spot next to a market stall.

Before he could ask what was going on, the white and gold chariot came into view, silencing him, and causing him to eye it inquisitively. His jaw lowered when he was able to catch a glimpse of the mare inside it... a lavender coated unicorn mare. Her purple eyes seemed curious about the surroundings, and her right hand appeared to be rubbing the outer tip of her jaw.

She was wearing a light blue dress with golden pauldrons, and a few golden plates outside the dress. In her arms she held a strange brown book with golden corners and a golden unicorn emblem in the center of the front cover.

Her eyes were focused on the contents inside the book, but slowly they drifted outside of it. When she spotted Leoni, however, her eyes remained focused on him, until he noticed just what he was doing.

He gasped and quickly blinked, jerking his head away in the process. Then he rubbed his eyes and looked towards the satyr tapping on his left leg.

"Hello? Leoni, are you alright?" Mortar asked with slight worry in his tone.

Leoni cleared his throat and sheepishly smiled at him. "Oh, um... y-yes, sir. Sorry, I just... got a little carried away."

Pestle turned towards the chariot, then back at him before grinning smugly. "Oi, you hear that, Mortar? He's been swept away by the princess's disciple, Twilight Sparkle!"

Leoni's jaw dropped at that comment. He turned to Pestle with a shocked expression on his face. "I was not!"

The two satyrs burst into a fit of laughter before shaking their heads at him. "Oh, laddie... believe us when we say it, but she may be out of your reach... no offense!"

Leoni grumbled as the two satyrs began leading him towards the tavern again. Along the way, however, Leoni turned back towards Twilight and scratched the back of his hair in thought.

"So you're Twilight, huh? I don't get it... why do I feel like... like I know you already?"

As Twilight watched the strange man stare at her, she couldn't help but wonder who he was. The look that he was giving her made it evident that he had unspoken questions.

She was able to recall, during the last hour that she was in Canterlot, that she was supposed to be assigned someone to protect her, as the ancient traditions went. Despite that, however, she wasn't able to trust her life with anyone in Canterlot, primarily due to the fact that most were merely nobles who would only seek power.

"Um... Twilight?" Spike asked from beside her.

Twilight turned towards him curiously, then looked forward, as she saw the door to the carriage open. Turning to Spike again, Spike cleared his throat and pointed at the open door. "We're at our first stop... is something the matter?"

She blinked before shaking her head. "Nay, Spike. I was just... lost in thought, is all."

Spike chuckled before gently taking her hand and helping her out of the carriage. "Aren't you always? Seriously though, Twilight. You need to stop worrying so much, and try meeting with the locals! Mayhaps then you could make friends!"

Twilight sighed before turning his way. "Honestly, Spike! There wouldn't be time for us to make friends while I'm in the middle of checking the preparations! I apologize, but the side-note that Princess Celestia added to the letter must be put on the back of the schedule... and even then, I may have to delay it until after the schedule itself!"

Spike rolled his eyes and grumbled. "I just don't see what you have against meeting new faces, Twilight! In fact, you even turned down all of the Elites who were offering to protect you during the last thirty minutes that we were there!"

"It's not that I'm against meeting new faces, Spike! I didn't feel very comfortable with the way most of them were looking at me, is all... and those that didn't look at me in that kind of way didn't look like they would last long in a battle."

"Well... there's a guard tower here, Twilight! Mayhaps your protector is already here, and you didn't even know it?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and replied, "Nay, Spike! If anything, I don't even need a protector! I can take care of myself just fine, mind you!"

Spike shrugged his shoulders as they began to walk towards the Town Hall. "Well, at least consider making friends, okay?"

Twilight groaned out of frustration before turning towards him. "I just told you, Spike! I'll add that to my schedule when we- OOF!" Her sentence was cut short when she bumped into someone tall, and fell to the floor.

Looking up, she gasped when she saw Stone Heart look down at her with a glare on his face. "Oh, my! Please pardon me, sir."

Stone Heart snorted before retorting, "Why don't you watch where you're going, woman?!"

He turned to leave, but stopped when he heard Twilight venomously state, "Um, excuse me?!"

Stone rolled his eyes before turning back to her as she stood back up. "Look, woman. I don't have time for your-ACK!" His throat was quickly engulfed in a pink aura and his head was pulled down to where he was eye-level with her.

Twilight's eyes were glowing pure white at this point, and her mane and tail were slightly waving from the magic that was radiating from her. Just her very sight struck Stone with fear as he began to sweat profusely and stare wide-eyed at the enraged unicorn.

"I have half a mind to send the princess a report on your attitude and execute you right here on the spot... but as it stands, she's far too busy to be dealing with meat heads like you! Therefore, I will actually spare your pathetic life here... but as it stands, I'm the one who's preparing the Summer Sun Celebration this year, and I expect it to be perfect!" She pulled him closer to her while he began to breathe frantically, having just now realized who it was he was dealing with. "So help me, though, if something bad happens, you better pray that it wasn't your doing, or I will find you... and I will end your life before you even realize I'm there. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"

Stone gulped before stuttering, "Y-yes, m-m-ma'am! U-understood!"

She released him from her magical grip and nodding her head. "Good... then get out of my sight, or I'll call the guards on you. Threatening Princess Celestia's student can send you on the headsman's block, after all."

Without hesitation, Stone ran as fast as he could away from them, all while a small crowd began to gather around them. This made Twilight shift around uneasily before turning towards Spike again. "Mayhaps we should continue onward."

Spike nodded his head and followed her towards the Town Hall. As they walked, however, he looked up at her and asked, "Was that really necessary, Twilight? Mayhaps you could've been a little less... intimidating?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and turned towards him again. "Nay, Spike! Did you not see the way how he acted? Surely he would've done something terrible, if not tended to! And besides that, we have to- OOF!" Before she could finish her sentence, Twilight was bumped onto the floor again. This time, however, the one that bumped into her fell backwards as well.

In a high-pitched feminine voice, the other figure gasped and quickly rose to her feet before rushing towards Twilight. Then she began speaking in an almost completely incomprehensible speed.

"Oh my gosh! I am so so so sorry! I didn't see you there! Are you alright... um..." Twilight rubbed the back of her head and stood back up, noticing the extra pair of arms that were wrapped around her shoulders to help her do so. Then she opened her eyes, only to find another pair of eyes up in her face... a pair of blue eyes.

The other figure was an earth pony mare with a pink coat, and a darker pink mane and tail that were curly in multiple areas, fashioned with a pompadour-like sweep at the front. She was wearing a light blue frilly sleeveless vest over a yellow and white short-sleeved shirt. The skirt of her dress lowered halfway down her legs, but lifted around the corners, elevating the skirt to halfway down her thighs, while multiple white and yellow ruffles filled the gaps in-between, covering the yellow panties underneath.

She continued to stare at Twilight in shock, no longer capable of saying anything. Then she let out a loud gasp before dashing away at an alarmingly fast speed.

Twilight raised an eyebrow out of confusion before saying, "Well... that was... something..." She then shrugged her shoulders before turning to Spike again, who shrugged in response. "Well, then... I believe we best continue onward towards the Town Hall. Then we may have to check in with the preparations, once the mayor has been informed about our arrival."

Spike nodded his head and followed her as they continued on their way towards the location.

From the interior of the smithy, Leoni scratched the back of his neck uneasily as the black maned, white furred, shirtless minotaur blacksmith examined the sword that he was carrying, eying the tip of the blade, and scratching his chin in thought. Then he lightly chuckled before shaking his head and tossing it into a barrel with misshapen weapons of varying kinds.

"Nay, boy! If'n me own son knew the broad end of an axe from the thick tip of a war hammer, he'd know that that there blade's nothin' more than an accident waitin' ta happen!"

Leoni nodded his head while the minotaur began pulling him further inside the building. "W-well, I can't really say that I was expecting to get myself into any danger, anyways... I was mostly just here to ask if you happened to know if Justus and Lyra were busy at this time!"

Mortar and Pestle, who were following behind Leoni with amused grins on their faces, shrugged their shoulders. "Hey, if ol' Jaden Stormhammer here is offering you a free blade, then why not kill two birds with one stone, eh?"

Leoni shrugged his shoulders before replying, "I... guess so?" Then he looked up at Jaden and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Stormhammer."

Jaden chuckled before shaking his head and "gently" patting Leoni's back... which quickly told him where Edith must've gotten her strength from. (He was still baffled at how her father was a minotaur, but was able to put two and two together by the accents, along with the family name.)

While Leoni was regaining his footing, Jaden motioned towards a large assortment of swords, axes, and maces of varying sizes and shapes, which were hanging on a wall. "Think nothin' of it, friend! Anyone who befriends me daughter Edith an' me son Justus is welcome any time!" Then he winked at Leoni and added, "An' besides! When the locals see ye roamin' around with an ol' shabby blade such as yer last one, they might be gettin' ideas on who the louse blacksmith was... an' I 'ave a reputation to uphold! Can't have lousy weaponry while under my watch, aye?"

Leoni nodded his head and rubbed his chin, examining the multitude of swords. Finally he spotted a peculiar sword that stood out from the rest; a longsword that was thick around two inches from the handle, with a crescent shape beyond the two inches that sunk the blade deeper inside, with the tips untouched by the crescent dent, giving the blade extra weight for faster swings, but with the tips sharpened to allow cleaner cuts. The handle was a darkened golden color, yet it appeared to be polished enough, revealing it to be a newly crafted weapon.

Jaden looked from Leoni to the sword he was staring at, and smiled widely. "Ah, ye gots quite an eye there, laddie! That right there be me pride an' joy, 'Courage'!"

Leoni tilted his head confusedly at the statement, but with his eyes still locked onto the sword. "Courage?"

Jaden nodded his head and smiled. "Indeed! 'Tis an enchanted blade! It ain't for sale, but is actually a gift for Princess Celestia! Or rather, it's meant for the one who's destined to protect her student, should he ever be chosen! It's even been enchanted with crystal augmentations, allowing any enchantments on the blade to be elevated above the average power!" He then wrapped his right arm around Leoni's shoulders and inched closer to him. "An' I even 'ave a sayin' fer it! Ye fight with Courage, an' yer bound ta win all the battles ye face!"

Leoni nodded his head and shifted around nervously. "That's... very interesting, Mr. Stormhammer! I... think I'll just take a longsword, and be on my way, though... if that's okay? I really need to find a place to stay, though."

Jaden released Leoni from his grasp and nodded his head with an understanding smile. "Aye, lad. I'll see what I can get ye, then!"

It took him a few minutes, but after finding a proper sized longsword for Leoni, he handed it to him and waved good-bye. While Leoni, Mortar, and Pestle left, however, they caught sight of Twilight walking through the marketplace, but her mane and tail were a mess, and her robe appeared to have a few wet spots on it. From the looks of the direction she was moving, she must've been on her way towards the large building with a carousel-like shape to it... "The Carousel Boutique".

Remembering that Rarity would be busy, Leoni decided against paying her a visit, and chose to head towards the tavern again, where he would wait for Edith to finish with what she was doing, and ask her for advice.

As Twilight and Spike entered the building, Twilight was too occupied with her complaints with her recent "meeting" with a certain rainbow-maned mare, who was apparently fast enough to clear the skies in ten seconds, yet lazy enough to wait it out until the last minute.

"Honestly, Spike! Of all the arrogant, self-centered, obnoxious, loathsome, bitter, spiteful, lazy, insanitary, crazy-" as she spoke, Spike rolled his eyes and checked around the area, smiling at the beauty of the decorations.

"Wow, Twilight... wouldn't you say that the decorations are looking rather beautiful?"

Twilight paused her bickering and blinked once before smiling and looking around at the room as well. "Oh, my! Indeed, it is a rather impressive display!"

Both of their attention was quickly drawn towards a female with a Manehattan Noble accent, who was floating several ribbons in front of her, while adLeonig them with her hands.

She was a white coated unicorn with a fancy curled mane and tail, and a pair of dark blue eyes. She was wearing a dark purple bell-bottom dress with a pure white t-shirt underneath. Her hands were covered in purple gloves that matched her dress and rose up to her elbows. Her hooves, though covered by the dress, sounded like they were covered by high heeled slippers.

"Nay, this fashion is too old... mayhaps this one?" she muttered to herself before floating a red ribbon in front of her eyes.

Twilight sighed and slowly began walking towards her, while Spike followed her with a comforting smile on his face. "She appears to know what she's doing, at least... mayhaps she won't bring trouble, right Spike?"

Spike nodded his head and replied, "That's right, Twilight!"

When Twilight was mere meters behind the other unicorn, she cleared her throat and began speaking. "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I have come here from-"

"Oh, just a minute, darling. I am in the zone right now, and must concentrate if I am to find the proper pattern for the ribbons in the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala."

Twilight nodded her head and smiled. "Of course! I'm guessing you must be Lady Rarity?"

The mare nodded her head and replied, "Indeed... do please accept my most sincerest apologies, though! I must ensure that I find the proper choice for the princess's student once she arrives! After all, it is her that I must impress first!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow before pressing her right hand on her own chest. "Well if you must know, I am-"

"AHA! Now this is the one that could work!" Rarity interrupted before floating a different red ribbon in front of her face. What made this one stand out was a multitude of jewels encrusted on it, giving it an extra bright and shiny appearance.

Rarity nodded at the ribbon in approval before turning towards Twilight and Spike, though with her eyes closed. "Now that I may have found the proper ribbon, I can help you with your orders!" She opened her eyes again and began. "Now, how may I help y-AAH! OH, SWEET MOTHER AND FATHER OF CELESTIA! DARLING, WHAT IN EQUESTRIA HAPPENED TO YOUR COIFFURE?!"

Twilight was taken aback by the sudden change of Rarity's composure. Then she looked up and noticed some of her mane, which was curled and misshapen in multiple areas. "My mane? Oh, it was nothing. I was planning on combing it again when I made it home. For now, though, I was just planning on checking with the decorations, and I would be out of your hair."

Rarity shook her head and rushed behind Twilight in a white and purple blur. "Darling, I can honestly say that it's not my hair that you should be worried about!" She then turned to Spike and smiled. "Excuse me, young drake. May you please pass me the grooming kit over by the table there?" She quickly caught Twilight in a magic binding, disabling her from moving, while motioning towards a thick red box with a label of a comb, scissors, and measuring tape on its top.

Spike nodded his head and replied, "Of course I-" before he could finish his sentence, however, he was interrupted by a high-pitched filly's voice from the other side of a hallway.

"I'll get it!" Spike turned towards the hallway just in time to spot a white coated unicorn filly with a curly, bright purple mane and tail, and a pair of emerald green eyes. She was wearing a thin, bright yellow dress that lowered halfway down her knees, a light blue short-sleeved shirt, yellow panties that covered her entire legs, and a pair of black loafers on her hooves.

She appeared to be close to Spike's age, which was ten years old, but her body shape made it clear that she may have actually been a year or two younger. Regardless, though, when Spike saw her eyes, his entire face began to glow a bright red, and he stopped moving and stared in awe. He even began to feel the sweat fall from his forehead and his palms, but he couldn't understand what could've been the cause of it.

While he was lost in thought, Rarity lightly giggled and nodded her head at the filly who picked the kit up. "Oh, yes, of course! I completely forgot that you were visiting today, Sweetie Belle!" She then turned to Spike and lightly chuckled. "Never mind, dear! It would seem that my little sister shall be aiding me in this makeover!"

Spike, however, was lost in his own world as he watched Sweetie Belle run past him, almost unaware of his presence. Then he unceremoniously followed the two of them as they began heading towards a room in the back, where Twilight would be fitted into multiple outfits against her will.

Leoni sighed as he sat in the loud tavern. From the party table, he noticed that the original crowd was now replaced with a huge number of earth ponies who appeared to have come from a long line of apple-related relatives. One of them in particular happened to be Applejack, who was talking to her older brother, Big McIntosh during the whole five minutes that they've gotten there. Two minutes in, and Mortar and Pestle were in on the conversation they were having, also, leaving Leoni alone to sit at the table he was at.

From around the table, there appeared to be several apple-related treats, each of which were being exchanged with other members of the family, more than likely as a way to have their foods tested by other relatives before being used in the 'Summer Sun Celebration' that he kept hearing so much about.

He was so lost in thought, however, that he didn't notice Applejack walking his way.

"Well, howdy there, Sugarcube! Ah haven't seen y'all around here before! Ain't y'all that human that was found in the Everfree Forest this mornin'?" came Applejack's voice from directly behind him.

Leoni slightly jumped at the sudden intrusion of his concentration. When he saw her concerned look, however, he smiled and gently nodded his head. "Oh, um... y-yes, ma'am. Sorry, I was just... lost in thought, is all."

Applejack lightly chuckled before nodding her head and taking a seat next to him. "Believe me, Sugarcube. Ah can tell y'all have more on y'alls mind than there needs to be... is there somethin' troublin' y'all?"

Leoni sighed and nodded his head, but weakly smiled at her. "That obvious, huh?"

Applejack shrugged her shoulders. "Jus' figured as much, what with that frown y'all had since Ah've gotten here fer my family reunion. Y'all seem like a nice guy, though, so Ah figured Ah'd try helpin' y'all out... or at least be an ear that listens."

Leoni nodded his head and looked at the empty space on the table in front of him. "Well... as you may know, I just got here. Unfortunately, though, I don't have anywhere to go, I don't have any money with me to pay for a place to stay, and to top it all off, I don't have a job to help me earn any money for a place to stay... just kinda worried about what I'll do by the end of the day, is all."

Applejack rubbed her chin in thought before nodding at Leoni. "Well, Ah've got a barn over in mah farm that ain't bein' used... mayhaps y'all can sleep there fer the night? An' if y'all are lookin' fer work, Ah could use some help with the wheat fields a little ways past the orchard!"

Leoni rubbed his chin in thought before smiling at her. "You'd really just let a stranger like me help you like that? Um... thank you, I'd be honored... but are you sure, though?"

Applejack nodded her head and gently patted Leoni on the back. "Sure as sugar, friend! Here in this town, we ain't one to judge a book by its cover, 'till we've seen what that book's contents have in 'em!" She then gave him a sly wink. "An' besides, if y'all try anythin', Ah can jus' send Big Mac after y'all!"

Leoni's eyes widened at that name. "Big Mac... as in Big McIntosh, the stallion that can beat a minotaur in an arm wrestle?!"

She nodded her head and chuckled. "'S right! An' he also happens ta be mah older brother!"

Leoni nodded his head and scratched the back of his head nervously. "Duly noted... n-not that I even had any bad intentions, anyways!"

Applejack shrugged her shoulders and stood back up before giving Leoni another reassuring pat on the back. "Exactly the reason why Ah'm offerin' y'all a place ta stay in the first place!"

Just turned to face her again and nodded his head in appreciation. "Thank you, um..." He then gasped and stood up. "Oh, gosh! I completely forgot to introduce myself!" He then offered his hand to her. "My name's-"

"Leoni, correct?" Applejack cut through his sentence before chuckling and taking his hand and shaking it firmly. "Mortar an' Pestle told me a bit about y'all already, which is another reason' why Ah'm bein' open with y'all. An' mah name's Applejack, by the way. Nice ta meet y'all."

Leoni nodded his head again and smiled sheepishly. "R-right... well... thank you for the kind gesture. I'll definitely accept, as long as I'm not being too much of a bother."

Applejack shook her head and began heading back to her family. "'T ain't a problem fer me, Sugarcube." Then she rubbed her chin in thought before snapping her finger and thumb together. "Ah know! How 'bout Ah introduce y'all to mah family?"

Leoni shook his head and smiled sheepishly. "S-sorry, but I really don't want to burden you more than I may already be- huh?!"

Before Leoni could react, he was already being dragged towards the table via Applejack's hand to his wrist. She didn't even seem to be fazed by his height in the slightest, and she had a wide smile on her face as she dragged him over to the party table. "Again, Sugarcube, Ah ain't burdened in the slightest!"

In the matter of seconds, Leoni was seated in the table while a majority of the Apple Family surrounded him from left to right. Their eyes were all focused on him as he stared wide-eyed at the huge pile of food on the table in front of him.

"R-really, I don't even think I can even manage all this food, let alone eat it!" Leoni nervously said. The crowd, however, didn't even seem fazed, as they continued adding more of their foods for him to try.

The sound of another female's voice on the other side of the table added, "Tell me about it! I was just sent here to check the samples, not sample the food!"

Leoni looked up at the source of the voice and shifted in his seat so that he could get a glimpse of her past the pile of food. His eyes widened when he saw Twilight on the other side, who was also shifting in her seat to get a good look at him.

They just stared at each other blankly before Leoni cleared his throat. "Um... split the portions fifty-fifty?"

She blinked once before nodding her head and eying the massive family around them. "Um... s-sure?"

The two of them picked up a fork, and reluctantly, began to eat the first of the food items... a large pie.

From behind the tavern, in a secluded area, Leoni held a pile of hay for Twilight, for once she finished vomiting out the contents in her overinflated stomach into a large wooden barrel.

"Ugh... I think they had way too much pie in those dishes..." she grumbled before heaving her head over the bucket again.

Leoni nodded his head and winced at the sounds that he heard coming from the barrel. "Tell me about it... I might actually have nightmares involving pies!"

Despite the pain in her gut, Twilight lightly chuckled. "I know how you feel..." She paused for a moment before sighing. "I... t-think that's got it..."

Leoni nodded his head and walked towards her. When he held the hay her way, she looked at it then nodded her head in appreciation and began wiping her lips with it, before tossing the dirty hay in the barrel.

"Thank you," she said before turning back to Leoni. "I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who this town chooses to torment... though I'd prefer they not torment us at all!"

Leoni nodded his head and lightly chuckled. "Yeah... likewise. All I've been trying to do is find a place to stay... and after this incident, I'm slightly worried about taking that Applejack person up on her offer."

Twilight nodded her head and sighed before suddenly raising an eyebrow. "Hey, wait a minute... aren't you that man from earlier that was staring at me when my carriage was arriving?"

Leoni blinked before scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Oh, geez... I'm sorry if I was staring. I was just lost in thought, is all."

Twilight deadpanned at him before crossing her arms over her chest. "You wouldn't happen to be another Noble from Canterlot trying to win my favor to become my guardian, would you?"

Leoni's eyes shot open and he quickly waved his hands defensively. "N-no! I mean, I... I don't think I am! I just-"

Twilight groaned and planted her face into her right palm. "Oh, COME ON! And here I thought I would be getting a break from all of this insanity!"

Leoni shook his head and replied, "W-wait! I swear, I don't even know most of anything!"

Twilight's deadpan turned into a glare. "Most of anything... is that what you're trying to use to win my favor?!"

Leoni backed away from her, but tripped over an empty bucket and landed on his butt. "No! What I mean to say is-"

"Forget it! Just... just..." Twilight sighed before turning her back to him. "Just don't try anything whenever the Summer Sun Celebration begins... okay?!"

Leoni gulped and nodded his head, but said nothing. Then Twilight huffed and stomped around the building, more than likely headed towards the park.

Leoni scratched the back of his head nervously before muttering, "Um... what just happened?"

Twilight silently growled as she continued to storm through the road. "Of all the... and here I thought the damned Nobles wouldn't be here! HERE of all places!"

After a short while of searching around, she finally noticed Spike sitting on a bench. Sitting next to him was the yellow pegasus mare with a long pink mane. She had an amazed expression on her face as Spike talked to her about trivial dragon details.

When she noticed Twilight, however, she gasped and backed away. Spike tilted his head confusedly before turning around, only to chuckle when he found Twilight headed their way. Then he turned towards the mare and said, "Ah, don't worry, Fluttershy! That's just Twilight Sparkle, my older sister I've told you about!"

Fluttershy stared at Twilight nervously a few more seconds before weakly smiling at her and bowing her head politely. "U-um... okay... h-hello, Lady Twilight Sparkle. M-my name is F-Fluttershy... u-um... a-are you here to check up on the m-m-music, by any chance?"

Twilight weakly smiled at Fluttershy before shaking her head and replying, "Actually, I was just here to pick up Spike... but now that you mention it, I suppose I could check up on the progress."

Spike, however, shook his head and smiled. "Nay, Twilight... I've already listened to her, and approved of it. Besides, I knew you've been having a troubling day, and felt that you could use a helping hand."

Twilight's smile widened at his statement before nodding her head. "Really, now? Well... thank you, Spike!" Then she sighed in relief before gently patting him on his scalp.

Spike nodded his head and chuckled before hopping up from the bench and walking next to Twilight. "Any time, Twilight! So... how did the food situation go?"

Twilight winced and avoided eye contact. "I'd... rather not talk about it, mind you."

Spike scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "That bad, huh?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "You have no idea! Right now, I think what I need to do is rest!"

Fluttershy tapped Twilight on the back of the shoulders. When Twilight turned around, Fluttershy then asked, "Um... i-is it okay if I tagged along with you? I promise, I will not be a bother."

Twilight shrugged her shoulders before replying, "As long as you don't bombard me with questions, then I'm okay with that."

Fluttershy smiled and bowed her head politely again. "T-thank you! Um... s-so, Spike... where were we at in our conversation?"

Little did Twilight know that the voyage to her home was going to be filled with questions, but directed to Spike... much to her annoyance.

From the Canterlot Barracks, Twilight Velvet began walking towards the castle. The sun was narrowing towards the edge of the horizon... night time was just about to begin... and with it, the start of the Summer Sun Celebration. More citizens were up at the time, fully awake for the longest day of the year.

Even so, she didn't appear to have a smile on her face. Her eyes were glued to a letter that she tried sending to Princess Celestia hours ago... a letter that was returned as quickly as it was sent.

At first she thought nothing of it, believing that it must've just been Day Court. She tried again later on during the day, but it yielded the same results. Finally, after a third time, she began to worry.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, however, her worries only grew as she saw her son, Shining Armor, as well as a large platoon of soldiers, lined up at the entrance while her husband, a dark blue coated stallion with an even darker blue mane and tail, piercing gold eyes, and gold armor with purple and white trimmings, yelled orders at each platoon; a troubled expression on all of their faces.

When she made it into the courtyard she shouted, "GENERAL LIGHT, SIR! STATUS REPORT!"

Night looked at her and shook his head. "Princess Celestia has gone missing!"

Velvet's eyes widened at that statement. Then she quickly rushed towards a platoon of soldiers who didn't have a leader in front of them, as she listened to the rest of Night's speech.

"THE PRINCESS HAS GONE MISSING! AND WHILE IT'S A MYSTERY HOW THE SUN IS EVEN MOVING, STILL, WE MUSTN'T TURN A BLIND EYE! CAPTAIN SHINING ARMOR, YOUR GROUP WILL BE SHIPPED TO PONYVILLE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, WHERE A SEARCH PARTY SHALL BE MADE! SILVER STRIPES! YOUR GROUP SHALL BE SHIPPED TOWARDS THE ROADS IN-BETWEEN, SHOULD A BANDIT RAID HAVE BEEN MADE! THE REST OF US SHALL REMAIN IN CANTERLOT, AND SEARCH EVERY CORNER OF THE ROADS! LEAVE NO CRACK UNCHECKED! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?"

"SIR, YES SIR!" came the shout of every soldier in the city. The pegasi then quickly took flight, while the unicorns and earth ponies began their march towards their destinations. Shining and Velvet both had troubled looks on their faces as they passed by each other.

Velvet then quickly leaned up to Shining and whispered, "Make sure Twilight and Spike are safe."

Shining saluted her and nodded his head. Then the two parted ways, with their platoons following close behind.

Leoni sighed as he began following close behind the large crowds of people stampeding towards the Town Hall. He didn't really understand most of what was going on, but a quick tip from Edith gave him enough knowledge to simply remain behind everyone if he valued his life. Sure enough, he vowed that he would thank her as soon as he saw her again.

He was able to catch a glimpse inside the Golden Oak Library, where he heard an ear-shattering "SURPRISE!" blast through the windows, but he knew better than to join the party uninvited... even though he was informed that it was a public domain, anyways. Regardless, though, he knew better than to be anywhere around Twilight Sparkle... especially after their strange meeting.

"I only hope she calms down by the time this day ends," he commented to himself, "I don't want there to be any bad feelings between us... or anyone else for that matter!"

"Hey! Wait up, Leoni!" came a trio of all-too-familiar voices from behind him. When Leoni turned around, he sighed in relief when he found Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent headed towards him from the other side of the dirt road.

"Hey! It's good to see you three again!" Leoni said with a smile.

When the trio joined him, they began speaking to each other about how their days went. As it turned out, they were free the whole time.

When Leoni finished his story, the three of them were staring at him in shock.

Justus was the first to react, however. He sighed and shook his head before planting his face into his right palm. "I should've known the responsibilities would get to her at some point..."

Lyra, however, gently rubbed the back of Leoni's shoulders and gave him a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Leoni! Justus and I actually know her on a personal level, so we can help straighten things out between you both! Mag even knows the princess, so he could even vouch for you as well!"

Leoni weakly smiled at the three of them before nodding his head. "Thanks, you three... I greatly appreciate it."

They nodded their heads while Magnificent chipped in. "Hey, if you've changed your mind about the whole 'living in the barn' thing, then I happen to have a spare guest bedroom in my house!"

Lyra deadpanned at him before replying, "What does Minuette have to say about that, though?"

He shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Eh, she and I have been married for a year, now! We're more controlled when it comes to showing our affection around others... unlike some people I know!"

Justus and Lyra lightly snickered at his annoyance while Leoni lightly chuckled at the three. Sure enough, as long as they were in the town, nothing could go wrong.

Finally, after the crowd began to grow silent, the sound of trumpets and birds filled the room. The lights died down, and all eyes were now turned towards the front stage, where the mayor, a tan coated earth pony mare with a slightly curled silver mane and tail, dark blue eyes, and a brown and white frilly dress stood in front of the podium in the center.

Twilight eyed the moon nervously while Spike looked towards the stage, eagerly waiting for the princess to show up.

The sound of a familiar voice clearing his throat caught Twilight's attention. When she turned towards it, however, she gasped when she saw Shining Armor standing in a dark, shady corner.

She left Spike staring in awe, oblivious to Shining's voice, and snuck towards him with a smile on her face.

"Shiny! I'm so glad you could make it! Is Mother here?" she whispered, only to stop in place when she saw the worried look on his face. "Shining... what's wrong?"

Shining sighed before looking both directions and motioning for her to move towards him. "It's the princess! I... I think that she's-"

Mayor Mare's voice finally filled their ears, though it was clear she was already speaking while they weren't paying attention. "And now, presenting... The Princess of Equestria... Princess Celestia!"

The red curtains behind the podium quickly lifted up, and a light spell was cast in the center of the stage, where Princess Celestia would be standing... only to find the stage empty.

A multitude of gasps filled the room.

Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent quickly stood up and drew their weapons, while Leoni quickly stood from his seat and backed up a couple steps, gripping onto the handle of his sword with caution, but refraining from drawing it unless threatened.

The rest of the guards in the room did the same before looking around in every possible direction. Mutterings began to echo through the room, and a frightened look began to form on every face within.

Twilight's worried look turned into a glare as her horn began to glow. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she had a bad feeling about it.

Several gasps filled the room, breaking her concentration, and causing her to look at the stage again.

From the dark corner of the back of the stage, a pair of snakelike light blue eyes glowed, a horn between and above the eyes glowed a light blue color, and a pair of massive bat-like wings flared from the sides of the unknown entity. The entity took a couple steps from the light, revealing it to be Nightmare Moon, still clad in the armor she wore when facing Princess Celestia earlier that day.

She grinned wickedly, revealing her intimidatingly long fangs. "Ah... if it isn't our beloved subjects! How... good it is to finally see you all again! It's been far too long!"

Mayor Mare quickly rushed off the stage before turning towards Nightmare Moon with a glare on her face.

"Oh, why the long faces? Are We not good enough for thy sun-loving faces? Dost thou not recall the legends? Did thou surely not expected Us to appear?"

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO OUR PRINCESS, YOU MONSTER?!" Rainbow Dash shouted before flying towards Nightmare Moon, only to be stopped by Applejack, who quickly grabbed a hold of her tail, and caused her to fall back down to the ground, giving her an annoyed glare.

"Rainbow! She's a buckin' Alicorn! There's no way that y'all can handle her on yer own!" she whispered in an annoyed tone to the athletic mare.

Rainbow huffed before folding her arms, though she continued to glare at Nightmare Moon, who was now looking their way.

"Ah... it would seem that our sister hath not told thee about us, yet! Pity, We were actually looking forward to entering a festival held for us, instead of her!"

From the left side of the guards that formed a barrier to stop her from escaping, Light Blue shouted, "AND JUST WHO ARE YOU, EXACTLY?!"

Nightmare Moon took a deep breath and was about to reply, but before she could, Twilight stepped forward and answered, "I know who you are! You are the one from the legends... you are The Mare of the Moon... Nightmare Moon!"

The entire crowd gasped at her accusation, before several of the civilians began rushing outside of the building, parents holding their fillies and foals.

Nightmare Moon lightly chuckled before folding her arms onto her chest and focusing on her. "Well, now... it would appear that We do still have a reputation, though through limited ears... who art thou, exactly?"

Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then her horn started to glow a lavender color, while behind her eyelids, her eyes glowed pure white. Then her entire body was engulfed in a light, and in the blink of an eye, she was now wearing her purple and gold chained robe, and holding onto a crystal staff.

"I am Twilight Sparkle... Student of Princess Celestia, herself! And you... shall tell us where you've taken her!"

Nightmare Moon tilted her head confusedly before grinning and raising her right hand in the air. Then, at the snap of a finger, a large gust of wind knocked almost everyone inside the room onto the ground, save for Twilight, a couple of the guards in the back, and Leoni, who was only still standing because he was cornered onto a wall.

The guards began to stand back up, but before they could, they were all engulfed in a purple mist, and held to the ground.

Twilight's horn and staff began to glow a lavender color before she cast a lightning spell at Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon, however, vanished into the shadows, causing Twilight to gasp and look around the area.

From far behind her, Twilight was unable to notice Nightmare Moon rise from her shadow with her sword drawn, and in the air. When Twilight spotted her, her ears sunk down, her pupils dilated, and her jaw dropped as she found herself frozen, and unable to move.

Before Nightmare Moon could strike, however, a rainbow-colored blur knocked her into the wall, and shattered an abandoned table. When she stood back up, she saw Rainbow Dash standing in front of Twilight, but with a pair of iron gauntlets over her hands. When Twilight turned around, she noticed four of the other mares she met throughout the day.

Applejack was standing beside Rainbow Dash in front, carrying an oddly shaped sword in her left hand with several horizontal cracks that went around the blade in multiple spots from top to bottom.

Pinkie Pie stood behind her, holding one-handed crossbows in each hand. Her mane and tail were completely deflated, and a menacing glare was all that she was giving.

Rarity stood at the back-left corner of Twilight, holding a diamond staff in both hands. She already had a protective bubble around them all in the center of the room.

Fluttershy knelt at Twilight's back-right corner, holding a wand with an emerald attached to the tip of it. Despite everyone glaring at Nightmare Moon, however, she was still staring at her in fear.

Nightmare Moon lightly chuckled before her eyes began glowing pure white. "Ah, what have we here? Looks like this... shall get interesting, indeed!" She then reached her left hand into the air and snapped her fingers, causing a purple crystal to appear in it. Then she stretched her arm back and hurled the crystal towards the shield bubble. To her shock, however, the crystal shattered at the impact.

"Huh... not quite as weak as We thought..." she licked her lips with her snakelike tongue and grinned even wider, "We are so going to enjoy this, indeed!"

At another snap of a finger, she managed to create several more of the purple crystals. Then she sent them all flying towards the shield bubble at once. This time, however, the impact of the force began to show, as Rarity began to flinch at the crystals' attacks. Her nose began to bleed, and she was starting to fall to her knees.

Finally, after another crystal, the shield bubble was broken.

Nightmare Moon then charged up another shadow crystal bolt and hurled it towards Twilight. Before it could reach her, however, the shield bubble reappeared, causing Nightmare Moon to growl and turn towards Rarity, who was standing up again, with the blood from her nose no longer dripping. Then she turned towards Fluttershy, whose eyes were glowing green as she held her wand towards Rarity, healing her of her wounds.

Nightmare finally chuckled before drawing her sword again. "Very well, then... thou leaves us no choice!" She then sliced horizontally at the shield bubble, causing a huge gust of wind to blow through it, which made all six of the mares within fly back and stumble to the ground, slightly dazed.

Twilight, however, was quick to recover and teleported herself back into a standing position with another spell ready to be cast.

Nightmare Moon then quickly vanished into the shadows again, but not before pinning the others onto the ground like the rest of the guards.

Shining Armor glared and continued to try breaking free from the spell binding him to the ground. Then he managed to spot Leoni, who was still pinned at the corner, unsure of what to do.

"You, there!" Shining whispered loud enough to catch Leoni's attention. When Leoni turned towards him, he snuck towards him and crouched to where he was ear-to-mouth with him. "You have a blade... use it, and protect Twilight!"

Leoni gulped before looking towards the exit... only to find Nightmare Moon's snakelike eyes staring right back at him. He gasped and backed into the center of the room while Twilight looked at him and groaned. "Great... now I'm trapped here with the damned fool that's trying to get inside my panties!"

Leoni looked at her confusedly before retorting in an equally annoyed tone, "What?! Lady, I barely even know you, let alone myself, and you actually accuse me of trying that?! What the hell even gave you that idea to begin with?!"

Twilight snorted out of frustration as she continued scanning the area. "I don't know! Maybe the simple fact that you've been stalking me?!"

Leoni groaned before shaking his head as he continued scanning the area with Twilight, back-to-back. "First of all, I wasn't stalking you! I was staring at you because I was lost in thought, thinking I might've seen you somewhere before! Second of all, I could barely even think straight because I've been through a lot of trouble in one day, what with losing my memories, waking up in the middle of a damn forest, and being told that I'm some sort of anomaly, or something like that!"

Twilight's eyes widened and she quickly turned towards him. "Wait, you're the anomaly?!"

Leoni rolled his eyes and turned towards her. "Well, yeah! What did you exp-OH SHIT!"

Leoni quickly reached his left arm around Twilight's shoulders and tackled her to the ground, right as a black and purple ray of energy shot right past them.

Twilight yelped as the two of them landed, but her head was protected by Leoni's right hand, which no longer held his sword, due to him dropping it. When she opened her eyes, however, her face quickly turned red when she saw Leoni lying over her with his face about a foot away from her own. When he opened his eyes, however, his face quickly turned as red as hers.

"Um... y-you okay?" he asked nervously.

She nodded her head and replied, "Um... I... t-think so?"

Their attention was broken when they heard a sinister chuckle coming from Leoni's right, and Twilight's left. They turned around, only to notice Nightmare moon standing several meters away from them with another ball of black and purple energy hovering over her left hand.

"How cute... too bad thou both shall die together!"

She stretched her arm back just in time for Leoni to stand up and dash towards her, causing Twilight to gasp and yell for him to wait.

As soon as Nightmare Moon's blast headed towards him, however, the ball of energy grew immensely. Instinctively, Leoni stretched his left hand in front of his face to block the light and to flinch at the incoming projectile.

Once the ball of energy touched his hand, however, he let out a loud gasp as his eyes began to glow pure white. His left hand then started to radiate a golden glow, and the ball of energy stopped at his grasp, causing all jaws in the room to drop, and all eyes to widen. Even Nightmare Moon stood in shock at the sight before her.

Leoni gritted his teeth as the burn form the energy began to make his left hand simmer and smoke. Finally, a voice in the back of his head told him to deflect the blast.

After balling his right fist up, Leoni stretched his right arm behind his back before punching the ball of energy away from him... and directly towards Nightmare Moon.

The force of the impact caused her to scream at the top of her lungs and send her flying into the stage again, while disabling the spells that bound all the people to the ground.

Leoni and Nightmare Moon panted heavily while Nightmare Moon's eyes began to pulse from their snake-like shape to a much more normal shape. She tried to stand back up, but fell to her knees and had to grip onto the podium to return to her hooves.

Then she shakily raised her right hand up to him and pointed directly at his glowing eyes. "Y-you... h-how... how did..."

Most of the guards from the front quickly reclaimed their weapons and began marching towards her with angry glares on their faces. The rest, however, were still staring at Leoni with shocked expressions.

Nightmare Moon glared at the guards that approached her. She knew that she was too injured to fight now, and had to make an escape. To aid her in doing so, however, she drew her sword again and used it as a crutch, before walking inside the shadows of the back of the stage. As she entered the shadows, however, a large swarm of pitch black knights in armor with glowing red eyes stepped out of the shadows with their weapons drawn.

The soldiers' attention was shifted from Nightmare Moon to the shadowy figures. The soldiers began to sweat, due to the fact that they were outnumbered.

Suddenly a multitude of loud crashes sounded from overhead, as several more Canterlot Guards began falling in.

Shining Armor looked towards the entrance of the room, only to find Blue Light rushing inside with a determined look on his face. "REINFORCEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!"

As the soldiers rushed into battle, Leoni fell to his knees, staring at his hands and breathing heavily. Twilight quickly rushed up to him, followed by Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent.

Magnificent looked at him worriedly. "Leoni! Are you alright?!"

Leoni's vision blurred rapidly, and his ears loudly rang through his head. He was able to just barely see the silhouettes of Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent rushing his way, while Twilight quickly held onto his arms to help keep him up... but to no avail.

As his vision went completely dark, all he could hear was Magnificent's blurry voice.

"Leoni! Are you alright?!"

And then... everything went silent.

To Be Concluded

And... done with this next chapter! Sorry for the delay, been going through a lot of things these past few months!

Anyways, so I've decided to change the whole "POV Switch" thing, since it might've seemed a bit unnecessary.

So, yeah... while the link to the ending credits say "TO BE CONCLUDED", don't think that that means the story is about to end! It just means that this marks the beginning of the end of the first official part of this story!

And now, I must go wash my brain out with a whole gallon of tea...

As always, if you've enjoyed this story, feel free to leave a "Like" and a comment down on the "Comments" section below! All the support will lead to a new chapter! (Hopefully even sooner than this one took me to write!)

---

From our last adventure, the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration was far more frustrating than Twilight Sparkle, Faithful Student of Princess Celestia, expected it to be. From one extreme to another, she met with five unusual mares; Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Throughout it all, however, she also noticed Leoni roaming the city, and to her knowledge, he was just another stalker trying to earn her favor, and with it, become her guardian, a protector that Princess Celestia intended her to find as soon as possible.

As the day progressed, Leoni was also having troubles of his own. From person to person, he would always have trouble finding a place to stay for the night. Even so, he also continued to grow more curious about Twilight, but more specifically, why she seemed so familiar to him, despite having not met her beforehand.

He eventually met Edith Stormhammer, younger sister of Justus Heartstrings. With her help, he was able to at least meet the satyrs, Mortar and Pestle. They all seemed to be quite an... interesting trio of friends, who were also quite friendly with him whenever he was in a bind.

After a while, he even learned that Edith's and Justus's father happened to be a minotaur, as well as the local blacksmith, Jaden Stormhammer. He introduced Leoni to an impressive sword that he claimed was his "Pride and Joy", even giving it the name "Courage", as well as informing him of a saying that he made to go with it.

"Ye fight with Courage, an' yer bound ta win all the battles ye face!"

Even though he wasn't allowed to take it with him, Leoni's fascination with the sword only increased the more he saw it... like a moth, drawn to a flickering flame in the night. Eventually, though, he had to choose a different sword in the end, considering the fact that "Courage" was meant for whoever Twilight chose to be her guardian.

While they were going on with their dilemmas, however, a unicorn man named Blue Light, the twin brother of a pegasus named Light Blue, was having trouble finding that "Special Someone". Despite his twin brother's comforting words, he feared that he would never have a chance with anyone... especially the pegasus mare that caught his eyes and his heart... Fluttershy.

To Fluttershy, she felt the same way, but due to her shyness and his clumsiness, they were never even able to speak to each other for very long.

Finally, the Summer Sun Celebration was ready to begin. As the trumpets played, however, Twilight was given a surprise visit from her brother, who brought with him bad news... Princess Celestia was missing!

Rather than completely give her the news verbally, however, the curtains rose, and the evidence was clear. Then an even GREATER surprise appeared from the shadows of the area behind the curtains... Nightmare Moon.

After trapping a majority of the guards in a spell, Nightmare Moon quickly spotted Twilight Sparkle, along with her new unexpected allies, and chose to battle with them.

Though their efforts appeared flawless, Nightmare Moon was still more powerful in the end, and managed to pin down the rest of the group of heroes, save for two... Twilight, who was able to teleport herself back to her hooves, and Leoni, who was doing his best to avoid getting involved in the crisis.

With the two already having issues between each other, they silently conversed with one another, with Twilight still holding a bitter resentment towards him, until Leoni revealed that he was the anomaly from the Everfree Forest, and didn't even have any memories on what he was before waking up.

Distracted by this revelation, she dropped her guard for a mere second... just enough for Nightmare Moon to attempt a magic strike at them. To the Nightmare Princess's dismay, however, Leoni spotted her and managed to save Twilight at the last second, tackling her to the floor, and briefly placing them both into an awkward position... one that certainly didn't aid Leoni in his attempt to gain the student's trust.

When Nightmare Moon attempted to finish them off, however, it was time for HER to be surprised. When Leoni reached out towards the magic blast that she sent towards he and Twilight, he was able to control it AND deflect the magic back to her... something that no human in history was EVER able to accomplish.

Somehow, HE was able to manipulate magic... and he was a human; a race that never COULD within written history.

Though the battle against Nightmare Moon was won, Leoni lost consciousness right as she escaped, filling the room with her own Shadow Soldiers to distract those that were still able to fight. Thankfully, however, backup soldiers from Canterlot arrived just in time, and the follow-up battle was won quickly and with no casualties... but unfortunately, Nightmare Moon managed to escape through the chaos.

Now, within the Golden Oak Library, Twilight examines the magic signatures that her unwanted, and completely unexpected hero is now radiating. Next to her, his concerned friends, Justus Heartstrings, Lyra Heartstrings, Magnificent Eye, Edith Stormhammer, Mortar, and Pestle, as well as her older brother, Captain Shining Armor, await his recovery, either for self assurance, questioning, or a little of both.

Most importantly, though, they want to see just how far this human's magic is able to go... and to check on how much of a threat that his magic capabilities could become if not tended to immediately.

For if the magic of an Alicorn were to lose control, tragedy would be sure to follow...

... but the magic of a HUMAN could prove to be a far greater threat... for what is to fear more than unknown, when it was the same unknown force that even made the NIGHTMARE cower in fear?

---

While Leoni unconsciously lied on the couch in the living room, Justus, Lyra, and Magnificent sat on the padded wooden chairs that were leaning against the wall. Twilight had her eyes closed as her horn glowed its usual pink aura. Telepathically, she was able to find the readings of Leoni's magic source... but the expression she was showing made her confusion known to those who were looking at her.

Shining Armor paced back and forth near the front door while Light Blue, Blue Light, and a few other guards stood on the other side of the entrance to keep any visitors out. While everyone was either looking worried or focused, Shining had a stern, concerned, and somewhat annoyed expression on his face.

After another minute of pure silence, he deeply sighed and pinched the bridge between his eyes with his right hand. He then opened his eyes and motioned towards Leoni, while turning his head towards the others. "Okay, so... can anyone please elaborate on what the buck just happened?"

Justus shrugged his shoulders and turned towards Shining. "Even I haven't the slightest idea how it happened... but from the looks of it, we've not only lost our princess to a monster from ancient history... but we've also gained a human who can apparently use magic... and not just any kind of magic, either! Alicorn magic!"

Lyra shrugged her shoulders and noted, "That, or mayhaps he could only repel Alicorn Magic... both of which, still shouldn't even be possible for a human, let alone, most Unicorns!"

Shining groaned before shaking his head and turning towards Leoni. "If that's the case, then why hasn't he said or done anything about it as of yet?!"

Justus raised his hands towards Shining and waved them defensively. "At ease there, Shining! He lost his memories, so there was no way that he could know!"

Shining crossed his arms over his chest. "And how do you know he lost his memories to begin with? For all we know, he could've just been playing us all for fools!"

Lyra glared at him and stood from her seat. "You are mistaken! If he were faking it, I highly doubt that he would've stood up to Nightmare Moon like that! And besides, I could tell that he was clueless ever since we saw him in the Everfree Forest, if not for his reactions to his surroundings, then mayhaps his willingness to share information that he could remember!"

Shining turned to Lyra and glared back at her. "Then would you care to elaborate on why Nightmare Moon looked like she knew him?! Mayhaps he is a servant of hers, yet he didn't even realize it! Mayhaps he is something far more dangerous than even she is! Hay, he was able to actually injure her while Equestria's strongest soldiers were humiliated and tossed around like flies!"

Justus glared back at Shining and stood from his seat. "Watch yourself, Shining... that's my wife you're talking to."

Shining turned to Justus and pointed at him. "Well control her, then! We're all in the same rank as of right now, but that doesn't mean that we are free to-"

"EVERY ONE OF YOU, JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!" came the infuriated voice of Twilight Sparkle. When every eye turned to her, Shining stared at her in disbelief as she stood from the floor and sighed with her eyes closed.

She turned to them and growled before kicking a leg of the couch. "In case you haven't realized, I'm trying to work here! Since he's a human, though, I still have to be delicate when using magic on him, lest I do more damage than what is already done! And with your constant bickering, you're only risking his life, when it was him who was able to even strike Nightmare Moon!" She then crossed her arms and inched her head closer towards her older brother. "In other words, you're risking the life of the only one capable of stopping her, should things get out of control for us!"

Shining looked at her confusedly before clearing his throat. "Begging your pardon, but... what do you mean by out of control for us?"

Twilight rolled her eyes before walking towards the bookshelves. "Isn't it obvious? We are going after Nightmare Moon... or more specifically, the 'Elements of Harmony'!"

All eyes were quickly focused on Twilight at that statement. Lyra and Justus both raised an eyebrow at her confusedly, while Shining sighed and placed his right hand over his forehead.

"Twilight... haven't you and Mother spake of that being a simple pony's tale?"

Twilight glared at him as she began pulling books from the shelf. "Absolutely not! If anything, she tends to avoid speaking of it, without denying its existence!"

Shining tossed his arms to the side and leaned towards her. "My point exactly! She merely wants to avoid having to go over that with you, because she knows you're smarter than to chase after fantasies!"

Twilight rolled her eyes at him once more, before placing a pile of books to the side. "Well if it matters not to you, brother, then why are you even here?"

Before Shining could reply, the door to the library burst open, and in trotted a small group of guards... each with several dents in their armor. Upon making eye contact with their captain, they quickly stood to attention and saluted him, though unable to hide their concerned faces.

"What is the meaning of this, Report?" Shining trotted over to them, giving them a stern gaze. "Haven't I told the lot of you to keep watch, and to ensure that nobody gets inside or out of the library until further notice?"

Quick Report, the gray coated stallion guard with the golden mane and tail gulped before replying, "W-we tried, Captain, but there's just something different about these individuals! They are demanding that they see to the human and Lady Twilight at once, and proved their points... and their prowess in combat!"

Shining sighed before planting his face into his right palm again. "And they asked why I didn't think our training courses were enough in Ponyville's Barracks..." His glare lifted back up to the guards before he pointed at Report. "Alright, then! Report, go to the barracks and suit up in your strongest armor! We're going to the Everfree Forest!"

Report saluted him quickly. "Y-yes, sir!"

Shining then turned towards the rest of the guards. "You lot will remain here and keep any more unwanted visitors from entering! Allow the ones who have defeated you all inside, but with a clear warning on what we'll do to them if they try something."

"You wouldn't even last ten seconds flat, Shiny!" came the voice of Rainbow Dash, as she trotted past the guards. The way how the guards quickly flinched at her made it clear to Shining that she must've been one of the assailants that were responsible for attacking them.

And yet, when he saw her, he instantly recognized her and glared. "Commander Dash of the Weather Patrol... of course it would be you who's responsible for leading a small revolution against some of Equestria's strongest soldiers."

Rainbow Dash smirked as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Strongest? Oh, please. These are nothing but rookies that you have on your side! Why, they barely even put up a fight!"

Shining was quick to take offense to that, as his glare only intensified. "ROOKIES?! I shall have you know that these are some of the most seasoned fighters in all of Equestria!"

As he spoke, however, Rainbow merely mouthed his words mockingly and grinned mischievously. "Oh, right... of course they are... seasoned with the shit we kicked out of them just now." He rolled his eyes before motioning her inside the building, followed by a few others within the group.

The others were Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. As they entered the room, none of the guards dared to stop them.

Twilight, in the meantime, was flipping through the Predictions and Prophecies book.

"Whatcha reading, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie asked, causing a few guards behind them to gasp.

"Hey! That's Lady Twilight to you, you-" one of the guards began, only for Twilight to raise a hand his way, shushing him.

"They are excused for now... this isn't the time for Formalities, anyways." Twilight said, before closing her book. She then turned to face Pinkie Pie and the others, and smiled. "I'm trying to find out as much as I can about the Elements of Harmony... though worry not, your town will be safe. And worry not, for your efforts in helping me face against Nightmare Moon earlier shan't go unrewarded... you have my thanks."

And with that, she opened the book in her hands, and began scanning the contents page for clues.

The mares looked at each other confusedly, before facing Twilight once more... save for Pinkie Pie, who began skipping towards the bookshelf, marked with the letter "E".

Applejack was the first to speak up. "Um... much obliged fer the offer, Twi-erm... Lady Twilight... but Ah wasn't here ta ask fer a reward, or nothin'. Ah came ta see what Ah can do ta help."

This made Twilight's gaze shift from the book, to the Western pony. Though she knew her only briefly, she didn't expect to see her so willing to help her with the cause, without expecting something in return, at least.

Even still, though, she shook her head and replied, "I appreciate the offer, Applejack... but as it stands, I seek only a book that could grant us more knowledge on the-"

"- The Elements of Harmony... A Reference Guide!" Pinkie Pie called from the bookshelf, much to Twilight's shock.

After rushing to where the pink mare stood, she quickly grabbed the book from the shelf and eyed the purple and gold cover, surprised.

"What?! How did you find this so quickly?!" she asked the pink mare.

Pinkie Pie giggled before shrugging her shoulders. "It was sorted under the 'E' Section... a new method the previous owner of this place used."

Twilight rubbed her jaw in thought. "Hmm... maybe I should check this new method out once we're finished here, then... perhaps it could be better than the standard Sorting Procedures... well anyways, you have my thanks, nonetheless."

As Twilight carried the book to the desk, reading it to her "friends", Edith and Justus sat around their unconscious friend, while Lyra observed his left hand; of which was still scarred slightly at the fingertips, where the spell burnt him.

"I hope Leoni comes to fairly quickly... if not to assist us against Nightmare Moon, then at least to assure us that her magic did no harm to him." Lyra said in a troubled voice. Justus couldn't help but nod his head in agreement, while Edith patted him on the shoulder.

"'Ey, don' worry, sis. I just know 'eel be fine. 'Twould be far too soon fer 'em ta go ou' this early, eh?"

Justus smiled after hearing his sister's words, and stepped closer to Lyra. "She's right, my love... it's too soon for us to give up hope for him. Why, at least he still breathes, does he not?"

Mortar and Pestle, who were relaxing on one of the couches, hopped up to join the group's comforting words.

"Hey, ya know what? I wouldn't be surprised if he's just taking a nap after all the running we've been doing!" Mortar stated encouragingly, to which Pestle chipped in,

"Right! And perhaps he will only wake up shrugging this all off as nothing but a long, bizarre dream!"

Lyra smiled from the group's encouraging words, and nodded her head.

"Yeah... you're right. Though we've only known him for about a day, at the very least he didn't seem the sort to give up until the last breath... the timberwolves would see to that."

As the atmosphere brightened, another sudden knocking at the door caught everyone's attention.

Sword in hand, Shining Armor approached the obstacle and cracked it open. However, instead of seeing his own soldiers, he recognized the golden platemail that the new soldiers were wearing outside the door.

The Canterlot Elites have arrived.

"Commander Wing Blade! What news do you bring of the whereabouts for the Princess?" Shining asks, opening the door wide enough for the strong Unicorn Soldier to enter.

Giving the captain a salute, Commander Blade responded, "Captain Shining Armor. We've failed to locate any traces of Princess Celestia's current whereabouts. However, the Grand Mages have been summoned to investigate the Throne Room. The Canterlot Royals have confirmed that she hasn't left the Throne Room through normal means. Further information is to be delivered via letter within the next hour."

"Hmm... well, at least it's progress," Shining began, crossing his arms over his chest, "and have the Scouts returned from their search for Nightmare Moon?"

A brief smile formed on the Commander's face. With a nod, he replied, "Yes, sir. The Scouts have reported an unusual air floating about the-"

"-Everfree Forest?!" the six mares' voices caught everyone off guard.

Closing the book, Twilight nodded her head and levitated said book back into its place on the shelf. "Indeed. That's where the ruins lay, so that is where the Elements of Harmony must be, as well. As such, that is where I shall be headed."

"Uh, don't you mean 'we'?" Rainbow Dash flew behind Twilight, placing a hand on her shoulder.

While rolling her eyes, Twilight brushed her hand off and shook her head. "As much as I appreciate the offer, I've no need to endanger your lives over personal matters. Just return to your homes, and let the professionals deal with-"

"Not a chance, Twilight," Shining interrupted, approaching his sister with a stern look on his face. "You're the princess's hand-picked student, her most faithful pupil. The closest to a princess that anyone could ever have the honor of being! Should something happen to you, then-"

"- Need I remind you why she chose me to be her student?" Twilight folded her arms over her chest, and glared up at her brother, whose stern visage was briefly broken with a hint of nervousness, before returning with an even greater glare.

"N-no... but regardless, your life is far too important to risk! In fact, until the princess is recovered, you're the highest in command as far as the Chain of Royalty goes! So if-"

"Then I command you to drop the subject. I'm going in there, and that's final!"

The two siblings stared each other down for what felt like a minute. All eyes were on the two, with none daring enough to speak.

Finally, Shining Armor sighed, and pinched the gap between his eyes, before looking up at the five newest guests.

"You five have proven to be quite skilled in combat... can I count on you to remain by Lady Twilight's side at all times?"

Applejack turned to the other four of her friends, who nodded their heads in assurance, then voiced their reply, a confident grin adorning her features.

"Y'all have our word... not that we were plannin' on lettin' y'all get all the glory, anyways."

Shining clasped his hands together, and turned back to Twilight. "Very well, then... so long as you remain with them," he pointed towards the five, "then you can come with us. But avoid combat at all costs... this is not a quest for glory... it's a search party, first and foremost. Leave Nightmare Moon to-"

"I love parties!" came the whisper of a pink mare that appeared between the two, much to both of their surprise.

"Gah! Pinkie Pie?! What the... when did you-?"

Another knocking at the door caught their attention once again, putting a stop to Twilight's question. Turning their heads, they saw that Commander Blade was still standing there, but this time with a letter in his hands.

"Sir! Major Velvet has sent word that her forces draw near. They shall aid us in our skirmish through the Everfree."

Regaining his composure, Shining replied, "Good... then gear up! We move out now, lest the Nightmare take us all!"

"Yes, sir!" Commander Blade saluted, before hurrying outside the door, shouting his orders to the others that awaited them.

Meanwhile, Twilight let out a sigh, before turning to face her companions.

"I appreciate the offer. I really do... but why do you five even wish to follow me around?"

"Because, silly! We're your friends! And we wouldn't let our friends get into harm's way, no matter what the situation, Evil Princesses or not!" Pinkie Pie replied, skipping next to her.

Twilight deadpanned at her, and grumbled. "But we just met, though..." She then looked towards the sleeping human, surrounded by his companions, and scratched her chin in thought. "Though speaking of friends..."

While Shining and his soldiers began heading outside, she approached the mint-colored unicorn.

"Lyra. How is your wound?" she asked, having been informed some time during her arrival.

Lyra looked up at her and smiled. "Oh! Uh... my wound no longer hurts, though the herbal substances used are sure to have reason behind that... why do you ask, Twilight?"

Both of their eyes turned towards Leoni's unconscious form. "Because I don't want you to overburden yourself with this task. Seeing how you're too wounded to fight, I would like to request your aid in watching over him while we enter the Everfree Forest."

Lyra's smile soon faltered, but she nodded, nonetheless. "Oh... um... sure. I do admit, I'd rather be out there, aiding you all in combat... but Leoni will need a familiar face to wake up to."

Twilight patted her on the shoulders, and smiled reassuringly at her. "Hey... we were friends back in school. I'd much sooner place my trust in you than anyone else, at this point."

A small, sly grin found its way on Lyra's face once more. "Or my sister, Minuette."

With a snort, Twilight rolled her eyes and shook her head. "With how hyper she can be, I'd fear for Leoni's life if it were her I put him under the care of."

The two shared a giggle, before Lyra turned to face Justus and the others.

"Alright, then. I shall stay behind... but do you think maybe you can bring Justus along with you? And Edith, too?"

Twilight sighed, then shook her head once more. "I'm sorry, Lyra, but this is Alicorn Magic we're dealing with. To bring any humans with us would be suicide."

Justus shrugged his shoulders and smirked. "Actually, we're part Minotaur, so we can take a bit more hits than most."

Edith raised a single thumb up in agreement. "An' besides tha', ye'll need a lot a' muscle on yer side."

"But what about Leoni, though?"

"Mortar an' I can stay behind... after all, Lyra's probably gonna need all the help she can get as far as reaching things goes!" Pestle chipped in, nudging his brother on the side. Pestle just nodded his head in agreement.

Magnificent Eye sighed, and rolled his eyes at the Satyrs. "Well, in that case, I should probably stay here, too. He'll need at least one sane individual to wake up in the presence of."

Twilight rubbed her chin in thought, pondering the choices. On one side, she could just command them to drop the subject... but true to their word, she was able to sense the Minotaur Blood within them, which did give them a lot more immunity to the magic of the world.

And their strength was another level in its entirety. She knew that they weren't amateurs in combat, having met Justus before in his and Lyra's wedding back in Canterlot, and hearing of his exploits and conquests. To have the willpower of a Human and the strength of a Minotaur was, indeed, a better combat advantage that she couldn't pass up without risking more lives from the military.

Finally, with her decision made, she lowered her arms and shrugged her shoulders. "Very well, then... you know the risks that you're both getting involved in, so an explanation is unnecessary. However, should the trials ahead be far too dangerous for you to handle, then there will be no shame in fleeing... for it is not Defeat, but Survival in your case.

"Do not die, and do not attempt any unnecessary risks. Orders given to the other soldiers shan't be mandatory for you both... your actions are your own. That being said, orders I give are to be the top priority to you, as well as the other five that shall be accompanying my group.

"Is that understood?" she asked with finality.

Giving her an Equestrian Salute, Justus patted his chest with his fist and bowed his head, while Edith echoed his gesture.

"By your will, Lady Twilight."

Twilight nodded her head, then turned to the door.

"Very well, then. You both may wish to double-check your equipment; make sure you have everything you need for the trip."

Magnificent cleared his throat, catching their attention. In his hands rested a small, thin whistle. He was offering it to Twilight, who lifted it with her magic, and floated it closer, gently grasping it in her hands.

Giving it a brief examination, she looked up to him confusedly.

Noticing her confusion, he smirked. "Since I'm not going anywhere any time soon, you and your friends are free to use my Carriage. Just blow on that whistle, and the horses guiding it will listen to your commands."

"Ah... well, this shall most certainly be helpful... you have my thanks, Mister Eye. And worry not. I shall drive it with utmost care."

Waving a dismissive hand, he shook his head. "I expect nothing less from you, Lady Twilight... but your safety is the highest concern... just come back safely when you've completed this task."

A smile formed on her face once again, as she patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "Worry not about my safety, for I've good company beside me, anyways... and please, do not forget who it was that trained me, after all."

"Of course, of course." And with that, he looked up at Justus and Edith, grinning at them. "You both behave yourselves, alright?"

Justus gave him a gentle, yet friendly punch on the shoulder, which moved the short Earth Pony over a single step. "Alright... but try not to let Lyra's antics get to you as well, alright?"

"Hey, I'm right here, you know!" said Unicorn called out, playfully punching the half-human in the chest, and sticking her tongue out at him.

He chuckled at her, before waving his hands defensively. "I jest, my love! I jest!"

While the couple were having their moment, however, Magnificent was unable to notice the large hand behind his back until it firmly patted him down, causing him to trip and fall forward, while said hand's owner chuckled in all her Trottish Feminine glory.

"HA! Don' ye worry, Mag! This'll be a lo' easier ta 'andle than a breezie in a pasture on a clear an' sunny day!"

Groaning ever so slightly, Magnificent stood back on his hooves and pressed his hands into the lower half of his back, which emitted an audible pop. "Gah... with that strength of yours, I hope you're not implying that you'd be keeping them from getting crushed... likely you'd crush them just by moving a finger..."

Her only response was a laugh, before they noticed Twilight was already heading towards the doorway.

"Well, let's get moving, then. We mustn't delay any longer." Justus said, slowly releasing his grip from Lyra's hands.

"Come back soon, alright?" Lyra asked, to which the two siblings reassured her.

Then, with nothing more to say, Lyra turned back to Justus, examining his hand and observing his magic readings, while the door to the library closed.

The last sounds coming from outside were the crickets chirping, the wind building up, and the distant sounds of feet and hooves marching out, with the latter growing evermore silent.

She closed her eyes, and clasped her hands together.

"Princess Celestia... if you hear me... please protect them."