---

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."