Far away from the catastrophe taking place in the Town Hall, quieter and slow pacing events were happening in a place on the north eastern part of Ponyville. In a secluded and more peaceful area of Ponyville, laid a large building that looked to be made for treating the sick and the injured. It didn’t quite look like a hospital, but the plus sign hanging at the very top of the building gave a big indication that it was one for such purposes. It was divided into three separate parts with the outer left and right parts of the building having five windows each. A pair of windows could also be seen in between the main entrance and the two outer parts of the building, with three on top of the entrance. At the very bottom of the building were two large double green doors, and at the very top of the building was a large white plus sign with pink hearts in the corner. Standing over fifty feet away from the building was that very same pus sign, showing all that didn’t look at the building first that it was a hospital. This place was known as Ponyville General Hospital, one of the best hospitals found anywhere for anypony that needed help with anything life threatening.

In the interior of that very same hospital, very little activity could be seen going on inside, with only a few or so doctors or nurse moving about the hospital. The sound of clopping hooves and small bits of chatter was the only thing that could be heard inside of the building, otherwise all else was very quiet. The area of the hospital that was the quietest was the one where ponies would usually wait at the front for treatment, critical injuries, birth control tests, illnesses, or anything minor or major. It was also the place where one of Ponyville General Hospital’s most efficient nurses could be seen going through the last routines for her night.

Sitting at the front desk, rummaging through a series of notes at her desk, was a young Earth Pony mare that looked to be in her mid-twenties. She had a very pale light gray coat that was whiter than a winter snowfall, looking to actually be red instead of gray. The mare had an amaranthish gray mane and tail that was a shade lighter than Fluttershy’s, her mane tied in a neat bun, while her tail dragged behind her. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of sapphire blue, and a nurse’s cap could be seen resting atop her head. A roseray could be seen hanging from the collar around her neck, and her Cutie Mark was of a large plus with small pink hearts in the corners. This mare was Nurse Redheart Kindheart Rosario, one of the top nurses of Ponyville General Hospital and the best one in said hospital.

Redheart let out a soft sigh as she straightened the papers in her hooves, relief washing over her as she finished going over the last files for the night. It had been a particularly tiring day for the nurse, and she was more than looking forward to having some time to kick and finally get some rest form all of the labor that she had earlier today. There wasn’t really anything major or important that went on today if Redheart was being honest with herself. It was one that went at a pace that she liked, and allowed her to think about her problems without anything else clouding her mind. Despite that, she still felt like she was drained of energy, which made her all the more excited for her to leave as soon as possible. The fact that the Summer Sun Celebration was taking place that very same day only added to the Nurse’s excitement. Topped with the fact that her three sisters would be there with her made her just want to throw the papers aside, grab her sisters, and run right out the door.

As tempting as that was however, Nurse Redheart knew that wasn’t the most rational option, and she’d be seen as somepony to who didn’t really take her responsibilities seriously. So, she resigned to just organizing the last of her papers, wait for her sisters to come out of their respective offices, before leaving to spend the rest of the day with each other. Unfortunately for her, she’d have to wait a little bit longer for that to happen; maybe even longer. For in just a short while, she’ll find herself in the most terrifying situation she’d ever been in, in her entire life.

Another sigh escaped Nurse Redheart as she put the last of her papers inside the drawers next to her desk, somewhat carelessly shutting it closed. Inhaling deeply, she stretched her forelegs and her neck as she arched her back, the sound of bones readjusting in place filling her ears. A few moments later, she let her body go slack her mind going into a buzz for a sometime before it died down and she came back to her senses. Just as she sat back up, she heard a multitude of hoofsteps coming from the hallway from the right of her desk. The scent that the ponies carried was all that Redheart needed to know that it was her fur sisters, Tenderheart, Sweetheart, and Snowheart. Slowly, she sat up in her chair, brushing her mane away, and couldn’t help but smile warmly at the ponies in front of her.

Like Redheart, the three mares that stood in front of her front desk were Earth Ponies, each of them sporting the same cross-like roseray hanging from their necks. Their appearance however, were an entirely different story, and one of them even had a clear difference in physic. The first mare had a pale light grayish cobalt blue coat, and a grayish mulberry, and light grayish mane and tail. Her eyes were a tender set of pale light grayish heliotrope, and her Cutie Mark was a pure red plus sign with dark pink hearts that the corner. This shy looking mare was Tenderheart Kindheart Rosario, the third sister of the Heart Sisters.

The second Earth Pony was a rather chubby mare, not to the point where she didn’t look attractive, but in a way that still made her very appealing to none-picky stallions. She had a pale light grayish orchid coat, with brilliant cornflower blue eyes that shined with mirth and sweetness. Her cutie mark was of a pure white plus sign with light pink hearts that the, and she also had a white nurses cap at the top of her head. This chipper and bubbly looking mare was Sweetheart Kindheart Rosario, the youngest sister of Redheart’s group of sisters.

The third and final earth pony had a pale shade of apple green fur that looked to be yellow, with a pale light grayish ceruleanish streaked cornflower blue and tail. Her eyes were a moderate harlequin iris color, holding a combined air of strength and kindness that seemed to radiate off of her. Her Cutie Mark was of a pure white heart with pale brown hearts in the corners of them, and a nurse’s cap was also resting atop her head. This authoritive, yet gentle looking mare was Snowheart Kindheart Rosario the second sister of the four mares.

“Well well well, I see that you’re just about ready to close up for the night Redheart.” The last pony said, her voice sensual and smooth. “All of that work that you’ve been doing today finally catching up to you?”

“Hello to you too Snowheart.” Redheart said dryly, smiling in amusement at her sister as she leaned forward. “I see that you’re as chipper and as socially active as ever…I take it that you and the others have finished your shifts?”

“Yep sure have sis!” The second mare said cheerfully, giggling as she grinned jovially. “And we all finished it up as quick as a jiffy! We even had some extra time to spare before we came here to see you!”

“Oh, you did?” The pale light gray mare asked, raising an amaranthish gray eyebrow. “Just what were you doing in that time, may I ask?”

“Keeping our dear little Sweetheart from stuffing her face full of sweets in the cafeteria.” The first mare replied, smiling tenderly at the second mare. “When I was leaving from my shift, I caught our sister trying to sneak some snack away from the kitchen and the food booths. It was a good thing that I was there, otherwise she’d be looking even more chubby than she was before!”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that I like to eat so much!” The second mare, Sweetheart, cried indignantly. “It’s just…something that I can’t really control, something that none of us can control! So don’t go getting on my case about eating so much when you three all do the same Tenderheart!”

“That may be so Sweet, but there’s one significant difference between your way of eating and our way of it.” Snowheart said, gingerly running a hoof down the chubby mare’s chin. “We have the tendency to eat foods that’ll help us keep the beautiful shapely figures that we have right now. You on the other hoof, tend to throw the cautions about keeping your body in check out the window, which is why you don’t look like we do right now.”

Sweetheart flinched, her ears falling lip as she gained a puppy dog expression. “A-are…are you calling me…f-f-fat?”

“Snowheart!” Redheart exclaimed sharply, leaning up on her desk as she glared sternly at her second eldest sister. “That was very uncalled for! You didn’t have to put it like that; you know how Sweetheart feels about ponies mentioning her weight, especially if its from one of us. You take that back right now this instant!”

“You misunderstand me big sister.” Snowheart said, her smiling gaining a slight apprehensive edge to it “I was just merely pointing out how Sweetheart gets carried away with keeping that adorable chubby belly of her’s full. I didn’t mean anything mean by it, just saying how she sometimes gets carried away with wanting to have a full stomach.”

“That may have been what it seemed like to you, but it wasn’t what it sounded like to us Snowheart.” Tenderheart said, running a hoof down a sniffling Sweetheart’s mane. “And it certainly did its job in making her feel like she’s not attractive.”

“Exactly, which is why I want her to say that she’s sorry, and take back what she said about Sweetheart being careless about keeping herself healthy.” Redheart said, her tone softer, yet still having a firm edge to it. She turned back to Snowheart, and her eyes narrowed as they gave off a bright orange glow. “Now…go on Snowheart.”

The pale green yellow mare flinched, shrinking back a bit at her eldest sister’s stern look. “R-right, I’m sorry sister…” She turned back to Sweetheart, who looked a little bit calmer, but still having a somber expression. “I’m sorry Sweetheart, I didn’t mean what I said the way that I said it. I never mean to make you think that you weren’t attractive, and I’m sorry if I made you feel that way…can you forgive me?”

“Y…yeah, I forgive you Snowy.” Sweetheart replied, wiping at her eyes as she looked at her older sister. “I…I-I know you didn’t mean anything by what you said; it just caught me off guard that’s all. Just…try not to say anything like that again okay?”

“Yes of course sister, I’ll be sure not to sound so, erm, brass next time.” Snowheart said, giving the chubby mare a kiss on her forehead. She then turned to Redheart, who had looked much calmer than she had a few moments ago. “Anyway, Redheart, have you finished everything up here?”

“Yes Snowheart, I have. All of the patient’s files are in order, they’ve been given their daily checkups, and any sicknesses and illnesses they may have are being treated are have been treated.” Redheart replied, giving a small smile. “Everything’s been taken care of, and I’m already to get on out of here for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Wonderful.” Tenderheart smiled, one of her ears flicking. “I can’t wait to get over to the Town Square and socialize with the Queen. Of all of the places that I thought that the Summer Sun Celebration would be held, I never believe that she’d hold it here.”

“Me neither, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be any less fun!” Sweetheart added, giving a little bounce of excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait to get over to that building and eat all of those wonderful sweets! I can almost taste them on the tip of my tongue!”

“Yes, yes, we know Sweetheart, you want to stuff yourself until you explode.” Snowheart chuckled, patting her sister on her head. “I swear, your stomach would make a bottomless pit seem to have a bottom.”

“Yes, it is, and by the time the Summer Sun Celebration is over, her chubby little stomach will be even chubbier.” Redheart said, her tone slightly teasing as she smiled mischievously at the grayish orchid mare. “Speaking of which, I’m really starting to get hungry. What do you girls say we go on ahead and head off to the Town Square? All of those checkups, organizing, and tending to the foals have made me quite hungry, especially after that long needed sleep that I got.”

“Took the words right out of my mouth Red! I thought you’d never ask!” Sweetheart chirped, her eyes sparkling as she smiled happily. “Well what’re we waiting for girls?! Let’s go!”

Right at that moment, the double doors to the hospital room exploded open, the force behind it causing a powerful gust of wind to blow right into the library. All three of the Heart Sisters jumped and let out cries of surprised, shielding their eyes form the blast of wind that blew their manes and tails away. when it died down, the four mares all turned to the source of the wind, only for all of them to gasp when they saw Zephyr standing just inside the hospital entrance.

“Oh…thank Faust, there are still nurses here.” The royal blue stallion said to himself, letting his head drop. “That means…I was able to make it just in time.”

“Oh my goodness! Sir are you okay?!” Tenderheart asked, running over to the stallion and inspecting his disheveled form. “Are you hurt anywhere? What happened to you?”

Zephyr shook his head, placing a gentle, yet firm hoof on the cobalt blue mare’s coat. “I’m afraid that my injuries are irrelevant at the moment. I need all of your help with something very important right now, and you’re the only ones who can help me with it.”

“Before we go onto that, do you mind telling us who you are?” Snowheart asked, raising a cornflower blue eyebrow. “We really didn’t expect to have anypony else coming to visit this hospital, especially since this is supposed to be our day off for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“My name is Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron, Third in Command of Queen Celestia’s Solar Royal Guard Day Branch.” Zephyr replied, making all four mare’s eyes widen in shock. “As of the Summer Sun Celebration, I’m afraid that it’s going to be postponed for a while after what just happened.”

“Postponed?” Sweetheart asked, a bit of disappointment coming to her face as she sulked slightly. “Why? What’s happened?”

“I hate to but this so bluntly, but there’s no proper way to prepare any of you for this, so I’m just going to come out and say it.” Zephyr replied, drawing in a deep breath. “The Town Square…has been invaded.”.

“Invaded?!” Redheart asked, her eyes widening in shock. “What do you mean invaded?”

“Exaclty what I said, invaded.” Zephyr replied, walking closer to the four sisters. “It happened so suddenly, that none of us were prepared for it. An unknown enemy had suddenly broke into the Town Square, destroying the roof in the process! They wreaked havoc inside of the building and almost destroyed it with the power they wielded! It was only thanks to me and the rest of my fellow soldiers that we were able to keep it from being burnt to the ground, but…the citizens…they weren’t so lucky.”

Tenderheart’s blood ran cold. “W…w-what do you mean by that?”

“A majority of the citizens have been critically injured in the invasion.” Zephyr replied after a moment of silence, grimacing at the looks of horror on all four mares faces. “Thankfully, none of them have been killed, but a majority of the ponies in the Town Square have sustained injuries that’ll be life threatening if something isn’t done soon. That’s why I came here as quickly as I can, so I can get your help in helping them.”

“T…the Town Square nearly been destroyed and the p-ponies in it are nearly d-dead?!” Sweetheart cried, her plastered on her face as her hindlegs shook. “A-are…are there any foals inside of there too?”

Zephyr flinched as he looked off to the side, and that was all that Sweetheart needed to answer her question. Before the grayish orchid mare could freak out or go into a panic attack, the Solar Royal Guard quickly continued. “Unfortunately, yes, there are foals inside of the Town Square, however, we don’t exactly know of their fate at the moment. They disappeared sometime after the unknown invader came inside of the building. We have no idea where they could be inside of the Town Square at the moment.”

“Oh, now that’s horrible!” Snowheart cried, a hoof flying to her face. “The poor dears must be so scared! We have to go over there and help them!”

“W-what should we do?!” Tenderheart asked, looking in between her sisters, before her eyes settled onto Redheart. “R-Redheart, do you have any idea of what we should do?”

The light grayish white mare said nothing, still in her current position as she stayed stock still, not moving a single muscle. Her head was lowered, her bright pink bang shadowing her eyes as a brilliant blue aura surrounded her body.

“U-um…R-R-Red?” Sweetheart asked timidly, taking a step back from the sight of her sister’s Earth Pony Adrenaline Aura. “A-are you okay?”

“…Captain Zephyr?” Redheart asked calmly, slowly lifting her head and locking her eyes straight into Zephyr’s. “You said that there are ponies inside the Town Square, right? Just about how many are there?”

Zephyr shrunk back slightly at the Earth Pony mare’s slight change in attitude, but answered her nonetheless. “I’m not sure…there were a lot of ponies that were inside the building, and I noticed that a majority of them had run out of the Town Square. Thankfully, the ponies that escaped were uninjured, and though I can’t say the same for the ponies inside, I can’t exactly say just how many there are at the moment.”

“I see…if that’s the case, then there’s only one thing that I can think of that I can help both of us in this situation.” Redheart said to herself as she turned to Tenderheart. “Tenderheart, can I trust you to take care of whatever wounds that Captain Zephyr has?”

“E-er, um…yes?” Tenderheart replied tentatively. “W-what’re you going to do?”

Redheart’s eyes flashed even brighter than the aura surrounding her. “I’m going to activate Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants.”

Snowheart, Tenderheart, and Sweetheart’s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets at the words that their eldest sister just said. Zephyr, who was being tended to by Tenderheart, sporting a look of confusion, looking in between the four sisters.

“S…Secret Operation Inhabitants?” Sweetheart asked after a long stretch of silence. “You mean the Secret Operation Code where all Doctors and Nurses are called to go where large groups of ponies are held in one place?”

“The very same one.” Redheart nodded, her expression not changing. “From what Captain Zephyr just told me, there are quite a lot of ponies that need to be tended to. And while I’m pretty sure that not everypony will be inside the Town Square by the time we get there, I’d rather not take any chances at not having all the doctors and nurses in this hospital there.”

“A-are you sure that’s a good idea Redheart?” Snowheart asked. “Not that I’m against the idea, but…that seems pretty excessive. I mean…like you said, we don’t know how many ponies are in the Town Square that needs to be tended. So, we don’t know if we need all the doctors and nurses here to go over there.”

“That may be so, but at this point, there isn’t really any other option at this point.” Zephyr replied firmly, glaring sternly at the pale green yellow mare. “There are countless of ponies that need your help right now, so much so that you shouldn’t care about exactly number! If I were you, I would take my chances and bring every single available doctor and nurse you have with you, even if it’s not many! The lives of the citizens of Ponyville are at stake, and if you care about their safety, especially that of the little ones, then you’ll take as much extra help with you as you possibly can before it’s too late!”

Zephyr panted slightly after that, his orange garnet eyes boring right into Snowheart’s moderate harlequin ones, making the mare shrink back slightly. He held that powerful gaze for a few moments, a small, yet spine chilling draconic growl leaving his throat as he continued to glare at Snowheart. A few seconds later, his expression softened, and she turned back to Redheart and the rest of her sisters.

“I’m sorry about that Nurse Redheart” He said, giving an apologetic and respectful bow. “I didn’t mean to yell at your sister like that.”

“No, it’s alright, I can see why you were upset by what she said.” Redheart said softly, holding up a hoof as she glanced at her younger sister. “That being said, I hope she and the rest of my sisters realize the gravity of the situation at hoof right now, and what needs to be done.”

“Y-yes, we do sister.” Snowheart said, her ears falling limp. “What do you want us to do?”

“Well, firstly…” Redheart said, turning to Tenderheart and Zephyr. “…Tenderheart, you’re going to stay with Captain Zephyr and helping him with any injuries he may have. Even if they happen to be disheveled wings, help him with it. Once he’s properly healed, you go accompany him back to the Town Square.”

“Of course, whatever you say big sister.” Tenderheart nodded gently, before turning to the larger Pegasus stallion next to her. “Come with me Captain, we’ll help you get those wings in proper shape in no time.”

“Thank you…” Zephyr nodded, leaning into Tenderheart as she guided him down the hallway. ‘I hope we can make it in time.’

“Sweetheart, Snowheart you two go into your offices and get your medical supplies, and everything else that you’ll need.” Redheart said, plopping down on all fours. “This is going to be our biggest operation, so we’ll need anything that’ll help us right now.”

“O-okay, we’re on it big sis.” Sweetheart said as she galloped down the hall, Snowheart in tow.

As her three sisters went to their respective tasks, Redheart let out a sigh and shook her mane away. Looking down under her table, she locked eyes with a red button that had what looked to be a dark red button that was just below her desk. Behind it hung, the sign, ‘Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants. Use for major emergencies only.’, which let all nurses and doctors who happen to be where Redheart currently was, to only press the button if absolutely necessary.

‘Well, looks this is one of those times…dammit.’ The nurse thought to herself, blowing her bang away from her face. ‘I was hoping to finally get some relaxation at the Town Square, and maybe play with a few of the foals there while we were all at it. It looks like fate has other plans for me tonight I suppose.’

With another intake of breath, Redheart lifted her hoof and slammed it right up into red button, and immediately the sounds of beeping sirens went off all over the hospital. Redheart’s ears flattened from the sudden loud noise, but she ignored it, never losing her focus as she spoke into the speaker next to the red button.

“Serect Code Red! Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is under way! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!” She said, her voice echoing about the hospital through the speaker. “Secret Code Red: Operation Inhabitants is now commencing! All doctors and nurses report to the front desk immediately!”

The silence that followed in the Golden Oaks Library, was only broken by the ticking of the clock near the ceiling. Nearly everypony stood stock still as they all stared at Goku with wide eyes, looking as if they were all paralyzed in place. None of them said a word, trying to process what their friend had just said, unable to believe the words that came out of her mouth. Eventually, they snapped out of it, and when they did, Rarity was the first one to shatter the ice.

“I…I-I’m sorry darling, b-but could you r-repeat that p-please?” Rarity asked, giving the tan Thestral mare a shaky smile. “I could’ve s-sword that you s-said that, t-the Elements a-are in the…E-E-Everfree F-Forest…”

“Yes Rarity, that’s exactly what I said.” Goku said firmly, her expression not changing. “The Elements of Harmony are indeed in the chaotic wilderness of the Everfree Forest.”

Before anypony could speak, Goku flipped the book around and showed the open pages over to the rest of the mares and foals. All of them, minutes Fluttershy and Twilight, gathered around and took a deep look on the page that said the Element’s location. Each of their eyes widened further, and they all backed away, lost in their own thoughts.

“I…I-I can’t believe it.” Scootaloo squeaked, her whole body shaking on the spot. “T-the Elements of H-Harmony a-are really i-in t-the Everfree forest? T-the wildest, untamed, m-most unpredictable and dangerous forest known to all pony kind?! Said to have been created by the God of Chaos Discord Konton himself?!”

“The very same one, sweetheart.” Goku replied softly. “In case you all didn’t know, I had read about the Everfree Forest before, sometime while I was still living in Canterlot as a filly. It told of how the Everfree Forest had emerged sometime after the defeat of Discord, and how it grew around Celestia and Luna’s old castle. It also told of the many wild beasts and creatures that all appeared in it sometime after the forest was given life.”

“Ah…can’t believe it. Who would’ve thought them Elements would be located in…that forest o’ all places.” Applejack breathed a lost expression on her face. “Out of all the places that I expected them to be, the Everfree Forest was the last place that I would expect them to be.”

“Yeah, same here.” Rainbow Dash nodded, still trying to get over the shock herself. “I mean, who would think to look there?! I didn’t even know that the Queens had even been in that there, let alone lived in it until now!”

“Well, Queen Celly did warn us that we would be a bit taken aback by where the Elements were.” Pinkie Pie pointed out. “Although, I have to admit; even I wasn’t expecting the Elements to actually be there!”

“I was.” Fluttershy pipped up, making everypony turn to her. “While I was listening to Twilight explain the what the Elements of Harmony are, I got a, um, sinking feeling in my gut that the Everfree Forest was the place that we were going to be searching for the Elements. I even suspected it when the Queen said that we may not like where we were supposed to look for them.”

“Y-you did?” Twilight asked, shakily getting back to her hooves. “H-h-how did you m-manage to guess t-that?”

Fluttershy looked over at the lavender Unicorn. “I could sense it even before she even said it. I could tell just by her body language, that the place that she was going to tell us where the Elements were, was one that we were not going to like. I have a knack for reading ponies body language to a certain point, where I can tell what they’re feeling. So, I had a pretty good idea as to what Queen Celestia was going to say about the Elements Location. I could even sense it coming from you Twilight, when you started to panic when you saw the Elements location, something told me that it was going to be in the Everfree Forest.”

Snowflake narrowed her eyes at the buttermilk Pegasus. “Fluttershy, darling, not that I’m trying to accuse you of anything, but…I get the feeling that there’s more to it.” She said softly, yet skeptically. “Is there something that you’re not telling us about all of this?”

“Snowflake!” Midnight chastised, glaring sternly at the mountain blue Thestral. “How could you say something like that? Fluttershy would never hide something from us about the one thing that our sister and her friends are supposed to be looking for! Especially in a place that none of us have ever been into before!”

“No Midnight it’s okay.” Fluttershy said, holding up a hoof to stop the beetle black Thestral in her scolding. “You see, I had a feeling that Queen Celestia was going to say that we should look in the Everfree Forest for the Elements of Harmony. Because…it’s not entirely uninhabited by ponies.”

A look of confusion made its way to Goku’s face. “What do you mean by that Fluttershy?”

The veterinarian paws at the ground, her mane spilling over her face. “I…I never really told anypony this, because I didn’t really want to get rallied with questions and accusations. But, since you’re all here, I-I feel like I can tell you.”

“Tell us what dear?” Snowflake asked. “What is about the Everfree Forest that you want us to know?”

“W-well…you see, I…I, um…” Fluttershy said, running a hoof down her mane as she attempted to form words into her mouth. She glanced over at Scootaloo, who was gave her a silent gesture to continue, before she finally spat it out. “I…I live in the edge of the Everfree Forest.”

“You…you do?!” Midnight asked, her eyes widened in shock as both her sisters gasped. “You actually live on the edge of the words most dangerous wildernesses?”

“Eeyup, she most certainly does.” Applejack replied, giving a little snort. “Ah’ll be honest, when Ah first saw Fluttershy again, Ah didn’t really believe that she’d have the guts to set up a home in a forest as crazy as that one. No offense t’ her, but somepony would have t’ be crazy to even think about livin’ anywhere near someplace like that.” The farmer rubbed the back of her head. “When she took me t’ her home and showed me her backyard, she took me through the woods in it and…well, Ah saw it. All o’ them giant trees and that freaky magic it forest gives off. After that, Ah, uh…never really went that far int’ Fluttershy’s backyard again.”

“Well I for one, did believe our dear Fluttershy.” Rarity said curtly. “I did not see any reason as to why she would lie, let along joke about something as big as living near somewhere as horrid as the Everfree. Anypony that would be brave enough to admit something like that, and be so serious about it can’t possibly by lying through their teeth.” The alabaster Unicorn shrunk back a bit at Fluttershy’s stern glare. “N-not that I’m saying that the Everfree really is horrid, nor are any of the creatures in it…but, it just makes me feel that way. B-but you understand what I’m trying to say right darling?”

Fluttershy said nothing, just continuing to frown at Rarity with that stern disapproving look in his eyes. At some point it hardened even further as her eyes gave a faint bright orange glow, making Rarity flinch.

“R-right of course.” She said weakly, looking off to the side. “I’ll just…be silent now.”

“Wow Fluttershy. I…I never thought that you’d chose to live near the Everfree Forest of all places.” Goku said, regaining her composure. “Then again, considering you’re a mare that likes to keep her privacy and likes to be around animals, I can see why.”

“Well, I sure can’t!” Rainbow Dash said crassly, frowning down at Fluttershy. “I know you like your little animals and being around nature and all Fluttershy, but come on! Don’t you think that this is stretching a little bit? You’re living right next to what has to be considered the most dangerous of all wild places! The Everfree Forest spans from here, all the way to the edge of Foal Mountain, over it, and spans even further to Hollow Shades, and all the way down Baltimare and Fillydelphia! There are so many different animals in there that can pop out of there and snag one of your animals and even your sister! What if something happens over at your place and Scoots is there in the middle of it and you’re not able to keep her safe?”

“Dash, I am well aware of the risks that I’m taking in living so close to a forest that can kill a pony before they can really venture into it.” Fluttershy said firmly, locking her stern glare right onto the cyan mare. “I am also aware of what the animals in that same forest that pose many different dangers should Scootaloo be caught in the middle of it. I’m not stupid, nor am I naïve in what I’m doing, and I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”

“I didn’t say you were-”

“I wasn't done speaking.” Fluttershy said sharply, effectively cutting off the other Pegasus and making her flinch. “And it is because of those same reasons that I’m living so close to the Everfree Forest. So, I can learn all that I know about it, and the animals that live there, and what dangers they may possess. That way, when I do confront front them, I’ll be more prepared for those same dangers, so the chances of me surviving will be heightened. I’m also passing on those very same things onto Scootaloo, so she will also be prepared to face them on her own, should that day come that her friends won’t be able to, should they not be able to.”

Twilight blinked, a look of surprise coming to her face. “You…you are?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I am. I admit, I did decide to live near the Everfree Forest, so I can learn about the animals that live in it, rather than the ones we already know. However, the other reason was the one that I just explained, because these animals are on an entirely different level than the ones that I’m sure all of you know.”

She stepped far away enough so that she was facing all of her friends and the foals. “There are prides of lions the size of Appleoosan Buffalo, with the wings of a dragon and tails of a scorpion, able to breath fire like an actual dragon if they wanted. Draconic and demon-like cats, with the teeth of a Saber Tooth Cat, happy to eat the meat of any plant eating creature after they sliced their throats in half. Raptors the size of houses, that have the ability to control weather like Pegasi do, and are able to snatch large animals off of the ground. Bears larger than the biggest Rhinos with long muscular tails, wings of bats, and mouths full of acidic poisonous saliva that will melt the very meat off your bones with a single bite. Multi-headed snake like sea beasts, that’ll happily gobble you up after they’ve drowned you, lurking deep beneath the swamps, able to breath fire and acid. Large cave dwelling bat-like and den dwelling dog-like creatures that live in groups bigger than any lion pride, ready to snatch you up the second the sun sets and strip you down to bone until every last bit of flesh is gone, and eat your own bones afterwards. Wolves made of wood that’re more than happy to chase you down to the ends of the Everfree itself, and able to go into another form entirely. Felines that run and fly across the plains and skies of the Everfree, looking for prey to chase down from the ground or the air, and don’t even get me started about the dragons that live there too."

Nearby, nearly all of the foals gasped, their eyes widening at the last thing that Fluttershy had just said. They huddled close to one another, their little bodies shaking as they stared up at the buttermilk Pegasus in shocked terror. The only ones who weren’t were Scootaloo, Sheton and Spike, who just looked at them with looks of sympathetically.

“D…d-d-dragons?!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, her leonine tail tucked between her legs. “T-there are r-really dragons inside of the E-Everfree Forest?!”

“Yes Sweetie, there are…many of them than even I can care to count.” Fluttershy nodded, frowning softly at the alabaster filly. “The Dragons in the Dragon Lands and Dragon’s Lair are scary enough, but the ones in the Everfree…are on in an entirely different level. So much so that you really don’t want to meet them unless you know for sure that they won’t harm you, which is highly unlikely.” She looked off to the side. ‘And that’s not even getting started about all of the Everfree animals’ counterparts that’re in the pony free continent of Marelaska or the Forbidden Jungle. I’m so glad that we don’t have to find the Elements there…now that would be really bad.’

“Gosh…Ah knew that y’all would be facin’ a few critters here an’ there when we get int’ that forest, but…land sakes!” Apple Bloom said, looking like she was going to faint. “Y’all have t’ face that many critters, from th’ ground, water, an’ in th’ air?! Ah’m feelin’ dizzy jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout all o’ that, an’ ya ain’t even in th’ forest yet!”

“Same here darling.” Crescent Shield nodded said, using a wing to fan her face. “It looks that our sisters’ work is a lot more cut out for them than we thought it would be.”

“Yeah, we sure do.” Goku said, picking at one of her canines. “Still, as dangerous as the animals in the Everfree Forest are, we really shouldn’t let that deter us. Don’t forget, that all nine of us come from the Secret Seven Clans of Equestria, so that means that we have a much bigger chance in the Everfree than anypony that’s not. Another thing is that one of us has plenty of knowledge about the animals in it, and can tell us what we need to do to ensure nothing to grave happens. One more thing, is that three of us are Thestrals and Kirins, both having powers very equivalent to that of dragons. So, there’s an even bigger chance of us to emerge from the Everfree alive, even if one of us where to go inside there.”

“That…that’s a very well speculated thought there Goku.” Twilight said, a thoughtful look on her face. “Seven of us are from clans, one of us has adequate knowledge of the Everfree, and three of us are Thestrals with the powers of dragons! If we combine all of those traits and accessories, then the risks of us not being able to escape the Everfree Forest will be lowered I think we may have a chance to pull this off!”

“Yeah, we just might be able to!” Pinkie Pie nodded, giving an excited giggle. “You know, I’ve never actually been inside the Everfree Forest myself. I’ve only been told stories by my parents back when I was living on the farm, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake when I moved to Ponyville. So, I never really knew for sure what it was like being inside there.” A wide grin made its way across her face she started bouncing in excitement. “Now I get to experience it for the very first time, and after everything that Fluttershy said about it, I’m even more excited! So many places and animals that I’ve never seen before in my life with all of these super-duper crazy abilities?! Oh, it’s gonna be so much fun!”

“Pinkie Pie, I hardly see what’s going to be fun about getting eaten by so many different creatures in a forest that nopony would dare set hoof into.” Rarity said flatly, sending a deadpan look to the bubblegum pink Earth Pony. “But, I do agree with what our dear Twilight has said. With the power we have, and what Fluttershy knows about the Everfree Forest, I think it can be said that we do have a chance at getting back here as soon as possible.”

“Oh yeah! I’m so ready to kick some Nightmare Moon plot to the end of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash grinned cockily, shooting her right forehoof into the air. “Come on everypony, let’s do this thing!”

“Wait a second!” Twilight cried, encasing the cyan mare in a brilliant raspberry aura to prevent them from taking off. “We can’t just go rushing off, girls. We need to come up with a plan before we take any action. Like where we’re going to enter the Everfree, which path we’re going to take to the Castle of the Two Sisters, and which path we’re going to take back.”

“Not only that…” Midnight said. “…we’re also going to need somepony whose experience in dealing with dangerous situations, and able to hold their own against anything. Somepony from let’s say…the Royal Guard and such.”

“Oh…” Goku said, one of her ears twitching as she blinked. “Well, in that case, we don’t get have Zephyr come with us? He’s from the Solar Royal Guard, and the Third in Command of the entire Day Branch. Not to mention he’s a Kirin like us, and can be really levelheaded and smart when the moment calls for it, and his strength only adds to it. So, I think he should be the one to come with us to give us some extra protection.”

“Uh, are you sure about that G?” Rainbow asked skeptically. “No offense, but that guy didn’t really seem all that strong to me. I mean, sure he was able to last longer than all of those other guards, but like them, he was taken down with just a couple of hits. Is he really the one that you want to come with us to let us know of any danger?”

The next thing Rainbow knew, Goku’s tail was lashing out and wrapping tightly around her neck, as if it was a lasso around a bull’s neck. With a surprised and slightly choked cry, she was yanked down to the ground and forced to look right into the eyes of the tan Thestral.

“Rainbow Dash, I will have you know that Zephyr Dragon Shield Shenron is one of the most elite Solar Guards in the entirety of Queen Celestia’s Day Branch.” She said firmly, her angry cat like golden eyes looking right into Rainbow’s magenta ones. “There is a reason why he is named Third in Command of that very same branch, because he has what it takes to lead, to fight, and to do all that he can to protect his comrades and the innocent. He has the skills, and brains and the level head to do it, and more than enough power to protect both himself, and those around him. Besides my parents, me, my sisters, and eventually, my brother, he has more power than any of us combined than you have in your own two hooves, and if you saw the power than he shows during training, you wouldn’t dare say what you did just now.”

Goku towered over Rainbow Dash, her ears pinned as she bared her fangs at the other mare. “He may have been taken out with just one or two hits, but that was only because Nightmare Moon lucky! I can guarantee you, that the next time he meets Nightmare Moon, he’s going to stand a much better chance against her, even if she is an Alicorn! Now, I’ll let what you just said about Zephyr slide just once, but only because your first impression wasn’t the best thanks to Nightmare Moon treating him as if a mere toy. However, the next time you have anything to say about him, save it until after you’ve seen him in action, or else your fur is going to be a much lighter color of blue. Is that clear?”

Rainbow Dash paled. “C-crystal!”

After giving her another hiss, Goku unwrapped her tail from Rainbow Dash’s neck, allowing her to go free as the latter backed away fearfully. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Twilight and the others with a far softer expression. “Anyway, yeah…I think that Zephyr should be the one to come with us and protect us in the Everfree. No offense to the other Royal Guards but, I’m not exactly as comfortable around them as I am around him. I’d feel a lot safer if it was him and him alone that went in with us while we find the Elements.”

“Same here; besides Goku, her family, my parents, Crescent Shield, Spike, and Moondancer, Zephyr was one of the only other friends that I ever had while living in Canterlot.” Twilight nodded. “No other pony besides them has made me feel safer and more protected, and I feel like it will be really essential in this situation.”

“Are you sure that it’s not because you wanna have your coltfriend around you more?” Rainbow Dash teased, smirking at the lavender Unicorn. “Or maybe because you wanna use the Everfree to have a little night of-”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” Twilight cried, her cheeks rapidly heating up as she glared daggers at the Pegasus. She took a deep breath to calm herself before turning to the others, ignoring Rainbow Dash’s snickering. “Anyway, is there anypony here that objects to this idea?”

“Of course not darling.” Rarity replied, smiling comfortingly at the librarian. “You’re just taking every measurable precaution to ensure that we all survive the dreadful adventure that’s about to take place. So, if you feel that we should have one of the Queen’s Royal Guards come with us, then we shall not object to it.”

“Thank you.” Twilight nodded, looking back over at the three Thestral Kirin sisters. “So, which one of us is going to get him? It’s only been twenty minutes since we left the Town Square and came here, and he may still be over there.”

“I will.” Midnight said, raising a hoof up. “I’m one of the fastest ones of the group, and I know where Ponyville General Hospital is. So, I should be able to get over there and back in record time.”

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, big sis.” Goku nodded, before facing Snowflake. “Snowflake, are you going to go with her.”

The mountain blue Thestral shook her head. “No, I’m going to be staying here and look after the foals. As much as I want to go with you little sister, the Queen left you seven specifically in charge of finding the Elements of Harmony. So, I’ll leave it to you to search for them, along with Zephyr.”

“Wait a minute!” Apple Bloom suddenly cried. “Ya mean y’all are jus’ gonna leave us here?! We said wanna help too!”

“Yeah! Can’t we go with you?” Sweetie Belle pouted, looking up at Rarity with pleading emerald eyes. “We wanna help you guys protect Ponyville too!”

“Ah’m sorry Apple Bloom, but that’s jus’ not an option.” Applejack replied firmly with a shake of her head. “While Ah don’t doubt that you an’ yer friends would be a helpin’ hoof under other circumstances, this is somethin’ that we’re gonna have to do ourselves. Besides, th’ Queen did say that there were six, maybe even seven Elements o’ Harmony that needed to be found, ‘n’ there are only seven of us that ’re needed. No offense to you Snowflake, Midnight.” She said, glancing over at the two older Kirin siblings, before looking down at her little sister with a sympathetic expression. “Sorry sugar foot, but yer jus’ gonna have to sit this one out.”

“I’m afraid that Applejack makes a fair point, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity nodded, putting a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “The situation is already bad enough as it is, and its not going to help us in the slightest if you and your friends put yourselves in danger like this.”

“Same goes for you, Fire Flash.” Rainbow Dash added, crossing her forehooves and giving the crimson filly a soft, yet stern expression. “We appreciate you and your friends’ loyalty to us and wanting to help stop Nightmare Moon, but that really isn’t a good idea. Besides, you saw what happened back at the Town Hall, didn’t you? She made the entire roof cave in and took Queen Celestia down with a single blow, and only reason she was able to do that was because she took the Queen completely off guard! Is that really somepony that you want to tango with? Even if you’re all ridiculously strong for foals your age?”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Fire Flash didn’t say anything to this. They just looked at one another, silently contemplating their big sisters’ words as the three mares let what they said sink in. After a full minute of silence, they each hung their heads in defeat, their ears flattening against their heads.

“Yeah…yeah you guys are right. We can’t fight her, even with the powers that we have at our disposal.” Fire Flash sighed, pawing at the ground with her hoof. “We just...we don’t want to sit around and not do anything while you go off to fight and save the world. I mean, just because you guys can defend yourselves doesn’t mean that we can’t! We can fight, too!”

“Mhm… I-I know that we’re just fillies a-and we’re not that experienced in fighting other ponies.” Scootaloo muttered softly, looking up at her sister with her single visible violet eye. “S-still…w-we want to do something…a-anything to help you and your friends big sister…i-instead of just…d-doing nothing.”

“Oh Loo-Loo…come here sweetie.” Fluttershy cooed softly, bringing her little sister into a warm embrace. “I’m sorry that we have to leave you like this so suddenly, and I think that’s its very sweet that you want to help us. Though, I think that Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack have a point…it’s far too dangerous for you all to come with us, especially into the Everfree forest. You and I both know the dangers that it holds, and I pretty sure that the last thing we both want is for you and your friends, Sheton especially to experience that, right?” she asked, looking over at the stormy grey colt.

Scootaloo looked into her big sister’s gentle teal eyes with her one visible eye, before looking over at Sheton and the rest of her friends solemnly. The former gave her a sympathetic expression as her ears flattened against her head. “No…I-I don’t.” she replied quietly.

“Awww don’t give us those faces girls. I know that you and your friends wouldn’t put my little brother in danger like that. I’m very touched that you want to help.” Goku said sweetly. “Be that as it may, I’m going to have to agree with your sisters on this one. I’m sure that you all are very powerful little fillies and can hold your own, but I think you, your sisters and I can all agree that is something way out of your league. So, I think it’d be best if you all just leave this to us and keep yourselves out of trouble, okay?”

“Okay…” Spike said as each of them, minus Sheton, looked down at the ground dejectedly.

“Although…” The tan Thestral continued, making the fillies looked back up at her again. “Just because we don’t need your help our mission, doesn’t mean we don’t want your help at all. If you really do want to help us, I suppose there is something you can do.”

“Really?!” All six foals said in unison as they perked up, their dejected faces being replaced by excitement.

“Goku, what are you doing?” Twilight asked slowly and suspiciously.

“I couldn’t help but notice how well you all got along with Sheton when we met each of you. That’s probably the fastest that I’ve seen him warm up to foals his age. I also found it pretty cute how you all said you were gonna be the best friends you could to him.” Goku said slyly, making four of the five fillies blush. “Because of that, I would like to make a request to you. While we’re gone, I want each of you to stay here make sure that my little brother is safe. It’s not that I think he’ll get himself into trouble or put himself in danger, at least not intentionally. It’s just that, for whatever reason, danger has a way of coming to him when he least expects it to. So, I’m trusting you to make sure that nothing severe happens to him while I’m gone. Can you do that for me?”

For a few moments, the fillies didn’t say anything, just looking up at Goku with wide eyes as she waited patiently for their response. After a moment, they all smiled and gave her vigorous nods, all of them crowding around Sheton.

“You can count on us, Goku!” Apple Bloom replied, eagerly. “We promise, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure yer brother’s safe! Y’all can count on that!”

"Yeah, and while you're all away, me and Crescent Shield make sure that nothing in the library gets destroyed!" Spike nodded, holding his head up high and giving a sharp and rather adorable salute. "We know how much Twilight loves all these books, and she'd be devastated if even one of them was destroyed!"

“Yeah, she totally would.” Rainbow whispered to Pinkie, making the other mare giggle.

“Shush you.” Rarity admonished quietly.

“So you'll look after my book while I'm gone, will you?" Twilight chuckled dryly, giving her assistant an amused look. "Alright Spike, I'm gonna hold you do that. You are a pretty tough little colt for your age, so I’m positive you can handle yourself. As for you Crescent Shield..." She turned to her little sister, who looked back up at her curiously. "Make sure that Spike doesn't set any of the books on fire while you and the other foals are here with Snowdrop and Midnight, okay? You and I both know he has the tendency to burn them by accident due to him having such and enhance sense of smell. So, be sure to keep my books intake, okay honey?

"Heehee, okay!" The ocean blue filly replied sweetly as Spike's cheeks flushed pink.

“It…it’s not my fault that my sense of smell is so strong.” Spike pouted, his chubby cheeks puffing out as he flicked his tail. “It’s just…something we Kirins have tha we can’t control that’s all. It’s not like I destroy the books on purpose.”

Crescent Shield giggled, planting a kiss on the Kirin colt’s cheek. “I know you don’t Spike, but you know big sis. She doesn’t want to take any chances when it comes to things like her books being destroyed. Don’t get me wrong, she knows you never want to ruin her books, but, you know how it is. Like you said, it’s one of those things you can’t control, which is why Twilight is taking extra precautions to make sure things like that don’t keep happening.”

Spike said, leaning into Crescent’s touch as she affectionately rubbed his head. “Yeah, I know…still, I just feel like I’m being accused of something that I don’t mean to do.” He admitted softly, looking down at the ground dejectedly.

“I know you do Spike.” Twilight cooed. “And we’re sorry if me or Crescent are making you feel that way. Look on the bright side, you may have knack for lighting my books on fire, but you make up for sweetness and being a real cutie!”

At this, Spike’s dragon-like ears perked up as a cute smile came to his face. “I think so too~!”

“See?” Twilight giggled, gently tugging at Spike’s cheek. “Absolutely adorable!”

“Well then, I guess that take care of that.” Goku chuckled, before glancing down at her little brother. “Alright Sheton, big sister’s going to heading out soon with her friends. Be a good little colt and try to stay out of trouble, and to do whatever big sister Snowflake and Midnight say, okay?” She said in a firm, yet gentle tone.

“O-okay sis…I-I-I will.” The stormy grey colt squeaked, giving his big sister a small nod. Suddenly, he galloped over to her and wrapped his forelegs around hers. “Just…please…p-please come back to me alive, big sis. I love you...”

“I love you too sweetheart, and don’t worry. I will come back.” Goku said softly, wrapping a wing around Sheton. After giving him a kiss on the forehead, she slowly broke away from him and turned to face her friends. “Now, is there anything else that any of you need to do before we go? I don’t want to rush any of you, but time is really not on our side right now.”

“Well, there is one thing Ah’d like to do.” Applejack replied, raising her hoof into the air. “Do any of ya mind if we make a quick stop to the barn b’fore we meet up with Zephyr an; head into th’ Everfree Forest? It’s not gonna be fer very long, Ah jus’ need to grab a couple more essentials as all. Ah have a feelin’ we’re gonna be needin’ it.”

“We can do that, just as long as we head straight to Everfree Forest afterword. The sooner we do that, the better.” Goku replied somewhat hastily, earning a quick nod from Applejack. With that said, she looked to the rest of her friends with the same face of fiery determination as she shouted, “Alright everypony, let’s go!”

“Yeah!” They all shouted in unison.

“Good luck you guys!” Fire Flash shouted to the mares. “Show Nightmare Moon who’s boss!”

“You know it Flash!” Rainbow Dash shouted back, as the mares took off into the night.

‘Don’t worry Queen Luna; we’re coming to save you! Just hold on a little bit longer!’ Goku thought as she and her friends made a beeline for Sweet Apple Acres. 'I swear, if it's the last thing we do, we will free you from Miasma's grasp!'

Author's Notes:

Okay, now, the main reason that I had rewritten this chapter is because I saw that the last time that I had done it, it went far too long for my tastes. Most of it was going on about the explanation that Celestia was giving about Nightmare Moon's origins and her connection to her, and how it is that the Dark Queen came to be. The rest of it went onto showing just how the Main Seven was going to handle their journey into the Everfree Forest, and whether or not they were going to go in their alone or have somepony go in their with them to increase their chances of survival. When I went over that scene, I felt that it should be split into another chapter, and have a different name that would show just what that chapter was going to be about, which is exactly what I did here.

Anyway, the reason why I decided to add that little scene with the nurses to have some buildup before we get to that actual part of this chapter. That scene was more or less a bit of a challenge, since I've very rarely been to any hospitals for serous injuries or anything like that, so that was probable the toughest part of the chapter while writing this. I will say this though, Nurse Redheart really needs more screen time, because there are so many stories that show why she's such an amazing nurse, even though we've only seen her a few times out of the whole entire series! Besides the many things I wished for in Season 9 I really hope we get at least one episode of Nurse Redheart, otherwise, the 9th season is not going to feel quite as thrilling as I know it's going to be.

Well, that's all for now! Next time we're going to be making revisit to Celestia in Canterlot City...with an extra scene of her darker counterpart.