“He has seen better days,” says Spike.

“Eeyup,” says Braeburn.

Applejack hums and nods, and Shining Armor presses his hand against his boxy muzzle, frowning with his ears limp.

“Faust, that is nasty,” says Shining Armor, doing everything he can to keep his breakfast down.

The group has not broken their eyes from a mangled stallion wearing the Lulamoon Sanctuary uniform. A dark red pool of semi-dried blood is illuminated by the morning light, and has seeped into the mulch and splattered on the bark. His limbs are twisted with flesh ripped apart, bones poke out, his chest and stomach clawed to Hell, and his eyes and mouth wide with terror.

After several seconds, Braeburn kneels next to the corpse and checks his jaw, nodding. “Welp, I think this fellow was the one who got his teeth knocked out.”

“So Rarity and the others might be okay?” asks Spike.

“Hard to say.” Braeburn looks into the forest, his eyes focused as they scan the many trees. “We will have to go further, but this fellow looked like he was mauled by a good sized beast. It is a safe bet to say that he chased our girls, but something got him and if they weren't fast enough it would have gotten them, too.”

“Do you see any tracks?” asks Shining Armor.

Braeburn slides away from the corpse and inspects the ground. He hums curiously and carefully approaches a patch of ground, his fingers pressing into something that no one can see.

“Well, there was something here, but I ain't ever seen any tracks like these before,” says Braeburn. He stays low to the ground, carefully feeling the ground and scanning more of the area. “Whatever it was, it was stalking its prey... and... weird.”

“Weird?” asks Shining Armor.

“I see the prints of our girls, but they ain't running. They actually look like they walked away,” says Braeburn. He then looks at a log and after a brief pause he moves closer to it and runs his fingers along a pair of dark streaks covering the old wood. “There was also something here. Magical burn from what I can tell.”

“What if they were abducted?” asks Spike.

The group looks at him, and he shrugs.

“I'm just saying, me and Twilight heard stories where ponies would venture out and then disappear after seeing some strange lights,” says Spike.

Shining Armor rolls his eyes. “That's just hobo talk. Its baseless.”

“I guess you would know,” says Braeburn.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

Braeburn merely smirks and pats him on the shoulder before walking ahead, leaving Shining Armor to ponder the deep, cryptic words of his companion. Though, he quickly decides against thinking too hard about it and walks after the stallion with the other two following close behind. As they walk, they can only rely on Braeburn's meticulous steps to guide them through the forest of dark, twisting trees, damp mulch and bushes that oddly look like mangled bodies covered in plants. One particular bush looks like a stretched pony with their thin fingers clawing at their wide open maw. That one sends a sharp, icy shiver up Shining Armor's spine.

“I don't like this,” says Applejack.

“Me neither,” says Shining Armor. “Any signs of our mares?”

Braeburn shakes his head, and then his ears suddenly perk and he holds up his hand, bringing the group to a stop.

“Ya'll hear that?” asks Braeburn.

Shining Armor strains his ears, but all he hears is bugs, the groaning of wood and a gentle breeze flowing through the leafs. He and Applejack exchange confused yet worried looks while Spike sniffs. The drake sniffs again and nods at Braeburn, gripping the handle of his sword tight.

“I can smell something,” says Spike. Spike sniffs the air again. “It actually smells familiar, but different.”

Braeburn furrows his brow. “That makes no sense.”

“What should we do?” asks Applejack.

“Stay on guard,” orders Shining Armor, his eyes scanning the area. “It could be anything. Condemned, beasts, or A FREAKIN' GHOST!”

The sudden change in tone brings the group to jump and when they see a bright white whispy orb flying towards them, Braeburn swears and shoots a bolt at it. The bolt is incinerated in midair by purple flames, and Applejack throws one of her smaller axes at it, but it is encased in light and shatters. As this happens, Shining Armor raises his Blessed Blade, but it too is encased in a glow until the weapon becomes red hot, forcing him to drop it. Shining Armor growls in pain and clutches his hand, and the orb explodes into a display of purple and white light that blinds everybody.

Shining Armor stumbles around, hands failing to grab anything, and he ends up bumping into a solid wall of metal that crumbles with him to the ground, releasing a surprised yelp with him. Somewhere in the sea of colorful blobs clouding his vision, Shining Armor sees Braeburn stumbling around... and ends with him tripping over the unicorn and falling flat on his back on the other side of him.

Shining Armor seethes and presses his palms on the cold metal surface, and after some seconds of colorful blindness, his vision returns and he finds himself on top of Applejack. Thankfully his hands are not on her chest, but they are on her stomach and she is looking at him with her freckled cheeks burning red.

“Wow. Overreact much,” says Spike, calmly standing over the pile of ponies, shaking his head.

Shining Armor quickly pushes himself up and pulls Applejack to her feet while Braeburn struggles to stand, having to use a log to help himself up.

“What in the world was that?” says Braeburn.

“Why hasn't the ghost killed us yet?” asks Shining Armor, trembling from the pain of his throbbing, burnt hand.

“Because it doesn't want to, obviously,” says Spike. “Though the flash was a bit much.”

Shining Armor glares at the drake, but he and the others turn their attention to the whispy orb when it speaks.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt any of you!” says the orb, carrying the voice of a comforting female. “But in my defense, you started it.”

“Says the creepy floating dead thing,” says Shining Armor. “What do you want, anyway?”

“You are tracking a mare of Unicornia and two foalings, right?”

“Where are they!” says Shining Armor, using his magic to levitate his sword into his good hand.

“They are safe with the Shepherds of the Forest.”

“Just give us a straight answer. Where are they and who are you?”

“Do you not recognize my voice?”

The light fades and one by one eyes widen and jaws drop from the sight. Standing in front of them is mare dressed in a white tunic that goes down to her thighs; wrapped around her waist and crossing over her chest and shoulders like a “V” are purple bands, and with her white pants is a pair of knee high, white strapped boots.

“Or have I been gone longer than I thought?” asks Twilight Sparkle.

A pair of large purple wings unfurl from behind her back and she smiles and waves awkwardly at the flabbergasted group.

“Hi, everypon-Eh-ack!”

And just like that, she is trapped in a bone crushing hug from Shining Armor that keeps her arms and new wings pinned and her feet dangling in the air. The other three rush to the pair, but refrain from embracing her since Shining Armor is taking up all the space and crying into her shoulder.

“Shining, y-you can let go,” says Twilight, short of breath.

After a few seconds, Shining Armor reluctantly releases Twilight and steps back, smiling and wiping tears of joy from his reddened eyes as she staggers and presses her palm against a tree for support, sucking in much needed air. Only for Spike to leap into her for a hug a second later.

Twilight stumbles and chuckles as she awkwardly pats Spike with her free hand while looking at Shining Armor's group.

“I thought I smelled you, but you smell a little different. New perfume?” says Spike.

Twilight chuckles. “I went through some changes... It's good to be back, though. It's good to see your faces again.”

Spike steps away from Twilight and holds her at arm's length, keeping his grip tight and smiling and blinking tears out of his eyes.

“What took you so long, anyway?” asks Spike.

“Being resurrected is not as fast as you would think,” says Twilight. She places her hand on Spike's cheek and smiles reassuringly. “But I'm back. And I won't be leaving until my job is done.”

Shining Armor's smile fades. “What job?”

Twilight looks at Shining Armor. “The defeat of Sombra.”

Spike's smile fades, too, and Applejack and Braeburn stare at her with worry as Twilight pulls away from Spike, rubbing her hands nervously.

“I'm sorry. I know it is something you didn't want to hear, but you have to know. Faust made it clear that my stay here is only temporary,” says Twilight.

Shining Armor turns away, running his fingers through his hair and breathing heavily, and Spike looks down, swallowing and blinking mist out of his eyes.

“You actually spoke with Faust?” asks Braeburn.

“I did,” says Twilight.

“Did she say anything else besides your borrowed time?”

Twilight nods. “She did.” She looks at Applejack. “The Apples are not done, yet. Everfree needs you. It needs the both of you.”

Braeburn raises his brows, nodding approvingly, but Applejack scowls and her softened eyes become brittle. Seeing this, Spike, Braeburn and Twilight look at her with concern.

“Applejack? Are you okay?” asks Twilight, stepping closer.

“I'm fine,” says Applejack coldly.

Shining Armor glances at Applejack from over his shoulder, now pouring some of his alcohol from his canteen on his hand, and then quietly looks at Twilight. The other two remain silent, as well.

“You don't look fine. What's wrong?” asks Twilight.

“She doesn't want anything to do with Everfree. Can't say I blame her,” says Shining Armor, wrapping his hand in a bandage while doing so.

Twilight looks at Shining Armor, then at Applejack, both of whom are giving her hard stares while Spike and Braeburn's eyes flick between the parties.

“But Everfree is your responsibility,” says Twilight to Applejack. “Your bloodline is tied to the throne! You can't abandon it!”

“Everfree don't want me or any Apples,” says Applejack, her eyes tearing up. “It's obvious.”

“Now, hold on a moment,” says Braeburn firmly. “You have an army that is fighting for you.”

“They ain't fighting for me or you! They're fighting to take control of Everfree! The Davenports just gave them a reason to act. It don't got anything to do with loyalty or our family. They are using me and you as props.”

“Now you're just being dense. If you've seen what I've seen-”

“Don't start with that!” screams Applejack, jolting the group. Applejack steps back, hands clenched, body shaking and breathing heavy as tears stream down her face. Her lips tremble and she takes another step back, shaking her head. “Don't start...”

Then she turns and storms off, shaking her head and disappearing into the forest, leaving the group to stare at her in a state of shock. Once she is out of sight, Spike sighs and shakes his head.

“That's great,” says Spike.

With a deep breath, Shining Armor takes a sip of his alcohol canteen and walks after Applejack, much to the surprise of the others.

“I'll be back,” says Shining Armor.

He doesn't wait for any responses. Rather he quickly goes after Applejack, grumbling to himself and taking another sip of his drink. Thankfully Applejack did not get too far and has taken a seat on a gnarled root, but there is still that bug of annoyance that is worming around inside him. They really do not have time to deal with these kinds of antics, and if her sudden outbursts are going to be a problem then he does not know how he will handle it. Maybe have her and Twilight do a girl bonding? Mares like doing those types of activities.

Musing aside, Shining Armor stands next to Applejack, putting on his best patient look as he stares own at her, watching her hunched over and wringing her long blonde hair as she looks aimlessly into the forest.

“I'm sorry,” says Applejack.

“For what?” says Shining Armor.

“For slowing you down. I know you want to get to Ponyville and find the others, but... I can't go back.” She swallows and dips her head, her shaking hands gripping her skull. “I can't do it.”

Shining Armor's spike of annoyance diminishes, and with it, his facade. He looks at his canteen as if it hods the right words, but all he sees is the black pit of the container's lip. He raises it, pauses, then takes another sip and sits next to Applejack, looking at the trees, wishing he had a vocabulary he could use. He looks at her, but she does not look at him. She still shakes, despite her armor and axe offering her protection, so he puts his hand on her shoulder and gives it a lightly squeeze.

“I know I am going to sound like a jerk with whatever I say, so take my word. I won't let anything happen to you in Ponyville,” says Shining Armor.

Applejack looks at him, her wet emerald eyes trying to focus on his light blue eyes. But while her's is desperate to seek an anchor, his is fearful of one, and she looks away, shaking her head.

“I kinda have a hard time believing you,” she says.

“I carried you out of the Ammolite Mines,” says Shining Armor, his voice heavy as stone and his eyes just the same. “And I squished a pegasus into a cube when he nearly killed Pinkie Pie. I think I deserve something.”

Applejack is silent, and Shining Armor stands up, taking a long gulp of his drink before wiping his mouth and holding out his hand to her.

“Let's go. We got a job to do and as long as we stick together none of us are going to let the Davenports hurt you,” says Shining Armor.

Applejack looks at Shining Armor, her wet eyes shining in the dark, and then with a heavy swallow and shakes she extends her hand to him and lets him pull her up. They then start their trek back to the group.

“Is there a good healer in Ponyville?” asks Shining Armor.

“Last I checked there was. Unless Adirondack had her executed,” says Applejack.

“Hopefully not, because this-” Shining Armor holds up his bandaged hand “-is already getting annoying and Twilight has never been good with medical spells.”

“Ain't she Celestia's student?”

“She was, but she always failed her medical spells.”

“Oh.”

When they reach the group, Twilight is talking to the other two, who have decided to lean against trees for support.

“-Yew is kind of heard hearted, but he won't hurt them,” says Twilight. “They will be safe as long as they remain in his den.”

“So, can we come pick them up then?” asks Spike.

“No. They need to back to Foalington and Unicornia where it is safe, and Yew promised to do that. We have work to do, though, about Sombra and the Amulet. Which I've been meaning to ask...” Twilight looks at Shining Armor and Applejack since they are now next to her. “Where's the rest of the Fellowship? Where's Pinkie? Where's Apple Bloom?”

Shining Armor lowers his eyes as he rubs his hand. “Blueblood fell, and we got separated from the others.”

“What happened?” gasps Twilight.

“We got ambushed when we were at Neighagra Falls. Blueblood died defending Pinkie Pie, but she was still injured very badly, as well as Fluttershy, and Trixie's soldiers took Rarity, Sweetie and Scootaloo. We came here to look for them while Rainbow and Flash treated the others. We're supposed to meet them in Ponyville once we rescued Rarity and the others since it is closest to Trixie's Sanctuary.”

By this point Twilight's ears have drooped, and her colors have paled and she is rubbing her hands together, nibbling her lips.

“But where's Apple Bloom?” asks Twilight.

Shining Armor looks down. “I had to let her go for her own safety. Pipsqueak is with her, though.”

Twilight's jaw drops, and her body trembles with a hint of smoke rising from her. “Pipsqueak is with her? Pipsqueak, who is small for a foaling, is leading Apple Bloom -who has the most dangerous artifact ever crafted- through the Frozen North to a dormant volcano that is literally the gateway to Tartarus?” Twilight's mane, wings and tail erupt into flames and she grabs Shining's jacket. “What were you thinking!? You had one job and you blew it!”

“I had no choice! I had to do it!” Shining Armor grabs Twilight's wrists and struggles to look into her eyes, speaking humbly with the stench of burnt fabric hurting his nose. “Please understand, I had to let her go.”

Twilight searches his face, and when she looks at the others and sees their concerned faces, she sighs and steps back, lowering her eyes and leaving a pair of burnt prints on her brother's jacket.

“That choice made it more difficult for her. I hope Pipsqueak is able to protect her, for all of our sakes,” says Twilight.

“Pipsqueak's not going to let anything happen to Apple Bloom,” says Spike. “He loves her too much. You could see it everyday.”

Twilight scoffs. “Its going to take more than love to defeat Sombra.”

“We can talk about this later, but ya said Rarity and the foalings are safe, so that's good, but we still gotta get to Ponyville to meet up with Sugar Tail and the others. Hopefully they'll be healed enough to continue with us. I'd hate to leave them behind,” says Braeburn.

Twilight blinks. “I'm sorry, but who's Sugar Tail?”

Braeburn smirks. “The colorful one.”

“... Did I get a nickname?”

“... Do you want one?”

“... Kinda...”

“How's Purple Power sound?”

Twilight exhales and rubs her temple. “Never mind. Just gather around, everypony, I have an easy way to get us to Ponyville.”

Malerabus sighs quietly, but his chains clink loudly as he shifts in his position, which is wrists chained to one of the many pillars of the throne room. Unfortunately, he is sharing said pillar with Adirondack, and the two have been put under the watchful eyes of a pair of goats while the rest are either eating and using the table as a chair or weapon's bench, or with the help of Burnt Oak's soldiers forcing servants to bring in cases of gold, jewelry and other items made from precious metals. Some have even brought clothes in.

Another case that has brought in is personally opened by Star, and after rummaging through it he inspects a golden goblet with gems dotting its base. He grunts, gives it to one of the servants being held hostage and then waves her off.

“Go buy some makeup,” he says.

At first the mare is frozen, but when one of the Throne Guards begins to drag her out, she hurriedly walks on her own.

Another crate that is brought in and opened has absolutely nothing of value, save for bundles of paper wrapped in twine with numbers and the seal of the Davenports stamped on it. With that disappointment, Star closes it hard and meets the glare of Adirondack with a bemused look.

“Where is the rest of the valuables?” asks Star.

“Wouldn't you like to know?” sneers Adirondack.

“Yes. That is why I asked.”

“The rest of their wealth is at Fort Glæmscrafu,” says Burnt Oak, carefully giving out valuables to other servants, much to the annoyance of the occupying goats.

“Where is this fort you speak of?” asks Star.

“Mount Tall Tale of the Smokey Mountains,” replies Burnt Oak. “There's going to be an event where all of the Houses of Everfree, including the Vassals, will be there. It will be heavily fortified, but there is a secret passage in the back we can use to get in. We won't be able to swarm in, but if we can trickle in quietly we will be able to take it.”

“Going to that Fort will mean your death, so if you value your lives you best leave. I'll even give you a day's head start,” says Adirondack.

Star rolls his eyes and approaches Macintosh, who is quietly sitting on the throne, eyes locked straight ahead with his helmet on his lap and his sword next to him. Arian is sitting next to him on the floor, wrists bound with chains and a metal muzzle clamped around her face. Her face is stained with tears and her bloodshot eyes have trouble focusing on Malerabus.

“What are your orders?” asks Star.

Malerabus furrows his brows and strains his ears to hear what Macintosh is saying, but all he hears is a raspy whisper and Star muttering. When their conversation ends, the goat nods and goes to Burnt Oak.

“Assemble your soldiers. We'll leave at morning's light,” says Star.

Burnt Oak hesitates, then nods and leaves, ordering the Throne Guards and the servants to leave. Once the throne room is emptied of their presence, the door is slammed shut by a pair of goats, and Malerabus forces a chuckle, bringing Adirondack, Arian, Star and a few of the goats to give him questionable looks. Macintosh, however, remains staring at the door.

“So, all this is about money? I am honestly speechless,” says Malerabus.

“For me and my company it is about money,” says Star. “For McBiggun it is more personal.”

“And what is your plan after you get this money? Do you honestly expect to just walk away after robbing one of the richest families in Euestria?”

Macintosh says nothing, and Malerabus growls and shakes his chains.

“Okay, Lord Edge, are you going to at least spare anypony when you are done satisfying your greed?”

Macintosh shakes his head, bringing a horrified whimper and shudder from Arian.

“At least spare my daughter. She is innocent!” says Adirondack, desperation rising in his voice. “Or, better yet, you can have her. You know as King I can revoke any marriage and if you let me and my daughter live you can have her hand and the Davenports and Apples will be united! Just like the good times! Besides, it was all Tart Pear's idea for the Davenports to ascend.”

Malerabus glares at Adirondack, and Arian stares at her father, wide eyed and shaking her head swiftly, however, Macintosh remains quiet. The only sign of thought is his finger tapping the arm of the throne. But after some seconds, his finger stops and he shakes his head.

Arian's muffled cries rush towards the ears of the stallion and she tries to pull away, but the chain is locked good and tight into the floor, leading to only a ruckus of clanking metal.

“What will take for you to let me and my daughter live?” asks Adirondack.

Macintosh wheezes and his hard eyes become wet like stones in a stream as his hand digs into the arms of the throne.

“Unless you can reverse time, I think you are in a beyond hopeless situation,” says Star. He then glances at Malerabus. “Tart Pear, do you have anything to say? Perhaps you got a silver tongue to sway McBiggun.”

“Considering that he is Macintosh Apple, I think it would help his mood if you called him by his real name,” says Malerabus. “But names aside, if you think you can just kill me and get away with it, you will be sadly mistaken. My death will lead to the complete eradication of the Apple Bloodline, the razing of Five Ports and any place any of you ever visited. Your friends, your family, your friends' family, we will kill them all if you take my life, so I suggest you let me go lest you want more blood in the waters.”

Star stares at Malerabus, his hand lightly tapping the hilt of his sword, and Macintosh keeps his eyes locked on the door. As for the rest of the Forsaken Sons, they do not hold the calm looks of their leaders. No, they glances at each other nervously with some trying to cover their anxiety with a smile, and after several seconds of silence, Star sniffs and wipes his nose.

“That was impressive,” he says. “But in case you haven't realized, we carry the name 'Forsaken Sons' for a reason. So, you can raze and spill all the blood you'd like, but I will not lose any sleep over it. Macintosh, what are your orders?”

Macintosh exhales, his breath shaky and weak, and he motions Star by his side. Once the old goat is next to him, he leans over and whispers in his ear. Star listens intently, nodding after every few faint, scratchy words, and when Macintosh is done speaking, he steps back.

“Of course.” Star turns to a pair of goats who are sitting on bench, doing nothing important. “You two, take the mare to Macintosh's room. Not a scratch or hair out of place.”

The two nod and hastily approach Arian.

“What are you doing?” says Malerabus. “Don't you dare touch her!”

Then there is a blinding bright light.

Twilight opens her eyes and casually brushes herself off while the rest of the group sways and staggers on the decorated wooden floor, trying to keep themselves up.

“See? Easy,” says Twilight. As soon as she finishes, a circle of spears, arrows and blades suddenly point at them, forcing the Fellowship into a circle with their hands raised, squishing her in the middle in the process. “Oh.”

“Who dares enter this palace uninvited?” booms an old goat at the far end of the throne room, standing next to the largest stallion Twilight has ever seen, whose burnt figure clad in dark armor and holding the wide eyed look of the guards surrounding her party.

“I am Twilight Sparkle, servant of Faust the Creator, and I have come with my company to bring the true heir to Everfree to her rightful place,” says Twilight, grunting as she wiggles for room.

The goats and brute stare at the group, and Shining Armor flexes his hand, which prompts Spike to shake his head.

“There is only one heir to the Everfree throne, and he has already reclaimed it,” says the old goat while the brute stands up to go next to him, sheathing his weapon.

“Impossible. He was burned alive,” says Twilight.

Her horn glows, and in a flash she and Applejack disappear, then reappear in front of the throne, but while Twilight stands firm, Applejack's eyes roll and has to use Twilight's shoulder to keep steady, and she pushes herself against the alicorn and grips her axe when deer suddenly appear from thin air, brandishing curved blades aimed at the two mares.

“This is Applejack of House Apple,” says Twilight defiantly, jabbing her thumb at said mare. “She is the real heiress to the throne, not whoever that is, and if you deny what is hers any longer then I will throw all of you out!”

The old goat sneers and grabs the hilt of his sword. “You speak lies, alicorn. Applejack is far from these lands.”

“She's right here!” Twilight puts her hand on Applejack's shoulder. “How dense are you?”

“How thick is your hide?”

The spears inch closer towards the group, and Spike's eyes jump between the spearhead aimed at his heart and Twilight. “Uh, Twilight, can you please stop antagonizing whoever these guys are?”

“But he's being block-headed!”

“No offense to your negotiation skills, but ya ain't exactly surrounded by spears,” says Braeburn.

“And if they hurt any of you I will incinerate everyone here!”

The brute of a pony then growls and stomps forward, shoving the old goat out of the way and coming to a stop in front of Twilight, covering her and Applejack in a nightly shadow with a darkness on his face that gives his emerald eyes a ghostly glow. This leads to Twilight's defiance breaking, and with drooped ears she guides Applejack behind her, having to tilt her head to look at the stallion's near skeletal face and odd eyes.

“Though, honestly, I'd rather not settle this violently,” says Twilight while Applejack peeks around her shoulder.

“Wait,” says Applejack suddenly.

Twilight looks at Applejack, and panic bites her when the heiress carefully steps towards the stallion. The two stare at each other, both searching their faces with tears building in their eyes and their lips and bodies trembling. Then Applejack breaks down into sobs and leaps into the scarred stallion, and he wraps her tight in a hug and falls to his knees with her, crying into her shoulder and stroking the back of her head. Applejack's sobs turn to chokes and laughter, and she shakes in his embrace while everyone in the throne room stares at the scene, too perplexed for words. Except for a certain earth pony that Twilight remembers seeing when she was trapped in Trixie's dungeon. The two look at each other, and the familiar pony quickly averts his eyes.

“You're alive,” sniffles Applejack. “I can't believe you're alive.”

“What am I seeing, here?” asks Twilight, her eyes still on the one she knows as Tart Pear.

Without pulling away from the large pony, Applejack looks at Twilight, smiling and face soaked with tears. “Twilight... This is my older brother, Big Macintosh. He is the heir to the Throne of Everfree.”

Author's Notes:

So this was on my computer for a very long time and I completely forgot I had it.