Skyblazer needed a moment in thought after this revelation. Was his father right to fear Zecora? Was she actually dangerous? That didn't add up, she had been friendly and trustworthy to both Cobalt and himself.

He looked across the comfortable study at Celestia and Luna. They had brought him here to discuss serious topics which they entrusted to few others. Sky carefully asked the question on his mind,

"I... honestly don't mean any offense, but Zecora doesn't seem like an evil and cruel pony. I mean sure, she's a hermit, and she makes potions, but, she didn't seem bad."

Celestia answered him calmly, "You are free to speak your mind, we do not take offense. Dark magic does not have to be inherently evil. Luna, this seems more your area of expertise."

Luna spoke, "The dark arts bring to mind awful and unthinkable spells. Curses, possession, necromancy. However, it need not be so grievous. The magic energy of darkness and shadow may be used for potion crafting, for melding into shadow, or for scrying and observation of distant events."

"Thank you, Luna," said Celestia, "Recall that I said Zecora has an innate connection to this magic. This is simply the way she was born, as you were born with innate pegasi magic. It is neither good nor bad, simply a state of being. This provides her with knowledge and observations which have been of significant interest to us."

Sky had a question about this, "I know she's a zebra, from some foreign land, but isn't she still an earth-pony? How is she able to make use of artifacts and magic?"

"In rare cases," replied Celestia, "ponies have been born with unusual magic affinities. For example, Fluttershy, one of the six heroes, has exceptionally weak pegasi magic, and yet her connection to nature is stronger than most earth-ponies."

"I've met Fluttershy, and that explains why she's so good with plants and animals."

"We have not, however, known of any pony in our kingdom who was born with a strong connection to the ancient magic. Twilight and her friends were chosen by the Elements, but this was to fulfill a prophecy and purpose, and not an innate bond."

"Would it be meaningful to find a pony like that?"

Celestia and Luna exchanged a look. Luna spoke, "We do not yet know, and that is why we wished to speak with you."

"I... what? I don't know a thing about any dusty ancient magic."

"Most ponies are not aware of it. The remnants are mostly in the form of carvings, spellbooks, and artifacts. Zecora gifted you with several artifacts which are antique and far predate modern magic objects. Were you able to use them, could you show us?"

Sky, more than a little confused, dug through his supplies until he found the things. He was still wearing the bracelet, he had just forgotten about it in all the turmoil.

Sure enough, it still lit up for him. The glaringly bright light clashed with the relaxed library. He found the hot rock and the shielding stakes. These also functioned properly.

Celestia nodded, and said, "For us, it would take days of research into the Old Ponish incantations to activate those items. They are relics, from forgotten times. No ordinary unicorn could hope to make use of them without the requisite knowledge."

"Where did Zecora even get these from?"

"The bracelet was a gift from us. The other items were discovered and bartered for over the course of her life. Again, though, she wishes to keep her story a private one."

"I can respect that," said Sky, "So, what's the meaning of this ancient magic stuff?"

"It lines up with the ancient prophecy and fables," said Celestia, "and it is fascinating that we should meet you so soon after the Crystal Empire returned."

"I read about that in Twilight's journal," said Sky, "where did it go while it was missing?"

Luna replied, "The entire region was banished from time and space. To us, the Crystal Empire has been simply missing off the face of Equestria since antiquity. To the residents, it is as though no time went by at all. This is how we discovered that a Void exists outside, or perhaps between, our world."

"This is a touchy question," said Sky, "but did you get sent to the Void, when, you know..."

"No, Luna did not," answered Celestia, "that was a pocket dimension anchored to an object of significant sentimental value. The moon, in that case. Though for most mortal unicorns, the spell does not have the same duration."

Luna spoke now, "I encountered a crack which led into the Void, where I became lost. In time, I found another break which led into reality. If I had not been in my Nightmare Moon form at the time, I would likely still be trapped in that abyss... Something had changed. I had grown calm. I had recognized the folly of attempting to end daylight. Yet, I felt an all-consuming anger and violence driving me, which lie well outside of my control. This absolute rage is what drove me to persevere, and find my way back."

Celestia added, in a gentle tone, "I was able to maintain a telepathic bond with her while she was imprisoned, and I saw this improvement... but there had been another, unexpected change. It began roughly three hundred years ago, when magic as a whole began degrading. I found that I could no longer maintain control and sanity in my Daybreaker form. The realization hit me that this may affect my sister, as well, but I never once considered that it would be possible to escape from a dimensional pocket."

Skyblazer was now awestruck. He added more sugar to his hot tea, and willed the hot stone to cool down. He spoke in a daze, with one ear down, "Okay, so what I'm understanding here is that Luna did realize her error, but her scary nightmare form took control of her."

"Correct," said Luna, "and there is more. I recall seeing... something in the Void. My memory is extremely scarce. Between my struggle to take control, my form of pure shadow which reduces my sensory awareness, and the mind-bending nature of the Void, all I can clearly picture is a powerful light. There was something else, an object... but I simply can't remember."

"We attempted to catalog the memory in an enchanted orb," said Celestia, "but it immediately froze over with unknown red crystals. It is not conventional crystal magic. Even the libraries of the Crystal Empire failed to yield any results."

Sky spoke, "A thousand years seems a bit extreme as a punishment... I'm sure that's not my place, of course."

"The dimension had a cycle of light and dark," said Luna, "and by my count it was only several moons. Enough time for me to recognize that neither of us should usurp power from the other."

"This is another really stupid, dangerous question, but... do you think it's right to rule by proxy?"

Celestia answered this, "I agree with that exact sentiment. Luna did not. This was the main area of our disagreement--attempting to end daylight was simply a result of our arguments."

Luna seemed a bit uncertain as she said, "While we do have far more awareness of the history of Equestria than any other, and experience to properly manage our land to ensure the happiness of our subjects... it would seem the citizens desire a system of peers. We have withdrawn more from the day to day operation of Equestria, entrusting these matters to elected diplomats."

Celestia quickly spoke up, "Between Luna's command of Dreamspace and my extensive studies of magical theory, the both of us are quite busy. We seek to understand, and repair, this enigma of magic itself breaking down. The Elements of Harmony and the ones of Conflict have been of great importance in this regard. The only concern now is that there should be a third Element of Conflict."

"Oh, I've already found her," said Sky, "her name is Maud Pie. She resides in a quarry Northeast of Everfree."

The two royal sisters seemed elated to hear this. Celestia finished their discussion with, "That is the first good news we've had in a while. Now, do not mind the title of 'unworthy ones'. It is merely a test of character and ability. I'm certain you three shall rise to great things. For now, you may rest in the castle, if you wish."

Skyblazer accepted the offer. The tea service vanished from the table just as readily as it had appeared, and they followed the spiral stairs back down into the serpentine halls of the castle.

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast, Sky took off from a high balcony and made a slow glide towards the streets of Canterlot. The plan was to explore the city for the day.

As he settled gracefully on the stone street he heard a shrill whistle, and looked up. A pegasus with beige fur and bronze armor was descending towards Sky with a whistle in his mouth and a stern look in his eyes.

He landed in a puff of dust, pointed to the royal seal on his armor, and said, “Flight is not permitted within Canterlot. This is a warning, sir. Please walk on Canterlot streets henceforth, or you may be imposed with a fine.”

Sky meekly apologized, the guard took off, and Sky trotted into the city.

After passing boutiques, antique shops, a salon, extravagant cafes, and a tailor, Sky decided that this place was far too ritzy and upscale for his taste. Bumping into a single display would cost more bits than he had seen in his life.

He found an approved exit point, and glided on down towards Ponyville, while running some numbers through his mind. He could reach Everfree in a day's flight, but Cobalt wanted some alone time for around a week. Getting back to his home would take four days, flying alone. Everfree should be a couple days' flight from the farm.

For now, he decided to find a place to sleep in Ponyville. He wanted to visit Fluttershy, Twilight, and the other legendary ponies. If Rainbow Dash was in town, she might have advice on visiting Cloudsdale, since Cobalt wanted to go there.

By mid afternoon, Skyblazer set his hooves down on solid ground in the cozy town. The mood was somber and quiet, but still rather relaxed in spite of the insanity of recent years. Ponies here had defenders they could rely on, while other towns like Riverbend or Corn Hills lived in fear of dragons and monsters. Sky frowned at the discrepancy.

Fluttershy was not at her cabin. Pinkie wasn't at the bakery, and Rarity wasn't at her home nearby. Sky flew towards the crystal castle. He didn't get an answer on knocking, and he stepped inside after a moment.

His hooves echoed in the glimmering halls. If only his dad could see him now, trotting around in two castles in one day. He could picture it in his mind. This structure, made entirely of crystal, would disgust his father. Not that it was Twilight's fault in any way. She didn't build this place, and she didn't honestly care for the opulence.

For that matter, Twilight wasn't even here. Everpony else was gathered in the map room.

Something was very, very wrong. Skyblazer could sense it the moment he walked in. The crystal map, once a colorful projection of their kingdom, had now turned a monochrome gray.

For many moons, the map had displayed the ponies' symbols over the areas they were needed. They had resolved disputes, small and large, all over the kingdom. Now, five cutie marks all hovered in a circle over Ponyville.

The sixth one, Twilight's purple star, was hovering far above the map, close to the ceiling. On looking up at it, Sky could see a mural carved into the crystal. Twilight's star clung to a tile with a large question mark, which read, 'Location Unknown'. The only solace was that it had not moved to an adjacent crystal tile, for the ones to either side read 'Deceased', 'Dreamspace', and 'Tartarus'."

The crestfallen ponies in this room kept staring up at the star as though it could move to one of those tiles at any minute. They noticed Sky's entrance, and said hello, but nothing else. Spike, the young dragon friend of Twilight, was the worst affected. He sat on the crystal map, staring up at her cutie mark overhead, never looking away at anything else.

Two unknown unicorns were here in this room as well. The light pink one calmly walked over to talk with Sky. She held a note aloft with magic, and nodded her head towards the door. They stepped out, down a hall, and into a reading room. The blue unicorn, who wore a purple cloak, followed them.

They all took a seat on the rug, in front of the fireplace. A second serious conversation in a magic castle was not something Sky had expected, or wanted. He had heard enough crazy things already last night without whatever this was.

Starlight spoke, "Um, I don't you if you know me, but Twilight told me about Lightning Ridge and you. You're the son of that pegasus who lost her wing, right? Have a farm south of Everfree?"

"Well, my parents have a farm," said Sky, "but I've gone my own way in life. The name's Skyblazer."

"I am Starlight Glimmer, a student and... friend of Twilight."

Sky's eyes went wide in surprise at a name he had only heard Twilight use in disdain before. He bit his tongue and took a breath before speaking,

"Uh, nice to meet you?"

She caught the tone in his voice, and said, "I take it you do know me. I can't ask you to trust me or forgive what I did, and I don't deserve that... but I was wrong. I'm trying to handle things the right way now."

"Alright," said Sky politely, as he turned to the blue unicorn, "and are you Trixie, the magician? My mother said you did tend to wear a cloak."

The blue unicorn answered, "You do behold the great and powerful Trixie!"

Starlight gave her a look, and scolded her, "This is a really bad time for that sort of yak shit."

"Fine. You're right, as usual. Things have gone really, crazy bad here."

"What happened? Is anypony hurt?" asked Sky.

Trixie answered, "Well, no. Twilight just vanished in the middle of the night. Even Spike doesn't know where she went... poor little guy is devastated."

"I can imagine. What's the note say?"

The paper crinkled as Starlight hovered it over to him. He read the elegant magic script,

"My dear, beloved friends. I am taking personal responsibility for matters from here on out. I am so tired of seeing you risk your lives and well being to protect our land. I do not wish to continue relying on ancient magic we have minimal understanding of when it is abundantly clear that magic is already faltering. I have been richly gifted by Celestia to be an alicorn, and with that comes unfettered access to all magic. I will return when my studies allow me to protect any pony from being hurt ever again.

Love, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"No," said Skyblazer, and he then sat in silence for a few moments staring into the fireplace.

"Without her, the Elements don't work," said Starlight.

"They would fall apart without any of them," said Sky, "they've been such good friends for so long now."

Skyblazer held up his amulet. It rippled rapidly now with a somber gray glow.

"What's that?" asked Starlight, prompting a quick explanation from Sky.

Starlight seemed relieved. She flicked her tail as she said thoughtfully, "If you bring all three elements of conflict together, at the right time and place, it may have a similar effect to what the other elements do... it only makes sense, from what I know of ancient magic."

"I mean, so far it just seems to give me access to some basic unicorn magic, and Cobalt just has her telekinesis, but it could very well be more than that."

"It has to be. Without Twilight, and without the elements of harmony... I don't know how much longer Equestria has left."

Sky thought of his family, back on the farm, working hard under the sun. A stricken look appeared on his face, as he said, "This... could be the end of civilization. Wow. Like, what if they hadn't been there to stop Discord, and Tirek, and everything else..."

"And me," said Starlight in a self-deprecating tone. Sky ignored this as Trixie told her not to be so hard on herself. Sky continued, "Okay. I need to get Cobalt and Maud, and I need to see my folks just in case anything.... um, and I should probably talk to Zecora, she seems to know things."

"Trying to step up and be the hero?" asked Starlight grimly. Sky nodded, and Starlight said, "That's exactly where Trixie and I are right now. Ponies barely even trust us, but you saw how bad off Twilight's friends are... we have to at least try to do the right damn thing for once in our lives."

"Oh, this is a disaster," said Sky, "the farm is four days of flying from here, without Cobalt, and she flies at half my speed..."

"Where, exactly, is this farm?" asked Starlight. Sky told her, and Starlight walked over to the map room. She returned, and stood in the middle of the study, eyes closed, focusing.

Fierce sparks flew from her horn, followed by a blast of magic energy so powerful that the air around her rippled like desert heat. A portal opened, ripping apart the very air. There was a booming noise like thunder, and Sky jumped.

Through this portal could be seen a fertile expanse of tilled farmland and endless wooden fences. Starlight spoke, "This portal will stay open for three days."

Sky thanked her, and was about to step through it, when Trixie asked, "Hang on now, we didn't get your name."

"Oh, it's Skyblazer Haycart."

"Skyblazer, in case we don't see you again, take care. Best of luck."

He stepped through the magic hole. In an instant, he was out of the cool shade of the crystal castle and into the humid, oppressive heat of the farming valley. It was only a five minute walk to the gate of his folk's farm.

Damn, but that was some precise, powerful magic casting. Sky took a moment to appreciate that Starlight was trying to do good in the world, with her abnormal level of sheer power.

The gate creaked open, and he stepped through. Three ponies could be seen in the distance, plowing channels for water for the unripe crops of late summer. Harvest would be soon. Skyblazer felt a tinge of guilt that he couldn't help with that busy season. His father probably wouldn't care that it was the end of the world, getting the grain to market would still take priority.

As Sky drew closer, he could see the bulky figure of Piney Haycart, with his usual straw hat on. He pulled the plow, while Violet followed behind, pulling weeds and opening wooden gates to divert river water to where it was needed.

The third pony was Hayseed, another older brother of Skyblazer. He was hauling a heavy cart of compost, and shoveling it into the soil. Sky hadn't seen him in a long while now, and he greeted him first,

"Hey there Hayseed. Taking a break from the mines?"

"Yep, folks need help with the place, so I stopped by. You gonna at least help us with harvest? Should be a good one this year."

"I honestly would, but things are crazy right now..."

"It's fine," said Hayseed, "I get it. You're not a farmer, it's okay. Don't let pa get to you, live your life the way you want. We sure could use the help, though."

Sky decided not to push the issue, and went to talk with Violet and Piney. They were both very tired and overheated.

"Here, help me get these saddlebags off," said Sky. He got attached to the plow. Piney walked back to the house to cool off.

Shortly after Piney stepped in, Lightning came outside and walked towards Sky.

Her worn brown cloak clung to her in the heat. When she arrived, she placed a hoof around Sky in a hug, and thanked him for the help. Sky nodded, and strained with the plow.

After he got the water channels repaired and Violet opened the gates to let the water flow through, the three of them rested in the shade of an old oak tree. Sky explained what had happened in Ponyville, but kept his discussion with the princesses to himself.

"They don't want me talking about it," said Sky, though in truth he didn't want to think about their mind-bending conversation in light of Twilight vanishing.

Lightning was horrified. "Twilight?" she asked, "I knew she was suffering from all the chaos... I should have made time to visit more often, this is my fault."

"No mom, it's not your fault," said Sky, "I don't think you could have convinced her not to do this. You know her better than me. Where do you think she went?"

Lightning shrugged, and said, "I'm not a unicorn, so I don't know where. I'd presume she's going wherever it is that she can find powerful magic, maybe studying ancient and dark magic in order to combat it."

"I should ask Starlight," said Sky, "She's a powerful unicorn, she might know the answer."

Skyblazer stayed the night. Barley had gone to town with a load of dried hay, so it was a peaceful visit. The next day, he casually stepped through the shimmering portal and smoothly avoided Dodge Junction and talking with his dad.

The crystal castle was quiet. Most of the ponies had gone now. Skyblazer went to look at the map room. Spike was still here, still on the map table, now sound asleep on his back. Fluttershy was here as well, taking care of him. She had placed a pillow and blanket down for him to sleep on.

She spoke in her usual quiet demeanor as Sky entered, "He was awake for two days, so I... don't tell anypony this, but I gave him some of Zecora's sleeping tea. Rest is so important in tough times."

Sky, on the verge of tears, thanked Fluttershy for being such a great friend, and hugged her. She meekly deflected the compliment.

Twilight's symbol remained unmoved, on the tile that read 'Location Unknown'. Sky had no idea what that could mean.

Fluttershy let him know that the others all wanted some alone time. Sky nodded, left the castle, and took flight for Everfree. His sense of direction felt all weird after using the magic portal.

Cobalt would need more time, and so he passed the cursed forest at high altitude, only descending as he neared the quarry. The distance went by so much faster by wing.

Thankfully, at least one thing went right. Maud was at home, in her cave. She patiently listened to all Sky had to say, and read Luna's notes. Despite the surreal subject matter, Maud kept a bored and uninterested expression.

Sky had to ask, "You don't find this stuff insane, or exciting?"

"No," answered Maud, "I find it fascinating. This greatly improves my knowledge of the world we live in."

"Okay, since you're so relaxed about everything.... I didn't want to ask my mom this and Celestia wouldn't tell me. So I have a strange question for you, it's about Cobalt, that griffon you met."

About five minutes later, Skyblazer stepped outside the cavern, walked up to the surface, and sat on the ground, blushing profusely. It was a while until he worked up the gumption to go back down to the cave, where Maud and he packed up for a hike to Everfree.

"Would you happen to own a cart?" asked Sky, to which Maud said yes. It was a heavier wagon, and Sky couldn't make it stay airborne by himself. It still kept a good amount of weight. This was a two-pony wagon for aerial use.

They would have to walk. Sky wasn't happy about it.

Several days were spent at the quarry to give Cobalt more time. When they left, Maud maintained a fast trot, allowing Skyblazer to stay airborne while matching her speed. They made it to Everfree in two and a half days.

Zecora and Cobalt were both out of the house, gathering alchemy supplies. Sky flew on top of the cabin, kicked the loose brick, and returned with the house key.

Maud and he waited inside for the two. They arrived shortly before sunset.

When Cobalt came through the door, she embraced Sky in a bear hug that made his joints hurt. "Ow, ooch, let me go!", complained Sky.

Cobalt seemed to have a lot to say about Everfree. Sky had a lot to say to Cobalt. They both talked over each other for a few seconds, then stopped, and laughed.

"You first," said Sky.

"I was able to get my magic ring to do more spells!" shouted Cobalt in excitement, "I tried pyro and ice at first like you did, and then I managed magic missile, illumination, even some weak shield magic!"

"That's awesome!" replied Sky, "Now, the stuff on my mind is a lot darker and just some really trippy things... let's get dinner, and talk at the table."

Maud and Sky helped Zecora get a fire going and get a hearty potato soup on. They had coleslaw and fresh produce from the garden to go with it. Cobalt flew off into the dark with a fishing net and several glowing artifacts. She returned shortly with a net full of fish.

As she placed them over the fire to roast, Sky asked her, "Did you just use magic artifacts to fight off monsters?"

"Yes, light and fire scares off most of them. Any basic magic attack can break apart timber wolves back into timber."

"Is that normal for griffons?"

"Using magic? No, not that I know of."

Sky turned to Zecora, and said, "Were those items, by any chance, ancient magic relics?"

The zebra nodded as she carefully gathered a stack of plates and cups, balanced on her head. She placed these on the table just as carefully, and said, "Those items bear the rust and wear of time, yet Cobalt could use them all just fine."

They gathered around the table for dinner. Cobalt sat on the floor since the chairs were too fragile for her.

Sky sat staring into the distance. He shook his head, and replied, "So that means, she also has innate ancient magic she was born with... here, let me go over the stuff Celestia and Luna talked to me about."

He jumped down from his chair and ruffled through his bags. He retrieved Twilight's journal and the rolled-up stack of parchment Luna had given him. Both were placed on the dining table after Cobalt cleared some space.

Skyblazer spoke, "Listen carefully, for this may affect reality... Zecora, I'm blaming you for that rhyme," he patiently explained all that he had heard, with pauses to sip tea and stoke the fireplace. The others listened in stunned silence as timber wolves howled in the background.

Zecora was startled, with her ears rigid and her eyes wide. Cobalt had a grim and serious countenance. Maud sipped tea with an apathetic expression. All three of them needed time to consider these things. Most pressing and urgent was the disappearance of Twilight.

Maud spoke on this issue, "While she does not show it, Pinkie Pie has a great deal of stress and worry for her friends. I should visit her and console her in these dark times."

Zecora was deep in thought with her eyes closed.

Cobalt spoke, "All three of us should go to Ponyville. They may not like me being there, but some kind of 'heroic chosen ones' would help the ponies chill a bit."

Sky shook his head no, and said, "The others can handle it, you know how strong and reliable they have been. If we can find Twilight, and convince her to return, it would be better for everyone. We're the unworthy ones, remember? And hardly heroic."

"Yeah, but there's no telling where she went."

"We could ask Starlight and Trixie. They're unicorns too, powerful ones, so they might know where Twilight could have gone for magic training."

For some reason, Zecora was laughing. Sky raised an eyebrow and asked what could possibly be so funny. The zebra replied, "You trust the 'great and powerful' Trixie just upon her word! Truly, my dear friend, you are a silly bird."

"Is she not so great and powerful, then?"

"Ahh truly, she is a gifted magic sage. If you regard magic skill as taking place upon the stage."

"Oh, she's a... stage magician. And she's... trying to defend Equestria... by Celestia, but we need to get back to Ponyville as soon as possible."

Maud cut in here, "You are being hasty. Panic does not help us resolve this situation. We should certainly travel to Ponyville, but we should make a careful plan from there."

Sky breathed in deep, exhaled, and said, "You're completely right."

They stayed the night, and left at dawn. Zecora stayed behind in Everfree. She provided supplies and foodstuff for their journey, and asked everyone to wait a moment before departing.

She mixed a variety of herbs and liquids into a cauldron in the fireplace. A blue smoke rose from it as it boiled. The resulting potion was bottled, and Zecora asked Sky to cool it down for her. He did so, using a careful spell of ice magic. Zecora drank it, and her eyes began glowing. This haunting effect passed, and the zebra stood with a horrified expression, her ears down, her tail drooped.

She gulped, and spoke slowly, "Recall that I have said you two will face your darkest hour. The time approaches now, as one approaches power. The Elements of Conflict shall earn their rightful name, yet this is just a lesson, not a cause for shame. I see friendship fueling the most powerful spell of all, and I see fractured friendship preceding their greatest fall. I see traveling rogues fighting for what is right, and these words in my mind: Where there is no light, where there is no night, they may still have sight."

Cobalt wrote all of this down on a piece of parchment, and they all took a moment to think over it. Zecora bid them a fond farewell, saying,

"Stay safe and be on guard. I know that times are hard. Stay together as friends and make Equestria whole again. Cobalt, my dear, you can do this, do not fear. Never before have I seen a riddle in prophecy. It must be for you to uncover, for the meaning eludes me."

Sky and Cobalt gave the zebra a hug goodbye, and the three of them began their hike towards Ponyville. As they stepped out of sight through trees which were beginning to change color for autumn, Zecora turned towards her cabin.

She stopped, ears perked up. A small silver bell on her necklace had begun to ring, even though it was not moving. She put her ears down, and took off at a charging gallop through the woods, not bothering to lock her door.

The foliage blurred past her as she ran. A small ravine approached, with a stream at the bottom. She vaulted over this, and dove through brambles on the other side into a grotto.

A well-maintained flowerbed was here, beside a calm pool of water. Around this pool were stones with runes carved into them and a small wooden chest. Zecora ignored this place for now. She had no need to observe distant events through scrying magic.

Still galloping, breathing fast and raggedly, Zecora rushed down a long set of stone stairs. She arrived in a canyon at the bottom, where she paused, out of breath. Panting and sweating, she walked towards the Tree of Harmony. Twilight and her friends had returned the elements to the tree, in order to restore its energy.

The tree was fine and of no concern to Zecora. She walked past it, and walked right towards the rock wall of the canyon. She jumped into the wall, and passed right through it into a cave.

With light from a magic bracelet, she stepped through this cave with echoing steps. Water dripped off stalactites into pools. The silver bell filled the cave with alarmed, rapid ringing.

Zecora approached a stone plaque which was inset into a nook on the wall, where the drip of water could not deface it. The writing was Old Ponish, and it said, 'Beyond lies thee Pool of Reflection'.

A bright purple glow filled this part of the cave. The entire way forward was blocked by a wall of pure energy, covered in runes, with the star-shaped cutie mark of Twilight in the middle.

Nopony had broken into the pond of reflection, which was good, after the havoc Pinkie Pie had caused. Zecora sat now, taking a moment in somber thought. Violet Haycart needed the water of this pool for her cure, but a seal should only be breakable by the one who cast it.

Then, Zecora looked up. The roof of the cave seemed wrong, as though deeper in shadow than it should have been. She amplified the light of her bracelet.

This zebra who found the cursed Everfree Forest to be a quaint and relaxing place to live felt absolute, primal terror and let out a scream as she ran.

Behind her, a tear in reality lie suspended in midair, like a hole in fabric. Beyond was absolutely nothing, a darkness greater than the absolute dark of a the cavern. Zecora failed to comprehend and, for the first time in many, many years, she did not know how to calmly react. She ran all the way back to her cabin, and slammed the door.

Author's Notes:

Chapter twenty is in progress. I am reviewing the story so far, rewatching some episodes of the show, and very busy with things in life right now, so it may be slow.