Chapter 3: The First Night.

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Slowly, tenderly, her eyes began to open. It felt like the inside of her head had exploded and a fire spread every corner of her being. Every sense ached as she returned from oblivion and was able to start grasping reality. At first she perceived nothing but a big dark blur filled with dancing sparkles in circular patterns, but the sparkles began to collide together into a big white smog. Her eyes continued to adjust and everything blank was dissolving into vaguely defined shapes and sensations. She looked upon a smeared mess of fuzzy grey matter, feeling only confusion speaking to her as her vision traveled from one grey blotch to another and then to something white again.

There were sounds too, a loud clanging thing of metal on metal. It instinctively frightened her, yet she could not tell why nor could she turn her head to investigate. What ever it was it didn’t repeat a second time and was trailed by a ringing clatter and then a solid click as if her fate was sealed. The unmistakable clomping of hooves on stone flowed from some point behind her, the paced sound echoed all around as if she was stuck in a cavern or a large room.

“Uhh,” she groaned, her mouth so dry her tongue was a dead weight hanging limply over her lips. “Is…anypony…there?” She moaned in a low raspy voice that had trouble reaching her ears.

The hoof steps had started off close by, but were now long withdrawn into the darkness beyond her perception and only the distant rhythmic drip-drip-dripping of water remained to comfort her. She continued to lie there, not able to feel the flow of time. It could’ve been minutes or hours yet it didn’t matter. Her reality was confined, her limbs hung uselessly by her sides, and she struggled in vain to remember why she was here or who she was. With no forthcoming answers or hope of escape she slowly lowered her head back down to the cold unfeeling floor and blacked out.

When she awoke some time later the light of the sun was creeping through a window she hadn’t noticed before cut into a wall of stone. The light seemed to stare accusingly at her face, silently scolding her for her sins. She looked away, her eyes fully open now and unobstructed by a cloud of fog. Memories had begun to neatly reassemble themselves in fits and bursts. Carefully, like a newborn foal, she raised herself up testing each of her legs in turn. Her limbs were slightly stiff and there was a small bruise on her side from where the magic spell at struck her, otherwise she was perfectly fine.

She knew she was in a prison cell and it looked, and unfortunately smelled, like it had been abandoned for some time. The metal bars were worn and rusted and a single mattress was tucked away in a forgotten corner as if fearing to dance in the sun. There was also a single tarnished sink with a missing faucet, and the entire package wouldn’t have been completed without a toilet that looked and smelled like month old manure.

Sure there was very little crime in Equestria and at least until that morning it had been unheard of in Canterlot. That, in Dash’s mind, translated into there being no excuse for why the room wouldn’t have been kept at least a little tidy.

She wouldn’t have asked for much, maybe a nice fluffy cloud to snuggle upon or a cool aquamarine sky to soar through without a care in the world. At the very least she should’ve had a toilet that didn’t smell worse than Spike’s morning breath after dinning on a sack full of onions and garlic cloves.

While this was a unique opportunity to be the first, in several generations, to experience the full tour of the Canterlot jails from the inside; Rainbow Dash dreaded what this little adventure was going to do to her reputation. Was she doomed to rot like a rat in a cage and never allowed to realize her full potential as a Pegasus? Challenging the guards was the same as openly questioning the Princess’ authority. What was she going to say to her friends, especially Twilight? Would they hate her now and wish to never see her again?

“I’ve really done it this time.” She stared morosely out the barred window. “I wonder if the Wonderbolts will even accept me now.” Depression turned to anger as she stomped a hoof in a fit of rage. “If I ever find that jerk,” She emphasized with a punch into the air, “POW! A sonic rainboom right into the sun!”

Feeling that her anger wasn’t as effective at getting her out of jail as it was at getting her in, she walked over to the window to see how long she’d been out and maybe find an avenue of escape. The sun was already starting to set beyond the horizon. Looking down she was able to make out a large congregation of ponies in the courtyard. The ponies were surrounded by countless banners waving languidly in the wind in celebration of the festival. Dash heard music and lighthearted cheer rise up upon the wind along with the faint hint of delicious foods and sweet drinks that sought to stimulate every aspect of her being.

It was a constant reminder of what she was missing and she tried to ignore it but it only sent her back to Ponyville. In her mind’s eye she could clearly make out images of Pinky’s sugary snacks, Applejack’s mouth-watering apple pies and cider. There was also the honeysuckle fritters, the sticky candied yams, and the fresh squeezed orange juice that she loved so much.

Using her teeth she hungrily attempted to pry the bars from the window and escape the strangling confines of the dilapidated cell, but found no relief as the bars refused to yield. Well that was at least one thing, she thought ironically, that they made sure worked in prison and worse yet it had given her a painfully aching jaw.

“Horse Feathers.” She cursed while crossing her arms in a pout before settling down upon the mattress. Promptly she felt the painful stinging sensation of something sharp stabbing her on the butt. Taken by agonizing surprise Dash cursed out the mattress for a solid five minutes in a display of colorful language that would’ve made Granny Smith blush. She’d just started to enjoy beating the crap out of the bedspread, imagining it was a guard’s face, when the clang of an opening metal gate echoed throughout the room, accompanied by the sound of three individuals traveling coming down the hallway in her direction.

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Sugarcube Corner served as a confectionary shop which was famous for it’s many sweets and delicious treats that were baked daily within its walls. The entire building itself appeared to be constructed out of the very same foods that it served. The three-story structure looked good enough to eat as it resembled a giant gingerbread house complete with white frosting, candy canes, colored sprinkles, chewy gumdrops, and with a giant pink cupcake sitting atop the roof.

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she inhaled the pungent fragrance of the fresh blueberry muffins she pulled from the oven. They smelled so delicious that she desperately wanted to stop right then and there in order to greedily consume them. Steeling herself against such a selfish temptation she placed the muffins on the counter to allow Mrs. Cake, a light cyan and rose-colored pony who owned the shop, to liberate them away from Twilight’s moist eager taste buds. Mrs. Cake placed the tray amongst all the other delectable baked goods that had been prepared for the celebration. The bakery was filled to the saturation point with the mixed heavenly scent of various types of muffins, cookies, cakes, and pies.

Beneath the delicious calm there lurked a stalking terror of unbridled aggression and its name was Pinky Pie. Her mission and duty as the self-elected, unofficial, taste tester was to sample the food for consistency and flavor while helping herself to as much of it as she could. She hummed a cheery tune as she hunted for the poor defenseless delicacies while avoiding certain elements that threatened her success.

Twilight and Spike maintained a stoic vigil around the festival food with Spike donning an iron pot for a helmet and a wooden spoon, which he carried proudly like a faithful sword. Patrolling valiantly, he ensuring that no diabolical thief or pilfering pony would bypass his watch. He happened to spot the encroaching pink terror and proceeded to raise his weapon high into the air. He masterfully struck the beast gently on the muzzle. Pinky hissed menacingly at being denied her treasure and slinked back into the shadows to wait for her next opportunity.

Twilight giggled as she watched the ridiculous exchange. However, Pinky Pie and the deserts were not the foremost thing on her mind. A part of her desired nothing more than to return to the library and scrounge amongst her books for any information regarding the Marker. They Mayor hadn’t allowed her permission to take the picture from the town hall, but that was unimportant. The image of the Marker was forever burned into her memory like the cutie-mark on her flank. Fulfilling her obligations to Pinky came first, yet she couldn’t put it out of her mind the questions that she so anxiously wanted to answer. What was the importance of the Marker, who had stolen the Tome, and where were they now?

The more she tried not to dwell on it the further her curiosity began to get the better of her. There was something about it that tickled her memory and not in a pleasant way. A disturbingly familiar memory and yet she had never heard nor seen anything regarding the Marker until a few hours ago. It was awkward, like feeling nostalgic about next week. It made no sense yet she was unable to shake the feeling that it held gravity over her life and that of her friends.

“Hey Twilight, Twi, Twi, Twilight, watcha thinking about?” Pinky interrupted while dancing around Twilight.

“Oh, um it’s nothing Pinky Pie.” Twilight shook herself out of her silent reverie. “I was just thinking about the celebration tonight.” She grinned in an attempt to reassure Pinky, but the Earth-pony was not convinced of her sincerity.

“Oh you silly filly, with a frown like that I know you’re worried about more than a little party.” Pinky then eagerly lifted a blueberry muffin to her lips and took an enthusiastic bite out of it.

“Pinky Pie!” Twilight barked, “Don’t eat the snacks before the party starts.” Twilight had an annoyed look written all over her face. She turned to search for Spike so as to give him a proper scolding for failing to defend the food. Only to find him on the floor and tied firmly in place by a pink ribbon while he happily munched on the apple that Pinky had used as a gag.

“Did you know your face is really bad at hiding secrets?” Pinky said in-between bites.

“I’m not that bad.” Twilight immediately shouted in her defense, perhaps a little too quickly.

“Absolutely terrible,” Pinky was sure to emphasize the ‘absolute’ part, “Honestly the only pony worse than you is Applejack and that’s only because she is the embodiment of the element of honesty.” She gulped down the last of the helpless muffin. “So what are you really thinking about?”

“Ugh,” Twilight growled at being caught with her mane down. Of all of her friends Pinky Pie was probably the worst one to consult with on matters of great importance, but Twilight had to try anyway. “Pinky, do you know any thing about a Marker?” To which Pinky let out a gasp in horror.

“Did somepony lose a marker?”

Twilight nodded slowly and waited for the inevitable response.

”You can borrow my markers if you like. I have lots and lots of colors; red, yellow, white, purple…Oh and pink too, I have tons of that.”

Twilight would’ve facehoofed if she hadn’t already anticipated this outcome. She admitted that Pinky sometimes did surprise everypony with an occasion tidbit of obscure knowledge, but this was clearly not one of those times.

“No! Not that kind of marker. It looks kind of like this.” Lacking paper and pen Twilight attempted to demonstrate by using both of her arms. She pressed her elbows together, crossed her arms with a slight twist, before angling her hooves back towards each other till they nearly touched. “It’s black, and has strange symbols carved on it.” Pinky regarded Twilight’s display with an unusual intensity.

“Nope,” she answered without shame. “I’ve never heard of anything like that before.”

“That’s not surprising.”

“Although there are lots of things I’ve never heard of before. Like that thing with the thing.”

“What thing?” It was Twilight’s turn to be confused as to what Pinky was babbling about.

“Well if I knew that then I would’ve heard about the thing.” Pinky patted Twilight on the shoulder and sighed in sympathy, “You really should get out more Twi.”

“Hey!” Twilight’s sharp squeal of heated indignation was interrupted as a bell above the shop’s front door rung to announce the arrival of Applejack.

“Howdy, ya’ll.” Applejack greeted as she cantered into the shop. Her southern hospitality a lot more relaxed then from before, until she nearly tripped over Spike. “Uh, should I ask why Spike is hogtied tighter than white on rice?” She looked at the others in utter puzzlement.

“Oh, that was me.” Pinky readily admitted while throwing her arms up in surrender before changing into a gravel voice, “Ya caught me red hooved copa’ but you’ll never take me alive.”

Applejack wasn’t in the mood to entertain Pinky’s absurd behavior, and so ignored the felon while she helped aided Spike in untying his restraints.

“Thanks AJ.” Spike said as he stretched his sleeping limbs and picked apple seeds from in teeth.

“Hello Applejack,” Twilight calmly interposed herself between Pinky and AJ. “Have you had any luck in reaching Big Mac and Rainbow Dash?”

“Sorry Twi,” AJ seemed to deflate as she spoke, “Thar ain’t no mail courier willin’ to fly and the Mayor has her hooves full. What about you? Have ya’ll heard anything from the Princess” AJ leaned forward in a vain hope for any good news.

“I’m sorry Applejack,” Twilight looked away in shame. “Princess Celestia hasn’t replied to any of my messages.” She fidgeted from side to side under Applejack’s waning optimism. “I wish I could do more for you, I’m really starting to worry.”

“I see.” AJ took a few tentative steps towards the exit before stopping at the door and stood there in accusing silence. Everypony in the store was still, unsure what to do next or what to say to console Applejack. After awhile Applejack took a deep breath and turned back to her friends with a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Twilight was confused at AJ’s sudden praise and even felt a little uncomfortable for it.

“For being here for me. Ah mean If it wasn’t for ya’ll,” AJ gave an appreciative nod to everypony, and dragon, in the room. “I don’t know what I’d do or who I could turn to.” She wiped away a few tentative tears.

“Don’t worry AJ,” Spike gently stroked Applejack’s mane in consolation. “I’m sure they’re alright. I’m sure Princess Celestia has everything under control.”

“Spike’s right.” Twilight place a reassuring hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, “We need to have faith in the Princess. I know that she is doing everything in her power to fix the problem.”

“Ah hope you’re right Twi, ah really do.” Applejack let the tears flow freely as she accepted her friend’s touch.

“Hey you know what this calls for? A party!” Pinky Pie’s voice exploded through the oppressive atmosphere in uncontained delight as she pointed out the window. “Look! Everypony is gathering at the center of town.”

In Sugarcube Corner everypony assembled around Pinky Pie and watched as the Mayor addressed the gathered residents of Ponyville. It was the moment they’d been looking forward to all day, the signal to begin the Summer Sun Celebration.

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Rainbow Dash edged herself into a corner, using the mattress as an improvised shield; she fortified herself against whatever wicked thing was coming her way. She was able to distinguish three vague shapes heading in her direction. One of them, the leader of the group, gave off a reflection of gold mirroring sunlight as he arrived at the mouth of Dash’s cell.

“Stay where you are.” The guard ordered her.

“What are you going to do with me?” Rainbow Dash seethed in defiance and readied herself against the inevitable. Know that she’d easily had taken on three guards before, she remained confident that she could do so again if forced to.

“I got good news for you.” The guard grumbled in displeasure while he placed a key into the door lock, “Your free to go.”

“Your letting me go?” Dash could hardly believe her luck. She felt a faint gleam of hope blooming, like a fragile flower, but she wasn’t going to allow herself to be fooled into a trap. This had to be a trick, she couldn’t contemplate it being otherwise and she never lowered her guard.

“Yeah,” he mumbled under his breath while turning the key. His body language was dismissive and he wore a permanent scowl, “as it turns out you have some rich friends who paid bail on your behalf.” The guard motioned towards the other two ponies that had accompanied him.

Dash could not recall another time when she’d been so pleasantly surprised to see the two ponies that stepped forward to greet her with welcoming smiles.

“Howdy,” greeted a large red stallion with an orange mane and an oversized green apple cutie-mark on his flank. He calmly chewed on a sprig of wheat as he approached the threshold of the prison gate.

“Big Mac!” Dash betrayed her relief as she jumped out from behind her makeshift fort and stuck her head through the bars. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you.” Dash turned to his companion whom she recognized immediately because there was no other zebra immigrant who wore several golden rings around their neck and a pair of hoop earrings.

“Zecora too, I didn’t realize you were in Canterlot.” Dash was a little unsure as to Zecora’s strange presence, but she wasn’t going to complain a gift horse, or zebra, in the mouth.

“Only in Canterlot is one who sells. An herb I need for my simple spells.” Nopony was sure why she had a habit of speaking in rhymes, but was by and large considered to be a rather eccentric individual, and when compared to the crazy ponies of Ponyville, that was saying something.

“You must calm down young flyer. Or you’ll find yourself in the fire.”

“I know,” Dash rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

“Alright, I’m releasing you into their custody.” The guard slid the metal gate open. “You’d best behave yourself. There are plenty of us guards eager to see you tossed back in.”

“Yes! I know, I know!” Dash only half-heartedly reassured the guard as she rushed to join her friends. “Thanks guys, for helping me out. I promise I’ll find some way to repay you.”

Together they followed the guard as he led them out of the dungeon. Dash came to a sudden realization. Big Mac was an apple farmer and Zecora was a bit of a loner who often spent most of her time living or working in isolation in the Everfree forest. Neither of them were exactly the type of pony to be considered rich, which was what the guard had described them as.

“I was wondering. It couldn’t have been cheap to bail me out. How did you manage to get that many bits?”

“Well,” Big Mac began neutrally, “We have ya’ll to thank for that.”

“Six to one, your defeat was sound, we felt it wise to invest a pound. Now there’s reason for us to sing, for we have won plenty bling.” Zecora shook her saddlebag which jingled with the unmistakable song of many coins.

“You didn’t?” Dash froze in horror her wings fanning out in flaming ire. “You bet against me in the fight?” To which Zecora nodded with a money winning smile. “Even you, Macintosh?” her voice broke.

“Eeyup.” Normally Big Mac wore an expression of mild disinterest. Right now he was beaming like a foal given a new shiny toy.

“I can’t believe this, you both sold me out!”

“Now looky here missy,” Macintosh scolded her without raising his voice a single decibel. “It twas ya’ll who had the pig-headed gumption to buck more than ya’ll could handle.”

“Do not protest in indignation, we’ll treat you at the celebration.” Zecora

“Hmph!” Rainbow Dash sulked, refusing to move another step. “Maybe I don’t want to go.”

“Let’s go missy.” Big Mac had grown up with two younger sisters and had plenty of experience on how to handle rebellious and stubborn fillies. Using his teeth he grabbed Dash by the ear and pulled her away.

“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Dash cried in pain while trying to break free from her tormenter, “That hurts, let me go!” She was powerless before the bigger and stronger colt as he dragged her out the door. Zecora with a hearty chuckle bowed her head to the guard before following Big Mac and Dash out the door.

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Later in the evening Twilight decided she’d had enough of the half-hearted celebrations and returned to the library. She was sure that she wasn’t the only one who’d left the festival early. It wasn’t a failure in the least but it didn’t have the energy, the punch, needed carry it all the way until sunrise. Now was her only opportunity to try and get in some study time followed by much needed shuteye before she had to Sweet Apple Acres later in the afternoon. She was certain that helping Applejack would prove to be an all day affair.

Twilight noticed her book, ‘War of Thrones,’ still sitting on the table where she’d left it. It looked so lonely by itself and seemed to call out to her; pleading for her to finish reading it’s pages. It pained her to the core that she didn’t have ample time to peruse the last chapters, but personal intellectual curiosity took a sharp back seat to the more critical research into the events unfolding before her. Gazing up at the shelves of books, trying to decide where to start, she was sideswiped by the impulsive recollection of a more pressing duty she had nearly forgotten to complete.

For Twilight it was an enjoyable daily routine, some would say ritual, for her to submit a letter to Princess Celestia about the things she’d learn that day about the importance of friendship or other interesting matters. Twilight didn’t see much use in the exercise now since the Princess seemed to be too busy to even respond right now. On the other hoof, Twilight didn’t want to fall behind in her reports and she could simply stockpile them for future delivery.

Deciding that was the best course of action she pulled out the necessary implements and began scribing the daily report. Memories began to sweep over her like a fickle wind. The day had been such a muddled mess that Twilight wasn’t at a loss on what to report, but rather she was at an impasse at how to express it clearly. Twilight still felt bad about talking to the Mayor in such a harsh fashion, but that had turned out fine in the end. Then there was the troublesome case with Applejack. Twilight was very upset that by her inability to consol Applejack in her time of need or to provide closure. A note of inspiration struck Twilight and her pen struck paper as she furiously wrote her account.

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Dear Princess Celestia,

From your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

I learned a valuable, if hard, lesson about friendship today. I realized that there are times when you can help a friend with their problems and there are times when you cannot. No matter the situation a pony must always be willing to listen to the troubles of their friends. It is always important to listen, to let them know that you care about them, you support them, and that you are willing to do whatever you can.

I helped one friend, but disappointed another. When I think about It, I realize I have not failed anypony. The answer may not always come today or tomorrow, but they know I care and it gives them hope. Sometimes that is the only answer.

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Twilight signed her name and after briefly scanning over the letter for mistakes she rolled it up and sealed it with her insignia. Feeling satisfied it was ready for delivery she placed it aside so that Spike could mail it later. She yawned loudly from fatigue and was ready to slide in-between her bed covers when she felt a magical presence emerge from behind her and a voice spoke, seemingly from thin air.

“I think I understand why you’re her favorite pupil.” It called out from the shadows, a melodious tone of silver bells ringing in a cool night wind.

“Who’s there?” Twilight shouted and spun to face the intruder. Emerging from the second floor balcony was a Pegasus Unicorn with skin the color of a moonlit midnight sky and a mane of blue silver that shined with a thousand points of light.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight hesitated, breath catching in her throat, and immediately regretful for her earlier outburst. She felt both bewildered and confused at the sudden arrival by the moon princess. Instinct overrode thought and Twilight bowed low before her out of respect and even a little fear. “I’m sorry your highness, I didn’t realize you were there.”

“It’s alright Twilight, I understand.” Despite her regal bearing, Luna seemed uncomfortable at being address in such a formal fashion. “Please, just call me Luna. I just hope you’re not mad that I let myself into your home.”

“Its no trouble at all, princ…,eh Luna. You just surprised me, that’s all. How are things in Canterlot? Are you here for the festival?” Twilight couldn’t control the rush of words that sought escape from her mouth. She hadn’t seen or heard from Luna since the Nightmare Moon incident. Was Luna bitter about the whole incident and here to inflict her revenge? Twilight’s mind went back to the rumors she’d heard about Luna. She didn’t really believe they were true, so why was she feeling so nervous.

“I’m afraid not,” Luna shook her head slowly. “I would love to join you in celebration. I fear though, that I would not be welcomed.” Even now the sounds of the party could be heard from inside the library. The sound was torture to Luna, it was a reminder of what she’d lost so long ago when she’d betrayed Equestria for her own selfish gains. Though she had finally been forgiven for her sins, it was only after a thousand years of punishment until she’d been allowed her freedom to make amends. It had taken a terrible toll and she feared she would be forced to live as an outcast for an equally long time before she could hope to be considered an equal again.

She regarded Twilight up and down with a critical eye, contemplating on what to say next. Twilight spoke with respect, but there was an undercurrent of fear in her voice. Luna wondered if Twilight’s kind words truly directed at her as a pony or her position as Celestia’s sister? Twilight only answered to Celestia and not to her and even though she’d come here on Celestia’s behalf would Twilight even trust her with what she had to say?

“I guess you’ve heard the rumors.” Luna turned her back to Twilight.

“Rumors? What rumors. There are no rumors around here.” Twilight chuckled timidly trying to hide her guilt while beads of sweat formed on her head.

“I know what Equestria thinks of me.” Luna peered out the window and glimpsed upon the distant crowd. Although the ponies celebrated under a starlit sky, she knew they only rejoiced the rising of the sun. She didn’t want to show it, but it took every ounce of willpower for her not to cry. “They believe I’m the cause of all this chaos. Maybe you’ve only heard rumors, but in Canterlot I’ve been openly and directly accused. Some ponies have even petitioned Celestia to have me banished again, or at least locked away until I confess to a crime I did not commit.”

“That’s terrible, I can’t believe they could be so heartless.” Twilight was truly shocked. Canterlot was suppose to be the center of culture, magic, and enlightenment.

“Twilight, would you care to walk with me?” Luna asked a little uncomfortably, “I think I could use a friend tonight.”

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Overhead the full moon illuminated the night sky with an ethereal light surrounded by innumerable twinkling starts like diamonds in the night sky. Twilight followed Luna as she led them both along a path leading out of Ponyville. As time passed the streetlights and festive sounds of Ponyville receded into the distance. Twilight noticed that they were heading north towards the Everfree forest. Twilight noticed that the Princess was not wearing her black crown and instead donned pair of saddlebags on her back which appeared weighted down with supplies of some nature.

“Where are we going?” Twilight was getting a little nervous at the idea of entering the forest. Ever since her encounter with a cockatrice she’d avoided Everfree like the plague. She felt a little better having Luna by her side since the Princess was the second most powerful magic user in Equestria, but why Luna would want to risk the wrath of Everfree was a mystery.

“I’ll tell you when we get a little closer.” Luna peered up at the moon her eyes loosing focus for a moment. “Tell me, Twilight, what do you know of the Everfree forest?”

“About as much as any other pony. The Everfree forest is not a pleasant place for anypony to visit because of hostile flora and fauna. I’ve have done extensive research into why its weather and existence seemed to stand in contradiction to everywhere else, but I have found very few hard facts. Most of the books I’ve read are just harmless ghost stories, but there are some accounts that are just too fantastical to be true.”

“What kind of stories?” Luna walked a little closer to her companion

“Oh, I shouldn’t waste your time with fiction.” Twilight didn’t really want to discuss the matter any further as she found the topic disturbing and didn’t want the Princess to think she was mentally disturbed.

“Please, indulge me.” Luna said encouragingly, clearly interested.

“Well,” Twilight inhaled sharply, “I found some old fragmented reports detailing a series of unexplained surge in cases of insomnia, insanity, and even suicide. It seemed to affect any pony that dared to pass through the forest or lived too close for a period of time.” Recalling those reports gave her shivers as she remembered the almost obsessive amount of morbid detail that the author had written.

“Go on.” Luna’s excitement had only grown in intensity.

“It gets weirder from there. There are some who claim to have seen the dead come back to life, family or friends speaking to them in dreams, or visions warning them about the end of the world.”

“Do you believe any of it?”

“There are no such things as zombies and ghosts.” Twilight strongly asserted. “These are just old mares tales to frighten children away from Everfree.” Twilight slowed her pace as she regarded Luna more closely. The princess seemed unusually interested in a bunch gruesome tales that were most likely written by a seriously disturbed pony. “Unless you’re implying I should believe them?”

“Fantastical nonsense to be sure,” Luna giggled unconcerned, “but then I heard many ponies thought the same of the, ‘Mare in the Moon,’ tale, yet you didn’t.” Luna leaned in closer and whispered, “What made you think otherwise?”

“Because…” Twilight stalled answering that one. It was true that there had been some corroborative accounts to support the story, but it had mostly been a gut feeling that had driven her to believe it even when faced with ponies who had been skeptical.

“Ahh, we’ve arrived.” Luna spoke up at the two of them arrived at the border to the Everfree Forest. “I need to be straight with you Twilight.” Luna turned to face the purple unicorn with a look of deep sadness in her eyes.

“What’s this all about?” Twilight arched an eyebrow in confusion.

“I was not exaggerating when I said I needed a friend. Since you freed me from Nightmare Moon’s influence I’ve struggled to fit in back in Canterlot. I have no real friends and the guards and servant avoid me for the most part. But,” Luna stared Twilight in the eyes. “Tonight our fortunes have changed.”

“I don’t think I understand.” Twilight shrunk under Luna’s overpowering gaze. It was as if she looked upon the surface of eternity when she beheld Luna’s bottomless jade green eyes.

“The truth is that I need your help Twilight Sparkle. We both need your help.” Luna turned upward to stare at the moon for a second time, allowing Twilight to recover from her stare. “You know I’ve always admired my sister. She was always the center of attention, loved and worshipped by everypony while I was chiefly ignored. It was hard living under her shadow.”

“I know, Princess Luna. I’m sorry.” Twilight wanted to cheer up the Princess, but was at a loss on what to say.

“What I must accomplish now requires secrecy and an expert touch. Celestia would do it, but she has a thousand eyes watching her at every moment, some of which may now have more vile intentions. I on the other hoof,” Luna smirked dryly, “My isolation has given me freedom to move about unnoticed. So it seems that fate has a sense of humor after all.”

“I suppose that is very ironic.” Twilight wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or worried over Luna’s newfound sense of purpose. “So what do you need from me?”

“When we enter the forest we will head straight to the ancient stone castle where the Elements of Harmony once rested.”

“You mean?”

“Yes, it is the place where you freed me from Nightmare Moon. The Everfree forest is a place of many ancient secrets and surprises. The Elements were just one of them.”

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Author’s note: Thank you for continuing to read my story. I appreciate everyone who supports this little guilty pleasure of mine. Heck, it’s a guilty pleasure for all of us, isn’t it? Sorry about the wait for the chapter. I think I could upload them faster if I had the assistance of a beta-reader. If you’re interested in helping me out then pop me an email at: [email protected]

Oh and before I forget again, “My Little Pony” is copyrighted Hasbro and Lauren Faust and Dead Space is copyrighted to EA games and Visceral.