And so I was like "wait what? No way! Then she was like, yes way then I was like no-". Wait, wait wait wait, it's my turn already?! Wow I don't even know what to say! I never really been allowed to be the narrator before! I mean, everypony always says nopony would want me narrating because what? I talk too much? Isn't that what narrators do? Talk talk talk talk talk talk, I mean really? Why Applejack doesn't give me a chance is beyond me, YEESH! I mean at least i'm not being a party pooper like the rest of these- wait what, out of time? WE JUST STARTED! Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! Uhm, brush your teeth! File your hooves! Don't stay out past dark, wait it's always dark. Always look both ways before crossing and, just between you and me! I don't think Applejack really likes the taste of apples....LATERS!

As they trotted steadily deeper into the Everfree forest, Applejack and Pinkie Pie seemed to have calmed down by now. They all trotted along a surprisingly simple dirt path that led them deeper into the unknown. Twilight raised a hoof over her eyes, squinting off into the distance, still, nothing but darkness. She sighed as she looked down while trotting along, Eden couldn't help but approach her, asking with a worried look "What's wrong Twilight?" Twilight just looked to the lower left, she uttered in disappointment "well we've been walking this path forever, and it seems to be getting us nowhere.."

Pinkie Pie bounced over to Twilight, "what are we doing here again?!"

Twilight looked over at Pinkie in slight annoyance "were heading towards the next clue Pinkie." Twilight would then open her sack and levitate the book out flipping through the pages "if i'm right, the next clue to finding the Princess should be in here somewhere, we just have to keep searching, i'm sure of it."

Applejack raised a hoof and brow "not to burst your bubbles yall but walking along some dirt road don't seem like much searching to me." To this Twilight groaned "I know Applejack, but you can't expect us to just waltz right into the heart of the forest!" She came to a halt pointing her hoof at the dark trees to the side. Eden and Pinkie just hid behind Applejack cowering as Twilight pointed this out. Applejack rolled her eyes as she eyed the two cowering ponies behind her, she muttered "point taken."

As they continued to trot Twilight did look down in contemplation however. Ugh but Applejack is right, we can't just keep walking this path forever, this forest is huge, the old festival ruins could be anywhere.

Suddenly as Pinkie and Eden were conversing up ahead, Applejack decided to approach Twilight. Applejack looked a little hesitant at first but finally spoke. "Hey Twilight, why don't you ever come out often?"

Twilight's eyes widened as she lowered her head, looking embarrassed "ha, maybe it's the fact nopony wants anything to do with me and they all think i'm crazy?" Applejack raised a brow "Now that just aint true! Looky here?" Applejack wrapped her hoof around Twilight as they trotted along. She pointed another hoof towards Eden and Pinkie, where Pinkie at the moment was trying to tear off the colt's mane.

"Sure Pinkie can go a little overboard sometimes, but she does that with everypony!" Applejack exclaimed. Applejack then let go of Twilight before smiling down at her "and for the record, I don't think you're crazy, sure you can be a bit different sometimes but that's what makes a pony unique."

She then sighed looking at Pinkie who was still tormenting the blue colt "I mean just look at who I hang with!"

Twilight couldn't help but smile a little as Applejack continued "and that little blue fella," Applejack paused as Twilight merely stared at him up ahead. "He came all the way from manehattan just ta see you, ta him, you were the last pony he could turn to." Twilight smiled up at Applejack with guilty eyes.

"Thank you Applejack..." she muttered. Applejack smiled "No need to thank me."

Suddenly Pinkie let off a screeching yell, Applejack and Twilight stopped then peered forward with wide eyes. Surrounding the two frightened Ponies up ahead was a pack of, "Timberwolves?" questioned Twilight.

Applejack had a horrified expression as she immediately began rushing towards the two surrounded ponies. "Hold on you two! I'm coming!" Twilight held out a hoof calling to Applejack "WAIT! Applejack, I have an idea!" Applejack halted as she had a worried expression glancing back at Twilight "Well you best hurry sugarcube, them wolves don't look like they fancy waiting!" while Eden and Pinkie just embraced each other while their teeth chattered. The Timberwolves continued their approach, licking their chops as they did so.

Twilight then began to tap her hoof lightly against herself as she pondered her idea. She smirked with confidence as Applejack merely chewed her hoof in a nail biting motion nervously. Twilight called out to Eden and Pinkie "Yell you two!"

Eden and Pinkie raised brows at one another as Pinkie yelled at Twilight "Are you crazy?!"

Suddenly the pack of Timberwolves all halted, lowering their heads, they seemed much more hesitant in their approach. Twilight smirked "stomp your feet! Make loud noises!"

Pinkie looked utterly confused as Eden shook her "comon Pinkie, hurry act like a dragon or something!"

Pinkie's expression lit up "A dragon?! I can be a dragon!" Pinkie suddenly let off a loud roar as the Timberwolves whined, backing away from them slowly. Eden let out a sigh of relief "It's working," as Pinkie continued to roar. Applejack took notice of this and rushed into the situation herself "Yea you mangy mutts! GET GET! GET OUT OF HERE!" she yelled fiercely as she stomped her hooves into the dirt.

Soon the Timberwolves turned and ran in fear, scurrying back into the forest as Applejack approached Twilight. "Quick thinking sugarcube, them wolves ran off like a bunch of lil'filly's." Twilight shrugged with an embarrassed smile "Oh it was nothing I just-" Pinkie tackled Twilight hugging her and sobbing like a newborn foal "OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH, I THOUGHT I WAS DONE FOR, THEN THEN, WAAAAAH." Twilight smiled patting Pinkie, "you had it all along Pinkie."

Pinkie immediately stopped crying then smiled "I know," then continued bouncing down the path. Eden then approached Twilight with a smile "thanks again Twilight, you really are amazing." Twilight turned slightly red as she rubbed the top of his head "oh it was nothing, just a study on Timberwolves I did back in Canterlot, apparently loud noises scare them." Eden just smiled up at her "well it worked." He then continued trotting.

Twilight had a cheesy smile as she lowered her head looking embarrassed as Applejack winked at her.

As they all continued down the path, they still weren't running into anything too peculiar. The four ponies were conversing amongst each other enjoying themselves. They were telling humorous stories and ultimately having fun. Twilight smiled as she looked at the three of them, she seemed to be reflecting on things. These three ponies didn't constantly call her a book worm or claim she was a shut in. As they got to know her, things only got better. It wasn't like those times in Canterlot.

As she walked at some point Twilight placed her hoof over her chest this feeling? she thought.

Soon the four ponies came to a peculiar stop in their travels. The path cut off?

Twilight then had a shocked expression as she pulled out her book and flipped through the pages "What, a dead end? This isn't right, something is terribly off here."

Applejack just looked around the area, the dirt path just stopped, they were in what appeared to be a small patch of open land completely surrounded by forest. The only path was the one back. Twilight shook her head, she looked completely puzzled as Eden and Pinkie were just playing tic tac toe with sticks and rocks. Applejack approached Twilight with a somewhat confused look "uhm Twi, there's nothing here." Twilight sighed "I know, I'm trying to figure out what's the matter, I mean if there was a festival, I'm sure ponies weren't required to run blindly through the forest to find it. There has to be something i'm missing." Her eyes widened as she then peered towards Eden who cheered "haha I win!" as Pinkie gasped "What?!"

Twilight then rushed to the blue colt lifting him with a shocked look "I can't believe I totally forgot to ask, where did you get the crown?!" Eden blinked a bit laughing then shrugging "oh of course Twilight, you see that's a long sto-" Applejack interrupted as she pointed to the trees up ahead. "Twilight! Something's comin!"

Large booming footsteps could be heard with a fierce growl to follow. The trees were being pushed aside like nothing, whatever was coming, it was big, and it was fierce. Twilight gulped as Applejack had a fearless look, Eden and Pinkie once again embraced each other trembling. Coming out from amongst the trees was a large blue bear, it's body in the form of the constellations. Twilight muttered in disbelief "an...u-ursa minor?"

Applejack just laughed, stomping a hoof in front of the large bear. "HAH! Watch yourself big fella! We may look small but we make an unstoppable team." Twilight was trying to signal Applejack to stop from behind but Applejack wasn't paying any attention. All of her attention was focused on the bear.

"So you best run along now, before we decide to get all serious on ya." As the Ursa Minor just blinked at Applejack, she shrugged "Well, fine then, you wanna play hard ball that's your choice!"

Applejack smirked looking up at the Ursa Minor "So Twilight, what's the plan this time hm?"

Twilight spoke in a very low, barely audible tone with a squeak in her voice. "Run..."

Applejack burst out in laughter, barely able to contain herself as she looked down shaking her head. "Haha, you funny Twi, anyway, seriously, what's the plan sugarcube?"

Twilight gulped repeating herself "Run, definitely Run..."

Applejack raised a brow "I beg ya pardon?"

Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs "RUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!"

Applejack's expression sunk "oh," with this the four ponies then bolted to the left, into unknown territory of the Everfree Forest. They just sprinted as fast as they could as the Ursa Minor roared, chasing after them in pursuit. Applejack snatched up Eden throwing him onto her back as Pinkie bounced like a rabbit powered on methane. They just ran and ran, the bushes and branches blocking their lines of sight and smacking them in their faces along the way.

"Any idea where were heading?!" screamed Applejack. "NOPE!" screamed Twilight. Pinkie chuckled calling out to them "This is so exciting!" as Eden shrugged, then clinging onto Applejack's mane.

As they sprinted they all came to an unfortunate slope, tripping and tumbling down the bumpy sides. They happened to fall straight into a deep dark crevice in the ground, as they fell into the darkness they screamed, their voices trailing off as they disappeared from sight. The Ursa stopped at the slope, sniffing then looking down, seems he'd lost his prey. It turned around snarling a bit as it went back in the direction it came, perhaps it's home deeper into the forest.

As they fell, Twilight looked around, they were falling too fast for her to identify anything. She saw Pinkie who was just laughing swinging her hooves as she fell and Applejack who was screaming as well as Eden. Twilight's horn began to glow as she casted thin barriers around everypony. This protected them from sharp rocks along the sides of the walls. As they fell for practically an entire minute, they actually hit water. Twilight gasped, bursting her head out breaking the surface of the rapids as she noticed majority of the things in her bag were gone. She coughed looking around as the strong current was forcing her to move with it.

They were in a deep underground cavern it seemed, it was large and spacious, the rocky ceiling a towering distance above. Twilight didn't really have time to think but she couldn't help but wonder Where are we?. Her eyes then widened as she'd remembered The others! she looked around as best she could but the powerful rapids threw her around like a rag doll. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Applejack who had a good hold on the colt. Twilight coughed then yelling "Pinkie?!" Pinkie then passed Twilight, actually backpedaling with her hooves through the Rapids. She waved at Twilight "Sup!"

Twilight just looked at her for a second, covered her face with her hoof, then just continued screaming.

As the four ponies were flung and tossed through the fierce current, Twilight desperately tried to figure out a way to get everypony out of this situation. She noticed lots of her things floating in the water moving along with them. Twilight then caught a glimpse of THE CROWN!

Her horn glowed a faint purple color as she levitated the crown towards her. She hugged it against her chest as she closed her eyes, trying to think of a plan.

Applejack was breathing heavily as she did her best to keep her head above the water. She noticed Eden was still clung onto her as he had his eyes closed, remaining silent as he just held on tight trying not to look at what was ahead. Applejack spoke in a reassuring tone "d-don't worry sugarcube, we'll get out of this." Applejack then looked around herself, she looked up, nothing but a rocky, cavernous ceiling. She then peered to her right, there it was, a island?! It was ways away but it was still a miracle something such as that piece of land was here in an underground cavern.

Applejack raised a brow, as she looked in the direction the island was in. She noticed the rapids swung around it, like one large circle. It was as if they were stuck in a giant whirlpool and that island was sitting dead in the center of it. She then looked around in the distance, the direction they were being forced to in particular. There were many other alternate paths the rapids would lead them through if they didn't get out of it soon. Applejack gritted her teeth, she wasn't going to take the chance of getting lost in the dark. If they got caught in those tunnels, they might never get out.

Applejack called out to Pinkie "Pinkie! Pinkie!" Pinkie who was still backpedaling turned to look at Applejack with a smile "Yep?!" Applejack took a deep breath then continued "you see anything long in particular, like a rope?!" Pinkie raised a brow and then looked around, she gasped in delight as she saw flinging through the water, long torn pieces of leather, scattered around and twisted. This was most likely what remained of Twilights large backpack, Pinkie smiled tossing it over to Applejack who quickly turned that long torn leather into a reliable lasso.

As they were still being pushed through the rapids, the island in the distance was only getting further and they were only closer to getting pulled down some random passageway. Applejack moved as fast as she could, in the distance she saw a possible route out, the jagged walls of the open cavern had pointy rocks on them, more than enough to pull them to safety. She attempted to swing her lasso at them a few times but couldn't, she was too busy trying not to drown. Eden then peeked a bit, noticing what Applejack was trying to do, his expression lit up as he looked to her "Applejack I got an idea."

Meanwhile Twilight continued pondering what to do as she hugged the crown, she was coming up with nothing. She panicked in her head what do i do, what do i do? suddenly she heard somepony calling out to her. She opened her eyes and saw not far away Eden and Applejack, Eden was using magic to hold the lasso over the water. Twilight immediately caught on and helped keep the lasso up above the water, as they passed by one they quickly flung the noose around the pointy edge of a rock. Applejack smiled, this was her time to shine, she then pulled tight on the lasso pulling her up against a rock wall. She grabbed Twilight who was nearly forced past them while she kept her grip on the lasso with her teeth.

Applejack then looked for Pinkie as did Eden and Twilight. Eden pointed "THERE SHE IS!" Pinkie was still practically enjoying herself as she was coming close to passing them. Twilight yelled to Pinkie "Pinkie grab my hoof!" her voice barely audible over the roaring rapids. Pinkie chuckled reaching out her hoof to Twilight as everyone sighed with relief, Twilight smiling as unexpectedly, SHE MISSED?!

Pinkie's hoof tapped Twilight's but she didn't fully grab hold. Pinkie was flung past the three ponies who now had panicked expressions, Applejack's in particular sunk, her eyes filled with dread. She yelled to Pinkie "PINKIEEEEE!!!" she called out as Pinkie merely continued to chuckle, fading into the distance and then being pulled down another path disappearing from sight, with the rapids, further into the unknown.

Twilight's hoof trembled as she couldn't fully process what just happened. Eden merely stared in the direction Pinkie just was then looked down at Applejack who had a tragic look on her face. She closed her eyes, shaking her head as she grunted, looking ahead with a determined look. She continued to pull them closer to the large piece of land and after repeating the lasso process, they eventually made it. After a long and frightening experience, they finally made it out of the rapids.

As they finally crawled onto the island, they coughed water, breathing heavily, they were indeed exhausted. Applejack stood to her hooves remaining silent as Twilight looked up at her, guilt written all over her face. "I'm, I'm sorry Applejack, I thought I-" Applejack interrupted "IT'S....it's not your fault Twilight, don't you dare blame yourself for something like this," she looked back at Twilight with a weak smile. "Just...just make sure this wasn't for nothing please."

As they all got to their hooves, Eden turned around for a second. He looked off into the distance, watching the raging waters and multiple caverns, then the one Pinkie got pulled into. He lowered his head closing his eyes as a quick tear hit the ground, Applejack walked over moving him along "come on sugarcube, let's go." They all walked, depressed as they began to try to figure out where exactly they were.

After some time Twilight had a frustrated expression on her face, they walked around the large piece of land but so far there was nothing but towering boulders and small mountains. They continued their trek, Twilight looked up in confusion "what exactly is this place? This can't just be some random natural occurrence." She looked around "judging by the landscape, any other crevices in the area would eventually lead you here, but why?" Eden and Applejack remained silent as they listened to Twilight. "Were missing something, but what?" she pondered as she sat. Applejack sighed "seems were also missing something at this point."

Applejack then questioned Twilight while leaning against a boulder "ya never told us exactly what it is were looking for besides a clue Twilight, care to fill us in?" Twilight then nodded "y-yea, sorry about that, now that my book's gone It's best to use outside sources, were all out of options here. What I was hunting for was the last remnants of the setting sun festivals." Applejack raised a brow "wait, like from the story?" Twilight nodded "yes, we've already deduced that this crown is related to some unknown princess, this princess must be connected to the sun somehow, we just have to find her. Apparently the setting sun festival was where ponies would gather to worship the sun and moon at a particular time of year."

Eden and Applejack nodded as they understood what she had to say.

"So if we can find those ruins, then we can perhaps find a clue to how to find the princess."

As Twilight trotted back and forth, after some time she eventually came to a halt, her eyes widened, everything she said flashing through her head as she lit up "OF COURSE!" She then turned around running her hooves along the boulders. She then lit her horn by some, then others, repeating the process until one revealed Ancient Markings? her eyes widened in disbelief. Applejack and Eden looked just as shocked, Twilight smiled in excitement proclaiming "these are the ruins! were standing on them!"

She raised a hoof "This strange island, in the middle of a supposed whirlpool? This is the result of a cataclysm caused by powerful magic, this whole underground fortress! It was buried away practically erased from existence, it's incredible!"

Twilight would prance, looking around "of course, this was hidden! Erased, forgotten, Princess Luna has managed to practically erase all traces of this princess it's only natural she'd turn anything related to her into rubble." Twilight looked down smiling, muttering to herself "I wasn't crazy, i'm not crazy, I'M NOT CRAZY!" she exclaimed happily.

She ran her hoof along the markings "if we can just manage to find a way out and lead everypony down here then we can prove-" Eden interrupted "Twilight?" Twilight smiled at him "yes what is it?" Applejack pointed at the crown which was glowing a radiant yellow, the glow fading in and out like a beeping signal.

Twilight's eyes widened as she grabbed the crown, she studied it for a few moments before Applejack questioned "what's it doing?" she shrugged. Twilight examined the crown intensely as she muttered "I believe its reacting to something." Eden's eyes widened at this, he then looked away hesitantly, he was hiding something. "This way guys," as they walked, they eventually arrived to a more open area, there were more sleek boulders, more like destroyed walls.

Twilight took notice of this, as she walked closer to them, the crown began to glow dramatically. Applejack exclaimed "careful Twilight, you don't know what that thing could be doing." Eden gulped as they continued to trot, as they arrived at a center-point area as Twilight blinked, the crown wasn't fading in and out of it's glow anymore, it was glowing permanently.

Eden and Applejack backed away as a faint rumbling soon began to echo around the cavern, they lowered their heads as the rumbling only got louder and louder. Applejack called out to Twilight "get down Twilight! Looks like we might be getting a big quake!" Twilight shrieked as she lowered her head covering it and closing her eyes as did the other two. Suddenly there was a loud outstanding boom as yellow vibrant rays exited from the crown.

They all eventually opened their eyes slowly but were speechless by what they saw. They slowly stood to their hooves, their jaws dropped as there was a long silence. They were no longer in that cavern, but someplace, indescribable. Applejack uttered in disbelief "this can't be real."

As they stood upon the mountainside of a beautiful land. The colors were diverse, the sky was a beautiful light blue and the clouds were a puffy white. The grass was bright green and birds flew through the sky, animals frolicked through the lands in the distance.

As Applejack felt the warmth on her face, and saw the beautiful condition the land was in, she was at a loss for words. This was what she'd always dreamed of as a filly, a world that could thrive off something such as the sun. A world earth ponies could actually prosper themselves in.

Eden hugged the ground, barely able to contain his overwhelming happiness. Just like in the stories pops

Twilight merely stared as her eyes lit up as she saw what was in the sky, there, large and beautiful, so bright she raised her hoof over her eyes. The Sun

Soon a mysterious voice replied to Applejack. "That's because it isn't..."

All their eyes widened as they immediately turned around on impulse, their jaws dropping at the sight of her. There stood a beautiful, tall, agile mare beyond the definition of majestic. Her long silky mane flowed with the wind, possessing beautiful bright colors. Her coat was a snow white, and she possessed a kind and gentle face.

She spoke in a elegant voice, wise and caring "So you've finally arrived, my little ponies."

Twilight spoke, her voice barely audible, still trying to come to the realization this was all truly happening. "Y-You, you're, you're the-"

The large white mare looked at Twilight as if waiting for her to finish  "I am Princess Celestia, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight's eyes snapped wide Princess, Celestia?! as Applejack just came in with a somewhat angered and confused look.

"Now wait just a darn minute! So you're tellin me not only did you know we were comin, but you also know who we are?" Applejack questioned.

Celestia shook her head, walking past the three ponies, then staring off into the distance. "To be completely honest with you, I've expected you ponies for a long time." She continued to look off "ever since that colt over there found my crown."

Applejack and Twilight looked over at Eden who just smiled back at them.

"There is something I must know however, how did you three come to arrive here?" Twilight stepped up shaking her head "I'm not sure Princess, we just took your crown to the Setting Sun Ruins in everfree, then we ended up here."

Celestia looked at Twilight as if surprised then looked ahead once again. "I see, then my time is short, but I still have more than enough to let you ponies know what must be done." She looked up some "I assume my sister is in charge of things at the moment in Equestria. Is this correct?"

They all kind of laughed a little as Twilight shook her head questioning "wait a second, your sister?"

Princess Celestia was not humored, she merely replied "Yes, Princess Luna? She rules over the lands correct?"

Applejack's jaw dropped as Eden raised it for her, Twilight nodding "uhm yes, she is."

Princess Celestia sighed "I see, then this will be that much harder." Celestia turned to face the three of them "My little ponies, what I ask of you is beyond the threshold of difficult, It pains me to do so, but you are the only ones who can accomplish such a feat. To the lands far in the east, you know what lies there."

Twilight looked down pondering what she meant for a second then looking at her questioningly "the, land of dragons?" She raised a brow.

Princess Celestia nodded "you must head there, find a dragon known as Mythos and tell him what has occurred. He will provide you with what you need, I will see you all again, with time."

Twilight shook her head as she looked up at the princess "w-wait, what? Where are you going?"

Applejack spoke as well "please don't go, we need you in Equestria."

Celestia looked down, saddened by their words "I know my little ponies,  I wish I could join you on your way back but I must remain here. What you see now is merely a shade of my former self, a drawback of powerful magic, created by the reaction of what you all found. It is only temporary, soon it's essence will fade from here, as will I."

Twilight objected, a hint of defiance in her voice "tell us how to free you!"

Celestia shook her head "only by creating a similar experience such as this, and far more powerful will I even have a minor chance of permanently returning to your world. The true answer lies with my sister, in the heart of darkness. That however, is something you will learn about in time."

Twilight still objected "b-but how can we go against the Princess?! It's impossible!"

Applejack continued "Yea not ta burst your bubble or nothin princess but your sister ain't exactly no pushover, she does got like, a million ponies backing her up, we ain't nothing but a bunch of ponies from ponyville."

Princess Celestia chuckled at this "something i've learned during my time here my little ponies is that, as long as you believe, anything is possible. You all have proven time and again that if you work together, you can accomplish feats beyond your imagination's. With the power of friendship and love, you will never be alone in the darkness. You will run into tragedy, sadness, pain, these things are unavoidable it seems. But so long as you have each other, so long as you continue to not lose hope, there is no force in any world that will be able to thwart you." She nodded to them.

As she finished, the world around them had begun to glow a bright white, eventually everything becoming so bright it'd become impossible to see. Twilight, Applejack, and Eden stared at the Princess as she began to disappear. Trying to focus on her as the world around them faded.

"Ah, it seems it is time for me to go."

Twilight called out to her "wait princess!"

She gave them all one last gentle smile "Each and every one of you has a role to play, and not everything is always as it seems. Do not be afraid Twilight Sparkle, you were never alone."

With that, the princess was gone.

Twilight, Applejack, and Eden opened their eyes to find themselves back in the caverns. They all stood to their hooves, unsure of what to say. Applejack just shook her head "tell me I wasn't dreaming yall," Twilight sighed "you weren't, I think we can all agree what we saw was real." Eden remained silent, he simply stared at the ground, not really sure how to express how he felt about all of this.

Applejack looked at Twilight who had a serious expression. "What now Twilight?"

Twilight looked at them with a smile "you heard her guys, were going to the land of dragons!"

Eden shrugged "but we have to get out of here first."

Twilight nodded looking up at the cavernous walls, and the darkness that engulfed them "that's for sure."

As they trotted, exploring everything about this small island that there was, It took them awhile but they found a possible exit route to the outside. It was pairs of jagged rocks sticking out of the water and stretching across the rapids, they led to tunnel that seemed pretty steep, it was the most likely place to escape. As they hopped from rock to rock one by one, Applejack said in a cautious manner "careful yall, these rocks are real slippery! Fall into that water and you're done for!"

Twilight then trembled as she hopped, muttering to herself "go to your happy place, go to your happy place!"

Eden was doing surprisingly well as he made it from one rock to the other. Soon as Twilight hopped she tripped, letting off a scream, Eden and Applejack's eyes widened as they yelled in sync "TWILIGHT!" Twilight then poofed immediately towards the edge on impulse. She chuckled looking at them embarrassed as she sat on the rocky terrain "hehe, forgot I could do that." Both Applejack and Eden placed their hooves over their faces shaking their heads.

As they all climbed throughout the tunnel, it was only a matter of time before they finally arrived on the outside. Applejack took a breath of fresh air "oh I never been so happy to see that same ol'night sky!" Eden laughed nudging her gently "second to that" They turned around to see Twilight kissing the ground.

As they trotted through the forest Applejack questioned "hey Twilight? Can't we just do what you said, and take everypony down to them here ruins, and show em the markings? Won't that get them on our side?"

Twilight shook her head "sadly no Applejack, I realized a bit after we talked to the princess that that's only a temporary fix to the problem. Eventually the princess would win over everypony again by the same means she used whenever she first became the only ruling princess. No, the only way to end this is by releasing Princess Celestia, then she can make everything right again." Applejack smiled looking up "ah that sun, I never felt anything so nice in my entire life." Twilight nodded with a smile "agreed." Applejack looked down with a saddened look "I'm sorry for doubting you two, I only wish pinkie was around to see it." Eden lowered his head closing his eyes as Twilight nodded "don't apologize, and we all do Applejack."

Twilight smiled as the three of them came to a peculiar spot in the forest. They were basically at the forests edge, it was an open barren field yet all the way to the left of them, was a very jagged cliff. Eden walked over to the cliff looking down, a river far below and trees off in the distance. The forest was more massive than they thought. Twilight turned to face them, a confident expression on her face "but we have one thing now guys! The element of surprise! We can arrange for a trip to the land of dragons, and then-" suddenly a voice would cut her off "I beg to differ, Sparkle."

Eden's, Applejack's and obviously Twilight jumped at the sound of another pony nearby. They all turned around as a shadowy figure emerged from the forest. It was the cowled pony, her face still concealed by shadow. Twilight squinted her eyes at her "Sparkle? Why does that seem so familiar?" The cowled pony laughed leaning her head back "Perhaps because it's your name, you clueless girl!" Twilight stepped in front of Eden and Applejack "whoever you are, i'm not going to let you hurt my friends!"

The cowled pony laughed once more "I have no quarrel with those lowly rebels, you however, you will be coming with me along with that crown." Twilight gasped looking at the crown in her hoof, she gritted her teeth at the mysterious mare "in your dreams!"

The cowled pony chuckled "I was hoping you'd say something like that."

Suddenly Twilight would be knocked back, flying midair from the amount of force put into the mysterious mares attack. Twilight coughed as she skidded across the dirt Telekinesis? she rolled and tumbled off the cliff as Applejack caught her by her hoof and swung her back over onto the ground. "whew close call!"

The mysterious mare laughed "Good catch."

Applejack gritted her teeth as she stomped a hoof "why yoooou-"

Twilight focused as she looked at the cowled pony.

Applejack and Twilight stood together, not far from her as she remained silent. "Applejack, we need to work together, whoever she is, for her to be able to cast such telekinetic force, she is very skilled in magic."

Applejack had a somewhat nervous look nodding "I got you Twilight,"

The cowled pony could only chuckle hearing how seriously they were taking her. "I'm flattered, really, fine, i'll play with you upstarts for a few minutes then we really must be heading back, the princess can be quite the impatient pony."

Twilight raised a brow "the princess? What have we done to upset the princess?!"

The cowled pony just sighed "oh I think you know," Twilight snapped back "No, I don't!"

Applejack stomped a hoof "What, is spending some time in the forest against the rules now?!"

The cowled pony laughed "fine, play dumb all you want, but tell me, what is that crown you have there? What business does four- oh? What is this? There is only three of you now." As she noticed Applejack's expression sink she leaned her head back some "oh, I see, how tragic, either way it makes my job easier."

Applejack was becoming infuriated with the pony as Twilight held her back whispering "calm yourself Applejack, we can take her down but we have to be cautious. I don't know how the princess caught on to us but we can't let her smug persona get to us, we'll be playing right into her hands." Applejack nodded as Twilight continued to whisper "just follow my lead."

Twilight tossed the crown over to Eden who caught it with his mouth.

They continued to whisper as the cowled mare raised a brow. She peered over at Eden who was sitting on the sidelines now holding the crown for Twilight, he just stuck his tongue out at her as she gasped, obviously offended by the display.

As Twilight and Applejack finished discussing their strategy, the cowled pony just scoffed "finally finished?" Twilight smirked as she nodded "oh yea, were finished alright." Applejack smiled lowering her frame "Now sugarcube?" Twilight pointed "yep now is fine," Applejack bolted forward, sprinting towards the cowled mare who just laughed. "Rushing head on against a unicorn? Learn your place earth pony!" She readied her horn as Twilight squinted at her. "LEFT!" she yelled as Applejack rolled to the left, a blast of telekenetic force pushed past the ground like a strong gust of wind where Applejack previously stood. The cowled mare gasped "what?!" As she fired another blast of telekinetic force towards Applejack, Twilight began to sprint herself on the outer perimeter but still keeping a close eye on Applejack, she yelled "RIGHT!" Applejack rolled right, dodging the cowled pony's spell once more.

The cowled pony chucked "let's stop playing games shall we?" As Applejack jumped, preparing to tackle the cowled pony Twilight stood not too far from her side. She readied a magic spell her horn glowing a violet hue! Applejack yelled a few inches from grabbing her "GOT'CHA!" and with that the cowled pony vanished. Twilight's eyes widened Teleportation!

she however continued with her spell blasting it at Applejack, the spell would place a small force field around Applejack, ensuring nothing could get in or out. As the cowled pony reappeared at the opposite side of Twilight, she blasted a beam towards where Applejack was, Applejack's eyes widened as the beam engulfed her position, destroying the very ground around it. Luckily Twilight's shield protected her from the blast.

The cowled pony smiled "nice one." As Twilight appeared above her, using teleportation of her own. Twilight then fired a beam straight down at the cowled pony who merely teleported out of the way reappearing by the cliff's edge. At this point Twilight and the Cowled pony were just firing blasts of magic at each other, teleporting to dodge each others attacks. Eden hid in the bushes while Applejack irked, she yelled at Twilight "Twilight get me out of this thing!" Twilight nodded, too concentrated to speak as she teleported to Applejack's position, tapping the shield quickly as it popped.

Applejack smiled "thank ya Twi-" Twilight yelled "watch out!" Applejack's eyes widened as she rolled out of the way of the blast. Twilight gritted her teeth at the cowled mare who stood at the edge of the cliff. "You are definitely skilled Sparkle, I can't recall the last time i've had this much fun."

Applejack rushed towards her "why you!" she merely teleported out of the way causing Applejack to skid and nearly fling herself off the cliff. She reappeared behind Applejack raising her back hoof about to kick her off, she uttered "you're in the way, earth pony." She kicked towards Applejack while Twilight and Eden gasped "APPLEJACK!" as Applejack smirked, pushing against the ground forcibly turning herself quickly grabbing the cowled ponies back hoof. "About time ya got physical!" The cowled pony gasped "what?!" As she teleported taking Applejack with her. As she reappeared midair Applejack laughed "I'm not letting ya go!" as she pulled on her mane putting a beating to her.

Twilight and Eden cheered "Go Applejack!" as Applejack continued to hold on, the cowled pony was getting highly frustrated, as she reappeared in the middle of the field of battle she gritted her teeth as Applejack prepared to pull off her hood. The cowled pony then screamed as she raised her front hooves standing on her back ones proclaiming "ENOUGH!!!" with that Applejack flew off her as the very air grew thick and heavy.

Applejack stumbled to her hooves, lifting herself up, bruised and cut from the attack. "What, was that?"

Twilight's eyes were wide with horror as she saw the cowled pony possessed something far more dangerous than Applejack and Eden realized. "but that's impossible, thats-" The cowled pony chuckled maniacally "familiar sparkle?"

Surrounding the cowled pony was a black essence, a dark aura, it twisted the very air and placed an indescribable pressure around any too close to it's perimeter. It twisted and writhed as if it were a living thing. Her horn cracked with black lightning.

"D-Dark Magic?" she muttered.

The cowled pony chuckled "yes sparkle, are you scared yet? You know what this is."

Twilight shook her head in denial. "But that's impossible, the only two ponies to ever master dark magic were"

The cowled pony interrupted "yes, King Sombra and our dear favorite, Princess Luna."

Twilight breathed heavily, her eyes widening "t-then that means you're!-"

The cowled pony laughed "does it really come as such a surprise? Come now, i'm highly disappointed I was forced to use this against you, and because of an earth pony no doubt, I'm no longer in the mood for small talk." She raised a hoof at Twilight who froze up, merely staring.

Eden then suddenly came rushing in "Get away from them!" yelling as his horn glowed.

The cowled pony rolled her eyes as she merely swatted the colt away like a fly. He tumbled then flying off the cliff "oops," she chuckled, Eden plummeting down into the river below along with the crown. Applejack's eyes widened with a horrified look "N-NO!" she then rushed over jumping off the cliff herself, diving down into the same river. "What a moron, to take such a risk."

Twilight herself then tried to rush to the cliff "APPLEJACK! EDEN" with a worried look as the darkness stretched from the cowled mare. She shook her head "I, don't, think so" grinning afterwords.

In a few moments Twilight would be laying on the floor, beaten and bruised as the cowled pony sighed "if only you came quietly, all of this could of been avoided sparkle." She then whistled, as a black chariot would emerge from a dark portal. The cowled mare would poof on strange chains around Twilight's hooves then a dark tendril would wrap around the violet mare, tossing her into the chariot.

The cowled mare would smirk, entering the chariot herself as she then flew off, Twilight now her prisoner. Twilight was barely conscious as she peered out the window while laying down. She saw clouds, even some lightning. As time went on she eventually heard sirens, she couldn't hear so well but it sounded like multiple ponies were yelling about something. As they landed the cowled pony exited the chariot with a smile "i'll be with you in a second sparkle."

Twilight could overhear some conversations as the cowled pony walked outside the chariot.

"What're you doing here?" somepony questioned "That is none of your concern Pegasi"

"Now shouldn't you be moving pillars?"

"Why! I OUGHTA!" , "calm down now Rainbow"

"Put a leash on that dog."

"What are you doing here?"

Twilight's eyes widened "S-Shining?" she pondered.

"I'm securing my prisoner for interrogation of course."  

"Prisoner?"

As the cowled pony smirked she called back to the chariot "You can bring her out now boys!" as the cowled pony said those words, two lunar guards escorting the chariot came and grabbed Twilight. They forced her to her hooves, making her walk out slowly, as Twilight exited the chariot, bright lights blinded her. She could see the thick blue clouds however, they were so close, where was she? It was pretty cold, as she adjusted her vision she saw all eyes were on her. She looked around as Shining had a look of dread standing on a large platform at a high cloud tower. "T-Twilight?" he muttered.

As Twilight walked down the path, she replayed Princess Celestia's words in her head over and over again.

"Do not be afraid Twilight Sparkle, you were never alone."

Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Mission Impossible Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 3 Minutes