It's not that I don't like anypony else, no no no, that's just not true at all. It's just that I, I always freeze up during conversations. I just don't want anypony to get mad at me, I always worry about what they'll say. What happens if I offend them, or If I accidentally make them sad? I just don't think I'd be able to be happy with myself. Oh and the pressure, It's just that stuff out there, is too tough for somepony like me. I never wanted Rainbow to think something bad happened, I would of told her if I knew they cared. I thought I was just a burden, until I met all my babies. Oh they're just so precious, with their funny little noses and beady little eyes. They're just so fluffy and cute, I could never leave them forever. They need me, they'll always need me.

As they passed through the river that would lead them into the land of dragons, it was only a matter of time before Applejack noticed something fishy was going on. The river was wide, and a few hours earlier one could see the thick trees at each side and ways ahead, but now it was different. Applejack peered to her left and to her right, she couldn't see anything, nothing but a dense and shrouding fog. She trotted over to the back of the boat, she raised a hoof over her eyes attempting to gaze at the distance behind them, but she couldn't, once again, nothing but a thick dense fog. Applejack sighed shaking her head.

She began muttering to herself "oh please oh please, let her say something not totally obvious of a bad situation." Applejack tipped her hat, taking a deep breath as she then turned around, and approached Fluttershy. Fluttershy was actually steering the boat forward at the moment with a large paddle, & bubbles, her pet hydra, was still guiding the boat from underneath. As Applejack approached she prepared to speak, although before she could, Fluttershy spoke first. Fluttershy lowered her frame close to the water off the side of the boat, muttering "bubbles..." Bubbles, the pet hydra would poke her head out once again, she stared at Fluttershy with wide eyes. Fluttershy smiled patting her head "you head on home now, you know you can't swim through the water up ahead." Bubble's eyes saddened as she just stared at Fluttershy. Fluttershy gave the hydra a gentle kiss on the nose "i'll be back home soon...now go, hurry, I don't want you getting hurt." Bubbles reluctantly agreed, lowering her head back down into the water, removing herself from beneath the boat and then making her way in the opposite direction. As Applejack eavesdropped on that entire situation, she gulped, scurrying to the back of the boat, watching as Bubbles left them to fend for themselves.

Fluttershy continued to steer, thankfully it wasn't so tough due to the powerful current of the water helping them move along. Applejack then rushed over to Fluttershy, chuckling nervously "erhm hey sugarcube, why'd ya send off your little hydra friend?" Fluttershy just shook her head looking forward "because, I don't want her getting hurt." Applejack's expression sunk as her ears lowered "f-from what?"

Suddenly there was a large BOOM! up ahead. Applejack just placed a hoof over her face and shook her head, she looked up at the sky how come something like this always happens? Suddenly Pinkie as well as Eden came rushing up from below deck, looking at the two ponies. Pinkie who was just bouncing with a curious expression remained silent, as Eden questioned "what was that?" Applejack just peered back at the colt with a sigh "wish I could tell ya." Suddenly Fluttershy spoke in a serious tone, her eyes squinting "you ponies might wanna hold onto something." Applejack's eyes widened as did the others. Applejack hurriedly glanced back to Eden and Pinkie "where's Rarity!?" Eden shook his head "oh don't worry, she's below deck, still trying to calm down." Applejack nodded in relief "good, now you two hurry and get down there yoursel-"BOOM! Another crashing noise up ahead, it sounded as if cannonballs were being shot off into the water. Applejack scurried to the side of the boat, looking over, ripples? A ring of ripples in the water, whatever landed in the water, landed near this spot from the first sound. Applejack also noticed the water was Steaming? She lowered her hoof down a bit, reaching as far as she could, she touched the water "OUCH!!!!" she yelled, flinging herself back and bumping herself up against the center mast. She placed her burnt hoof in her mouth then pulling it out and shaking it "hooo nelly! That water is hot!"

Fluttershy glanced back at Applejack angrily, for once actually raising her voice "do NOT, TOUCH THE WATER!" Applejack bit her bottom lip, looking at Fluttershy with frightened eyes as did Eden and Pinkie. Fluttershy then peered forward, squinting her eyes as if concentrating. Fluttershy then yelled out to the other ponies "HOLD ON TIGHT!" Pinkie bounced with joy as she pointed forward, the dense fog clearing up somewhat "LOOK YOU GUYS! GIANT JAWBREAKERS!" Eden and Applejack's expression sunk, as Eden shook his head "those aren't jawbreakers..." Up ahead falling from the sky into the water and some crashing onto the landscape, giant flaming meteorites?! As they exited the dense fog, they could only stare in awe at what they were seeing. The clouds were a pitch black yet the sky was a firery red, the landscape at their sides was still a little blurry but they could tell it was vast, and rocky. Fields of stone torn asunder, as the meteorites plummeted from the sky, landing at random points all over. There were numerous craters spread throughout the place, this was it, this was the land of dragons. Eden, Applejack, and Pinkie gulped as Fluttershy still spoke in a commanding, surprisingly intimidating tone "MARE UP YOU PONIES!" The three just trembled listening to Fluttershy's words as Fluttershy smirked muttering quietly "lets...dooooo this."

BOOM BOOM BOOM! The meteorites crashed at three separate points in the river. Fluttershy maneuvered the boat with mastery, dodging the boulders as Eden, Applejack, and Pinkie tumbled rolling around topside. As the meteorites continued to fall at an accelerating rate, the boat at one point leaned some. Eden rolled, tumbling and falling off the boat. He screamed as Applejack caught him swinging him back over "watch yourself!" Fluttershy still had a look of pure concentration, as they continued down the smoking river, at this point the current was taking them so fast, it was much like the rapids back in that cavern. Pinkie just continued to bounce happily as she spun midair "this, is, freaking awesome! A candy sky and cherry flavored jawbreakers galore!" Applejack and Eden just yelled at Pinkie in frustration "SHUTUP PINKIE!"

ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAR!

Applejack, Eden, and Pinkie's eyes widened as they heard a frightening roar come from the sky. Their jaws dropped once again as they saw the massive beasts, only three at the moment, but they glided through the sky high above, dodging the meteorites with ease. They looked frightening yet beautiful at the same time. They all just glanced up in awe, as Fluttershy looked back at them, then looked forward rolling her eyes "psh, noobs." Suddenly up ahead, a spectacular sight came into view. Further into the distance, one could see towering mountains, hundreds if not thousands. It was like a city made of stone, and these ponies were the ants. They all stared, the three new ponies at a loss for words once again. Suddenly emerging from below deck would be Rarity, she'd come up with a tired expression. "Now what, is with all the commotion up here, can't a pony get a little shut eye?" As she saw the bundled towering mountains ahead, the firery sky, the dragons, the meteorites, Rarity just blinked for a bit, then passing out onto the floor. Applejack yelled at Eden "Eden! Take Rarity down below, you two stay there, Pinkie! We got topside just in case Fluttershy needs help!" Pinkie saluted "Aye Aye CAP'N!" Pinkie then climbed the center mast as Applejack rushed over to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, what'cha need? I may not be a sailor, but I'm a fast learner!"

Fluttershy peered at Applejack hesitantly before sighing and then giving in. She pointed her hoof towards the bow of the ship "o-okay, go get that extra paddle over there, and help me steer." Applejack saluted her with a cheery smile "will do!" Applejack then retrieved the paddle, rushing back to Fluttershy with a determined expression as she placed it in the water on the opposite side. Fluttershy then had her serious tone once more "when I yell backleft, you move the paddle in that motion, got it?" Applejack nodded anxiously "I got ya sugarcube." Fluttershy smiled as she peered ahead with Applejack "good." As they accelerated forward towards the cavernous city of mountains, Fluttershy made sure to call out her commands as Applejack was golden in her performance. They sped, the boat speeding towards the mountainous city.

-

Eventually after repeating that same process, they came to a slow, easy current. As they were now cruising slowly inbetween the towering mountains, it was obvious this was the home to dragons. Applejack gulped as she saw the gaping holes in each mountain, massive, dark, mysterious, there was no telling what type of scaly reptilian was awaiting within. It was like they were eels, lurking in their holes along the side of the rocky mountain. It was as if each towering mountain was a apartment complex housing the winged beasts. Applejack felt like a simple bug, waiting to be squashed. Fluttershy however was not worried at all. The towering mountains shadowed over them, and at this point the river expanded sideways to the point it looked like a large, very very long lake. They were in the center of this massive city, just cruising through this river, it was hot and Applejack pondered this place is steaming, ta think there were places like this here in equestria. Did these dragons come here to escape the Princess's infinite night? This place is barren, it lacks resources, how do they even survive? Suddenly the boat came to a halt, Fluttershy then flew off, onto a rocky shore nearby. In front of her the massive mountains still towered, except one in particular was even larger than the others. It was like a carving, a makeshift castle made of stone, the stairs leading through the entrance were absolutely grand scale in size. One step made the ponies look like they'd be rock climbing. Applejack just stared as Pinkie then fell from the center mast, gasping "OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH! THIS PLACE IS HUUUUUUGE! THIS IS THE ULTIMATE HIDE AND SEEK PLAYSPOT!" Applejack grabbed Pinkie placing a hoof in front of her mouth "quiet Pinkie, we may not be in friendly territory! Now hurry along now, go get the others." Pinkie nodded quickly as she then dashed to the lower deck.

Applejack exited the boat, onto the rocky shore alongside Fluttershy. Fluttershy just stared up at the castle, as if expecting something, Applejack couldn't help but ask "what'cha doing Fluttershy?" Fluttershy simply shook her head, speaking in that soft caring tone she had from the beginning "oh, n-nothing...just waiting." Applejack raised a brow at her "waiting? Waiting for what?" OOF! Pinkie fell face first onto the rocky terrain. She bounced up suddenly with a smile stretching out a hoof "here they are!" Exiting from the ship as well onto the rocky shore would be Eden and Rarity, Rarity was still trembling as Eden just looked around in awe. The four ponies stood in place, just staring around, the mountains wrapped around the large body of water, as if enclosing it. The water they came in on apparently led to a giant watering hole in the center of their rocky city. Applejack sighed as her eyes snapped wide, she peered back at the boat, it caved in, snapping in two and sinking into the water. Applejack's jaw dropped as did the others as they looked at Fluttershy who still had a calm expression. Fluttershy shrugged "it's hot water..." Applejack pointed angrily at the spot the boat once floated "HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TA GET BACK NOW!? WE STRANDED IN THIS PLACE?!" Fluttershy raised a brow "they'll give us another." Applejack looked puzzled "they?" CRASH, SLAM!

The four ponies huddled up as suddenly two massive dragon's landed at their sides. Their size was astounding as they made the ponies look like small puppies, they obviously weren't as massive as the ones they saw flying in the sky earlier but still quite large. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Eden trembled as Fluttershy still kept her calm and composed stature. The dragons spoke in loud, booming, intimidating voices, their breath exhaled smoke. One leaned down to look at the ponies.

"Ha, ha, ha, four little scrumptious ponies decide to just waltz right into the land of dragons, aye brother?"

The other dragon laughed "yes, what did they expect, a picnic? AHA HA HA HA"

At this point Fluttershy seemed a little impatient as suddenly the dragon's eyes widened at the sight of her. One gasped as he leaned back, brushing himself off "L-LADY FLUTTERSHY!? I-IT'S YOU!...I'm, I'm sorry, I was not aware!"

Applejack, Pinkie, Eden, and Rarity's nose's wrinkled at the sight of this.

They raised their brows at each other, baffled.

The dragon's were now looking nervous, speaking in panicked tones "w-we were just messing around, if we knew it was you hahaha." The brother replied "y-yes! We didn't expect you until a few months down the line!" Fluttershy simply sighed flapping her wings as she flew up a bit, looking the dragons in their eyes. She slapped each of them on their nose's and exclaimed "bad, bad! Both of you!" The dragons looked down ashamed as Fluttershy put her hooves on her hips "now where is your father? I wish to speak with him."

The two dragons raised brows as one scratched it's head "oh uhm, I think he's inside Fluttershy, just resting."

Suddenly large booming footsteps could be heard, the shadow of a towering creature came over the five ponies as well as the two dragons. They all gazed at the shadows origin with wide eyes as it was revealed to be another dragon. He was large, the size of a normal mountain in pony terms. He smirked lowering his head at the visiting ponies, he wore a giant crown made of spectacular giant gems. Rarity's mouth watered at the sight of them as he spoke in his grand, booming voice "why, Fluttershy? You're here quite early hm?...And I see you've brought friends...what brings you to my city?" He raised a brow as Fluttershy prepared to speak, he hushed her "oh wait, this place is far too unprofessional, come come, inside my castle, we shall speak there." Fluttershy simply nodded as the two other dragons laid out their hands and scaly palms for the ponies to climb onto. Eden, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy climbed onto their large claws as they carried them into the castle, following close behind the king of dragons.

-

Meanwhile, laying on the rocky ground in what appeared to be a large geyser field, Rainbow and Twilight just stared up at the burning red sky. They looked worn, tired, scarred, bruised, and dirty. One of Rainbow's wings was wrapped up in what appeared to be black bandages. She also had a red bandana wrapped around her head. As they looked at the sky, just staring up at the meteorites fall, it was beautiful. Twilight muttered in a humored, soft tone "being in this place....almost makes me just wanna chuck this whole adventure out the window,....its hot.." Rainbow laughed some, her voice weak and raspy "too hot." They stared up at the sky for a few moments longer before Twilight muttered "ready to go?"

Rainbow suddenly had a serious look, squinting her eyes at the sky "yea...."

BOOM! A geyser only a few feet from them exploded, molten magma shooting upward into the sky. Rainbow and Twilight rolled back onto their bellies as Twilight yelled "LEFT SIDE!" Rainbow nodded "got ya!" They bursted to their hooves dashing forward. In front of them, one could see they were in a massive field of geysers and craters, they were traveling by land?! Rainbow did a shoulder roll to her right, dodging a spool of falling lava. The ponies were trotting as fast as they could through this deadly field of earth and fire. In the distance one could see the city of dragons, apparently they were still attempting to get there.

Twilight yelled to Rainbow "RIGHT SIDE RAINBOW!"

Rainbow nodded once again as she rolled to her left dodging another blotch of falling lava. As they continued to sprint, Twilight exclaimed "were nearly there! Were practically in the last stretch!" Rainbow remained concentrated as she sprinted alongside Twilight. Twilight suddenly noticed a smoldering meteorite heading in their direction, she squinted her eyes. "RAINBOW, ON ME!" Rainbow nodded, apparently they'd been doing this for awhile, seeing as they mastered these commands by heart at this point. Rainbow then hugged onto Twilight, she teleported as the meteorite slammed into their previous position. She reappeared as Rainbow hopped off and they continued sprinting. The mountains that the dragons called home still seemed pretty far.

Another geyser exploded as Rainbow suddenly tripped onto the ground, a blotch of lava falling right over her. Twilight gasped as she then pointed her horn at Rainbow, she looked pained casting this spell as she irked, but managed to be able to finish it. A small shield wrapped around Rainbow as the lava landed atop of her, sliding off like melted butter.

Rainbow smiled at Twilight "thanks Twilight!" Twilight smirked back at her "no problem!"

Rainbow got back to her hooves as they continued their sprint. Twilight smiled as they looked off into the distance at the rocky city, Twilight glanced at Rainbow quickly, breathing heavily "if we can keep this up for awhile longer then we'll definitely make it!" Rainbow laughed looking at Twilight "sweet, let's finish this then!" Twilight smirked "way ahead of you!"

CRASH, SLAM!

Twilight and Rainbow came to a screeching halt, having to kick their hooves against the dirt some to stop themselves from flying forward. In front of them stood two large dragons, puffing smoke in the ponies faces. It wasn't the same brother dragons who'd known Fluttershy, no, these two were much different. They lowered their heads smirking at Twilight and Rainbow. Twilight just stared at them with wide eyes, unsure of what to say. Rainbow was being protective as she stood in front of Twilight, even somewhat snarling at the two dragons.

One of the dragons spoke "now what's a couple of ponies doing out in the geyser fields?"

The other spoke "looks like they were trying to infiltrate the city if ya ask me..."

His fellow raised a brow in curiosity "wow, they have some pretty big guts! What do you say we do with them Vel'drook?"

Vel'drook smirked "I say we smoke them here,...just look at their faces, their bodies, they've been trying so so hard, how unfortunate if they were to fail this close. Heh heh heh."

The other dragon shook his head "no Vel'drook, that would be a waste! We should take them to the king, they could be spies! It has been awhile since a pony has been seen in these parts, besides Lady Fluttershy of course!"

Rainbow's eyes snapped wide, she blinked at the two dragons "F-Fluttershy? Did you just say Fluttershy?"

Twilight looked at Rainbow puzzled, she wasn't certain what the heck was going on so she just then looked to the dragons, seeing what they would say.

Vel'drook looked to his comrade "oh, smart thinking saegrath! We just might be rewarded for our services! Come, Come, grab them, let's make haste."

The dragon's just ignored Rainbow's question as they snatched up the two exhausted ponies. Rainbow screamed at them "ANSWER ME YOU BIG STUPID LIZARDS!" Twilight attempted to teleport out of their grasp but she was too weak, she also realized she couldn't get Rainbow out of this situation and the last thing she was going to do was leave her behind. Twilight looked down, then peered ahead, well at least were going to get to our destination, even as prisoners. Twilight and Rainbow were helpless, as Vel'drook and Saegrath flew to the city of dragons, ponies in hand.

-

As the king of dragons led Fluttershy and the others to his massive throne room, he sat upon his throne, a curious expression upon his face. He signaled his sons to lower the ponies, they did as commanded, placing them upon the hard stone floor.

The king of dragons simply stared at the ponies "so Fluttershy, tell me, what brings you here?"

Eden attempted to speak pulling out the crown as the king hushed him immediately "I am not speaking to you young one, I ask Fluttershy, now, silence." Eden hushed himself, backing away and going next to Applejack.

Fluttershy then flew up towards the king "y-you see, King Dragoul, t-these ponies, they seek an audience with Mythos, I,..I wanted to help them."

King Dragoul blinked a bit, surprised "Mythos? Oh, now that is indeed interesting." At this point he lowered his massive head to look down at the four other ponies "why do you require a audience with Mythos young ponies? Is there something he possesses that I do not?" Applejack spoke up "well you see King Dragoul sir, were not entirely sure what he has ourselves, ya see, this here crown." Applejack lifted the crown as King Dragoul's eyes widened, his sons just stared at the crown, then shrugging, crossing their arms & continuing to listen. Applejack continued "this here crown belonged to a long forgotten Princess! She told us-" King Dragoul raised a claw, signaling her to stop, which she did. He closed his eyes for a few seconds as he gazed up So, you finally return to us, eh Celestia? He then looked back down to Applejack and the others "I understand the situation, young pony, I never would have imagined." King Dragoul smirked at them "that this day, would come at the hooves of ponies such as yourselves. You're all so young, so inexperienced, I can only wish you luck in your ventures. I, would provide aid but we have, much larger concerns we must deal with in our lands. Your audience with Mythos won't be denied however, Vaegoth, Khal! At my si-" SLAM!

Bursting into the throne room would be Vel'drook accompanied by Saegrath. Vel'drook smirked as he approached the king who was annoyed by their presence "Vel'drook, Saegrath? What is the meaning of this interruption?" The two dragons laughed some before holding up Twilight and Rainbow Dash in front of the king. "Sorry for disturbing you King Dragoul, but we found these ponies roaming the geyser fields! We thought you'd want to see them for yourself!"

King Dragoul's eyes widened at the ponies curiously as Applejack, Eden, Rarity, and Pinkie pie gasped in surprise "TWILIGHT?!" Twilight peered down at them as her eyes widened, she teared up at the sight of her friends "G-GUYS! YOU, YOU'RE ALL OKAY! YOU ALL MADE IT!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks "P-PINKIE?!...RARITY?!..w-what's?" She was at a loss for words as she was overwhelmed with happiness and confusion at the same time. Twilight looked at Pinkie "Pinkie, I thought you'd, I thought I-" Pinkie just raised a brow at Twilight, confused. She then stomped her hooves in annoyance and looked to the others "WHY THE HECK DOES EVERYPONY THINK I DIED?"

Twilight just smiled, not hiding back her feelings.

Rainbow was also staring at somepony in particular with wide eyes. Fluttershy lowered her head, looking quite nervous and trying to avoid eye contact with Rainbow. Rainbow just continued to stare as she said in a hushed tone "F-Fluttershy? Is that really you?" Fluttershy looked quite sad as she continued to stare at the ground "y-yes..." Rainbow didn't say anything, she just continued to stare as King Dragoul hurriedly signaled his subjects to lower the two ponies. King Dragoul may have been a dragon, but ultimately he had quite a soft heart. He smiled as he happily allowed the two ponies to be reunited with their friends.

It didn't take a genius to connect the pieces to this puzzle.

Twilight ran over to Applejack, Eden, and Pinkie giving them hugs. She looked at Rarity smiling "R-Rarity, I never expected to see you here, what are you doing here?" Rarity chuckled some nervously before looking up confidently "w-well I came to offer my assistance of course darling!" Applejack raised a brow saying sarcastically "offer?" Rarity snarled at Applejack who then kept her mouth shut, biting on her lower lip. Twilight was still so surprised to see them "I, I can't believe you guys made it here before us, and, an audience with the dragon king at that!" Twilight peered up at King Dragoul who just smiled back at them. Twilight looked to the others curiously "how did you manage to get here so fast?" Eden leaned his head a bit in Fluttershy's direction "it's a long story." Twilight looked over at Fluttershy who was busy avoiding eye contact with Rainbow who was just standing in front of her, looking down at her.

Fluttershy kept her head lowered, nervously twirling her hoof a little on the ground. "L-Listen, Rainbow...I..." Rainbow just didn't say anything, she wrapped her hooves around the shy pony and just embraced her. "You don't have to explain Fluttershy, I'm just so happy to see you. I needed something like this after what happened to Gilda." Fluttershy raised a brow "G-Gilda, what about her?" Rainbow just shook her head with a smile "it's, it's nothing Fluttershy, we can talk about this later. For now i'm just going to be grateful you turned out okay." Twilight smiled at the two pegasi reunite, they obviously had some past history, with that the entire group of ponies turned to face King Dragoul. The dragon king merely sat upon his throne "truly touching, but I assume this audience with Mythos requires your utmost attention yes?" Twilight was a bit confused but then realized that the others must have talked to him about this by now. She spoke politely "y-yes sir! We have an urgency to speak to him." King Dragoul just smiled "then don't let me keep you waiting, my sons will take you to him. Vel'drook, Saegrath, leave us, and apologize for the misunderstanding." The dragons blinked a bit before sighing "were sorry for nearly deciding to eat you two.." the other continued "yea were sorry..."

Rainbow wasn't so forgiving as she prepared to say something as Twilight just said "It's fine." With that the two dragons departed as the king's sons lowered their claws onto the ground once more. The ponies all climbed on as they made their way deeper into the castle, King Dragoul just smiled as they walked off with them goodluck ponies, I look forward to seeing you again someday, and you to......Celestia.

As the sons arrived at Mythos's chamber, it was a massive library made of stone, even the ancient scriptures were massive. Twilight was practically in heaven as she looked around "amazing." As they were lowered, they thanked the sons who then made their exit while conversing with each other. The seven ponies then trotted steadily into the chambers when suddenly a deep and powerful, yet wise voice spoke to them from above.

"I see you've finally arrived, young ponies."

They all looked up as a large white dragon flew down, he touched upon the floor looking at the ponies with an inquisitive expression. "We have much to discuss," he began running his claws through his beard while steadily flapping his massive wings. They all just stared up at him as Rarity sighed "this just can't be real." Eden nudged her softly as she exclaimed in an annoyed tone "heeeey!"

Twilight stepped forward as she looked up at Mythos "Ancient Mythos! We seek your help to-" Mythos interrupted "I know why you're here, young pony."

So, after a thousand long years, they finally appear Celestia? They are indeed a diverse bunch.

"I realize we have much to discuss young ponies, and I will lay out your path for you, but before you begin the next step of your journey, there is another, who I believe is eager to meet with you all."

Twilight and the others raised a brow as they looked at each other curiously, mumbling about who it could possibly be. As they talked, Mythos went to retrieve this mysterious somepony from the shadows on a second level of his library. As he lowered the pony, the pony walked out from Mythos's claw.

He stopped, smiling at the group softly.

As they stared, Twilight and Rainbow's eyes widened, shocked, surprised, in disbelief. Twilight shook her head "w-what?" Rainbow stared a bit before smiling widely then cheering "HAHA! AWESOME!!!!"

There he was, as he'd promised, Shining Armor had already arrived.

He smiled at Twilight and Rainbow "told you two i'd meet you here."

Twilight shook her head a bit "S-Shining?! How is it even possible, you were?"

Shining laughed some "Nothing will keep me from me from fulfilling a promise to my baby sister..."

Twilight's lips began to quiver as Rainbow Dash bolted forward hugging Shining. Shining laughed some "whoa whoa, calm down there Rainbow, been awhile since i've seen you this unprofessional." Rainbow burst out in laughter "well after our little stunt I think it's safe to say were out of the job!" Shining laughed "you got that right, give me some!" The two ponies did a high hoof as they bumped shoulders as well.

Rainbow exclaimed in excitement "Awesome, now were practically unstoppable!"

Shining just continued to smile softly at them as Pinkie blinked, then looked at Eden, Rarity and Applejack questioning "Twilight had a brother?" Eden shrugged "guess so," Applejack just laughed "aw shucks, makes me miss my little sister." Rarity had tears in her eyes with her lower lip puckered "oh, how sweet! If only I wasn't dragged away from my family!"

Applejack gave a corny smile as Eden chuckled a bit. As Shining joined the other ponies, he'd hugged Twilight, who simply smiled looking up at him, she muttered "I know." Mythos then spoke once more. "He is quite strange, that one, to make it to me and past all the dragons here, I have never seen one so skilled at such an age. Protect them well, young stallion." Shining smiled "oh trust me, I will."

Mythos turned as he continued running his claws through his large beard.

"Now, the crown you hold young one, you may leave it here, It will no longer be needed for the next step of your journey." Eden blinked a bit, feeling a little nostalgic looking at the crown as he placed it on the floor. The ponies all looked up at Mythos as he sighed Celestia? They are so young, can they truly go to such a place alone. Mythos looked to the ponies saddened "the road you all must trot is a harsh one, the enemy you wish to defeat, powerful to say the least. You will require an army, and magic beyond your own comprehensions. A different type of magic, but the Princess will never leave such a thing unguarded, to vanquish the heart of darkness, one must first journey into-" Mythos paused.

The ponies just looked at him, continuing to listen "The Heart of Fear."

Next Chapter: Chapter 9: The calm before the Storm Estimated time remaining: 13 Minutes