We awoke as the light penetrated the shades of the patient room, stinging the eyes of everyone inside. As the rays set themselves against my eyelids, I lightly brushed my hand across both my face as I wiped the sleep away. I took a deep breath which was soon followed a large yawn as I lifted myself to my feet. I took a quick stretch and looked to the others.

Terra, still slouched against the wall in undisturbed slumber. Pyro laid flat against the bed as Strife and Axton hung over the side carelessly. Archimedes somehow worked his way underneath the bed and hid himself away from the glowing window’s sunlight. Intell, he seemed to be the oddest out of the group. He still stood there, in the corner opposite mine, locking himself in place as he stood like an emotionless statue. The sight sent a slight chill down my spine, but it must have been a requirement to sleep the way he did, seeing as most of his flesh and bone were replaced by machine.

I took my focus off the mechanical stallion and loudly clapped my hands together, signalling for everyone to wake. “Alright, get up. We have things to do, and I’d like to get them done relatively soon. So get up and let’s head out.” I called aloud to the group. Most, if not all, replied with groans and irritated grunts as they tried to bury their faces beneath their arms in an attempt to return to their once peaceful slumber. I thought for a moment, but soon returned with a smile. I strode over to the door and opened it wide. “Whoever isn’t up and out of this door in the next ten seconds is cleaning the fortress bathroom stalls for the first six months.” Almost instantaneously, everyone jumped to their feet and bolted out the door.

“Yes sir!” cried everyone as they exited the door with tired eyes and dried drool stained across their cheeks, bolting down the hallways and making their way towards the hospital exit.

I slowly and quietly closed the door behind myself and strode confidently down the hall. A smirk plastered across my face the entire way. I was soon accompanied by the hospital nurse known as Redheart. She walked beside me as I made my way towards the exit.

“What was all that noise for? Is something wrong?” She asked with a hint of worry. I turned to her and waved off her concern.

“Don’t worry, and I’m sorry if we’ve woken up any of the other patients here. Thank you for you help Nurse Redheart.” I told her with a warm smile.

“Well, I didn’t really do anything other than run a few tests and lend your friends a room for the night. But, if you really feel the need to thank me, you’re most welcome. Remember to pop in if you or your friends get hurt during your travels.”

“We will, or Pyro will at least.” I thought back to the time when he had managed to get his lower half frozen tangling with the frost demons up north. “Farewell for now.” I turned to the exit and strode out the front doors. I was blinded by the bright light of the sun, so I pulled my hood up to rid me of this pain. I shortly found everyone in the process of working their gear around and making them fit for travel. “Well men, let’s make our way to the train station. We’ll be heading up to Canterlot Castle to go over the mission details with Celest and Luna. Hopefully this mission is a quick one, then again, she’s asked for me to get involved as well... so that makes me think otherwise.” I watched as they finished strapping their packs on and readying themselves. “Alright, let’s head out.”

I walked in the middle of the group, as Archimedes lead us towards the train station. The walk was silent and quiet, mainly due to everyone being soundly asleep within their houses. As expected, the stalls were closed so that meant breakfast would have to wait for the time being. I returned focus on the walk and we shortly found ourselves on the outskirts of the town, nearing ever so closer to the train station. “So, what do you guys think the mission is about?” Asked Pyro curiously. Pretty soon everyone began throwing their own thoughts on the idea.

“Maybe someone’s been kidnapped and they’re so important, she needs the help of us.” Axton called out.

“Nah, I think that she needs us to go and clear out some dangerous bandits from the badlands!” Pyro replied.

“Maybe the dragons of the badlands have begun to prepare for war because of the new law about the great dragon migration. I’d be pretty miffed myself if my carefree flight was suddenly changed due to some new law claiming that’d I have to fly around a certain area before I could return to my original flight plan. I’m just saying.” Strife exclaimed. He got a few dirty looks from Terra as we paraded down the street. “What?”

“Maybe, it has something to do with the royal family in general. I’ve heard that some of the royal guard have been sneaking supplies out of the castle, so maybe we’re going there to straighten them out?” Terra suggested. It was a reasonable suggestion, but highly unlikely.

“I think that We’ll be sent somewhere far away and somewhere wet. All because I forgot to bring some things I should always carry.” Intell gave off a few irritated groans and slouched over in agony.

“Maybe, just maybe, hear me out. Maybe the royal family thinks that we’re working too hard and need to take some time off. I bet they’ve hired flight carriages to fly us over to Los Pegas, letting us blow off some steam with unrestricted gambling, vacations on the beach, with martinis in hand and pretty ladies everywhere.” Archimedes gave off a hopeful sigh, earning a few nods and smiles from the others.

“That’d be a dream. I like your idea better.” Pyro stated quickly after Arch.

I popped in and spoke,“Whatever it is, we’re soon to find out. We’re here.” I pointed towards the train station and we all began our approach to the ticket stall. I was thankful that the train ran at all hours, as the stall keeper stood inside.

“Hi, how may I help you all today?” Asked the mare.

“I am Darkmoon, and these are my companions. We need to go to the castle, can we get a few tickets up there?” I asked. I didn’t need to worry about paying, for being the guardian, some privileges come with the title. She quickly handed over seven train tickets and gave a smile and a nod.

“There you go, have a good day Dark and company!” We turned away and headed towards the train cart doors. I handed over the tickets and he quickly signalled us to enter. We got our own private cart and we all sat around and waited for the train to begin its way towards Canterlot.

“I don’t like that mare, she seems a bit mean.” Pyro stated in an irritated tone.

“How do you figure that?” Asked Terra.

“Who says “and company”? I have a name for her information.” Pyro scoffed. He lightly tapped the back of his head against the window, trying to pass the time as we waited on the train.

Axton spoke up,“Well, it’s not like Dark gave the shiela our names.”

“That’s true, but still. It’s just the thought.” He turned and laid his head against the seat, attempting to rest before our adventure actually began. I figured it was a fairly good idea and suggested that everyone got some sleep as well. As everyone drifted back into the depths of sleep, I sat there alone with my thoughts. I had already gotten enough sleep in the hospital, so I just sat there. Waiting for the train to begin its course. Thankfully within the next few minutes, the train conductor shouted out for everyone with a ticket to board or they’d be left behind. As I peered through the window while I leant against it, I saw rows of ponies gathered around the entrance, handing over their tickets over to the train conductor. Once everyone had boarded, only the few odd stray pony would quickly rush up and hand him their ticket to enter.

I listened as the trains engine begun to chug, pushing the train forwards on the track. The station soon began to fade into the distance as we begun to round the mountain. As the train chugged along, it was being lead towards a tunnel that passed through the mountains, the room begun to darken is the train passed through. The cart soon faded completely black and I begun thinking of our task,‘Why did Celest deem it so important that she’d need me to retrieve it? or how dangerous is this task? What if something were to happen to my brothers?’ I thought silently to myself, the questions plagued my mind and would not cease their torment. I couldn’t imagine if something were to happen to them, we were a family. A strange one, but a family that I couldn’t imagine any other way.

I thought that my thoughts were my own, but I was proven wrong as a voice whispered to me inside my mind. ‘Brother, do not stress yourself with such questions. You’ll only cause unneeded pressure on both yourself and everyone around you.’ I looked around the cart, but due to the darkness, I couldn’t make out my hand in front of my face. ‘Does this confuse you? I’m always with you, though you can never truly see me. But, given time and a watchful eye, you’ll eventually find me.’ As he finished his sentence, light filled the cart as the train exited the tunnel. We rolled across the tracks up the mountain. Trekking closer and closer to our destination.

‘Where are you Shadow? I haven’t seen you in some time, I’d like to see you.’ I gazed around the room but found only my traveling companions, all sleeping soundly.

‘Gaze out the window, you’ll see me.’ He whispered back. I followed his instructions and looked out the window. All I found was the overlook of a breezy wheat field and the rising sun. I squinted my eyes as the sun stung my eyes with its bright rays. The train slowly begun to turn and round the mountain once again. As I watched the sun creep away from the windows center and edge to the side, I began to realize as to where Shadow was hiding. ‘Hello Dark, it’s been awhile dear brother. How are you?’ Asked my equestrian counterpart.

I gazed at the reflection within the window, seeing as it wasn’t my own reflection I saw staring back at me. Shadow looked to me with a wide grin as he spoke telepathically,‘Hello brother. It’s been sometime since we’ve spoken face to face.’

‘This is nice, I’d like to be able to see you more often, but sleep is our only chance anymore, though you and Luna are always distracted with other souls. Leading them through their dreams with ease.’ I exclaimed.

‘I’m sorry brother, but we do this as to protect them. You’re a strong willed person, and you can easily understand as to what is reality and what is not. It’s mine and Luna’s responsibility to protect ponies from their nightmares and illusions of the mind.’ Shadow explained. He turned his gaze from me and looked to the others sleeping in the cart. ‘So, is this about the mission?’ He asked.

I looked to him as he returned his gaze on me,‘Yes, would you happen to have any idea as to what the mission is about? I’d rather have some understanding as to what we’re supposed to do instead of walking in blind.’

‘That, dear brother, is something I myself do not know. I may be a little more knowledgeable than most, with me being so close to Luna, but this mission hasn’t even reached my ears. I’m having a feeling that if it is this quiet, it must be something that Celestia and Luna wish to hide as to not have ponies cowering within their homes in fear.’

‘You have a point. I’m just hoping this adventure is over soon, I wish to return home.’ I told Shadow. With that said, his eyes widened for a moment and he fixed his attention back on me.

‘Speaking of which, how’s Chrys coming along? Any news about the two expected?’ His word choice sent me into a wave of confusion.

‘What do you mean ‘the two expected’? There’s only the one..”

‘That’s not what I’ve seen. During the process of ‘creation’, while the unborn is within the womb, they are in a constant dream state. While you and Chrysalis wait for your expected, I’ve already met with the two inside. I can not speak to them, but I have sensed that there is to be more than just one.’ He looked to me with a large grin and began to laugh. ‘You are going to be one interesting case soon enough. You thought that sleep was rare before...’ He let out a few more chuckles. ‘Father to be and expected guild master. You’re going to have plenty on your plate soon enough.’

‘I know, but I can handle it. I know I can.’ I told Shadow, thought to be completely honest, I wasn’t all too sure.

‘Very well.’ He gave a warm smile and we both sat there in the cart, mindlessly chatting about anything. Something interesting that was brought up was the soon to be wedding between him and Luna. It would be a nice formal wedding, though it wouldn’t happen for some time. Since Shadow can only remain in his true form within the dream realm, they both decided to have it during the night while everyone slept. As ponies and others drifted off into sleep, they would appear near the wedding ceremony. Of course, they would be told by the royal family that such an event were to happen beforehand. Shadow needed to leave after his visit, or at least my line of sight and faded away as I watched my reflection return to my own.

“We’ll be stopping in the next ten minutes at the Casterlot train station. We’d like to take this time to thank you for riding the Ponyville express, and have a good day mares and gentlecolts.” Called the intercom in the cart, awakening the others that slept within. I looked to the others, they all looked well rested and generally happy as they rearranged their belongings.

“Whoa, I needed that.” Strife said through a yawn and giving a long stretch.

“Same here.” Called Pyro. He stood from his seat and reached into his pocket, retrieving a small lighter. He flicked the flint, lighting the spark and just stared blankly at the flames for a moment or two. He didn’t break his attention away from the fire until Terra called out to him.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Well, I feel better with fire around. It calms me down, I guess. I’m not scared or anything, its just a nice feeling, you know?” Pyro exclaimed. Terra gave a quick nod and returned to reorganizing his gear as he rummaged through his pack on the floor of the cart.

“Well men, gather your things and let’s get ready. But once we arrive in Canterlot, I think we should get some food for both breakfast and the trip, I’m feeling a bit hungry myself.” Everyones eyes shot open as I mentioned the word ‘food’ and they all began thinking as to what they would eat as soon as we arrived in Canterlot, personally I wanted something I’d been without for a long time. And with Canterlot being a place of diversity, variety and things of interest, my chances of finding it were that much higher. But to go ahead with my plan, I’d need to break away from the group first.

Minutes turned to seconds as the train pulled into the Canterlot train station, allowing the encased creatures to exit. As my group and I exited the cart and stepped foot on the solid concrete platform, we instantly headed our way over to a nearby restaurant. We entered a small diner and found a table. My companions sat down and gazed at the menu, but I was left standing.

“What are you doin’? Sit down. We’re not gonna bite, not you at least.” Called Axton as he eyed one of the other customers plates of food. Licking his lips in anticipation.

“I’ve got something to do before we leave, so I’ll meet you all at the castle. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Why not eat first, and then we’ll all do this “thing” together. It could escalate into something bad, like usual and it’d be best if we were all together to watch each others backs.” Pyro looked to me with a weary eye, trying to decipher as to why I wanted to separate. I didn’t wish to lie to them, for you never lie to your family. I leant in and crowded everyone close. As everyone gathered around and I lowered my voice to not draw attention to myself, I spoke.

“I may be a horrible person, and you might begin to hate me for what I’m going to do, but I need to eat something.. that’s a bit red, and juicy.” My mouth begun to water at the thought of what was to come.

“Like a radish or somethin’? You’re not bein’ very clear about this Dark. What are ya looking for?” Axton asked with a bit of worry in his voice, holding a look of concern.

I took a few deep breaths to calm my nerves, but I could only feel my breaths become more and more fast paced by the airload. I pulled away for just a moment, checking to see if anyone was able to hear me. Everyone in the store was busy in their food, removing a little tension that was raising within my gut. I turned back to the others and finally exclaimed my reason. I spoke softly,“I’m going to this shop in the poorer district, they have.. a type of food there I’ve been dying to get my hands on for some time. It’s been too long since I’ve felt the chewy texture of... that..” I clenched my fist, bidding down the sudden raise of my jitters.

“Of... what?” They asked in unison.

I held my eyes shut as I bit down on my lip. Once I finally opened my eyes, I looked to them with a slight twitch in my left. “I... need..” I took a few breaths before finishing. The adrenaline was rushing through my veins, I couldn’t stand it anymore. “I. Need. Meat.”

Everyone shot back in disgust, all except Terra. They let out sickened sounds as if they had just smelled something foul. Strife leant in and said,“Why would you want meat? That’s cannibalism!” He whispered as he spoke, as to not alert anyone within the store.

The drake spoke up, and thankfully for me, he understood what I was going through. “Guys, it’s ok. He’s only human, much like Senior and those before. They aren’t from our world, but something like this isn’t unheard of. Some dragons, most gryphons and all insects prefer the taste of others rather than grass and such. I don’t do it myself, but I understand what it’s like to give in to these urges.” He gave me a quick wave, sending me away. “Go on, but remember that we have things to do. I’d like to get this mission over and done with within a couple days or sooner.” I gave him an appreciative nod and took my leave.

As I pushed my way through the wooden doors of the shop, I stood upon the sidewalk. I turned towards my destination, heading down the walkway that lead me towards the poorer district. Time slowly passed, but as I began to near the district, my heart pounded within my chest as I found the entrance to the shop I had been searching for. It was far down at the very end of an ally. The flickering neon sign reading “Skiller’s Den” but one of the letters on the sign had faded and the light refused to shine, spelling out “killer’s Den”. In a sense, it was right, but to me, at that particular moment, I didn’t care.

I quickly paced towards the shop's front door. Heart still pounding within my chest, the sound was pulsating against my ears, I needed to get into that shop, weather it were open or not. I finally reached the end, standing in front of the door. I searched for a handle, but there wasn’t one to be found. Then the thought hit me. If this kind of food is here, maybe it’s not supposed to be. Maybe it was a secret club, so I knocked on the door. Within a moments notice, a small slit opened on the top of the door, revealing a pair of yellow, piercing bird eyes. “Password?” He asked.

I thought for a moment, I hadn’t thought there to be a password. But an idea popped into mind. A secret club for meat. “Carnivore.” I told the glaring eyes. I didn’t hear any words spoken, he just looked over me, as if expecting me to entertain him or something. After his inspection, the slit closed and the door creaked open. I pushed my way in and closed the door behind me. I looked around the room, searching the faces of everyone within the shop. Mainly gryphons and dragons, the odd carnivorous pony with either a sick fetish or a taste for other creatures. I looked to the counter and found a gryphon in a white blood stained apron.

“So, stranger. What’ll it be?” She asked while sharpening a knife.

I approached the counter and eyed her for a moment before speaking,“What do you got?”

“We serve almost everything. Lamb, cow, pig, chicken, almost every type out there with a few choice exceptions. So don’t go asking for pony, gryphon, dragon, changling, anything that can speak.”

I was confused for a moment,“Sheep and cows can speak, I’m pretty sure pigs can too.”

“Do you want meat or not? ‘Cause if you keep this up, you’ll be outta here faster than last months rent!” She pointed over towards the doorman and I turned to him. He was huge, in both weight, height, and muscle mass. I rested my hand against the hilt of my sword and gave him a little wave and a smile. I turned back to the shopkeep and she spoke as she eyed my gear. “Oh, so you’re that guardian fella everyone’s been talking about. I knew that you’d be one of us. Not many ponies around here enjoy the amazing taste of flesh. Well, except for Crawler here.” she said as she looked over to the odd pony.

I realized that I still had my hood up, and decided to let it down, letting them know they could trust me. “I’ll have a nice cooked steak.” Her eyes widened as she saw my race.

“A human! Well, I can say that I hadn't expected the likes of you to show up here. Seeing as how the old guardian Senior never came around. He was the only one I’ve actually came across, so I generally assumed that they were all herbivores...”

I slammed a pouch of bits down on the counter and shouted. I needed meat and I wasn’t about to stand around and wait for it. “I’d like some food please.” She looked to me with a bit of shock, but slowly eased back and sighed.

“I was hoping to at least get some talking in, but apparently someone needs their fix.” She went into the backroom, and as she opened the door, a rush of cold came spurting out as she shivered underneath her feathers. The gryphon disappeared within the freezer for but a moment, but she returned with a platter of assorted, juicy, chewy slices of all kinds of meat. She placed the platter down on the counter and opened a hatch, placing everything but one fairly large steak inside the icebox. She closed the hatch and locked it shut just before she picked the plate off the counter and strode her way into the kitchen. I watched her begin preparing the steak as she warmed the stove top. She tossed a few herbs and spices on and tenderized it with a spiked wooden tenderizer. While she prepared my little misadventure, I attempted to create small talk, if she were up to it. Thankfully, she was.

“So, tell me a bit about yourself miss...” I trailed off, signalling it was her turn to speak.

While she pounded down on the steak, she spoke,“Well, the names Gilda, but most around here just call me Gil. I don’t see why though, Gilda’s already short enough, lazy I guess. I’ve been working here for some time, this place belonged to my dad but I never thought about working in a sleazy and shady kind of place like this, but then again, look at me now.”

“So what did you do before this place?” I asked with a hint of curiosity, she was actually a fairly interesting character. Gilda. The name was a little odd though.

“Well, let’s see..” She retreated to her thoughts for a moment, but shortly returned with a smile. “I was doing a bit of traveling. I was looking up all of my friends that I used to know in flight school. Basically everyone I knew wound up in either a major city or a small town. There was the odd exception with a few but if you knew them personally, you wouldn’t have expected it any other way.”

She placed the tenderizer down and set the steak within a cast iron frying pan. Gilda laid it down on the elements and it slowly begun to sizzle. “But one of my friends that.. basically changed my life around.. was one of my closest friends. I was visiting Ponyville and I caught up with my old friend Rainbow Dash. During my visit, I found out that she’d made a few new friends. The entire time, I was mad at her friends. I don’t know why, but it felt like I was just being replaced. So, long story short, I was basically run out of town for my behavior but I understood why. After I left town, I spent time wandering, and with that, you’re left with your thoughts a lot. I thought about it, and I started to hate myself as well. I needed to apologize to Dash, and her friends. I did and almost all of them welcomed me back with open arms. I say almost because of what I did to Fluttershy, she took some time to win over. But that’s an entirely different story. After I made peace with them and myself, I wound up working here after my dad offered me a job. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but my dad told me it’d be just like a couple shops back in the gryphon kingdoms. Again, I interpreted that in numerous ways because, well, it’s an entire kingdom. So choices as to what it actually was like, was very broad and ranged. I’ve eaten meat before, and it’s good and all but I’d rather have some hay fries or something.”

“So you started working here.” I gave a look around the store for a moment, noticing the cracked walls and dark surrounding spots throughout the shop. “Well.. it’s not all that bad, I guess.”

She gave off a few laughs,“It’s not the life I dreamed of. Being in this meat shop and all. I wanted to be out there, traveling, seeing the world and exploring the land.. but I can’t do anything about that. I miss the fresh air, but the scent of blood is all I smell day in, day out.” She shifted the steak around and flipped it over. “So. I’d like to make you a deal.”

“What would this deal entail?”

“I give you my loyalty and strength, you give me a job. A better job.” She looked to me with hopeful eyes. I had no intention in denying her offer, seeing as how the guardians numbers were few and rookies were by the cartload. We needed all the help we could muster and a new recruit is always welcomed.

“How goods your arm?” I asked. The answer didn’t matter, I just needed to see if she were cocky like Pyro, careless boasting can get someone killed and I didn’t want a walking target within the guild.

“Well, I’m good but I can always find room for improvement. I swear, if you get me out of this dead end job, I’m yours.” She smiled with a quick nod.

“Alright, if you can be at Mystic Mountain within the next few days and wait with the other recruits till my party returns from our mission, then your chances are that much higher.” I gave her a grin and she tackled me to the ground, showering me in hugs and constantly thanking me. “Um, Gilda. The steak.”

“Oh yeah!” She pulled herself away from me and ran up to the stove. She shifted the steak around and checked to see if it was cooked thoroughly. With a small nod, she took the pan in hand and slipped the steak onto a clean plate. “Here you go sir!”

I pulled myself off the ground and dusted myself off, the place could have used a good sweeping. I looked to her and accepted the plate as she held it out to me. “Thanks Gilda, but just call me Dark. No need for the whole “Sir” thing, well, not yet anyway.”

“Oh ok.”

I quickly finished off the succulent steak and laid a small pouch of bits in her hand. Upon opening it, she saw that I had left more than needed, but I told her that it was a tip. She gave me a quick hug and I exited the shop and left the dark alley. With my misadventure over, I could finally return to the task at hand, reaching the walls of the castle and meeting with the princesses and the others.

I strode through the streets, through the royal gates and up the walkway leading up to the castle’s front doors. I felt relaxed, calm and peaceful. It felt like nothing could go wrong. And thankfully, nothing did.

I entered the enormous throne room and I found my party resting to the side of the room and the two royals sitting in their respective thrones. I walked my way up the lacey red carpet and placed a clenched fist across my chest as I bowed. “Princesses.”

I pulled myself up and gazed upon the two sisters and smiled. “What can we do for you?” I asked.

Celestia stood from her throne, as did Luna. They slowly strode their way up to me and began to talk. “Darkmoon, it’s so good to see you. We hardly see you around here all that much, haven’t already forgotten about us have you?” The white coated alicorn asked as she gave a quick laugh.

“Of course not, Celest. I could never forget either of you.” I smiled back.

Luna stepped in,“Well, since you haven’t forgotten us, no need for introductions.” She smiled. “We have an important mission for you and your champions...”

I interrupted luna before she could finish, I looked back to the others and found my rag tag party. A blacksmith, a mechanic, a stargazer, a pyromaniac, and a machine. “Yes... champions.” I gave a small chuckle as I returned my focus on Luna. The sound of my laughter must have spread, as Luna too begun laughing. “Anyway, please continue.”

Once she calmed her giggles, she spoke,“We have a mission for you all. We have heard word of a stallion that has isolated himself within the Everfree in fear of something. The fear is of that of which he carries, a pure diamond orb that contains immense power. The Clover family treeline has always had their issues with magic. Terrible things have happened because of that magic. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not bad ponies, it’s just that they produce too much of it and after a while, magic leaks out and without the will of the user, it plays with others. Much like that plant in the Everfree forest, Poison Joke. The Clover family finally got their hands on this diamond orb six generations ago and since then, it’s been absorbing the excess magic. With the power of six generations within this orb, if in the wrong hands, it could be used as a weapon.”

“So, you want us to go into the Everfree and find this Clover, and take the orb?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes and no. We wish for you and your party to travel into the forest, find Mr. Lucky Clover and bring him this.” She stepped back towards her throne and retrieved a small but hand sized black and red stone. She quickly came back and handed the stone over to me. I stared at it for a moment, it was a shiny crystallized black stone with what appeared to be stained blood across its surface. “This is a bloodstone. In your world, they hold no powers, but here, they can house much power within the walls of the small rock. I wish for you to give Lucky this in trade for his diamond crystal. He has already made an agreement with us to hand over the orb, as long as he got a replacement. You’ll be meeting with him at the edge of the forest, near the zebra Zecora’s trail route. With the power of mine and my sisters magic combined, we’ve been able to enchant to the stone to dispose of excess magic that’s been stored within, as long as the holder is willing. So, you needn’t fear holding it.” She gave me a smile and walked herself back to her throne. I slipped the stone into my pack and was about to turn to Celest, but someone interrupted me.

‘That’s my wife for you.’ I heard Shadow say within my head. I gave him a mental kick and to my surprise the most unexpected happened. ‘What was that for?’ He asked as he gave irritable groans.

I thought back,‘In all honesty, I didn’t even expect it to work, but still, in front of the princesses. Just try to act civil.’

I turned to Celestia and she spoke,“Dark, once you and your friends return. I need to speak with you about something, though when that time comes, I’d rather it be just the company of us, so if it’s not too much to ask, I’d like you to come alone.” She gave me a quick hug, but stopped for a moment before releasing. I felt a little tense at the moment, and thoughts were running through my mind as to why she wouldn’t let go. But my questions received an answer as she spoke once more as she whispered into my ear,“Is that the smell of meat on your breath?” She gave a light chuckle. “You’re not so different from your father than you think. Quite the carnivorous one aren’t you?” she giggled and returned to her throne.

I gave a small cough and rubbed the back of my neck,“What can I say? It’s just me and my canines. They need a little work as well.” I gave her a smile then turned back to my companions and signalled for them to ready themselves. “Come on, gents. We have somewhere to be.”

In unison, they peeled themselves off either the ground or off the wall and called out,“Yes, sir!”

“Can you please stop with the “Sir” thing? I’m Dark! Not some uppity richmen.” I told the boys, though I wished I hadn’t. They all looked to each other with lopsided grins and looked to me.

“Yes sir.”

“I hate you guys.” I turned towards the exit and we exited the castle after parading through the halls as the others continuously teased me with ‘Yes, sir!’ and ‘Of course, sir!’, I’d get them sometime soon, I swore to myself that I would. As we exited the castle, I turned to the group and said,“So, if any of you need to get something before we leave, do it now. No pit stops on the way, so no complaining if you left your one of a kind lucky charm back at home, or anything.”

They all looked to one another and said in unison,“Nah, we’re good.”

“Right then, off to the Everfree.” We all turned tail and strode back towards the direction of the train station. The walking quickly ended after a few minutes passed as we had finally boarded the train, heading back to Ponyville. The engine chugged along as it pushed the train back down the mountain. I retreated to my thoughts for a moment as I remembered back to when I first arrived in Equestria.

Back then, I remembered how when I walked from Ponyville to Canterlot that it felt so far away, but now it felt like a quick jog compared to the distance I traveled now. Nowadays I could be in the Badlands one day and in the crystal mountains the next. Travel, that’s all I seemed to do most of the time, but it was always filling me with an overwhelming sense of freedom and adventure. As I slunk out of my thoughts, I noticed that everyone had been chatting about seemingly random topics. I joined the conversations and we all sat in the cart, laughing and having a good time while we waited for the train to come to a halt.

The sun loomed overtop us as noon reached its peak. We exited the train as its doors opened, dodging through the hordes of ponies that were either entering or exiting the train. After we regrouped at the end of the platform, we all began our travels towards the Everfree at long last. I thought to myself about what I’d do after the mission was over, after we had retrieved the orb and brought it back to the princesses, I could return home and visit my family, or adventure to some far off land. We quickly passed through Ponyville and after receiving a few waves from a few friendly ponies, we were quickly stopped in our tracks as a familiar white coated, and violet maned mare gazed at me with irritated eyes. I felt a light tap on the shoulder as I set my eyes on the unmistakable miss Rarity. I turned my head and saw that Arch was the one tapping.

“We’re just going to be over here, and if she says anything about me, it’s either not true or she’s just out to make me look bad..” His words were spoken rather quickly, so I could tell that Rarity’s words were more than likely to be both complaints about Arch and that they’d all be true. I paced up to the white mare and she began yelling at me.

“I swear Darkmoon, I do not see how you can let such a humungous slob live within your home. I’ve been cleaning that house ever since I got there this morning! I know I’m here to help you make your house a home, but you’re never there, and unfortunately, Archimedes is. I’m here to help, but I’m not some maid. The catastrophic state I found the house in this morning was just an absolute disaster! I’m still in the process of cleaning that dreadful place!”

I made sure to keep to myself until Rarity was done with her frustrations before I spoke. Once she had finally vented to her hearts content, which was roughly an hour later, I finally was able to speak. “Rarity.” I ran an exhausted hand across my face,“You don’t have to take care of my house at all. When I first got it, yes it was nice that you helped me decorate it, but now. It’s time to leave the place be. I’m thankful that you’ve been there for so long but the house isn’t really mine anymore, it’s just a guest house, I guess. The guys spend more time there than I ever could, but I have another idea if you’d like to hear it.”

She let out a few calming breaths and placed her hand up against her chest for a moment before extending it out in front of her. “Ok..” She took a few more breaths. “What’s is this proposal?”

“Well, since you’ve spent so much time working on the house, making it a home, shaping it the way you see it should be, I’ve been more than inclined to... part with it.”

“What!?” She yelled. “You’re selling the house?” She looked as if she could grow horns and breath fire had she been angrier. “What is wrong with..” I quickly placed my hand across her mouth and silenced her for a moment before I spoke.

“No. I’m not selling it, I’m giving it away, to someone who deserves it.” I removed my hand from her muzzle and she began to yell again.

“And that’s supposed to be better than selling it? Oh yes, just give it away. It’s not like I’ve spent countless hours working on that house or anything, it’s not like I been trying my damndest to bring that place to life. Go ahead, just give it away why don’t you.” She threw her hands into the air and nearly screamed until I stopped her as she noticed me reaching into my pack. “What are you doing?” She asked with curiosity. Her words seemed to grow more and more hateful as she spoke. “Haven’t you been listening to me at all?”

As I rummaged through my pack, I finally found what I’d been looking for and pulled it out, holding it within my grasp. I looked to her with a smile,“Yes, I have been actually. As my friend, my decorator, my tailor, I believe that this..” I handed over the piece of paper I held with my left hand. “belongs to you.”

She cautiously took hold of the paper and slowly read over. “This is... this is the deed to the house. This is the house deed. You’re.. what are you..” she trailed off.

“I don’t think that there isn’t anyone more deserving than Miss Rarity to own that building. It’s your’s from now on.”

“Thank.. thank you.” She kept her eyes set on the deed for a moment, but just as I tried to signal the others to begin our way to the Everfree, she quickly wrapped her arms around my chest. “Thank you! Thank you!” She constantly repeated those words over and over as she bounced around me happily.

“No problem Rarity. I’m sorry I have to cut this short, but we need to be on our way.” She placed her hand flat against my chest piece, making me halt. “Alright, but just so you know. You’re all welcome to stay to my “new” place anytime you wish.” She narrowed her vision as she rested her eye upon Archimedes. “Everyone’s welcome. All but you.”

He spoke up,“Oh come on, we’ve had some good times together. Everything I’ve done wasn’t all that bad...”

“Still. The fact that you can’t clearly clean up after yourself.. is just horrendous. You are not welcome within my home. Never. Ever. Ever.” She turned tail and walked away. I looked back to the others and Axton, Strife, Terra, Intell and Pyro held the same expression as I. We were all lost in a state of confusion. Archimedes slouched over in defeat, saddened at the loss of his old home.

“That. That was interesting.” Terra said softly.

“Eeyup.” Pyro said with a southern accent. I obviously picked up who he was trying to impersonate and to be completely honest, it was a fairly good impersonation.

I shook the confusion away and began leading the others towards the outskirts of the town. We quickly left town and strode through the field of lush green. The sun still beaming down on us from the skies above, the wind lightly pushing against our backs, pushing us closer to our destination that much faster. It was only roughly an hour later when we finally arrived at the awaited destination. Zecora’s trail route. Now, it was time to play the waiting game until our friend Lucky Clover showed up.

The skies began to darken and we had set up a small camp just outside the trail as we waited for the stallion to show, but from the absence of his presence, I was beginning to suspect that he didn’t wish to trade out his orb. It was quite convenient for him to slip away, since no one had any idea as to where he stationed himself within the Everfree. Unfortunately for him, Zecora seems to know everything that happens within the chaos that is the Everfree. So if we had any chance of finding this stallion, she was our only hope.

“Seems like Clover is a no show. We’ll rest here for tonight, but in the morning, we’re going to Zecora’s hut to see if she has any knowledge about where Clover lives.”

“Alright” said Terra. “I need a bit of sleep as well, so.”

“Same here.”

Everyone bunked down and began to fall asleep. As each of them drifted into slumber, once again, I was left awake. I stared into the night sky blankly, watching as the moon slowly rose its way into the dark sheet of night, coated in small specks of light here and there. The night filled me with an inner sense of happiness. I couldn’t explain it, the sudden feeling left a stupid smile plastered across my face. I just couldn’t seem to get rid of it, but then again, I didn’t want to. It had been so long since I’d slept in a field, surrounded by the unexpected. The feeling of the cold night air against your skin, the dark of the night, and the small sounds that rung from every which direction. Everything at that moment, seemed utterly perfect. Seemed.

I heard a rustling from the forest and I quickly planted my hands against the ground and pushed my legs up, as my lower half jumped into the air, my hands pushed off the solid ground and I landed on my feet. I quickly grasped the hilt of my sword and glared into the brush of the forest, searching for any sign of movement. As I stared into the dark spaces between leaves, I noticed them once again. Those dark glowing green eyes. Those eyes that I had seen from the forest all those months ago.

I unsheathed my sword and slowly paced towards it, readying myself for anything. Should it leap at me, its life would be over within a moments notice. I lowered my voice as to not wake anyone. “Come on, what are you waiting for?” I stared closer at the eyes and they seemed to be signalling me to follow it somewhere. I thought to myself for a moment,‘Why should I follow this thing? It could be a trap.’ but that’s when a voice called out to me, in thought.

‘There is no need to fear me, for I do not wish to harm you. I only wish to show you something.’ The voice said with a relaxed voice.

‘If I’m going to follow you, I’m bringing the others.’ I told the glowing emerald pair of eyes.

‘You and you alone may only see. Should you bring them, they won’t be able to follow. They’ll get lost within the darkness of the woods. I mean you no harm, I just wish for you to follow, young one.’

I thought about it for a moment, contemplating its offer. If I were to wake them, and they did manage to get lost in the Everfree. Most of them had wings, so they could easily fly out. Intell does have wings, but from what he had told me, they weren’t good for flight, they mainly served for protection from attacks and for gliding. Axton on the other hand could use his magic to create a light source that could help him navigate the forest, but as for navigation, I’m not sure how well that would work.

‘When would I be back, and how long should it take?” I asked the voice.

It looked away for a moment, then quickly returned with an answer,“It will not take long. And I shall guide you back here once I have finished my task.’

I charged up a inferno spell and held it. ‘I’ll follow. but should you try anything, I’ve turn you to ash, do you understand?’ I asked the voice.

He quickly began to laugh. It sounded strange, though the laugh itself wasn’t exactly evil. ‘I’d like to ask you a question. Say you were to set me ablaze. As of that moment, I’m running around the forest, on fire, setting every other thing I come in contact with to alight as well. What does one do after that?’ He asked. I thought about it for a moment. I could plainly see my obvious miscalculation and dropped the charge, but quickly changed out for a frost spell.

‘Right then, I’ll freeze you in place and shatter you to pieces, how does that sound?’ I gazed at him, sword in one hand and spell in the other. He looked away once again, and shortly returned with an answer.

‘Sounds about right, quickly now. I haven’t all night.’ I quickly stepped into the dark of the woods and followed the eyes deep within the clutch of the lingering darkness. As I followed them closely, I thought that I had lost them. I looked around but I could find no trace of them.

‘It’s a trap, how could I have not noticed this earlier..’ I thought to myself, but I was quickly interrupted by a light emanating to the left of me. As I turned, I had found a glowing tree. I looked closer, and I had notice that the eyes were right beside it. I quickly shot up to them, and as I came closer, the eyes moved. As it passed by a tree, it seemed to glow. Tree after tree,I followed him closer and closer and soon they lead me to a clearing within the Everfree.

‘This is my resting spot. As I have told you, I will not harm you. For I can’t, but nor do I wish to. I only wish to give you something, a gem. It’s small and useful. I wish for you to take it from my body, though only use it once your adventure is over. For the gem houses my memories. I wish to give them to you, for we are joined by blood. The blood of the guild. What remains of me is there.” The eyes floated their way over to the middle of the clearing. As I found his remains, I found as the item he spoke of. A small emerald with a gold ring wrapped around it. I took hold of it and it gave off a warming sensation.

‘Take it, use it once you can. I only wished that we could have done better, maybe we could have saved many more lives before the war came. My knowledge will help you, Darkmoon. Son of Dreadheart, guardian of the Wandering Plains. You are to be my student now, but I must part for now. Farewell.’ And with that, the eyes faded into thin air, but that was when a thought popped into mind.

I called out to the voice,“Hey! I don’t know where the hell I am, you told me you were going to take me back!” Just as I finished, the trees began to light, though its eyes weren’t anywhere in sight. Before I set out to follow the trees back to camp, I slide the gem into my pack. Time took its toll, but I had finally arrived back at the campsite after nearly ten minutes of constant walking. “How long did it take for me to follow? It shouldn’t have taken me that long.” I set those thoughts to the side and laid down in my makeshift bed, my little adventure left me tired, so sleep wasn’t hard to achieve.

After a good nights sleep, we all got ourselves prepared for the travel ahead. The sun was just rising in the field’s horizon. I pulled my hood over and signalled for the group to head in. As we pushed through thick brush and morning dew covered leaves, we slowly began to enter the winding woods of the Everfree forest. We stuck to the trail leading us in the direction of Zecora’s hut. With the dampness and darkness of the woods in the morning, the forest felt as warm as a frozen tundra. We pressed on forward, ignoring the cold and looking to the destination ahead. Within a good half hour, we finally managed to reach the one we’d been searching for. We stood in front of Zecora’s front door and I knocked as loud as I could. I could hear nothing from the other side of the door, and knocked again.

“Alright! Alright! Can’t you tell I’ve been up all night?!” I heard a familiar voice call from upstairs. Slowly and draughedly, I could hear Zecora stumble her way down the stairs. “I’ll be there, just hold your hooves, I’m pushing my body as fast as it moves!” We waited for a moment, and then I heard the door unlock. “Come on in, I don’t wish to fight, so just keep it down, I’ve been drinking all night...” I quietly opened the door and poked my head through, I saw Zecora slowly edging herself down onto the couch in the living room. I pulled my head back and looked to the others.

“Alright, you heard the lady. Just keep the noise down and don’t act like asses, got it?” I looked to Pyro and then Archimedes. “You two especially keep it down.”

They slouched their heads and looked to the ground as they slowly drug their hooves through the dirt,“Alright...”

“Good. Now let’s go.” I turned around and we all entered the hut. Zecora slowly looked over and saw her guests. “Hello Zecora. It’s been some time, eh?”

The mare picked herself off the couch and tried to straighten herself out. “Oh Dark, it is good you are here, to have been forgotten I was beginning to fear.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a nice long hug.

“It’s good to see you too Zecora, I see that you’re as inebriated as much as the first time we met.” I gave her a grand smile and she signalled for me to follow her into the potions room. We all entered the room and it looked the same as the last time I had seen it. The walls were coated in bottles, dried herbs, masks and many other strange and interesting things. “Potions and other tonics I see.”

“Yes, I’ve been working on a special brew, brewed especially for me and you. Though I know of the queen of the hive, but I have enough to share with the one plus five.” She walked up to the cauldron and picked up seven empty bowls off the ground that were rested down beside it. With each bowl, she dunked each one in and handed one to everyone. Most took it with caution, but as I took mine, I already knew what to expect.

I took a sip of the tonic and wiped my mouth,“It’s smooth, I should get you to make a good batch for the hive. I’d love to see their reactions to this. Not only that, but Chrysalis’ too.. but that’ll have to wait for the time being.” I gave a small laugh and took another sip.

“So Dark...” Axton asked with a worried tone. “This liquid would be?”

“Yeah, it looks kinda funny..” Pyro eyed his bowl, watching the tonic swirl around within.

I looked to them and smiled,“It’s alright guys, it’s just alcohol. But, it’s Zecora’s brand. So expect a bit of a punch.”

In unison, they all looked to one another. Slowly, they lifted their bowls towards their lips. I took another sip. Their bowls made contact with the tips of the lips and once they each took in a mouthful...

“Holy Crap!” Axton spat out his mouthful,“Me bloody mouth is burning!”

Intell dropped the bowl and grasped his stomach in pain,“What have you done to me? Why would you do this to us?” Intell pleaded as he held himself, rocking back and forth to calm his stomach.

Pyro tried wiping the base of his tongue dry with his hands, trying to wipe away the taste. “My throat, my tongue! Why?! Everything is pain!”

Archimedes fell over in and continuously took deep breath,“Feelin’ Dizzy.”

The one I was second most surprised at was Terra. He swung his body left and right, he must have drunk the mouthful. And after a moment of constant swaying, he toppled over and fell into deep slumber. The most surprising reaction I saw was that of Night Strife. He took small sips of the tonic and swished it around his mouth. “Tastes good.” He gave a small smirk and nodded his head. He looked to the others and watched them blankly. “I.. I mean.. oh... it’s soo gross..” He gave a slight cough and took another sip.

“Ooh, I like that one.” Zecora said with a smile as she took a sip from her bowl. “So John... wait, you go by Dark now, do you not?”

“That’s me.” I said with a nod.

“Ah, so why have you come to these lonely woods of mine? Did you say something wrong to the queen and have finally crossed the line?” She asked. I shook my head and she turned to thought. “Alright then, so it must be something you need, doesn’t the love you give not suffice the changling’s feed?” She gave a smirk and threw a wink my way. Once again, I shook my head. “Then tell me please, the locks to your questions I do not have the keys.”

“Well Zecora” I took another sip. “We need to find someone, and he’s hiding here in the woods. He goes by the name Lucky Clover, and we were supposed to meet just outside your trail through the woods, but he was a no show. Since he’s out here in the woods, I thought that you might have some ideas as to where he is.”

“hmm.” She paced over to a table and grabbed a few plants and a couple of bottles filled with other strange liquids. She placed them down beside the cauldron and began dumping them in one by one. Me and Strife watched as she stirred the mix around, and after she downed the rest of her bowl, she dunked it in the new concoction. She strode up to me and the blue stallion and ordered us to down ours as well. As instructed, we followed her orders to the letter without hesitation. She took our bowls and dunked them back in and handed them to us after they were filled. “Here.”

I took the bowl and took a mouthful, while Strife eyed the new brew. “So, this is going to show us where Clover is, or give us some kind of “Sensing” ability...” He trailed off with a slight slur.

“Oh, no. It will not. It’s just another brew from my pot.” She gave a smile and turned to me. “Well Dark, this pony you’re searching for. I know of who you speak. But he is far passed the deep woods creek. Beyond the clearing and through the tree, over the cliff and living care free.” She took a sip of the drink. “Some evil within the forest, you might have to stomp, but once you’ve passed through the forest, you’ll arrive at the swamp. He lives within a cottage within that murky place, trying to stay hidden, just in case. They say he holds an orb like no other, with the power of royals, the sun he could smother.”

“so you’re saying that he’s dangerous.. hmm..” I trailed off into my thoughts, should things go sour with Clover, an extremely tough fight would be definitely expected. “Can you lead us to Clover?” I asked. This travel would be much quicker if she lead the expedition, but she had other things to attend to.

“Dark, I am sorry, but the adventure you seek is your own story. I wish to just stay here and work with my potions, though the exercise would be good, but ah... too many motions.” She gazed over to Strife and gave him a wink. “But I could still use some exercise..”

I gave a powerful laugh as I watched Strife’s cheeks turn plump cherry red as the words reached his ears. Once I had finally composed myself, I spoke. “I’m sorry Zecora, but I still need him for now, but then again, that’s just for now...” I looked over to Strife and scratched my chin in thought. Maybe he’d like to be with Zecora, but then again it was entirely his decision. “What do you think brother?”

The blue stallion looked to me with wide eyes and slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry... but it’s just.. I don’t know.. um.. I can’t..” He looked to Zecora and she smiled at him sweetly. Quicker than lightning, he downed the rest of his bowl and sprinted out of the potions room, distancing himself in the safety of the living room.

Zecora looked to me with a puzzled expression,“I know I’m strange to a certain degree, but am I that strange as to make him flee?”

I rested a calming hand on her shoulder and said,“Of course not, Zecora. I bet it’s just his shyness factor. He hasn’t told me much about his past marefriends, I’m not even sure if he’s ever had one, but he’s always lost in the stars.”

“So... your saying I still have a chance with him... nice.” She rose her bowl to her lips and took a slow sip.

“Maybe, but you’ll have to earn his trust. Thankfully, you’ve already found the easiest way to his heart.” I told her with a smile. She turned to me with a confused expression.

“What? I have? What was it?” She seemed to be frantic to find the answer, but I just shrugged them off.

“Hey, I can’t answer all of your questions. You’ll have to find the hidden gem yourself.” She stomped on the ground in frustration, silently whispering curses towards me. “Well Zecora, we should be off...” but I trailed off as I turned around and found that Pyro, Axton, Arch and Intell were still trying to rid themselves of the taste of the mystical brew. Terra was still firmly planted on the floor. “...In a couple of hours that is.”

An hour had passed and we still had a couple to go. Terra was sleeping silently on the couch in the living room, while most of the others slept in the potions room. They must have passed out from the drink as well. Strife and I sat on the front doorstep, talking about what had happened and why he reacted that way. It turns out I was right all along, he hadn’t any experience in terms of the opposite gender and he always panicked like that when he had gotten himself stuck into that kind of situation.

“I just can’t Dark, it’s hopeless.” He told me.

I looked to him as I sat beside the stallion, wrapping my arm around his shoulder and leant against him. “Well my dear Night Strife. I’d be lying if I didn’t say you were quite the catch. And Zecora seems to think the same way, but never go into a relationship, or a one night stand, blind. Zecora’s been giving you those bedroom eyes the whole time we’ve been here and.. you’d be crazy not to consider the option. I can tell when she finds someone attractive, and brother, you’ve got it.”

“And pray tell, how would you know this exactly?”

“I’ve got a quick story for you. When I first arrived in this world, I woke up in this very forest, it was dark even though you could see the light breaking through the cracks of the leaves above. I was trying to find my way out of the forest and down to Ponyville but Zecora found me and brought me back to her hut. After a timberwolf chase and a close catch, you could say by the tip of the nose..” I gave a quick chuckle. “We finally made it back to her hut, night began to set and we sat there talking to each other for a good long while with a few drinks inside us. One thing lead to another and..”

“You.. her.. what? What about the queen? Does she know about this?” Asked Strife with a bit of worry.

“No need to fret, Strife. This was back when I first came here, I didn’t even know Chrysalis at the time. Hell, I barely knew my way around. So it’s just a thing of the past, and we’re just good friends. But she’s been giving you the eyes that fell upon me that very night. So, the options there, you just have to choose.”

Strife placed his head on his hands and groaned. “I got to think about it. I don’t know right now. Let’s just finish the mission before I consider anything.”

“Alright, well let’s go wake these kids up, shall we?” I stood up and held out my hand to help the blue pegasus up to his hooves. He took it and quickly stood up and turned towards the door with a grin.

“Let’s.”

After we had woken everyone and strode out into the thick of the forest after saying goodbye to Zecora, we were finally on our way towards Clover’s hideout. First, we had to cross the clearing. I knew exactly where it was, for as we reached it, I noticed in the middle of the field, I could see the spot I had found the night before. I could feel a slight chill run up my spine as I felt a cold wind on my neck.

“You guys feel that?” Asked Pyro. Everyone stopped for a moment and looked around as they nodded. “I knew it wasn’t just me.” I kept on walking, but rested my hand against my pouch, remembering the emerald I had gotten. The pouch felt cold but it gave my hand a warm sensation through it. “Dark, didn’t you feel it?” He asked as I continued on walking.

After he finished speaking, I stopped in my tracks. “Each time we stop, I’m going to make you all do two hundred push-ups before bed, starting now.” I pushed forward and everyone quickly caught up. We soon passed the clearing and begun working our way through the winding trees of the Everfree once again.

“Have I already told you guys that I hate the Everfree?” Pyro said as he pushed leaves away as he walked closely behind Terra. As Terra moved a large leaf out of his way, it shot back and whipped Pyro in the muzzle.

“Yes, we get it, ya’ hate the forest. This has been the eighth time yah’ve said it!” Yelled Axton. Obviously he had heard enough of the fiery maned stallion’s complaints.

“Hey! You did that on purpose!” Pyro yelled at Terra as he rubbed his muzzle. He turned to Axton and grumbled,“Well can you blame me? Sure, it’s got warmth on it’s side and that’s awesome, but we’re constantly having to push through all the crap!”

“That’s two hundred.” I said plainly.

Pyro took a moment to process my words and cried out,“Damn it!”

Axton began to laugh as he stood in place holding his stomach. “You’re just havin’ the worst of luck, mate!”

Intell, Terra, and Strife continued to push on with me and I called out to the mechanic,“Two hundred for you too.”

“Wait, what?” He looked to Pyro and he shrugged. Pyro looked to him with a lopsided smile and laughed. “What’d I do?” He asked.

“Well, what are your hooves not doing?” Pyro pointed down to Axton’s hooves. He quickly looked up to the mechanic’s face and grinned. “You stopped, so you’re with me... Happy two hundred.”

After Pyro and Axton caught up with us, we soon came to the cliff divide within the Everfree, nearly falling off. I looked left and right to see the quickest way around. The gash across the forest looked to stretch on for miles, but this problem wasn’t difficult at all. “Terra, pick up Intell.”

“Wait, what now?” Asked Intell with a bit of worry. He was quickly lifted into the air and was held within one of Terra’s huge hands. “What are you guys doing?!” He cried out, trying to wiggle free.

I looked to the mechanical stallion and smiled. “Your wings won’t elevate you enough for you to simply fly over, so Terra’s gonna help you.” I flung my arm forward towards the other side of the divide with a pointed finger and yelled,“Fire!” Instantly, Terra launched the stallion into the air. With the help of his wings, Intell easily glided to the otherside. Together, Pyro Strife, and Arch al flew over and landed beside Intell. Me and Terra grabbed onto Axton’s arms and floated the unicorn over with ease.

Once we touched down on the other side, Axton said,“Thanks.”

“Not a problem, now let’s move.”

We walked for about an hour, and the evening was just threatening to descend upon the forest. With only a couple hours of light left, we needed to find Clover’s cottage quickly or we’d be fresh out of luck in finding him within the dark of the woods. We frantically searched until we heard Pyro calling out to us,“Hey! I’ve found the place!” We quickly darted over to the fiery maned stallion and poked our heads over the brush after we pushed the large leaves out of the way. There we found the small cottage beside a small swamp. “Isn’t this froggy bottom bog?” Asked Pyro.

“Either way, we’re here and Clover is as well. Come on, let’s get this over with.” I pushed through the leaves and pressed on towards the small building. Each one of my party members cautiously strode up with their weapons at the ready, as if expecting something to happen, though nothing did.

We approached the house and found that the door had been kicked off its hinges, the small cottage looked as if it were ransacked by bandits, and their was no trace of Lucky Clover. Pyro slowly spoke. “I’m beginning to think this is probably why he didn’t show up at the camp...” We all looked to him and held blank expressions. “What?”

“Alright everyone, try to search for anything that could help us find Clover, he may be in trouble.” Intell, Strife and I rummaged through the house in search of any form of a clue that could lead us to Clover, while Pyro,Arch, Axton and Terra searched the outside area. As I searched through his small work office, I found countless assortments of ancient tomes, rare books and old fragmented scrolls. A pair of broken reading glasses were lying bent and cracked on the ground, surrounded by scattered papers and letters. From this, I could deduce that he was a scholar of some sort. I inspected closer and noticed that the books were all of different types of magic. One that caught my eye out of the whole was a small leather bound book, held closed by a strap with a golden lock. I pulled it off the shelf and looked to the cover. Inscribed into the front was a dark shield with some form of magic wrapping around it. The title of the book was far too faded to read, but I could make out what appeared to be the words,‘The’ and ‘Price’.

“The.. price?” I tried to open the lock but it refused to open. I turned to the others and called out their names. “Intell. Strife. Come here for a moment.” Quickly they dashed to the office and looked at me, I showed them the book and asked them if they had seen any like it before. They shook their heads and asked what it was called. “I can’t really make out the letters, but all I can see is two words. One of the words is ‘The’ and the other is ‘Price’. The title begins with the first word and seems to end with the last. Do you know any books with that kind of title?” I asked, once again, they shook their heads. They walked off and returned to searching, and I placed the book down on the desk table and continued looking throughout the office.

I turned to the other books and tried to study the area, seeing if I could find any hidden piece of knowledge or secret passage. After a moment or two of studying the shelves, I heard Strife calling out to me. I was just about to exit the office, but I looked back to the leather bound book I had set down. I don’t know what it was, or what drove me to do it, but I felt something whisper to me to take the book. I strode over to the desk and picked it up and quickly placed within the safety of my pouch. I turned back to the door and sprinted over to where I assumed Strife had called from. I heard his voice calling from the cellar and hurried my way down the stairs and found Strife standing quietly, eyeing some sort of stand.

“What are you doing?” I asked the stallion, he turned to me for about a moment but didn’t respond. I looked to the stand as well. It was a fairly large stand and it looked as if it were meant to hold a globe or something. The stand itself was made of chiseled stone. “Do you think..” I trailed off but Strife soon finished my question.

“That this was the stand for the orb? I think so. If it is, it’s a huge one.” He said as he scratched his head. “Maybe... maybe someone came and took the orb and Clover. That’s why he’s not here and why the orbs gone.”

“Can’t be.”

“Why not?” Asked Strife.

“It’d have to be more. Considering the size of this orb, being made of pure diamond and having also having to kidnap someone at the same time would take more than just one guy.” I pulled my hood down and ran my fingers through my hair. “Great, more work.”

I heard hoofsteps coming down the steps and I turned to see that it was Intell. He looked to have been putting some kind of blueprint type of paper within his pack, he quickly spoke,“Strife, Dark, you guys might want to come see this.”

He lead us out of the cottage and into the murky waters of the swamp, where the others seemed to be standing around with their heads bowed down in sadness. “What’s going on here?” Asked Strife.

Intell signalled for us to move on and we walked up to something floating within the water. And from that moment, I realized what was happening. “We were too late.” Intell said with a touch of sorrow.

We strode our way out into the swamp and the murky waters came up to our knees. We pushed through, slowly but surely. Once we finally arrived beside the others, there he lay, face down in the water. I reached in and slowly flipped him over. He must have been there for a few days, but with the help of the swamp, our unlucky friend’s cheek was in the process of decaying. I took hold of his underarms and drug him to shore. Gliding him peacefully through the waters below. Once we had reached the shore, Axton noticed something within his front pocket. I’d never take anything off a dead man’s being, but if it helped us find the murderers, I’d do it only to bring him some peace in the afterlife. I slowly wedged my hand into his wet pocket and pulled out a soggy piece of paper. It had been folded in half and stored into his pocket, as if he were rushing, trying to hurry. I didn’t want to open the note, in fear of tearing our only clue, but Axton took hold of the wet parchment with his magic and slowly begun to open it.

After some type of spell, Axton handed me back the note and it was completely dry. “There ya go mate.”

“Thanks.” I looked down to the note and it read aloud for everyone to hear:

They’re coming for me, I know it! I’ve tried to to switch out the orb for another, a much weaker stone, but the princess is saying that she needs Darkmoon’s Crescent’s help with this. I’m not sure if it’s that difficult, but if she see’s that he may be of help protecting the orb from them, I can wait. But I can’t hold them back, I can hardly see them. They’re there for a moment, and gone without a trace the next.

They’ve been watching me, they’ve been taking my family one by one. Slowly picking us off. My brother Four leaf was trying to go to Ponyville the other day, to go get some more supplies for the house. He hasn’t come back yet. It’s been a week since he left. I can’t hold out here by myself much longer. I’m running out of food, and I can hear them scratching on the walls. I thought that one night, I’d be able to get a good night’s sleep if I’d slept in the attic... but the scratches just got louder. They can see me through the walls. I’m not sure how, maybe some spell, or.. maybe they’re just monsters. Either way, I’m not gonna make it another day at this rate.

As I’m writing this moment, they are pounding on the front door. I tried to barricade myself inside; but the spells aren’t working like they used to. I’ve tried to hide the cellar as best I could, but if they can see me, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that they can see the orb too. I can’t do it anymore. I can’t take it. The sounds and screams, it’s just too much to handle. They are demons, and they seek my family’s orb. This orb is a curse, but its helped my family for generations. I’m not gonna make it.

Mom, Dad. If you’re reading this, I sorry. I should have listened earlier when you told me to move back, maybe Four leaf would still be alive. Maybe this would have never happened. If you’re a stranger, or the group I was supposed to meet with and somehow found my house, I ask that you give something to my mother in Stalliongrad. There is a small trinket in my office inside a hidden slot within the desk. She’ll know what it means, and hopefully the beasts haven’t taken it and its still there. I’m sorry. I really am.

The poundings getting louder. I can’t take it anymore. I tried to keep it safe, but they’ve found me. And they are going to take it, but I’m not sure what they’re going to do to me. I’ve had this ring on my horn to help with the magic overflow, to help sap it for all these years.. and now, I finally have a reason to take it off. I don’t know if they’ll kill me once they get their dark hands on it, but if they don’t and they get it, we’re all good as dead.

I’d like nothing more than to end madness that is my life, they constantly torment me, my thoughts, and they’ve taken my brother. I’m ending this here. This is where I make my final stand against these beasts. They’ll most likely have to carry the orb out, even with their wings and they’re countless numbers, they’ll have to walk that thing back to their home. Should you be the group, I ask that you find them, and end them. They follow someone cruel. He is sick, he is powerful, and he has an army. Follow them. End them. Bring safety to this land, even if it’s only for a short time. I bid you farewell.

~Yours truly, Lucky Clover.

I looked down to the fallen unicorn laying on the ground before me, motionless and emotionless. His once green coat and forest green mane were now tattered and battle weary versions of their previous selves. The limiter ring he spoke of in the letter wasn’t on his horn, he was a brave pony. Terra took him by the feet and I hooked my arms underneath his shoulders and we carried him over to the front of his cottage. We set Lucky down and began to dig. After ten minutes, we slowly edged him down the hole and covered him in a thick blanket of dirt. With his grave covered, we set stones upon the loose dirt and stood in silence. After a few minutes, we readied ourselves to travel, but Terra had one final offering for the stallion. With a light breath of blue fire, the stone slowly turned into glass cover.

“A grave fit for a king.” Terra bowed to the fallen stallion and turned away.

I entered the house and went into the office. I searched through the desk and found the trinket. I gripped it in my hand and placed it into my pouch.

As I exited the residence, I found that they were all searching for any markings in the dirt and mud in hopes to track down the beasts. After a few minutes of searching, Intell called out from within the brush.

“I’ve found something!” We all quickly made our way towards Intell and he had found exactly what we had been searching for, hoofprints.

We followed those markings for hours, dragging long into the night and they lead us all the way to Ghastly Gorge. They passed through the bottom of the deep gorge and thanks to the mud tracks they left behind, we were able to follow them without the slightest problem. They stopped within a cave, and the tracks seemed to have stopped there. From what I could guess is that once they stopped for the night, they cleaned off their hooves. But, since they were coming this way, they were most definitely leaving the other side.

Though the boys asked to stop, I knew that would only give them more time to get away. I wasn’t about to let that happen. We pressed on and worked our way out of the far side of the rocky gorge. It brought us out into the San Palomino Desert, the sand was still warm, but the night was filling the air with a deep chill.

After what felt like an eternity of marching through the shifting sand, we finally found a shining light in the distance. Axton pulled a small telescope out of his pack and gazed through it. He was silent for a couple seconds but quickly spoke up,“It’s definitely them, but there only seems to be four there. I can’t be entirely sure though, some might be hiding behind the dunes.”

“Alright men, ready yourselves for the unexpected. This could be a ploy for an ambush.” I told the others, but Pyro went into thought for a moment.

“Well, when you think about it, we’re the ambush. So, what happens when the ambush gets ambushed?” He placed his hand to his chin, awaiting an answer.

Terra rolled his eyes and said in a drone tone,“Fight like hell and hope for the best.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Pyro gave a shrug and we slowly edged our way towards the camp. Dune after dune, the camp drew nearer by the footstep. Their small camp housed only a small campfire and a few backpacks. Four ponies sat there, but something seemed off about them, normally, gathered ponies wouldn’t just sit there silently amongst others, they would be talking at least. But that’s all they did. They sat perfectly still and watched the roaring fire before them. I slide down the sand and rolled into their camp, quickly followed by the others.

I unsheathed my sword and aimed the tip towards them,“Where is it? Where is the orb?” I demanded. Still, they didn’t react. “Speak damn you!” I picked one off the ground and looked into his eyes, and that’s when it hit me. These weren’t ponies. He hissed at me and kicked me in the chest, launching himself out of my grip and creating a distance between us. “What are doing?!” I shouted at the creature. The green within his eyes shone bright as he glared at me. “Tell me now, before I do something... that I won’t regret.”

The ploy had been seen through and the creature dropped his little game. He dropped his disguise and his costume charred away and fell to the ground in a smouldering heap. His exoskeleton revealed itself, along with his torn and tattered body. The light from that emanated off the moon shone against his dark skin, and I could feel my rage building to an all time high.

“Does this surprise you Dark? That we’re here? Yes, we’re. You’re not in charge anymore, you never were. You were a joke.” He gave a few laughs and his comrades around the fire shed their disguises as well. “You’re out manned. Just lay down and die. Your time is done, so sleep. I’ll remember to show the queen exactly what I think of your future children. She’s useless now, just like you.” He paced his way around me, but I still had my weapon in hand, and a spell in the other. “Alright, I see how you want to play it. Well then, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He stood by the fire and gave me a sinister grin. Out of nowhere, he yelled into the night sky and within that moment, hordes of changling’s drug themselves out from the very sands around us. They slowly tried to encase us, but we all stood back to back, watching each other and hoping and wishing for the best.

“Hold!” I called out to the others.

“Attack!” Cried the changling leader. With a thundering pounding against the ground, the changling’s stormed across the dunes and charged towards us. I readied myself and waited. Terra held his warhammer within his mighty grasp and took deep breaths. Archimedes took some stretches and cracked his knuckles, readying himself. Pyro and Intell jumped around, working themselves up for the fight before us. Axton and Strife processed the best way to handle the fight to come, preparing magical runes to protect the group and using Strife’s swift movement to place the runes.

With ourselves completely surrounded, we waited. Death could have been a huge factor, and I didn’t wish to see my family die. But I couldn’t do anything, so we waited. I watched as they poured over the last dune and charged straight at us, but just as the first changling stepped across the connected runes, the desert was instantly lit up with walls of fire that surrounded us. As pile upon pile of changling came in constant with the flames, they burst into fire and fell to charred remains of their former selves. The numbers quickly began to thin as they stumbled backwards, trying to escape the push of those behind them. Even though the death count was high, they kept going, trying to somehow break the wall. They started in the hundreds, but were quickly cut down to around fifty or so. Those left, smart enough not to touch the wall, waited as well.

“Dark, these runes are goin’ to quit on us soon, they’re not gonna hold much longa.” he said with a twinge of worry. I looked to him and smiled.

“It’s alright Axton, just stick with Terra and he’ll watch your back. Now let’s fight till the last man!” I shouted to the changlings and my brothers joined me in the chorus of our battle cry. The walls faded and I charged forward, spell at the ready as well as my weapon. I took changling after changling, slicing and dicing my way through their bony bodies.

“Watch it!” Terra cried as he slammed his hammer down on a changling as it tried to pounce onto Axton. In one fluid motion, as his hammer crushed the changling, his tail swatted two others away. He raised his head into the air and a growling sound could be heard coming from his throat. Just as he opened his mouth, he leant forward and turned his enemies into ash as he incinerated them with his fire breath. Axton took hold of a changling and froze him solid then launched him at another. He quickly reached into his pack and threw a small metal ball at a clustered group and it stuck to one of the ebony insects. It viciously tried to take it off but by the time he rested his hands upon it, it exploded and covered the nearby areas in a thick sheet of ice. “The hell was that?” asked Terra.

“I’m a mechanic, I work with enchantments. I make things, weapons are one those things!” He called out as he charged up a few spells and launched them at his enemies.

Strife quickly dashed across the sands, sliding through and under changling after changling flawlessly. As he passed, he’d slice and cut his way with his edged daggers. Everything was easy for him until he met his match, one slim insect dashed up and tried ramming his blade into his stomach, but it was quickly blocked by Strife. They swung, spun and battled for dominance at incredible speeds, fighting for their very lives. They clashed blades and held it for a moment,“Just give up. You’re dying here tonight.” The changling stated with a wicked grin plastered across his face as he panted.

“You shouldn’t say such things, you still have some chance!” Strife gave a small chuckle through quick breaths. “Well, Let’s see if you can match this.” He quickly planted his hoof against the changling’s chest and launched him backwards. “You can thank Pyro for that!” He dove back into the fight.

“Why is it..” Intell grunted as he launched projectiles at his foes. “Why is it I’m always stuck with you?” He quickly glanced over to Pyro. The fiery maned stallion shrugged after retrieving his hatchet from the shoulder of a changling, booting them off the blade.

“What can I say? We’re just a good mix, I guess!” He gave a loud laugh but was quickly silenced as a changling tackled him to the ground, slamming punches into his face. Immediately, Intell dashed over to Pyro of ripped the ebony insect off, launching him into one of his comrades. Pyro pounced up to his hooves and readied himself once more.

“Had you watched your surroundings instead of talking, maybe that wouldn’t have happened!” Intell yelled as he slammed his fist against a changling’s muzzle.

“Again, what can I say?”

Archimedes flew around swifty, striking the changlings with his bare fists. I thought it was stupid thing to do, but he managed to take on six changlings at once single handedly. He spun and danced his way across the sand with grace and precision. Only striking as they attacked, countering and knocking them unconscious.

I had a frost spell fully charged and ran the end of my blade through the gut of a changling, and as quick as I could, I slammed my clenched fist against his head and cast the spell. As soon as my fist made contact with his cheek, his head instantly froze solid and shattered on contact. I placed the end of my boot against his chest and slid him off my blade. I turned to some other changlings and readied myself for more. I let out a powerful yell and they all took off to the skies in terror. ‘That went better than expected.’ I thought to myself. I looked around the field of battle and noticed that as the bodies dropped, more and more left the sands and flead for their lives, taking their unconscious soldiers with them.

With only the few daring changlings left, I strode up to them with sword at the ready. I let out a loud battle cry and I was soon joined by my brothers as they shouted to the night skies above. With the battle lost, the remaining changlings bolted away, all except one. Strife constantly fought for dominance with his familiar foe, clashing steel and pounding each other with their fists. Strife looked to been struggling at one point but he quickly managed to wrap his hand around the changlings wrist, twisting and bending his arm, snapping the bone within. The changling cried out in pain as his bone stabbed through his skin, causing him to fall to his knee as he held his arm.

I dashed towards the changling and just as Strife was about to stab his knife into his foes throat, I grabbed his hand and stopped him mid-swing. “Hold it!” I let go of Strife and picked the changling up by his broken arm, watching as his face cringed at the pain. “Who is the one you’re group is following? I know it’s not Chrysalis, so who is it?” I yelled at him. He looked to me with pain ridden eyes and smiled as he spat in my face.

AsI wiped his spit away, he spoke,“You haven’t got the slightest clue, and you never will.” He let out a laugh and tears slowly rolled down his cheek.“Kill me, it doesn’t matter. He needs the orb and we’ve failed. Even if I went back now, I’d be killed on the spot for failing.” He began to quietly sob between laughter. “I’ve failed in bringing him the orb, but you and your friends have failed as well. I’m not going to break, and I’d rather remain a hero to my people, to my pact than surrender my glorious leader.” He used his tongue and broke off one of his teeth. He swallowed his tooth and his mouth began to foam, gargling and twitches were the only things he did as he he slunk into the sand and died.

“Damn it! A Cyanide pill!” I flung my hands into the air in frustration. “Who the hell is this “Glorious leader”? And Why are changlings following him?” I was yelling at my own family because of my frustration, and I noticed this by the looks on their faces. “I’m... I’m sorry. It’s just that.. this wasn’t supposed to happen.” I slowly trudged my way over to the still roaring campfire and sat and stared into it, thinking about what had just happened. “This guy probably has the orb, and it’s only a matter of time before shit hits the fan.” I placed my hand against the bridge of my nose. ‘Come on Dark, think. Where could it be?’ Pyro sat himself next to the fire but shied away.

“How is it this cold in the Desert? Normally it isn’t so cold at night that the fire doesn’t warm you up..” He said as he reached into the sand and found one of the runes and held it in his hands, “Oh yeah, still warm.” Then it hit me.

‘The fire’s not giving off heat? What?’ I thought to myself as I placed my hand closer to the flame, it gave off a cold sensation as I ran my hand over it. ‘The hell..’ I quickly pushed the firewood out of the way with my feet and smothered the fire as the burnt wood rolled across the sand. In the spot where the flames once sat, I dug with my hands through the sands as fast as I could, the cold sensation getting stronger as I dug. I must have caught the attention of the others as they soon came to watch me dig through the sand. That’s when my hands touched something, it was solid and it made a ‘clunking’ sound as my finger struck against it. “Is it...” I leapt into the hole that I created and wiped the excess sand from across the top of the object. I couldn’t exactly make out as to what it was, so I charged up a inferno spell and used my spell as a source of light. A huge smile plastered across my face as I dropped the spell and grabbed the sides of the object. I couldn’t lift it on my own so I called out to the others,“Hey! Help me out here!”

With the combined efforts of Axton, Terra, Intell, Strife, Archimedes, Pyro and my own, we managed to lift the stone out of the ground. I was huge, roughly around the size of a globe. Strife was the first to speak while we all panted for breath,“Ha!.. I.. knew.. it was... a stand...” He toppled over and panted between laughs “I’m smart, you all got nothin’ on me.” He smiled as he laid in the sand with his hands rested behind his head.

“We got the diamond, and things aren’t as bad as I thought.” I mentally fist pumped at our huge victory. “Hell yeah!”

“Don’t crack open the champagne yet Dark.” Terra gave a huge sigh and slouched. “We still have to roll this damnable ball all the way back to Canterlot. This’ll be a lifetime and a half.”

Even with his discouraging words, I still couldn’t help but smile. We managed to recover the Diamond orb, and stopped some leader’s evil plans. Not to mention kick a lot of ass.

Now, it’s time to return home, and receive a heroes welcome. ‘We saved the world for another day, may not have been mine but the thought still counts. So, it’s safe to say that I can check that off my “To Do” list.’ The grin wouldn’t leave my face, and it continued to plague everyone elses the entire way back.

Well, we did a bit of proof reading.. though I'm not a very patient guy. I'm sorry about that.
I'd like to thank ponyninja, FireDancer, Fayte, and.. well.. I don't remember sending it to anyone else.. Anyways, I'd like to thank you guys for proof reading as much as you could with the time you had, and I'm really sorry for cutting you short. hmm. So yeah.

Also, there are two reasons as to why I made the chapter as long as it was.
Reason 1: I didn't want to break up the adventure into individual chapters, that would just be bat shit crazy and take too long for my tastes.
Reason 2: I'm going to be taking a break for the time being as of now. I'll still be on the site, but updates on my stories won't be for a good.. one to one and a half weeks. Sorry, once again. You can still send me a message if you want to chat, but don't be expecting another update for some time.

Thanks you for reading and have a good day.

Keep it cool, Condemned.