Repercussions

By: Tony “GaryOak” Genovese

Special Thanks: Cory "Frekavichk" Whelan and anypony that offered advice, shared their opinions, and was constructive during the writing process.

He stood on the highest point of the Drackenridge Mountains.  A cursory glance would suggest that he was merely a statue, or even a lord surveying his lands.  However he was neither; upon closer inspection one would realize that his eyes were closed, as if in deep thought.  And then it happened.  A wild, uncontrolled explosion of magic, far off in the distance.  His eyes suddenly shot open and he directed his gaze toward the source of the magic: Canterlot.

“Can it be?” he said in a raspy voice.  “It is unmistakable.  The Princess is not the source of this.”  He smiled to himself.  “At last I shall have...revenge!”


I – Greyhoof

Ten years later...

Twilight woke up with a scowl.  Her studies hadn't been going too well as of late.  While studying the more advanced properties of magic, she had turned her attention to her mentor, Princess Celestia.  She knew that the Princess was well over a thousand years old and possessed great magical power, but she could find precious little information about her teacher.

“Just give it up already.”

Spike clearly wasn't helping, either.

“No, Spike, the answers have got to be in here...somewhere...” said Twilight grumpily as she walked down the stairs, preparing to scour the library for the umpteenth time.

“You've searched through every book at least a dozen times!  What makes you think something will show up now?”

“Spike, I -” Twilight's train of thought was interrupted by a sharp rap on the door.  “Who could that be?  Spike, get the door, would you?”

Spike, slightly crestfallen at the prospect of yet another day of Twilight rummaging through her books only to find nothing simply replied “Okay,” and went to the door.

And suddenly, Pinkie Pie.

“Oh my gosh Twilight!  Have you heard have you heard?” shouted Pinkie as she bolted inside.

“What?  Pinkie, I really don't have tim-”

“No, you don't understand!  I was on my way to visit Applejack and then *gasp* I saw him!”

“Saw who?” said Twilight, a look of thorough exasperation on her face.

“I don't know and that's why I came here!  I just had to tell you!  I know everypony in Ponyville and I just had to throw him a welcoming party!  Everypony is invited of course!” said Pinkie, bouncing up and down.

“I'm sorry Pinkie, but it'll have to wait, I'm in the middle of something important,” said Twilight.

“Aw, come on Twilight, give it a rest,” said Spike.  “Maybe you'll think of something after you've gotten some fresh air!”

“Oh...” Twilight began, first looking to Spike, then to Pinkie, who was giving her a pleading look.  “All right, but only for a little while.”

“Yay!” said Spike and Pinkie together.

And with that, Pinkie was gone, hopping her way over to the next pony on her list of potential guests.

Twilight sighed.  “She didn't even tell us when we were supposed to go to this party!”

“Knowing Pinkie, the party's already started!” said Spike.

“That doesn't make any sense, but at the same time, it makes perfect sense,” said Twilight with a hint of defeat in her voice.

“Then let's go!” said Spike, eager to be out of the library for the first time in days.

Twilight and Spike left the library and began making their way down to Sugar Cube Corner, where they figured the party was most likely going to be held.  Then, a cloaked pony seemed to appear out of nowhere.  His coat was gray, though it was mostly covered by his black cloak, he had a scraggly mane of teal and light blue, but most striking of all were his orange eyes.

Twilight, taken aback by this unexpected visitor, took a moment to recover before saying “Hi there!  I'm Twilight Sparkle!  My friend Pinkie Pie told me that there was a new pony in town.  Are you him?”

“Yes I am, and you're just the pony I'm looking for, Miss Sparkle!”

“Twilight's fine.”

“Twilight.  I've been dying to meet you,” he replied with a smile.  “Call me Greyhoof.”

“Just the pony you're looking for?  You know my name?” said Twilight, puzzled.

“Why yes!  I've heard about your magical talent!  I travel Equestria seeking to expand my magical knowledge and I heard that you were the best Ponyville has to offer, so here I am!” he explained.

“Study magic?” it was at this moment that Twilight finally noticed that he was a unicorn.  His orange eyes were slightly odd, enough to prevent the normally observant Twilight from noticing his abnormally long horn.

“Yes, but that can wait.  You mentioned somepony named Pinkie Pie?  Was she-”

“The pony that took one look at you, screamed, and galloped off?” Spike finished.  “That's her.  Come with us, she's throwing you a welcome party!”

“How delightful!” said Greyhoof, smiling from ear to ear.

And so, Greyhoof, Twilight, and Spike continued their short trek through Ponyville until they arrived at Sugar Cube Corner.  Spike was right; the party was indeed underway when they arrived.

“After you,” said Twilight, smiling.

Nodding gratefully, Greyhoof opened the door and walked in, whereupon Pinkie hopped up to him and started spouting various questions that were too fast to comprehend.  Twilight, eager to escape Pinkie's hyperactivity, slunk away to a corner of the room, advanced magical studies still clearly on her mind.

“Hey there Twi!”

Twilight was so preoccupied both with unraveling the mysteries of Princess Celestia and escaping Pinkie's insanity that she didn't even notice Applejack was standing near the corner that she was attempting to escape to.

“Oh, hi Applejack,” said Twilight halfheartedly.

Spike, noticing Twilight's preoccupation, cleared his throat loud enough to get Twilight's attention, sighed when he caught her eye, and stormed off toward the punch bowl.

“Twi, have you been too deep into those books of yours again?” asked Applejack rhetorically.

“Um, I guess you could say that,” said Twilight sheepishly.

After a couple minutes of uneasy conversation between the two, Rainbow Dash, having just entered Sugar Cube Corner, flew over to where Twilight and Applejack were standing.

“So what's all this fuss about?” asked Rainbow Dash, disregarding the conversation at hand.

“Well, there's this new unicorn in town, Pinkie saw him, and...” began Twilight.

“Oh,” said Rainbow Dash, easily figuring out what Twilight left unsaid.  “So where is he anyway?”

“You didn't see him?” said a puzzled Twilight.  “He's right over-” Twilight paused mid-sentence as she looked towards the door and couldn't find Greyhoof or Pinkie Pie.  “Weird, they were there a minute ago.”

“I'm sure he'll turn up,” said Applejack.

“You can't miss him, he's wearing a black cloak and his eyes,” said Twilight.

“The orangest eyes I've ever seen,” finished Applejack.

“Oookaaay,” said Rainbow quizzically.

“Oh, I'm so sorry I'm late!” said a familiar voice.

“You didn't miss anything.  We can't even find Pinkie or Greyhoof,” said Twilight to a frazzled-looking Fluttershy.  “What happened?”

“It was the strangest thing!” said Fluttershy.  “Earlier today, all of the little animals ran away.  I don't know what came over them.  I've spent all day looking for them and most of them are still missing!”

“What a weird day,” said Rainbow.  “The birds were acting odd too.  I had to spend most of my practice time rounding them up so they wouldn't fly away before winter!”

“All of the wildlife going crazy?  What could it mean?” mused Twilight.

However, before Twilight could think further on the topic, her thoughts were cut into by none other than Pinkie Pie: “Thanks for coming, everypony!”

A cheer erupted from almost all of the three dozen or so ponies gathered in Sugar Cube Corner.

“And now I'd to introduce you all to the newest pony in Ponyville, Greyhoof!” shouted Pinkie, absolutely bursting with excitement, her front leg around a very awkward-looking Greyhoof, who could do nothing but offer an uncomfortable smile to the crowd of cheering ponies.

“See what I mean about those there eyes of his?” said Applejack, nudging Rainbow.

“Ugh, you guys are silly,” sighed Rainbow, facehoofing.

“Let's get this party started!” said a rapidly bouncing Pinkie Pie.

And before anypony knew what was happening, the festivities were upon them.  Lyra and Bonbon won an intense six-legged race, narrowly beating out Rainbow Dash and Applejack.  Derpy Hooves won pin-the-tail-on-the-pony with relative ease.  Spike was nowhere to be seen, probably staying as far away from Twilight as possible, since he knew that the moment this party was over, she'd be putting him back to work to continue her thus far fruitless efforts regarding Princess Celestia.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, mister Greyhoof!” said Applejack, furiously shaking Greyhoof's hoof.  “I'm Applejack!  If you ever get hungry, head over to Sweet Apple Acres and I can fix ya up, right as rain!”

“Oh my,” said a flustered Greyhoof.  “Sweet Apple Acres is actually the first place I wanted to visit tomorrow.  If memory serves, those apples are legendary.  And who might you two be?  Rainbow Dash and...Fluttershy is it?”

“Yeah, that's me,” said Rainbow proudly, ignoring both Applejack's banana grin and Fluttershy's slow backing away.  “I guess you know about my talents, huh?”

“It's not every day you see a Sonic Rainboom!  What's the matter, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy squeaked and backpedaled further upon being addressed directly by Greyhoof.

“What's gotten into her?”

“Something, or someone, scared all of her animals earlier today,” said Twilight.

“Oh, I see!  I'm sorry to hear that,” said Greyhoof.

“Wait a minute,” said Rainbow, arching an eyebrow at Greyhoof.  “How do you know so much about us?”

“I travel a lot.  I love to learn about magic, which ultimately led me here, so I can get an opportunity to study with Twilight Sparkle, and –”

“Wow, you really went to a lot of trouble.  You didn't need to, we're a good group of ponies,” said Twilight taken aback by Greyhoof's eagerness.  “Aren't we, Fluttershy?”  Twilight looked at Fluttershy who continued to back away from the group.

“O-of course,” said Fluttershy.

“Just go and look after your animals,” said Rainbow impatiently.  “Clearly this is getting to you.”

“Was it something I said?”

“No, I've just never seen animals act this way before,” said Fluttershy.  “It was nice meeting you, but I think I'll...”  The rest of what Fluttershy said was lost in the commotion of the party.

“That pony loves animals a bit too much,” said Rainbow.

“Don't mind her, she'll be fine tomorrow,” said Twilight.

“So Greyhoof, you travel around Equestria to study magic?” asked Applejack.  “Is that why you're wearin' that there cloak?”

“Yes,” said Greyhoof enthusiastically.  “It was given to me by a village far to the east while I studied there.  It keeps me warm on cold nights.”

“Is that why we've never heard of you before?” said Rainbow.

Greyhoof nodded.  “I'm never in one place for too long, though that might change depending on how things go here in Ponyville, provided that's okay with you, Twilight.”

“Having somepony else around the library to study with might be fun,” said Twilight.  “Just watch out for Rarity if you're dead set on keeping that cloak.”

“Rarity?  Oh, the Rarity?  I've seen her designs.  They're starting to get out there!  They are beautiful!”

“She'll be happy to hear that,” said Twilight.  “It'll drive her nuts if you don't let her do something about your cloak, though.”

“Hopefully she'll understand,” said Greyhoof.

“Rarity?  Not likely,” scoffed Applejack.  “That pony didn't become a fashion expert by ignorin'  details.”

“Point taken.”

“Speaking of Rarity, where is she?” asked Twilight.  “It's not like her to miss one of Pinkie's parties.”

“I think I saw Hoity Toity heading down to Rarity's place earlier today,” said Applejack.

“That explains it,” said Twilight.  “We'll be lucky if we see her by next week.”

Pinkie's party continued deep into the night until the exhausted guests began trickling out, trotting back to their homes, stuffed to the brim with cakes and other assorted sweets, completely worn out from the festivities.

It wasn't too long before the room cleared enough to find Spike asleep by the punch bowl.  “Aw, the poor thing partied himself to sleep,” said Twilight, picking Spike up and resting him on her back.

As she left, she complimented Pinkie on yet another great party, following in Rainbow and Applejack's wake.

“Welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie said to Greyhoof.

Greyhoof smiled back and stepped out into the night.  “I guess this is goodbye for now.”

“Where are you going?” asked Twilight.

“Oh, I don't know, I'll find someplace to sleep,” said Greyhoof.

“Don't be silly!  You're staying with me.  You wanted to study magic, right?  The library should be big enough.”

“If you insist,” said Greyhoof.

Twilight, Greyhoof, and the sleeping Spike headed back to Twilight's library.  Now in the calm night air free of the cacophony of the party, Twilight's mind was once again focused on Princess Celestia and her magical properties.  Twilight faintly hoped that the pony trotting beside her might be able to shed some light on the situation, but she knew her library was quite extensive, so if she couldn't find anything in there, she doubted he would be of much help, despite having been to many places in Equestria.

“So Twilight, what are you currently studying?”

“I'm attempting to learn more about my mentor, Princess Celestia.  I'm not sure if you know this, but she's well over a thousand years old, and apart from her sister Princess Luna, she is the only Alicorn in all of Equestria.”

“Hmmm, something's on the tip of my tongue but I can't quite remember it,” mused Greyhoof.  “You'll have to forgive me, I'm very tired.  I've been on the road all day and this party wasn't exactly relaxing.”

“Well, we're here,” said Twilight, opening the door of her library.  “Come on in and make yourself at home.  There's a spare bed upstairs in case we have guests.”

“There are so many great books here,” gasped Greyhoof.  “This has to be the greatest collection of them in all of Equestria!”

“Second greatest, actually,” said a smug Twilight.  “The greatest is in Canterlot, where I used to study.”

“Oh, how could have I forgotten?  Let's get some sleep.”

“You go ahead, I'm going to study for a while longer,” said Twilight.

With that, Greyhoof climbed the stairs and collapsed into one of the beds, not even bothering to tuck himself in under the covers.  Twilight, carefully putting Spike into his bed, turned out the lights and lit a couple of candles.  She began to pore over countless volumes of varying description.  However, much like before, it was to no avail.

And then it hit her.  'How could have I been so silly?!'  Thought Twilight, scolding herself.  She made her way to the Old Ponytales section of her library.  'If it worked with Nightmare Moon, it might work again!'  She grinned to herself as she opened a hefty old tome, a gift given to her by the Princess following the defeat of Discord.  It was labeled Ancient Equestria.  She began reading it with renewed vigour.

Within the book, she found stories of how Equestria was thousands of years ago, even before Princess Celestia came into power.  The stories depicted a wild, untamed land.  The wildlife, seasons, and even the length of the days seemed to have no rhyme or reason.  Ponies lived in tribes, much like the buffalo continue to do.  There were stories of wars between the different ponies, mainly unicorns and earth ponies, as the pegasus ponies usually kept to themselves in the sky.

The tales then took a dark turn as the Era of Discord came upon Equestria.  The disunited factions of ponies were no match for him and there was nothing they could do to prevent him from taking over Equestria.  When Twilight was about to turn the page to read what she assumed was Princess Celestia and Luna taking a stand against Discord, she found multiple pages missing.  Frustrated, she began reading the next page, which was in the middle of a story entitled The Zebra Scourge.  The disjointed passage went:

swept across the land, the zebra were unable to stand up to him.  Being driven from their homes, they were forced to flee across Eternity's Crossing to the lands now known as Zavros.  The Scourge relentlessly pursued them, unwilling to relent until every last one of them lay dead at his hooves.  As they took to the seas in their ships, the Scourge sprung his trap.  In the middle of the ocean, the zebra had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.  The Scourge's wrath was unending.  Many ships sunk to the briny depths that night by the iron hoof of the Scourge.  When all seemed lost, from the heavens above, descended the Princesses of sun and moon.  Together, their powers united, they struck down the Scourge and spared the remaining zebra from his wrath.  The lands having been liberated from the tyranny of the Scourge, the Princesses were crowned as the rulers of Equestria, bringing order to the night and the day and bringing unity to the arrant pony tribes now and forever.  The zebra settled in Zavros and lived in peace.  However, the

Twilight gritted her teeth as yet more pages of the book were missing, cutting the story short.  She knew that the following pages would have provided some insight into Princess Celestia's magic.  Twilight read on, tearing through stories of pony tribes setting aside their differences under the guidance of Princess Celestia, right up to her falling out with Princess Luna.  According to this tome, Princess Luna was possessed by powerful evil magic when she let deep-seated envy into her heart, which created Nightmare Moon.  Unfortunately, to Twilight's mounting frustration, the book failed to elaborate on how Celestia wielded the Elements of Harmony to banish her sister, despite her sister being a previous wielder of the Elements.  She assumed that Celestia's pure heart and dire need allowed her to do so.

Heaving a sigh, Twilight blew out the candles and shambled off to bed, being left with more questions than when she had opened the book in the first place.  In her fatigue, she didn't even put the book back where it belonged.  Twilight finally collapsed in her bed.  Exhausted didn't do her justice.  She had passed exhausted hours ago.

II – Bookworms

Twilight was woken up after what felt like almost no sleep by a loud clatter.  Spike was making breakfast.  Twilight groaned and opened her eyes.  Greyhoof had already woken up.  She went downstairs to see Greyhoof almost literally neck-deep in a pile of books.

“Good morning sleepyhead,” said Greyhoof brightly.  “You slept in so I figured I'd get started without you, begging your pardon.”

Twilight shook herself.  “Are you in the Old Ponytales section?”

“I sure am.  I've been thinking about what you said last night and I simply had to do some reading on the subject.”

“Well, I almost found what I was looking for in the book Ancient Equestria, but some of the pages were missing.  I don't suppose you've ever seen a copy of that book, have you?”

“I think I have, as a matter of fact!  Let me take a look,” Greyhoof said with a cocked eyebrow as he began digging through the pile of books around him.

“Here, let me help you,” said Twilight, lending him her horn as they both levitated books and set the ones they weren't looking for aside in a neat stack.

“Ah, is this it?” said Greyhoof, the old tome that Twilight had spent most of last night reading floating beside him.

“Sure is,” said Twilight.  “There are multiple key parts missing.”

Greyhoof began skimming through the book, his eyes widening more and more as he read on.  “I remember this!”

“You do?  How did you see another copy?  This came straight from Princess Celestia; it wasn't even in the Canterlot library.”

“I came across it in an ancient library in Hoofswell.  It's been a while, but I think I can remember what was on the missing pages.”

“Hoofswell...can't say I've heard of it.”

Greyhoof chuckled.  “I can't say I blame you.  It's a small remote town, north of the mountain range to the north of Germaney.  It's quite a long way from here.”

“That's nice, but what did the book say?” pressed Twilight.  She wouldn't let anything get in the way of her quest for this knowledge.

“Oh no...I'm really not sure if I should be the pony to tell you this,” said Greyhoof, his bright eyes flickering almost dangerously.

“What?  What is it?”

“I think that book is conveniently missing the pages, if you know what I mean.  As if somepony tore them out before giving you the book.”

“Who would do that, and why?  What did the pages say?”

“They depict a much...darker side of the Princess.  I think she may have torn them out as to not give you the wrong idea.”

“Huh?  Didn't she stop the Scourge from wiping out the zebras?  Didn't she bring unity and peace to Equestria?  Doesn't she still rule the land with kindness?”

“Perhaps.  I've never been sold either way, but there is one important tale the book is missing entirely.  At first I thought it was a work of fiction, created to make the book more enjoyable.  But now I think that this is a history book, and everything in it is fact, including this story.  Keep this in mind, what you are about to hear could change your perception of the Princess forever.  Are you sure you wish to hear it?” said Greyhoof grimly.

“Yes,” nodded Twilight in a resolute manner.

“Very well.  This is the story of King Cosmo the Great.  Legend has it that there were 3 sacred beings, all an equal mixture of earth pony, unicorn, and pegasus, preordained to rule Equestria.  These are what we know as Alicorns.  They are essentially immortal, though death can still find them should they receive a fatal wound.  There was Princess Luna, the youngest of the siblings.  Her task was to oversee the behaviour of the moon and to ensure a long enough night for the day creatures to sleep and for the nocturnal creatures to live peacefully.  Then there was Princess Celestia.  Her task was to govern the days of Equestria, using her sun to balance out Luna's moon.  She was to provide warmth and prosperity to the creatures of Equestria and its crops.  And there was the oldest of the three, their brother, King Cosmo.  His task was to rule the lands and to maintain balance between the Princesses.  He was a key instrument in the defeat of Discord, for he wielded the most powerful Element of Harmony: Magic.  The strength of the bond between the three was so great that even Discord could not defeat them.”

“What happened?  Where is King Cosmo now?” asked Twilight breathlessly, gazing into Greyhoof's now blazing orange eyes, utterly enthralled by his story.

Greyhoof's face hardened.  “This is where the tale takes a turn for the worse.  After Discord's defeat, they built the capital city of Equestria, Canterlot, where King Cosmo watched over the land.  A few years into his rule, however, the two sisters were overcome with jealousy and greed.  Why should they, the ones that have control over the very sun and moon have to play second fiddle to the King?  So one night, they betrayed him.  During one of his evening strolls in the castle gardens, Luna hid the moon behind a large wall of clouds, no doubt moved there by their magic.  In the resulting pitch darkness, they struck at King Cosmo and overwhelmed him with the element of surprise.  The King was never seen again.  It is rumored that Luna and Celestia continue to wear the title of Princess in his memory, feeling guilt to this day for what they had done.”

“There's no way that can be true!” gasped Twilight.  “Princess Celestia would never do something so evil!”

“That's roughly how the story went in the book,” said Greyhoof heavily.  “Take it or leave it.  As I said, I didn't put much stock in it until now.  I think Princess Celestia tore those pages out of the book so that it wouldn't harm your relationship.”

“You might be right,” said Twilight.  “I'm sure that if this is true, she had a good and just reason for what she did.  I'd never think that she would murder somepony in cold blood like that, especially her own brother!  I saw how much love and kindness she showed Princess Luna after Nightmare Moon's defeat.”

“You might be right,” said Greyhoof.

Further conversation was halted by Spike, who came in bearing a tray full of food.  Both Twilight and Greyhoof abandoned their heated discussion in favour of breakfast.  Spike's cooking wasn't the best – he had a tendency to burn a lot of his cooking – but Twilight was so ravenous from all her reading that she didn't care and practically inhaled her meal.

Greyhoof wasn't far behind.  “I don't know what that was, but it sure hit the spot.”

“Sometimes, with Spike, I don't want to know,” giggled Twilight, finishing her meal.

“Humph!” said Spike, arms folded.

“Aww Spike, don't be like that.  I loved the meal, honest,” said Twilight.

“I really need a raise,” said Spike, going to the basement in a huff.

“I think we should leave him alone for a while,” said Greyhoof.  “Do you want to come with me to Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Sure, though we really do need to get back to studying.”

Twilight and Greyhoof made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.  Ponyville was teeming with activity as usual.  Ponies were going about their daily lives as happily as usual.  This brought a smile to Greyhoof's previously stony face.

“It's just been so long since I've been in a town this big.”

“I had to adjust to how small it is,” said Twilight.  “Canterlot's huge in comparison!”

“I've never been to Canterlot before.  You should give me a tour one day.”

“I could show you the library,” laughed Twilight.

Greyhoof chuckled.  “If its library is so much better than the one here, how come you live here and not in Canterlot?”

“Friendship,” answered Twilight simply.

“Friendship?”

“Yes, Greyhoof, friendship,” repeated Twilight.  “After discovering how great friendship is, I simply can't go back to Canterlot and abandon my great friends.  Maybe you'll decide to settle down and live here once I show you the magic of friendship too.”

Greyhoof blushed slightly.  “I...recall reading about it in a few books, but I figured it was just an old ponytale.  How can friendship be magic?”

“I thought the same thing until it saved Equestria.  Twice.”

“How did that happen?” gasped Greyhoof.

“You see, when I finally understood the magic of friendship, I unlocked the final Element of Harmony, the most powerful of all.  That is how both Nightmare Moon and Discord were defeated.  The five Elements on their own weren't enough.  Their true power is unlocked by the bonds of friendship between the five Elements of Harmony.  I simply couldn't live without my friends.”

“I see,” said Greyhoof.  “That helps explain the mystery behind the Elements.  So the Magic in the Element of Magic is really friendship?”

“Exactly,” nodded Twilight.  “That's why I think you should stay here!  If you're really into studying magic, then you need to learn about the magic of friendship with me.”

“That sounds...fun,” said Greyhoof slowly.  “I'm used to being alone since I spend so much time traveling.  Hopefully I can get used to this whole friendship thing.”

“Well this is a great place to start,” said Twilight, pointing at Sweet Apple Acres.  They had been talking so much that they didn't realize they were almost there until now.  “The Apple family is one of the nicest bunch of ponies around.”

It wasn't much longer before Twilight and Greyhoof arrived at the farm, which appeared to be deserted.  This wasn't unusual, as it was the middle of the day at the Apple family was probably out working their flanks off.  Both ponies, having figured out the obvious, headed down into the orchard in search of Applejack.  It was a quiet afternoon with a gentle, refreshing breeze rustling the leaves on the apple trees.  Not a sound could be heard, save for their soft hoof falls on the dirt.  They walked in silence for what seemed like hours, basking in the natural beauty of Sweet Apple Acres' vast orchard.  Thud.

They paid no attention to the sudden noise and stayed on their present course, enjoying each other's company.  Thud.  The noise again.  Thud.  It was louder now as they drew closer to the source of the noise.  THUD.  As they walked up a small hill, they saw the top of a nearby tree violently shake.  THUD!  A few paces more and Applejack came into view.

They exchanged bright greetings as Applejack gave the tree behind her one last buck to send the remaining apples tumbling down into overfull buckets.

“What brings y'all round these parts?”

“Greyhoof here wanted to see the farm,” said Twilight.

“It's even more breathtaking than I imagined,” said Greyhoof.

“Well that's awfully kind of ya,” said Applejack.  “I reckon it's almost lunch time.  What say we head back to the barn so's we can fix something up out of these apples.”

Twilight and Greyhoof helped Applejack move her full apple buckets to the apple cart, but despite their repeated offers, Applejack pulled the cart herself the whole way back to the barn.  On the way, Greyhoof pressed Applejack about various topics, ranging from the history of Ponyville to its citizens.  Twilight occasionally chimed in with what she knew, but she mainly absorbed the information as Greyhoof did, being a relatively new citizen of Ponyville herself.

About halfway back to the barn, the conversation shifted to the finer uses of apples in the culinary arts.  Twilight rolled her eyes as this happened and tuned the whole thing out, her attention shifting back to the tale of King Cosmo that Greyhoof had told her.  She had immense difficulty wrapping her brain around such a story.  Something didn't add up about the story.  However, it seemed plausible enough to hold some truth behind it, and that is what scared Twilight most of all.  Was there really a third Alicorn that Princess Celestia had neglected to mention?  If there was, was the story accurate or did Greyhoof's memory not accurately recount it?  The fact that the pages which contained the story were conveniently missing from her book that Celestia herself had given Twilight was most unsettling to be sure.

Hypothetically accepting the tale as a matter of fact, how true was it?  Did Luna and Celestia really become corrupted by their jealousy?  Twilight knew that Luna was certainly not above such shortcomings – Nightmare Moon was living evidence of that – but she had always regarded Celestia as completely pure-hearted, as no contrary evidence had presented itself until now.  There was the other side of it too.  Perhaps King Cosmo had allowed evil to creep into his heart and Celestia was forced to destroy him, much akin to her banishment of Luna?

What really puzzled Twilight is the lingering detail of Cosmo's Element: Magic.  If the Elements of Harmony were the same back then as they were today, wouldn't that mean King Cosmo was the noble pony that wielded the power of friendship with his siblings?  Twilight continued down this train of thought, wrestling with herself until she noticed that the barn was centimeters from her face.  She was so lost in her own thoughts that she had nearly walked headfirst into it.

“Twi, are you okay?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah AJ, I'm fine,” said Twilight.

“You don't look fine, what's eating you?”

“You're not still thinking about that story, are you, Twilight?” said Greyhoof worriedly.

“Story?  What story?” said Applejack.

“Oh, it's nothing,” said Twilight.

“Actually Applejack, it's-” began Greyhoof.

“Greyhoof!” growled Twilight.  “Not now.”

“Never mind,” said Greyhoof with an uneasy smile.

“Y'all are crazy, I tells you,” said Applejack, rolling her eyes as she pulled the apple cart around the corner.

“What did you do that for?” said Greyhoof.

“I don't know what to believe right now,” said Twilight.  “I'd rather keep this story between us for now...at least until I've come to some sort of conclusion.”

“Fair enough.”

“I wonder what AJ's making?”

“Weren't you listening?  She said it was a new shepherd's apple pie recipe.”

“No,” said Twilight truthfully.

“You're really obsessed, aren't you?”

“I just can't stand it!  I've been trying for weeks to learn more about Princess Celestia's magic and after uncovering a lot of information I'm only left with more questions!”

“I know how you feel,” said Greyhoof in a comforting tone.  “The best approach is to just let it go for a while, and when you least expect it, the answer will turn up.  I promise.”

“Something you learned from your travels?” said Twilight, collapsing onto the ground.

“Yes.  Many times I've had a situation such as this come up, but when I've left it be, I'd eventually find the answers I'm looking for.”

“But...”

“I know things don't look the best for Princess Celestia right now, but you need to trust in her.  If she's really been this kind to you and everypony else over the years you've known her, isn't that enough for you?  She's ruled these lands for well over a thousand years, and save for Nightmare Moon and the return of Discord, peace has reigned supreme.”

“You're right,” smiled Twilight.  “I mean it is the Princess we're talking about, after all.”

“That's the spirit.  Hey, do you smell that?”

Applejack came out from behind the barn carrying a tray with four extremely tasty-looking pies.

“AJ, there are only three of us,” said Twilight.

“I always like to make a little extra, you know, just in case.”

“In case of what?” said Greyhoof.

“Oh, in case of that,” said Applejack, nodding toward a white unicorn with a glorious purple mane galloping toward them.

III – Fashionably Late

“Rarity?” said Twilight.  “What are you doing here?”

“Twilight, Applejack, and...?” panted Rarity.

“Greyhoof.  I'm new in town.”

“Oh, the one the party was for?  I'm terribly sorry I couldn't- EEK!” screamed Rarity.

“What is it?” said a wide-eyed Greyhoof.

“Your cloak!” said Rarity, almost fainting from shock.  “It's simply dreadful!  You must let me do something about it!”

“Oh, this?  I'm afraid I can't,” said Greyhoof with a hint of regret in his voice.

“I told you,” laughed Twilight.

“Why ever not?  It's so...ragged and bland,” winced Rarity.

“It was a gift given to me by a village far away.  I saved them from a renegade griffin.  Nasty bunch, those griffins.  Luckily they usually keep to themselves.”

“So I can't fix it up because...?”

“I wear it at all times for warmth, an old travel habit of mine, and to remember them by.  I promised I'd never be without this cloak, and a promise is a promise.”

Steeling herself, Rarity gave the cloak a disapproving look before averting her eyes.

“So Rarity, why are you here?  Do you want some lunch?  I made extra,” said Applejack.

“Oh, I suppose, but we have to get going quickly,” said Rarity.

“Going?  Going where?” said Applejack.

“Why, to a cave...north of Froggy Bottom Bog!”

“Froggy Bottom Bog?!” said Twilight and Applejack.

“Yes, Froggy Bottom Bog,” said Rarity impatiently.

“Why would you wanna go there of all places?” said Applejack.  “I thought you hated mud unless it was on your face.”

“Come now, Applejack, I am on a sacred mission for the great Hoity Toity!”

“Let me guess, you have to fill an order of clothes and something you need is in-” said Twilight.

“Froggy Bottom Bog, yes,” said Rarity.  “You must help me.  Won't you, Twilight dear?”

“Of course I'll help,” said Twilight.  “So Greyhoof, how does a trip to the local swamp grab you?”

“I haven't been to a swamp in a while,” said Greyhoof.

“You'll wish it was your last time,” said Twilight.  “We need to be careful, there's a hydra that lives in the bog.”

“A hydra!  I've read about them, but I've never actually met one.”

“Hopefully that won't change,” said Applejack.  “I'll come help too after lunch.”

“Wonderful,” exclaimed Rarity.  “Hoity Toity placed a big order that I have to fill out, but he needs a very expensive substance: platinum!”

“Platinum?” said Applejack.

“It's a rare and precious metal, almost as valuable as gold!” said Rarity.  “These clothes for Hoity Toity simply must have platinum.  Unfortunately I can't afford the amount I need, so I have to get some from a cave deep within Froggy Bottom Bog, the only place I know of where I can get platinum for free.”

“There has to be a reason that the platinum hasn't been taken,” said Twilight.

“I thought of that, that's why I need you three to help me,” said Rarity.  “I'm sure we can overcome what ever is in the cave.”

“This sounds like a bad idea,” said Applejack.  “But I said I'd help, so I'm gonna help.”

“Do you think we'll really be able to defeat a hydra if we run into one?” said Greyhoof uneasily.  “They are supposed to be fearsome creatures.  Even us three unicorns might not have the magical talent to overcome one.”

“At least hydras are very big,” said Twilight.  “We'll just have to outrun it.”

“Twilight, why don't we use your balloon?” suggested Rarity.

“Why didn't I think of that?” said Twilight.  “We could fly right next to the cave and we shouldn't ever have to worry about meeting the hydra!”

“That's settled then,” said Applejack.  “Let's go.  Say, where is that balloon of yours anyway?”

“I think it's by the school, last time I checked,” said Twilight.

The four ponies headed toward, skirting along the western edge of Ponyville.  Rarity was incessantly badgering Greyhoof.  First about where he was from, then his unkempt mane and tail, and then once again about his shabby cloak.  Applejack and Twilight exchanged knowing glances, fully aware that nothing they could say would spare Greyhoof from Rarity's onslaught.

'Poor Greyhoof,' thought Twilight to herself.  'I tried to warn him.'

Fortunately for Greyhoof, it was not much longer before they heard the joyful sound of fillies playing.  Judging from the sound of it, it was recess.  Once they arrived at the school itself, Twilight began looking for Cheerilee.  Soon enough, they spotted her near the middle of the hyperactive fillies.

Cheerilee turned around.  “Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and...Greyhoof, was it?”

“Hi Cheerilee, I hope we're not interrupting,” said Twilight.

“Nonsense!  We've got a few minutes left before class resumes.  Say, have you seen Twist anywhere?” said Cheerilee.

“Twist?” said Twilight.

“She went to Pinkie Pie's party last night and I think she's playing hookie from school.  Have you seen her around Ponyville today?”

“No, sorry,” said Twilight.  “We've been at Sweet Apple Acres since morning.”

“Oh, too bad,” said Cheerilee.  “So, what can I do you for?”

“We need the balloon if you don't mind,” said Twilight.  “Urgent business for Rarity.”

“It's around the back,” said Cheerilee.

Twilight said her and beckoned her friends to follow.  Once they went around the corner of the school, sure enough, there was the balloon.

“That was easy enough,” said Twilight.  “Have you been flying before, Greyhoof?”

“Once or twice,” he said.  “But never in one of these!”

“You'll enjoy this,” said Twilight.  “Ready for liftoff!”

Using her magic, Twilight inflated the balloon.  Before long, they were rising above the trees and buildings, giving them a spectacular view of Ponyville and the surrounding area.

Greyhoof gasped.  “This is breathtaking!”

“It never gets old,” sighed Rarity appreciatively.

The four ponies marveled at the panorama before them.  To their west, they could see Dragon Mountain.  To the north east, Canterlot, its tall glorious towers cutting into the sky like a great beacon of peace and serenity.  To the south, the Everfree Forest stretched out behind them, nothing visible beneath its dense myriad of trees.  Southeast was the Whitetail Wood, the smaller neighbour of the Everfree Forest.  Looking up, they could see Cloudsdale in all its splendor.  Finally, to the northwest, was Froggy Bottom Bog, their destination.

“So where exactly is this cave, Rarity?” said Twilight.

“I think it's on the other side of the small mountain near the bog,” said Rarity.  “I've never been there myself, but I've heard its quite the source of platinum.”

“Good, we shouldn't have a run in with the hydra if we're careful,” said Applejack.

It wasn't too long before the balloon landed at their destination, the cave nowhere in sight.

“I guess we'll have to search for it,” said Twilight.

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Greyhoof disembarked from the balloon and began their trek around the mountain.  Their journey was surprisingly uneventful.  The nearby bog was as quiet as could be.  The ponies were hoping that it would remain so tranquil.  They decided to keep quiet, lest they risk disturbing the hydra.

This didn't stop Rarity from grumbling to herself.  'Platinum, of all things!'  She thought.  'Why couldn't it have been gems?  I can't track platinum!'  Rarity looked skyward in frustration.  Then she caught something out of the corner of her eye.  “The cave!” she said excitedly.

The sudden noise caused the other three ponies to jump.

“And what do you think yer' doing?” said Applejack angrily.

“I found the cave,” said Rarity.  “Up there.”  She pointed at a cliff a good seventy feet above them.

“I guess we'd better start climbing,” said Greyhoof.

“Can't none of y'all unicorns use your magic to get us up there?” said Applejack.

“It's not a good idea to exert ourselves that much,” said Twilight.  “Who knows what might be waiting inside that cave.  No, let's climb.”

To everypony's surprise, Rarity actually managed to refrain from complaining about the climb up the rocky, dusty mountainside.

'Come on girl, think of the opportunities!  It's not every day Hoity Toity demands a set of garments!' thought Rarity through gritted teeth.

Their long trudge up the mountainside was uncontested the whole way, save for a small bit of uneven ground that caused Rarity to lose her footing and going tumbling down a few feet.  “This will take hours to get out of my mane!” she said in a fit.  Having finally reached the top, Twilight and Rarity were both breathing heavily, whilst Applejack and Greyhoof didn't seem winded.

“Years of applebuckin',” said Applejack proudly.  “Y'all should try it sometime, really makes hills like this a cinch.”

“I'm used to it,” said Greyhoof.  “Traveling around Equestria will do that to a pony.”

“I didn't think you unicorns were known for your strength,” said Applejack, looking at Greyhoof, but nodding at Twilight and Rarity.

“Very funny,” panted Twilight.

“While this is true, in my opinion, one must sharpen both their body and their mind in order to truly become proficient in the magical arts,” said Greyhoof.

“Just...a...few...minutes...please,” wheezed Rarity.

After a short respite, Twilight, Greyhoof, Rarity, and Applejack pressed on and entered the cave.  It was a dark, dank place that was much larger than it looked from the outside.

“That was my hoof!” said Applejack.

“Sorry,” said Rarity.  “I can't see anything in this pitch darkness.”

“Let me help,” said Greyhoof, using magic to illuminate his horn.  “There.”

“Thanks Greyhoof,” said Twilight.  “So, how will we know when we find the platinum?”

“I can't detect it with my magic,” said Rarity.  “But I'll know it when I see it.”

“Ooh, this cave sure is creepy,” said Applejack.  “Something just don't feel right.”

The ponies exchanged uneasy glances before venturing deeper into the cavern.  The route was linear, though winding, and constantly going down.  This made sense since the mountain the cave was in is fairly small, and the cavern is gigantic.  For hours, the ponies journeyed onward, their descent into the mountain, the clip clop of their hoof falls on the rocky floor being their only companion.

Eventually, the cavern leveled out.

“We must be below ground now,” said Twilight, her voice echoing off the walls.

As they went along the straight tunnel, they noticed an opening in the distance.  Upon reaching it, they discovered it led to a vast room with many exits.  The cave had also become stuffy and unusually moist.

“Are we...under Froggy Bottom Bog?” said Rarity.

“That would explain why it's so damp,” surmised Greyhoof.

“We'd better use these loose stones to mark which tunnels we've been in,” said Twilight, using her magic to levitate some rocks and arrange them into a recognizable pattern next to the cave they just came from.  “So we don't get lost.”

“Good call,” said Greyhoof.  “So which one first?”

“That one,” said Applejack, pointing to one of the exits randomly.

“Excuse me,” said Rarity turning her nose up.  “I'm the one with an affinity for precious things.  I say we go in that one.”  She pointed at an exit on the opposite side of the room from where Applejack had indicated.

“I thought you said your magic don't work on platinum,” said Applejack with narrowed eyes.

“It doesn't, but you just have to trust my instinct.”

“Girls,” said Twilight.  “This isn't the time.  Let's just listen to Rarity for now and if her passage doesn't work, we can try yours, AJ.”

“Fine,” huffed Applejack, giving Rarity an annoyed look.

Having reached their decision, the ponies took Rarity's chosen passage after Twilight had arranged another formation of loose stones to mark it.  Greyhoof, being the pony providing them with illumination, took point while the disgruntled Applejack brought up the rear, muttering to herself.  Clearly Rarity or the atmosphere of the cave was getting to her, or both.

Their venture continued, the cave as silent as ever.  The monotony was finally broken by the light from Greyhoof's horn striking something shiny.

“Platinum!” squeaked Rarity.  “But this isn't enough...”

“It looks like you were right!” said Twilight.  “Maybe there's some more further along this tunnel.”

“One would think so,” said Rarity, extracting the shiny metal from the rock and depositing it into a pack she had around her waist.

The thrill of discovering some of what they were after was short lived, however, as they continued for what felt like hours only to find nothing but rock, rock, and more rock.

“I vote we take a break,” said Rarity.

“Seconded,” said Twilight, slumping against a stalagmite.  “I can't believe how big this place is!  It feels like it's bigger than Froggy Bottom Bog!”

“I've heard of vast underground passages like this,” said Greyhoof.  “But this is the first time I've ever been in one.  Who knows how long these go for?”

“Better not be too much longer,” said Applejack.  “This here cave is too darn stuffy for my likin'.”

Greyhoof closed his eyes.  “We could be close to a dead end or it could end up stretching on for a few miles yet.  There's no way of knowing.”

“That's just gr-”

CRACK!

Applejack was cut off by the sudden loud noise.

Twilight leapt high into the air, the sound had come from the stalagmite she was resting on.  She landed a couple feet away from it and breathed a sigh of relief.

“That scared the hay out of me,” said Applejack.  “Are you okay sugar cube?”

“I think so,” said a very rattled Twilight.  “Let's get going.”

The ponies resumed their journey, keeping their distance from any stalagmites.  They proceeded with caution until they heard another alien noise, which halted their progress.

“Did you hear that?” said Rarity, shivering.

“Yeah,” said Greyhoof.  “It sounded like a bunch of rocks shifting somewhere far away.”

“I knew somethin' wasn't right,” moaned Applejack.  “Maybe we should turn around.  I don't think we're alone...”

“I don't like it either,” said Twilight.  “Let's make sure to stay close and to be extra careful.”

As Twilight finished speaking, there was another loud crack, this time coming from the floor right under Twilight.  Before she could react, the floor beneath her broke apart and a large, clawed hand connected to a massive muscle-bound blue arm shot out of the ground, grabbed Twilight by the waist, and yanked her down into the hole.

“HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEE!” screamed Twilight as she was violently pulled away from her friends.

“Twilight!” shouted Rarity, Applejack, and Greyhoof in tandem as Twilight disappeared into the darkness below.

IV – The Masticore

“I'm comin', Twi!” yelled Applejack, diving headfirst into the hole.

“We shouldn't do anything too hastily, we need a plan!” said Rarity.

“There's no time!” said Greyhoof.  “We have to help her!”

Without another word, Greyhoof dove in after Applejack, leaving Rarity alone in the cavern.  After thinking to herself for a few seconds, Rarity closed her eyes – not that it made any difference in the now-pitch blackness – and followed Greyhoof's lead.

The ponies slid down the long, wide tunnel, now reaching untold depths beneath the surface.  Just when Rarity was sure that the steep tunnel would have no end, it did.  She shout out of its mouth into a larger cavern and landed unceremoniously on her flank.  Wildly looking around, she saw a light fading in the distance.

“Wait for me!” she yelled, galloping as fast as her bruised flank would carry her.

It wasn't before too long that she caught up to Greyhoof, who must've slowed his pace to allow Rarity to catch up.

“Where's Applejack?”

“I think she's ahead of us,” said Greyhoof.  “Hurry!”

Rarity and Greyhoof charged town the tunnel at top speed, paying heed to little else until they heard the sound of another set of galloping hooves.  Applejack wasn't too far in front of them.  They quickened their pace, knowing that staying together was essential.

“'bout time y'all caught up,” said Applejack, looking behind her.

“Applejack, did you catch a glimpse of the creature that took Twilight?” said Greyhoof in earnest.

“Not really, but I saw him going down this tunnel,” said Applejack, Greyhoof and Rarity now beside her.  “I don't know what he was, but he was big.”

“It won't be a weak foe, whatever it is,” said Greyhoof.  “I think we've found the reason for this cave's platinum being so untapped.”

“Yes,” said a wide-eyed Rarity.  “That also explains why these tunnels are so large.”

As they went further still down the tunnel, Twilight's screams became audible.

“Hold on!” shouted Greyhoof.  “We're coming!”

Rarity, Applejack, and Greyhoof noticed a flickering light up ahead of them.  As the cave took a sharp turn, what they beheld sent Rarity scampering back behind the corner from whence they came, while Applejack stood frozen in place.

It was a massive creature, its blue, muscular skin shimmering in the light provided by various torches that adorned the walls of this cavern.  It had massive claws on each of its four feet, a scorpion's tail with a gold stinger, and a huge gold-coloured mane.  But most terrifying of all was the creature's face.  It had a pair of eyes and a nose, but it had three mouths, each on top of the other.  And all three of them bore the same wicked grin.  Barely visible behind him was Twilight, bound to the wall.

“Welcome to my lair,” said the creature in a deep, booming voice that seemed to shake the entire cave.

“I know what you are,” said Greyhoof in disbelief.  “You're a masticore!”

“A what now?” said Applejack.

“Part manticore, part scorpion,” said Greyhoof.  “They were supposedly just a myth.”

“Clearly myths are based upon fact,” said the masticore.  “You interlopers have come into my home in an attempt to steal my platinum.  The only fitting punishment...is death!”

“It all makes sense now,” said Greyhoof.  “According to legend, masticores covet the richest veins of platinum and live deep beneath the surface of Equestria.”

The masticore was licking the lips with two of his mouths while speaking with the third.  “Right you are, little pony,” said the masticore.  “It has been oh so long since I have feasted on your kind.  I shall savour this meal.”

The masticore abruptly lunged forward at Greyhoof, who barely dodged a swipe from his claws in time.  The masticore then attempted to strike Greyhoof with his stinger, but thanks to a magical shield, it was redirected enough to miss Greyhoof and strike the floor, splintering the rock.  Greyhoof gritted his teeth and summoned magical energy to mount an attack on the masticore, but his foe was too quick; the masticore backhanded Greyhoof's head with his front hand and sent Greyhoof crashing into the wall of the cavern.

As the masticore prepared his coupe de grace, Applejack, having recovered from her initial shock, used her hind legs to hit the masticore squarely in the stomach with enough force to fell a large apple tree.  The masticore grunted with pain and swayed to his side, relatively unharmed.  Applejack's attack had served its purpose, though, as it gave Greyhoof enough time to get back on his feet and begin his counterattack.

Immense magical energy shot from his horn, enveloping the masticore.  It was only enough to slow him.  Despite the potent magical assault, he continued to move slowly toward his prey.

“Rarity, don't just stand there!  Do something!” shouted Applejack, preparing to charge the masticore.

Rarity, looking on this whole time, was violently shaking at the knees.  Her friends were in trouble and she had no idea how to help them.  Greyhoof's magical talent far surpassed her own and even he could not stop the monstrosity they faced.  Nor did Applejack's physical prowess seem to have any lasting effect on him.  What could she do?  Rarity felt utterly helpless as she watched the masticore draw closer to Greyhoof, inch by inch.

“I can't...hold him off forever!” said Greyhoof.

Rarity, in full panic mode, made a dash across the cavern to where Twilight was bound, thinking that if she freed her, they'd have a fighting chance.  She jumped up to the ropes binding Twilight and bit down as hard as she could.  It worked!  The first rope snapped in half followed by the second.  Twilight was free!

“I...I can't use my magic!” said Twilight.

“What?!”

“When the masticore captured me, he stung me!  His venom is preventing me from using magic.  That's why I couldn't break free myself.”

“Oh no,” said Rarity.

“Rarity, you still have your magic!  Hit him with something, anything!”

Rarity frantically looked around, searching for something she could use.  Her gaze focused on a fairly large boulder in the corner.  “Not my style, but it'll have to do.”

Concentrating with all her might, she used every ounce of magic in her to lift the boulder.  Once it was in the air, she guided it toward the masticore's head as hard as she could.  The boulder connected with a loud crack, breaking in two.

The blow momentarily stunned the masticore, finally causing his resistance to Greyhoof's magic to cease, if only for just a moment.

“Now Applejack!” shouted Greyhoof.

Applejack nodded and bucked the masticore with all her might.  The combination of her physical force and Greyhoof's magic proved too much for the masticore.  He went flying into the wall of the cavern with enough force to cause the entire thing to splinter.

“Down that tunnel!” Greyhoof yelled to Twilight and the others.  “I'll hold him off!”

“Come with us!” said Twilight.

“No, he's not finished yet!” said Greyhoof, gesturing toward the masticore who was slowly picking himself up.  “Don't worry about me.”

“Are you sure?” said Applejack.  “You can't possibly stop him all by your lonesome.”

“Do as I say!  Get out of here!  I'll think of something,” said Greyhoof vehemently.

“I trust you,” said Applejack, tears welling up in her eyes.  “Twi, Rarity, let's go.”

Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity took off down a side tunnel fill kilter, wincing as they heard the masticore roar behind them.  Twilight kept grunting as she galloped with her friends, trying to eke out even the tiniest bit of magic.

“Rarity, can you light the way?” said Twilight.  “I still can't use my magic.”

“I'll try,” said Rarity.

Her efforts were somewhat effective, providing the ponies with a faint light nowhere near as bright as Greyhoof's was.  The ponies increased their frantic pace, the sounds of battle growing fainter by the second.  This run through the tunnels was much more difficult than their previous ones, as it was mostly on a fairly steep incline.

'At least we're going up,' thought Twilight.

Then it happened.  They came upon what looked like a set of massive, makeshift stairs.  Once they ascended them, Rarity smiled for the first time in hours.  There it was, the mother load.

“Platinum!” gasped Rarity.

The stuff was everywhere, a good portion of it was even free of its rocky prison.

“This must be the masticore's hoard,” said Twilight.

“It's beautiful,” said Rarity, almost drooling by this point.

“Well, ya got what ya came for,” said Applejack, choking back more tears.

“Look AJ, Greyhoof will be fine...I'm sure of it,” said Twilight, putting a front leg around Applejack.

“If...if ya say so,” said Applejack, her eyes downcast.

In the meantime, Rarity was silently gathering up as much platinum as she could possibly carry, stuffing her travel packs to the brim.

“Ya won't be able to move too fast with all that,” said Applejack, noticing what Rarity was doing.

“Hopefully we shouldn't need to,” said Rarity.  “All done.”

“Let's get out of here...how ever we do that,” said Applejack.

Twilight peeked her head into one of the various tunnels leading out of the hoard.  “Nope,” she said before moving on to the next one.

“What are you doing, Twilight dear?” said Rarity, slightly confused.

“I'm trying to see if any of these lead upward,” said Twilight.  “I think we're still pretty deep underground, so logically going up is where we want to be.”

“Good thinkin',” said Applejack, searching other tunnels.  “Ah ha!  Have a looksee.”

Twilight abandoned the search pattern and checked the tunnel Applejack had suggested.  “It looks promising enough.  Rarity?”

Rarity made her way over to Twilight and Applejack, the platinum she was carrying causing a loud jingling noise in her bag to accompany her hoof falls.  “I agree, let's take this one.”

The ponies began trotting up the tunnel, its incline remarkably steep.

“We'll be through in no time,” said Twilight brightly.

“I sure do hope Greyhoof made it out all right,” said Applejack.

“I have faith in him,” said Twilight.  “His extensive experience traveling around Equestria has to be good for something, right?”

'I hope...' thought Twilight to herself, doing her best to remain optimistic about their dire situation.  Honestly, it was probably her overwhelming fear of losing her new friend that kept her thinking this way.  Even though she had just met Greyhoof, the thought of losing him was unbearable to Twilight.  She valued her other friends highly, but there was something different about Greyhoof.  Maybe it was that he was a kindred spirit, a fellow student of magic.  Her other friends were wonderful ponies, but Greyhoof was the first one that truly shared a common interest with her.  There was only one other pony she knew that was as into magic as she was and she didn't get along too well with Trixie.

“It feels like we're rats in a maze,” whined Rarity.

They'd been wandering the tunnels for so long, the monotony occasionally being broken up by a cavern with yet more tunnels, that even Applejack didn't say anything in response to that.  On and on they trudged, through tunnel after tunnel and cavern after cavern.

“We're gonna die in here,” said Applejack after what felt like the twentieth cavern they entered.

“I'm not sure how much further I can make it,” said Twilight.  The masticore's venom was sapping her strength.  She skirted along the wall of the cavern, using the wall as support.  As she made her way to one of the tunnel entrances, she tripped over something.

“Girls, come quick!” said Twilight.

She had tripped over rocks.  Very familiar rocks.

“Are those?” asked Rarity, a gleam of hope in her eyes.

“Yes!” shouted Twilight triumphantly.  “This is the way back!”

“We've almost made it,” said Applejack, a weary smile on her face.

Twilight, full of renewed vigour, went up the passage ahead of Rarity.  She realized why that was a bad idea when she went crashing face first into the cave wall.

“Whoa there sugar cube, we've got a ways to go yet,” said Applejack, helping Twilight up.

Once Rarity took point, they trekked onward, retracing their steps.

“Can it be?” said Rarity.  “It is!”

Light.  Glorious, refreshing light.  At last, they had escaped.  To their relief, the balloon was still there, right where they had left it.  They slid down the mountainside, cheering all the way.

Once they reached the balloon, Twilight's expression quickly turned from one of joy to one of grief.  “I guess he didn't make it...”

Rarity and Applejack looked down.

“This is all my fault,” sobbed Rarity.  “If it weren't for my stupid clothes Greyhoof would still be alive!”

“Don't say that,” said Twilight.  “You had no way of knowing such a creature could exist.”

“I guess we'd better get going,” said Applejack sorrowfully.

Twilight nodded with tears in her eyes.  “I think I need to go to the hospital.”

“You poor thing!” exclaimed Rarity.  “I forgot about the masticore's venom!”

“I'll be fine, I think, I just need some treatment.”

Rarity heaved her bags into the balloon and climbed in with Applejack following suit.  Twilight gave one last hopeful look at the cliff, but saw nothing.  She began climbing into the balloon when –

“Why all the long faces?” said a familiar voice.

“Greyhoof?!” gasped Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight.

Sure enough, there he was, coming from around the mountain.  He looked quite dirty and his cloak was a bit more frayed around the edges than it used to be, but other than that, he was none the worse for ware.

“How did you?” said Twilight, thinking she had seen a ghost.

“It wasn't easy,” said Greyhoof, climbing into the balloon.

Once Twilight had joined him, the balloon took off, setting its course for Ponyville.  It had been a long day; the sun was beginning to set, making way for the night.  Applejack, Rarity, and especially Twilight, stared at Greyhoof, mouths agape, as he recounted his battle with the masticore.

“After you three escaped, I ran down a different tunnel, hoping he would follow me.  Luckily, I was right and I diverted his attention, allowing you to escape,” began Greyhoof.

His tale was interrupted when Twilight lunged at him hugging him fiercely.  “I thought I'd lost you forever!”

Greyhoof patted her reassuringly.  “There there,” he said.  Clearing his throat, he continued after Twilight composed herself again.  “He wasn't too pleased that I'd cheated him out of a good meal.  He barreled after me, but luckily I was able to stay ahead of him for a while.  Eventually he caught up and I was forced to fight him head-on.  Things got ugly from there.”

“His attacks were quite powerful.  If he hit me even once I knew I was finished.  I was able to stave him off, thankfully.  Despite my best efforts, I still couldn't match him, so I retreated further, trying to think of something.  He made one grave error: one of his more misguided stinger thrusts hit the ceiling and caused a few rocks to fall.  That's when I got my idea.  I lead him into a smaller tunnel and used my magic to dislodge a great amount of the stone, causing it to cave in on him.  After that, I eventually found my way out.  It turns out there's a hidden cave or two on the bog side of the mountain.  That's how I ended up back here.”

Greyhoof sat down as he finished his story.  “Did you at least get what you came for?” he asked Rarity.

“Yes,” said Rarity.  “I have more than enough for Hoity Toity and a few spares!”

“Good,” said Greyhoof before passing out.

V – On the Mend

The balloon sailed across Froggy Bottom Bog, on its way to the Ponyville Hospital.  Twilight had joined Greyhoof in unconsciousness.  Applejack and Rarity nodded to each other, agreeing to remain silent to let the exhausted unicorns get some sleep.

The balloon touched down beside the hospital in the dead of night.  Applejack went inside to get Nurse Redheart.

“One or two patients?” she asked.

“Just one, I reckon,” said Applejack.  “The other one's just tired is all.”

“What's ailing her?” said Nurse Redheart, looking at Twilight.

“Masticore venom,” said Rarity, hopping out of the balloon with her platinum treasure trove strapped to her.

“Excuse me, what venom?” said Nurse Redheart, thoroughly confused.

“Masticore,” said a muffled voice from inside the balloon.  Greyhoof had woken up.  Hopping out of the balloon, he continued, “Masticores are rare and powerful creatures.  Half manticore, half scorpion.  We encountered one earlier today and it stung Twilight.  Its venom has rendered her weak and unable to use her magic.  Can you help her?”

“I can try,” said Nurse Redheart.  “I don't know of any specific remedies for this, but perhaps some simple extraction procedures will do the trick.”

Greyhoof and Applejack carried the still unconscious Twilight into the hospital, following Nurse Redheart to the infirmary.

“Set her down on this bed,” she instructed.  Nurse Redheart bustled off to gather some medicine.  “She'll need to spend the night here.”

“I figured,” said Greyhoof.  “Do you mind if I do the same?  You know, in case she wakes up...”

“Sure, I'm sure she'd like that,” said Nurse Redheart.

“Is there anything we can do?” asked Rarity, her face full of concern.

“I'm afraid not,” said Nurse Redheart.  “With any luck, the venom will leave her system in time.  If she was stung a while ago and she isn't dead yet, then I don't think it's lethal, which is good news.”

Applejack and Rarity both nodded.

“Let's go,” said Applejack.  “We can come visit her in the mornin'.”

Greyhoof awoke the next day to see the infirmary full of concerned ponies talking in hushed voices.  Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were there, each looking as worried as Greyhoof felt.

“How is she?” said Greyhoof.

“Still out cold as an apple in the rain,” said Applejack, holding her hat at her side.

“So what exactly happened?” said Rainbow Dash.

“You didn't tell them?” said Greyhoof in surprise.

“I thought you'd know better, seeing as how you're the one that defeated the masticore and all,” said Applejack.

“Um, what's a masticore?” said Fluttershy.

After Greyhoof explained to Fluttershy and Rainbow what a masticore was, Fluttershy's face fell.  “I could have talked to him, he was probably just lonely.”

“No,” said Greyhoof flatly.  “I don't even think somepony with your affinity for animals could have done anything.  Masticores are not to be trifled with.”

Fluttershy squeaked.

“I wish I could've been there,” said Rainbow, pointing at herself with a hoof.  “I'd have showed him!”

“We certainly could've used the help,” said Greyhoof.

“Shhh!”

Nurse Redheart had entered the infirmary, baring some medicine.  “Here sweetie, drink this,” she said, propping Twilight's mouth open slightly and pouring some of the fluid down her throat.

Twilight spluttered a bit, but drank the majority of the liquid.

“Do you feel any better?” said Nurse Redheart.

Twilight winced as she attempted to eke out even the tiniest ounce of magic from her horn to no avail.  “I'm not as worn out as I was before, but I still can't use my magic.”

“You'd best remain here until you can then,” said Nurse Redheart sternly.

“But my books,” protested Twilight.

“Not another word,” said Nurse Redheart.

“If I may,” said Greyhoof.  “There might be a book that can help her.”

“Supernaturals?” said Twilight, grinning weakly.

Greyhoof nodded.

Nurse Redheart humphed when she heard the book's title.

“It's not what you think,” said Twilight.  “It's obscure natural remedies.”

“Fine, but you're my patient and you'll be getting nothing funny.”

As Greyhoof neared the door, he nearly crashed headfirst into Pinkie Pie, who was holding a large box.

“Watch where you're going, clumsy mc-clumerson,” said Pinkie brightly.

Greyhoof apologized, let Pinkie past him, and then exited the infirmary, headed for Twilight's library.

“Watcha got there Pinkie?” said Rainbow, perking her head up and eying the package.

“Cupcakes!” said Pinkie with a little more jubilation than usual.  “They'll have you back on your feet in no time!”

Before anypony could question Pinkie, she opened the box to reveal a stash of sumptuous-looking white and red cupcakes.  “There's enough for everypony!”

Nurse Redheart gave them a glance, then nodded with approval.  The ponies devoured the cupcakes with fervor.

“Pinkie, what's in these?” said Twilight with her mouth half full of cupcake.  “They're spectacular!”

“Oh, just a little something,” said Pinkie.  “New recipe, just trying it out.”

“Well whatever you did, it's mighty fine,” said Applejack, rolling her eyes back.

“May I?” said Fluttershy.

“What?” said Pinkie.

“Oh, I don't know if this would be okay, but maybe I could take some of these and leave them around the forest for the animals?  Most of them are still off somewhere, and maybe this will encourage them to come out.”

“Sure!  Make sure to save some extra for Twilight and Greyhoof though!” said Pinkie.

“Say, have you seen Rarity?” said Applejack.

The other ponies shook their heads.

“Must be workin' on her dresses with that platinum,” said Applejack.

It was not long before Greyhoof returned, Supernaturals floating beside him.  He opened the book wordlessly and began to skim its pages until he came upon an entry that piqued his interest.  He floated the book over to Nurse Redheart and showed her the pages.

“That might work,” she said, nodding slowly.  “But where are you going to find those ingredients?”

“That's the problem, I was hoping you'd know,” said Greyhoof, frowning.

Fluttershy took a peek at the book, then let out a small yelp.

“I've...I've seen those plants before,” she said.

“Where?” said Rainbow.

“The Everfree Forest,” whispered Fluttershy.

“That's no big deal,” said Twilight.  “Just ask Zecora for help.”

“Who is Zecora?” said Greyhoof.

“She's a zebra that lives deep in the forest,” said Twilight.

Greyhoof's eyes sparked for an instant.  “A zebra you say?  I didn't think there were any around these parts.”

“She's the only one I know of,” said Twilight.  “She's very friendly, once you get to know her.”

“What are we waiting for?” said  Rainbow, popping her wings up.

Applejack put her hat back on, grinning at Rainbow, ignoring Fluttershy, who was shuffling nervously in place.

“Don't be silly,” said Pinkie, hopping around Fluttershy.  “Just stay away from the Poison Joke!”

Fluttershy backed away from Pinkie, as if trying to disappear entirely.

“You'll be fine,” said Twilight.

Fluttershy bit her lip in protest as she was bustled out the door by Pinkie, Greyhoof, Applejack, and Rainbow, unable to escape.

The five ponies began trotting toward the Everfree Forest, all in good spirits considering the circumstances, except for Fluttershy.  The majestic, yet foreboding trees if the Everfree Forest loomed before them as they drew near.

“So which way to this...Zecora was it?” said Greyhoof.

“Just follow us,” said Rainbow.  “And don't touch the blue plants.”

“I have heard of this before,” said Greyhoof.  “Why are you scared of this forest, Fluttershy?  It looks spectacular.”

“It's wild and scary,” answered Fluttershy.  “Twilight was even turned to stone once.”

“A cockatrice?!  We'd best be cautious,” said Greyhoof with eyebrows raised.

The ponies went further into the forest, the trees becoming more dense.  All of them were trotting close to one another save for Rainbow, who opted to fly a few feet above them.  The forest was teeming with alien noises, many of which weren't immediately discernible, though they didn't encounter anything out of the ordinary.  As they happened upon an odd patch of vegetation, Greyhoof paused, halting the group's progress.

“These look like some of the herbs we need,” he said, indicating the strange plant.

Applejack reached for the plant, preparing to dig it up, but Rainbow swooped in and plucked a generous hoofful of it.  Applejack growled at the giggling Rainbow Dash, who did a little airborne somersault above Applejack.

“We have two plants to go,” said Greyhoof, ignoring Rainbow's antics.

Before too long, the ponies made it to Zecora's home.  Unfortunately, it appeared to be deserted.  Unbeknownst to the ponies, Zecora observed them from behind a tree some distance away, her hood up, glaring suspiciously.  After a short evaluation, she turned her back on them and went deeper into the forest.

“Now what do we do?” said Fluttershy.  “C-can we just go back now?”

“Not until we find those plants, silly!” said Pinkie, unfazed by Zecora's absence.

“Say...you don't think she'll notice if we...” said Rainbow slowly.

“No.  Absolutely not,” said Applejack.

“I say we go for it,” said Greyhoof, cluing in to what Rainbow was thinking.  “If she knew the cause, she'd understand.”

“What are we doing?” said Pinkie.

“Going into her house and grabbing what we need,” said Rainbow.

“Oh my, isn't that stealing?” said Fluttershy.  “Shouldn't we ask Zecora first?”

Rainbow facehoofed.  “Fluttershy...Zecora isn't here.”

“I think it's the best idea,” said Greyhoof.  “There's no telling if Twilight's condition will grow worse the longer that venom is in her body.  It's for the greater good.”

“I'll take no part in it,” said Applejack, sitting down and folding her front feet.

Greyhoof used his magic to unlock and open the door to Zecora's house.  “Zebras,” he said half-disgustedly as he stepped inside, immediately getting assaulted by strange aromas.

The four ponies began rummaging through the house, Applejack still sitting outside.  Pinkie Pie found both herbs they needed quite quickly.

“How did you?” said Greyhoof.

“Don't ask,” said Rainbow.  “Trust me.”

Stuffing the herbs they had appropriated from Zecora's into a small bag along with the ones Rainbow had picked, they left the house, Greyhoof magically locking the door behind them.

“Y'all done?” said Applejack in a scolding tone.

“Yep,” said Pinkie, merrily bouncing in the direction of Ponyville.

The other ponies followed, their journey back being every bit as peaceful as their first trek through the woods.

“Usually there's a lot more wildlife here,” noted Fluttershy.

When they made it out of the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy squeaked again and flew off, barely a couple feet off the ground.  It almost made you wonder why she was flying in the first place.

“There she goes with her animals again,” said Rainbow.

“That reminds me, have you had any luck with the birds?” said Greyhoof.

“We got most of 'em back,” said Rainbow.  “Unlike Fluttershy, I'm quick and can catch fast things.”

Greyhoof chuckled.  “Let's get back to Twilight, I think she'll be happy to see us.”

“I have to do something,” said Pinkie, abruptly speeding off somewhere.

Greyhoof, Applejack, and Rainbow all exchanged confused glances.

“I don't know why that pony still surprises me,” said Applejack, shaking her head.

The three remaining ponies went back to the hospital, where Nurse Redheart and Twilight were waiting for them.

“Any luck?” said Nurse Redheart.

Greyhoof nodded and gave her the medicine bag.  “I figured you'd want to prepare this yourself.  Just do what the book says.”

Nurse Redheart nodded and accepted the bag before turning around and heading into the back.

“Did Zecora help you?” said Twilight.

“No,” said Greyhoof.  “She wasn't there.”

“They broke into her house and stole what they needed,” said Applejack, giving Greyhoof and Rainbow a withering look.

“It was for a good cause!” said Rainbow defensively.

“We had no idea if your condition would worsen over time,” added Greyhoof.

“We'll need to apologize to Zecora,” said Twilight.

“I'm sure she'll understand,” said Rainbow.

“Out of the way,” said Nurse Redheart.  “Remedy coming through!”  Nurse Redheart held a rancid-smelling concoction and advanced on Twilight.

“I have to drink that?!” said Twilight, her face turning green.

“Every drop,” said Nurse Redheart.  “These ponies went all the way into the forest to get the ingredients.  Now, bottoms up!”

Twilight reluctantly drank the foul-smelling liquid and made a gagging noise as she finished, sticking her tongue out of her wide open mouth.

“Wash it down with these!” said Pinkie, coming out of nowhere with another batch of fresh cupcakes.  This time they were orange, but smelled no less delicious than the last batch.

“That's what you went scurrying off to do?” said Applejack.

“Yep yep yep!” said Pinkie.  “Dig in everypony!”

Twilight gratefully ate the cupcakes.  Pinkie was right, they definitely chased away the horrible aftertaste.

“Feeling better?” said Pinkie with a wide grin on her face.

Twilight attempted to use magic again.  She let out a delighted cheer as the empty box of cupcakes levitated a few inches off the ground for a moment before it fell back down.  “Much.”

“Well, that remedy seemed to do the trick,” said Nurse Redheart.  “I'm afraid you'll have to spend the night here.  We can test your magic again in the morning.  If it's back, you'll be free to go.”

Twilight smiled and closed her eyes.

“Off!” said Nurse Redheart, directing the other ponies out of the infirmary.  “This mare needs rest.”

Greyhoof paused for a moment, unsure whether or not he should spend tonight in the infirmary with Twilight, but decided instead to go back to the library on account of Twilight's improving condition.

“Sleep well,” he said as he left the hospital.