It was as pleasant as a day as it could be in the Everfree forest and the Mulberry Warren was enjoying the sunshine. Located on a small cliff overlooking the east side of Ponyville the rabbits had taken full advantage of a huge and ancient tree that had several berry bushes growing all around it. Fluttershy herself was enjoying the quiet day. She lay on a leafy wooden throne in the shade, as a whtie rabbit happily fanned her with a large leaf for good measure.
The rabbits around the clearing were all slowly picking the ripe berries while others kept watch from the outskirts. As soon as they got a good bowl full of the fruit they would present it to Fluttershy that in a glance would then see how well they did. The ones that did good were pointed to her sleeping chambers for later, while the ones who did not do good had to go do even more work to make up the slack. It was an old system of hers but a good one as it kept them organized and focused on whatever task they needed to do but also educate them in doing it right. Suddenly the peace was broken as several scouts came running in. They all squeaked and yelled causing Fluttershy to spring up but before they could explain the light was blocked out. Fluttershy looked up but only caught a passing glimpse before a thick cloud of black smoke flooded the the warren.
Meanwhile in Ponyville a crowd had formed around the town square as a simple looking wagon had recently rolled in and started blaring all kinds of promises to see wondrous sights.
“Come one, come all, come and witness the amazing magic of… Trixie!” The voice shouted as the wagon shuddered and suddenly split open to form a wide stage with a simple backdrop of stars and moons. In a puff of light and smoke a blue unicorn appeared in the center wearing a matching hat and cape with the same stars across it. The crowd was in awe from the showmanship on display and they let out cheers appropriately. “Watch in awe as the great and powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed with pony eyes!” She shouted across the crowd as fireworks shot into the sky and trumpets played a tune on command.
“What a showoff.” Starlight whispered. “Nobody is better at magic than Celestia. I bet even I could do far more than the ‘great and powerful’ Trixie.”
“It is just an act, let’s see where it goes.” Twilight whispered back.
Trixie raised her hooves and waved them around as a ball of glowing light formed in the air. It burst in a shower of light and sparks and from it flower petals rained down all over the town square. The onlookers cheered once more and several of the younger laughed at the sight.
“That is just a basic illusion with minor teleportation.” Starlight spoke louder this time as she rolled her eyes. “Any student past a year could do better without trying.”
“Well well well, it seems we have some neigh-sayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the great and powerful Trixie?”
“I am!” Starlight called out as Twilight threw a hoof over her face. “And I can do anything you can do but better!” She continued.
Just before Twilight could say anything she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Leaving Starlight to go make a fool of herself Twilight moved around to find a black pegasus glaring at her.
“Hello? Do you need something?” Twilight asked.
“We have a problem.” Fluttershy replied as she wiped a thick layer of soot off her face.
With Starlight and Trixie left to argue the pair headed to town hall to discuss the smoke that was starting to cover the sky. Fluttershy repeated her story, that a huge red Dragon had recently flown over the Everfree and was causing a lot of trouble for her warren, and she wanted Twilight to sort it out since she was the one to sort out the last crisis. Twilight thanked her for the haste in delivering the news as a nesting Dragon could soon become a danger for the town as well, something had to be done and it had to be done quick.
Putting a simple plan together the pair broke off around town to get the group together, with Fluttershy bringing Rarity and AJ while Twilight went to find Rainbow Dash and Pinkie. Once they were all together Twilight sat down to go over the plan.
“The Dragon is nesting in the east mountains. Since it will be only a few hours hike and directly upsetting it could be dangerous, I suggest we go just ourselves to try and talk or move it. Spike will be staying behind to keep the peace.” Twilight explained as Spike gave a salute behind her. “Any objections or questions?”
“I have one.” Rainbow spoke out as she raised her hoof. “What do you expect me to do to a Dragon, throw books at it?”
“Each of you showed loyalty and bravery during the Summer sun celebration, as well as several skills. Even if you can not directly fight a Dragon does not mean you can not help out.” Twilight explained.
Agreed and understood they each packed a different bunch of supplies and met up near the Bejewelled Bridle. They paused for a moment as what seemed to be a massive firework exploded over the town square and a bird made of fire appeared for just a moment before exploding itself into rainbow sparkles. Applejack raised an eyebrow to Twilight but she just shook her head.
“The ravine might prove to be time consuming, any suggestions?” Twilight asked.
“Straight.” Rarity quietly replied.
“Straight. Right… Well, it is your mines so lead on.” Twilight spoke.
True to her word, they went straight. Straight down the winding path of the cliff face, straight over a long rope bridge and straight over a collection of stone pillars that served as rather dangerous stepping stones. Fluttershy meanwhile just bounced or flew overhead. Twilight had to admit it was faster than any other route, even if hopping over massive pitfalls was hardly safe. Close to the end however they hit a roadblock. A small rockslide had blocked the main path forward and in particular a massive boulder was stuck.
“Rarity dumb, no path here.” Fluttershy barked as she stood on the huge rock. Putting a comforting hoof on Rarity’s shoulder Twilight gave Fluttershy a knowing look. Turning her eyes to the giant rock ahead of them she had an idea. Twilight’s horn glowed and the magic transferred into the silver ring she wore. Her saddlebags opened and a disk shot out, in a second it extended into a long metal pole. Grabbing it she rammed it under the boulder and waved the others to come help. The other four took a spot at the pole and counting to three they pulled down at once, the giant rock shuddered and shifted an inch. Once more Twilight counted down and on the second push it came loose and started to roll down the canyon. Fluttershy simply huffed and continued on ahead of them.
Ravine passed quickly they entered into the east grasslands that would take them directly to the base of the mountain. It was a long walk but the grass was manageable and they had plenty of time thanks to Rarity’s rather direct shortcut. With Dash and Pinkie hanging back to talk about zucchinis, AJ and Twilight took the lead. Getting the map out of her bags Twilight unrolled it and began to go over it another time. Pointing out the areas that they should avoid AJ helped give a second opinion on the route and together they had worked out what seemed like the perfect plan.
That plan quickly fell apart when they reached the base of the mountain. While the others were alright to start climbing up the steep slope Rarity found herself barely taking a step at a time. As the others reached the top of the steep hill she was still trying to get up the start of it.
“I think she needs some help.” Applejack said concerned. Twilight nodded and slid down the hill.
“What is wrong?” Twilight asked softly.
“It is too… Tall.” Rarity quietly replied as she slowly crept forward.
“Just keep moving, ah which you are… Just keep trying I know you can do it. Right girls?” Twilight called out to the others up above. They began to cheer her on as well and for a moment Rarity started to move just a bit quicker.
“Move already!” Fluttershy suddenly shouted as she landed on the slope. Rarity flinched. Losing her already slow momentum she slipped and gently slid all the way back down to the start. Fluttershy snorted at the display and took off into the air once more. Twilight sighed but trotted down to help Rarity again.
It took some time for the pair to finally get up that first slope and while the others were enjoying playing card games or charades to pass the time they did admit that they needed to get a move on. Thankfully the next stretch of the path was far easier to deal with, nothing but a gentle incline that headed up and around the cliffs of the tall, snow speckled, mountain. It grew colder as they went and the wind had started to pick up too. The further they travelled the more the path became weathered and unstable. It was after a good hour of hiking that they reached a wide open space between a sharp rise and an intense fall.
They stopped for a moment to rest as some like Dash were terribly out of shape, not that she would ever admit it. As they sat snacking and chatting Twilight stood overlooking the area. Taking out her map she checked where exactly they were and suddenly gasped. Running over to the group she shushed them and slowly looked to the rocks.
“This entire area is an avalanche zone, so not a peep.” She whispered.
Slowly they began to pack up and get moving again for it would be wiser to take a break when there was not tons of unstable rocks above you. They crept forward slowly and carefully, every hoofstep double checked just in case anything went wrong. Fluttershy hopped as graceful as a feather ahead of the group, from rock to rock or branch to branch. As she bounced off a stray tree a sprinkle of pollen was knocked loose and as Applejack walked past she got a face full of it. She sneezed sharply and threw her hooves over her face. The noise echoed. The rocks shuddered and a few pebbles rolled down the cliffside but nothing else. The group relaxed and sighed and only then did the cliffside suddenly crumble. As giant pieces of stone rolled and rained down all around them they began to run.
Twilight and AJ were ahead of the rest and they managed to duck and weave decently while Rainbow and Pinkie were just behind trying to dodge the smaller stones. Rarity was struggling. While she had strength she lacked speed and her shyness kept her from pushing on. The main rockslide was coming and she was too far from the others. Thinking quickly she ducked into a hole just as the entrance got blocked with tons of stone.
Using her magic for light Rarity found herself to be in a small cave that went deeper into the mountain. It was warm, dark and cramped which suited her perfectly. Getting up off the floor she straightened her mane and headed further inside.
“What you doing here?” Fluttershy asked suddenly from the dark.
“Going to the exit.” Rarity replied flat and literal.
“Why not dig us out with magic?”
“Rocks are weak here, could cause a collapse.”
With a sigh Fluttershy accepted the explanation and began to trot on ahead but remembered she could not see in pitch blackness. She was annoyed but had no other choice than to trot alongside Rarity.
Shortly ahead they ran into a small problem. A high ledge with no path up to it. Rarity could use her magic to form stairs or manipulate the earth around her but that might cause a cave in and they did not have anything to make it easier like ropes. Kicking the dirt Rarity turned to Fluttershy.
“Could you fly me up please?” Rarity asked meekly.
“No.” Fluttershy bluntly answered as she bounced up herself. “We are not carrying you.”
With no other option Rarity started to climb. It was dark and she had no idea how stable the rocks would be but thankfully the cave was rough and there were many holes and ledges to find grip on. With all the grace of a goat more than a pony she continued to climb and prance up the stones. She slipped only once but caught herself before she fell. Flipping her hair out of the way she continued to pull herself up and up until she reached the top. Panting Rarity sat catching her breath but feeling proud.
“Bring light, come.” Fluttershy barked as she stood impatiently in the dark.
Picking herself up Rarity began to follow as quickly as she could. Down the caves and around the tunnels they moved until they ran into a small underground lake. Glowing crystals at least provided light but because of it the pair could see that the water was deep and there was no way around. Fluttershy of course just flew over without an ounce of effort but Rarity stood looking even more pale than normal.
“What now?” Fluttershy called over with a huff. Rarity did not reply and instead stood staring into the deep blue of the pool in front of her. She could not feel her legs. The inky depths in front of her just seemed to stretch on forever and deep down she could not pull herself to move closer. “Swimming easy, it small.” Fluttershy shouted across.
“No.” Rarity managed to say as she shook her head and backed away.
“You scared?” Fluttershy asked as she skimmed across the water.
“Very much so.” Rarity replied.
“We are too.” Fluttershy admitted more quietly. The surprise snapped Rarity out of her fear for a moment and she looked towards Fluttershy in confusion. “We hate the dark.”
“But you don’t look scared.”
“Being scared does not get anywhere.” Fluttershy explained before more softly sighing. “Being weak makes it hard for others. Better grow now than never.”
Rarity thought over her words. They were blunt and bitter but truthful. Standing up straight she closed her eyes and began to walk forward. Rarity’s whole body was shaking when she reached the water but she did not stop. The water got deeper and deeper but then stopped at her knees. Prying her eyes open Rarity found that the deep blue was an illusion, a trick due to the stone under the water. A laugh escaped her and Fluttershy began to join in.
Shaking off the water they reached a fork in the path. The two tunnels looked much alike and both were too dark to know which way they led. Rarity stepped up and after looking over both used her magic to send out a small ping. She repeated the magic a few more times and then pointed to the right.
“You sure?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes.” Rarity answered simply while already heading down the tunnel.
It curved upwards and bent around several times but after some hiking through the dark and dust they reached a small room. Huge crystals lined the long corridor like cave and the ceiling was so low that they would have to walk with ducked heads to go any further but Fluttershy was the one to stop dead in her tracks.
The entire floor was littered with small caterpillars all slowly worming their way along. Each of them had a mossy hide and tiny gemstones studded into them. Rarity stepped down and waited for Fluttershy but she did not move. Her face turned red and coughing she turned around.
“Maybe we should go the other way.
“The exit is ahead, my magic can sense it.” Rarity replied. She narrowed her eyes and a small smile started to form. “You don’t like crystapillars? They are harmless you know.” Rarity could not help but wear a smug expression as Fluttershy beat her wings and huffed about proudly.
“We don’t like little fuzzy worms.” Fluttershy eventually admitted.
“Oh no?” Rarity took a look towards the exit and back to Fluttershy with wide and playful grin. “Well, would sure be terrible if I left with the light wouldn't it.”
“You wouldn't.” Fluttershy squeaked as she spun around.
Rarity took up a hoof, licked it and put it to her horn much like you would do to snuff out a candle. The cave fell into darkness and a high pitched squeal like a boar in heat getting stuck with a hot iron rang out. A soon as the noise had faded away the lights suddenly came back on. Rarity stood next to Fluttershy with a sly and disgusting expression, a knowing one that was having far too much fun. Still, she stood close and was comforting.
“I understand. You… grew up in the Everfree so you had to support yourself. I had many… friends in the mines but they only pushed me further down.” Rarity admitted as she tried not to get too emotional. “We have each other now, you can lean on me if you don’t mind me doing the same.” Fluttershy was blushing hard and tried to stand proud but did extend a wing and wrap it around Rarity all the same. One step at a time they ducked down and began to cross the river of small fluffy caterpillars.
Marching on they found light at the end of the tunnel. Exiting the cave they found themselves to be much higher up than the entrance and as the pair stood looking over the snowy cliffs they heard a noise on the wind. Fluttershy flew up to scout it out as Rarity formed stairs along the rockwall. Within a few minutes they had found themselves back with the rest of the group and near the top of the mountain.
“Rarity! Fluttershy!” Twilight called out as she and the others all rushed to check on them. “I had faith… but I am so happy to see you two again.”
“Fluttershy better have not been too hard on you.” Applejack added as she looked up the pegasi flying overhead. Rarity shook her head and gave her a smile.
Now reunited and near the top they continued the climb. The path here was winding and cracked but solid and simple to follow. Even the wind had managed to calm down. As they were reaching the peak they came across a small gap in the path over a huge drop. One by one they hopped over until it was only Rarity and Pinkie left. Pinkie offered to help but Rarity refused. She took a glance towards Fluttershy standing aloof and took a breath. Taking a small run up she hopped the tiny gap. The others did not seem to understand but Rarity felt proud all the same.
Reaching the entrance to the Dragon’s cave they found it to be a huge natural formation that it had cleaned out and filled with treasure. Despite the crisp evening air the inside of the mountain felt noticeably warmer as if heated by some great furnace. It smelled strong as well, a mix of heated metals and sulfurous chemicals but Twilight helpfully informed them that this was just what a Dragon who has not showered enough smells like. Placing her saddlebag down she used her magic to fuel the ring which in turn activated the bags. They unfolded and expanded to form a large gazebo complete with a metal box at the center and stools to sit on.
“Here is my plan.” Twilight began as she sat down and placed the map on the box. “Thanks to Rarity’s industry I have brought the biggest and shiniest gems from the vault. Pinkie and AJ will go in and smooth talk him, butter him up, make him soft. I will go in with the gems and make an offer for him to move in trade while Fluttershy watches my back. Rainbow you keep a watch on things out here.” She explained while taking a ruby the size of a Pony’s head out of the metal box. It gleamed like fire in the sunlight. So smoothly polished that it was mesmerizing to look at.
“That suits me.” Rainbow said with a happy shrug as she took a seat herself.
Plan set and agreements made Pinkie and Applejack moved deeper into the cave. With so many glowing gemstones and piles of gold the entire nest was lit up in a pale golden light. Resting on top of this hoard of treasure was an impressively large red Dragon, as big as two houses with teeth like daggers and scales like shields. The heat coming off him was fierce and the pair could not help but feel intimidated by such a sight. Huddling together they began to whisper the plan.
“Excuse me mr Dragon?” Applejack started. “Terribly sorry to interrupt your sleep but I wanted to let you know that your smoke is causing quite a bit of havoc and we would all very much appreciate you finding somewhere else to sleep.” She spoke smoothly. The Dragon pried open an eye to look at her. He snorted and sent a cloud of thick smoke billowing through the cave. AJ coughed but stood her ground. “Yes, I am sure we could find a better cave than this for you to sleep.” She added but the Dragon simply yawned and ignored her.
“Now now darling, I don’t think such a handsome Dragon should even be sleeping in a cave. Just look at this polished scales, each one is more beautiful than the treasure that they lay on.” Pinkie added as she playfully pushed AJ to the side. The Dragon took notice of her sweet words and sat up with a modest grin. “To see such exotic beauty going to waste in some hole is simply a crime.” She continued as the Dragon lowered his head down to take a better look at her. “And between us, I love my men to be big but you are too much for me to handle. A shame, I would have been more than happy to explore those scales myself.” Pinkie ran a hoof along his chin and threw a wink for good measure. The Dragon blushed.
“You two must behave yourselves.” Twilight called out playfully as she walked up next. “I do apologize, Applejack is such a loyal protector of our fine town and Pinkie has an eye for good taste.” She paused to softly chuckle to herself. “I came here to offer you this modest gemstone and see if you could find it in your heart to keep the smoke out of town?”
The Dragon’s warm smile and blush quickly faded and once more he retorted with a puff of black smoke. Twilight did not expect that and Fluttershy was primed above to get them out if it turned south but as they continued to try and talk the Dragon to leave Rarity noticed something. Trotting up to the others she gently moved past and stared up at the Dragon.
“We are sorry. We really did not want to bother you while you were sick but it was important to us.” Rarity called out causing the others to fall quiet in surprise. “Must be terrible living in a cave like this despite how wealthy and powerful you are. You must run away a lot to get away from treasure seekers or Dragon hunters?” She paused to catch her breath and think her words over. “If you come down with us we can get you some soup and maybe find you a place to live that is much safer. Twilight has always said that Ponyville welcomes everybody and that includes homeless Dragons.” The Dragon lay stunned as well but then started to tear up.
“N-nobody ever asks how I am feeling. It is always ‘ah a Dragon’ and not ‘oh hello a dragon’ you know?” He admitted while crying.
“There there.” Rarity cooed as she gently rubbed his arm. “If you can please give us a lift back down then we could find you somewhere much warmer to spend the night.”
“Y-you are so… so… Nice!” He continued to bawl.
“How did you know he was sick?” Twilight whispered as she stood in shock.
“That Dragon you have, Spike, he has never smoked before and this guy has been living in the wild so it must have been not normal.” Rarity explained.
The Dragon wrapped up all his treasure in a huge tarp he had in the back of the cave and with the six of his new pony friends safely on his back he flew down to the town. The guards were ready and strangely waiting for him but Twilight gave them a wave and they stood down.
“This lovely fellow is the newest member of our community and is very valuable. Get him down to the mine’s foundry and fetch everything he needs, blankets, a gallon of soup, I don’t care. Make him comfortable.” Twilight instructed. The guards saluted and broke into two groups, one to take care of the ill Dragon and the other to get those supplies ready for him. The rest stretched and sighed. It was sunset and the efforts of the hike was starting to catch up on them all. Waiting to reward her friends for the excellent work she pushed them to go relax at the spa and the Cherry Pie later with the promise she would catch up.
Heading down the dim roads towards the town hall Twilight was stopped by the chaos in the town square. Floating rocks slowly spun in the air as rabbits made of clothing ran about as they pleased. There were craters in the ground and part of the town hall had been… turned into cheese. She stood jaw loose in complete confusion before remember this morning’s events. Growling she trotted through the warzone to find Starlight and Trixie passed out in each others hooves. Kicking Starlight non to gently the purple unicorn snapped awake and quickly pushed Trixie off her.
“I will… Will.. I won’t be beaten by you!” Starlight shouted sounding delirious.
“The preat and gowerful Trixie has yet to start!” Trixie replied with her eyes rolling about her head like two loose marbles.
“Enough!” Twilight yelled. “I leave you two for one day and this place looks like a warzone.”
“Twilight?” Starlight asked as she finally came back to her senses. “I can explain…”
“No you fucking can’t. I come back after hiking up a mountain and defeating a Dragon to find that I can not even take tomorrow off because of you? I swear to the moon I will…” Twilight grit her teeth and cracked her neck.
“L-language.” Starlight muttered quietly. Twilight went from purple to red but just before she could let out her rage Trixie’s wagon started to pack itself up.
“You have not seen the last of the great and powerful Trixie!” She shouted before speeding off down the road. Twilight’s rage broke and like a deflating balloon she let out a long sigh.
“You are cleaning this, all of it. I will be in the Cherry Pie when you are done.” Twilight simply stated with a glance so vicious Starlight thought that she was about to be eaten. Starlight nodded. Looking around the carnage she rubbed her paint stained neck and winced. She had not even managed to learn a friendship lesson out of it all either… Her eyes shifted down the road. She might have not learned something from Trixie but she was sure that the others learnt something in the mountains. Surely Twilight would not be mad if she just took a quick break to go visit them.
