As it turned out, the Forgotten Ones were not alright. When they learned they had all failed at their assigned tasks, each one was afraid of what their master would do.
By the time they finally worked up the nerve to enter Willy-Nilly Mountain's cave and inform their Master of what had happened, he was more aggravated than if they had went in immediately. And their account of what had happened only angered him further.
"The crystal pool showed me your successes. I hadn't expected you to lose," the Master growled.
"We're sorry," Cheerilee said, moving in front of her sister, Scootaloo, protectively. "We almost won, we really did! But then—"
A disgruntled roar interrupted her.
"I saw most of it. You captured most of them, but one pony of each race escaped. Together, they managed to defeat all of you and drive you back here. Is that correct?"
Sweetie Belle stepped forward and shook her head. "Not exactly. We weren't defeated! We just…went away."
"Sweetie Belle, don't," Scootaloo shushed. "Now we're really in for it!"
Their Master seemed to pause. "…Went away?"
Scootaloo bravely stepped forward, not wanting her young partner to shoulder all of the blame. "That's right. Sweetie Belle and I left Unicornia because the unicorns were making a rainbow. We were scared because of what you told us about rainbows, so we retreated back to here."
"And because we lost the jump rope game," Sweetie Belle added.
"S-Starsong and I left Butterfly Island because her mind control song didn't work," Toola Roola stammered.
Starsong nodded. "Toola was going to paint up a storm to blow them away, but that might have affected us, too. We couldn't think of what else to do, so we came back here."
"And Cheerilee and I left because it was her birthday and they gave us presents," Whimsey Weatherbe finished with a flourish, flying in a loop and showing off her sock hats proudly. "How do you like my new hats?"
The Master had been calm, if annoyed, before. But at that, he was furious. He moved towards them, his eyes flashing in the darkness. His shadow alone covered the ponies except for Whimsey, who, being a dragon, was slightly taller. But even she shrunk back in fear.
"Sweetie Belle," he began. The young unicorn squeaked in fear.
"Y-y-yes?"
"If you fail me again I will take the box of items you treasure and send it away."
Sweetie Belle's eyes started to water. "Oh no! Please, not my box of stuffy stuff!"
He was unmoved. "Cheerilee."
The red earth pony looked up. "Yes, Master?"
"Should you disappoint me again, your storybooks will be taken from you."
Cheerilee gasped. "But I used to read those to Scootaloo at night!"
"Speaking of…Scootaloo."
The orange pony put on a brave face, but she was clearly scared. "Yeah?"
"Your games and other enjoyable activities will be denied unless you follow my orders correctly."
"You can't! Playing hopscotch helps keep me happy!"
The Master moved on to Starsong, who was too scared to speak.
"Starsong, should you fail, I will take your microphone and musical instruments."
"But how can I make music without my favorite instruments.," Starsong said finally. Toola Roola moved to her side, but stopped short as the Master called her name next.
"Toola Roola."
"…H-here," she breathed.
"If you do not do as I wish, I will take your night light away."
"But I use that to paint in the dark! …And to help me sleep at night," she confessed.
"All the more reason to not fail. Now, Whimsey Weatherbe."
The dragon blinked. "What is it?"
"You were crucial to their success—and to their failure. Your punishment will be given now."
Whimsye gasped and flew towards the ceiling. "No! These are my hats!"
"And they gave them to you. They should be gotten rid of at once," he said, his voice like steel.
Whimsey bowed her head and handed over one of the socks. "…Can I keep just one? It really keeps my head warm!"
The Master sighed, but didn't take the other one. "You're all growing too fond of them. Might I remind you that I was the one who took you in after they had all forgotten you? I was the one who gave you your powers and enabled you to take revenge on the ponies that deserve it."
"We know," Sweetie Belle chirped. "You say that every time."
She paused, deep in thought.
"…Wait. How did you know who we were and how to find us? No one else even knew our names! I know because I checked when it first happened!"
At that the Master was silent—uncomfortably so.
"Hello," Sweetie Belle asked.
"This time," the Master began, "you will go together to ensure there will be no mistakes."
"So who do we go after," Whimsey asked.
"You will go to Breezie Blossom and occupy it for me."
"Occupy? What's that mean," asked Starsong.
"It means you take it over and wait for me there. I will join you shortly after."
"Sounds boring," Scootaloo commented. "What happens once you show up?"
"Then we take what's there and replace it. Any flowers that grow will be cold and dark, and the snow would make things even drearier."
Scootaloo gulped. "I, uh… I'm not sure I wanna do that."
"Have you forgotten what will happen if you don't?"
"…Right. I'm sorry, Master."
"Leave here when you are ready. You know what will happen if you fail," he commanded.
At that moment, lightning flashed outside—a side effect of the mountain's strange weather. During the flash, they could see their Master's face—and what he was.
The Forgotten Ones' Master was a snake as big as the Ponyville ponies and four times as long. He wasn't entirely a flesh and blood snake—while he was solid enough to interact with objects, most of him was made of purple shadows that reminded them of storm clouds. On his tail rested Whimsey's sock hat. Trails of purple smoke and fog flew from him as he slithered away from them all, before he curled up in the deepest corner of the cave to sleep.
###
Days passed. In Ponyville, Butterfly Island, and Unicornia, everyone was on alert and communicating often, and there were frequent checks to the state of Breezie Blossom. So far, there had been no sign of any of the Forgotten Ones since their first appearance.
"Do you think they're coming," Minty asked. "I know we're supposed to be on alert and all, but…I'm getting worried!"
"It's natural to be worried," Spike said. "They are living with a powerful enemy who likely doesn't have their best interests in mind!"
Minty blinked. "That didn't help, Spike."
"If they do attack again, we'll be ready. If not, maybe we can help them," said Cheerilee the unicorn, who was visiting with Rarity.
"Help them," Rarity asked. "How? By reminding them of how much they had?"
At that, Star Catcher spoke up. "Perhaps we could! A little kindness goes a long way, and I know Toola Roola and Starsong were happy when they were on the island."
"Yeah! And I bet Baby Honolu-Loo misses them," Thistle Whistle said with a soft whistle. "They need to know they can visit us without all that scary fighting."
Pinkie Pie thought, then smiled. "I've got it! We'll make them a card."
"A card, darling? But what should be on it," asked Rainbow Dash. "We can't attach a rainbow. They're afraid of them!"
"Maybe we can draw one," Cheerilee said with a smile. "There's nothing to be scared of if it's just a drawing!"
"Great idea, Cheerilee," Rarity said with delight. "Oh, and we can all sign the card! That way they'll know it's from all of us."
The ponies continued to chat and share ideas for the card—until they were interrupted by a cry from Sunny Daze. The white earth pony ran up to them, so excited she was doing headstands and backflips mid-run.
"Yo, 'Steria! Pinkie! Mints!"
"What is it," Wysteria, Pinkie Pie, and Minty said in unison.
"I was just at Breezie Blossom, and that mirror melted some of the snow! It isn't much, but I was just at the Petal Parlor, and Zipzee's awake! If you're making a card, she can totally help too!"
The pony grinned. "Better hurry, though! She said she was tired."
Everyone cheered. Star Catcher and Thistle Whistle, in particular, seemed excited. "We can finally meet the Breezies if we're not too late. Let's go!"
The ponies raced towards the Pedal Parlor, nearly bumping into each other. Daffidazey greeted them with a wave and quickly opened the door for them. Slowly, the ponies went inside.
To their relief, Zipzee was still awake. She had crawled out of her sock hat, and looked confused. "Is it summer yet?"
Pinkie Pie shook her head.
"It's been summer, Zipzee. Look, these are our friends Rarity and Cheerilee, and these pegasus Ponies are Star Catcher and Thistle Whistle!"
Zipzee looked up and gasped. "Wow! Your wings are so big!"
"And you're so small," Thistle Whistle breathed. "Are you sure you can fly with such tiny wings?"
"Yep!" The little pony yawned. "But…I don't think I can right now. I'm awfully tired…"
"It's alright, Zipzee. It's a pleasure to meet you! Right now, my friends and I are working to make a card for…well, some ponies that could really use support. Would you be willing to help us," Star Catcher asked.
The Breezie smiled. "Sure thing…But what can…" She yawned. "…I do? The flowers are as sleepy as I am…"
Wysteria smiled. "That's okay! I have some tiny flowers saved from Breezie Blossom. We can write that they're from you!"
"I'd love that! I know Tiddlywink, Tra-La-La, and all the others would too."
She paused.
"Um…before I fall asleep again…can you get me some ink?"
"Anything you say," Sweetberry said. She soon returned with fresh blackberries and popped them with her hoof, placing the juice and the card in front of Zipzee. "You can use blackberry juice as ink! It'll be sweet! Er, sour."
Zipzee smiled and placed a juice-stained hoofprint on the card—and shivered a little before yawning. Her steps became wobbly.
"Now they'll know it's from me. Can you…tell them I said hi…? I can't…wait to meet them…Whoever they are…"
Zipzee fell asleep immediately after, Wysteria and Daffidazey helping to get her back in the sock with Tiddlywink and Tra-La-La.
"Do you think she'll be alright," Thistle Whistle asked, nervous.
"Of course! She has friends like us—and you, Thistle," Minty said with a smile.
"Wait a minute. How are we going to get the card to them once it's done? We certainly can't deliver it by rainbow mail," Cheerilee said.
The ponies thought.
"Someone will have to deliver it to them by hand," Star Catcher said.
" I agree. That pony should be fast and reliable," Thsitle Whistle exclaimed. "And brave!"
She realized too late that everyone was looking at her.
"Uh…I'm not exactly…"
Star Catcher smiled and pulled her into a gentle hug.
"It's okay, Thistle Whistle. We won't force you to go. But…you are brave. I think it's time you proved that to yourself!"
"A-are you sure?"
"Positive. You helped Minty when she was lost in the storm around Christmas, and you helped Skywishes and Pinkie Pie when they first came to Butterfly Island. All you have to do now is deliver a card!"
Thistle Whistle blushed and stood a little straighter. "When you put it that way…I'll do it!"
She paused.
"But I don't know the way to Willy-Nilly Mountain."
"But this map does," said Spike, who reached out from behind him to pull out a worn piece of paper. "It should lead you straight to them, assuming you don't take any detours."
He handed the map to her and saluted. "Good luck!"
The green pegasus smiled and let out a whistle. "Thanks! I might need it."
###
They couldn't stall anymore, though they tried. The Forgotten Ones glumly started out for Breezie Blossom, heads held low.
They were paces away from the cave, far out of earshot of the Master, when they ehard a whistle. "Yoo-hoo! Special delivery!"
Thistle Whistle flew down in front of them, panting. In her hooves, she held out a folded piece of paper.
"What is it," Toola Roola asked.
"That's a surprise! We were going to send it by rainbow, but we remembered you don't like them. So I got picked to be mail pony."
Thistle Whistle handed them the card and smiled. "Well, gotta fly! Now let's see if Spike's map to get home is right…"
The ponies watched her go, then turned to the card.
"Open it up, Cheerilee," said Starsong.
"Be careful, though. It might be a trick," Toola Roola warned.
Carefully, Cheerilee opened the card—and gasped.
"Wish you were here. From the Ponies!?"
Inside the card were drawings of every place the ponies had seen, as well as signatures from each of them. There were flowers from every one of the lands, as detailed by Wysteria, and one of Rainbow Dash's hair clips was just small enough to fit inside. There was a tiny hoofprint that must have been from Zipzee, and a drawing of a rainbow from the unicorns. 'This way it won't scare you,' said a note from Cheerilee the unicorn.
Baby Honolu-Loo had sent them a leaf from a palm tree, Star Catcher had sent them a tiny seashell, and there was a deflated balloon from Pinkie Pie pressed inside. Lastly, there was a note from Master Kenbroath Gilspotten Heathspike, who requested that Miss Whimsey Weatherbe be gracious enough to see him again.
"They…they want us to come back," Cheerilee said.
"But why," asked Starsong.
Scootaloo found herself smiling. "Because they like us."
"Y'know, I like them too! Maybe the Master was wrong about them," Whimsey Weatherbe said with a smile. "Oh, and maybe I will see Spike again! Oh, he's so short! And I can get another little hat, and…"
"If they like us and we like them, why do we have to take over the Breezies' home," asked Sweetie Belle.
"You know what, Sweetie Belle? We don't," Toola Roola decided.
With that, she crept into the cave and took her painting of Breezie Blossom out—and, using her magic paintbrush and water from the crystal pool, Toola Roola erased the wintry painting stroke by stroke.
When she was done, everyone cheered. But Scootaloo and Whimsey looked frightened.
"Toola, what have you done? I worked hard to keep that painting safe for you, you know," the dragon pouted. "And now the Master will be even more angry with us!"
"Whimsey's right," Scootaloo said sadly. "You heard what he said about taking away the things we love. We have to go to Breezie Blossom, or else."
Then she brightened. "Wait, I've got it!"
"You do," the others chorused at once.
"We can go to Breezie Blossom to help it get back on its feet! And our Master—er, ex-Master—can't take our things if we take them with us! Everyone, get ready!"
Together, the ponies and dragon snuck into the cave they'd once called home and packed up their things. Starsong's instruments were divided between them all, while the rest carried whatever they could themselves.
"All done," they said at once.
As they prepared to leave, Whimsey felt for her hats—and stopped. She only had one.
"Oh no," she breathed.
On the Master's tail was her other sock.
She gulped.
It was risky, but… That was her present, and she had to get it back.
Whimsey slowly flew forward, holding her breath. The snake's sleep was peaceful, but it would only take a little noise—even a vibration—to wake him. She reached out a shaky hand, grabbed it to steady herself, and pulled off the sock.
She waited.
Nothing.
Whimsy was so relieved she flew a loop-de-loop—and hit her head on the ceiling.
The Master's eyes snapped open. They were glowing yellow.
"…Uh oh."
With a snarl, he lunged for her, barely missing. Wisps of purple smoke trailed after the dragon as she flew out of the cave. Turning, Whimsey inhaled and blew ice breath towards the entrance—but the Master countered with a wave of heat that soon melted it. He slithered up to them, noting what they had packed, and raised as if to strike—but spoke instead.
"What is the meaning of this? You don't need your supplies to take over Breezie Blossom—and I see those are the things I threatened to take from you..."
"We're not going to take it over. We're gonna help it," Sweetie Belle squeaked. "And we don't have to listen to you anymore!"
The Master lowered his head, letting out a low hiss.
"…If you won't do as I command…then I'll take it myself."
Pushing past them at an alarming speed, he was soon lost to the forest beyond the mountains.
"This is all my fault! We have and warn the ponies," Whimsey gasped. "I can fly, so I'll try to catch up to Thistle Whistle and tell her about it. The rest of you, head to Breezie Blossom!"
"Got it! Once upon a time there was a dragon why flew really, really fast," Cheerilee recited.
Instantly, Whimsey's wings beat faster. "Thanks! I'm off!"
She flew away, and Scootaloo turned to her sister. "Hey, Cheerilee, do you think this story will have a happy ending?"
"I don't know, Scootaloo…But we have to see it to the end."
The Forgotten Ones turned and ran after Whimsey, Thistle Whistle, and the snake that was once their Master.
They just hoped they weren't too late.