Okay, so I changed the opening again, but this time it's finalized. It's the Tales of Graces opening. My friend Louis from Drexel University is even working on an opening for the game. When it's done I'll put the link for it up on my page.
Also, Flying Harpoon has been changed to Rising Falcon.
Finally, the song that plays at the end of a fight in Tales of Symphonia is called Won the Battle. I'll be using that name from now on for the victory music.
Phase 14: Return to Ponyville – Start of the Pilgrimage
Party Formation
Vale (main)
Rarity (active)
Rainbow Dash (active)
Pinkie Pie (active)
Twilight Sparkle (reserve)
Applejack (reserve)
In the end, and after convincing Rarity, you all decided to walk back to Canterlot. Truth is, Canterlot can't spare any carriages. Hey, Osiris had to hoof it, right?
Rarity is giving everyone annoyed looks. It might be best to keep your distance from her for a while.
Before you leave, you go back to Luna to check on a few things again.
"Your first step is to go back to the Everfree Forest," she tells you, "Follow the path that Osiris took. We will do what we can to help you from here."
After confirming what you needed to do, you make your way out of the castle. Back in town, it might be a good idea to stock up on a few weapons. Your items are actually fine. You explore Canterlot going to the Armory.
"This equipment is even used by the Canterlot knights," the pony behind the Armory says proudly.
List of Purchases
Silver Horn Guard (Vale): 450 Gald
High Heels (Rarity, Pinkie Pie): 800 Gald
Brass Hooves (Rainbow Dash, Applejack): 800 Gald
Canterlot School Uniform (Twilight Sparkle, Rarity): 900 Gald
Wonderbolt Jump Suit (Rainbow Dash): 700 Gald
Fishnet Stockings (Rarity): 1000 Gald (Rarity insisted on getting these)
"Good luck finding anything better," he said before you left. Lucky, it was a full armory. You didn't have enough for everything you wanted, but this should get you back to Ponyville at least. On the way out of Canterlot, you notice Twilight still looking through that book Luna gave her. You wonder what's in it.
Title of Skit: Osiris' Book
"So what's in that book anyway?" Emma asks Twilight.
"Well, the first page shows a map of Equestria thousands of years ago," Twilight explains, "the next couple of pages give an account of the places he went to. Apparently there's a secret doorway behind the old ruins where we found the Elements of Harmony."
"Does the book say what's behind the door?" Emma asks.
"Not exactly," Twilight says, "All it says is that one of the Elements was born there."
"That's strange," Emma says thoughtfully, "Only one of them?"
"That's why we need to get there," Twilight says, "I need to know what's down there. Hopefully it'll help us learn more about Chaos."
"That's another thing I want to know," Emma asks "Does it say anything about what made Chaos?"
"It doesn't even say anything about the Element of Courage," Twilight says, "But remember, they were made after the Elements of Harmony sealed away Discord."
"So they wouldn't be in the book?"
Twilight shakes her head, "But I am curious as to what made Chaos, and how an Element is able to have followers."
"Yeah, from what I saw, the Elements aren't sentient entities," Emma turns to you, "Hey Vale, what do you think?"
What do you think? I want to see what's in the Everfree Forest
"Sounds like you're the same as me," Twilight says, "We can't make any conclusions until we see what Osiris found."
"Let's just hope it does help us stop Chaos," Emma says now looking sad, "and find Fluttershy."
You and Twilight look down, now worried about Fluttershy.
End Skit
Time to depart. You've gotten everything right? Good. You gallop out the front gate to Canterlot and begin the long trip back to Ponyville.
~Equestria~
(Play Song: Land of Sylvarant)
Things seem a little different as you run through Equestria, making your way back to Ponyville. The sky seems a little darker now, and some of the monsters are a little different. Now you see the armored ponies that were working for Chaos now running through the field now. You run forward, but one group of the ponies catches sight of you and attacks you.
~Battle: Chaos E-Pony x2, Chaos Unicorn (Play Song: Like a Glint of Light)
"It's party time!" Pinkie Pie said gleefully.
Rarity stepped back a bit while Vale, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash rushed forward. Both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash took one of the Earth Ponies, while Vale focused on the Unicorn stopping her from casting.
"Crescent Moon!" Rainbow Dash shouted. As she continued her combo, Pinkie Pie used Dual Punishment to kill the Earth Pony she was facing. She then went over to help Rainbow Dash.
"Harpoon!" Vale shouted dashing through the unicorn, killing her. At the same time Rainbow Dash got a final punch in killing the last Earth Pony.
(Play Song: Won the Battle)
"Man, you guys suck," Rainbow Dash said stretching.
Pinkie Pie felt a little stronger. She learned the skill Devastation.
Vale felt a little stronger.
~End Battle~
With that done, you continue forward. There's a Bad Bark in your way, accompanied by two Lobos. They look really weak, so there's no point in fighting them. You try to run past them, but instead fall right into another assault similar to the one that you just faced.
~Battle: Chaos E-Pony x2, Chaos Unicorn (Play Song: Like a Glint of Light)
"Ugh, how hideous," Rarity said in disgust.
This time, Rarity began charging up magic while the others charged forward.
"Rising Falcon!" Vale shouted, flying up and tackling one of the Earth Ponies. While she did that, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie worked together to fight the Unicorn. She ran off and began charging up her magic. She cast Wind Blade on Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, stopping them, and then ran off to attack Vale.
One of the Earth Ponies was running over to Rarity, "Photon!" Rarity shouted. The orb converged on the Earth Pony in front of her, doing massive damage.
Vale managed to finish off the Earth Pony she was fighting and turned her attention to the one Rarity just hit.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie killed the Unicorn and were running over to the Earth Pony Vale was fighting, but she was able to kill it first.
(Play Song: Won the Battle)
"Alright! We win!" Vale said waving her mane to the side.
~End Battle~
Now this is getting scary. As you continue to run to Ponyville, everyone begins to discuss what happened so far.
Title of Skit: Darker Outside
"I don't remember these guys being here last time," Rainbow Dash says tensely.
"Chaos must have spread its shadow around," Rarity states seriously, "Now that Princess Celestia is gone."
"I don't get it though," Emma says, "After we found the Element of Courage, I thought Chaos would get weaker. What was the point in our journey?"
"Ah hate ta be a downer, but Ah agree wit Emma. I sort o' feel like the last few weeks were just a waste of time," Applejack groans looking down.
"I don't believe that," Twilight said says suddenly, "Princess Celestia wanted us to find the Element of Courage for a reason. I'm sure that said reason will reveal itself as we continue our journey," Twilight shudders, "But I do have to say, the area does seem a little darker these days."
"It feels heavy," Pinkie Pie pouts looking down.
"Wow, even you've lost some pep," Emma says, "This IS bad."
"Ponyville is close," Twilight says, "Let's just focus on getting there."
Everyone nods.
End Skit
~Ponyville~
After the hustle and bustle of Canterlot, the calmer environment of Ponyville is welcome. As you walk through the gates, you notice Rarity walking off a bit.
"Where are you going?" Emma asks. Rarity stops and turns to you.
"I just wanted to stop by my house for a bit," Rarity says, "Can you prepare for the trip without me?"
"Why? So you can reapply your make-up?" Rainbow Dash asks sarcastically, "Come on, Rarity, this is important!"
"I know it is," Rarity huffs, "But I need to take care of something, among reapplying my make-up."
"Rarity..." Applejack sighs. Clearly everypony else feels some kind of way about Rarity stopping them like this.
"I'll meet up with you at the entrance of the Everfree Forest near Fluttershy's cottage," Rarity explains, "But this is really important."
You look around at everyone. They sure don't feel right about it. I mean, on the outside it does seem like she's prioritizing herself above the mission, but you know Rarity too well to believe that this isn't important.
What do you say? We'll meet you there
"Thank you," Rarity says with a smile, "I promise you that I won't be too long."
"Do you want any of us to go with you?" Twilight asks, "If you need any help..."
Rarity waves a hoof dismissively, "I'll be fine," Rarity says, "Don't let me slow you down. You guys make your way to Fluttershy's. I'll probably be ready by the time you get there," she turns around and trots off.
"Gosh darn it," Applejack says, "It ain't like this is important or nothin."
"Come on guys, be nice," Twilight reasons, "She wouldn't make such a big deal if it weren't important."
"Well, if I see her wearing a fancy hat and sunglasses she won't hear the end of it," Rainbow Dash grumbles. The team trots off as you turn to Emma.
"Do you think she's serious about the sunglasses?" Emma asks. You shrug, and follow after your friends.
~Rarity left your party
Well, might as well find some way of passing the time. No way she'll be ready if you go right there now (even if Rainbow Dash sort of wanted to). You stocked up on supplies before you left Canterlot, and you really don't need to buy any new weapons, so you decide to walk through town a bit.
Ironically you see Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle standing next to the bridge connecting she main town to where Fluttershy's cottage is. You figure it's a good idea to talk to her for a while.
"Hi Vale," Sweetie Belle says sadly.
"Everything okay, kiddo?" Emma asks for you.
"Well, when Fluttershy didn't come right back I thought it would be a good idea to go feed her animals, but one of the chickens ran into the Everfree Forest. I wanted to go find it, but its dangerous in the Everfree Forest."
Sweetie Belle looks really serious about this. You could escort her into the Everfree Forest yourself, but if you aren't careful then she could seriously get hurt.
Throughout your journey you'll spot the Cutie Mark Crusaders in various towns in Equestria. Sometimes they'll be able to help you, but sometimes you'll help them with various tasks. These tasks will replace all other members in your party with one or all three Cutie Mark Crusaders. Be careful, as they can't fight very well. If all Cutie Mark Crusaders are knocked out in battle, the game is over.
Will you escort Sweetie Belle? Yes
"Really? You'll go with me?" Sweetie Belle asks.
"I suppose we don't have a choice. You'll probably go on your own anyway if we don't do this, right Vale?" Emma asks you.
"I won't get in your way," Sweetie Belle says, "I promise."
"Just try to stay behind us, okay?" Emma asks. She then turns to you, "It's a good thing that Rarity isn't here, otherwise she'd have our head for this."
You nod in agreement. After coming up with a quick excuse to the rest of the group (and begging them not to tell Rarity) you make your way to the Everfree Forest.
~Everfree Forest~
Sweetie Belle led you and Emma to the Everfree Forest. The path is pretty straight forward and you're on a road.
"The chicken shouldn't be too far," Sweetie Belle says to you, "If we stay on the road we should find it."
"Sweetie Belle, you should stay behind Vale," Emma says, "If anything happens to you Rarity would kill us."
"But I know a few spells," Sweetie Belle says, "and it's my fault. I can support you from behind. Please Vale."
"Ugh," Emma groans and turns to you, "We'll just have to be careful," you nod to your partner, then look at Sweetie Belle. She looks so eager to help. It's troublesome, but you can't help but be inspired by her.
Twilight left your party
Applejack left your party
Pinkie Pie left your party
Rainbow Dash left your party
Sweetie Belle joined your party
Party Formation
Vale (main)
Sweetie Belle (main)
Since the road is so straight forward, you decide to simply follow the road and go straight. Ahead you see a Batty ahead. You try to go past it, but it sees you and prepares to strike.
~Battle: Batty (Play Grasp it With All Your Might/Tales of Graces)
"Stay out of our way!" Vale shouted.
Vale rushed forward as Sweetie Belle began charging up a spell, oddly she was humming a tune while doing so. Vale began using basic attacks on the Batty, since it was a weak monster.
"Stone Blast!" Sweetie Belle shouted. The ground exploded under the Batty, sending small rocks at the Batty, actually killing it.
(Play Song: Won the Battle)
"Yay, I'm invincible!" Sweetie Belle cheered jumping for joy.
~End Battle
Okay, that was surprising. You didn't expect Sweetie Belle to be able to use actual spells. You and Emma decide to ask her about where she learned those spells.
Title of Skit: Kids Shouldn't Play with Fire
"Hey, Sweetie Belle? You know what I'm about to ask, right?" Emma asks Sweetie Belle, who suddenly looks caught.
"Oh, um..." Sweetie Belle is looking around nervously.
"Those were impressive spells for a little kid who's eight years old. Care to explain?"
"W-well, Twilight came over one day and was teaching Rarity some spells. She left a book of beginner spells, and it was right there, so..."
"You took a peak and started practicing them yourself?" Emma finishes for Sweetie Belle, who nods sadly.
"I just wanted to know the stuff that my sister could do. Please Emma, don't tell her!"
Emma sighs in defeat, "Fine, I won't tell Rarity, but you need to be careful. Those are dangerous spells, and I don't want you to get hurt."
Sweetie Belle is beaming, "Thank you Emma! I'll be careful!"
"I wonder," Emma states, clearly not believing her.
End Skit
After that talk, you continue your way through the Everfree Forest. The road looks like it's going to lead you to a clearing. Hopefully that chicken isn't too far in.
This time a Troll notices you and makes its way over to you. When it reaches you, a Batty also comes out of a bush to help it.
~Battle: Troll, Batty (Play Song: Grasp it With All Your Might/Tales of Graces)
"Cutie Mark Crusaders are go!" Sweetie Belle called out.
Vale rushed over to the Troll, leading with her Harpoon attack while Sweetie Belle charged up a spell. Vale then used basic attacks on the troll while the Batty slowly flew over to Sweetie Belle.
"Stone Blast!" Sweetie Belle called out, hitting the Batty with her spell. She then ran further back away from the monster that was still approaching her.
Vale used Rising Falcon to kill the troll, and then went over to the Batty to protect Sweetie Belle. She fired darts at the Batty while Sweetie Belle charged up another spell, but then fired her Arrow skill at the Batty killing it.
(Play Song: Won the Battle)
"Alright! We win!" Vale said waving her mane to the side.
~End Battle
It's amazing how well Sweetie Belle is handling this. You continue through the Everfree Forest, until you reach the clearing where you found Fluttershy that one time. This time though, you see a chicken surrounded by two really odd creatures. They look like wolves, but they're made of trees.
"Vale!" Sweetie Belle cries out, "That's the chicken! Those monsters are going to eat it!"
"We better hurry!" Emma says, "Sweetie Belle, stay here! We'll take care of these monsters! Come on, Vale!" you nod and rush over to the monsters.
"I can help too!" Sweetie Belle shouts actually galloping after you. You want to scream to her to stay back, but it's too late. The monsters saw you. Damn it, no choice. You'll have to protect Sweetie Belle while you fight.
~Battle: Timberwolf x2 (Play Song: Grasp it With All Your Might/Tales of Graces)
"Stay out of our way!" Vale called out.
Vale galloped over to the Timberwolves and began using basic attacks.
"Harpoon!" Vale shouted, charging through one of the Timberwolves. The other Timberwolf began making it's way over to Sweetie Belle.
"Stone Blast!" she shouted. The spell actually didn't do very much, "Huh?! Why didn't it work?!" she whined.
The Timberwolf that Vale was fighting got a few lucky slashes in, actually knocking her into the air. It then tackled her while she was in the air knocking her down and sending her back a bit. All while this was going on, Sweetie Belle was running around the clearing trying to keep her distance from the Timberwolf that was chasing her.
Vale got up, and decided it was time to get serious.
"I can't LOSE!" she shouted going into Over Limit. She then ran over to the Timberwolf that was now attacking a guarding Sweetie Belle and used Rising Falcon on the monster.
"It's over for you!" Vale shouted.
~Mystic Arte~
Vale screamed loudly as her aura damaged the Timberwolf. She then pointed her horn forward building up energy at the tip (picture of Vale screaming), "GUARDIAN'S HOWL!" she shouted, letting the energy explode doing extra damage to the Timberwolf.
The Timberwolf was now focusing on Vale, so Sweetie Belle ran back to safety and charged up a spell. Vale began using basic attacks on the Timberwolf, but the other one was slowly making its way over to Vale.
"Fire Ball!" Sweetie Belle shouted, attacking the Timberwolf that was approaching Vale from behind. Since it was made of tree bark, that attack did a lot. Sweetie Belle was laughing gleefully, "I found it all by myself!"
"Demon Fang!" Vale shouted, flipping back and sending a shockwave at the Timberwolf she was fighting, actually killing it. The other Timberwolf was able to slash Vale, actually doing massive damage.
"NOOO!" Vale screamed as she fell out unconscious.
"What do we do now?" Sweetie Belle asked, her voice shaking in fear.
The last Timberwolf slowly started walking over to Sweetie Belle, who was running around the field trying to keep her distance from the Timberwolf. Eventually she found the item Vale made her hold.
"Can you use this?" she asked throwing a Life Bottle over to the unconscious alicorn. Vale regained the energy to stand and galloped over to the Timberwolf as fast as she could.
"Arrow!" Vale called out, firing at the Timberwolf, making it fall apart dead.
(Play Song: Won the Battle)
"Alright! We win!" Vale said waving her mane to the side.
Vale felt a little stronger
~End Battle~
With the Timberwolves dead, you and Sweetie Belle run over to the chicken. Unfortunately the second it sees you two it runs away from you.
"Hey! Come back!" Sweetie Belle calls out.
"The poor thing must be scared," Emma reasons, "I mean, who can blame it. It was almost eaten by those weird monsters."
Sweetie Belle sits down on the ground with a hopeless expression on her face.
"Hey," Emma says as you kneel down next to Sweetie Belle, "It's not hopeless. All we have to do is find it again, right?"
"It'll just run again," Sweetie Belle pouts, "All the animals ever do is run away from me."
Emma floats off a bit thinking, and then flies over to you, "Vale! I know what to do! Remember how Fluttershy catches the atttention of the animals?"
You think back to every time Fluttershy was surrounded by animals. You didn't see her like that a lot, but you remember that one time. Right! After you found the first piece of the Element of Courage. How did Fluttershy keep the animals near her?
What did she do? She was singing
"Exactly! These animals were trained by Fluttershy, so you can expect that even that chicken is trained to respond to singing."
So if you can sing a pretty tune, then the chicken might follow you out of the Everfree Forest. You go back to Sweetie Belle and tell her about the plan.
"Do you... think that will work?" Sweetie Belle asks.
"Yeah, so cheer up," Emma says, "It's not over yet."
Sweetie Belle takes a deep breath, and then nods to you smiling.
"Alright! Let's go!"
You nod giving her a reassuring smile, and then stand up to continue your journey.
The chicken ran further in. Hopefully it isn't too far in. After all, you're still hurt from the fight against the Timberwolves.
You gallop through the Everfree Forest, careful as to not run into any monsters. Eventually you see the chicken in the distance. If you approach it now, it'll run again.
"Alright," Emma says, "I'll tell you right now, me singing sounds like hooves on a chalkboard, so one of you has to be the singer."
"One of us?" Sweetie Belle asks, actually looking up at you.
Well, you could do it. You'd like to think you're a pretty good singer. Not great, but decent. However, you're here just as an escort for Sweetie Belle. Perhaps the singer should be...
Who should be the singer? Your stage, Sweetie Belle
"M-m-m-me?!" Sweetie Belle asks you. You nod smiling, "But I can't-"
"You've been singing this entire time though," Emma reasons, "When you cast your spells. You sound pretty nice to me."
"But that's just..." you lightly nudge Sweetie Belle forward, urging her to try, "You really think I can?" you nod confidently, "Well, okay, but only because it's you guys."
Sweetie Belle steps forward, takes a deep breath, and then starts singing a soft tune.
It's... honestly the most beautiful sound you ever heard. Not even Fluttershy sounds this good. It's taking everything in your power to not start crying right there.
"That's beautiful, isn't it?" Emma asks you. All you can do is nod slowly.
The chicken actually notices Sweetie Belle and begins walking over to her. When it reaches her, it actually wraps its wings around her as if hugging her. Apparently it now trusts her, and is letting her know how much it appreciates her coming to save it.
"Aw, your welcome," Sweetie Belle says sweetly. She looks up at you and Emma, and you smile at her. You're really proud of her.
~Ponyville~
After returning the chicken to Fluttershy's cottage, you walk Sweetie Belle back to the bridge where you met up with her before.
"Thank you Vale," Sweetie Belle says, "I'm sorry, we wanted to help you, but you ended up helping me."
"That's fine," Emma says, "We're glad to help. Also, you did the right thing in waiting for us instead of going into the Everfree Forest by yourself."
"You promise not to tell Rarity that I went into the Everfree Forest?"
"We won't say a word," Emma says, you nod in agreement.
"Thanks Vale and Emma," Sweetie Belle says now beaming at you, "Next time, it'll be my turn to help you."
She's such a lovely little girl, you think. You say good bye to Sweetie Belle and reunite with your friends.
Sweetie Belle left your party
Twilight joined your party
Applejack joined your party
Pinkie Pie joined your party
Rainbow Dash joined your party
Rarity has to be ready by now, you think. You all decide to make your way to Fluttershy's cottage. You didn't see Rarity when you left earlier, but perhaps she's there now.
When you arrive at the cottage, you actually do see Rarity standing by the passage leading to the Everfree Forest. You gallop over to her.
"Well, is everyone ready?" Rarity asks you all.
"I think we're prepared," Twilight says turning to everyone, "Are you all ready?"
"Are you kidding?" Rainbow Dash asks, "I was ready three days ago! You guys just needed to catch up!"
"Let's see... cupcakes, trumpets, accordian, lucky charm, shopping list, yep, I'm ready too!" Pinkie Pie says nodding.
"Ah don't gotta voice mah desire ta git this over an' done with," Applejack states seriously, "The sooner we git movin the sooner we can all git back ta our regular lives."
"I don't know how much I can do to help, but I'm ready too!" Spike says confidently (probably trying to sound tough for Rarity).
"Yeah, let's go!" Emma says, "Equestria needs us, and we still need to find Fluttershy!"
"What about you?" Twilight asks you directly, "Are you ready?"
This is it. After this, your journey will have officially begun.
Are you ready to start your journey? Yes
"Then let's go," Twilight says, "Don't worry Fluttershy, we'll find you soon."
You all nod, and trot out of Ponyville heading toward the Everfree Forest. Your new journey has finally begun.