Twilight packed the book on Drakeria, as well as some other informative books just in case, and a few snacks. Spike packed scrolls, quills, ink, and more snacks. They were planning to keep in contact with Luna and Zecora during the journey, not only to check on the potion but also to see how Celestia was doing. Fortunately, Twilight was able to find a map to Drakeria, and was relieved that it wouldn't take long to reach it. According to her calculations it was only a few days travel, a little over a week at the most. Twilight then grabbed her outdoor sleeping equipment and a first aid kit. She ended up being so overloaded that she had to shrink a few items.

Pinkie Pie of course packed a whole bunch of goodies and party favors (what else is new?), but was also smart enough to pack her outdoor sleeping equipment. Rarity packed travel clothing for all types of weather and her outdoor sleeping equipment, as well as some grooming supplies. She also decided to pack her knitting equipment just in case the others might need scarves later (that and knitting calmed her). Fluttershy asked some gardening ponies to look after her animals for her while she was gone, and then went inside to pack. She packed a variety of foods (not only for her, but also for any hungry animal she might meet), and her outdoor sleeping equipment. Rainbow Dash packed her outdoor sleeping equipment and some food too. Applejack packed a lot of apple goodies, her outdoor sleeping equipment, and her lasso.

Everyone then met at Twilight's place.

"Okay girls..." Twilight began

Spike cleared his throat.

"And guy." Twilight added. "The journey begins in the Everfree forest. It starts off easy, as we first take the road that led us to the abandon castle where we battled Nightmare Moon. However, after that things are going to get tougher, as none of us have ever been past the castle before. I do have a map that will help us on our journey, but it does not have a guide to the dangers we might come across so once we get past the castle keep your eyes and ears open. Now, are you all ready?"

The others saluted in agreement.

"Then let's go!" Twilight started to lead the way to the Everfree Forest.

"Okey-dokey-smokey!" Pinkie Pie said before running past her.

"Pinkie Pie puts the 'ran' in random." Rainbow Dash muttered.

Applejack chuckled.

They continued on their journey to and through the Everfree Forest. Twilight was right, on their way to the castle there were no troubles. The only reminder of the obstacles they dealt with before was the kind river serpent Rarity befriended.

"Well if it isn't my generous pony friend and her friends, hello!" The serpent waved.

"So good to see you again, and I see that your wonderful mustache grew back." Rarity smiled.

Sure enough, both parts of his mustache were yellow instead of one part being yellow and the other being...Rarity's tail.

"Ah yes, it is good to have my mustache back but your tail substitute was wonderful as well. And I see you've got your tail back, how lovely!"

"Isn't it? Yes it grew back after we defeated Nightmare Moon, I don't suppose you've heard that story?"

"Actually I did, us serpents have ways of getting news. Oh, you know we completely forgot to introduce ourselves last time. I am Danube."

Twilight and the others introduced themselves.

"Splendid, splendid." Danube smiled. "So, what brings you here again?"

"We're traveling to Drakeria to get an ingredient for Princess Celestia's cure." Twilight explained. "I'm afraid she's ill."

"Oh, that is dreadful!" Danube said sympathetically. "Well no problem, allow me to be your bridge again."

"Thank you Danube, you are truly a gentleman." Rarity bowed slightly.

Danube couldn't answer as his head was underwater.

"Thank you so much." Twilight smiled when they made it to the other side and Danube brought his head back up.

"Much obliged." Applejack agreed.

"It was no trouble, no trouble at all." Danube waved. "Now go and get that ingredient, and save dear Princess Celestia."

They waved good-bye and left. Once they were out of earshot Rainbow Dash chuckled a little.

"A tad dramatic isn't he?" She smirked.

"I think he's charming." Rarity replied.

"He is really kind, though he obviously loves to perform." Twilight smiled, slightly amused.

They continued on until the passed the castle.

"This is it girls, for the next few days who knows what might happen." Twilight looked around cautiously.

"I'd better scout ahead for any dangers." Rainbow Dash flew off.

A few seconds later, she came back.

"Nothing yet, we're safe for now." She said.

Despite this, as the group continued on they started to grow very nervous...at least until Pinkie Pie grew impatient.

"Aw come on girls, enough with the frowny faces of fear! Let's sing!" Pinkie Pie skipped ahead.

"I wonder if even Pinkie's parents understand her." Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack; Applejack just shrugged.

Pinkie started singing her 'Giggle at the Ghostly' song again.

"At least she's a good singer." Fluttershy smiled.

"True, this would be a lot more annoying if she wasn't." Rainbow Dash agreed.

"Come on girls, Pinkie Pie's right, let's join in." Twilight smiled.

"That's the spirit Twilight!" Pinkie Pie bounced around them.

And the seven of them, Spike included, sang along. Well, except for the fast lyric near the end. There was no way they could keep up with Pinkie Pie so they let her sing it on her own. Pinkie Pie then started another song, and the rest of the group, joining in again, started to feel better.