Chapter 16: Campfire Tales
One day the heart of the whitetail woods, Applejack was straining and grunting as she was trying to get their tent stood up on her own, but was having trouble doing so. Apple Bloom was just patting down a picnic blanket.
"Hey, kid, get over here," Applejack called out, her voice muffled since her foot was in her mouth.
Apple Bloom then grabbed the rope to help Applejack out. It wasn't long before the two sisters had gotten their tent standing up. Apple Bloom put the stake into the ground and Applejack hammered it into place.
It was then that Chase, Clay, Antonio, and Sunray arrived with some firewood. They placed the wood down by the fire pit.
"Sorry 'bout that, honey." Clay said to Applejack as his wife turned to him. "We were busy finding firewood."
"No worries, sugarcube." Applejack assured her husband. "Apple Bloom and I got this covered."
Applejack then showed that all four tents had been pitched up. Applejack, Clay, and Apple Bloom's tent was orange, Rarity and Sweetie Belle's tent was purple, and Rainbow and Scootaloo's tent was cyan blue. Chase's tent was black, Jade's was purple, Trini's was blue, Sunray's was red, and Antonio's tent was yellow. They were positioned next to Applejack and Apple Bloom's tent.
"Tents are lookin' good," Applejack continued, "And we made good time today. At this rate, we'll be at Winsome Falls by tomorrow!" Apple Bloom smiled excitedly.
"We should do the annual Big-Sister-Little-Sister camping trip every weekend!" Apple Bloom suggested.
"Then is wouldn't be annual," Applejack answered as she gave her little sister a wink. Chase nodded in agreement, "And if we did it every weekend, it probably wouldn't be as special."
"But the more we do it, the better we get at camping," said Apple Bloom, "Remember the first time we came here and Rarity had that ginormous tent?"
"I also heard she made Sweetie Belle pull a wagon loaded with over twenty pieces of luggage all by herself," said Clay as he gave Applejack a skeptical look, "And didn't help her either."
Applejack just smiled sheepishly in reply to her husband.
"I heard that!" said Rarity, giggling to herself, "I treated Sweetie Belle to a week's worth of spa treatments to mend her sore back along with plenty of ice cream and lots of extra sisterly love to make up for it." Chase nodded in approval, "Besides, I've gotten much better at "roughing it", haven't I?"
Rarity looked back to see Sweetie Belle carrying some luggage on her back. She was straining herself a bit too, but instantly recovered when Rarity spoke to her.
"Yup," Sweetie Belle replied, "This time, you only packed three suitcases."
"She should only be packing one," Sunray remarked smugly as he looked at his own saddle bag.
Applejack and Clay just gave Rarity a knowing smirk.
"I know what you're both thinking," said Rarity, "But I promise, I only brought the essentials."
"Like those light thingies?" Applejack asked as she pointed above. There on the trees were several paper lanterns in various colors.
"Of course," Rarity replied, "What is life if you can't make it beautiful?"
Chase, Sunray, and Antonio chuckled in amusement.
A short distance away in the fore-ground, Rainbow was hovering about some bushes until she found one bush filled with some sand-red berries.
"Mmmm!" said Rainbow, "These berries look good enough to eat!" Rainbow quickly scooped up a huge collection of berries in her fore-legs.
"DON'T!" Scootaloo shouted from behind the blue Pegasus with Jade and Trini next to her as she showed Rainbow a page of her book, "According to my book, they're extremely poisonous!"
"Um, okay, Scootaloo. Drop the berries, Rainbow." Jade said awkwardly.
Rainbow looked at her blankly before dropping all the berries. Scootaloo just sighed with relief. But then a leaf landed on her nose. Scootaloo gasped and backed right into a twig and it snapped as she stepped on it. Scootaloo grunted as she jumped and did a one-eighty. There before her was a huge dark cave.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" Scootaloo screamed.
"What?" Rainbow asked as she hovered over to the orange filly while Jade and Trini walked up to them.
"Scootaloo, calm down." Jade said gently. "There's nothing to be scared of."
"What scared you?" Trini asked softly.
"I heard something, I stepped on something, and I saw that creepy cave…" Scootaloo explained, "I guess I still get a little bit scared out here, even after the last camping trip."
"Don't worry, kid," said Rainbow confidently, "You've got a big sister and the Elite Ninja this time."
Rainbow noogied her mane, making the orange filly smile.
"Girls! Lunch time!" Chase called out.
Jade, Trini, Rainbow, and Scootaloo headed back to the campsite where Chase, Sunray, Antonio, Clay, Rarity, Applejack, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were setting up all the food the Elite Ninja had prepared for their lunch.
"This looks amazing!" said Apple Bloom.
"This is gonna be the best Big-Sister-Slash-Little-Sister camping trip ever!" said Scootaloo, "Especially since we've got the Elite Ninja with us."
"Let's eat!" Clay said excitedly.
The others began to dig in as Rarity served some punch from a canteen. Sweetie Belle was about to take a bite out of her carrot dog when a fly-der landed on it. The fly-der then looked at her and shot some webbing into her eye.
Everypony looked up. There above them was a huge, massive swarm of fly-ders descending upon them. Within a few seconds, the entire swarm descended upon the twelve ponies.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Everypony screamed as the fly-der swarm invaded them.
*Main theme*
As the fly-ders continued to buzz about, the group complained as the four adults tried to shoo the fly-ders away, but it was no good. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both squatted down low while the former covered her eyes to avoid being attacked. Scootaloo was just cringing from the swarm. In the end, despite their best efforts, all the ponies were gaining were several red bug bites on their bodies. Rainbow then flew up and tried to buck large clusters of fly-ders away, but was quickly overwhelmed as they tried to surround her. Then one fly-der landed on Scootaloo's wing and took a bite.
"Ow!" Scootaloo yelped, "What are these things?! Aagh!"
Scootaloo then ran for her life as a mini-swarm chased after her.
"Fly-ders!" Applejack called out as she jumped away from the swarm, "Everypony, run for cover! Don't get stuck in their—"
THUD
"—web," Applejack groaned.
The fly-ders shot some web around her legs so she tripped and fell into her face. Apple Bloom and Clay ran out of the swarm, but were looking back so they ended up crashing into Applejack.
"EEEEEEEEK!" Sweetie Belle screamed, "Now what?!" Scootaloo scooted closer to them as well.
"Follow me, everypony!" said Rainbow as she appeared from a cloud of fly-ders and gestured for them to follow.
"Let's go!" Chase shouted.
Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, Antonio, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom all rushed into the nearby cave. Applejack bounced inside since her legs were still bound by the webbing.
"Aaah! Not the scary cave!" Scootaloo cried out and shivered.
Rainbow quickly grabbed Scootaloo and then flew inside to catch up with the rest. Inside the cave, Chase and his family used their magic to tear off the webbing from their bodies while Clay used his teeth to tear off the webbing from Applejack's hooves..
Scootaloo peeked out as the fly-ders continued to swarm their campsite.
"Where did those terrible bugs come from?" Scootaloo asked, "And why did they destroy our camp?"
"Ugh," Rainbow groaned as she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were scratching their bites. Rarity was using a spare comb to brush her frazzled mane.
"Fly-ders are from the Luna Bay area," Applejack answered, "Never seen 'em this far east, though. Probably attracted to the food."
"Yeah, it probably would be best that we don't get anymore bug bites." Chase said with caution.
"Oh, apple rot!" Apple Bloom retorted, "Where are we supposed to do now?! We had games to play and marshmallows to roast at camp! In here, we got nothin'!" Apple Bloom pouted irritably.
"Mm, that's not entirely true," said Rarity as she hugged Sweetie Belle from behind, "We have each other." Sweetie Belle smiled in agreement.
"Yeah, we're all together as one." Jade said, agreeing with Rarity. "As long as we have each other, we'll be alright."
"That's right!" said Applejack. "And if you girls want to, maybe we could tell some stories to pass the time."
"That's a great idea, AJ," said Clay.
"You want stories?" Rainbow suggested, "I've got a ton of stories! Spoiler alert—they're all about me and how awesome I am!"
Scootaloo looked rather uncomfortable. Rarity and Antonio smirked. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had sheepish smiles on their faces. Applejack, Clay, Chase, Jade, Sunray, and Trini had annoyed looks on their faces.
"In that case," said Sunray, "NAP TIME!"
Sunray then leaned back and pretended to snore loudly. The three fillies laughed heartily. Chase, Jade, Trini, Antonio, Clay, Rarity and Applejack snickered. Rainbow snorted.
"Oh like your stories weren't about yourself," Rainbow pointed out indignantly.
"I was thinkin' more like campfire stories." Applejack suggested bluntly as Sunray woke up from pretending to sleep.
"That works," said Trini.
"But we don't even have a campfire," Apple Bloom pointed out.
"I got this!" said Rainbow and then took off before anypony could say otherwise. They just listened as they heard the fly-ders buzzing, and then cringed at the sound of her being attacked, and she returned and threw down a perfectly created campfire.
"Wow," said Applejack, "That was brave."
"Eh…heh," said Rainbow in discomfort since her face was covered in fly-der bites, "It was no biggie."
She then coughed painfully.
"Brave, but stupid," said Chase bluntly.
"We aren't gonna tell scary stories like our last camping trip, are we?" Scootaloo asked worriedly as Rainbow took a seat and Rarity winced at the sight of the Pegasus's face, "It's bad enough just being in here!"
"Trust me, I already told the group no scary stories aloud," said Chase, "Rainbow already scared you once so bad you scooted into a waterfall. We don't need her doing that again."
"I'm right here, ya know!" Rainbow remarked indignantly.
"No duh," said Sunray.
"Don't worry Scootaloo," said Applejack so they could get back on track and divert attention away from Rainbow, "I was gonna tell you mine and Apple Bloom's favorite legend."
"Ooh! You mean Rockhoof?" said Apple Bloom, dancing on her hooves and stood on her hind legs, "I love that one! He was so strong, and when he—"
"Apple Bloom, shh!" Sweetie Belle scolded, "We haven't heard it yet!" Apple Bloom squatted down from being shouted at, but then recovered.
"Oh, okay," Apple Bloom replied sheepishly and then said giddily, "But it's so good! Heh."
"My family and I heard the legend of Rockhoof myself from Cadance," said Chase, "But I like to hear your take on it, Applejack."
"Well, what Apple Bloom said is true," said Applejack, "Rockhoof was known far and wide for his incredible strength. But he didn't start out that way. Rockhoof was a tiny little fella, the son of a farmer."
"Just like us!" Apple Bloom shouted. Applejack shot her little sister a glare. Apple Bloom just chuckled sheepishly and cowered back.
"And he also reminds me of my husband too." Applejack said as she gave Clay a loving smile, making him return the favor before getting back on track. "Anyway, they lived in a village that sat at the foot of a gigantic volcano."
(Scene changes)
It was then the scene changed to show a small village on a peninsula and the volcano was in the background. As some flute music was played, two ponies wearing armor were duking it out with their spears.
"And the village was protected by an elite group of guard ponies, called the Mighty Helm," Applejack narrated. It was then one of the ponies knocked the spear of the second away. Then the two ponies laughed and shared a hug with each other. Another pony then tossed an axe at a nearby target that was painted onto a tree stump. It was also a perfect bullseye. It was then a small stallion with pale blue fur and orange mane and tail that were tied at the ends, wearing a brown vest with brown leg bands appeared.
"Young Rockhoof wanted nothing more than to be part of the Mighty Helm," said Applejack as the young stallion tried with all his might to pry the axe out of the tree stump target, but he couldn't get it bulge. He tried so hard that his lost his grip and went flying backwards toward the other Mighty Helm ponies. They all laughed at him.
"But he was told that he was too scrawny and weak to protect the village," Applejack continued as young Rockhoof looked so sad and discouraged that he started to cry. Then one stallion gave him a shovel, noggied his head, and made the young stallion fall on his face. Then they all walked off.
"But Rookhoof wouldn't take no for an answer…" Applejack continued as Rockhoof looked at his reflection in the metal part of the shovel, put a determined look on his face, adjusted his headband, and got to work digging some holes by a collection of the village outhouses.
"So he had a lot of self-determination," said Chase and then added smugly, "Or he was stubborn like somepony I know."
"Quiet you!" Applejack retorted and continued the story, "Then, one fateful day…"
Rockhoof was digging a hole when the ground started to rumble violently. He peeked up from his hole just in time to see the volcano explode.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…" Rockhoof screamed like a fangirl.
"…EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
It turned out that Apple Bloom was the one who was squealing like a fangirl.
"This is my favorite part!" Apple Bloom said excitedly.
"What happened next?!" Rainbow, Antonio, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle all asked excitedly with big smiles and anime eyes.
While Rarity stayed silent, she couldn't help but give her own big smile and anime eyes. Chase, Jade, Sunray, and Trini listened with smirks on their faces.
Applejack just smirked.
"The molten lava poured down the side of the volcano…" Applejack continued as the scene went back to the village, where a stream of yellow colored lava started oozing out of the top of the volcano.
The Mighty Helm ponies began talking quickly with each other before running off. They started running amok before they reached a dock where a ship was located.
"…and try as they might," Applejack narrated as the Mighty Helm ponies stood at the docks with the villagers, "the Mighty Helm couldn't figure out a way to save the village! They had to evacuate. But the village ponies didn't wanna leave their homes. They spent their entire lives there. They had nowhere else to go!"
The villagers all shook their heads to emphasize they didn't want to leave. The Might Helm then boarded the boat and sailed off, leaving the villagers behind. Rockhoof had seen everything.
"Then Rockhoof decided to do something crazy," said Applejack as the young stallion got a determined look on his face and rushed off, "He started diggin' a trench!"
"Wait a minute," said Sweetie Belle as the scene went back to their campfire, "All by himself?"
"It'd be impossible for one pony to dig a trench fast enough to stop the lava," Rainbow added, "I mean, even I couldn't do that."
Apple Bloom for her fore-hooves over her mouth as she gave a loud fangirling squee.
"Might wanna continue before Apple Bloom here explodes," said Clay, "I didn't bring anything to clean up the mess and put her back together again."
Apple Bloom replied by giving Clay a loud raspberry. Clay gave his sister-in-law a raspberry back in reply. All but Applejack snickered.
"Good thing Rockhoof didn't believe in the word "impossible"," said Applejack as the scene returned to the village where Rockhoof was busy digging his trench and the lava was getting closer and closer to his location.
"He continued to work," Applejack narrated, "knowin' the odds were against him, but determined to push through it."
One of the Mighty Helm ponies were trying to convince the villagers to leave when they looked to see Rockhoof hard at work. The other villagers looked back as well.
"Then," said Applejack dramatically, "somethin' magical happened." As Rockhoof was digging, a large glow appeared at the top of the shovel. The magic spiraled upward until it reached Rockhoof and then…
Rockhoof doubled in size and stature, making him stronger and more muscular in appearance. Rockhoof looked at himself in surprise.
"Rockhoof visibly got stronger," said Applejack, "but the lava was getting closer."
Rockhoof dug at high speed with the lava flowing directly behind him. As he reached the sea, Rockhoof quickly finished his trench and jumped out of the way just as the lava streamed into the sea, hissing as it collided with the cool sea water below.
The other villagers were amazed and began to cheer for Rockhoof. The Mighty Helms Ponies just stared in shock and amazement as they made their way into the foreground. Rockhoof grabbed his shovel and super jumped over the trench to the crowd, posed, and smiled. As the Mighty Helm came over, Rockhoof gave two of the ponies some bone-crushing hugs.
"Through his extradentary determination and sheer force o' will," Applejack narrated, "Rockhoof more than earned his place in the Mighty Helm."
Rockhoof and the other Might Helms ponies all laughed as the villagers cheered and raised their fore-legs into the air.
(Scene changes)
Back at the campfire, Antonio, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo all cheered as well. Rainbow had a big smile on her face. Rarity, Applejack, Chase, Jade, Sunray, and Trini just smiled naturally.
"Good story, Applejack!" said Rainbow, "Even if it wasn't about me."
"That's why the story was so good," Trini remarked.
"Oh bleh!" Rainbow retorted indignantly as the others giggled.
"I love that story," said Apple Bloom, "no matter how many times I hear it."
"Why don't we see if it's safe to head back to camp?" Rarity suggested.
"Uh, girls? Guys?" said Sweetie Belle as she peeked out from the edge of the cave, "There is no camp to go back to."
All the tents, their food, and the picnic blanket were covered in fly-der webs and the swarm was still buzzing around. The others all gasped in shock and horror.
"Well, that's just great!" Sunray said angrily.
Sweetie Belle groaned.
"All our hard work ruined!" Sweetie Belle groaned and walked back to their campfire looking very upset.
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked upset as well. The eight adult ponies just gave them sympathetic looks.
"There, there, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity as she tried to comfort her little sister, "Not to worry."
"How?" Sweetie Belle asked, "Our camp was so pretty, and this cave is so…not."
"Oh, no-no-no-no-no, not true," said Rarity, "There's beauty in everything."
"I'm kind of surprised to hear you say that, Rarity." Jade said with a smile. "Care to explain?"
"Of course, darling." Rarity replied back. "Even these blah rocks aren't really blah. If you look closely, you can see flecks of gold in them. And the way the firelight dances on the cave wall, shadow and light? Ooh, it's so gorgeous!"
Rarity then rubbed the cave wall a bit to show that the rocks had flecks of gold in them. Then she used her fore-legs to make some shadow puppets, creating a ballerina.
The other smiled, except for Sweetie Belle, who still looked rather upset. Rarity then got another idea.
"Sweetie Belle, have I ever told you about my favorite legend?" Rarity asked her younger sister.
"No, I didn't know you had one," Sweetie Belle replied.
"Her name…was Mistmane," said Rarity. Jade and Trini oohed in amazement.
"Mistmane?" said Rainbow, "Isn't she the old wrinkly sorceress with the flower?"
"Yeeees," said Rarity slowly, trying not to take offense to Rainbow's blunt remarks.
"Hey, don't mock Mistmane, Dashie," said Trini indignantly as Jade glared at Rainbow as well, "She's also our favorite legend as well as Sokka's as well. His mother is a descendant of one of the head families of the old imperial empire after all. There's a good chance her family might have known Mistmane's descendants."
"Has he ever gone to that region to find out?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"The imperial families lived many, many moons ago," said Rarity, "Most of the villages in that region lie in ruins and most of the imperial unicorns have moved to other regions of Equestria."
"Sokka said he and Fluttershy wanted to take a trip there someday so he can learn more about his family roots," said Chase, "but he just hasn't had the time yet."
"Wouldn't it be cool if Sokka was actually related to Mistmane's family?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.
"Now that would be amazing," said Sunray, "But I'm kind of curious to know what Rarity might know about Mistmane?"
"Did you know she used to be the most beautiful unicorn in all the land?" Rarity told the others.
"No," said Rainbow flatly.
"Is somepony jealous?" Jade teased, making Rarity smirk.
"Just get on with the story!" Rainbow snapped with her cheeks deep red.
"So what happened to her?!" the three fillies asked.
"Well, Mistmane was a very promising young sorceress." Rarity began to explain.
(Scene changes)
The scene then changed and some Asian-style music began to play as an imperial village came into view. There just outside of the village was a lavender pony with a curled horn. She had a teal mane and tail that constantly flowed. She was also wearing a cyan blue shirt.
"She was as talented as she was beautiful and kind," Rarity narrated, "Everypony loved her and missed her when she was sent to the finest magic school."
The other imperial unicorns all smiled and waved her goodbye, except for one unicorn with orange fur and a magenta mane tied in a geisha updo. She glared jealously at Mistmane and stomped off bitterly.
(Scene changes)
At the imperial magic school, Mistmane was busy working on a potion when a messenger arrived to give her a scroll. Mistmane used her magic to open and read it.
"While she was gone," Rarity continued, "she was delighted to find out that her best friend, Sable Spirit, was crowned empress. She couldn't wait to return home once she finished her studies."
Mistmane smiled and wasted no time packing up and heading back home.
(Scene changes)
"But once she arrived," said Rarity as Mistmane entered the main gates of her village, "she was devastated by what she saw." Mistmane found the entire area looking very worn down. The grass had deteriorated as well and several weeds were poking out. The local villagers looked sad and miserable. Mistmane then walked up to a nearby stallion.
"What happened here?" Mistmane asked sadly.
"The Empress happened," the villager said bluntly and bitterly, "She makes everypony work day and night on her palace. We don't have time to take care of anything else."
"But that can't be," said Mistmane in disbelief, "I know her! She would never do this."
"But there was no denying what was in front of her," Rarity said as Mistmane saw an imperial colt running off with a flower in his possession. Then a red magic glow snatched it away and brought it over to a chariot where a masked figure was sitting inside. The chariot rushed off as the colt tried to pursue, but he was quickly left in the dust and forced to walk off in defeat.
"Sable Spirit took everything that was beautiful away from anypony else!" Rarity said, "and Mistmane was sure there had to be some explanation." Mistmane saw the whole scene unfold. Then with a determined look on her face, she rushed toward the palace.
(Scene changes)
"I'd assume there was, too," said Sweetie Belle as the scene returned to the campfire, "If somepony told me either one of you two'd gone evil…"
"Yeah, I'd never believe it," said Scootaloo.
"I dunno," said Apple Bloom smugly, "I've seen the way you two get when you miss breakfast."
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo gave her stern glares.
Chase smirked.
"And we've seen how you get when you're in a bad mood," said Chase.
"Now that's evil," said Scootaloo as she, Sweetie Belle, and Antonio snickered. Now it was Apple Bloom's turn to glare, but then a devious smirk appeared on her face.
"And Chase, sweetie," said Apple Bloom in a sweet but sinister tone, "We've seen how you get when you throw bad tempers."
"Oooooooooooooooooooooooh!" Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Jade, Trini, and Rainbow cooed, knowing Apple Bloom had crossed the line saying that.
Chase just glared at Apple Bloom and started walking up to her with a smile that was anything but friendly.
"Heh…just kiddin'," Apple Bloom chuckled nervously, inwardly praying Chase would back down. But Chase walked up, and started tickling Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom squealed and began to laugh uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I surrender! I surrender! EEEK!" Apple Bloom cried out and squealed again.
Chase kept tickling her for a few more seconds before letting the filly catch her breath and went back to sitting down, looking rather pleased with himself. Applejack and Clay didn't resist chuckling to themselves at the whole scene. Scootaloo, Antonio, Sunray, Jade, Trini, and Sweetie Belle couldn't help laughing as well while Rainbow and Rarity both smirked. Apple Bloom sat up and sighed loudly.
"Ok…I asked for that," Apple Bloom admitted, "But I'd want answers too."
"So did Mistmane," said Rarity as she got the story back on track, "She went to confront her friend."
"That sounds like something Chase would do," said Trini, "if he knew one of us was in the wrong, he wouldn't hesitate to seek answers and confront us over it."
"Yeah, that is true," said Applejack, "Guess Mistmane must have a strong sense of justice."
"Indeed she did," said Rarity as she used her fore-hooves to do a shadow puppet of Mistmane walking.
(Scene changes)
The scene then changed to the imperial palace as Mistmane sternly walked down the imperial courtyard. She wasted no time walking right up the empress's throne.
"Sable, is that you?" Mistmane asked the pony sitting on the throne who was dressed in black and wearing a black veil over her face.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize your old friend," Sable said smugly.
"I don't," Mistmane replied honestly, "My friend would never work our families and friends to the bone for something as silly as a palace."
"Silly?" Sable snorted and boasted, "My palace is a beacon of beauty! Anypony who passes will be in awe of its majesty!"
"What good is a pretty place if it just hides the misery of its ponies?" Mistmane asked.
"Beauty is everything," Sable replied, "You taught me that."
"What?!" Mistmane replied, feeling taken aback by that remark.
"You were always the pretty one," Sable said spitefully as she walked off her throne and circled around Mistmane, "You got to go the best magic school. Everypony missed you. Everypony loved you! I admit I was jealous, so I tried to perform a spell that would make me beautiful. You can see how that went!"
Mistmane gasped as Sable removed her black veil. The failed spell had turned made the young adult Sable look like an elderly pony, with a white mane and wrinkles to boot!
"I found if I couldn't have beauty," said Sable, "I would take it. I wasn't chosen to eb empress, you know. I took it! Just like I'm going to take everything else."
"I can't let you do that," said Mistmane firmly.
"Let me?" Sable retorted with a laugh.
She then cast a spell to contain Mistmane inside a collection of black vines. Mistmane used her magic to destroy the vines and then leaned forward, ready for battle.
Sable then made a red dragon appear from her horn. Mistmane then created a blue dragon to fight back, which lunged for Sable's dragon. The two dragons continued to battle each other. But one could tell Mistmane clearly had the upper hoof. Sable was grunting and growling as she used her magic to control her dragon, showing she was relying on her anger and resentment to give her strength.
Mistmane has her eyes closed and was calm, focusing her magic so her attacks were more precise and was able to block Sable's attacks with ease. Eventually, Mistmane's dragon curled around the red dragon and destroyed it.
She then fired a magic blast at Sable, who jumped out of the way just in time. Sable smirked smugly until she realized Mistmane was one step ahead of her. Some vines sprouted out of the soil, grabbing Sable and imprisoning her inside of a giant cocoon. The guard ponies stared and then cheered at Mistmane's victory, but Mistmane was anything but pleased.
"Everypony thought Sable Spirit was defeated, and that was that," Rarity narrated, "But Mistmane knew there was more she could do to help." Mistmane then saw a lone pink flower. She took it outside and planted it. Then cast a spell over it.
"Beauty isn't everything," said Rarity, "But Mistmane knew that it does have the power to make ponies smile."
As the surrounding land was restored, Mistmane's appearance became old and wrinkly, even her shirt was worn and tattered. She had drained her youthful beauty to restore the village to its former glory.
"She made a huge sacrifice to bring that smile back to her friends' and family's faces," said Rarity, "including Sable Spirit's."
Sable gasped when she saw that she was not only freed, but no longer old and wrinkly. Mistmane stood before her with a warm smile on her face. Sable gasped when she saw her friend's now elderly appearance.
"You did this for me?" Sable croaked, "Even after I was so cruel?" Mistmane gave Sable a hug, bring Sable to tears as she returned the gesture.
"Sable was so touched that she vowed to be more like her friend in the ways that mattered," said Rarity, "From then on, she ruled with kindness and compassion."
(Scene changes)
Later, Sable sat on her throne with warm smile on her face as several ponies stood before her. The little imperial colt stepped forward as Sable gave him a flower crown to wear, which made him smile. Sable smiled back and the other ponies cheered. Mistmane quietly watched everything in the background before slipping away unnoticed.
(Scene changes)
"Even though she gave away her physical beauty," said Rarity, "She dedicated her life to spreading beauty all over Equestria. Any time you go out of your way to brighten somepony's day by doing something like giving them flowers, you're following in the hoofsteps of Mistmane."
As Rarity concluded her story, two farmers were standing before a lifeless tree. Mistmane appeared and used her magic to revive the tree so it was healthy and strong again. The farmers were most impressed until they were shocked to see a trail of beautiful flowers on the ground. Apparently, Mistmane was creating them as she walked off into the sunset.
(Scene changes)
Back in the cave, Rarity made a shadow puppet of Mistmane walking off into the background. She then looked at Sweetie Belle, who was smiling at her.
"I think she's my favorite legend too," said Sweetie Belle. She and Rarity then shared a sisterly nuzzle with each other.
"Her will made such a big sacrifice is why she's Sokka's favorite legend as well, especially ours" said Jade as she gestured to herself and Trini, "He'll do anything to protect those he loves and cares about. It was why he was such an acclaimed member of the Royal Guard."
"She also reminds me of you and Trini, Jade." Sweetie Belle said. "You guys see beauty around all parts of the world, especially when you're kind and caring to others in order to protect them by being in the Elite Ninja."
"Well, you girls all are beautiful in your own way," said Chase, "After all, you don't need to seek perfection, compare yourself to other ponies, or that you have to be girly and into dresses to think that you are beautiful. True beauty comes from being content with who you are and how you look and showing that confidence to others. And as your friend, I want to help you guys embrace that fact about yourself until it sticks. I don't tell you that because it's the gentlepony thing to do. It's because it's the truth and I want that truth to stick in your minds so that, even when you have a bad day or your mane and fur is out of shape, it doesn't make that truth a lie. Because true beauty is from the heart, not your physical appearance."
There was a long silence as every mare and filly around the campfire was just smiling, except for Rainbow, who was actually crying.
"Rainbow Dash?!" said Scootaloo in surprise.
"I can't help it," Rainbow sobbed, "Chase's so sweet and he…he makes me feel beautiful…"
Rainbow just sniffled as the others chuckled and Chase gave the cyan Pegasus a handkerchief to dry her eyes. Rainbow was about to say thank you when the campfire was put out by some webbing splatting the fire-place.
The others looked up and saw the fly-ders buzzing toward them. Scootaloo screamed and covered her eyes fearfully.
"Ugh! These Fly-ders won't quit!" Rainbow complained as Rarity and Sweetie Belle held each other, "What do they want from us now?"
"Well, like it or not, we're food, too," said Applejack.
"And I've got the bites to prove it," said Sweetie Belle as she lifted her fore-leg to show a few bites.
"What are we gonna do?!" Scootaloo asked in a panicked tone, "They're almost here!"
Rainbow then got an idea of her own. She flew up to the ceiling of the cave and gave it a good buck, causing the rocks to crash down between them and the Fly-ders. Chase, his family, and Clay were so shocked by this. Rainbow landed with a satisfied smile on her face until she saw Applejack glaring at her.
"What?!" Rainbow asked cluelessly, "Now those bugs can't get in!"
"You really are a bonehead sometimes, you know that?" Chase asked, glaring at Rainbow sternly with others agreeing with him.
"And we can't get out!" Scootaloo cried out, scratching the rocks and started to hyperventilate. Rarity and Applejack just gave the orange Pegasus some sympathetic looks. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle winced. Chase wasted no time rushing over and pulling the still hyperventilating filly into his fore-legs for a hug. Jade also gave Rainbow a stern glare.
"Why is it that you can never think things through?!" Jade scolded Rainbow, "Now because of you, poor Scootaloo is scared out of her wits!"
Chase then stroked the filly's magenta mane to try and calm her down.
"Easy, Scootaloo, easy," said Chase in a gentle tone, "You'll be okay. I promise."
Scootaloo's breathing began to settle a little, but she gave a loud whimper and started cry. Chase just held her protectively and gave Rainbow a bitter look.
"Oh get off my case!" Rainbow snapped.
"You did this to her!" Chase yelled angrily.
"I'm sorry alright!" Rainbow yelled.
"Don't apologize to me!" Chase retorted, "Apologize to the little filly you call your little sister but keep making her feel worse!"
"Easy you two," said Applejack, "Let's all just stay calm. Let me re-light this fire…no use arguin' since what's done is done."
Chase glared at Rainbow and saw Scootaloo was still crying.
"Alright." Chase said calmly.
"Now that's more like it," said Applejack as she finished relighting the fire.
"We just have to wait until the swarm moves on," said Rarity as she and Sweetie Belle took a seat near the fire, "Then we'll think of a way out."
"Works for me, Rarity," said Jade as Scootaloo cuddled up close to her, "I think we've all had enough bugs for one day." The others all nodded in agreement.
"How long will that be?!" Scootaloo asked worriedly, "Don't bears live in caves?!" Scootaloo then moaned, hugged her hind legs, and began to panic. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Clay, and the Elite Ninja gave Scootaloo some concerned looks.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa, Scootaloo," said Rainbow, "You're focusing on the wrong things."
"You have a plan?!" Scootaloo asked hopefully as she got into her older sister's face. Then bit her lower lip nervously.
"Close," Rainbow replied, "I have a story." Scootaloo gave the cyan Pegasus an "are you kidding me?!" look.
"Lemme guess—it's about you?" Applejack asked annoyingly.
"Or is it about somepony else?" Chase asked bluntly.
"First, practically, and second, it's actually a pony who reminds me of you and your family, Chase." said Rainbow, "It's about my favorite legend, Flash Magnus!"
Rainbow then posed with her wings opened.
"Ah!" said Sunray, "I'm a big fan of him as too."
"Because he was part of the Royal Guard like Flash was?" Rainbow asked.
"Yeah," said Sunray, "Flash Magnus was my inspiration when I was proving myself in the Royal Academy. I still have the poster too."
"You have a Flash Magnus poster?!" said Rainbow in surprise, "Awesome!"
"Hold on," said Apple Bloom, "Wasn't he the pony who took on the dragons?"
"Dragons?!" Scootaloo spluttered as she sat and trembled, "Big, scary, mean ones or like Spike?"
"Oh, these were definitely the big, scary, and mean kind!" said Rainbow.
Scootaloo gave a panicked sigh as she buried her face into her fore-legs and was looking more frightened than ever. Rainbow looked to see Rarity and Applejack giving her glares, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gave her sad and worried looks. Chase, his family, and Clay gave her unamused looks on their faces they sent to her.
"But not too scary," said Rainbow as she walked up to the fire, "You can sit closer to me if you want." Scootaloo quickly zipped over and went back to cowering beside Rainbow. Rainbow gave her a gentle smile and put a wing over her for protection.
"A long time ago," Rainbow began, "before the Wonderbolts were even founded…" The scene then changed to show a mustard colored Pegasus stallion with a red mane and tail wearing Roman style military attire and helmet flying in the sky with two other Pegasi in uniform, "Flash Magnus was a lowly cadet in the Royal Legion."
As some heroic music began to play, Flash gave his fellow comrades some high-fives with his wings as they caught up with their commander.
"And the Legion needed to fly over the Dragon Lands to get to their comrades on the other side," Rainbow Dash narrated, "But as they got closer to the dragons…"
Flash began to cough as some smoke appeared in their way. Then two very large dragons appeared.
"…the dragons attacked!" said Rainbow as the two dragons roared loudly at the Legion.
(Scene changes)
Back at the campfire, poor Scootaloo was so frightened that she was hold clinging onto Rainbow's head and her lips, giving the cyan Pegasus a funny looking face.
"You said this wasn't too scary," Scootaloo whined as she shivered on top of Rainbow's head.
"Scootaloo," said Rainbow in a very muffled voice, "if you just hang in there—"
"What?" Scootaloo asked as Rainbow pried the filly off her face and set her down on the ground.
"I said if you just hang in there," said Rainbow firmly, "I promise you'll like the ending." Scootaloo just kept shivering.
"So, like I was saying," Rainbow continued, eager to change the subject, "Flash Magnus and the Royal Legion tried to get past the dragons…" The scene changed to the smokey sky where a green and dark blue dragon appeared and breathed fire at the Legion, "…but the dragons wouldn't let them!"
"Everypony, retreat!" Commander Ironhead shouted. Imitating the sound of airplanes, as they split up to avoid a giant dragon tail swipe, separating Flash from the other ponies.
"Flash Magnus and a few other cadets were separated from the battalion," Rainbow continued, "He managed to get away, but the dragons captured his friends and took them back to their lair!"
The two ponies screamed as the two large dragons carried them inside of a cave. Flash glared with determination and tried to go after them, but he was quickly intercepted by Commander Ironhead and pulled down to the ground where the rest of the now battered battalion was hiding inside of a trench, cowering fearfully.
"Commander! We need to save our captured comrades!" said Flash.
"I appreciate your loyalty, Flash Magnus," said Commander Ironhead, "but getting past those dragons is going to be impossible. Nothing will work." He quickly turned away.
(Scene changes)
"The commander was right," said Apple Bloom as the scene returned to the campfire, "You can't outfight dragons."
"But you can out-think them," said Rainbow.
"Now that is always true," said Chase. Scootaloo cringed.
(Scene changes)
Back in the story, Flash got an idea.
"Commander Ironhead," said Flash Magus, "I'm pretty sure I can outfly the dragons. If I can lure them into chasing me, you can all sneak into the lair and retrieve our friends before they get back."
"Are you really willing to take that chance, soldier?" Commander Ironhead asked sternly.
"I am, sir," said Flash bravely and saluted with a wing.
"It's a very brave thing you're doing," said Commander Ironhead, "You'll need all the help you can get." He then presented Flash with a bronze shield.
"Is this…Netitus, the fireproof shield?!" Flash asked in amazement.
"It had protected Legion heroes for generations," Commander Ironhead told him, "And today, I can't think of a worthier flank for Netitus to protect." He then gave Flash the shield and beat his chest.
"Good luck, soldier," said Commander Ironhead. The other soldiers gave Flash some salutes as Flash flew off toward the mouth of the large cave. Once inside, Flash breathed deeply.
"Hey!" Flash shouted loudly, "Come and get me, fire-breath! If you can!" He then clanked the shield with a fore-hoof, "Hey, hey! Come and get me! Hey, I'm over here!"
Suddenly, two large yellow eyes appeared from the darkness and then a mouth opened to show a huge ball of yellow. Flash quickly raised Netitus to block the flames. While Netitus protected him, the top of his helmet did get burnt.
"While Flash Magnus bravely flow for his life," Rainbow narrated as Flash lured the dragons away from the cave, "Commander Ironhead was able to get his soldiers back." The commander than guided the rest of the troops into the cave.
"Flash Magnus flew like the wind," Rainbow continued, "faster than the dragons!"
As Flash soared above the clouds as the two dragons continued to shoot fire at him. He also used his shield to block and evade the oncoming fire as well. Then both dragons shot fire at Flash simultaneously.
"But he knew he couldn't do this forever," said Rainbow, "Luckily, he had a plan."
Flash looked down below and saw that Commander Ironhead and the other troops had rescued his friends. He then gestured for other Pegasi to gather up all the surrounding thunder clouds and bundle them together into one giant electric storm. Once they were done, Commander Ironhead wiped his brow and then whistled for the other troops to follow him. Flash continued to dodge and evade the fireballs.
"He led the dragons straight into a storm that the Legion had planted!" said Rainbow as Flash and the two dragons entered the storm. Then…
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!
"One taste of the lightning, and the dragons retreated," said Rainbow as the two dragons, now looking slightly fried, flew off in disgrace.
Commander Ironhead and his troops shared worried looks since Flash hadn't come out of the storm yet. Just as they feared the worst, Flash came out and coughed, looking battered and fried.
"Flash Magnus' plan worked!" said Rainbow as the troops cheered or their fellow soldier.
Commander Ironhead then hovered up to Flash with a stern look on his face. Flash went to hand the commander the shield, but Commander Ironhead pushed it back and saluted, making it clear that Flash could keep Netitus. Flash smiled back in reply.
(Scene changes)
Back at the campfire, Rainbow was also smiling smugly.
"Wow!" said Scootaloo, "I did like that ending." Rainbow pulled the orange filly into her fore-legs and gave her a playful toss.
"Told ya!" said Rainbow, "He always inspired me to be my brave and awesome self."
"Mm-hmm!" said Apple Bloom as the others nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I guess he kinda reminds me of you," said Applejack.
"Tch! You guess?" Rainbow retorted indignantly, "Come on, I'm just like him!"
"Yeah, not really." Chase said with a smirk, making everypony else laugh. Applejack then paused for a moment and realized something.
"Hey, do you hear that?" Applejack asked the group. Clay put a fore-hoof to his ear.
"Hear what, Sweetie?" Clay asked as Rarity raised a fore-hoof to her ear as well.
"Uh, I don't hear anythin'," said Apple Bloom.
"Exactly!" said Applejack, "Those gosh-darn Fly-ders are gone! We can get out! Care to give me hoof, honey?"
"You bet!" said Clay, "Let's give this rock wall some good ol' fashioned Apple power!"
"Yee-haw! Let's get out of here!" Applejack replied as the Earth Pony couple went to start digging through the rocks. Clay then heard some rumbling.
"A.J., look out!" Clay called out and dived into Applejack.
"Whoa!" Applejack yelped as Clay pushed her out of the way of some tumbling rocks.
"Or not," said Rarity.
"You alright, honey?" Clay asked with concern as he helped his wife to her hooves.
"I am thanks to you," said Applejack, giving Clay a grateful nuzzle to say thank you, and then faced the rest of the group, "We're gonna have to see if we can get out the other way."
The group looked further down the back part of the cave.
"You mean go further into the dark, spooky cave?!" Scootaloo said fearfully and shivered. Rainbow knelt before the orange filly.
"Scootaloo, just remember the story," Rainbow told her, "Gotta be brave like me, Flash Magnus, and the Elite Ninja."
"Come on, let's go!" Chase said as he led the way with his horn lit as the others followed him.
Rainbow gave Scootaloo a caring hug and then tucked her under a wing to help her feel safe. With Chase and Rarity leading the way with their horns lit, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed behind them. Applejack and Clay followed behind the two fillies and Rainbow and Scootaloo were at the back of the group as Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Antonio followed behind. Rainbow continued to keep Scootaloo under her wing.
The group continued to look around and enjoy the dubstep when something else caught Apple Bloom's attention.
"Hey, guys!" said Apple Bloom, "I hear water!"
"And if there's flowing water, then…" Rarity began.
"…it might lead to the way out!" Applejack finished.
"Then let's go diving!" Antonio said as the group rushed ahead. They soon reached the end of the path and found a flowing steam before them.
"Whoa!" said the three fillies together.
"Interesting," said Jade before looking at Scootaloo, "If we go down this stream, we will most likely stumble upon a waterfall at some point. You gonna be alright?"
Scootaloo gave a nervous whimper, but Rainbow gave her a side hug, making the orange filly feel better and gave Mario a brave nod.
"Alright," said Chase and then turned to Rarity, "Are you gonna be okay? I know you hate getting that perfect mane of yours wet?"
Rarity blinked then smirked.
"Answer this question as quickly as you can…" Rarity replied.
"Yes, you're pretty with a wet mane," Sunray answered, "wish you'd go a day with it straight." Rarity chuckled.
"Then, for you, I'll manage," said Rarity and then spoke to the rest of the group, "Okay, on three. One, two—"
"Three!" said Antonio, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle as they jumped into the water.
Applejack, Rarity, Chase, Jade, Sunray, Trini, and Clay exchanged smirks with each other before jumping into the water as well. As the eleven ponies started to float down the stream. Rainbow jumped into the water reclining on her back as Scootaloo sat on the Pegasus's stomach for a ride.
It wasn't long before the seven ponies shot out of the other end of the pipe, through what appeared to be a waterfall.
"Woo-hoo!" Apple Bloom cheered.
"Yeah-ha-ha!" Sweetie Belle cheered.
"Yee-haw!" Clay shouted excitedly as Applejack and Rarity cheered as well before splashed into calm water below.
Rainbow used her wings to keep herself and Scootaloo, who she was holding with her fore-legs, in the air above the pond. Chase flew out with his family using their magic to perform a flying spell so they could float in the air. Rainbow knew Scootaloo didn't want to experience going down a waterfall again. Then gently set her on the shore as the rest of the ponies came out of the water as the Elite Ninja landed on the ground safely. Clay, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle were the first to shake themselves dry.
"Huh," said Applejack as she looked around the area, "Well, what do you know? We found ourselves a shortcut to Winsome Falls!"
Besides the lake they had surfaced from, the area was surrounded by large trees with pink flowers in them, lush grass, and clouds spewing down rainbow to the ground.
"Wow!" said Chase and his family since this was their first time seeing the place.
"It's never looked so beautiful," said Scootaloo with a sigh.
"Well, almost," said Rarity as she finished re-curling her mane.
She then used her magic to grab some pink flowers and made flower crowns for each of the three fillies. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo exchange smiles with each other.
"We sure are sorry that our camping trip wasn't what we hoped it would be," said Applejack to the three fillies.
"Are you kidding?" Apple Bloom replied, "This trip is awesome!"
"It is?" said Rarity as she and Rainbow shared surprised looks with each other.
"We got to hear legendary stories and go on an adventure," said Sweetie Belle, "Not to mention spend time with the Elite Ninja over here." Chase and his family chuckled.
"Wait, you three wanna stay?" said Applejack in surprise.
"Of course we do!" Cutie Mark Crusaders said together and gave the adults smiles.
"We could turn those trees into a nice, little shelter!" said Sweetie Belle.
"We can get you some big logs and branches to help build it!" said Apple Bloom.
"And I bet we could find some more berries!" said Scootaloo, "Come on! I can't wait to see what happens next year!"
"Let's go!" Antonio called out as Rainbow flew ahead as the Elite Ninja, Applejack, and Rarity followed after them.