**Chapter 3: The Mysterious Box**

As they stood in the glade, Pinkie Pie's eyes darted nervously around the clearing, as if she feared being watched. Tails and Diddy Kong exchanged a concerned glance, their determination to help their friend growing stronger. The wooden box, still clutched in Diddy Kong's hand, seemed to hold secrets that only Pinkie Pie could unlock. Pinkie Pie took a deep breath, her expression turning resolute. "I think I should open it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you guys have to promise to be careful. I have a feeling that this box... it's not just any ordinary box." Tails nodded, his eyes locked on the box. "We promise, Pinkie. We'll be careful." Diddy Kong, however, looked uncertain, his brow furrowed in concern. With trembling hooves, Pinkie Pie reached out and took the box from Diddy Kong. She examined it carefully, searching for any hidden mechanisms or clues. After a moment, she found a small indentation on the lid, shaped like a smiling face. Pinkie Pie's eyes sparkled as she pressed the indentation, and the box creaked open. Inside, they found a note, written in a hasty scrawl: "Meet me at the old windmill on the outskirts of Ponyville. Come alone. -A friend." The note was accompanied by a small, intricately drawn map, leading to the windmill. A shiver ran down Pinkie Pie's spine as she recognized the handwriting. Tails' eyes narrowed. "This looks like a trap. We can't let you go alone, Pinkie." Pinkie Pie nodded, her expression determined. "I know. But I have to try. Applejack might be in danger, and I have to make sure she's safe." Diddy Kong grunted, his grip on his jetpack tightening. "We're coming with you, Pinkie. We're not going to let you face whatever danger is waiting for you alone." Pinkie Pie smiled, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks, guys. I knew I could count on you." As they prepared to leave, the forest around them grew quieter, as if the trees themselves were listening in on their conversation. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with anticipation. Tails, Diddy Kong, and Pinkie Pie exchanged a determined glance, ready to face whatever lay ahead. With the map in hand, they set off towards the old windmill, their footsteps quiet on the forest floor. The windmill loomed in the distance, its sails creaking ominously in the gentle breeze. As they approached, a figure emerged from the shadows, watching them with an unblinking gaze. Pinkie Pie's eyes widened as she recognized the figure. "Oh no... it's... it's one of Applejack's cousins, Big Jack Horner!" Big Jack's expression was grim, his eyes narrowed in concern. "Pinkie Pie, I'm glad you're safe. But Applejack... she's in trouble. And I think I know who's behind it all."