Chapters The pony from the forest.
The mysterious pony in the forest
In the depths of the Everfree Forest, past Zecoras hut and the remains of the old castle, you could hear the sounds of the timberwolves howling in pain. Laying in the clearing a dozen wolves lay unconscious but fully intact. In the center there was a black and white pegasus covered in scars, bruises and bite marks. Panting heavily he turned and walked away with a slight limp unaware that another certain yellow pegasus was hiding out in the trees behind a bush completely dumbfounded from watching the whole ordeal.
The yellow pegasus ran as fast as she could to her friends in Ponyville looking for some advice. As she entered town she saw the book smart, purple coated unicorn, buying more quills. She yelled in her timid voice calling to her friend," Twilight, Twilight, please, I need your help." Holding the newly bought quills with her magic she turned to her.
"Oh, why hello there Fluttershy, whats the rush?" Fluttershy stopped, and tried to catch her breath, managing to wheeze out her next sentence
"need.... your....help...., timberwolves.....Everfree..... pony......hurt." Twilight just stared at her understanding what she said but not knowing what to do.
"um, Shy maybe we should go home and you can try to explain the situation there." Regaining her breath she looked at her friend with an expression that said "OK, lets go".
With Twilights' purple haze engulfing the door they walked in and sat down, facing each other, "OK, Fluttershy now that you've calmed down, tell me what was so urgent." Fluttershy got ready and started to explain.
"I was on my way to Zecoras so I could get some of angels special bath herbs when I heard a the sound of what seemed to be a pony. When I went to investigate I saw this black and white pony picking what looked like some poison joke and daisies. There was a loud crash behind him and I got scared so I hid behind a bush, when I took a peek he was surrounded by a group of timber wolves. He stood still and then went back to picking the flowers,"
Twilights eyes shot open and yelled,"WHAT!! WHY DIDN'T HE RUN, TIMBERWOLVES ARE ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS CREATURES IN THE FOREST!!" Fluttershy backed away and Twilight regained her composure," I'm sorry, please continue with the story."
"Well he just went back to picking the flowers and the wolves just sat there and waited. When he picked the last of the bunch he turned to face them, and then just nodded, nothing else just a small nod, and they all got up and started to follow him. I was so vary scared and wanted to run but there was something in the air I just couldn't explain and it willed me to follow them. We went past the old castle, the one where we fought nightmare moon, then we ended up in a small clearing deep in the forest, it was the deepest I've ever gone, then he sat his saddle bag down and went to the center. All the wolves circled him but he just stood there, almost like a statue. They were all around him, looking like they were about to attack the poor pony,"
The pony from the forest.
Again having to fight with the only creature in this forest persistent enough to keep on trying. All I wanted to do is simply get the supplies for dinner, and how does it end, with Monic gathering even more wolves to fight me- Well, at least this time he had the courtesy to wait for me to finish gathering. Still, we went through the routine all over again, me getting into the fighting grounds while he and his numbering pack circle around me. Now that we are good and ready the fight is about to begin, just waiting for the howl to begin.
"gerrrrrr, HOWWWWWL!"... and there it is.
They all leapt together in perfect unison bearing each and every tooth, claw, and sharpened wooden tail. The approaching attackers were as close to me as the wind, just before they made contact my long wings spread catching the wind lifting me so I wouldn't get inured, even though the wolves did catch a bit of my long mane. Closing my wings I dropped on two of them bucking them hard enough to make any pony unconscious while spinning to avoid the oncoming attackers. Grabbing the back leg of one wolf I hurled it into the other making an opening I could slip through; before making it through the opening I had made one of the faster wolves bit one of my hooves. The two wolves I had bested by slamming together got up faster than I imagined and lunged at me. Whipping my mane I shrouded their vision managing to get behind one and snapping its neck to knock it unconscious without killing it. The group, now three members down from the original twelve, regrouped and continued their assault. Receiving the occasional scratch or bruise I managed to dodge everyone that came. After continuing this for some time I took the offensive and began my assault by kicking up dust and bucking the attackers away, leaving me the chance to knock another out using my wings to slam them into the ground.
Taking a deep breath I looked at the leader,Monic, and said,"That's four down only eight to go, It's your choice if you want to keep going, just don't blame me is you loose that other eye of yours."
A moment of silence passed as the old wolf consider my proposal. The silence was broken with him looking up just as determined as before and with a loud,"WOROF"
He and his pack moved forward taking their stances to begin again. Sighing, I too prepared, by raising the awareness in my eyes, getting ready for an intense attack. As if on cue they leapt forward just as before but with a greater speed to them. Still, I managed to dodge each one taking a few hits but not without returning each one ten fold and knocking one out using the same trick as before. With the wind picking up I was able to use many of my more advanced moves; jumping to catch the wind and bucking the ground simultaneously to create a powerful punching move causing two wolves to be knocked unconscious while intercepting two more in mid-air. With their numbers down by less than half, their movements became less organized and easier to predict giving me more opportunities to strike.
I stopped one more time speaking loudly and more serious, with a sharp tone," This is your last chance Monic, leave me now and I wont follow, or stay and fight with the rest of your pack and be humiliated once again," I could see a sort of subtle pain in his eye at the mention of our previous meeting but continued anyway," I know you as both a friend and a warrior - so end this now." This time the air grew cold and the tension was high, everything seemed to stop and even the wolves seemed to notice the changes. The old wolfs' one eye glared at me with an emotion that could have been either anger, embarrassment, or a combination of both. He stopped, looked away and gave a sound of frustration. He turned around, looked me square in the eyes, bared his teeth and gave a howl that seemed to shake the entire forest, just then every wolf continued as if nothing had ever happened attacking ferociously.
With another sigh, I continued the battle using every method of fighting just as i had done before. As they begin to rush an attack on me, I spun around around their bodies and used my hooves to strike them in the back of their necks rendering three more unconscious. That left Monic and one of the new recruits continuing the attacks on me. The new recruit attacked before Monic did and with a simple dodge and buck to the chin he lay passed out. It was just me and Monic now staring each other down. It was I who made the first move with a simple barrage of punches and a few hooks on occasion. He did just as I expected and moved out of the way with ease, giving me a few scratches on his return while carefully maneuvering to avoid any fallen comrade. He lunged at me with great speed and power. Still, I was able to flip him into a somersault mid-air and immediately landed strong punches to both his sides and muzzle. Also, I began using my long mane to disorient him so that I was able to land a few extra hits.
My overpowering him was short lived, however, as he immediately countered with a series of bites and scratches drawing blood with each one. We didn't skip a beat taking every opportunity to land either a bite, punch, scratch, or buck on one another. With us both exhausted I decided to finish this once and for all. I used my special talent to dissipate the color out of the arena leaving him surprised. As he stand there unguarded and completely vulnerable I took the chance to turn and buck as hard as I could and with a loud whimper he fell in front of me, defeated. I limped over to my bag, took out a daisy, placed it in front of him and walked home to tend to my wounds and get a long rest... without dinner.
The pony from the forest.
"and that's when I ran back here to get help. He was very injured so I though with your healing magic could help." Fluttershy stared at Twilight with one of her cute faces hoping that she would say yes.
"That sounded awesome!" a rainbow streak passed both the mares and came to a stop, looking at Fluttershy. "Did he really fight with the Timberwolves? If so did he really do all those tricks." The rainbow maned mare look at Fluttershy with great intensity waiting for an answer.
"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight yelled, gaining the attention of the mare,"were you ease dropping on us again?"
"Ya, so. It's not like you were trying to hide it you left the window wide open. The others came by and were listening too... you guys can come out now." With that, the door opened and the rest of the group walked in. Rarity leading with Pinkie next and followed by Applejack. Applejack walked up looking a bit embarrassed and guiltily then started talking.
"I'm sorry sugar cube, it's just that story seemed so interesting I couldn't help myself from stayin' to hear the whole thing. Though after listenin' I think we should go and see if that stallion needs help, it seemed like quite the challenge he went up against."
"I do agree, it must have been dreadful to go against a pack of those terrifying Timberwolves."
"Me three, those meanie meanie bo beanies shouldn't be picking of a poor pony like that."
"And of course I'll be going, I have to meet this guy, he was able to beat an entire wolf pack on his own." The three mares looked determined to go as twilight watched Fluttershy go up to them and thank them each for their help."So Twilight, you coming with us?"
Twilight continued to stare at her friends almost unable to speak. After a few moments she got up and spoke," Well if all of you are going I'm going too, and on the way I might be able to stop by Zecoras and pick up a few herbs I've been meaning to get. Lets all get prepared and meet back here in a hour, that sound good?" With everything done, we all left to get prepared. Twilight got her map of the forest and a few supplies she'll need, Rainbow got a compass and a drink, Rarity packed many different clothes, Fluttershy packed first aid supplies, Applejack got her apples, and Pinkie got her "things".
They went through the forest using the same trail they always use to Zecoras, but something didn't feel right. As the group continued to go deeper in the forest they had a feeling something was watching them. Still, moving on, the feeling deepen and each one felt more and more unconformable. It felt like a thousand eyes were staring them, turning them into a piece of meat waiting to be devoured at any second. They have never had this feeling before when visiting, it was something they never experienced, besides the time that they were in the maze Discord had created. Even Pinkies smiling face seemed to have less effect. Everyone started to get antsy, almost starting to bicker for no reason. Finally, Zecoras hut can into view and everyone let out a sigh of relief. When they finally got there everyone felt a wave of relief wash over them.
Twilight knocked on the door and from inside heard,"Come in." Opening the door they saw Zecora over her cauldron mixing several different herds. Looking around she noticed there was another guest sitting on one of Zecoras' odd chairs. It was a large pony, close to Big Macintosh's size, with a long black mane that almost reached the floor and covered half of his face. His coat was a mix of black and white,though mostly white, and his cutie mark was a white dot with what looked like black lines going into it. He was a pegasus with feathers much darker than the black of his mane and it was almost impossible to tell the length when his wings were folded. He sat straight up in a very proper manner. He turned to greet us and with a nod that said,"Hi" he got up and offered his seat to us. Then he walked up to Zecora and spoke with a voice that was strong and assertive,but also kind and gentle.
"Zecora are you almost done with that brew of mine, I don't mind but would prefer if not too many other ponies see me." As he shifted his gaze from Zecora to the group of ponies he gave a smile. It held the warmness of a welcoming smile but it didn't feel right, and to add, it was obvious that he wasn't vary happy we were here. Twilight looked over to close the door engulfing it in her magic and closing it fast causing the house to shake a small bit which caused a nearby shelf to also shake and the one of the jars fell off. There was a loud "SWOOSH!" through the air and a streak of black passed by every pony, while Zecora continued to mix her brew all of us were looking at the black and white stallion with his wings fully expanded, it was incredible . We could see his wings, the color and size, the feathers on his wings were a deep black on the outside with the inside being a pure white and the length of them could easily wrap around another pony. The speed he moved caused his his mane to flow back revealing a large scar on the side of is face.
They all gasp at the sight of the scar, but Fluttershy recognized him and raised her hoof and yelled in her timid voice," That's the mysterious pony!" Stopping the group, all stared at him examining him more closely than before. Upon inspection they could see he did have bandages on his hoof and was covered in purple spots. He looked up at the at the group surprised,though he tried to hide it, then putting the jar back he walked over back to Zecora, cleared his throat, and began to ask.
"um, Dear Zecora might you finish the mix, and when you do please introduce me to this group of lovely mares."
"Of course dear, the brew is finished, now get the jar, take off your bandages, and let me tend to your wounds. While I do this I shall introduce you to them."
The pony from the forest.
Walking home through the dark forest never gets easier, there are always some creature watching. Whether it's planning to attack and have you for dinner, or observing you and trying NOT to get eaten. Especially now that the wolves have caused such a commotion the creatures are steered. Looking for the signs and landmarks that animals have made over the years is really the only way to get where you're going without getting lost. The large trees that have been snapped in two by the Ursa Majors, the claw marks of the Timberwolves, and the stone nest of the Manticore. Following each I got to my home in the clearing. Surrounded by trees with a river flowing close by it was a great place not to be noticed , and with the only entrance being a small hole high in the trees few creatures could get in. The clearing was covered in grass, not the dark and tall forest grass but the light short grass you'll find in Canterlot fields. Covering one end there was a small garden with tomato stems, potatoes, and a small apple tree. In the middle there was a wooden house about the size of the ones in ponyville. There were also signs around the yard, some said "stay out" some "Danger! continue at your own risk" but as you went closer they started to say nice things, like "welcome" and "knock for owner". I hoped that when someone did come by they would listen to the signs, although no one would want to go this deep in the forest. I opened the door and stumbled onto the bed, putting my bag down next to the bed I went to sleep.
"What do you think you're doing in here little boy! I told you all to never go in here no matter how hungry you are. Didn't I tell you that you all have one warning,and didn't I say anyone who doesn't heed that warning is going to be whipped?!. " He dragged me back to the yard with the other kids as they just stared. As he pulled my mane, dragging me he threw me into the mud pools from yesterday rain."/It seemed I found a rat in the kitchen, and do you know what we do with rats? " everyone didn't speak, just stared at me with sad eyes."That's right, they get the whip. " He pulled out the whip and started to furiously and mercilessly whip every inch of my body. With each loud "SNAP" it left scars all over my foal body, between each snap he spoke,"I...TOLD....YOU....NOT....TO....DIS...OBEY...ME..." After he was done he looked over at all the other foals around us with a grin he spoke,"Now remember this is what happens when you don't follow the rules. " He left back to his offence, leaving me crying on the ground blood slowly, but plentifully, running down my coat. All the kids came to help me up, with me still crying I unfolded my wings to reveal a loaf of bread....
I woke in a deep sweat with the morning sun rays pass through the windows landing on my face. Getting out of bed i thought to myself,I thought I got over the past, well, I guess no one really gets over past experiences.... Plus today I have to go to Zecoras to get more solution for my injuries. Going into the foyer I started my morning rituals, going to the river for my morning shower, cooking up a good breakfast, picking any ripe fruit and watering the others. With my saddle bag over my shoulder I headed out over to Zecoras. Going passed the Manticores nest, the timber scratches, the Ursa's tree, and finally the old castle we come by the zebras hut. Knocking I open the door and say "Hi"
"I see you're back, what is required of my services today."
"I need some of your special mix, I'm out of the last jar you gave me." She gave me a gesture that said,"sit and wait." After sitting for about five minutes we heard knocking on the door. Zecora let them come in. The first one through the door was a purple unicorn, followed by a pink earth pony, an orange earth pony, white unicorn, yellow pegasus and a blue...... RAINBOW DASH. I tried to keep a cool head and walked over to Zecora asking if she will be finished soon. When the purple unicorn shut the door a jar fell, using my back hooves I pushed forward opening my wings to gain extra speed I caught it but my mane flew back showing my face. As expected they gasped but the yellow one spoke up and claimed to know me. I put the jar back and asked zecora to introduce me when she was done.
"Of course dear, the brew is finished, now get the jar, take off your bandages, and let me tend to your wounds. While I do this I shall introduce you to them." Now with the bandages off I could see the bite marks turning purple, while Zecora applied the mix I looked back at the group of ponies. Everyone still seemed to be shocked, even Rainbow Dash,so I turned and saw the wound all wrapped up again. Turning to Zecora I thanked her and gave her the plants in my bag as payment. Zecora walked in between me and the group of mares and began to introducing them,
"These are some of my other customers and good friends," she introduced each one to me, along with confirming my suspicion that the blue pegasus was Rainbow Dash, "and would you be so kind as to introduce yourself to them, or do I have to do that too?" saying it with a small grin/smile.
"Hello, my name is Nightshade, but any good friend of Zecoras can call me shade, its a honor to meet you all." They seemed to be out of shock now, but they did seem uneasy.
So did you really beat that pack of Timberwolves on your own like Fluttershy said, and do you think you can show me some of the moves you used" Rainbow Dash suddenly flew up in front of my face causing me to step back.At the mention of the attack I gave a shocked expresion, as well as everyone else. Looking over to Fluttershy she backed away, then looking back I gave my awnser.
"Yes I did, and NO I will not." I could see an expression of sadness as I rejected the training,"If I may ask you a question miss Rainbow Dash, you all seemed to be shocked when you saw my scar,it's to be expected, but what I want to know is why were you so shocked after it has passed, and if you may tell me what you know about yesterdays attack"
"We know about your attack because my friend Fluttershy say everything and told us, and it's just that whenever we're normally around zecora she only rhymes and it's was a new experience to hear her talk like that." This time the purple unicorn, Twilight was her name, spoke up answering my questions. I looked over at zecora at one of her shelfs taking out multiple herbs.
"OK. Thank you, now just one more, for miss, Fluttershy was it. What were you doing so far out into the forest, and close to my home?" At the mention of my home they put on another shocked expression, looking back at Zecora she put the herbs in a bag and gave them to Twilight. Fluttershy walked up slowly with her head down. She started to speak but I couldn't hear so I spoke up again,"Excuse me miss, would you please speak up I can't seem to hear you." She spoke up and answered."So you followed me into deep into the forest, back to the arena, which if you would have set one hoof in you would get seriously injured, and watched the entire fight?" she gave a guilty nod," As much I am glad you did not get injured please try to refrain from following me, my life is not that of a regular pony. Now that you know the location of the arena I would like you to come to my house, and you may bring your friends as well, there is something important I must talk to you about." I could see her and her friends hesitant," and I assure you I will not let a single creature outside lay a single claw, leg, paw, or any other appendage on you all."
The group of ponies agreed to follow me to my house,though I could still feel a bit of hesitance about each of them. As we passed each mark the sound grew more intimidating, and with each sound the group became more frightened. I had a few enjoyable conversations with each one, except for Rainbow dash. When we hit the border of my house I spoke up,"Where'er here,now would one of the non flyers get get in my hooves." Rarity stepped forward and I swept her up with both of my hooves holding her I looked at Rainbow Dash, which caused my chest to tighten a little," would you please take one too miss." Now with me opening my wings I flew up fast causing Rarity to grab onto me as we flew into the opening gently laying Rarity down on the grass I went back for the next.Rainbow seemed to have a shocked expression on her face when I got back.
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?" looking everyone had shocked expressions, I ignored it and picked up Twilight, repeating the same as I did with Rarity, who was in the same place I put her before.Flying back Rainbow still with Applejac in her hooves." Is something wrong, do need some help with her?" She looked at me with a face that was clearly mad. I backed away and looked at fluttershy," um, miss can you please fly up there." he face looked like it was about to cry. "I'm sorry would you like me to carry you up?" she simply nodded, so I followed the same pattern as before. Surprisingly both ponies were in the same area, practically stunned. Rainbow Dash flew beside us letting Applejack down and landing as well.
Author's Note
Thanks for the comments, I know my grammar isn't very good. If I could have someone besides my friend check it I would.
The pony from the forest.
As the group of ponies could not hold back there fright as they walked through the deep forest. Each of the sound coming from the shadows were terrifying, even with Nightshades promise to protect them they were still as frightened as ever. The group of friend were also concerned about the new stallion. Aside from knowing he was friends with Zecora and he was strong enough to fight off a pack of deadly timberwolves they knew nothing about him. They could be walking to their deaths. Twilight seemed to be the most calm sense they met him, but she was careful to also pay attention to his behaviour. She kept making small mental notes about the way he talked and about how he acts. One of the things she seemed to notice the most is his uncomfort with Rainbow, he would always try to avoid looking straight at her and make contact. Rainbow seemed to notice as well. she kept trying to talk to him but he would just answer with short replies. After a while she just gave up and walked quietly. Rarity asked question too, though mostly about his mane and his what he would look good in. It was strange though, he could answer each one of hers easily, even mentioning the cloths at his home and how he was willing to show her. He also started conversations with the others, talking about what they do and his own stories about the different subjects. What seemed to be a recurring theme is he never told them about himself, just some stories about some of his past.
When he stopped and told the group they were at his home everyone looked confused. They could only see a group of tall trees.He asked one of them to step up to enter, and asked Rainbow to help with one. Rarity stepped up eager to see. He quickly swept her up holding her by his front hooves, he opened his wings and flew up faster than any of them thought possible while holding another pony. The surprise caused Rarity to grab onto his neck and close her eyes. She felt his hands slip away so she grabbed tighter, but then a feeling of grass could be felt of her hooves.When she opened her eyes she went into a state of shock at the sight of the brightly lit, colorful area. The others soon joined in her shock as each came in faster the the last. Rainbow Dash was carrying applejack so when she landed her face was red from the strain of lifting another pony so high. Shade lead the way to his home. Noticing the mares expression of shock he gave them a second to allow it to sink in. When they snaped out of the daze they began to notice some of the more defining features, like the garden, the river, and the signs.As they read each one they began to feel uneasy again.
"Don't worry, they're not for you. I sometime have 'unwanted guest' so the signs are just there to warn them what will happen, But I Digress, please take heed in knowing this is the safest place in the entire forest." With those words a mix of uneasiness and relief went through them. As he opened the door and invited them in a stream of cool air pass through them. The foyer was big despite the look of it outside, having a door connecting to the kitchen, a long hallway, and a spiral staircase leading both down and up. "please make yourselves home, you can explore any of the rooms but two. The door with a X on it and the door with W & F on it are strictly forbidden," his face was serious and set on the group, though his eyes stared mostly at Rainbow dash,"Those are the rules. Oh My, it's getting late out, so please pick a room and get ready for dinner." With that he left for the kitchen and started preparing dinner.
The girls explored the house going into each room to find each one having a different design as the last, then settling on the one that suits them the best. Exploring the house whey found many beautiful paintings, pottery and some jewelry. Going down stairs into the training area. It had many dolls, all pony shaped, with wooden stakes on them. On the wall there was a sink with a towel next to it. Rainbow decided to stay and test the equipment, though when she hit one of the dolls a big scream could be heard all the way to main area. heading up stairs they found the two forbidden rooms and passed them with a second glance. Opening the door with the "washroom" sign, there was a large tub, big enough for all of them at once. After exploring the house they still couldn't believe that so deep in terrifying place life the Everfree forest there could be such an amazing place.
Dinner was ready and set, when they sat down to eat. After everyone was done the sun set and the moon beginning to rise. Everyone went to there respected rooms, except Shade. He went upstairs into the room with the X on it and began to look through a pile of photo albums. Finding one that said "old friends" he opened it a spread out pictures of fillies with there names on each one. There in the center of the photos was a young, blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, under it the initials RD were written. When he flipped it over on the back was written "I won't remember, but I will always had been there" putting it down the stallion left the room and went for a long night rest.
Tearing of a small pieces I give them to each of the small fillies with a big smile on my face. Taking one for myself I eat it fast and limp over to a Dashie I giver her the rest of the bread. With a big smile she took it with thanks, and helps me rinse off the mud and small bits of blood. I hear screaming in the main building. A white pegasus, but with has a horn too, looks around seeing all the half starved children, some with large cuts and some with picked feathers. With a disgusted look on her face she yells, "guards, make sure each and every one of these children gets a good meal and shower." A group of stallions and mares in armour came rushing out. Leading each of us to a large building with a sign that said "orphanage" on it they took me and any other injured and bandaged me up. The same white mare came over to me and asked," Hello dear, we're not here to hurt you, were here to help. Your blue friend told us about how you would always get hurt to help your fellow friends. It was very brave of you to do that. Do not worry, you won't be hurt anymore I'm here to give you a good home." with a warm smile she left.
When they woke up and said the 'good mornings' they had a big breakfast and Shade gathered every one into the main room. "So, Now that we're all fed and rested I would like to make you an offer. You see, no one knows I'm here besides a few close friend, and I suppose you now. The fact that I'm here is meant to be a secret and now that you know I would like you to keep it a secret. Now I know it doesn't sound like much, but It's a really big deal for me and my friends. If anyone were to find me it would be bad for me. Now I would like to be 'friends'." Everyone gave each other a look and came to an agreement.
"OK. we'll keep your secret, although we would like to know why you need to be hidden away. If thats alright?
"If you can keep my promise and this a secret I'll tell you my story, and if you don't mind, try to keep the noise at a minimum. I'll begin with my childhood."
