The Adventures of Max Charming McWonderSteed

The skies of over Equestria have always been one of calm and clarity. An everlasting scene only changed by the close monitored actions of various pegisi weather teams. Although not a single cloud sailed across this vast ocean of blue, one black speck dared to deface the pegisi masterpiece. Flying through the sky was a single bird of determination and purpose, guided by the knowledge that failure was no option. His movements were of shadows, flying faster as his destination came closer into view. Before him was what many classified as a forest of nightmares. A place where nature did not bow down to civilization, but deemed itself free from all rule. This freedom became the core characteristic for which this place was named, the Everfree Forrest.

Soaring high above the forest, the messenger scouted for the one whom he was told would be of great importance for the task the letter contained. Though the forest was riddled with trees that made searching difficult for the small bird, it would not be long till he arrived at the location which held the one he searched for. Lying before him, in the deepest depths of the forest was not a den of shadows, giving home to the worst creatures of the Everfree Forrest, but a haven to those who wished to find safety within the forest.

Light shined through the small clearings, bathing each of the inhabitants in a warm embrace. Trees, filled with an unimaginable bounty of apples, oranges and pineapples, surrounded the clearing. Flowers of blue, pink and red filled the air with scents of lemon and coconut. Cool, crystal clear water flowed down each side of the location, forming a small pond at the southernmost point of the clearing.

The fauna of which this wondrous place housed was just as marvelous as the flora. Birds of every kind and color flew from tree to tree, feasting on the different kinds of fruits each tree had to offer. Red jays, blue jays and green jays all flew together, creating a rainbow of color wherever they went. Pink flamingos scattered throughout the pond, giving way to a majestic synchronized dance. Even the buzzards seemed to be singing along to the song of the forest with their harmonized buzz.

Finding the area both monotonic and sickening, the messenger bird decided it would be for the best to quickly deliver the letter and leave, forgetting everything he had seen here this day. Luckily, relaxing on the edge of the pond, drinking a mango smoothie, was the individual he was tasked to find. As the messenger hopped toward this strange pony, he began to study him in order to get a better understanding before making contact. His confidence in himself gave the impression that he has lived in this location for some time. His physique and drink of choice told him that this pony must be a health nut. The lawn chair in which the pony was sitting showed that this pony was probably a bit on the spoiled side. Seeing as there was nothing else to do, the messenger perched himself onto one of the arm rests, grabbing the sitting pony’s attention.

“So I see we have a new visitor today in paradise, what brings you here my feathered friend,” WonderSteed spoke as he removed his overly large sunglasses.

Rolling his eyes, the bird untied the string which attached the small letter to his leg, causing it to fall into the lap of the so called hero.

“What’s this?” remarked WonderSteed as he unraveled the letter. Without reason, he began to read aloud the parchment.

“Dear McWondersteed,

I have received word that the castle my sister and I once shared has been taken over by a mysterious being. Although under normal circumstances I would not see this as a problem due to the castle having not been used for thousands of years, my sister and I have agreed to begin using the building once again as a summer home. With this in mind, the mysterious being is now considered trespassing and I wish to send you to the castle in order to remove them. I would send Twilight and her friends to take care of this delinquent, but Luna has reminded me of Twilight’s threat of turning this land into a monarchy if her vacation with her friends to Fillydelphia was interrupted. With summer drawing near, I do hope this problem can be solved soon for Luna has been dying to take me on what she refers to a “Forrest Safari”. For the past week, she has paraded herself around in a strange tan hard-hat and speaks of “harpooning an ursa”. I do not lie when I say I am a tad worried as to what this could mean, but I digress. I wish you luck on this adventure and hope to hear of your success soon.

• From the desk of Celestia”

Looking up from the paper to find the messenger bird staring blankly with one eyebrow raised, WonderSteed finished his drink, raised himself to his hooves, and began walking into the forest toward the castle of which the letter spoke.

“I really need to find a new employer,” spoke the small messenger as he once more took to the skies, flying toward places unknown.

Setting out on his new adventure, WonderSteed boldly went into the darkness of the Everfree forest. With his head held high, signaling to the inhabitants of the forest the bravery that can only come from a skilled adventurer. Although all eyes throughout the forest focused solely on the passing wanderer, not one dared to challenge this prestigious pony.

Ever so slowly, his journey seemed to pass from minutes to hours. Though time followed a non-repetitive dance, the scenario did not. His stale surroundings seemed to follow him in an everlasting pursuit. Becoming bored with this uneventful place, Wondersteed began mentally listing off objects as he passed them.

‘Tree, tree, rock, tree, squirrel, tree, manticore,’ WonderSteed paused, backtracking over the list as he viewed each item. Though the squirrel seemed to be missing and the manticore now chewing an unknown object, WonderSteed was now sure that he had not been mistaken when he first viewed the mythological beast. Seeing the grotesque scene that had just played out in front of him, WonderSteed’s mind filled with thoughts as to what a manticore would be able to do with a much larger victim. Although his survival instincts attempted to send messages to his legs to escape, the thoughts of his approaching demise easily overpowered each of them. All thought began to focus only on the inevitable, causing WonderSteed’s breathing and heartbeat became rapid. His sight became blurry, causing him to lose focus. The last thought to pass through his mind was of the hardness of the ground as it collided with his unconscious body.

Even the sweet embrace of unconsciousness seemed to not be enough to soften the path to death. A sharp piercing pain ran through WonderSteed’s side, followed by another located mere inches from the previous. Though no record has been made as to what Manticore venom does to its victims, WonderSteed was sure to soon know. The piercing continued, making its way to WonderSteed’s head, leaving a trail of pain with each contact. The manticore seemed to enjoy toying with its victim, for when the piercing reached WonderSteed’s cheek, it seemed to jab repeatedly into one spot.

Rather than the pain dragging WonderSteed towards the eternal sleep, it seemed to be dragging him back to the realm of the living. Dreading the image WonderSteed knew would be welcoming him, he slowly lifted one eye, allowing it to focus on what would soon throw him back into death’s embrace. First focusing on the cause of his pain, WonderSteed did not find the end of a manticore tail, but the end of a stick, poking him repeatedly. What became more shocking was seeing a manticore holding the other end of the stick, poking him curiously while watching for any reaction. With the thought of being eaten alive quickly returning to his mind, WonderSteed let out a mighty shriek, causing the manticore to do the same. Each of the screaming parts darted into opposite directions, hiding behind trees before peeking out to see if the other had given chase. Seeing the other mirror their actions caused each one’s fear to subside in knowing the other’s action was not of offense.

“I am shocked your plans did not involve eating me,” called out WonderSteed.

“Manticores in this forest aren’t really known for eating either sentient or cute creatures,” replied the manticore, “I thought playing dead was some kind of pony tactical maneuver.”

“Don’t expect me to believe your lies, I saw you attack that squirrel earlier,” proclaimed WonderSteed.

“Squirrels are jerks, always throwing things at others,” replied the manticore.

“Fair enough,” shrugged WonderSteed as he walked back toward where he had awoken.

Seeing as the time of hostilities had passed, the manticore walked out from behind his hiding spot. Having never seen a manticore before, WonderSteed was marveled at the sheer size of the creature that stood before him. WonderSteed could only marvel at the manticore’s size as the approached him at the small clearing. Even while standing at full height, WonderSteed only reached the manticore’s shoulder. This would have left a feeling of intimidation if it was not for the events that led to this encounter. After exchanging introductions and explaining as to why WonderSteed was traveling through the forest, the manticore decided to offer his assistance as a guide. As the two traveled, they shared stories of past glories, spoke of families and friends, and discussed various vacation spots each must travel to.

With each deeply engrossed in conversation, it did not seem long before the castle came into view. With night drawing near and one final mission to complete, it was time for each to go their separate way. “Farewell Bob, it was great meeting you. If by any chance you are in the Manehatten area, come visit,” WonderSteed waved as the manticore vanished back into the forest of which he called home.

Though the castle was still in much need of repair, it was obvious that something or someone had attempted to fix the place. Holes riddling each side of the castle seemed to be filled with mismatching rocks stuck together with a combination of mud and grass. The glass panels that once decorated the castle windows were now replaced with red and gold checkered glass. The once beautiful gargoyles that lined the roof-top were now of monsters too misshapen to tell what they are meant to be. Shuddering at the handiwork of whoever laid inside, WonderSteed entered the castle, knowingly walking toward the one location the intruder would be.

Entering the castle was a shock to the visual senses. What horrors were found outside the castle failed to prepare one for what laid within. The horrors seemed to worsen with each room WonderSteed passed. Along the main hall, streamers of every color imaginable hung from the chandeliers. Within the dining room, broken tables seemed to be nailed back together in random arrangement, giving some tables an extra leg or two. Upon each table were plates of scorched food, bathing the air with scents of burning flowers and mustard. The reading room seemed to have been the only room untouched. Books, still covered in centuries dust, aligned the shelves, sitting pillows, falling apart from years of neglect, littered the floor, and the hearth, cold and empty, laid unused against the far wall.

Finally arriving to the throne room, WonderSteed prepared himself for what would obviously be the main focus of the intruder’s repairs. Swinging the doors open confirmed what WonderSteed had feared. The walls seemed to have been repainted with whatever colors the intruder had found, causing WonderSteed to recall Picassoesque painting he had once seen. The tapestries that once proudly hung behind each throne were replaced with banners of purple, orange, and red. Walking toward the center of the room, WonderSteed saw, atop the left throne, the menace that was responsible for this handiwork.

“I was not expecting guests so soon, for the coordination ceremony isn’t for a few more hours, but if you wish to stick around till then, you are more than welcome to stay.” spoke the mysterious figure as it descended toward the ground below.

“I have been sent here by the Princesses to remove you from-“ WonderSteed began before his voice became lost in a sea of laughter.

“So the Princesses believe they can send their little messenger boy here to convince me to leave? After all the work I put into restoring this castle, they believe they can just come in and take it over? It will take more than someone like you to make me leave,” taunted the mysterious pony now standing before WonderSteed.

As if on cue, lightning flashed across the sky, casting off the shadows and revealing the intruder. The intruding moonlight from the damaged roof caused her coat to shine in darkened brilliance, mirroring the color of the night sky. Her silver mane contrasted against her coat like a crescent moon, forming a portrait that was her own personal night. Her eyes reminded WonderSteed of spring fields filled with the greenest grasses known to Equestria.

“Darkness Vampony, I should have known you would be the one behind this!” shouted Wondersteed as the memories of their last encounter fresh in his mind. “You know you can never win against me.”

“Fool!” Replied Darkness with a voice of venom, “The last time we met, I was much weaker. This time will be much different.”

Flaring a pair of enlarged bat wings, Darkness quickly took to the sky, flying higher with every flap of her powerful wings. WonderSteed could only watch as Darkness flew further away, leaving no chance of attack from the flightless pony. Knowing there would be little time before Darkness gained the upper hand from a surprise attack, WonderSteed needed to stop her now. Spotting the shattered remains of one of the throne room’s many columns, an idea formed in WoderSteed’s mind. Darting over to the pile, WonderSteed gave the pile of rubble a mighty kick, sending shards of stone flying into the direction that Darkness had flown.

Feeling the presence of pursuers behind her, Darkness turned to find the slabs of stone closing in at a rapid rate. Seeing as there was no time to dodge the incoming attack, Darkness gave a high pitched scream, shattering the projectiles into dust.

“Dirty tricks won’t do you much help,” Darkness growled before diving back toward Wondersteed at full speed. As Darkness descended closer to WonderSteed, she let out another piercing scream.

The sound was nothing like WonderSteed had ever heard before. The deafening sound in his ears soon escalated to physical pain. If WonderSteed didn’t act fast, the pain would force him to either retreat or submit. Knowing Darkness was still too far for a physical attack, he resorted to the only power that would be useful, charm. Smiling, WonderSteed shot a shining beam of light directly toward Darkness, blinding the flying vampony. Now flying without sense of direction, Darkness collided headfirst into WonderSteed, sending them both skidding across the floor before slamming into the throne room wall. With both now temporarily subdued, each could only wait for their condition to pass.

“I’m telling mom you blinded me,” Darkness yelled while still unable to move.

“Well you started it,” responded WonderSteed with his ears still ringing “and your decorating taste is terrible.”

“Want to call it a truce then?” asked Darkness, growing bored of fighting.

“Sure, it’s getting pretty late anyways,” answered WonderSteed.

With the worst of the ringing finally passing, WonderSteed rose back to his hooves before helping his little sister do the same. Walking back toward the castle entrance, each gave the castle one last inspection, doubting either will ever return.

“I will have my revenge someday,” Darkness glanced over toward her rival, giving him a playful glare.

“I’m sure you will,” WonderSteed smiled while looking upward toward the descending moon, “I’m sure you will.”

The clock tower chimed thrice through the cold air of Ponyville, calling out to only empty streets and darkened houses. With morning still hours away, each citizen slept peacefully in their warm beds, but not all were sleeping so soundly. In a library located in Ponyville’s town square, sat a single purple dragon, unable to sleep yet again due to horrendous nightmares. “This really needs to stop,” Spike said to no one in particular as he rolled over to try yet again to doze off back to the land of dreams. Though this night, Spike would not be the only one with troubles sleeping. In a small two story house across town, came an echoing screech from an upstairs room.

“I will get you next time, WonderSteed!” yelled out a voice of evil.

As the house finished shaking from the booming voice, the door leading into the room slammed open, revealing a single, angry pony.

“Sweetie Belle, it is three o’clock in the morning. Will you please stop shouting and go to bed,” called out a very exhausted Rarity, her eyes bloodshot from the previous day's work and her sleeping mask crookedly hanging from her face.

“Sorry Rarity, I’ll be good.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile before pulling the covers back over herself, pretending to sleep. The door slowly shut, leaving her once again alone. “Till next time, WonderSteed,” Sweetie belle whispered again to herself before falling fast asleep.