Chapter 7

A Walk in the Forest

Grey felt something press on his chest as he slept. The weight seemed familiar, but odd. The man’s silver eyes fluttered open and he groaned. “Morning~” Grey’s pupils shrank as he recognized his roommate’s voice. He looked down to see Eris resting her chin on his chest. Grey gulped and felt his face turn red at the woman who grinned.

“Eris what the hell?” He tried to get up but the woman pinned his arms to his side and was looking at him with her spliced eyes. She was wearing a low cut brown T-shirt that was cut off just above her naval. The demigod was also donning a pair of short shorts of the same color. Her red spliced eyes had a glint to them and Grey was frozen in fear as she gave him a grin.

“You know you’re supposed to kiss a girl at the end of a date.” She said as she rested her chest on his and touched her nose to his. Grey only gulped at the words and felt his nether regions stiffen no matter how hard he tried to fight it. “Seems like you’re more eager than I am.”

“Eris I can’t-” The woman put a slender finger on the man’s lips.

“Shhh.” Her voice was in a seductive tone and she leaned in closer so that Grey could feel her breath on his lips. He felt wet. Not on his lips all over and the wall collapsed to reveal a torrent of water crashing through.

Grey’s eyes snapped open just in time to see Eris empty a pale of water onto him. Grey flopped out of bed like a fish out of water and coughed. He looked up at Eris who was still in her pajamas and had a pissed expression on her face.

This a dream too? The girl walked over to him and slapped him hard across the face. Nope, this is real. He said as the pain hit him like a freight train. His wet skin only added to the sting factor.

“Jerk!” The woman yelled as she grabbed another bucket and splashed him for a third time.

“What the fuck was that for?” He yelled as he wiped the water from his eyes.

“For ditching me last night!” She growled. Grey looked at the clock and saw it was only ten past eight.

“Why did you wake me up so damn early? It’s Sunday.”

“My dad said that he needed to see you in Celestia’s office.”

“So you decided to wake me up with water?” Eris shrugged at the words as she grinned. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.” She grabbed a fourth bucket and splashed it on the man.

“I’m already awake damn it!”

“I know. I filled up four buckets and I hate to waste.” She chuckled. Eris snapped her fingers and made the water on the floor dry up. Grey grabbed a pair of Jeans and a red shirt before going into the bathroom.

Right now I wish I was dealing with the Eris in my dre-

Whoa! Slow down moron. She’s DISCORD’S daughter! You wanna end up as a shrimp puff for the rest of your life? Grey shivered at the thought and turned on the hot water. Eris leaned against the door and listened as the water hit the man’s chest.

“You know you were mumbling something in your sleep before I splashed you.” She innocently stated.

“Oh really?” He said in a drawn out tone as the warm water went against his skin.

“You called out my name.” Grey gulped as he remembered the dream. “Why?”

“I had a dream that I was being strangled by a fifty foot, cross eyed python.” He lied. “You right?”

“You’re so sweet.” She said as Grey turned the water off and dried his messy black hair. He quickly got dressed and made his way out to see Eris dressed as well.

“Coming?”

“And miss you get in trouble? Not a chance.”

“Fuck you.”

“When? I’m free anytime.”

“Not like that!” He said as he face palmed. Grey made his way out of the dorm and made his way towards the offices. He saw several student wandering about the hallways with bored looks on their faces. Soon the two arrived at the office and entered to see the Princesses, Discord, Twilight, Trixie and Ditzy standing around the room.

“Morning Grey.” Discord stated. The man gave him a nod and yawned.

“So whatcha need?” Grey asked as he scratched his head.

“According to Twilight here, you and Ms. Ditzy Do had an encounter with an unsavory character.” Luna stated in a refined tone.

“You mean the punk who tried to jump her right?” Ditzy gave a nod. “What about him?”

“I heard that you were injured.” Celestia stated.

“I’m fine.” He groaned.

“Regardless we’d like to give you a check-”

“Oh for the love of Pete.” Grey grunted and tapped his wand to his shirt. The fabric vanished leaving his skin exposed. Twilight and Trixie blushed as they remembered the accidental walk in from yesterday. Eris made growling sound and smirked at the show.

Grey’s body was more toned than muscle bound, if you squinted then you could make out the faint six pack. “See? No injuries.” He said as he turned around. “I’m fine.” The man then performed three push ups. Grey waved his wand and his shirt appeared back on his body. “Can I go now? I have a schedule to keep.” His tone was filled with impatience. Celestia and Luna frowned at the words and the sun goddess gave a sigh of dismissal.

“I suppose, but be careful.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” He said before leaving the room with Eris following close behind. Celestia folded her hand and rested her chin on the ridges of her fingers. Celestia let out a long sigh and looked at Twilight and Trixie.

“Twilight, Trixie.” Both students looked at the Princess. “Follow him.”

“Of course Princess.” Twilight stated as she and Trixie left the room to follow the gray eyed mage.

Grey made his way down into the surrounding town. The kitchens at the school were closed on Sunday so the students were left to their of devises and Grey was out of ingredients. Grey and Eris stopped in a place called the Sugar Cube dinner and saw Pinkie behind the counter.

“Hey!” She yelled in her typical Pinkie manner and gave a large wave. Grey sat down at a booth with a menu in his hands. The man ordered a plate of eggs and bacon. Twilight and Trixie snuck inside and took a booth in the corner. Twilight adjusted her position so she could see the back of Grey’s head.

“Why are we doing this?” Trixie complained.

“Because Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told us to.”

“So you always do what you’re told?” The scholar gave the performer a frown and looked over her shoulder at the man who was sipping his coffee and Eris was munching on some pancakes.

“Looks like someone likes pancakes.” Grey said in a teasing tone.

“Shut up!” Eris said as she made a pouting face.

Daww. So cute. Grey couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. The man picked up his fork and was reaching for the syrup drowned flapjacks only to have his fork stuck in the table. Eris let out a hiss like an angry cat would make as she pointed her fork at the man. Sheesh fine. Grey’s eggs and bacon soon arrived and he started to eat.

The two finished their food and the two girls were on their tail again. Eris wandered off on her own while Grey continued through town. The two girls saw him turn down a street and they hurried after him. Both girl looked in shock when they saw the empty ally way.

“Where did he go?” Trixie said as she stamped her feet. The two girl felt something grab the back of their shirts and pulled them into the adjacent alley way. Both girls squealed as they hugged one another. The two looked to see the silver eyed man with his arms crossed.

“Why are you two following me?” The man had a ‘no nonsense’ look on his face and his eyes were ready to pick out the slightest indication of a lie.

“We weren’t-”

“Oh spare me Sparkle. I could hear you coming a mile away.” The man then felt something in his pocket and pulled out a yellow gem. Grey ran his magic through it and the image of the alchemy seller appeared. “Hello Elixir.”

“Hey Grey. Are ya busy?” Grey looked at the two girls and turned around so his back was facing them.

“No. Why?”

“Things are picking up here and I’ve run out of spite wasp venom.” He said with a sigh. “Think you could get some from the Sage Forest?”

“No problem. How much do you need?”

“Three vials worth.”

“I’ll have it by the end of the day.” The man cut the magic flow and pocketed the gem and turned back to the girls. “Sorry ladies, but business beckons.” He waved his wand and a small bag filled with three full and empty syringes, along with a an empty glass jar. The three full syringes were filled with yellow fluid.

“Wait!” Twilight said. “I have questions to ask.”

“You can walk and talk can’t you?” He said as he started to make his way back towards the market street. The two girls rolled their eyes and went after the man. Twilight and Trixie were tailing behind him. “So what do you want to know?”

“Why did you take down that mugger last night?” Grey looked over his shoulder at the indigo haired scholar.

“No one was around and I reacted.” His tone was flat like plywood.

“What about the police?” Grey gave a grunt at the performer’s comment. “Something wrong?”

“Cops and guards are useless.”

“Excuse me?” Twilight said in a shocked tone. “How can you say that?”

“Cause it’s true.” Grey stated. “Where I’m from the guards are non-existent, so everyone polices themselves. The guards don’t bother setting up stations down below the Osiris, so crime is a constant problem.”

“So how do you prevent it?”

“Prevent?” Grey chuckled. “There is no way to prevent crime, just control it.”

“Control crime?” Trixie asked in disbelief. The three were soon approaching the city limits and the buildings grew smaller and smaller. Grey ran a hand through his messy black hair and bit his lip.

“The Osiris is like a pie, broken up into six slices, for each piece there’s someone in charge that controls the crime with their own personal militia.” Grey explained.

“How does one control crime? I mean, the Osiris is home to some of the most horrible criminals known to-” Twilight stopped when she felt the silver eyes of death on her. Grey’s eyes were like two steel tipped arrows ready to be released. “Sorry, what I meant was if there’s as much crime as you say then how do they handle it?”

“That’s easy, fear.” Both girls looked at one another in confusion. “The most basic human emotion is the easiest to control.” Twilight still looked confused. “Break the rules they have in place and you’ll regret it.”

“How?”

“If you steal something, they brand you.” Twilight gulped. “A big letter T on the palm.” He said as he pointed to his right hand. “First offense anyway.”

“What about second?” Trixie asked.

“Let’s just say, that you’d better be ambidextrous.” Twilight cringed at the thought and rubbed her right wrist.

“So it’s run by a bunch of thugs.” Trixie stated.

“They’re a strange lot, but they mean well and have strict rules in place that are enforced.” He said as he scratched his chin. “Things were a whole lot worse before the war and the six realms.”

“What war?” Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow. Grey stopped walking and pulled out his wand.

“You two have your wands?” Twilight nodded and pulled out her lavender colored wand from the holster on her belt. Trixie rolled her eyes and pulled her’s from her right sleeve. “Good, cause we’re here.” The two looked ahead and saw rows and rows of massive trees of all different species, sizes and shades of green. The interior of the forest was covered by the green canopy. Insects could be heard as they entered the forest.

“Okay, everyone stick together.” Grey stated as he marched into the small jungle. “and don’t hesitate to use your magic.”

“What are we looking for?” Twilight asked.

“Spite wasps. They’re about as big as a great dane with stingers as big as butcher knives.” Both girls felt queasy at the words. “Use a stun spell on them and I’ll extract the venom from their stingers.” Grey waved his wand and summoned a small pouch. “If you two wanna go then go. I don’t really need the help.”

“N-no, I’m fine.” Twilight said with a nervous smile.

“You sure? It’s scary in there.”

“The great and powerful Trixie fears nothing.” The performer said in a loud tone. Grey rolled his eyes at the words.

“Fine, don’t come crying to me when you get stung. I’ve only got a few vials of anti-venom so be careful.” The three made their way into the forest and saw roots as big as their bodies and vines as big as their thighs. Several insects chirped as they went through the tall grass. Twilight was nervously shivering each time she saw an insect and Trixie was loving it.

Guess skirts really aren’t the best thing to wear while bug hunting. Grey thought with a chuckle. The group went deeper and deeper into the forest with Grey leading the way.

“You do know where we’re going right?” Trixie piped up.

“No, I’m just walking around in circles until we find what I need.” He said in a sarcastic tone. “I’ve been in here before and I know a bit about this place.”

“What is this place and why is it so creepy?” Twilight said as she shivered at the sight of a caterpillar.

“It’s an old forest that dates back to the Discord Era. Records also say that this was the birthplace for some other forest far off. Evergreen, Everfly, something with ‘Ever’ in it.” He said as he scratched his head. Twilight perked up and gulped as an all too familiar name came to mind.

“Everfree?”

“That’s the one. You know it?”

“It’s a stone throw from my house in Ponyville. I never thought that it extended this far north.” She said in amazement. A wide smile was on her face and the bugs around them didn’t seem to bother her anymore.

To think a few seconds ago she was ready to piss herself. He thought with a sigh.

“How much farther? Trixie’s feet are starting to hurt.” The girl complained.

And this one. He groaned. As if the world didn’t have enough bossy women in it. Grey squinted and stopped moving. He scanned the area and got his wand ready.

“Up ahead. On that tree in the middle.” Grey pointed with his finger and both girls looked ahead. Through the foliage the girls saw a large object on a tree. The object was as tall as a man and was yellow with black stripes. Large wings were sprouting from it’s back and a stinger the size of a large knife was protruding from it’s backside.

Grey saw Twilight shivering and heard her gulp in fear of the insect. “Okay this is how we’ll-” The man was cut off as an azure bolt of magic hit the giant wasp. Grey and Twilight looked up to see Trixie holding her wand out with the tip smoking. “What. The. Hell.”

“There, grab whatever it is you need so Trixie can-” She was cut off as she heard a several loud buzzing noises.

“Now you’ve done it!” Grey yelled as he glared at Trixie.

“What? Get the sample!”

“I can’t!”

“Why not?” Trixie yelled.

“Two reasons; The venom I need becomes spoiled if the creature dies and, when they die a pheromone is released into the air that attracts others. You just literally kicked the nest!” As the words left his lips the buzzing became louder and louder. Twilight screamed as she saw three more of the giant insects arrive. Trixie jumped back as the three hovered over to the dead wasp and their antennae went in different directions. The bugs then saw the three mages and their buzzing intensified.

“What now?” Twilight asked.

“Simple,” Both girls looked at the man waiting for a response. “we fight. Stun spells only and I still need those samples.” Grey pulled out his wand and aimed it at one of the creatures. A gray bolt shot out, but missed it’s mark as the large bug took flight and zoomed after the creature that had killed it’s comrade. Trixie raised her wand and shot out a bolt of magic and the giant wasp fell to the ground twitching.

Twilight gathered her magic and shot a purple bolt at one of the creatures. The bolt slammed into the tree behind the giant wasp, the beast leveled so it’s stinger was pointed at her. It’s stinger then shot out towards the scholar and Twilight ducked, but the stinger grazed her right arm. Twilight grasped her arm in pain and cried. Before the wasp had a chance to sting her again a gray bolt of magic shocked the large bug, it dropped like a ton of bricks.

Grey hurried over to the scholar’s side before downing the last one. The man reached inside his bag and pulled out a syringe with green fluid in it. “Okay hold still and think of something pretty.”

“What it that?” Twilight gulped at the needle.

“Anti venom.” He rolled up Twilight’s sleeve to show some purple coloration on the fringes of the wound. “Luckily you didn’t get hit too bad, otherwise we’d have to call the hospital. Now hold still.” Twilight gave a small whimper and looked away as the needle went into her arm.

The fluid went into her blood and she whined as she felt a tingling sensation. “I’m not my sister, but I did okay.” The man wrapper her arm in a spare cloth. Twilight looked at the man’s right arm and saw a wound from the stinger. Grey followed her gaze and injected himself with one of the antidotes.

“You two should be more careful.” Trixie said with a chuckle.

“Oh shut up.” Grey said as he walked over to the stunned wasp. The man crouched and injected the needle into the fleshy area above the stinger.

“How do you know where to stick it?” Twilight asked.

“When you work for an alchemist you tend to learn a few things.” Grey finished his harvest and sighed. “How’s your arm?”

“Kinda numb.”

“Then the antidote is working.”

“Can we please get out of here? Trixie is become bored.” Grey rolled his eyes at the words and gave a nod. The three mages soon made their way out of the forest and found themselves near the edge of town.

“Well, it was an interesting to say the least, but this is where we part ways.” Grey said as he looked at the two girls. “Get that cut looked at Twilight.” The indigo haired scholar gave a nod before vanishing in a flash of light. Trixie frowned at the man and stormed off towards the school.
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As soon as Twilight checked into the nurse’s office word was sent to Princess Celestia and Shining Armor who came as quick as they could. Nurse Red Heart, the school’s head nurse was just finishing putting a patch on Twilight’s arm when the door opened to show the three Princesses and guard captain.

“Twilight,” Her brother stated in a worried tone. “I just heard that you were here and I was so worried.” Shining said as he rushed to her side.

“Relax Shining, I’m fine.” She smiled.

“What happened?” Celestia asked Red Heart.

“According to her she was stung by a Spite Wasp.” The four adults gasped at the words. “Relax, she was injected with an anti-venom minutes after she was stung and is in no danger.” Celestia gave a sigh of relief at the words.

“What exactly does that venom do?” Twilight said as she looked at the nurse.

“Spite wasp venom is one of the most toxic venoms in Equestria. It eats away at the skin, muscle and anything else it touches.” The scholar gulped. “Thankfully that’s not the case here.”

“What were you doing near Spite wasps?” Shining asked.

“Grey needed to get some venom for his boss at the alchemy shop in town.” Shining raised an eyebrow at the words. “I along with Trixie, offered our help, even though he advised against it.”

“If you have the correct ingredients, then the venom can be repurposed into a powerful healing cream. Very tricky to make.” Red Heart stated in an impressed tone. “Apart from a wound that will heal in a few days, Ms. Sparkle is free to go.” Twilight got off the table and stretched her arms before leaving with the adults.

Twilight said goodbye to her brother and mentor before teleporting out of sight. Shining looked up towards Celestia and saw that she was deep in thought.

“Shining Armor, I have a mission for you.”

“What is it ma’am?”

“Find out all there is to know about Grey Newhope.”

“Consider it done.” The man turned on his heel and started to walk down the hallway.

“Oh and Captain Armor,” The man paused and turned to face the goddess. “please be discrete.” He gave her a nod and hurried back to his office as the three Princesses vanished in a flash of light.
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It was later in the evening when Twilight found herself in front of Grey’s dorm room. The girl sighed and gave a few knocks. The door soon opened to show eris standing with an orange tank top on and a pair of short shorts of the same color. The girl also had an Xbox One headset on her head that somehow tamed her messy hair.

“Need something Sparkle?” She asked in a tired tone.

“Is Grey here?”

“Yeah, just got out of the shower though.” Eris said as the man’s door opened up and walked up towards eris. Grey was standing in the door way wearing only a pair of gym shorts. There was still excess water on the man’s chest and wet hair. Twilight felt her face grow red while Eris grinned.

“Need something Twilight?” He asked in a calm tone. Twilight calmed herself and turned to face the man.

“I just wanted to thank you for giving me the anti-venom.” The woman’s purple eyes then spied several blue lines over the man’s chest. The lines looked almost like cracks one would see in an old side walk or rock. Odder still, Twilight was detecting traces of magical energy coming from them, almost as if he was...leaking.

“Yo what’s up with your chest?” Eris asked.

“Nothing.” Grey said as he threw on a wife beater.

“But your chest-”

“Twi as much as I would love to play twenty questions with you,” He said in a sarcastic tone. “need I remind you that tomorrow we have class? Wouldn’t wanna fall asleep in Cherilee’s lecture like Eris here.” The demigod shot him a death glare.

“Hey it’s not my fault those literature books are comfy!” Grey rolled his eyes and yawned.

“Anyway, see you tomorrow.” He said before closing the door in the scholar’s face. Twilight grumbled to herself before going back to her own room. It was a school night after all and she had plenty of studying to do.

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long. Real life troubles and the like.
Hope you liked it.