The Price of Friendship

Chapters

Chapter 1: Three Little Fillies
Chapter 2: A Mothers Love
Chapter 3: When The Forest Weeps
Chapter 4: One Can Only Dream
Chapter 5: Mother Knows Best

Chapter 1: Three Little Fillies

Three Little Fillies

“You think your friends are really your friends? They say they are, but be honest with yourself, what do words mean without feeling? Would they stand by you regardless of the battle at hand, taking a stand against harm or unfortunate circumstances. You have no idea, I can see it in your eyes. You are feeling nervous now, saying to yourself, “What does this creep know?” I can only laugh at you because I could say the exact same thing. What do you know about me? Who are you really inside? I know more than you ponies would care to acknowledge, but I know where the boundaries are between thought and fear, and you are standing right on the edge. I see you staring lazily at this paper, my eyes peering through the shadows. Look around all you want, yet you'll never find me. Who am I you might ask, that's a interesting question, but I don't think I know you enough to give you that answer. Is your subconscious slowly pushing it's way to your head? You feel shivers down your flank. You feel that cold chill down your neck, and my whispers in your ear. You better leave soon because if you dont, I'll be the last thing you see.”

The Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle laughed loudly, “Pfffft! What is this bologna!” they said in unison, crumbling up the paper as they tossed it on the ground. Applebloom scratched her head in confusion “Ima be honest with y'all. I didn't get half those words!” she said with a fake smile, the others looked at her with blank stares, “What..?!” she said, annoyance growing in her expression, but the others just snicked and walked on. They were exploring Zone 1, the first layer within the Everfree Forest, and although it was off limits to young fillies, it was virtually harmless. Sweetie Belle pointed to a big rock about thirty feet in front of them, she raced to it jumping on top, “Girls! Hehe, guess who I am!” she shrieked wrapping her hooves around it trying her best to imitate her big sister, “Blah blah blah, diamonds, blah blah, fabric, blah blah, prince charming.” The three began to laugh again, it was such a wonderful day to spend with friends. The sun was out, the setting was beautiful, and nopony knew where they were. Nopony at all.

A couple hours passed and they were laying on their backs gazing at the sky, birds flew gracefully in the summer wind, and clouds painted the scene like it was a canvas. They all smiled at each other, “You know, guys..” Scootaloo spoke up, “You are probably my best friends ever. I'd do anything for you all”, she turned to look at her friends who were smiling happily, “And I'm thinking of quitting Cloudsdale's School For Gifted Fliers..” her words became softer and she turned away from the group. Applebloom got up and put her hooves on her flank, “You gotta be kiddin' me! You'll be a riskin' yer whole life! Why in the world wouldja wanna do that for!” she glared at the young pegasus as she spoke up, but she knew Scootaloo wasn't listening. Sweetie Belle sighed and sat up, “Scoot, what would giving up your whole flying career be worth!” she said trying to reason with her, but Scootaloo kept her back turned. The sky began to turn pink as took it's first steps to into night.

A few moments passed and Scootaloo turned around with tear stained eyes, “C-Can you all keep a secret...” she sounded ashamed of herself, “Of course! Whatsuh matter?” Applebloom spoke up fearing for her friend. Her head hung low as she continued, “.. It's t-the flight instructor..he..he always keeps me after..he says he wants to teach me more, but he doesn't..” her face was bright red as a thin line of tears raced down her cheek, “..He touches me..in bad place..he tries to kiss me too.” her head hung low as tears fell onto the ground “And he told me that if I ever told anyone he'd fail me for good..that he'd hurt me.” the last words flowed out of the young fillies mouth as she collapsed into Sweetie Belles lap. The two fillies were shocked at what their friend had just told them, and they softly lifted the weeping foal into their arms and hugged her tightly, “Shh..don't cry, buddy, we'll figure it all out I promise! Friends to the end.” Sweetie Belle said with added reassurance, and Applebloom nodded stroking her mane. The sun sank lower beneath the horizon, and before they knew it, darkness found it's home in the Everfree forest.

Applebloom jumped looking around, she shook Sweetie Belle quickly, “U-Uh hey, girls..” she said trying to get their attention. Scootaloo looked up and seen the moon baring down upon them, she wiped her tears away and stood up, “Let's hurry home guys..we've been here far too long. Ohhhh my mom is going to just kill me!” she said in frustration. The Cutie Mark Crusaders huddled together as the marched slowly to the exit of the forest, but something was wrong. They were positive they had reached the spot where Sweetie Belle had spotted the big rock, but it was gone. They looked at one another and smiled faintly, they couldn't explain it no matter how hard they tried, and they didn't want to admit that they were lost. They kept on walking in the direction they assumed was correct, their eyes wide as they peered through the sickening darkness, goosebumps forming on their skin as they heard animals growling in the distance. “W-Where are we..” Sweetie Belle spoke up, her head twisting around in all direction, “Shush! I got this” Scootaloo said looking around trying to spot a hint of familiarity, but to no prevail. Suddenly, Applebloom stopped in her tracks pointing at something in the foggy blackness, “Y'all are not gonna believe me..” her voice was hoarse, “But since when did tree's learn how to write..?”

In front of them was a sheet of paper, fresh as can be, nailed delicately into the crimson bark of an oak tree. They walked closer, and examined it more; carved above the note were the words “Three Little Fillies In The Dark All Alone.” with a winking smiley crudely etched beside it. The three of them looked at each other, as their bodies went cold. They were all thinking the same thing: don't read it, just don't read it. They stood there idly as the paper waved in the wind, then Applejack reached out and grabbed it. The other two held their breath as they gazed at her, “Don't do it! Just throw it on the ground” Sweetie Belle spurted out, but Applebloom rolled her eyes. “It's prolly just Applejack or one of her friends tryin' to get back at us for sneaking into the forest. They are hiding around her I guarantee yah!” she said puffing out her chest scanning the woods for any sign of mischief. She frowned and shook her head, not a single thing in sight, “O-Or not.”

Applebloom look at the others, then forced her eyes onto the paper, squinting as best she could and read to herself,“But Each False Step Brings Them Farther From Home. They Shiver. They Cry. They Go West. They Go East, But Sooner Or Later They'll All Face The Beast.” Applebloom's heart stopped and she zoned out, her friends' lips were moving as they tried to signal her, but the fear had completely overtaken her body. Scootaloo frowned, “I said what does it say? What's the matter with you?” she said tilting her head to the side, but Applebloom just stood staring off into space, the paper slipping out of her hands drifting softly into the underbrush. Sweetie Belle knelt down to pick it up, when Applebloom's hooves, suddenly, slammed down upon the note with urgency, “Don't..” she whispered, as Sweetie Belle cowered away slowly. Scootaloo gulped and turned to face Applebloom, “R-Relax..besides..I think we better get moving.” she said, her confidence dwindling away. Although hesitant, they all agreed it was best the continue. Hopeful, they took one last look around, praying that it was all a joke, and that somepony was going to come for them and take them home. When the unsettling disappointment sat in, they continued walking into the thick foliage.

Fanged teeth grinned from the cover of darkness, as something watched the girls prod off into their inky demise. Nine hours until daylight and yet there was so much to do. It leaped onto a tree branch and began to pursue them. It was hungry, but first it still had it's games to play. A split tongue slid against velvet lips. This wasn't the first time something waltzed foolishly into it's domain, for not more than three years ago a young mare came in looking for something to surprise her boyfriend with, a flower of some sort. It slid behind, its tail puncturing her spine as it ruptured out from her stomach, her body alive as she fingered her wound gasping for life. The something flung it's victim to the ground as she tried to crawl away, but it wouldn't allow it. The creature slowly mounted her as it slid it's bulbous penis inside her innocent cunt, her screams bellowed out as it tore her apart from the inside, blood gushing out from both holes. Yes, the memories were still fresh in it's mind, and soon those three would face a similar fate. Something squeaked from behind it and it turned around. The babies were hungry, and she nuzzled their bladed faces gently. Food was coming my beautiful ilk..coming soon.

"Three little fillies in the dark all alone, but each false step brings them farther from home. They shiver. They cry. They go west. They go east, but sooner or later they'll all face the beast.."

Chapter 2: A Mothers Love

A Mothers Love

The fog thickened around the fillies as the continued upon an uncertain path, huddled together like cows to the slaughter. Leaves crunched outside of their range of sight, the girls jumped with each pant and growl the mystic shadows spewed forth, “W-We almost there..we gotta be clo--” Sweetie Belle said but was cut off as she tripped over something. She landed face first into the ground, her nose cracking under the pressure of the fall, and she began to cry. Applebloom quickly lifted her up as she held her nose in pain, “Waaahhhh! I-I'm gonna die here aren't I!” she choked out of fear and pain, blood slowly dripped from what she assumed was a broken nose. Scootaloo frowned and looked around, “No..no of course not! I'll get us outta here, maybe if I just fly up to see through above the treetop we can get a better look.” she said to them flexing out her adolescent wings. Sweetie Belle shook her head slightly, cupping her nose as Applebloom tried to assist, “Yea, well, just hurry it will ya? She's really hurt.” Scootaloo sighed and began to take off. She didn't know if this was an adventure she'd always wanted, but right now adventure was the last thing on her mind.

Although young, Scootaloo was an adequate flier, she could fly for about ten minutes each hour. This is a surprising amount of time for a filly of such young age, even more so, one without a cutie mark. She took off, and gained height flying above the menacing fog. Ten feet, twenty feet, twenty-five feet, she thought to herself, struggling to break the canopy. “Almost there, almost there!” she said finally breaking her head above the dense leaves and prodding thorns. Everywhere she looked there was nothing, no sign of light from Ponyville, not even Cloudsdale was within distance. Her stomach lurched into her throat. How far inside were they? She closed her eyes, her friends couldn't be let down, and she had to give them some sort of hope. She'd lie about their situation, of course. Her wings began to tire as she pulled her head out from the treetops and into the forest once more. She peered around and stopped dead in her tracks. A shadowy figure was glaring down at her friends from a tree not more than 16 feet away, ten skinny legs waved silently in the fog. What was this thing? Scootaloo let out a frightened gasp, her hooves suddenly enclosing over her mouth. Oh god, she thought, what have we gotten ourselves into?

Slowly, the creature turned it's head towards Scootaloo as it's smile widened. She felt her wings begin to give way as the creature slowly put a leg in front of it's lips shaking it's distorted head 'no'. Her eyes closed and she passed out falling from the sky. Appleboom was using her bow to clean up the blood from Sweetie Belles nose when she heard tree branches snapping from above, “What the..” she said looking up as Scootaloo can plummeting through the fog. She immediately sprung into action jumping in the nick of time to capture the senseless pegasus. She began to shake her friend violently, “SCOOT! SCOOT! WAKE UP!” she begged thinking the worst had happened. Tears began to take shape in the corners of her eyes, but then Scoot began to move, “H-Huh..who's..Applebloom..?” her words didn't make any sense, but she was awake! Even better she was alive! “What in tarnations happened up there!” Applebloom said as Scootaloo began to gain her ground. The tense filly sat up and looked to the sky disheartened, “N-Nothing..we're going in the right direction..don't worry. I got this.” Sweetie Belle smiled relieved and got up walking over to her friends, “This is great! I think the bleeding stopped, but jeez louise it hurts still!” she said handing back the bow back to a reluctant Applebloom. They all agreed and began to walk on. Slowly Scootaloo felt something take form at the end of her flank, the image of mask.

Slowly they ventured into the forgotten bowls of the forest, and although they felt security in numbers, each of them had a hidden fear burrowing into their soul. Except for Sweetie Belle, she carelessly walked in front of the group expecting to be the first one to take sight of Ponyville, “Hurry up you guys! I wanna make it home before sunrise!” her bubbly voice emitted, “I wouldn't mind just makin' it home if yah'd ask me” Applebloom said rolling her eyes. Something pounced from behind them and they Applebloom and Scootaloo jumped. Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks and turned around, “Guys..?” she questioned trying to figure out why they had stopped walking. The two frightened fillies ushered their friend to her side, but she just laughed and shooed them away, “Seriously guys..what's wrong? Let's just g--” suddenly something jumped on top of Sweetie cutting her off. It dug it's claws into her skin as it's daggered mouth took snaps at her neck. The filly screamed holding back the beasts head, her strength slowly diminishing as the monsters strong back legs pushed further. She felt it's hot breath brush against her neck as it's tongue slid against her skin. The young mare screamed for her friends, but they remained in shock. The last of her muscles cramped and she gave way, the beast wrapped it's mouth around her neck. There was a loud bang and something wet dropped the ground.

Sweetie Belle clenched her eyes tight as the dog-like creature fell off of her. The top half of it's had had been blown off, it's brain matter painted the ground in sickening chunks. She quickly opened her eyes and gasped, kicking herself back till she hit a tree. “HELP! PLEASE!” she screamed, her eyes darting around for her friends who were nowhere to be found. Her chest heaved as she heard something walk up behind her, it put a hoof on her back, “Don't you worry about your friends” the male voice spoke, “You'll be joining them soon.”

Young Sweetie Belle kicked away the colt, getting up about to run as his hands grabbed her quickly, “Your dumbass goes running away in this fog, and it'll be worst mistake in your life!” it spoke up with anger. She nodded as her heart raced, “Please..I just want to get home..don't..do anything” she begged softly. The colt laughed setting his rifle against the side of the tree, “What are you talking about , Little One? I'm not going to hurt you. On the contrary, I'm here to save you.” he said releasing the panicked filly from his grasp, “The names Slingshot, and I'm probably the most confused pony right now.” he said in a soft caring voice, her two friends slowly walking out from behind him. Sweetie Belle smiled seeing the familiar faces and got up wincing at her wounds. The colt shook his head, “I don't know why you all are even out in these parts, but you might want to come back to my house and get yourselves something nice to eat, and clean up those wounds.” he said propping the rifle into his firing mechanism. The three of them jumped behind him huddling close to their only source of security and trotted off.

The loud bang had frightened the something, and it darted away from the noise hiding in the canopies above. It was so close to to tasting their flesh, however, there was a thorn in it's plan. The colt. It had seen the male before, a skill marksmen paid by privately owned security contractors in Ponyville. His main goal, to rid Zone 1 of the evils that lurked so that they might be able to colonize it. The something always kept a close eye on him, but it feared for it's life of the danger he possessed. It had to hold off for awhile, suffice it's appetite on something less appealing.

A young doe frolicked playfully in the summer night, her new born fawn walking clumsily after her. The mother softly licked at her child's face content with what she had brought into the world. Her baby brushed it's head against her mothers side and cried in happiness. The something grinned in the darkness, small feeble animals, but they would do well. It jumped from the cover of black an slammed it's legs into the doe's groin, an instant death as the sharp, barbed hooks cut away at her vital organs. Blood poured out of the wound, splashing the earth as it's ilk scuttled from beneath the ground burrowing their selves into it's flesh eating it apart from the inside. The fawn shrieked loudly as it attempted to escape, but nothing escapes from the something. It grabbed the fawn be the back leg and hovered it over it's mouth; it kicked wildly crying out to a mother it no longer had, and slowly it's time in the world ended. The nothing slashed it's teeth through the fawn tearing it in half. Bile escaped from the twitched rear of the corpse as it swallowed the succulent taste of blood and despair. It's ilk began to chitter to each other as they fought over the remaining bits of the doe. It smiled at the though, they were learning, and one day they'll grow up to be just like their mother.

"Slingshot's the kinda colt who could kill and Ursa Major in three minutes, but when it comes to a mare, he can kill the conversation in three seconds."

-General Morningstar, Equestrian Royal Guard

Chapter 3: When The Forest Weeps

When The Forest Weeps

The colt humbly escorted the three fillies to his cabin which was not more than ten minutes away. He smiled as their eyes beamed at the sight, “No way! Oh my gosh, mister! Thanks a lot!” Sweetie Belle shrieked in joy. He smiled and shook his head, “Don't thank me, Little Ones. You still have a life ahead of you. Don't want any future princesses getting torn apart by no Jaggerwolf!” he laughed winking at the trio. The three of them giggled and walked inside. He took aside young Sweetie Belle and cleaned her wounds, bandaging them up much to her appreciation. She thanked him a soft hug and waddled off to her friends. The room was well lit, and furnished lavishly for a home out in the middle of nowhere. Applebloom, scanned the room in pure astonishment; it was littered with any type of weapon you can imagine: Swords, knives, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and there was even a cannon propped up in a corner. The stallion stretched his legs, “You girls make yourself at home. I am going to get you guys some fresh grub! Sound good?” he said walking off into a separate room. The girls couldn't believe their luck, they were finally safe from harm!

Scootaloo grinned wide-eyed, “Dude, no way! Look at all this stuff! H-He must be some sort of secret agent for the princess. I bet he can teleport..” she said trailing off in wonder. Applebloom nodded quickly, “Yeah, yeah! And he can, uh, back-flip and prolly beat up anything I might reckon!” Sweetie Belle giggled at her friends, “I wonder if he has a wife?” she said entering the same stupor as the others. A laughed erupted from behind them as the stallion spoke up, “Well..if you must know..” the girls turned around quickly and blushed deep red. Slingshot handed each of them freshly made soup, chuckling to himself as they gobbled it down in an attempt to subdue their embarrassment. He pulled over a pillow and took a seat, “You all have no idea how much danger you were in do you?” he began, “I'm sure everyone you know is in a mighty panic, and although I do like company every now and then. I wish it was under more enjoyable circumstances.” the girls looked at each other frowning, then continued to devour their meal. “Girls.” he thought, and to think I was bad with woman.

After their meal, Sweetie Belle walked up to the colt tugging at his jacket, “Slingshot, sir, but what are you even doing out here?” he looked down at her as he cleared off the table scraps, “Well..I'm here to make room for the Ponyville expansion.” he said trying not to include the grisly details. She smiled nodding in attention her eyes glistening in the candle light; it made the colt feel uncomfortable. “WELLLP!” he said with emphasis, ushering the fillies to his bed, “You all better be getting to sleep! The sun rises in eight hours and I want you girls in tip top shape! No excuses, now get.” they didn't bother complaining, for they were entirely exhausted from their frightening day. As they climbed in bed, he noticed something odd about Scootaloo. “Orange one, Scootaloo am I correct? How'd you get your cutie mark?” his voice was soft as he questioned her, but Scootaloo had no idea what he was talking about. Slingshot pointed a hoof towards her flank, the image of a dark blue, expressionless mask stared blankly from her hide, the filly suddenly burst out in sheer joy.

Applebloom glowed in happiness, gazing eagerly at her flank. “AHHH! Finally! My cutie mark!!!!” Scootaloo squealed. Sweetie Belle frowned, her eyes darting to her own plain flank. It wasn't fair, what did she even do to deserve that? Scootaloo was dancing around the room as Slingshot pressed on, “How'd you get it exactly? I've never seen anything like it before.” the words made Scootaloo stop in her tracks. “Probably because of how much I helped us out today.” she said, full with pride. Sweetie Belle didn't buy it, “Surrree..like falling from the sky and almost dying helped us so much” she spoke up with a tense tone, “And falling on your face helped any better” Scootaloo said defensively. Sweetie Belle fumed turning her back away from her friend, she wasn't in the mood for braggarts. Applebloom just shook her head pulling the covers up and snuggled in, closing her eyes. The colt walked to the edge of the room and blew out the candles, then there was darkness once again.

Slingshot walked to the front door and stepped outside, it had been one hell of a day. He fiddled for a cigarette out of his pocket and lit it up taking in a deep breath. The nicotine felt good, and his body agreed with him. He exhaled watching the smoke vanish in the caustic environment, a stifled howl erupting from the wood line, but he payed no attention. The creatures around here knew better than to fuck with an alpha. He took another drag, as a second howl pierced the silence, “Hmm, those Jaggerwolves sure are up to something exciting tonight” he pondered, pulling out his revolver just in case. He checked to make sure it was loaded when multiple whelps and howls echoed at what felt like only thirty yards away. He threw his cigarette butt to the ground and stomped on it with his hoof, “Now what's going on you little shits..trying to team up on me again?” he unharnessed another revolver and scanned around, “Come on you little cocksuckers come and ge--” before he could finish a large fur covered body flew from the cover of darkness and slammed into the side of a cabin. Slingshot jumped in surprise, quickly aiming his pistol whatever attacked his cabin.

What he saw shocked him, a Jaggerwolf flopped dead on the porch, it's skin was gone and it was shaking intensely; it's hind legs appeared to of been shattered from the force of the impact and it emitted a low pitched wine. He examined it puzzled, trying his best to come up with and explanation,“What in the hell..” he walked over to the creature and sighed wrapping his hands around it's throat. Poor bastard must of walked into the wrong pack. He quickly twisted the suffering animals neck and with a soft crunch it died. He threw the indignant creature of the porch and resumed his attention to the woods, these little pricks were up to something. At this point the howls were significantly closer than before. His trained ear tried to hone in on their cluttered cries, yet it didn't seem like they were ones of anger, they seemed like they were of fear. There was a loud thud as something else flung itself onto the ground feet away, Slingshot couldn't believe his eyes. The beheaded corpse of yet another Jaggerwolf sat in a pool of it's own fluids. He tried to reason with himself once more, “Maybe a turf war, it has to be..” the colt said, as storm clouds began to take shape in the sky. He looked up quickly, muffled sounds of thunder momentarily catching his attention. Something was odd with the stars, he couldn't make it out, but they seemed black, and appeared to be getting larger. The stallion, took a step back after making a startling conclusion. They weren't stars, they were bodies, and by the look of it, hundreds of them. He choked on the midnight breeze as the first body slammed into the ground splattering on contact, a mass of flesh and bile plastered the damp grass, “Great Celestia have mercy..” the mercenary said, and that's when the bodies began to drop.

Sweetie Belle was walking happily through Ponyville, it had been eighteen years since she and her friends had gone through that terrible night, and tonight was the exact anniversary. Her soft mane swayed elegantly as she strolled to the local bar, for on such an occasion, alcohol was the best way to set yourself free and remember the good times. She thought about calling up her old companions, but decided against it, they were off doing big things; Scootaloo was a Class 3 flight instructor at some prestigious school, and Applebloom was busy managing the farm with her big sister, and for Sweetie, well, she was going to be too drunk to care. A smile grew across her face as she entered the establishment, setting eagerly at the bar, “Excuse me, but may I have just a shot of moonshine, please?” she raised her hoof as she ushered the bartender. The bony mare looked at her and nodded placing the shot 180proof alcohol in front of her, “A bad night, Sweetie?” he said assuming, but she just giggled, “No, just a little fun.” the bartender smiled, “No harm in a little fun.” Sweetie whole-heartedly agreed and downed the shot, as peculiar stranger sat down on the seat beside her. The bartender acknowledged the figure and walked off to deal with more customers, “Last time I saw you, you were downing food the exact same way” the figure cackled softly. Sweetie was confused, “And who might you be good, sir?” she said turning to face him. The gentleman took off his hat and smiled lightly at the mare, “Why it's the man who saved your life way back when, but you wouldn't remember.” Sweetie Belle immediately seized the colt in her arms hugging him tightly. It was Slingshot, and he looked as young as he used to be, his short jet black mane neat and tidy, and his hazel eyes just as beautiful as she remembered. He returned the hug and smiled at her, “So you do remember me, eh?” she looked into his eyes as she finished off another shot, “I never forgot, Sling.” she uttered softly. They stared into each others eyes for a few moment, “Neither have I” he said pulling out a pistol, and placing it between his lips, “AND NEITHER HAS IT.” he pulled the trigger as the back of his head blew apart, she shrieked falling off the bar stool, and didn't even have time to catch her fall before she woke up.

She shot out of a deep sleep, quickly looking around the room. It was all just a dream the relieved filly thought. Nothing terrible like that can exist. She reached out to shake Applebloom, but to her surprise, she wasn't there. Sweetie Belle looked around, as a gunshot echoed from outside followed by loud thumps and screams. Fear replaced her curiosity as she began to panic, “G-Girls? Applebloom? Scoot! Where are you guys!” she began to speak up in a worried tone, but no response. A small rabbit ricocheted off a window, a blood stained crack appearing in it's midst, Sweetie jumped backwards as more and more thuds began to riddle the cabin. She began to swell up with tears, “S-Sling..” she said through a soft sob, as another yell pierced through the thick cedar walls. There was a loud crack as if something slammed itself against the door in the other room, growls and laughter like a disease poured through the shattered blockade, and with another loud slam the door flew from it's hinges. The young filly looked around for a hiding spot, she knew not what was coming through that door, but she didn't want it to see her. She squeezed herself behind a large potted plant, and pulled it closer covering her whole body. Something shifted around as it entered the room, she held her breath as the being lurched through the doorway.

She could barely comprehend the amount of arms it had, all laced with fish-hook like blades, and it's face was decorated in the same fashion. It's wide head shifted around in bulbous motions, and as quickly as it had entered the room it disappeared. Her eyes darted around the small space in awe. Where was it..? What did it want..? Then the possibility of her best friends being dead flowed through her mind, and she let out a silent whimper. The world around her seemed oddly silent, then as if something was reading her mind a sand-papery voice spoke up, “Three little fillies in the dark all alone, but each false step brings them farther from home. They shiver. They cry. They go west. They go east, but sooner of later they will all face the beast. And when the beast came they all scattered in fear, but you cannot run when the something is here.” the voice stopped, and a disgusting distorted face appeared in front of the fillies only inches away, it's gnarled fangs flickered in the darkness, as it finished. The helpless mare screamed at the top of her lungs and the creature attacked.

Rules of Everfree Forest:

1) Never enter alone..

2) Never enter at dark..

3) Never assume you'll make it out alive..

Chapter 4: One Can Only Dream

One Can Only Dream

Applebloom held her hooves as tight as she could against Scootaloo's mouth, trying her best to silence the struggling filly. They had heard the commotion far before Sweetie Belle awoke from her dead slumber, and despite Scootaloo's attempt to try and warn their sleeping friend, Applebloom had been adamant against it, “T-There ain't enough room, we can't all hide 'ere!” she tried to reason with the dense mare, but Scootaloo wouldn't have it, “She's our friend, Applebloom! We can't let her there.!” Scoot responded just as strongly. That's when Sweetie began to awake, she called for her friends as more sounds of fighting erupted outside, Scootaloo went to call out to the frightened mare, but Applebloom quickly suppressed her. They watched in terror hidden beneath a mass of dirty clothes and bed sheets. Scootaloo fought back tears, and forced her mouth down as hard as she could on Appleblooms hoof, but she managed to hold in the pain. Suddenly, the door rammed open, and they spied Sweetie Belle taking cover, relief flowed through them, but the feeling went away as soon as the beast had shown up. It vanished in the inky blackness no sooner than it arrived, and they held their breath as they heard the grisly voice speak up from the thin air. Scootaloo's teeth sank deeper into Appleblooms flesh, but she held in her discomfort as blood trickled out, tears flowing down her face. Out of the darkness young Sweetie let out a small whelp, and the beast emerged from thin air grinning hellishly at the pathetic filly, yet the worst of their fears had only just started.

It lifted her up by here mane chuckling, “I've been following you, Little Mare, and now you will tell me where your friends are, so that they may finally get a chance to meet me just like you.” the something said holding her up to it's face, but she didn't respond. It frowned, or at least what looked like a frown, “My children are dying to meet you, child. I suggest you give me their whereabouts or you'll be the one playing with them” it's tone became more serious, but the filly couldn't muster up any courage to talk, her body dangling in the air. One of it's arms stretched out and slowly began to rub against the filly's flank, she gave off a whimper feeling it press against her skin, and began to sob “One last chance, blank flank, or your life will be over.” it threatened, but she just continued to cry. Applebloom was almost at the limit to what pain she could bear, her heart beating wildly as she tried to hold back a scream, for Scootaloo refused to release her grip on the arm. Instantaneously, both stopped, their eyes widened as they peered through the musty sheets of soiled fabric. Sweetie Belle was looking straight at them, tears tears seeped out of her eyes as she dangled from the beasts fingers, her lips quivered into a soft smile as she mouthed out five silent words before turning back to her attacker. I'll always love you guys she said, and both of them died inside, for they couldn't even say it back.

It wrapped it's barbed arm around her mane and scalp, and with a forceful tug, both were removed. Sweetie Belle yelled out in pain as her skin was torn from her body, her own blood dripping into her eyes blinding them. The something laughed hysterically, prodding another arm at the entrance of her anus. She shook her head no, her body already at it's limit with unbearable pain, but her pleas were disregarded. The something slid it's barbed arm into the hopeless filly's ass, the pronged blades tearing at her colon as it ventured deeper. Scootaloo released her grip on Appleblooms arm and they both hid their eyes from the scene, they didn't want this to be the last memory of their friend. Sweetie Belle gasped as if she had just broken the surface of water for a fresh breath of air as her bowls failed, urine pouring onto the floor. A silver tongue lapped at her wounds, as it's arm quickly removed itself from her ass, blood and feces spraying out with bits of flayed innards. She panted loudly her cries never ceasing as she felt her body go cold. It dropped her as she hit the ground with a hard thud. Sweetie Belle looked up through pain soaked eyes, the creature grinning back as it slammed it's foot into her face. The world vanished from her mind.

The something stood towering over the half dead Sweetie Belle, looking around the room as it spoke again, “Mother has a gift for all of her children” it seemed like it expected something to happen, but nothing but silence occurred despite the gasping mare. The two girls felt like they had held their breath for minutes, their lungs stung from the lack of oxygen, yet they refused to peer at the terror unfolding in front of them. The something looked down at the suffering mare and began to walk out of the room, “Stay put, I must check on my child--” the words were drowned by the sound of splintering wood. Half the house evaporated away as the something was flung through the debris and into the surrounding fields. Shrapnel peppered the whole area in all directions as the three girls were blown off the ground. From the dust and smoke a figure began to emerge, “You can stab me through the shoulder..you can kick me through a door..but don't you dare lay another filthy arm on one of these girls!.” Slingshot's words were loud and committed, the cannon propped onto his shoulder flaring red as he took aim again. He looked bad, his body was bruised and covered in blood, and his left eye was swollen shut the whole way. Applebloom and Scootaloo shook off the bits of wood and coughed staring at the colt awestruck. The something limped towards the woods, but with another well placed cannon blast the area in front of it erupted into more madness, “NO! You don't get to run! You die like your children!!” Slingshot yelled, his voice sounding more and more personal. The something stopped in it's tracks and turned around grinding it's hooked teeth, “What have you done! You will die for this you filthy creature!” the something roared approaching the wounded colt. He loaded his final cannon ball into his weapon and took aim. The something reared back and tossed itself at the mercenary with extreme force, he closed his eyes and fired the weapon at the same time. The world around them flared up with red flames and smoke and somewhere within the forest, the wolves cried to the moon..

Sweetie Belle had barely anymore life inside of her, she was laying hunched over on a rock as the crisis around her resumed. She groaned thinking about how much she'd wanted to do in life, and how all her hopes had vanished in the blink of an eye. Tears formed as she waited for death, praying it take her soon, and when it hadn't she just closed her eyes and began to dream. She always did love to dream..

She was back at that bar again, but things were different. Slingshot smiled, his hoof tracing across her cheek as he leaned in closing his eyes. The mare blushed as she did the same, pressing her lips lightly against his. The world seemed to stop for a moment as they kissed, her body wasn't in pain anymore, she felt a rush of peace and happiness. He deepened the kiss as he took her in his hooves, eyes gazing softly into her own as he finally spoke up, “It's time to leave, Miss Belle. There's someplace I want you to see..do you know what it is?” he said smiling, walking to the exit of the bar. The grown mare broke out in sobs as the door opened. A beautiful white light bathed each of them in a handsome glow, Scootaloo, Applebloom, and her big sister were standing there along with the rest of Ponyville. Suddenly, her flank began to glow as the image of two swans courting appeared. She couldn't believe her eyes, her mind flashed back to all the silly things she's done as a child to get it, and the memories made her smile. The crowd of people began to clap as they parted making room for the two lovers. For once, her life felt like it couldn't get any better, it felt complete. They reached an enormous decorated house as he softly gently let her out of his grasp. Sweetie Belle looked up at the handsome mare, and interlocked her hoof with his, “I know where we are going, Slingshot.” she said through a whisper, The mare nodded silently and opened the door. She knew exactly where she thought to herself, and uttered one last thing as all the pain in her past vanished in her personal bliss, “I'm home..”

Chapter 5: Mother Knows Best

Mother Knows Best

The forest began to burn as Applebloom forced herself off from the ground, the thick smoke mixed with the fog made it impossible for her to see anything. She coughed as she waved her hoof through the madness calling out to her friends, “SCOOT! SWEETIE BELLE! ANYONE?” her cries were left unanswered. Worry began to take root as she ran around through the unsettling fumes, “Guys! Where are you..Slingshot? Please!” the panic stricken filly pleaded, but still no answer. Was this what she deserved..? She thought about how she'd forced Scootaloo from rescuing Sweetie Belle, but it was to save them; it was justified! Her heart felt deeply for what happened, she didn't do it out hate! She was afraid, and if she wouldn't of did what she did then all of them would be dead now! Applebloom looked down at her hoof, it was swollen from Scootaloo's attempt to break free, and the teeth marks were deeply engraved. A whimper escaped her mouth as the pain returned, but still no one was answering, and that only meant one thing: Everyone was dead and she was the only one left.

Her head hung low as she walked past sickening carcasses through the smoke and flames, “I'm never gonna make it home..” the words escaped from her lips as she fought back tears. She was supposed to be the little sister of the strongest, most honest pony in Ponyville, but it turns out she was just a weak coward with as much honesty as a thief. She finally emerged from the smoke and took a look into the forest; anything was better than staying here, and she didn't care what happened to herself anymore. She sniffled as the thought of Sweetie Belle poured into her mind, how she'd did nothing to help her now dead friend. A vision of the beast poured into her mind, but she was no longer afraid of it's image. She was more afraid of herself..she was the real monster.

Slingshot was flat on his back smiling at the sky. He didn't know what had happened after the blast, but he did know that both of his legs were broken, and he laughed. It's unsettling how much you think about your life when it's hanging from the last strand, yet it's even more unsettling to laugh about it in the face of your own mortality. The something had to be dead he thought, but he didn't have the strength to stand and check, and he couldn't leave those poor girls out there by themselves, so what could he do? He attempted to sit up straight, but the pain seared through his back and pelvis, “SHIT! That's not happening” he said through blood stained teeth and he laid back down. If only General Morningstar could see him right now, the 'Great and Powerful Slingshot', the most decorated soldier in the Royal Guard beaten by none other than himself. It would make a great book, he thought, and he laughed again..

Scootaloo propped herself against a tree, her heart was racing and she coughed up blood. The explosion had sent her a good dozen feet, and she was sure she'd broken some ribs. The filly coughed again and let out a whimper, the pain was sharp and she felt bone pushing up from inside her skin. Her head observed the scene; it looked like a massacre; bodies of dead animals littered the place, giant mortar craters engraved into the ground, and the flames scorched everything in sight. Scoot slowly took in a painful breath then exhaled, at least the monster is dead..and somebody will have to see the flames and investigate she thought trying to give herself hope, but that hope she'd once had die along with Sweetie Belle. She frowned thinking about her wonderful voice and personality, and how it had been Scootaloo's idea to go into the forest in the first place. How could she of been so stupid! This wasn't the bonding friendship that she'd expected and now they were paying the price for disobeying the rules. The hideous creature raced through her mind, but another image seemed to overtake it; it was herself. The something wasn't the monster here. It was her.

The forest felt abandoned, and the deafening silence made the something feel weary. It was always teaming with life even after it had made a kill, but why was it so silent now? It limped as quickly as it could to it's den beyond the surface, howling in pain as half of it's body was now either obliterated or burnt. It's dozen legs were now just four, and it's four legs were now just one mangled stump of bloody tissue. The colt had really dealt a blow against it, and now it was never going to recover, and neither were it's children, for it was all because of those pathetic fillies! The something halted it's movements to catch it's breath, it's bladed teeth slashing together as it let out an angry cry, “THESE FOALS WILL NOT MAKE IT FROM THE FOREST ALIVE!” it's vengeful voice bellowed, slamming a jagged arm into a tree, buckling it into the ground, “Mother will make sure of this! Mother always knows what to do!” the something said to itself through a gnarled smile. Mother knows best.

Finally, it was at it's den beneath the forest, miles of interceding tunnels and traps all set up by it were easily avoided as it crept upon the safest path. The something came to it's birthplace, a half mile wide cavern protected by a minefield of gems, “Mother!” the something hissed into the darkness, “Mother! I bring terrible news” it said again as the earth began to shake around it. Three red eyes roughly the size of the something blinked in the pitch black recesses of the cave, “You need not tell me of your failure, my child..” it's deep voice unearthed, “You have truly dishonored our kind with your defeat, and now my grandchildren had paid the price..” the mysterious creature continued, and the something backed away, “I am deeply apologetic mother, but the colt being I had underestimated!” the something said back trying to defend itself. The cave beast groaned, a glimpse of it's tree trunk sized teeth shone through whatever light managed to peek beyond the surface. It slowly leaned it's head towards the now cowering creature, “Three years old and you cannot follow simple instructions. You were to bring me the bodies of ponies, alive or dead! You manage to no only fail to do that, but to nearly kill yourself along with your offspring!” it's voice was increasing steadily, “You NOT only fail to do those simple tasks, but you treat it as if it were a game, you treat it as if it were a hunt! This is not a game, and even if it was, then you have broken the rules.” the cave beast stopped and the something was howling in the dark, “MOTHER, I MISINTERPRETED YOUR WORDS!” it cried, but the larger being did not listen, “If you break the rules there has to be a penalty. Perhaps you were not the right choice to bring me my lifeblood for the final attack. Pony blood is a sacred thing to this forest and you have soiled it with your petty child-like ways.” it tilted it's head closer to the fearful being and smiled. The something closed it's eyes as it's heart pounded away, “Goodbye, child.” were the last words it heard before death had delivered it to hell.

Applebloom felt something materialize on her flank as she ventured into the forest, the picture of a silver dagger gloated back at her. She didn't feel any happiness at it's sight, nor did she feel any amount of pride; it felt more like a reminder, a reminder of how much of a terrible filly she was, “I'm nothin' but a betrayer..” she said looking down, and now everyone who see's her (If she ever makes it out alive) will know how much of a despicable being she had been. She shook away tears and tilted her head up and a Jaggerwolf stood in her way. Her blood stopped flowing and she froze in her tracks gasping in shock. One by one more of the beasts began to appear circling her as if drawn to her location. Her legs began to shake with fear as she began to tear up, “KILL ME! DO IT YOU FREAKS!” she pleaded as if they would suddenly comprehend her speech, but they didn't seem to care about anything she did. She closed her eyes and stood strong waiting for the attack, but the beasts just kept staring.

“Fear us not, Hoof-foot.” a female voice spoke up from the crowd of wolves, and she quickly opened her eyes and looked around, “Who..who's there.” she said out of surprise, and the voice quickly answered back, “They call me the Keeper of The Forest, and I am the leader of the creatures here.” she said, as the circle of Jaggerwolves parted and something stepped forward. A larger wolf walked towards her easily three times the size of the others and from the look of it, walking on it's hind legs. It knelt down to the startled filly and smiled, “You have come at a terrible time, and we fear that not only you, but Equestria lays in danger." it said calmly. Applebloom shook her head at the nonsense, "What do you mean? S-Slingshot killed that monster..it's not alive no more..a-and how are you..talking.." the nervous mare said conclusively. The wolf being stood back up and glared at the moon, "There's a horde coming Hoof-foot and we must prepare our world for it's arrival." it said, but Applebloom still couldn't comprehend what it was talking about. "Pre-Prepare for what exactly.." Applebloom said softy. The wolf beast peered down on the filly and uttered one word, "War."

Scootaloo had been phasing in and out of consciousness for the past hour. Her breathing had become more and more sporadic as a rib jutted dangerously into her lung. She hadn't the will to cry, or she would be doing it right now, so all she did was wait. Maybe help would come, and she'd be a hero? A lone survivor? She'd always liked to be the center of attention, yet the only attention she'd die for at the moment was medical. She felt her body vibrate and spat another mouthful of blood up. Was this how it felt for Sweetie..? She tried to move, but the pain wouldn't allow her, then she felt herself vibrate again. It must be her body going into shock, the idea pierced through her mind making her even more depressed. She must be at the end of her rope. The ground began to shake again as cracks began to form, “No way..” she said through the pain as the earth itself split apart. Shadows rippled from the crevice as a giant conglomeration of black emerged from it's depths. Slowly, a mass of darkness began to take shape in front of her; thousands of jagged arms tediously emerged from thin air, a sickening bulbous body hundreds of feet tall replaced the cascading sea of shadows, and finally a grotesque misshapen head appeared amid the horrid calamity. With all the strength left in her body, she forced herself behind the tree out of the mysterious beings vision. Her rib pushed into her lung, piercing the delicate organ as it collapsed. Scootaloo closed her eyes as she began to lose consciousness one last time, but the death wasn't the only thing there to greet her.

To Be Continued...