The Vanishing of Twilight Sparkleby WaitWhutChaptersIntroductionEntries: 3rd and 5th NovemberEntries: 6th and 8th NovemberEntries: 12th and 13th NovemberRecollection: AJ and RD's Scouting of the Everfree ForestRecollection: Pinkie Pie’s and Rarity’s Information Gathering Around PonyvilleRecollection: Fluttershy's Scouting, and Return HomeA New ConcernStory Updates!IntroductionThe Vanishing of Twilight Sparkle Twilight Sparkle’s house/library was on fire. Greedy flames licked the wood, leaves and the books inside and cast flickering shadows on the ground. The crackling of popping wood sounded loud against the quite backdrop of the dead of night. Ponies from all over Ponyville had gathered around to try and help put out the blaze, Unicorn magic trying to stop the fire from spreading while Pegasi drained rainclouds for every last drop of water they had. After about an hour, all that was left were a few flickering embers. Ashen-faced and exhausted, and sure the fire wasn’t about to start again, the ponies started to go back home, leaving five staring at the remains. “Ya’ll reckon we should go check?” asked Applejack. “I can’t see the harm. We might find something that will show us what happened.” replied Rarity. Although she didn’t like the idea of walking through the sodden mess of water mixed with ash, her friend’s well-being may be at stake. The five friends traipsed though what was left of the ruined building, seeing only the black mess of burned wood and books. However, one thing did strike them as odd. In the far corner, under a few beams and a pile of ash, Twilight’s desk was still in one piece. “How do you suppose the desk is still ok?” Today set out to be like any other day, if just a little bit special. It was Twilight’s birthday. Pinkie Pie was planning the party, Rarity was creating a most spectacular dress (she just couldn’t forgive herself for the plain old rag she threw together for her last party), Applejack was bucking trees ready to make tasty snacks, Fluttershy was taking care of some animals and Rainbow Dash had just finished her weather duties for the day, and was napping on a cloud. The sound of clopping hooves woke Rainbow Dash up. She peered from her fluffy perch to see Twilight walking by. “Hey there Twi, Happy Birthday! How’s it hanging?” Twilight looked up, and Rainbow Dash was quite shocked by her appearance. Her eyes were unfocused and had bags under them from what seemed to be a lack of sleep. Her hair was dishevelled and she looked like she could collapse at any moment under the pile of books she had in her saddle bags. To put it simply, she looked exhausted, stressed even. “Oh, you know, same old. I’m really busy at the moment, so I’ll catch you at the party later.”, she responded, giving Rainbow Dash a quick but weary smile. She hung her head and started traipsing in the direction of her home. The five ponies headed towards the desk. Rarity used her magic to move some of the heavier debris, while Rainbow Dash flapped her wings to blow most of the detritus off. The desk was in pristine condition. There wasn’t a single dent or mark in the wood, save the few splodges of ink from a dripping quill or spilt inkpot. “How do you suppose the desk is still ok?” asked Fluttershy. Fluttershy, being the most nervous of the five, was a bit unnerved by the immaculate desk. There was silence while everypony thought about it. Finally, Rarity spoke up. “Twilight used to experiment a lot. Maybe she used a spell on her desk in case something went wrong?” Even as Rarity said it, she knew this made little sense. If she was going to protect her desk, surely she’d protect her home too? She’d seen Twilight quite easily conjure up a force field to keep ‘Gabbygums’ out. “Ah spose there’s not much point pondering too much. We’ll never know. But more important is that we find Twi” said Applejack. After a quick look at the desk, the five set off to look for more clues. It was starting to get dark when Twilight’s party should have started. They decided to use the Apple’s barn, since there was more room, and they were less likely to keep the old folk up with the noise and music. Over one side of the barn was a giant buffet with cake and sweets that Applejack and Pinkie Pie cooked up, while the other housed many of the party games Pinkie liked to put out. Fluttershy was chatting to Rainbow Dash, and Rarity had already headed over to Twilight’s house to take her dress over. “Oooooo, where is she?!” Pinkie Pie asked restlessly. She’d been bouncing around since early afternoon, eager to get the celebrations under way. “Calm down, sugarcube. She’ll be here soon I’m s-“ CRASH! The barn doors just blew inwards, followed by a heavily breathing Rarity. “Quick! Come quick! Twi’s house in on fire!” Rarity gasped out, before turning and running back out. The other four looked at each other and followed. After an hour of searching, with the only light coming from Rarity’s horn and the Moon, the five friends decided to call it a night. Walking past the desk, Rainbow Dash stopped them. “Maybe we should have a look in there” she said, “I saw Twi earlier, and she looked pretty out of it. There might be a diary or something that’ll let us know what she’s been up to.” Rarity only mumbled something about privacy then trotted over to the desk. A faint aura covered her horn and she opened the draws of the desk. In the bottom draw was a book and a folder of some sort. Both covers were blank, and didn’t give any clue to their contents. “What do you suppose is in there?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I don’t know, but I think we should leave it until tomorrow. Even if they do contain a clue, if we’re completely exhausted we’re going to miss it, or be too tired to follow the clue up.” Rarity reasoned. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie started to argue, saying that Twilight might be in danger, but Fluttershy said “I think Rarity’s right. Besides, if we wait until tomorrow, I can ask my animal friends”. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash quietened, but still had a look on their faces that they didn’t like the idea. The five friends said goodnight and went their separate ways for the night. The next day, the five friends met after doing their respective duties: Applejack had apple-bucking to do, Rainbow Dash had to clear the sky and Rarity had a small order to finish. It was still a ways before noon when they finished, so they all met up at Pinkie Pie’s where they agreed the previous night. Fluttershy was the only one that hadn’t turned up. Rarity pulled the book and the folder out of her saddlebags and placed them on the desk. They all agreed that it was unlikely that they would find anything else at Twilight’s house, since everything bar that desk was burnt to ash. Besides, the clean-up ponies were probably there right now cleaning up, and checking the other buildings for damage. Rarity’s horn glowed with magic; they decided to open it as gently as possible, in case it was damaged somehow. On the very first page, it simply said: Journal; A Record of the Past Weeks Events. Rarity’s horn glowed briefly to the next page, which seemed to be some sort of introduction: This journal is a record of events that have and will eventually happen. Since studying an area of mythical beasts and creatures, I’ve found myself waking up in the middle of the night, flickering shadows in the corner of the room when there’s no light, and flashes of movement in the corner of my eye as I go about the day. This could be just my imagination after reading about some pretty…disturbing things. Again, it could be my imagination. But it could be something more. This is why I’m keeping this journal. Some entries may refer to a page of notes, an image or piece of research in the research folder. The five looked briefly at the overflowing, bound folder next to the journal, and then back to the journal. A bit more magic turned the page to the first entry. Entries: 3rd and 5th November Entry for 3rd November After many past ‘failings’ with regards to my encounters with ‘mythical’ creatures, and having to rely on my friends, such as the time I was turned to stone by a Cockatrice, I have decided the next step in my education regarding magic will be the area of Mythical Creatures of Equestria. This is to further develop my understanding of these creatures so that in the event I cannot rely on my friends, I will be able to take care of myself. As I have just started my research, this entry will be rather short. Please refer to Appendix A: Creatures of the Everfree Forest, where I will start my research, since this is where I have had most problems. Appendix A – Creatures of the Everfree Forest Cockatrice The Cockatrice can be easily identified as having the head of a rooster and the body of a baby dragon. What makes these creatures especially deadly is the ability to turn anything into stone with its gaze. This effect is reversible, as evidenced by me being here. From what Fluttershy has told me, the Cockatrice had started turning her to stone, but failed. Due to willpower? Her way with animals? Worth looking into further. Otherwise, avoid it’s gaze / develop a mirror spell possibly. Manticore Manticores are identified as having the body of a lion, a scorpion’s tail and a pair of wings. Whether this tail secretes poison is unknown. The Manticore is quite tough and fast, being able to take a kick from Rarity and being able to hit Rainbow Dash while flying. Slowing spells, cloaking spells and running away might be the safest bet. Tupla Tupla are very rarely found, as they live deep within the Everfree Forest, deeper than most ponies dare to go. Records and concrete information seem to be sketchy on this creature; some say it takes the form of whatever a wayward pony is fearful of, or that its body is actually gaseous. One final myth suggests that these creatures are actually created by the imagination, and that the stronger the imagination, the more power they draw from it. Unsure how to deal with this one; too little information. Possibly worth looking in the Royal Canterlot Library. Hydra Hydra resembles a large four-headed dragon, although it doesn’t seem to breathe fire or have the ability to fly, a rather odorous gas cloaks is body. Possibly toxic? Again, as with the manticore, slowing spells / running seems to be the safest bet. “Ah well, that didn’t’ seem too bad did it?” asked Applejack. Rarity was about to reply when the bell above the door tinkled. Everypony turned around to see Fluttershy walking in. She looked a bit flustered. “You ok?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Why yes, thank you, if a bit tired” replied Fluttershy. She trotted over to the rest of her friends and took a seat. Pinkie trotted off to get Fluttershy a cupcake and a drink. “I’ve been up since early going around Ponyville asking did they see anything last night. No pony noticed anything, but some of the animals told me about some fog. I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything more.” Fluttershy looked down and rubbed her hooves together nervously. “Hey, don’t sweat it. You did your best.” Rainbow Dash said, with an accompanying slap on the back, which brought a little ‘ouch’ from Fluttershy. When Pinkie Pie got back with Fluttershys’ cupcake and drink, they filled Fluttershy in with what the first entry said. After reading it for herself, Fluttershy remembered all of those scary creatures – except the Manticore, he was just adorable – and shuddered. “Everypony ready to move on?” asked Rarity. Everypony nodded and a faint glow turned the page to the next entry. Entry for 5th November Nothing much has happened since yesterday –“Must be why there’s no entry for the 4th” said Rarity – except I feel a bit more confident now I’ve read about these animals. I’ve worked on some new spells to help in case we ever meet any of these creatures again; a cloaking spell, a mirror spell for the Cockatrice, and spell that should make moving difficult. Other than that, studies are going fine, although a bit slower than before, due to other duties, and working on spells. I’ve learnt a bit more about some other creatures that habitat the Forest (see Appendix A). I haven’t been sleeping to well though, on another note. Keep having night terrors (see Appendix B), and these keep waking me up. Maybe this isn’t the place to write it. Maybe I should start a dream journal, keep everything nice and orderly. Appendix A Timberwolf A wolf that lives in the Everfree Forest. Identified as being made out of what seems like wood. Very fast and vicious. Also incredibly territorial, the wolves will attack anything that it sees trespassing. Safest thing will be to stay out of its territory. Failing that slowing spells (I can see that spell coming in handy a lot) and teleportation. Parasprite More of a pestilence than dangerous. Multiplies when fed. Not much else to say on the subject, as Pinkie Pie as already shown us how we can get rid of them. Appendix B Unsure if these night terrors are related to my recent studying. I remember having a similar restless night when Pinkie Pie went on about Zecora and her curses. Night Terror 1 First night terror; happened on the night of 3rd November. Details are kind of blurry. All I can really remember is being chased by a pony with no face, with a cockatrice on its head. Cockatrice for a horn, making it a Unicorn? Not sure. Everything else is too blurry. Night Terror 2 This night terror happened on the 4th November. This night terror was slightly sharper. Not detail wise, but there seemed to be more…colour to it. The details are still blurry. This one involved a faceless Pegasi, just looking (?) through the window. Except the wings were those of a Manticore. Maybe I shouldn’t study so late into the night. The table was silent. “Ya know, Twi did seem a bit out of it when I saw her. She seemed tired.” Rainbow Dash said. The table fell silent again, everypony pondering what this could mean. Entries: 6th and 8th NovemberRarity was the first to speak up. “You don’t think she actually went into the Everfree Forest to try her new spells out?” Fluttershy let out her nervous squeak, and everypony else turned to face her. “Well, what are we waiting for?!” yelled Rainbow Dash, causing the ponies on the next table to spray their milkshakes over themselves. They glared at Rainbow, who was just about to shoot off when Applejack bit onto her tail. “Shimmer down, Shally” Applejack said, unable to speak properly with her mouth full of tail. “Quite. Let’s finish reading the journal first. I’d hate to go into the Everfree Forest if we didn’t need to.” Rarity explained. Rainbow Dash settled down. “Oo, oo, if we’re gonna be here a while, let me get some snacks!” Pinkie Pie shouted. She bounced off, while the others looked through the other two entries. “Hmm. She was trying new spells” said Rarity, “maybe she accidently set her house on fire then?” Fluttershy popped her head up from under her hooves. She was still shaking after the thought of having to go into the Everfree Forest. “But that wouldn’t make sense. Surely she’d be back by now?” Rarity pondered that one. In the meantime, Pinkie Pie was hopping over two trays of sweets and drinks. She placed the trays on the table, and bounced over to her chair. Before she sat down, her impossibly long tongue shot out and picked up a cupcake. She put it in her mouth and chewed on it slowly, with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Mebe ith wath a ragun?” Pinkie said, spraying crumbs everywhere. Rarity cringed a little and pulled out a handkerchief, Rainbow Dash looked confused, and Applejack said “Would you repeat that for us?”. Pinkie swallowed what was left of the cupcake and said “Maybe it was a dragon? You know a big, scary, fire breathing dragon. RAWRRR!”. Fluttershy paled, but Rainbow Dash started laughing. “Ah’m pretty sure Ponyville would’ve seen a dragon” Applejack said. Pinkie went on to start one of her crazy theories, probably including how the dragon used magic or something, when Applejack shoved another cupcake in her mouth. “Maybe we should just read on” said Rarity. Entry for 6th November Not much to report. After researching a lot of the other wildlife and creatures, most seem to be harmless and pose no threat. Aside from Ursa Minors, which I’ve already dealt with, and Ursa Majors, which I’d have no chance of dealing with, there isn’t much more information about mythical creatures I can include. I was thinking about going to the Everfree Forest, maybe tomorrow, or when I got some time, maybe do some observational study. The night terrors I’ve been having are unnerving me a bit now though, since most of them take place there. I know they’re only night terrors, but still… I’ve actually decided to keep a record of my night terrors involving animals and other ponies in here. My logic behind it is that dreams – and night terrors – are actually your brain processing what you have learnt, and what you may have picked up subconsciously. Maybe noting them down will help me learn something I didn’t pick up or understand before. See Appendix A for details. Appendix A Night Terror 1 This one seemed to be a more detailed version of the first night terror I had, where I was being chased by a unicorn with a Cockatrice for a horn. Was practically the same dream, except way more colourful, not the greyish sort of colour it was before. I was being chased through Ponyville by the unicorn (?), when suddenly I ended up in the Everfree Forest. I can’t remember this shift happening. I looked up to see the faceless unicorn (?) staring (?) at me, so I started running towards the exit. Again, the dream shifted and I found myself running deeper into the Forest without realising. I remember turning around and there was nothing. Literally nothing. Just darkness. Turning back around, the faceless unicorn was just staring at me. Needless to say, I woke up, sweating like I had just sprinted the Running of the Leaves. I had trouble getting back to sleep after this. CRUNCH! Everypony jumped and turned around to see Pinkie Pie sitting there with a bucket of popcorn. They all glared at her and she held the bucket out. Rainbow Dash shook her head in a ‘Just being Pinkie Pie’ sort of way, and they turned back to the journal to read the next entry. Entry for 8th November Today has pretty well made sure I’m not taking a single step into the Everfree Forest. I had a similar dream to last night, except it went on for longer. I also had another one after that finished. I find it quite strange that I didn’t wake up. After waking up, I found myself sprawled on the floor, sheets a mess, and a pretty cut on my flank, and I’m not sure how it got there. Since Spike is on Official Canterlot Business, I have nopony to tell me if I was sleepwalking or not. The fact the house is still clean suggests I didn’t. It was still dark out when I woke up, and the window was still shut. I think I’ll stick to the book study. Appendix A Night Terror 1 Exactly the same night terror as last night. Exactly the same. Not much to add. Turns out the unicorn(?) is a dark green colour. Not a nice green, a sort of yucky green, so to speak. Apart from that, there weren’t any other details I noticed. Night Terror 2 That faceless Pegasi was back. I remember shouting out “Rainbow?”. After all, she does like to play pranks. They just hovered there. I remember blinking, and suddenly I was face to face , so to speak, with the Pegasi. It was in my house. I jumped backwards out of bed, got tangled up in the sheets. It was then I noticed that the Pegasi had spikes driven through its legs. He slowly come forward and landed next to me. Couldn’t get the damn sheets off, and he skewered me through the flank with one of them spikes. All I remember after that was waking up because of the pain. In hindsight, I must have cut myself falling out of bed. Everypony, except Fluttershy, who was hiding under her hooves – even just reading about it, she didn’t like the thought of anypony getting hurt – just stared in disbelief. “It must be a prank. It must. And a very scary one.” said Rainbow Dash. Her usual bravado had gone, and she was sweating a little. “Ah doubt it. If Twilight was gonna pull pranks, it’s probably be something to do with books or something” said Applejack, who looked just as uncomfortable. “Come ON guys!” shouted Pinkie, her mane and tail straight: she’d obviously been distressed by the reading too. Nopony was around to glare at their table this time. “We should keep reading! Twi could be in danger!” If Pinkie Pie is taking something seriously, you should listen to her.Rarity’s horn glowed again and the page turned. Entries: 12th and 13th November Entry for 12th November I’ve completely forgot to fill this in the past few days. Not much has happened in terms of my studies. In fact, I’m wanting to continue this less and less. You see, these night terrors are getting worse, when I have them, which isn’t often now. Because I’m not sleeping much. When I’m trying to fall asleep, I see the shadows around the edges of the room flickering, like something is moving quickly, despite there being no light, and nothing inside moving. I’ve also noticed it’s getting quite misty. I should probably ask Dash what’s up with that. These things are starting to creep me out quite a bit, hence the no sleep. Anyways, these night terrors. Exactly the same. Except the faceless ponies seem to be larger. The night terror involving the unicorn(?) as well has changed a little. The unicorn seems to be getting closer and closer every time. Considering I’ve only had this night terror twice now, it’s quite alarming. I’m almost afraid to fall asleep, just in case the next time I dream about it, it’s right next to me. I don’t want to think what will happen. Entry for 13th November I was caught last night. In my night terror. The Cockatrice turned the bottom of my hooves to stone, so I couldn’t move. And then started to turn small parts of me into stone. First was one of my back legs. The thing then bucked it as hard as it could, and shattered my leg into small pieces. I remember screaming and shaking, but for some reason, the night terror continued. It then started to rip my mane out with its teeth, not caring that it was taking some lumps of flesh with it. I started screaming more, and it turned bottom jaw and tongue to stone. And then bucked. More pain. And then I woke up. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried. After about half an hour hiding under the quilts, I got up and cast a barrier spell around the house. It was misty again tonight. My entire body aches, especially the leg and jaw that got ‘shattered’. The small rational part of me is saying that that’s just imaginary from the night terror, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to stay awake in case it happens again. “Well, that explains why she was so tired when I saw her, although, if it were just a couple of night terrors, I’d have beaten them up in my sleep.” said Rainbow Dash, bringing her hooves up, trying to summon her usual bravado. “Oh, that poor girl. I wonder why she didn’t come to us?” said Rarity. “Ah’m pretty sure she didn’t want us worrying about her.” said Applejack, “And look what happened the last time she come for help: we kinda just laughed at her. She probably thought we’d do the same again, considering they just be night terrors an’ all.” Rainbow Dash was re-reading something. “What I don’t understand is this mist. We haven’t scheduled for it, and it couldn’t have just come from the Everfree Forest, because otherwise the rest of Ponyville would be covered as well.” she said to nopony in particular. Everypony looked out the window. It was starting to get dark. “Well, maybe we should go home and get some shuteye.” said Applejack. “We still haven’t found anything important, and ah don’t think we will in this book. Tomorrow, me and Dash will go have a scout through the Everfree. Rarity and Pinkie; you go ask around town see if anypony noticed if Twi was acting strange. Fluttershy; you don’t mind asking your animal folk to keep an eye out do you?” “Oh, not at all Applejack. I just hope Twilight comes back soon.” she replied. With that, the five friends thanked the Cakes, and then stepped into the slightly foggy night. Authors Notes Ok, this ‘chapter’ was a bit shorter, but I didn’t want to go dragging it out so that any tension I might have built up gets boring. I also struggled with this, if I’m going to be honest. I’m trying to get the story to move along, but without rushing it, so I can build some tension. Any criticism and advice will be welcomed and encouraged, since this is the first bit of creative writing I’ve done in about seven years. Other than that, hope you’re all enjoying the story so far. Recollection: AJ and RD's Scouting of the Everfree ForestIt was quite late the next day when the four friends met up (Fluttershy had gone around to ask the denizens of the night if they had seen anything), and the sun was already low in the sky. Sugarcube Corner was shut, so they decided to go to Applejack’s instead: the barn had plenty of room, the hay would make for comfortable seating, and most important, they would have privacy. The five had already decided to keep what they found a secret from everypony else, since the things written in the diary had turned pretty disturbing. They would have got in contact with Princess Celestia or Princess Luna if Spike was still with them, but he was still in Canterlot on Royal Business. Unfortunately, Twilight hadn’t mentioned when he’d be back. And sure, Rainbow could have flew there, maybe not in ‘ten seconds flat’ like she had claimed, but it would have been pretty fast. However, Rainbow Dash was exhausted. All of the flying in the Everfree Forest had worn her out, and she was flopped on a bale of hay snoring. Even Applejack, who had more stamina after working all her life on the farm, was leaning back, hat over her face, her chest slowly rising and falling. Pinkie Pie and Rarity, who had the less arduous job of questioning everypony to see if they can get any information on Twilight’s whereabouts, even if it was before the fire: every little bit of information might help. They were discussing what they had found out, Rarity doing a double take when she saw Pinkie had pulled out a deerstalker hat, and was absent-mindedly blowing on a pipe that blew bubbles while she was listening to Rarity. It had been about an hour, maybe two since they got back to the barn, and there was still no sign of Fluttershy. Rarity and Pinkie started to worry a bit: they both knew how easily the timid Pegasi got scared. A loud yawn and the sound of rustling hay drew their attention. Rainbow Dash was rising, eyes still half closed, lazily flapped her wings and lifting herself off the bale of hay. She landed to the side of Pinkie and looked around. “Still no Fluttershy?” she asked, worry in her voice. Two shakes of the head answered her. She started trotting over to the door. “Where you going Dashie?” asked Pinkie. Rarity already knew. “I’m going to look for Fluttershy. She’s terrified of the dark, and she’s still out there. After everything that’s happened to Twi-“. She broke off, looking away, and opened the door. “But, she could be anywhere. How’re you going to find her?” asked Rarity. Rainbow Dash fluttered her wings, looking as though Rarity was a bit dull for asking. “But-“. Rarity didn’t have a chance to finish. Rainbow had already taken off. “Ya’ll should know how protective she is of Fluttershy” said a voice. Applejack used a hoof to push her hat up and looked at them both. “I know that, but still, after everything that’s happened, I’d rather not split up” said Rarity. Applejack nodded a few times, a strange expression on her face. Rarity looked questioningly. “Ya got some hay in your mane” the cowpony said, a slight smirk on her face. Rarity gave her a withering look. “I think we got more pressing matters than looks at the moment”. Applejack went to reply, when Pinkie popped up. “Oh, oh, oh, tell us what happened today” she said “then we’ll tell you what happened with us.” Not a bad idea, though Rarity. They could easily fill in Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy after. She sat back down and looked at Applejack. “Well, I’ll do my darnest to give the whole of it, but you might have to ask Dash about some stuff. She was in the sky a lot, including some places I couldn’t reach. We went into the Everfree quite early…” Recollection: Rainbow Dash’s and Applejack’s Scouting of the Everfree Forest Well, like ah just said, it was quite early in the mornin’ when we set off. It was quite cold out, so me and Rainbow walked, at least until she could get them feathers of hers warmed up. She said she’d be up in the air most of th’time, just in case we missed summin’ important. Anyway, we walked into the Everfree. Ah don’t mind telling ya, despite it bein’ mornin’ an’ all, the dark in the forest gave me the shivers. The fog didn’ help too much either. As the sun climbed a bit higher, the wind blew and started making shadows, makin’ sure me and Dash kept our peepers open. Like ah said. Creepy. Ah reckon about half an’ hour into the forest, Dash said she was ready to do her thing, and she took off. Of course, we were far enough in that the trees meant, as well as the sun bein’ blocked, Dash couldn’t fly as high as I reckon she hoped. Still, she got a respectable height an’ all, and she could see quite far ahead. The fog was gettin’ a tad thick, making it difficult to see too far ahead. So much so, I could just about see Dash, even with her mane being bright an’ all. Seems though workin’ with all them clouds didn’ affect Dash in the slightest. She started to veer of the beaten track, an ah followed, slowin’ down a bit. Last thing ah want was to break a leg in that place. Anyway, after about five minutes Dash landed and we were on the edge of a cliff. The cliff was a bit weird though, because it had a slope that didn’ look natural. Trees were growing out of th’side of it, and a little way down everything was just fog. Dash was squintin’ so I took that as she couldn’ see either. Well, Dash being Dash, she took off and flew straight down, slower than she’d normally go. A few moments later and she was back up. She told me that the slope only went a little further, and that it had broke away, leavin’ no way a Earth pony like me could get down without breaking summin. We decided to leave that, maybe come back another day an’ have a look when that darn fog clears. We set of again, deeper than ah reckon we’d been before. Aside from more an’ more flickerin’ shadows (did ah mention how darn creepy they were), most of the journey was quiet, ah’ll tell ya. Oh yeah, we found a cave. We went in, an’ is was pretty dark, but we could still see. Strange tha’. After a while, we could see clear as daylight. Guess our peepers got used to th’lack of light. The cave wasn’ all that interestin. It had a river runnin’ through it, and what looked like a stone table with a load of moss growin’ over it. Well, thinkin’ about it, that was th’only interestin’ things we seen out them woods. Like ah said, you’ll all have to ask Dash when she comes back. Up in th’sky an all, she migh’ve nothiced summin’ I didn’, wth all the fog an’ all. Author’s Notes Phew. That was difficult. Mostly due to trying to get AJ’s accent into writing. The next few chapters are going to be recollections of what the other five have found in their investigations. Credit and thanks to Krushnazag for the idea. Well, that is if Fluttershy and RD come back… Recollection: Pinkie Pie’s and Rarity’s Information Gathering Around Ponyville Author’s Notes Well, it’s been a while. However, college work is all out of the way now, and the only things grabbing my attention at the moment are proof-reading and a bit of artwork for Donceluzza’s My Little Amnesia, and the imminent release of Guild Wars 2. Not gonna lie, super hyped for it. All that aside, I’m hoping to get back on track with the weekly releases (already got the next few chapters panned out). Hope you enjoyed, and as always, criticism is appreciated, especially after this dry spell of writing. Thanks for following. N.B. With regards to this chapter, during the recollection, Rarity’s dialogue will be in italics, while Pinkie Pies will be in italics bold. Done this way so I’m not constantly saying ‘…said Pinkie Pie / Rarity ‘ The group sat in silence after Applejacks’ recollection. Of course, they would be asking Dash after just in case Applejack had missed anything, but since she wasn’t here… The barn door creaked. The three friends looked around, hoping to see the rest of their friends trot through the door. Turned out it was just the wind. Trying to rid herself of the anxiety, Applejack asked Rarity and Pinkie to go over what they had found out. Rarity cleared her throat a little before she started to speak, but Pinkie jumped at the chance to flood Applejack with all that had happened. “Oh, oh, well, we started in the morning, like you…“ Recollection: Pinkie Pie’s and Rarity’s Information Gathering Around Ponyville Oh, oh, well, we started in the morning, like you, except we had to be suuuuper sneaky about what we asked, otherwise other ponies might start to get involved, and we don’t want that since they might get hurt. Anyway, as I was saying, we started early, so we thought the best place to start would be Carrot Top, since she was always up early because of the farm, plus she lives close to the Everfree, so she might have seen something. But she said she didn’t so we mov... Now hold on there, Pinkie. That wasn’t what she said at all. Certainly, she said she hadn’t seen anything suspicious. However, she did say she saw some mist or fog coming out of the Everfree last week. Since she is also a farmer of sorts, she always keeps a record of what the Weather Patrol are going to do, and that week’s rota didn’t account for the mist, so she thought it a bit strange. Oh yeah, I remember that now. Silly me. Anyways, after we left Carrot Top, we went to see Der…I mean, Ditzy Doo, since we aren’t allowed to call her that now. Anyway, we went to see Ditzy Doo, since she’s a mail mare, and has to be up early. We went around looking for her, and we found her, so we asked some questions, and she said she didn’t notice anything, since she had the day off. Indeed. She said she spent the day down the park, since she didn’t get much time to relax. Hmmm, I can’t think of anything else. We kept asking around for a good few hours, until we asked everypony I knew, which is everypony in Ponyville, since I know everypony in Ponyville…Oh! Except this one pony. I hadn’t seen him before. I was going to invite him to one of my ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ parties, but Rarity cut me off… Quite. He was unusual since he wore a coat even in the sun. How strange. Anyway, it was a grey stallion, nothing too fashionable about him. We asked him some questions. He said he was just visiting, and then walked away. Quite rude if you ask m… SLAM! Once more, the barn doors blew open. Except this time, Rainbow dash stood in the doorway, panting. With the still form of a blood-covered Fluttershy on her back. The three stared in shock, before leaping into action. Rarity’s horn glowed and lifted the unconscious Pegasus off of Rainbow’s back. Rainbow collapsed to the floor, sweat streaming off of her coat. “What the darn hell happened?! And why didn’t you take her to the hospital?! yelled Applejack. It was a few moment before Rainbow answered, as she struggled to get her breathing under control. “Sh-she’s fine. I checked her over before we left. God…her cottage…” Pinkie stopped bouncing, and all three paid attention to the Rainbow after making sure Fluttershy was comfortable. “It’s…well…all her animals…that she was taking care of…even the ones outside…all dead… Recollection: Rainbow Dash at Fluttershy’s HouseWell, maybe I should start from the beginning. After I headed from here, I flew around asking had anyone seen Fluttershy. A few had said they’d seen her flying around, but nothing more than that. So I headed over to her cottage. As I got closer, all I could see around Flutter’s cottage was, well, death, I suppose. All the grass and plants, as well as them critters she was taking care of. Just, withered and dead. So I went into the cottage, and it was worse. There was this grimy stuff all over the walls. Oh Celestia, Flutter’s animals, all dead. Pinned to the walls. Blood everywhere. I went upstairs, more of the same. Flutter’s was on her bed, the only clean room in the house. And she was holding Angel. Bless him. Dead. Just like all of the others. She was sobbing, more in a state of shock than anything, I think. After some coaxing, I managed to get her out of the cottage. When we were outside, she just sort of…well, collapsed. I couldn’t just leave here there. So I balanced her on my back and flew over here carefully. That’s why I took so long. Oh yeah, flying over, I thought I saw somepony lurking around, but when I looked again, there wasn’t anypony there, so I guess I must have been seeing things. Another silence. These silences are becoming more and more common, though Applejack, when will the good times come back? After Rainbow’s telling of what happened, Rarity trotted over to Fluttershy, pulling a handkerchief out of nowhere. Applejack wandered off, just to come back moments later two bucket of water; one for Rainbow and one for Rarity. Rarity nodded her thanks, and set to work cleaning Fluttershy; she’d be in enough of a state when she woke up as it is. Being covered in the blood of the animals she was caring for, hay, the blood of any animal, probably wouldn’t help. Rainbow lay there in silence, with her head in the bucket lapping away at the water. The occasional sob could be heard between mouthfuls of water. Pinkie trotted alongside her and gave her a hug, while Applejack trotted off, returning with a basket of apples. After about half an hour in silence, with all the apples eaten, they decided to call it a night. Everypony decided to sleep in the barn; it was warm enough, and after what had happened over Fluttershy’s cottage, would probably safer. Still, Applejack walked over to the barn door and pulled a large beam down, effectively locking it secure. Tomorrow would be soon enough to ask Fluttershy if she’d found anything out. Recollection: Fluttershy's Scouting, and Return HomeBlood flowed all around her. It splattered the walls, and dripped off of the ceiling. Scraps of fur were strewn across the room... "...No..." ...From upstairs she heard a ear-piercing screech... "...No no..." ...She galloped up the stairs as fast as she could. She skidded to a halt outside her room, but the blood caused her to crash into the wall. A spear of pain shot through her wing, but it didn't slow her as she shot through the doorway to her room... "...No no no no no, please, no..." ...Angel was floating in mid-air, held aloft by a shadowy tendril. The shadow tossed the torn corpse aside and placed it's attention on her... "NO! NO NO NO NO!" "Fluttershy! Wake up! Fluttershy shot bolt upright, butting Rainbow in the head unintentionally; she had been shaking her friend when the screaming had started, and wasn't prepared for her awakening like that. She rubbed her muzzle and looked at Fluttershy. "You ok?", Rainbow Dash asked. Fluttershy didn't answer. As her breath was slowing back down to normal, she lifted her hoof and realised she'd been laying on a bed of hay. She looked around and saw she was in Applejack's barn alone with Rainbow (all the others had gone to do their respective jobs, while Pinkie went searching for more clues). The sun streamed through the bale hatch, but it offered no warmth as a crisp wind blew through the barn. She still hadn't completely woken up to shake off the confusion of how she got there, so she spread her wings to shake the hay out of them. She sucked a breath in in pain. "You ok? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" "Just my right wing. Feels a bit painful when I move it", Fluttershy replied. Rainbow moved to her right side and saw that a black bruise marred her usually unblemished coat. It ran from the base of her wing up to the first joint. She also noticed swelling around the base of her wing. That didn't look good; Rainbow had seen, as well as had, injuries similar before. But whereas she used her wings everyday, Fluttershy preferred to walk, so hadn't developed the muscular or skeletal strength to withstand strain. "Looks pretty nasty. Don't move it and we'll get you to the hospital as soon as". Fluttershy just looked at the ground, and Rainbow pondered what to say next. Subtlety wasn't her strong suit; that was more Rarity's thing. "Um...do you...you know...remember what happened yesterday? I mean, if you want to talk about it, that is. I'll understand if you don't. It can wait until we get back from the hospital.", asked Rainbow. Fluttershy looked up, her jaw trembling for but a second, before she clenched and took a deep breath. She shook her head, wiped away a tear and began to speak. "W-well, I started quite early..." Recollection: Fluttershy's Scouting, and Return Home W-well, I started quite early. I knew there wouldn't be many animals out, since it's Winter and they're all snug in their nests for hibernation, so I though if I start early, I can get back to you earlier. So, like I said, I got up quite early. I fed Angel. Oh, he wasn't happy with his salad. It was quite cold out, and a little misty, so I put my scarf on to keep me warm. I flew around for a bit looking for animals. It took me ever so long to find some, but I eventually found some beavers mending their dam after the wood broke from hoarfrost. So I helped them and asked them had they seen anything. They said that it had been quite misty lately in the nights. That was the only encounter I had with any animals all day, apart from the animals at my home. Since I didn't find out much, I headed back to my home to feed all the little animals I was taking care of. Angel probably hasn't eaten his salad either. Oh my. Well, when I got back home...blood flowed all around me. It splattered the walls, and dripped off of the ceiling. Scraps of fur were strewn across the room. From upstairs there was a ear-piercing screech. I galloped up the stairs as fast as I could. I skidded to a halt outside my room, but the blood caused me to crash into the wall. A spear of pain shot through my wing, but it didn't slow me as she shot through the doorway to my room. Angel was floating in mid-air, held aloft by a shadowy tendril. The shadow tossed the torn corpse aside and placed it's attention on me... "...Fluttershy? FLUTTERSHY?! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!", yelled Rainbow. She waved a hoof in front of her face, then started to shake her. Fluttershy just sat there, her eyes glazed over and a look of terror on her face and tears streaming down her cheeks. All she done was repeat "No" under her breath, over and over. A New ConcernApplejack had just finished her jobs around the farm in preparation for the Winter. The last stray apples were bucked and in a cart pulled by her, and all of the trees she was responsible for were inspected for canker. She was on her way back to the barn to oil the carts to stop rusting when she heard Rainbow screaming, her voice muffled by the wind. "FLUTTERSHY...HEAR...?!" Applejack raced towards the barn, her cart flying with her and jarring a few apples loose. Rainbow's shouting became clearer as she got closer, and she pushed the barn doors in with her front hooves. Fluttershy was sitting there, stock still, staring at nothing in particular and looking terrified, muttering something to herself while Rainbow was shaking her, trying to get her out of her trance. She run over to her friends. "Rainbow, what the hay is goin' on?!" "I...I...I don't know. She started talking about what hap..happened through the day. And the-then she kind o-of trailed off before s-she said what happened in the house. What do we do?!", Rainbow replied, stuttering. Applejack tipped her cart over and brought it over to the pair. Rainbow was still shaking Fluttershy. "Rainbow, ah need ya with me. Help me put Flutters in here and we'll take her up to the hospital." Rainbow just looked at Applejack for a long moment. The barn door creaked with the wind. Then she nodded. Between them, they managed to lower the stricken Pegasus into the cart. "Right. Right. Rainbow, you need to go get all ah other friends now, y'hear? Tell them what happened, and I promise ah'll get Flutters safe to the hospital." Applejack said. She was having trouble keeping her voice steady, but she knew panicking would only make things worse for Fluttershy. Both of them rushed to the door; Applejack taking her time as to not knock Fluttershy out of the cart and Rainbow a blue streak, kicking up bits of hay as she took off to alert their other friends. Applejack headed out of the gates when she heard Big Mac calling. "AJ, where're you off to? Supper will be ready in a mo...is that Fluttersy in ya cart?" "No time. Ah'll explain later!" she called back, going through the gate and heading towards the infirmary. Thankfully, it wasn't too far away. Rainbow flew at top speed into Ponyville proper, and was there within 3 minutes. Since the Boutique was closest, she dropped off there first. She dashed through the door, tinkling the bell. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where ever...ohh, hi there Rainbow darling. You ok?" she asked, noting that she was dripping with sweat and panting. "No. Flutters has been taken to hospital. You go on up, I'll get the rest!" Before Rarity could question what was going on, Rainbow had shot through the door, with Rarity soon following her. Applejack came to the doors of the infirmary and bolted through them. "NURSE! DOC! AH NEED SOMEPONY!" Two nurses come through two doors two her side, took one look at Fluttershy and rushed over. While one nurse, a pale pink Unicorn, used magic to shine a torch into Fluttershy's eyes, the other took Applejack to one side and began questioning her. Rainbow burst out of Sugarcube Corner with Pinkie Pie, and both took off towards the hospital. Pinkie Pie easily kept up with Rainbow, and they were at the hospital within minutes. Like Applejack about 10 minutes before, they burst through the door and saw her waiting in the lobby. Applejack and Rarity looked up and they nodded in acknowledgement "Any news?" Rainbow asked. "None. none whatsoever. They said they're going ta keep her in overnight to keep ahn eye on her, but that's it. They said we can go visit her, might help her with whatever she's suffering with" Applejack replied. The four ponies trotted side by side down the corridor to Fluttershy's room and went in. Fluttershy was there on the bed, apparently asleep. Looks like the doctors gave her something to rest, Rainbow thought. The four friends gathered around her as quietly as possible, so as not to disturb her. They just sat there for a time, in their own thoughts. Rainbow held Fluttershy's hoof. After about half an hour, the doctor asked them to leave for five minutes while they done some checks. Rainbow was more reluctant than the rest, but a little coaxing from Pinkie and the doctor's reassurance that they'd be able to go back in when they'd finished, she traipsed out of the room, her eyes on Fluttershy all the time. Outside, Rainbow was the first to speak up. Not taking her eyes off of the door the entire time, she said, quietly: "Maybe we need to go to the Princess. She'll know what to do, surely?" Story Updates!Story Updates! HOWDY Y'ALL! So, it's been a while, huh? About a month? Well, it's been pretty hectic on my end. Moved house about a month ago, and that's when the troubles began. One of the people helping me move decided that my computer (that I've spent about £1000 on) wasn't something that needed to be handled with care. Easy mistake, I guess. It looks like a tank. Well, he proceeded to unceremoniously chuck it onto my settee (which was covered in stuff). In turn, my computed decided that the floor looked a lot comfier. Total damage caused: 2 x 1TB (total cost £200) Drived with physical damage from the fall. Data unrecoverable. 1 x £300 Graphics card, cracked at the PCI slot. 1 x £90 mobo completely cracked at the corners. 1 x £45 8GB DDR3 RAM stick, cracked. Needless to say, I was not amused. Even more so when he said he wouldn't pay for the damages. Even part of them. Oh, and did I mention the whole reason I was moving was for his family? (I had a 3 bedroom house, and only need 2 rooms. His family needed the extra room, so I agreed to swap). And then my ISP decided I didn't notify them that I was moving, so they needed an engineer to check that the house could receive an internet connection. Despite the previous owner having an internet connection. All negativity aside, I got 7 chapters quite fleshed out, and the barebones for 3 more. Initially I'll put 2 up, to see the response from them. If I get positive feedback, I'll take that as I still got a bit of skill at writing. If not, I'll redo the 2 initial chapters, and then proceed to do the others. Welp, that's about the gist of it. Sorry it's been so long, and hopefully not long after this, at least one chapter will be up. Yours _ZeDB
IntroductionThe Vanishing of Twilight Sparkle Twilight Sparkle’s house/library was on fire. Greedy flames licked the wood, leaves and the books inside and cast flickering shadows on the ground. The crackling of popping wood sounded loud against the quite backdrop of the dead of night. Ponies from all over Ponyville had gathered around to try and help put out the blaze, Unicorn magic trying to stop the fire from spreading while Pegasi drained rainclouds for every last drop of water they had. After about an hour, all that was left were a few flickering embers. Ashen-faced and exhausted, and sure the fire wasn’t about to start again, the ponies started to go back home, leaving five staring at the remains. “Ya’ll reckon we should go check?” asked Applejack. “I can’t see the harm. We might find something that will show us what happened.” replied Rarity. Although she didn’t like the idea of walking through the sodden mess of water mixed with ash, her friend’s well-being may be at stake. The five friends traipsed though what was left of the ruined building, seeing only the black mess of burned wood and books. However, one thing did strike them as odd. In the far corner, under a few beams and a pile of ash, Twilight’s desk was still in one piece. “How do you suppose the desk is still ok?” Today set out to be like any other day, if just a little bit special. It was Twilight’s birthday. Pinkie Pie was planning the party, Rarity was creating a most spectacular dress (she just couldn’t forgive herself for the plain old rag she threw together for her last party), Applejack was bucking trees ready to make tasty snacks, Fluttershy was taking care of some animals and Rainbow Dash had just finished her weather duties for the day, and was napping on a cloud. The sound of clopping hooves woke Rainbow Dash up. She peered from her fluffy perch to see Twilight walking by. “Hey there Twi, Happy Birthday! How’s it hanging?” Twilight looked up, and Rainbow Dash was quite shocked by her appearance. Her eyes were unfocused and had bags under them from what seemed to be a lack of sleep. Her hair was dishevelled and she looked like she could collapse at any moment under the pile of books she had in her saddle bags. To put it simply, she looked exhausted, stressed even. “Oh, you know, same old. I’m really busy at the moment, so I’ll catch you at the party later.”, she responded, giving Rainbow Dash a quick but weary smile. She hung her head and started traipsing in the direction of her home. The five ponies headed towards the desk. Rarity used her magic to move some of the heavier debris, while Rainbow Dash flapped her wings to blow most of the detritus off. The desk was in pristine condition. There wasn’t a single dent or mark in the wood, save the few splodges of ink from a dripping quill or spilt inkpot. “How do you suppose the desk is still ok?” asked Fluttershy. Fluttershy, being the most nervous of the five, was a bit unnerved by the immaculate desk. There was silence while everypony thought about it. Finally, Rarity spoke up. “Twilight used to experiment a lot. Maybe she used a spell on her desk in case something went wrong?” Even as Rarity said it, she knew this made little sense. If she was going to protect her desk, surely she’d protect her home too? She’d seen Twilight quite easily conjure up a force field to keep ‘Gabbygums’ out. “Ah spose there’s not much point pondering too much. We’ll never know. But more important is that we find Twi” said Applejack. After a quick look at the desk, the five set off to look for more clues. It was starting to get dark when Twilight’s party should have started. They decided to use the Apple’s barn, since there was more room, and they were less likely to keep the old folk up with the noise and music. Over one side of the barn was a giant buffet with cake and sweets that Applejack and Pinkie Pie cooked up, while the other housed many of the party games Pinkie liked to put out. Fluttershy was chatting to Rainbow Dash, and Rarity had already headed over to Twilight’s house to take her dress over. “Oooooo, where is she?!” Pinkie Pie asked restlessly. She’d been bouncing around since early afternoon, eager to get the celebrations under way. “Calm down, sugarcube. She’ll be here soon I’m s-“ CRASH! The barn doors just blew inwards, followed by a heavily breathing Rarity. “Quick! Come quick! Twi’s house in on fire!” Rarity gasped out, before turning and running back out. The other four looked at each other and followed. After an hour of searching, with the only light coming from Rarity’s horn and the Moon, the five friends decided to call it a night. Walking past the desk, Rainbow Dash stopped them. “Maybe we should have a look in there” she said, “I saw Twi earlier, and she looked pretty out of it. There might be a diary or something that’ll let us know what she’s been up to.” Rarity only mumbled something about privacy then trotted over to the desk. A faint aura covered her horn and she opened the draws of the desk. In the bottom draw was a book and a folder of some sort. Both covers were blank, and didn’t give any clue to their contents. “What do you suppose is in there?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I don’t know, but I think we should leave it until tomorrow. Even if they do contain a clue, if we’re completely exhausted we’re going to miss it, or be too tired to follow the clue up.” Rarity reasoned. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie started to argue, saying that Twilight might be in danger, but Fluttershy said “I think Rarity’s right. Besides, if we wait until tomorrow, I can ask my animal friends”. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash quietened, but still had a look on their faces that they didn’t like the idea. The five friends said goodnight and went their separate ways for the night. The next day, the five friends met after doing their respective duties: Applejack had apple-bucking to do, Rainbow Dash had to clear the sky and Rarity had a small order to finish. It was still a ways before noon when they finished, so they all met up at Pinkie Pie’s where they agreed the previous night. Fluttershy was the only one that hadn’t turned up. Rarity pulled the book and the folder out of her saddlebags and placed them on the desk. They all agreed that it was unlikely that they would find anything else at Twilight’s house, since everything bar that desk was burnt to ash. Besides, the clean-up ponies were probably there right now cleaning up, and checking the other buildings for damage. Rarity’s horn glowed with magic; they decided to open it as gently as possible, in case it was damaged somehow. On the very first page, it simply said: Journal; A Record of the Past Weeks Events. Rarity’s horn glowed briefly to the next page, which seemed to be some sort of introduction: This journal is a record of events that have and will eventually happen. Since studying an area of mythical beasts and creatures, I’ve found myself waking up in the middle of the night, flickering shadows in the corner of the room when there’s no light, and flashes of movement in the corner of my eye as I go about the day. This could be just my imagination after reading about some pretty…disturbing things. Again, it could be my imagination. But it could be something more. This is why I’m keeping this journal. Some entries may refer to a page of notes, an image or piece of research in the research folder. The five looked briefly at the overflowing, bound folder next to the journal, and then back to the journal. A bit more magic turned the page to the first entry.
Entries: 3rd and 5th November Entry for 3rd November After many past ‘failings’ with regards to my encounters with ‘mythical’ creatures, and having to rely on my friends, such as the time I was turned to stone by a Cockatrice, I have decided the next step in my education regarding magic will be the area of Mythical Creatures of Equestria. This is to further develop my understanding of these creatures so that in the event I cannot rely on my friends, I will be able to take care of myself. As I have just started my research, this entry will be rather short. Please refer to Appendix A: Creatures of the Everfree Forest, where I will start my research, since this is where I have had most problems. Appendix A – Creatures of the Everfree Forest Cockatrice The Cockatrice can be easily identified as having the head of a rooster and the body of a baby dragon. What makes these creatures especially deadly is the ability to turn anything into stone with its gaze. This effect is reversible, as evidenced by me being here. From what Fluttershy has told me, the Cockatrice had started turning her to stone, but failed. Due to willpower? Her way with animals? Worth looking into further. Otherwise, avoid it’s gaze / develop a mirror spell possibly. Manticore Manticores are identified as having the body of a lion, a scorpion’s tail and a pair of wings. Whether this tail secretes poison is unknown. The Manticore is quite tough and fast, being able to take a kick from Rarity and being able to hit Rainbow Dash while flying. Slowing spells, cloaking spells and running away might be the safest bet. Tupla Tupla are very rarely found, as they live deep within the Everfree Forest, deeper than most ponies dare to go. Records and concrete information seem to be sketchy on this creature; some say it takes the form of whatever a wayward pony is fearful of, or that its body is actually gaseous. One final myth suggests that these creatures are actually created by the imagination, and that the stronger the imagination, the more power they draw from it. Unsure how to deal with this one; too little information. Possibly worth looking in the Royal Canterlot Library. Hydra Hydra resembles a large four-headed dragon, although it doesn’t seem to breathe fire or have the ability to fly, a rather odorous gas cloaks is body. Possibly toxic? Again, as with the manticore, slowing spells / running seems to be the safest bet. “Ah well, that didn’t’ seem too bad did it?” asked Applejack. Rarity was about to reply when the bell above the door tinkled. Everypony turned around to see Fluttershy walking in. She looked a bit flustered. “You ok?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Why yes, thank you, if a bit tired” replied Fluttershy. She trotted over to the rest of her friends and took a seat. Pinkie trotted off to get Fluttershy a cupcake and a drink. “I’ve been up since early going around Ponyville asking did they see anything last night. No pony noticed anything, but some of the animals told me about some fog. I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything more.” Fluttershy looked down and rubbed her hooves together nervously. “Hey, don’t sweat it. You did your best.” Rainbow Dash said, with an accompanying slap on the back, which brought a little ‘ouch’ from Fluttershy. When Pinkie Pie got back with Fluttershys’ cupcake and drink, they filled Fluttershy in with what the first entry said. After reading it for herself, Fluttershy remembered all of those scary creatures – except the Manticore, he was just adorable – and shuddered. “Everypony ready to move on?” asked Rarity. Everypony nodded and a faint glow turned the page to the next entry. Entry for 5th November Nothing much has happened since yesterday –“Must be why there’s no entry for the 4th” said Rarity – except I feel a bit more confident now I’ve read about these animals. I’ve worked on some new spells to help in case we ever meet any of these creatures again; a cloaking spell, a mirror spell for the Cockatrice, and spell that should make moving difficult. Other than that, studies are going fine, although a bit slower than before, due to other duties, and working on spells. I’ve learnt a bit more about some other creatures that habitat the Forest (see Appendix A). I haven’t been sleeping to well though, on another note. Keep having night terrors (see Appendix B), and these keep waking me up. Maybe this isn’t the place to write it. Maybe I should start a dream journal, keep everything nice and orderly. Appendix A Timberwolf A wolf that lives in the Everfree Forest. Identified as being made out of what seems like wood. Very fast and vicious. Also incredibly territorial, the wolves will attack anything that it sees trespassing. Safest thing will be to stay out of its territory. Failing that slowing spells (I can see that spell coming in handy a lot) and teleportation. Parasprite More of a pestilence than dangerous. Multiplies when fed. Not much else to say on the subject, as Pinkie Pie as already shown us how we can get rid of them. Appendix B Unsure if these night terrors are related to my recent studying. I remember having a similar restless night when Pinkie Pie went on about Zecora and her curses. Night Terror 1 First night terror; happened on the night of 3rd November. Details are kind of blurry. All I can really remember is being chased by a pony with no face, with a cockatrice on its head. Cockatrice for a horn, making it a Unicorn? Not sure. Everything else is too blurry. Night Terror 2 This night terror happened on the 4th November. This night terror was slightly sharper. Not detail wise, but there seemed to be more…colour to it. The details are still blurry. This one involved a faceless Pegasi, just looking (?) through the window. Except the wings were those of a Manticore. Maybe I shouldn’t study so late into the night. The table was silent. “Ya know, Twi did seem a bit out of it when I saw her. She seemed tired.” Rainbow Dash said. The table fell silent again, everypony pondering what this could mean.
Entries: 6th and 8th NovemberRarity was the first to speak up. “You don’t think she actually went into the Everfree Forest to try her new spells out?” Fluttershy let out her nervous squeak, and everypony else turned to face her. “Well, what are we waiting for?!” yelled Rainbow Dash, causing the ponies on the next table to spray their milkshakes over themselves. They glared at Rainbow, who was just about to shoot off when Applejack bit onto her tail. “Shimmer down, Shally” Applejack said, unable to speak properly with her mouth full of tail. “Quite. Let’s finish reading the journal first. I’d hate to go into the Everfree Forest if we didn’t need to.” Rarity explained. Rainbow Dash settled down. “Oo, oo, if we’re gonna be here a while, let me get some snacks!” Pinkie Pie shouted. She bounced off, while the others looked through the other two entries. “Hmm. She was trying new spells” said Rarity, “maybe she accidently set her house on fire then?” Fluttershy popped her head up from under her hooves. She was still shaking after the thought of having to go into the Everfree Forest. “But that wouldn’t make sense. Surely she’d be back by now?” Rarity pondered that one. In the meantime, Pinkie Pie was hopping over two trays of sweets and drinks. She placed the trays on the table, and bounced over to her chair. Before she sat down, her impossibly long tongue shot out and picked up a cupcake. She put it in her mouth and chewed on it slowly, with a thoughtful expression on her face. “Mebe ith wath a ragun?” Pinkie said, spraying crumbs everywhere. Rarity cringed a little and pulled out a handkerchief, Rainbow Dash looked confused, and Applejack said “Would you repeat that for us?”. Pinkie swallowed what was left of the cupcake and said “Maybe it was a dragon? You know a big, scary, fire breathing dragon. RAWRRR!”. Fluttershy paled, but Rainbow Dash started laughing. “Ah’m pretty sure Ponyville would’ve seen a dragon” Applejack said. Pinkie went on to start one of her crazy theories, probably including how the dragon used magic or something, when Applejack shoved another cupcake in her mouth. “Maybe we should just read on” said Rarity. Entry for 6th November Not much to report. After researching a lot of the other wildlife and creatures, most seem to be harmless and pose no threat. Aside from Ursa Minors, which I’ve already dealt with, and Ursa Majors, which I’d have no chance of dealing with, there isn’t much more information about mythical creatures I can include. I was thinking about going to the Everfree Forest, maybe tomorrow, or when I got some time, maybe do some observational study. The night terrors I’ve been having are unnerving me a bit now though, since most of them take place there. I know they’re only night terrors, but still… I’ve actually decided to keep a record of my night terrors involving animals and other ponies in here. My logic behind it is that dreams – and night terrors – are actually your brain processing what you have learnt, and what you may have picked up subconsciously. Maybe noting them down will help me learn something I didn’t pick up or understand before. See Appendix A for details. Appendix A Night Terror 1 This one seemed to be a more detailed version of the first night terror I had, where I was being chased by a unicorn with a Cockatrice for a horn. Was practically the same dream, except way more colourful, not the greyish sort of colour it was before. I was being chased through Ponyville by the unicorn (?), when suddenly I ended up in the Everfree Forest. I can’t remember this shift happening. I looked up to see the faceless unicorn (?) staring (?) at me, so I started running towards the exit. Again, the dream shifted and I found myself running deeper into the Forest without realising. I remember turning around and there was nothing. Literally nothing. Just darkness. Turning back around, the faceless unicorn was just staring at me. Needless to say, I woke up, sweating like I had just sprinted the Running of the Leaves. I had trouble getting back to sleep after this. CRUNCH! Everypony jumped and turned around to see Pinkie Pie sitting there with a bucket of popcorn. They all glared at her and she held the bucket out. Rainbow Dash shook her head in a ‘Just being Pinkie Pie’ sort of way, and they turned back to the journal to read the next entry. Entry for 8th November Today has pretty well made sure I’m not taking a single step into the Everfree Forest. I had a similar dream to last night, except it went on for longer. I also had another one after that finished. I find it quite strange that I didn’t wake up. After waking up, I found myself sprawled on the floor, sheets a mess, and a pretty cut on my flank, and I’m not sure how it got there. Since Spike is on Official Canterlot Business, I have nopony to tell me if I was sleepwalking or not. The fact the house is still clean suggests I didn’t. It was still dark out when I woke up, and the window was still shut. I think I’ll stick to the book study. Appendix A Night Terror 1 Exactly the same night terror as last night. Exactly the same. Not much to add. Turns out the unicorn(?) is a dark green colour. Not a nice green, a sort of yucky green, so to speak. Apart from that, there weren’t any other details I noticed. Night Terror 2 That faceless Pegasi was back. I remember shouting out “Rainbow?”. After all, she does like to play pranks. They just hovered there. I remember blinking, and suddenly I was face to face , so to speak, with the Pegasi. It was in my house. I jumped backwards out of bed, got tangled up in the sheets. It was then I noticed that the Pegasi had spikes driven through its legs. He slowly come forward and landed next to me. Couldn’t get the damn sheets off, and he skewered me through the flank with one of them spikes. All I remember after that was waking up because of the pain. In hindsight, I must have cut myself falling out of bed. Everypony, except Fluttershy, who was hiding under her hooves – even just reading about it, she didn’t like the thought of anypony getting hurt – just stared in disbelief. “It must be a prank. It must. And a very scary one.” said Rainbow Dash. Her usual bravado had gone, and she was sweating a little. “Ah doubt it. If Twilight was gonna pull pranks, it’s probably be something to do with books or something” said Applejack, who looked just as uncomfortable. “Come ON guys!” shouted Pinkie, her mane and tail straight: she’d obviously been distressed by the reading too. Nopony was around to glare at their table this time. “We should keep reading! Twi could be in danger!” If Pinkie Pie is taking something seriously, you should listen to her.Rarity’s horn glowed again and the page turned.
Entries: 12th and 13th November Entry for 12th November I’ve completely forgot to fill this in the past few days. Not much has happened in terms of my studies. In fact, I’m wanting to continue this less and less. You see, these night terrors are getting worse, when I have them, which isn’t often now. Because I’m not sleeping much. When I’m trying to fall asleep, I see the shadows around the edges of the room flickering, like something is moving quickly, despite there being no light, and nothing inside moving. I’ve also noticed it’s getting quite misty. I should probably ask Dash what’s up with that. These things are starting to creep me out quite a bit, hence the no sleep. Anyways, these night terrors. Exactly the same. Except the faceless ponies seem to be larger. The night terror involving the unicorn(?) as well has changed a little. The unicorn seems to be getting closer and closer every time. Considering I’ve only had this night terror twice now, it’s quite alarming. I’m almost afraid to fall asleep, just in case the next time I dream about it, it’s right next to me. I don’t want to think what will happen. Entry for 13th November I was caught last night. In my night terror. The Cockatrice turned the bottom of my hooves to stone, so I couldn’t move. And then started to turn small parts of me into stone. First was one of my back legs. The thing then bucked it as hard as it could, and shattered my leg into small pieces. I remember screaming and shaking, but for some reason, the night terror continued. It then started to rip my mane out with its teeth, not caring that it was taking some lumps of flesh with it. I started screaming more, and it turned bottom jaw and tongue to stone. And then bucked. More pain. And then I woke up. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried. After about half an hour hiding under the quilts, I got up and cast a barrier spell around the house. It was misty again tonight. My entire body aches, especially the leg and jaw that got ‘shattered’. The small rational part of me is saying that that’s just imaginary from the night terror, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting to stay awake in case it happens again. “Well, that explains why she was so tired when I saw her, although, if it were just a couple of night terrors, I’d have beaten them up in my sleep.” said Rainbow Dash, bringing her hooves up, trying to summon her usual bravado. “Oh, that poor girl. I wonder why she didn’t come to us?” said Rarity. “Ah’m pretty sure she didn’t want us worrying about her.” said Applejack, “And look what happened the last time she come for help: we kinda just laughed at her. She probably thought we’d do the same again, considering they just be night terrors an’ all.” Rainbow Dash was re-reading something. “What I don’t understand is this mist. We haven’t scheduled for it, and it couldn’t have just come from the Everfree Forest, because otherwise the rest of Ponyville would be covered as well.” she said to nopony in particular. Everypony looked out the window. It was starting to get dark. “Well, maybe we should go home and get some shuteye.” said Applejack. “We still haven’t found anything important, and ah don’t think we will in this book. Tomorrow, me and Dash will go have a scout through the Everfree. Rarity and Pinkie; you go ask around town see if anypony noticed if Twi was acting strange. Fluttershy; you don’t mind asking your animal folk to keep an eye out do you?” “Oh, not at all Applejack. I just hope Twilight comes back soon.” she replied. With that, the five friends thanked the Cakes, and then stepped into the slightly foggy night. Authors Notes Ok, this ‘chapter’ was a bit shorter, but I didn’t want to go dragging it out so that any tension I might have built up gets boring. I also struggled with this, if I’m going to be honest. I’m trying to get the story to move along, but without rushing it, so I can build some tension. Any criticism and advice will be welcomed and encouraged, since this is the first bit of creative writing I’ve done in about seven years. Other than that, hope you’re all enjoying the story so far.
Recollection: AJ and RD's Scouting of the Everfree ForestIt was quite late the next day when the four friends met up (Fluttershy had gone around to ask the denizens of the night if they had seen anything), and the sun was already low in the sky. Sugarcube Corner was shut, so they decided to go to Applejack’s instead: the barn had plenty of room, the hay would make for comfortable seating, and most important, they would have privacy. The five had already decided to keep what they found a secret from everypony else, since the things written in the diary had turned pretty disturbing. They would have got in contact with Princess Celestia or Princess Luna if Spike was still with them, but he was still in Canterlot on Royal Business. Unfortunately, Twilight hadn’t mentioned when he’d be back. And sure, Rainbow could have flew there, maybe not in ‘ten seconds flat’ like she had claimed, but it would have been pretty fast. However, Rainbow Dash was exhausted. All of the flying in the Everfree Forest had worn her out, and she was flopped on a bale of hay snoring. Even Applejack, who had more stamina after working all her life on the farm, was leaning back, hat over her face, her chest slowly rising and falling. Pinkie Pie and Rarity, who had the less arduous job of questioning everypony to see if they can get any information on Twilight’s whereabouts, even if it was before the fire: every little bit of information might help. They were discussing what they had found out, Rarity doing a double take when she saw Pinkie had pulled out a deerstalker hat, and was absent-mindedly blowing on a pipe that blew bubbles while she was listening to Rarity. It had been about an hour, maybe two since they got back to the barn, and there was still no sign of Fluttershy. Rarity and Pinkie started to worry a bit: they both knew how easily the timid Pegasi got scared. A loud yawn and the sound of rustling hay drew their attention. Rainbow Dash was rising, eyes still half closed, lazily flapped her wings and lifting herself off the bale of hay. She landed to the side of Pinkie and looked around. “Still no Fluttershy?” she asked, worry in her voice. Two shakes of the head answered her. She started trotting over to the door. “Where you going Dashie?” asked Pinkie. Rarity already knew. “I’m going to look for Fluttershy. She’s terrified of the dark, and she’s still out there. After everything that’s happened to Twi-“. She broke off, looking away, and opened the door. “But, she could be anywhere. How’re you going to find her?” asked Rarity. Rainbow Dash fluttered her wings, looking as though Rarity was a bit dull for asking. “But-“. Rarity didn’t have a chance to finish. Rainbow had already taken off. “Ya’ll should know how protective she is of Fluttershy” said a voice. Applejack used a hoof to push her hat up and looked at them both. “I know that, but still, after everything that’s happened, I’d rather not split up” said Rarity. Applejack nodded a few times, a strange expression on her face. Rarity looked questioningly. “Ya got some hay in your mane” the cowpony said, a slight smirk on her face. Rarity gave her a withering look. “I think we got more pressing matters than looks at the moment”. Applejack went to reply, when Pinkie popped up. “Oh, oh, oh, tell us what happened today” she said “then we’ll tell you what happened with us.” Not a bad idea, though Rarity. They could easily fill in Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy after. She sat back down and looked at Applejack. “Well, I’ll do my darnest to give the whole of it, but you might have to ask Dash about some stuff. She was in the sky a lot, including some places I couldn’t reach. We went into the Everfree quite early…” Recollection: Rainbow Dash’s and Applejack’s Scouting of the Everfree Forest Well, like ah just said, it was quite early in the mornin’ when we set off. It was quite cold out, so me and Rainbow walked, at least until she could get them feathers of hers warmed up. She said she’d be up in the air most of th’time, just in case we missed summin’ important. Anyway, we walked into the Everfree. Ah don’t mind telling ya, despite it bein’ mornin’ an’ all, the dark in the forest gave me the shivers. The fog didn’ help too much either. As the sun climbed a bit higher, the wind blew and started making shadows, makin’ sure me and Dash kept our peepers open. Like ah said. Creepy. Ah reckon about half an’ hour into the forest, Dash said she was ready to do her thing, and she took off. Of course, we were far enough in that the trees meant, as well as the sun bein’ blocked, Dash couldn’t fly as high as I reckon she hoped. Still, she got a respectable height an’ all, and she could see quite far ahead. The fog was gettin’ a tad thick, making it difficult to see too far ahead. So much so, I could just about see Dash, even with her mane being bright an’ all. Seems though workin’ with all them clouds didn’ affect Dash in the slightest. She started to veer of the beaten track, an ah followed, slowin’ down a bit. Last thing ah want was to break a leg in that place. Anyway, after about five minutes Dash landed and we were on the edge of a cliff. The cliff was a bit weird though, because it had a slope that didn’ look natural. Trees were growing out of th’side of it, and a little way down everything was just fog. Dash was squintin’ so I took that as she couldn’ see either. Well, Dash being Dash, she took off and flew straight down, slower than she’d normally go. A few moments later and she was back up. She told me that the slope only went a little further, and that it had broke away, leavin’ no way a Earth pony like me could get down without breaking summin. We decided to leave that, maybe come back another day an’ have a look when that darn fog clears. We set of again, deeper than ah reckon we’d been before. Aside from more an’ more flickerin’ shadows (did ah mention how darn creepy they were), most of the journey was quiet, ah’ll tell ya. Oh yeah, we found a cave. We went in, an’ is was pretty dark, but we could still see. Strange tha’. After a while, we could see clear as daylight. Guess our peepers got used to th’lack of light. The cave wasn’ all that interestin. It had a river runnin’ through it, and what looked like a stone table with a load of moss growin’ over it. Well, thinkin’ about it, that was th’only interestin’ things we seen out them woods. Like ah said, you’ll all have to ask Dash when she comes back. Up in th’sky an all, she migh’ve nothiced summin’ I didn’, wth all the fog an’ all. Author’s Notes Phew. That was difficult. Mostly due to trying to get AJ’s accent into writing. The next few chapters are going to be recollections of what the other five have found in their investigations. Credit and thanks to Krushnazag for the idea. Well, that is if Fluttershy and RD come back…
Recollection: Pinkie Pie’s and Rarity’s Information Gathering Around Ponyville Author’s Notes Well, it’s been a while. However, college work is all out of the way now, and the only things grabbing my attention at the moment are proof-reading and a bit of artwork for Donceluzza’s My Little Amnesia, and the imminent release of Guild Wars 2. Not gonna lie, super hyped for it. All that aside, I’m hoping to get back on track with the weekly releases (already got the next few chapters panned out). Hope you enjoyed, and as always, criticism is appreciated, especially after this dry spell of writing. Thanks for following. N.B. With regards to this chapter, during the recollection, Rarity’s dialogue will be in italics, while Pinkie Pies will be in italics bold. Done this way so I’m not constantly saying ‘…said Pinkie Pie / Rarity ‘ The group sat in silence after Applejacks’ recollection. Of course, they would be asking Dash after just in case Applejack had missed anything, but since she wasn’t here… The barn door creaked. The three friends looked around, hoping to see the rest of their friends trot through the door. Turned out it was just the wind. Trying to rid herself of the anxiety, Applejack asked Rarity and Pinkie to go over what they had found out. Rarity cleared her throat a little before she started to speak, but Pinkie jumped at the chance to flood Applejack with all that had happened. “Oh, oh, well, we started in the morning, like you…“ Recollection: Pinkie Pie’s and Rarity’s Information Gathering Around Ponyville Oh, oh, well, we started in the morning, like you, except we had to be suuuuper sneaky about what we asked, otherwise other ponies might start to get involved, and we don’t want that since they might get hurt. Anyway, as I was saying, we started early, so we thought the best place to start would be Carrot Top, since she was always up early because of the farm, plus she lives close to the Everfree, so she might have seen something. But she said she didn’t so we mov... Now hold on there, Pinkie. That wasn’t what she said at all. Certainly, she said she hadn’t seen anything suspicious. However, she did say she saw some mist or fog coming out of the Everfree last week. Since she is also a farmer of sorts, she always keeps a record of what the Weather Patrol are going to do, and that week’s rota didn’t account for the mist, so she thought it a bit strange. Oh yeah, I remember that now. Silly me. Anyways, after we left Carrot Top, we went to see Der…I mean, Ditzy Doo, since we aren’t allowed to call her that now. Anyway, we went to see Ditzy Doo, since she’s a mail mare, and has to be up early. We went around looking for her, and we found her, so we asked some questions, and she said she didn’t notice anything, since she had the day off. Indeed. She said she spent the day down the park, since she didn’t get much time to relax. Hmmm, I can’t think of anything else. We kept asking around for a good few hours, until we asked everypony I knew, which is everypony in Ponyville, since I know everypony in Ponyville…Oh! Except this one pony. I hadn’t seen him before. I was going to invite him to one of my ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ parties, but Rarity cut me off… Quite. He was unusual since he wore a coat even in the sun. How strange. Anyway, it was a grey stallion, nothing too fashionable about him. We asked him some questions. He said he was just visiting, and then walked away. Quite rude if you ask m… SLAM! Once more, the barn doors blew open. Except this time, Rainbow dash stood in the doorway, panting. With the still form of a blood-covered Fluttershy on her back. The three stared in shock, before leaping into action. Rarity’s horn glowed and lifted the unconscious Pegasus off of Rainbow’s back. Rainbow collapsed to the floor, sweat streaming off of her coat. “What the darn hell happened?! And why didn’t you take her to the hospital?! yelled Applejack. It was a few moment before Rainbow answered, as she struggled to get her breathing under control. “Sh-she’s fine. I checked her over before we left. God…her cottage…” Pinkie stopped bouncing, and all three paid attention to the Rainbow after making sure Fluttershy was comfortable. “It’s…well…all her animals…that she was taking care of…even the ones outside…all dead… Recollection: Rainbow Dash at Fluttershy’s HouseWell, maybe I should start from the beginning. After I headed from here, I flew around asking had anyone seen Fluttershy. A few had said they’d seen her flying around, but nothing more than that. So I headed over to her cottage. As I got closer, all I could see around Flutter’s cottage was, well, death, I suppose. All the grass and plants, as well as them critters she was taking care of. Just, withered and dead. So I went into the cottage, and it was worse. There was this grimy stuff all over the walls. Oh Celestia, Flutter’s animals, all dead. Pinned to the walls. Blood everywhere. I went upstairs, more of the same. Flutter’s was on her bed, the only clean room in the house. And she was holding Angel. Bless him. Dead. Just like all of the others. She was sobbing, more in a state of shock than anything, I think. After some coaxing, I managed to get her out of the cottage. When we were outside, she just sort of…well, collapsed. I couldn’t just leave here there. So I balanced her on my back and flew over here carefully. That’s why I took so long. Oh yeah, flying over, I thought I saw somepony lurking around, but when I looked again, there wasn’t anypony there, so I guess I must have been seeing things. Another silence. These silences are becoming more and more common, though Applejack, when will the good times come back? After Rainbow’s telling of what happened, Rarity trotted over to Fluttershy, pulling a handkerchief out of nowhere. Applejack wandered off, just to come back moments later two bucket of water; one for Rainbow and one for Rarity. Rarity nodded her thanks, and set to work cleaning Fluttershy; she’d be in enough of a state when she woke up as it is. Being covered in the blood of the animals she was caring for, hay, the blood of any animal, probably wouldn’t help. Rainbow lay there in silence, with her head in the bucket lapping away at the water. The occasional sob could be heard between mouthfuls of water. Pinkie trotted alongside her and gave her a hug, while Applejack trotted off, returning with a basket of apples. After about half an hour in silence, with all the apples eaten, they decided to call it a night. Everypony decided to sleep in the barn; it was warm enough, and after what had happened over Fluttershy’s cottage, would probably safer. Still, Applejack walked over to the barn door and pulled a large beam down, effectively locking it secure. Tomorrow would be soon enough to ask Fluttershy if she’d found anything out.
Recollection: Fluttershy's Scouting, and Return HomeBlood flowed all around her. It splattered the walls, and dripped off of the ceiling. Scraps of fur were strewn across the room... "...No..." ...From upstairs she heard a ear-piercing screech... "...No no..." ...She galloped up the stairs as fast as she could. She skidded to a halt outside her room, but the blood caused her to crash into the wall. A spear of pain shot through her wing, but it didn't slow her as she shot through the doorway to her room... "...No no no no no, please, no..." ...Angel was floating in mid-air, held aloft by a shadowy tendril. The shadow tossed the torn corpse aside and placed it's attention on her... "NO! NO NO NO NO!" "Fluttershy! Wake up! Fluttershy shot bolt upright, butting Rainbow in the head unintentionally; she had been shaking her friend when the screaming had started, and wasn't prepared for her awakening like that. She rubbed her muzzle and looked at Fluttershy. "You ok?", Rainbow Dash asked. Fluttershy didn't answer. As her breath was slowing back down to normal, she lifted her hoof and realised she'd been laying on a bed of hay. She looked around and saw she was in Applejack's barn alone with Rainbow (all the others had gone to do their respective jobs, while Pinkie went searching for more clues). The sun streamed through the bale hatch, but it offered no warmth as a crisp wind blew through the barn. She still hadn't completely woken up to shake off the confusion of how she got there, so she spread her wings to shake the hay out of them. She sucked a breath in in pain. "You ok? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" "Just my right wing. Feels a bit painful when I move it", Fluttershy replied. Rainbow moved to her right side and saw that a black bruise marred her usually unblemished coat. It ran from the base of her wing up to the first joint. She also noticed swelling around the base of her wing. That didn't look good; Rainbow had seen, as well as had, injuries similar before. But whereas she used her wings everyday, Fluttershy preferred to walk, so hadn't developed the muscular or skeletal strength to withstand strain. "Looks pretty nasty. Don't move it and we'll get you to the hospital as soon as". Fluttershy just looked at the ground, and Rainbow pondered what to say next. Subtlety wasn't her strong suit; that was more Rarity's thing. "Um...do you...you know...remember what happened yesterday? I mean, if you want to talk about it, that is. I'll understand if you don't. It can wait until we get back from the hospital.", asked Rainbow. Fluttershy looked up, her jaw trembling for but a second, before she clenched and took a deep breath. She shook her head, wiped away a tear and began to speak. "W-well, I started quite early..." Recollection: Fluttershy's Scouting, and Return Home W-well, I started quite early. I knew there wouldn't be many animals out, since it's Winter and they're all snug in their nests for hibernation, so I though if I start early, I can get back to you earlier. So, like I said, I got up quite early. I fed Angel. Oh, he wasn't happy with his salad. It was quite cold out, and a little misty, so I put my scarf on to keep me warm. I flew around for a bit looking for animals. It took me ever so long to find some, but I eventually found some beavers mending their dam after the wood broke from hoarfrost. So I helped them and asked them had they seen anything. They said that it had been quite misty lately in the nights. That was the only encounter I had with any animals all day, apart from the animals at my home. Since I didn't find out much, I headed back to my home to feed all the little animals I was taking care of. Angel probably hasn't eaten his salad either. Oh my. Well, when I got back home...blood flowed all around me. It splattered the walls, and dripped off of the ceiling. Scraps of fur were strewn across the room. From upstairs there was a ear-piercing screech. I galloped up the stairs as fast as I could. I skidded to a halt outside my room, but the blood caused me to crash into the wall. A spear of pain shot through my wing, but it didn't slow me as she shot through the doorway to my room. Angel was floating in mid-air, held aloft by a shadowy tendril. The shadow tossed the torn corpse aside and placed it's attention on me... "...Fluttershy? FLUTTERSHY?! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!", yelled Rainbow. She waved a hoof in front of her face, then started to shake her. Fluttershy just sat there, her eyes glazed over and a look of terror on her face and tears streaming down her cheeks. All she done was repeat "No" under her breath, over and over.
A New ConcernApplejack had just finished her jobs around the farm in preparation for the Winter. The last stray apples were bucked and in a cart pulled by her, and all of the trees she was responsible for were inspected for canker. She was on her way back to the barn to oil the carts to stop rusting when she heard Rainbow screaming, her voice muffled by the wind. "FLUTTERSHY...HEAR...?!" Applejack raced towards the barn, her cart flying with her and jarring a few apples loose. Rainbow's shouting became clearer as she got closer, and she pushed the barn doors in with her front hooves. Fluttershy was sitting there, stock still, staring at nothing in particular and looking terrified, muttering something to herself while Rainbow was shaking her, trying to get her out of her trance. She run over to her friends. "Rainbow, what the hay is goin' on?!" "I...I...I don't know. She started talking about what hap..happened through the day. And the-then she kind o-of trailed off before s-she said what happened in the house. What do we do?!", Rainbow replied, stuttering. Applejack tipped her cart over and brought it over to the pair. Rainbow was still shaking Fluttershy. "Rainbow, ah need ya with me. Help me put Flutters in here and we'll take her up to the hospital." Rainbow just looked at Applejack for a long moment. The barn door creaked with the wind. Then she nodded. Between them, they managed to lower the stricken Pegasus into the cart. "Right. Right. Rainbow, you need to go get all ah other friends now, y'hear? Tell them what happened, and I promise ah'll get Flutters safe to the hospital." Applejack said. She was having trouble keeping her voice steady, but she knew panicking would only make things worse for Fluttershy. Both of them rushed to the door; Applejack taking her time as to not knock Fluttershy out of the cart and Rainbow a blue streak, kicking up bits of hay as she took off to alert their other friends. Applejack headed out of the gates when she heard Big Mac calling. "AJ, where're you off to? Supper will be ready in a mo...is that Fluttersy in ya cart?" "No time. Ah'll explain later!" she called back, going through the gate and heading towards the infirmary. Thankfully, it wasn't too far away. Rainbow flew at top speed into Ponyville proper, and was there within 3 minutes. Since the Boutique was closest, she dropped off there first. She dashed through the door, tinkling the bell. "Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where ever...ohh, hi there Rainbow darling. You ok?" she asked, noting that she was dripping with sweat and panting. "No. Flutters has been taken to hospital. You go on up, I'll get the rest!" Before Rarity could question what was going on, Rainbow had shot through the door, with Rarity soon following her. Applejack came to the doors of the infirmary and bolted through them. "NURSE! DOC! AH NEED SOMEPONY!" Two nurses come through two doors two her side, took one look at Fluttershy and rushed over. While one nurse, a pale pink Unicorn, used magic to shine a torch into Fluttershy's eyes, the other took Applejack to one side and began questioning her. Rainbow burst out of Sugarcube Corner with Pinkie Pie, and both took off towards the hospital. Pinkie Pie easily kept up with Rainbow, and they were at the hospital within minutes. Like Applejack about 10 minutes before, they burst through the door and saw her waiting in the lobby. Applejack and Rarity looked up and they nodded in acknowledgement "Any news?" Rainbow asked. "None. none whatsoever. They said they're going ta keep her in overnight to keep ahn eye on her, but that's it. They said we can go visit her, might help her with whatever she's suffering with" Applejack replied. The four ponies trotted side by side down the corridor to Fluttershy's room and went in. Fluttershy was there on the bed, apparently asleep. Looks like the doctors gave her something to rest, Rainbow thought. The four friends gathered around her as quietly as possible, so as not to disturb her. They just sat there for a time, in their own thoughts. Rainbow held Fluttershy's hoof. After about half an hour, the doctor asked them to leave for five minutes while they done some checks. Rainbow was more reluctant than the rest, but a little coaxing from Pinkie and the doctor's reassurance that they'd be able to go back in when they'd finished, she traipsed out of the room, her eyes on Fluttershy all the time. Outside, Rainbow was the first to speak up. Not taking her eyes off of the door the entire time, she said, quietly: "Maybe we need to go to the Princess. She'll know what to do, surely?"
Story Updates!Story Updates! HOWDY Y'ALL! So, it's been a while, huh? About a month? Well, it's been pretty hectic on my end. Moved house about a month ago, and that's when the troubles began. One of the people helping me move decided that my computer (that I've spent about £1000 on) wasn't something that needed to be handled with care. Easy mistake, I guess. It looks like a tank. Well, he proceeded to unceremoniously chuck it onto my settee (which was covered in stuff). In turn, my computed decided that the floor looked a lot comfier. Total damage caused: 2 x 1TB (total cost £200) Drived with physical damage from the fall. Data unrecoverable. 1 x £300 Graphics card, cracked at the PCI slot. 1 x £90 mobo completely cracked at the corners. 1 x £45 8GB DDR3 RAM stick, cracked. Needless to say, I was not amused. Even more so when he said he wouldn't pay for the damages. Even part of them. Oh, and did I mention the whole reason I was moving was for his family? (I had a 3 bedroom house, and only need 2 rooms. His family needed the extra room, so I agreed to swap). And then my ISP decided I didn't notify them that I was moving, so they needed an engineer to check that the house could receive an internet connection. Despite the previous owner having an internet connection. All negativity aside, I got 7 chapters quite fleshed out, and the barebones for 3 more. Initially I'll put 2 up, to see the response from them. If I get positive feedback, I'll take that as I still got a bit of skill at writing. If not, I'll redo the 2 initial chapters, and then proceed to do the others. Welp, that's about the gist of it. Sorry it's been so long, and hopefully not long after this, at least one chapter will be up. Yours _ZeDB
