Deep in the Everfree

Scootaloo entered the cave. The smell of iron was very prevalent, and she knew right then and there something bad was going on. It wasn't long before somepony called out to her.

She got closer and closer until finally, the hooded mare  held out a knife and said, "follow me."

Panicking, Scootaloo followed the mare. The hooded unicorn lowered the knife into a sheath on the side of her robe. The inside still reeked of blood, and their were tainted bones all over the ground.

"I'm sorry," Scootaloo smarted off, "I'm not entirely sure how this place is any safer. You seem pretty... nasty, to say the least."

"Now now, I won't take offense," she started, "but say that again and I might have to cut off some flesh."

Scootaloo quieted down and followed her deeper into the cave. They went down so many pathways, she wasn't even able to keep track of the trail they had been taking anymore. Finally, they reached a large opening into a room. Inside, there were cages all over. Most were empty, but one was covered by a curtain and two of them held timberwolves. They were only pups, and had not been pleased with the newest guest. They glared at Scootaloo with eyes of hatred. The mare noticed Scootaloo's fright.

"Don't worry," she said, "they won't bite you." The mare gave a short, evil chuckle. "They can't." Her horn lit up in a light-blue color, and the aura appeared around the timberwolves' heads as well. They started barking, howling, and clawing at themselves. They were clearly in pain from the spell she was performing.

"You see," she began explaining, "I've been living here for quite some time now. I've come to learn several things about this wretched forest. These mutts just need a little discipline. Then, they do all of my bidding. These are still pups. They're immature. When they grow up, I'll use them for whatever I want.

"I've had ponies in and out of this cave for years, and not a single one understands. They won't let me return to Ponyville, nopony does. So, I use these hounds to round up poor, unsuspecting ponies and take them in here, where I force them to bow down to me. And if they don't, they become food. So far, nopony has taken me up on the offer."

"What offer?" Scootaloo asked, the uneasiness in her stomach growing intensely.

"You need only to steal a book from dearest Twilight Sparkle. One that can remove the curse I have upon me. It is titled Movens Igitur Malum Vires. It prevents me from entering the town, you see. The townsponies have seen me as a threat. I only want to go back in, to redeem myself."

"And if I don't?"

"Good question." With a spark from her horn, the curtain flew off the covered cage. Scootaloo screamed.

Inside was a cyan pegasus, her mouth gagged with cloth. She had whip marks all over, and the rag in her mouth was soaked in blood. Her rainbow mane was nearly unrecognizable, as it had been caked in blood as well.

"Rainbow Dash!"

"Now," the unicorn said, "you have six hours to bring me the book. If you don't, I'll finish the job with her. And when I'm done with her, I'll move on to you. So, what will it be, friend?"

"I..."*

Don't get the book.*

Get the book.*