The Wolf and the Rainbow

Chapter Nine

Once the duel was over, the five Timberwolves returning to the Everfree Forest, Moon Howl waited for the three to join him. When they got down, Rainbow Dash allowing Scootlaoo off of her back, he walked over to them but didn’t get the reaction he expected.

Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof square into his nose, causing his head to jerk to the right. “You big idiot! You scared us half to death with that stunt, do you have any idea how dangerous Timberwolves are!?” She demanded, Moon Howl rubbing his nose and saw the blood caused by the hit. “They are way worse than any manticore, and what would have happened if the other four attacked, huh!?” She just looked at her, somewhat surprised, before bursting into laughter. “What’s so funny?”

“N-Nothing, really.’ He said, smiling at her, despite trying to stop his laughter. “You show concern in quite a funny way, Dashie.” The mare blushed, wondering why she told him he could call her that, as Moon Howl showed them the blood she drew. “But look, you did what that Alpha couldn’t… Actually draw blood!”

The group began to laugh again, except for Rainbow Dash… Who seemed frustrated and embarrassed at the same time.

-Somewhere Within Equestria-

The cave was dark, the only sounds being hat of water droplets falling to the cave floor. Though, deep within its caverns, an azure light exposed two, lone, figures within the darkness. One was a decently sized unicorn stallion, who was creating the light, while the other was a magic drained centaur, using the cave wall for support.

“Tell me, Chaos Star, how might I cause havoc within Equestria… When I’m not even strong enough to leave this blasted cave?” Tirek asked, while the unicorn read some strange book.

“Simple, my friend.’ He started, using his magic to flip a page. “I will use a spell that shall grant you enough power to be a threat again.” Tirek grinned, this was going easier than he planned. “But.”

“But…?” The centaur repeated, losing his grin.

“You will not be able to drain any of the ponies.” Chaos Star finished, Tirek giving a look of concern. “The spell requires a price from the one who it is cast on.” The stallion closed his book, and faced Tirek. “Seeing how your purpose is not to gain more power, I figured that ability had no more use.”

“What!? How dare you! That was not part of our deal!” Tirek suddenly lunged at the stallion, but soon found himself trapped within an aura of azure magic.

“And who said you would have retained any of your former abilities, hm?” Chaos Star gave a devilish grin. “All I promised, was your freedom, power, and a chance to cause havoc within this Kingdom.” He had the centaur come closer to him, unable to move within the aura. “Not once did I say you would keep your former abilities. Along with.” The stallion suddenly gave a dark, low, laugh. “What kind of power I’ll be giving you.”

Tireks eyes went wide, realizing he had made a terrible error in judgement. “You dare try to trick me!? I am Tirek, the-!” The centaur suddenly felt like something was strangling him. He tried to grab his neck, wanting to remove what had him, but couldn’t move an inch.

“You are Tirek, the Fool. To actually believe a wielder of the warp? My, how foolish and naïve of you.” Chaos Star’s magic gained a chaotic purple color, forcing Tirek to feel like a thousand blades were stabbing into him. “By the time I am done with you, I thoroughly believe that you shall have quite the understanding of how fickle real Daemons are.”

The cave began to echo with Chaos Star’s maniacal laugh, along with Tirek’s screams of agony.

-Thursday, Rainbow Dash’s Home-

“Big Mac actually asked for you to join them, and watch a game of Hoofball at Sugar Cube Corner?” Rainbow Dash asked, following the unarmored Moon Howl.

The stallion nodded, smirking. “That is correct. He invited me, and I feel like it would be a good chance to make friends in this town.” Moon Howl replied, looking down at the mare. “I feel like my wyrd will keep me here for a long time.”

“I still want to know what your ‘wyrd’ is.” Rainbow Dash said, while Moon Howl opened the door. “Don’t drink too much, I rather not have to figure out if I am able to carry you back here.”

This caused the stallion to laugh a bit. “Trust me, Dashie. I doubt they will have anything strong enough to knock me off my hooves.” His comment made her giggle, and blush.

“Alright, big guy, I’ll either see you when you get back, or in the morning.” Rainbow Dash said, as the stallion walked out on to her porch. “And don’t forget, you promised Twilight that you’ll answer some of her questions tomorrow!”

“I know, I’ll keep my promise.” He opened his wings, slowly floating up. “Don’t want the pony I’m staying with get mad at me.” With that, the stallion flew off towards Ponyville… Remembering where Rainbow Dash showed him where this place was.

Moon Howl strangely enjoyed the night sky, even the full moon. Every fiber of his being was trying to resist not howling at it. To help, he concentrated on the slowly approaching building, designed to look like several pastries formed into one. To his surprise, it made him a bit hungry, his stomach growling a bit.

“Maybe I should have gotten something to eat, before I left Dashie’s house.” He thought, landing in front of the pastry shop. “Judging by how it looks, I bet they have something to eat here.”

Walking up to the door, Moon Howl could hear talking, along with some loud entertainment system. He gave two good knocks, followed by decently heavy hoof steps. When the door opened, Moon Howl saw the red Clydesdale that had invited him here. “Well ah’ll be, ya made it partner.” Big Mac said, giving a lazy smile.

Moon Howl gave a nod to the farm pony. “Figured it would be a good idea, to make more friends.” He smiled a bit. “Plus, wouldn’t want to cause any more trouble, than I already have, with Rainbow Dash.”

“That mare still fumin’ about the Timberwolves incident, a couple adays ago?” Big Mac asked, moving out of the doorway, so Moon Howl could walk in.

His comment made the Charger chuckle a bit. “She has calmed down, but I really don’t want to risk it… That mare has a mean right hook.” Moon Howl said, the two of them sharing a laugh while they walked.

“Ah’ll agree ta that, partner! Now, how about we meet the boys?” Big Mac lead him into another area of the bakery, where a large T.V, couch, and some chairs; were set up. Moon Howl noticed there was three others in the room, already. One was a yellow earth pony, wearing a Baker’s outfit, and had an orange mane. Another was a solid white unicorn, with different shades of blue for his mane, and tail. Despite trying to hide it, Moon Howl could tell this stallion was a soldier of some sort. The third member of the group confused him the most. It was an infant reptilian creature with purple scales, and green spines. “Hey, guys, how about ya’ll meet the stallion ah was tellin’ ya about?”

The three looked over at Moon Howl, all smiling. The unicorn was he first to introduce himself, his well-timed steps proving Moon Howl’s thoughts of him having some form of martial training. “Evening, I am Shining Armor. The guys were telling me of all the feats you’ve done… That battle with the Timberwolf Alpha being the most impressive.” His tone sounded like he came from a noble’s life, but also still being his own pony. “I am also Princess Twilight’s older brother.”

Moon Howl gave a nod. “Good to meet you, Shining Armor. Always a great experience, to meet another warrior.” The comment surprised Shining Armor, and Moon Howl answered him before he could ask how the Charger knew. “The way you hold yourself, and walk. Shows military discipline.”

Shining Armor nodded, smirking at the response, while the yellow earth pony walked up. Moon Howl noticed the earth pony’s lanky body, but also remembered that creating pastries is no easy task. “Hi, I’m Mr. Cake and, as you probably already guessed, I own this establishment.” He reached up, to give a hoofshake, which the Charger returned. “If you ever need something sweet, don’t hesitate to stop by!”

“I will keep that in mind, friend.” Moon Howl said, as the infant reptilian caugh his attention.

“And I’m Spike! Ponyville’s resident baby dragon!” He said, confidently, while placing a claw to his chest. “I’m also Twilight’s number one assistant!”

“Ah, so he’s a baby dragon?” Moon Howl thought, using the All-Father’s knowledge to gather more information. “Heh, a baby dragon? When you’ve grown fully, I wouldn’t mind testing your mettle.” That caused Spike to nod, gaining quite the determined look. “Now then, I heard we were going to watch some hoofball? How about we get started.” The group cheered, in agreement, as Mr. Cake turned the T.V on.

-Rainbow Dash’s House-

Rainbow Dash was laying on her bed, wearing her purple night robe. The mare was in deep thought, while reading a book that wasn’t Daring Do. She tapped her chin, while reading a passage within said book.

"The Charger Gene is a rare genetic abnormality, in which causes the pony with it to grow taller, become stronger, and have heighten senses.” Rainbow Dash read, out loud, taking a pause to think. “Due to this, the ponies, deemed as ‘Chargers’, were ideal candidates for any form of combat. The last, known, Charger died during a last stand against the Gryphon Empire. His sacrifice allowed Equestria’s forces to out flank the Gryphon Army and effectively force a cease fire between them.”

She turned the page, and saw a painting of some unicorn on the next page. His coat was red, and had a long golden mane. Surprisingly, the unicorn’s eyes were a deep, serious, shade of emerald. The image was of him, wearing the Equestrian General Armor, fighting off wave after wave of Gryphon Warriors.

“All of Equestria is indebted to General Morning Star.” She continued to read, surprised at the next passage. “His sacrifice is also a great understanding of the Charger Gene’s genetic enhancement. When the general fell, he had d-defeated.” Her mouth kept moving, but she couldn’t say the number. Rainbow Dash gulped, not believing such power. “Over f-five hundred Gryphon Soldiers, well-armed and well trained.”

The mare closed her book, rolling over on to her back while keeping said book pressed against her chest. Her mind was on thoughts of Moon Howl doing such feats, like General Morning Star. A smile slowly crept on to her lips, followed by a crimson blush.

“He would look twenty percent cooler, with me fighting beside him.” Rainbow Dash said, out loud, giggling some. “Maybe I can ask him to teach me some of his moves, in exchange for him learning a few of my own.”