Looking Past The Surface

by storm128

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery, Treehugger, Fluttershy, Adventure, Zecora
Length: 5167

When Fluttershy is called away, her two best, nature-loving friends volunteer to solve a mysterious ailment plaguing the local animals.

Tree Hugger's affinity for all things natural is perhaps her most notorious trait. All beings, be they big or small, flora or fauna, predator or prey, are beautiful in her eyes. She would never bear to see anything in nature mistreated.

So when a distant crisis forces Fluttershy to abandon her animals in a time of need, Tree Hugger teams up with Zecora to solve the mystery behind their strange ailment.

Edited by Icarus Gizmo

Published 2016-09-11 22:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-09-11 22:00:01 UTC

Chapter 1

A dazzling sunrise bathed the town of Ponyville in a radiant, summer glow. Residents threw wide the shuttered windows and closed doors of their pastel-colored homes and businesses, welcoming in their equine neighbors. The gentle heat baked into the twisting dirt roads, lush fields of grass, and lovingly tended flowers, giving off a pleasing, earthy scent.

Cooling breezes wound their way into the small community, around buildings, over shimmering ponds, rustling through copses of dense forest, and tousling the scarlet dreads of one joyful green earthpony.

Tree Hugger beamed her subtle, calming smile at the natural beauty displayed before her. Atop a rolling green hill towering above the hamlet, she could fully take in the enrapturing sight. Many days like this one had preceded it, and numerous more would surely follow, but she had learned long ago to see them all as something to treasure. Precious times like these should never be taken for granted, and she made sure to give thanks to both her Princesses and the earth beneath her hooves for every peaceful moment.

“Could I ask for a more blissful day to visit a friend,” the mare thought.

With that, Tree Hugger began to lazily trot down the opposite side of the hill. As much as the mare adored mingling and conversing with the residents of her home, something of a higher pertinence called on her attention. She’d bumped into Fluttershy the day before, and the timid, mare had worked herself into quite the worried fervor. Although her friend’s presence had seemed to calm the pegasus, allowing her to request the nature-loving pony’s expertise on a very concerning matter.

Something was wrong with Fluttershy’s animals.

Ponyville soon disappeared over the hill’s crest as the mare continued her merry jaunt toward Fluttershy’s home. The quickest route meant skirting the edge of the Everfree Forest, a task that caused most to follow a different path. The jagged branches of the dark-colored trees took on the appearance of skeletal limbs, beckoning to travelers in hopes of dragging them into the overbearing foliage, never to be seen again.

To Tree Hugger, however, the ancient wood was but another bastion of nature’s wonder. All creatures that called the forest their home were beautiful in their own way. She smiled into the thicket, letting all of Celestia’s creations know that they faced a friend.

Soon enough, the homey cottage came into view. The overgrown roof nearly camouflaged the small abode; only shuttered windows and the stable door indicated the mound as a dwelling. A myriad of birdhouses nestled in the canopy and hung from nearby trees. The small creek gently bubbled as it flowed under a path leading toward the home’s entrance.

But that was the only sound Tree Hugger could hear.

Gone were the usual sounds of foraging rabbits, conversing birds, clucking chickens, and chittering beavers. The eerie silence now plaguing the animal sanctuary put a disconcerting damper on the mare’s mood. She warily approached the cottage, curious as to what had befallen the friendly creatures.

As Tree Hugger raised her hoof to knock, distracted by the negative vibes saturating the area, the door suddenly burst open. The mare had no time to react as the heavy wood sailed forward and slammed into her muzzle. Stars exploded across Tree Hugger’s eyes and she felt herself flung back. Lying on her back, the edges of Tree Hugger’s vision began to darken as a thick fog began to cloud her thoughts. A pink and yellow blob appeared within the collapsing tunnel, and she could vaguely hear a shrill voice calling out her name.

“Is she alright?” a gentle voice asked worriedly.

It certainly didn’t feel like it. Tree Hugger’s muzzle radiated with a sharp pain, her gumline ached, and her teeth felt like they’d been mashed back into her mouth. Her head throbbed dully, causing the mare to groan as she returned to consciousness.

“She’ll have quite the bump on her head, and it may be wise for her to stay in bed. But with the help of my special brew, soon enough, she’ll be good as new,” a deeper, exotic voice answered.

An earthy-tasting liquid dribbled into Tree Hugger’s mouth. Notes of wild berries, minty leaves, and bark from a tree she couldn’t quite place made up the potion’s palate. It was vaguely reminiscent of an iced herbal tea the earthpony sometimes enjoyed on blistering summer afternoons.

The effects that followed, however, were an entirely new experience. The minty notes chilled Tree Hugger’s gums to a pleasing level of numbness, her displaced teeth gently began to realign, and a sweet berry aftertaste distracted from the pain growing in the pony’s head.

After several seconds, the mare found it possible to open to her eyes without difficulty, allowing her to stare up at the concerned faces of Fluttershy and an unfamiliar mare. Tree Hugger had never met her, nor any zebra for that matter..

A cascade of alternating gray and white stripes flowed down her body, similarly patterning the mohawk she’d styled her mane into, and a swirling sun decorated her flank. Sets of golden bangles adorned her neck and a single foreleg, whilst two similar hoops hung from her ears. The zebra’s forest green eyes tapered at their ends and, coupled with the sly smile she now wore, gave off an air mystery that sparked Tree Hugger’s curiosity.

“It is good to see you finally wake,” the mare began. “I could not be sure how long it would take. Fluttershy is full of grief; to see you rise may grant relief.”

No sooner than the words had left the mysterious mare’s mouth, two pale yellow forelegs wrapped around Tree Hugger’s neck and squeezed in loving desperation. A faint wetness sprouted across her chest as a steady stream of tears began to patter against her coat.

“Oh, Tree Hugger,” Fluttershy wailed, “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going, I was just trying to get out the door in such a hurry, and then you were just there and… and…” She devolved into mournful sobs.

With her mellow smile in place, Tree Hugger began calmly stroking the back of Fluttershy’s mane, quieting her plaintive cries. Soon enough, the pegasus was able to shakily lift her head and meet her friend’s gaze.

“Fluttershy, this aura of remorse is so unbecoming of you,” the earthpony began. “My body and mind are now, like, harmonizing in a key of perfect tranquility thanks to you and your friend. I have nothing to forgive, as no harm was done.”

“You’re sure?” Fluttershy asked weakly.

“We’re copacetic,” Tree Hugger answered comfortingly.

“Copacetic?” the yellow mare responded quizzically.

“I think what Tree Hugger is trying to say,” the zebra intervened, “is that everything between you two is A-ok.”

“Right on,” Tree Hugger hummed.

“Oh,” Fluttershy said suddenly, springing to her hooves, “how rude of me. I completely forgot to introduce you two.” The pegasus motioned toward her striped companion, “Tree Hugger, this is Zecora,” she mirrored the action with her other leg, “Zecora, this is Tree Hugger.”

“Far out,” the earthpony mused approvingly. “I’m totally digging your vibe right now. You look so in tune with, like, your identity and your surroundings. Your aura feels just so…” Tree Hugger trailed off as she struggled to find the words, “... fulfilled in its purpose.”

“An interesting compliment to give,” Zecora answered. “Up to your expectations I hope I live. I’ve found our meeting enjoyable as well, new friendships are always more special than one can tell.”

“I’m so happy you’re both getting along,” Fluttershy sighed. “I knew you two would be the best choices to help me.”

“Oh yeah,” Tree Hugger said thoughtfully, “I totally forgot. What harsh mellow has befallen your woodland friends?”

“This I would like to know too,” Zecora commented, “what is it you would like for us to do?”

“Well,” the pegasus began, a hint of concern creeping into her tone, “a few days ago, some of my birds didn’t come home. It’s something I wouldn’t usually concern myself with, but most of them are sitting this time of year. New parents wouldn’t just abandon their babies, so I went looking for them.” Her worried look deepened as the Fluttershy continued her tale, “Eventually, I found them all huddled on a single branch in the Everfree forest. They were terrified."

“Odd behavior for friends of yours,” Zecora interrupted. “Did the birds catch a bug, or inhale strange spores?”

“That was my first thought,” Fluttershy responded, “so I began examining the tree they were near. It looked… different, unlike any I’ve ever seen near Ponyville. It had these strange purple vines covered in rainbow flower pods. Other than that, the tree was completely bare. Fortunately, my birds soon calmed down enough to follow me back home. I thought that would be the end of it until the same began happening to the other animals. Some of them would wander into the woods, come into contact with that tree, and become too terrified to return home. I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had two friends that could help.” The pegasus gestured toward Zecora, “An expert on the Everfree forest.” She repeated the motion toward Tree Hugger, “And one with more knowledge and expertise on flora than anypony else I’ve ever met.”

“Righteous,” Tree Hugger responded, “so, like, when do we embark?”

“Well,” Fluttershy began sheepishly, “I was hoping that we’d be able to take care of this today, but…” she trailed off and spared a glance back toward her flank. The two other mares followed her gaze, and found her cutie mark pulsing with an ephemeral glow. “I guess somepony in Equestria needs my help more, that’s why I was in such a rush earlier. The problem with the animals will have to wait.”

“Banish the thought, a friendship problem is out there for you to mend,” Zecora responded, throwing a foreleg around Fluttershy’s shoulders. “And while you are gone, I’m sure Tree Hugger and I can help your friends.”

“Really?” Fluttershy asked hopefully. “I don’t want my problems to be a burden.”

“Absolutely,” Tree Hugger affirmed. “You focus on, like, bringing harmony to ponies afar, and we’ll return karmic balance to our peaceful woods.”

“Oh,” the yellow pegasus gasped, grasping her friends in a grateful embrace, “thank you both so much. I promise, I’ll hurry home as soon as possible.” Fluttershy gave a basic description of the tree’s location then, with a final wave of farewell, she sprang into the air and flew off toward Ponyville.

“Well,” Tree Hugger began, breaking the silence following Fluttershy’s departure, “I suppose we should get to it.”

“Indeed, we should be on our way,” Zecora responded, “we cannot afford to waste a minute of day.”

With that, the two mares trotted into the forest. Daylight soon receded as the foliage overhead grew denser. Rustlings in the underbrush signalled the presence of the Everfree’s inhabitants. Hanging vines and skeletal branches attempted to impede the duo’s progress, but they continued on. Zecora seemed to navigate the treacherous path with ease, whilst Tree Hugger found herself having a bit more issue maneuvering through.

“Wow, so you’re, like, really in tune with this place, huh?” Tree Hugger observed.

“Yes, I am quite familiar with my home,” Zecora said, glancing about with a content smile. “Despite its dangers, it is a place I love to roam.”

“I wish I had more opportunities to visit,” Tree Hugger responded. “The forest, like, resonates with such an intimate part of me. I can practically feel it clearing my chakras with every step.”

“It’s nice to meet somepony who can appreciate this place,” the zebra said. “most others look at it with such distaste.”

“I can see why,” the green mare observed. “Our home has always been a place of peace and tranquility, and the untrained eye can, like, easily mistake the unknown for danger. It takes a level of…” Tree Hugger trailed off as she gazed up into the thick canopy, “...enlightenment to look past something’s appearance and see the true beauty within.”

“Elegantly said, and I must say I heartily agree,” Zecora responded, a bit of surprise in her tone. “I do believe there will be many interesting talks between you and me.”

Silence fell back across the two as their attention turned toward the enrapturing sight of the dense trees. Through the menacing brambles and creeping moss, Tree Hugger found herself examining beautiful, wild bouquets and rich, green brush. The picturesque nature of the landscape filled her mind with serenity, and brought her soul to a new level of tranquility.

It was almost enough to distract from the unnerving quiet.

Despite the allure in becoming lost in her thoughts, Tree Hugger couldn’t help but notice the lack of scampering creatures or the flapping of bird’s wings. The concern seeding itself in her guts brought her attention back to the task at hoof.

“How much farther,” she inquired of her striped companion.

“It is not far from here,” Zecora answered, her expression relaying the same worry as Tree Hugger. “Soon we shall put an end to this plague of fear.”

The trees began to thin, and the pair stumbled upon a small clearing. Despite the sparse foliage, little sunlight was able penetrate the canopy. It almost seemed as if the surrounding wood gave a wide berth to this place, and yet still sought to hide it from the world. The unending fields of brush and grass stopped at the clearing’s edge, and was replaced by a patchwork of brown and dying plants. Cracked stumps of fallen trees dotted the landscape, all aside from a single, towering spire of timber at the dead center of the morbid expanse.

The tree was gnarled and twisting, and the gaps in its bark were filled with brown moss. Sickly, purple vines were strung between the barren branches like garland, and small, rainbow pods dotted their lengths like ornaments. The two mares apprehensively approached the intimidating plant, curiosity replacing both of their expressions.

“What is this?” Tree Hugger asked.

“I’m afraid to say I do not know,” Zecora answered. “Never have I seen something like this grow. But I must have read some book or bit of lore, I swear I’ve seen something like it before.”

No sooner than the last word was said, the vines began to shift as if suddenly imbued with life. The mares jumped back in alarm, but not before several of the rainbow pods burst open. A haze the same shade as the vines seeped from the open spores, shrouding the entire space in a purple cloud.

Tree Hugger coughed and spat, trying to keep the aromatic mist out of her lungs. The futility in the effort was soon made apparent as a dizziness struck the mare into a confused stupor. Her head began to pulse, and she felt short of breath. Then, just as the haze seemed set to overwhelm her, it dispersed.

Desperately gasping for fresh air, Tree Hugger finally felt her mind begin to clear and steady. After composing herself, she finally spared a glance at the surroundings, only to find herself alone.

“Z-Zecora?” she called apprehensively, but only silence answered her. Worry began to plague the mare as she searched the clearing, but to no avail. Her companion had disappeared into thin air.

Suddenly, the sound of cracking wood drew Tree Hugger’s attention back to the gnarled tree. The wooden spire began to split and crumble, pieces of bark tumbling to the forest floor. Then, from within the splintering cracks, pillars of dark, acrid smoke began to spill out. It thickened until solid columns of gray haze trailed up into the sky.

Keeping her eye’s on the smoking tree, Tree Hugger slowly backed away toward the forest’s edge. Soon enough, a subtle orange illuminated the tree until it exploded into a wild blaze. The flames licked at the leaves above until it ignited the canopy in a brilliant inferno.

Shrieking in terror, Tree Hugger turned tail and galloped toward the forest’s edge, panicking as she tried to get away. Sparing a glance over her shoulder, she was shocked to see that something else was now sprouting from within the burning tree. A huge, black silhouette of a creature, completely shrouded in flames, tore its way free from the wooden bonds. It landed on four legs, each of which ended with a set of menacing claws. From its head sprouted two curled horns, and a whiplike tail lashed out at the treeline, aiding in the fire’s spread. After a brief look around, the creature’s blazing red eyes settled on the retreating pony and it let loose a terrifying roar. The monster leapt forward, landed with a thunderous crash, and then began pursuing the mare.

Her heart hammering in her chest, Tree Hugger sprinted as fast her legs would carry her. She weaved through the brambles and over fallen logs, desperately trying to escape the rampaging beast. The mare felt an encroaching heat spreading across her back, and yet she didn’t dare look back. The momentary slowdown could prove her end.

The blaze continued to spread at an alarming rate. Everywhere she looked the forest had already been consumed in flame. The sounds of splintering wood and toppling rocks let the mare know the creature was right behind her. She redoubled her efforts, trying to put as much distance between her and that demonic thing as possible.

An uprooted tree, its limbs ablaze, sailed past Tree Hugger and landed directly in her path. Grinding her hooves to a halt, she scrambled in the dirt and managed to turn right before colliding with the burning timber.

Her sense of direction long gone, Tree Hugger focussed solely on keeping away from the flames. She could feel the tips of her mane singe. A pain spreading across her hide grew sharper and more intense, causing the mare to cry out.

As the inferno seemed fit to consume the fleeing pony, a miracle sprang up before her. A crystalline pool of clear water loomed in the distance, promising a cool sanctuary from the destruction overtaking the forest. Pouring on the last of her stamina, Tree Hugger stampeded toward the pond.

Just as blisters began sprouting across the mare’s skin, she dived into the pool. The sudden shock of the chilled water knocked the air out of her lungs, but it was nothing compared to the soothing numbness on her burns. A sigh of relief expelled a jet of bubbles from her muzzle and, as her breath ran short, she cautiously breached the surface.

The forest was devastated. Gouts of flame devoured everything in its path, and every scrap of flora was falling victim. The canopy above was barely visible through the layers of smoke. Tree Hugger’s feeling of relief turned to horror as the inferno rampaged out of control. The mare’s heart sank in her chest, her lip began to quiver, and the edges of her eyes began to sting with tears.

It was gone, everything was gone. The Everfree’s inhabitants were watching their lives being destroyed and, for all Tree Hugger knew, she was the one responsible. If only she’d been more careful, more cautious when approaching that darned tree, maybe none of this would have happened.

She could practically hear the screams of pain and terror as every creature desperately tried to get away. Tree Hugger may not have been the fastest pony, but if the flames even managed to keep up with her at full gallop, there was little hope the other denizens of the forest could escape.

Tears freely poured down her cheeks and gasping sobs escaped her throat. Finally, the mare broke down and began to weep.

A crash snapped Tree Hugger out of her morbid delirium. Raising her gaze, she found the sight of the monstrous fire creature dominated the small clearing. Closer up, the mare could more carefully analyze its features. It shared the same general body of a manticore, but stood taller than two stacked upon each other. The monster’s finer details were still shrouded in a black silhouette, save for the flames engulfing its form.

The creature stood still at the pond’s shore, glaring at the submerged pony. Its whip-like tail swayed from side to side, further igniting the surrounding forest. Watching the fire spread ignited an uncharacteristic anger within the peace-loving mare..

“Why are you doing this?!” she screamed at the beast. “This is your home too!”

Tree Hugger lowered her gaze, and only the sound of burning wood and tears dripping into the water broke the silence. “I believe all creatures are, like, beautiful in their own way. Some may be predators, some are prey, and still more want nothing but to be left alone. Yet they all manage to create this totally majestic ecosystem. A world chaotic, totally misunderstood by the ponies out there, yet still imbued with its own sense of harmony. But you…” she trailed off, a seething rage pervading her words. “You just want to destroy. All these lives you’ve ruined, and for what?! You are not harmonious, you are nothing but a devastating aura that, like, never should have existed!”

Even as it tore at everything the mare thought she believed in, Tree Hugger could not deny the truthfulness in what she was saying. “You’re disgusting,” she finished quietly.

The creature roared in response, its rage fueling the deafening cry. Its tail whipped around and dived into the shallow pool, a layer of steam erupting as it submerged. The mare could feel its burning, oily skin wrap around her body as it yanked her from the safety of the cool water and threw her down at the monster’s feet. Lying supine on her back, she stared up into the pair of orange, hateful eyes.

“Please,” she begged quietly, “just let it end with me.”

The beast’s maw slowly opened, revealing rows upon rows of menacing fangs. It began to lower its head, and Tree Hugger closed her eyes, praying for her end to be quick.

Instead, however, a strange sound began to emit from the monster. It was quiet at first, nearly imperceptible through its panting growls, but the noise soon grew to an audible level. It was melodious, almost like a gentle lullaby. Soon enough, the tune began to warp until the singer was almost recognizable.

Peeling open her eyes, Tree Hugger found the encroaching flames begin die off, receding back into the depths of the forest. The foliage, once alight in a brilliant blaze, revealed itself to be completely unharmed. The lush greens and blues of the brush and trees were shown once more, and the suffocating layer of smoke dispersed with no evidence of it ever being present. Finally, the pony stared up at her captor, only to find the terrifying visage begin to melt away and replace itself with the calming sight of Zecora.

She was cradling Tree Hugger’s head in her lap, gently stroking a hoof through her scarlet dreads. A gentle tune resonated from her lips in a tongue that Tree Hugger couldn’t quite place. The notes doted on her fear-ravaged mind, soothing the discord that had overtaken it. After a while, all signs of the forest fire were gone, leaving the two mares in a blissful silence.

Finishing the song, Zecora stared compassionately into the prone mare’s eyes, “Tree Hugger, so sweet and kind. It’s good to see you now have peace of mind.”

“What happened?” she asked confusedly.

A somber expression replaced Zecora’s concern, “A wicked plant caused these fake flames, but for its planting, I hold the blame.”

“What are you talking about?” Tree Hugger asked, feeling no rush to remove her head from the comfort of her friend’s lap.

“The tree we sought is from my native land, but its planting here I had not planned. I brought it along with my other herbs and plants, but it’s unique in that it causes this nightmarish trance.” Zecora looked down at the ground, a seeding guilt sprouting across her face, “Its seed must have fallen from my things, and now we see the results my carelessness brings.”

“Why did you want to bring it?” the green mare asked.

“A desire to see all things fulfill some good,” Zecora answered. “If anypony could find some purpose for this plant, I thought I could. Obviously my ego should have been put in check, for now I see that it can only destroy and wreck. It only makes you see your greatest fear, and shows the destruction of all you hold dear.”

“That, like, can’t be right,” Tree Hugger stated. “If I know anything, it’s that all of nature’s creations fulfill some purpose. Just because something is scary on its surface, doesn’t mean that there isn’t some inherent beauty that resonates with the world around it.”

“You did not seem to think the same,” Zecora answered, “when you thought I was that creature engulfed in flame.”

“That was… different,” Tree Hugger said. “If those spores create your greatest nightmare, then that’s what that beast was for me. A creature so out of tune with the forest that it can only devastate. It was a being removed from nature, and destruction was its only purpose. But it wasn’t real, and that tree is. Isn’t there, like, anything about it that would do some good?”

“That is a question I have pondered long,” the zebra mused, “and my theory is that you are not wrong. As an antidote calls for the venom it attempts to mend, so too could this tree bring somepony’s nightmares to an end.”

“You mean that those spores could actually be used to, like, help ponies with bad dreams?” Tree Hugger asked.

“Yes, but until my conclusion can be drawn, from the forest it must be gone. The animals cannot live with this looming threat, a new home must be found so they do not fret.”

Tree Hugger thought for a moment before an idea sprang to mind. Her calming smile returned as she gazed up at her friend, “I think I know just the place.”

A shimmering blue light accompanied the portal’s opening. Tree Hugger and Zecora stood in the Nightmare Tree’s clearing, though at a responsibly safe distance from the center. A long, slithering form slipped out of the opening, and immediately dived toward the green mare. A crushing embrace knocked the air out of Tree Hugger’s lungs as the god of chaos greeted her.

“Oh Tree Hugger,” Discord began, twirling one of her dreads with a claw. “I was so ecstatic to hear from you. It’s been so long since that little…” the draconequus trailed off as he rotated his paw in a dismissive gesture, “misunderstanding at the gala. I was truly beginning to think you’d never forgive me. So-” he cut himself off with a sudden disappearance, dropping Tree Hugger in the process, and then suddenly reappeared a short distance away. “-what did you want to do? Bird watching?” he raised a pair of enormous binoculars, “A little nature walk?” a pair of hiking boots, a flannel shirt, and a travel pack all flashed onto Discord’s body. “Or maybe-” his eyes locked onto the other mare, as if noticing her for the first time.

“Oh,” he said dejectedly, “I see you’ve brought another friend. Why is it that nopony can stand to be alone with me? Is my joyous demeanor really that off putting?”

“Discord,” Tree Hugger said gently, “this is Zecora, another one of our friends.”

The god of chaos sighed. “Well, I suppose a friend of your’s should be a friend of mine,” he turned to the side and whispered under his breath, “Not that I have to like it.” Discord returned his attention to the duo, “So, ladies, what can I, the most humble and friendliest of chaotic deities, do for you today?”

The two mares smiled at each other, then explained the situation to Discord.

“A tree that forces one to live their worst nightmares you say?” he said. “Oh that brings me back. Hedge mazes, balloons, turning friends into mortal enemies,” he sighed contentedly, “good times.”

“That’s right,” Tree Hugger answered, ignoring the last bit of his comment. “But it’s, like, an invasive species. It just doesn’t vibe with the rest of the Everfree, you know? But it has the ability to be a righteous medicine to cure bad dreams, so we have to find it a new home. So I thought to myself, ‘Hey, I know somepony else that can, like, totally appreciate something rough on the outside-’,” she paused and trotted up to Discord, putting a comforting hoof on the deity’s leg, “‘but, like, so kind on the inside.’”

“So you’re entrusting ME,” Discord gasped, placing a claw on his chest, “with something like this?”

“That’s, like, what friends are for,” she answered. “You just take Zecora to the tree when she wants to do research, and we’ll let you bring it back to your dimension for safekeeping.”

The draconequus embraced both mares again, “Oh Tree Hugger, I promise, I won’t let you down.” Then, with a snap of his fingers, both Discord and the Nightmare Tree were gone.

Silence took over the clearing as both mares stared at the spot once belonging to the tree. It may have been their imaginations, but it almost appeared like a bit more sunlight started poking through the thick canopy.

“Well, I suppose that is the end of that,” Zecora said. “Would you like to come visit my hut, we can have tea and chat?”

“Far out,” Tree Hugger hummed. The duo then began the short trip to Zecora’s cottage.

After a few minutes of walking, a thought dawned on Tree Hugger. “Hey, I never got a chance to ask, what did the tree make you see?”

Zecora didn’t answer immediately, just kept her gaze locked forward. A time passed before she finally answered, “When I first arrived in this place, friendships were something I had to chase. Everypony was so afraid of me, the mere sight caused them to flee. To answer your question, it’s a bit of blur, but when you ran, I thought our friendship was over.”

Tree Hugger looked comfortingly at Zecora, before draping a foreleg across her friend’s shoulders. “I told you before, I think everything is beautiful, even if they aren’t on the surface. Nothing can scare me off by appearance alone.” She stared into the striped mare’s eyes, noting again how their air of mystery sparked her curiosity, and perhaps something deeper. “Besides, there are some things in nature that are gorgeous all the way through, and I never want to take my eyes off them.”

Zecora stared back at Tree Hugger, before her own smile illuminated her face. “I would like to hear more about these beautiful things, I look forward to what revelations our little chat brings.”