BZZZZZT.........Click!

Well this is both good and bad. I am glad to see Zexis making some progress and have more mare submit to his will bu the fact that Birdhoof bugger up again annoys me. One Must always preform the task given to them correctly and not make adjustments to said order unless extreme measure arise. However mistakes can happen and more so for those you lack any sort of intellectual prowess. I say give him one more chance but a harsher punishment is needed to make sure such mistakes do not happen again.

Moving on, we can still use one of Birdhoof mistakes to our advantage namely recruiting Thunderlane. To do this I recommend another drinking session with just Zexis and Thunderlane, he has already shown that by using a potion on him he becomes quite horny and thus easy for us yo manipulate. Once we have gotten him drunk and drugged up take him back to the flower trio place for a bit of fun and secure him to our side.

I know I have mentioned this numerous times but we need to get our own place weather we do this with whatever capital we have raised or convince Filthy Rich to give us a loan really does not matte, but it is important we get this sort sooner rather than later. Our skills and talents have so far covered our unusually long stay at the flower trio house, but I do not believe we should keep pushing them as much as we have some one will eventually realise how suspicious it is and will investigate. Also once we have our own place we can start making a proper headquarter which we could use for a variety of purposes from holding meeting (Orgy parties) to a stronghold were we can bring problem individual and break them at our leisure.

Lastly it seems we have a new event coming up but our Corrupter seem to be giving us additional information in the form of colour coding our options. We have Castle of Friendship which is green, Ponyville School which is yellow and finally we have the Everfree Forest which is red. This new information could mean any number of thing from difficulty to potential danger to Zexis if he does not interfere. However, after examining previous entrees and information from the Corrupter I am inclined to believe that it is the later. This conclusion comes from that fact that the Everfree Forest has come up multiple times for events and knowing that Zecora is in there and the power she wields it is highly possible that she is doing some major Voodoo to hinder us since she knows something of Zexis true nature. Even if this proves to be untrue any problem that arise from these events at the other two location can be handled with a lot more ease. Zexis is at Ponyville School every other day and with his growing influence over Cheerlie and certain students he should be able to find out and handle any problem that arise there. As for the Friendship Castle it most likely as something to do with Spike and since we have a pretty nice start on Corrupting him we can afford to have a small setback here which we should be able to contact later. Lastly we have next to no information on Zecora actions recently and without information we can not plan any thing involving her to any great extent.

Thus my vote is the Everfree Forest but we need to go in there prepare I would recommend stopping by Nurse Redheart and organising to get some heavy duty tranquillisers and see if we could make a blow gun or something to work with them or some other equipment to be able to use them from range.

Well that it for now.

From the Archives of Enlightenment, Forbidden Division

That fucker touched something that's ours! We'll need to teach Thunderlane a lesson. Who is so pathetic he depends on Birdhoof for sex. I don't think anybody else caught that, Thunderlane is so fucking useless he needs BIRDHOOF to even get wanking materials. Yeah, he's not so openly pathetic and useless as Birdhoof. Call him Birdhoof 2.0. Slightly improved, just as much of a bitch. Sadly, Birdhoof has necessitated that we bring him into the fold. I suggest we just feed him a pack of lies under suggestion powder. He doesn't have access to any mares so keep him in the dark as much as possible.

And while we're on the subject, fuck Birdhoof! Useless piece of garbage can't even follow simple instructions right! And failing at 'don't tell anyone' is fucking lethal to a conspiracy! At this point, I'd say Birdhoof is a liability. And considering the stakes, well, let's just say it's time for Birdhoof to take a 'trip'. A nice friendly 'trip' straight to Tartarus!

Everfree Forest? Looks like Zecora is making her move. Time to put an end to her plans. It's time to implement Operation 'A Bird in the Hoof is worth a Zebra in the Bush'. Zecora has been gearing up and preparing for a duel with us. Or who knows what else. Do you know what she isn't prepared for? A fat idiot breaking in and trying to rape her. Let him soak up whatever traps and gadgets Zecora has planned. Let him tire her out. Then we swoop in, take her for our own, and hopefully have one less Birdhoof to deal with. Or hey, maybe he'll actually redeem himself in the attempt. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, oh couldn't keep a straight face. Like that'll happen.

One orange and blue light turns on, highlighting a figure shrouded in darkness.

He sighs before speaking. "Birdhoof's... indiscretion might be turned to an advantage, however we must keep a closer eye on him. We cannot let him make another screw up on this level.

"Thunderlane may prove to be a useful ally; a knight to Birdhoof's pawn. And maybe we can get information from him about what happened with Rainbow Dash.

"As for the events, I suggest the Everfree Forest. If an event like this is up then it most likely involves Zecora, and we know we'll need to deal with her sooner or later. Investigating this area may give us a lead.

"I would do more... work on Cheerliee instead of Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom; we'd do more with having the teacher under our thumb first.

"Lastly we should learn more about the Purity Laws; what they entail and how they came about.

Until then, here's hoping things carry on smoothly. We will be watching."

The lights shut off.

Sweet Apple Acres, Late Morning

With a loud impact Zexis´ hoof hit the Appletree right in middle of its trunk. The tree shook a little bit, causing a half dozen apples to drop. More than a double still hung stubbornly on its branches. Zexis huffed angrily and took a few steps back for a new attempt. Sweat made his shirt clung to his torso and he breathed heavily.

"Not bad, fella!" Applejack came over from her tree, sweaty herself, but with two casket full of apples. She looked at Zexis work. "For an amateur, that is." Her smile took a little bit the bite out of that comment. She pointed at the tree. "Try hitting it a little bit higher up. Too close to the root, and the impact gets absorbed by the roots."

Zexis nodded and started again. He ran towards the trunk. At the last second he stopped and put all the momentum in his right leg, which raced forward. This time he aimed higher and his hoof connected a second time with the wood. Again the tree shook at the sudden hit, a little bit stronger this time. A few more apples fell to the ground.

Still not enough.

"Damn it!", cursed Zexis and began to pick the fallen apples up. Despite working on the orchards for over a week, he still didn´t make any great progress.

Applejack clicked her tongue dissapprovingly. "No curses on my farm, Chikelu.", she said.

"Sorry...", mumbled the zebra, before looking at the empty orchard, that was Applejacks work. "Just a little bit frustrated..."

The blond mare followed his gaze and grinned. "Well, you know what they say: No one kicked an orchard at their first day!"

Zexis was sure, that that wasn´t how the saying really went, but whatever. He put the apples into his basket and shouldered it. His work wasn´t quite done, but the morning was almost over, and he still had plans for today. As he walked towards the barn, he could see Applejack looking at his unfinished tree. With an almost casual ease she kicked the trunk lightly with her left leg. The appletree vibrated, then suddenly shook violently, letting the remaining apples rain down on the ground. She saw him looking and turned with a grin around. "You forgot something."

Zexis grumbled and walked back. All the while thinking about his plans. With Scootaloo finally broken, he had the servant he needed to corrupt the school and the rest of the CMC. He also could gain access to Rainbow Dash, finally moving on to "liberating" the Mane Six. But these were all plans he hadn´t enacted yet. Possibilities. They could wait. What he needed to do right away, was talking with Thunderlane. He had come to the conclusion, that Birdhoofs mistake could be turned into an opportunity. He didn´t had a high opinion of Thunderlane. He was probably just a limpdick, who couldn´t get the mare he wanted. But he was probably more reliable than Birdhoof. And another ally was always welcome. Maybe Zexis could help him aquiring the right attitude towards mares.

The zebra picked up the last apple and moved again towards the barn. He could see Applejacks firm ass sway in front of him, the shape and outline clearly visible in her worktrousers. Her tail whipping left and right, almost as if she was teasing him. Damn, what a hot mare! Zexis was sure that she would look even better, if she would put some effort into her looks. Not that she would in her current state. Applejack had more important things on her mind than being an eyecandy. Like the farm or her family. If Zexis really wanted to corrupt her, he first needed to get rid of these things. Rearrange her priorities. But for that, he needed to earn her respect. And respect he only got through good work, which seemed to be a rocky road indeed.

Finally they were approaching the barn. Zexis could see Big Mac sitting on a chair before the house. He was brooding over some papers, with a pencil resting behind his right ear. He didn´t look happy.

"Howdy, Mac!", said Applejack, "Got the last batch for today." She and Zexis put their basket down, besides a dozen others. Big Mac looked up for moment, grunted in affirmation, before turning his attention to the papers again. Applejack joined him, looking over his shoulder. "What you´re looking at? Numbers?"

Zexis could see Big Mac sweating a little, as his sister boobs were pressing against his back. Applejack wore a workshirt, but the continued use had worn the fabric thin. A nice show for Zexis and a everlasting tease for Big Mac. Applejack herself was blissfully unaware of this.

The red stallion cleared his throat, before laying down the documents. "Finances. Still going red.", he said, "Trying to find out why."

Applejack frowned, before blinking. "Trying to find out? You mean, you don´t know why we´re making losses?"

That was a suprise indeed, even for Zexis. He assumed the financial difficulties of the farm, was because of the added workload since Granny Smiths death, but apparently that wasn´t the case. He pretended like he checked the apples for impurities, so he could eavesdrop without the siblings getting suspicious.

Big Mac stroked his chin. "Eyup. Should be making profits. But something keeps pulling us under.", he explained, "Haven´t found anything in our files, however. Will keep searching..."

Applejack looked at the papers, thinking for moment. Then she shrugged her shoulders. "Well, good luck with that. I will just work harder, for now. We are going to pick up eventually.", she said, getting up from Macs shoulder and stretching her arms. Again she delivered unknowingly a nice show, with her tits standing noticeably from her chest and her muscles straining under her fur. Big Macs face took an even deeper red and he tried to avert his eyes. Zexis grinned a little bit at that. "I am going to take a shower. Have fun with your fancy math." Applejack walked inside the house, leaving a blushing and frowning Big Mac behind.

Zexis stood up from the basket and walked over to him. Big Mac saw him and his face immediately relaxed. "Good you´re here. Need a favour.", he said. Then he remembered something and reached into his pockets. "Here is your pay for today. Sorry it isn´t more." He gave Zexis a handful of bits.

"Na, its okay. With this and the rest of my savings, I can finally purchase my house." Zexis counted the bits, before pocketing them. He already had made the preparations. All he needed to do was delivering the payment to the Mayor. Then he would finally have his own house. "What can I do for you?"

Big Mac looked behind him, to make sure Applejack wasn´t listening. "Applebloom went to Zecora today.", he said with worry in his voice, "Probably wanted to pick up with her lessons." He scratched his head and Zexis could see the glimmer of fear in his eyes. "Thing is, Everfree has become more dangerous in the last few days. And Zecora has shut herself in. Don´t know if Bloom is safe and I can´t leave the farm alone, so..."

"You want me to look for her?" Zexis wasn´t thrilled with the idea on potentially running into the unfriendly shamaness again.

Big Mac noticed his displeasure. "I will make it up for you, don´t worry. But understand, she is my sister and....well this whole Mojo-thing is just...strange. Honestly I would like, if she wouldn´t do it at all, but Applejack supports it, so what am I going to do?" He clearly seemed worried, as he was beginning to ramble. "But she could be in danger and nopony would know and you are the only one, I can trust outside the girls and they tell me I shouldn´t worry. But I do worry."

He looked Zexis in the eyes. "Please, just make sure she is okay. Quick in and out.", he pleaded.

Zexis sighed. He really wasn´t feeling up for it. But he could hardly refuse Big Mac here. Especially considering that the big guy would owe him after that.

He looked over the Everfree looming on the horizon. Then he got an idea...a terribly, awful idea. An idea that could solve his problems with Zecora and begin the corruption of Applebloom and Big Mac. A smile crept up his face.

"Alright I do it."

Ponyville, Thunderlanes House, Midday

"So this where he lives?", Zexis asked. He stood before a two-story house at the edge of Ponyville. It stood in the line with several other buildings, with a little garden in the front. But while the others were clearly inhabited by families and the like, this one showed clearly that its occupants were two stallions from Manehattan. The garden was unkempt and littered with toys, from swords and plastic shields to a train that was so overgrown, that Zexis was sure that neither Thunderlane nor Rumble had touched it in the last five years.

"Sure does. Rumble invites me every now and then. Probably to impress me. A shame, that I didn´t pick him up on it." Scootaloo looked completely transformed. To a stranger, there would be not too much strange about her. She was still in her sports clothes and her mane was still unkempt. But Zexis could see the details. Like the thin, tight spats she wore, that hugged her bottom and outlined her pussy, if she were to stretch her legs. Or her erect nipples, that poked through the fabric of her shirt. There was also the slight blush of arousal in her face.

Zexis had allowed her to wear those clothes under the condition, that she would only do it when she was exercising, as not to arouse suspiscion. And that she would only rest in secluded, private spots. That made sure nopony would make a fuss, while also letting Scootaloo satsify her newfound lust. And if she would ever get too pent up, he would provide her with "entertainment".

"Want me to help?", she asked, smiling expectantly. "You could drug him, tie him up and I could blow him nice and slow. Make him go crazy. Maybe even let him fuck me outright." She shivered at the thought, a hand stroking her pussy through her spats.

Zexis however shook his head. "Not today. I just want to feel things out for today. Thanks for showing me the way." He waved dismissively at her.

Scootaloo pouted. "But your still going to fuck my brains out tonight, right?"

"Yes, yes. If you are pestering me more, I will probably strangle you while I´m at it.", said Zexis annoyed.

Scootaloo shivered again and a mad grin parted her face. "Not a good way to get rid of me, master...", she said. She came closer, a hand creeping up his thighs, hugging his package and her tongue rolling down his sweaty right arm. "Only excites me more..."

SLAP! Zexis backhand did send her sprawling to the ground. Scootaloo squeaked in pain, holding her cheek. Between her legs, Zexis could see a damp spot as the pain caused her to orgasm slightly. "Ouch! So cruel..."

"Just piss of, you maso-bitch.", growled Zexis, glaring at her.

Scootaloo swallowed, with more liquid pouring out of her cunt. "Y-yes master. Of course, master.", she said, shivering in delight at the verbal abuse. She hurried to her feet, turning around. "Can´t wait for tonight...", she said, winking at him. She gave him a clear view of her stained spats, as she parted her legs for him, before racing away.

Zexis chuckled, as he looked after her. It became increasingly difficult in dealing with all that libido. He would soon need help in satisfying all that lust or find a way to improve his skills in bed. For now however, he had them under control. Scootaloo in particular would stay happy, as long as he treated her like dirt. That made things certainly easier, even though he had to look out not do that in public. Thankfully this time around, most ponies were either at school or working, so he didn´t need to worry, that somepony saw his "interaction" with Scoots.

Thunderlane on the other hand was at home. Zexis knew that, because the weatherteam of Ponyville had their day off today. They had cleared the sky yesterday and the next stormfront was scheduled in three days. And if it wasn´t Guys Night or Wonderbolt Training, Thunderlane was usually at home. At least that´s what Birdhoof had told him.

Zexis stepped up to the door and knocked. For a moment, nothing happened. Then he could he hear somepony coming down the stairs, something crashing, a curse and then hurried footsteps towards the door. A moment later Thunderlane opened the door. The black stallion with light-blue mohawk looked dead tired. He had big bags under his eyes, wore a white sweatshirt that showed his wide shoulders and muscles and his mane was unkempt. "What the...Zexis!?", he asked.

"Good morning, Thunderlane.", greeted Zexis, ignoring the fact, that it was way too late for that. "I wanted to talk with you about something."

The pegasus blinked several times, before his brain finally started working. "Oh, yeah right. Morning, too.", he mumbled, before yawning. "Sorry, had a bad night. What do you want to talk about?"

Zexis made sure, nopony was around to eavesdrop, before leaning in closer. "It´s about Redheart."

Suddenly all the lethargie went out of Thunderlanes face. His hand shot forward, grabbed Zexis by his shirt and yanked him into the house. Then he slammed the door shut and closed the windows. "Fuck!" Thunderlane was sweating, his face pale as he turned to Zexis. "I´m sorry! I was drunk that night and Dirthoof told me....shit, please don´t tell the guards."

Zexis was a little bit suprised at the sudden reaction. His companion looked like he just had a heart attack. "Calm down. I´m not here to rat you out.", he said, "I just wanted to know how you got Birdhoof to tell you about it. And what he told you."

That seemed to work, as Thunderlane slowly calmed down. He was still nervous, but at least he wasn´t hyperventilating. He went to the windows, closing the shutters. "Why do want to know? Or an even better question: How do you know about Redheart?", he asked.

"Let´s just say, that I was the one who gave her the idea for the side-business.", said Zexis. It was probably best, not to reveal too much. Vagueness would only help him here. He didn´t know how high Thunderlanes moral standards were. The risk of him getting upset, if he were to know the full extent of Zexis machinations was too high.

Thunderlane looked at him suprised. "Seriously? Fuck, okay then...." His hands ran through his mane, as he nervously paced the room. "Listen, you are new here, so you probably don´t know, but prostitution is outlawed in Equestria."

Zexis nodded. "I am aware. The Purity Laws, right?"

"Right. But it´s more than that. There is a huge moral stigma here, if you are involved in any kind of open sexuality. Even if you do not break the law, or they find you innocent, folk here don´t forget. And if anypony thinks you are improper...well you can kiss your social standing goodbye." Thunderlane stopped pacing. He went for the kitchen - a place cluttered with old dishes and food from the morning - and pulled out a heavy book he had used as a support for one of the table legs. He gave it to Zexis.

"Thats a law book. They gave it to me the day I arrived. A Guide for proper behaviour they had said. Were probably worried, because I came from Manehattan."

Zexis looked at the book. It was heavy and looked worn. It had stylized letters and was all in all rather dull. On the front stood: Appendix for the Laws of Purity in Body and Soul; by her illustrious majesty, Princess of the Sun Celestia. He propped it open. After a few minutes he found the part that described the laws of prostitution: Any activity that involves the usage of ones body in sexual manner, and that is not limited to a private relationship approved by the princess and the state, and that is exchanged for monetary benefit of any kind is prohibited. Anyone, be it pony or otherwise, who is aware of such activities, but did not report them, supports those activities or enables them is punishable by the law. The minimum sentence is 6 years in prison or a bail of 100.000 bits.

Zexis nearly choked at that. The text did not specify if the six years were only for prostitution or for compliance, but it indicated the latter, which meant that the former was punished even harder. Ridicilous! "What. The. Fuck.", said Zexis with growing disbelief.

"Told you.", answered Thunderlane. "Even in Manehattan they just pretend, like it doesn´t exist. But if somepony whores too openly, they deal with them the same way." He thought of taking the book back, before shaking his head. "Keep it. Should help you."

He sighed, running his hand over his tired face. "Quite honestly, I don´t even want to know how you convinced Redheart. Just tell her, that she should stop, before we all get caught. I was drunk, but that doesn´t count as a good defence before the judge."

"But I thought they relaxed over the last few years?"

"On public behaviour, yes.", answered Thunderlane, "If you want to wear lighter clothes in the summer, or a bikini on the beach, you can do that now. But the heavy stuff? Stripping or Whoring? No chance in hell Princess Celestia is going to let that slide. And Princess Luna is not up for it either."

Zexis huffed. Truly, Equestria desperately needed his help. "That is not right.", he said to himself.

Thunderlane heard that. His face dropped and he shook his head. "Oh nonono! You get that right out of your head. There were a lot more powerful and smarter guys out there, who wanted to challenge the Purity Laws. And they all failed. And their careers soon after. Don´t make the same mistake."

He sighed, before going to the sink and filling himself a glass of water. "It´s not that bad, honestly. Ponyville is a nice place with pleasant folk. And Equestria is more stable and peaceful then the rest of the world. No Beasts or ancient evils anymore. If we have to trade our libido for that, fine. I can deal with that.", he said, while drinking.

Zexis looked at him sceptically. "Evidently not, considering what we are talking about."

Thunderlane winced. "A lapse in judgment. Rumble always tells me not to drink too much. Will not do it again."

Zexis nodded. Then he noticed something. On Thunderlanes right arm hang a little wooden heart, nothing more than a trinket. His trinket. That explains the bad sleep., thought the zebra. Probably a gift. But from whom? "Where did you get that?", he asked.

"What, that?" Thunderlane looked at the small talisman. "Dash gave it to me, along with a batch of flowers. Didn´t say why. Probably as an apology." He shrugged.

That brought Zexis to the other thing he wanted to talk about. "By the way, what exactly happened between the two of you? You didn´t get into detail last time."

Thunderlanes face hardened. "That is...private.", he said court, "I would appreciate it, if we do not speak of it."

But Zexis didn´t let himself be dissuaded. "Come on. I know about Redheart, what could possibly be more..."

Further he didn´t make it, as Thunderlane rammed the glass he held onto the table with an audible impact. "I said it´s private!", he growled. All the sympathy was gone from his demeanor and Zexis quickly reminded himself, that he was alone in a room with an athlete. An athlete with military training.

Thunderlane walked briskly towards the door, unlocked and opened it. He looked at Zexis without a word.

The zebra got the message. He tucked the book under one arm and walked out of the house. Once he was over the doorstep, he turned around, wanting to say something, only for Thunderlane to smash the door shut before his face.

That certainly could have gone better...

Everfree Forest, late Midday

The Everfree was dark. Even with the sun standing at the zenith, there was only a few rays of light, that made it through the thick canopy. The trees stood close to each other, strangling each other for sunlight, twisting and turning in unnatural ways. Sometimes even growing on the path itself, trying to erase that small bit of civilization. Every now and then one could see a pair of glowing eyes in the dark.

"Why am I here?", came it from Birdhoof.

Zexis turned around. They were on the path to Zecoras hut. Zexis knew, that this was the way Applebloom would take, after finishing school. If they hurried, they could catch up to her before she reached Zecora. Not that that was the plan, of course.

He looked at Birdhoof. The fat unicorn sweated. It wasn´t exertion as more than fear that let sweatbeads run down his face. Clearly the caretaker didn´t like the forest. "I need a second pair of hands for this. And it´s your chance on making up for your blunder last time.", he explained, while venturing forth. "Do you have everything?"

Birdhoof wimpered, but followed him. "Syringes, already filled sedatives. Hormone Pills. And this..." He pulled out a small bag and looked at it confused. "What is this actually?"

Zexis took it from him and pocketed it. "My own creation. Knockout Powder. Inhale it and your brain gets a sensory overload, causing you to fall unconscious. Figured we might need that today..."

He didn´t elaborate for what, but from the fearful look on Birdhoofs face it was clear that his minion understood anyway. They were preparing for a fight.

One more thing, Zexis. If you happen to go to the Everfree for whatever business you wish to do there, keep in mind that the forest is a wild, dangerous place. One of the dangers often encountered there are magical creatures called Timber Wolves.

Timber Wolves are a form of self-creating golems which inhabit constructs made of rocks and deadwood. Good on the attack, but tend to crumble on a strong hit. Since they can regenerate from almost nothing and don't require sustenance other than ambient magic, that's not usually a problem. The important part for you—other than the sharp fangs and claws—is that they're mostly plant creatures.

You can feel your affinity for all things plant life, can't you, Zexis? Back in Zebrica, powerful shamans would know how to tame the wild spirits of nature, just as they tame their own females. Perhaps there is potential there. A Timber Wolf's "corpse" is saturated with the Everfree's chaotic magic even if the will has moved on to a different shell. A priceless item for a skilled alchemist! Not only that, but perhaps you will eventually stumble across a way to gain some form of influence over the creatures. Even control.

And even more interesting, Zexis... You dimly remember your teachers mention a way to infuse another being with such natural magics. There are stories of legendary Zebra sorcerers who not only dared to cross the mares in their care with many non-equine creatures in a carnal way, but who would create powerful, loyal mare-slaves by mutating them in various ways. You have to admit, the idea of a timber-pony Applejack, wagging her tail, staring at you with glowing green eyes and begging for your touch is deliciously hot.

Keep the possibilites in mind, Zexis...

A low growl caught Zexis attention. His eyes wandered through the thick bushes, that bordered the path. Finally they fell onto a Timberwolf. A canine creature made out of wood, twigs and bark. A golem, given primitive life by the overflowing wild magic of the Everfree. Predators, that stalked the thicket, yet would not eat their prey, for what use had they of flesh? There were numerous theories about their existence and behaviour. Some said they were a freak accident of magic, imprinted with instincts of real wolves, but unable to fulfill them, which caused them to be so aggressive. Others thought, that they were a manifestation of the will of nature, appearing when the spirits of the forest were restless.

Zexis tended more towards the latter theory. Sure, it wasn´t really scientific, but he knew enough about spirits and the like, back from Zebrica, to know that one shouldn´t scoff so easily over things like that. And the Everfree had a will. He could feel that...

And it was angry...

The Timberwolf didn´t attack them. It just stood there and watched them walk by, before vanishing into the darkness. On another day, Zexis might have feeled inclined, trying to figure out how to control to creature. Maybe he could overwrite whatever primal magic held it together and use it for himself. And even if that didn´t work, Timberwolf-wood was very useful in alchemy.

But today he had different worries. And more importantly he wasn´t sure, if he would succeed. His skill in alchemy wasn´t good enough for that and he felt that his affinity towards nature was far too weak, to overrule whatever programm the golem was running on. He would try another time.

...

After half an hour they finally caught sight of Applebloom. The young filly walked cautiously through the forest and had, as Zexis quickly noticed, a talisman in her hand. It was made out of elm wood and carved in the shape of a half-moon, glowing in a pale blue light. From the craftsmanship Zexis deduced that Applebloom most likely made it herself. Not bad for an Apprentice.

She held it in front of her chest, constantly looking through the shadows. She was nervous, which wasn´t good. Because if Applebloom was afraid of the Everfree, that meant that Zexis and Birdhoof were in even greater danger. He turned to Birdhoof and they both went and hid themself behind a bush.

"Zecora?", called Applebloom into the forest. "Zecora, please come out! I know you´re there. I just want to talk."

"Go away, Applebloom...." Zecoras ghostly voice echoed from the darkness. It seemed to come from all sides. "I can see the shadow over your shoulder. Go away...and tell Twilight that Equestria is in great danger..."

Zexis frowned at that. What did she mean?

Applebloom didn´t seem to understand as well. "Wha-what do you mean? What darkness? Is it Tirek? Someone else? Please tell me!"

"Older than the centaur....", came it from Zecora, "A darkness enveloping and swallowing us all. Twisting our souls, corrupting our minds. Its tendrils have reached us. That is what the spirits say...the most evil mojo...."

"The spirits?" Applebloom gasped in terror. "Zecora, did you summon the dead!? You told me that was too dangerous here. What if they possessed you?"

Zexis brows furrowed. Summoning the spirits of the dead was dangerously close to necromancy. Most shamans only did it with recent deceased or none at all. Only the most powerful would dare summoning older ones or even binding them. Was Zecora really capable of that?

"They didn´t, pupil.", whispered the hidden shamaness, "For I did not summon them. They....came to me."

Several ethereal shapes appeared from the shadows. They were translucent, sceletal ponies. Naked, some of them showing the wounds that caused the demise. They floated towards the pathway, but not coming closer to Applebloom. They seemed to be cautious of her talisman.

The filly was now shaking in fear, but she did not run. Instead she turned towards the direction the spirits were coming from. "Please, let me help you! Come with me.", she said, failing to keep the fear out of her voice. "Twilight will surely find a way...there is no need for that...." She gestured towards the ghosts.

"I cannot, Applebloom...it has seeped into the castle. It is still weak, but I cannot take the risk. I will need to destroy it."

"Destroy?", asked Applebloom confused, "Destroy what?"

Zecora stepped out of the forest, her hood up, hiding her face and only letting her eyes shine through the darkness with arcane power. On her belt hung dozens upon dozens of fetishes, talismans and potions and in her left hand Zexis could see a dagger, that glowed with yellow runes. "Destroy him.", she said, pointing at Zexis.

Zexis reacted immediately. He grabbed a syringe and rose up. He made sure that he seemed calm, even though his heart was racing. On his face he put concern, worry and fear. The last one he didn´t even need to act. He could practically feel the arcane energy from Zecora. How long had that bitch prepared herself? Weeks? Months?

He slowly walked towards them, his hand behind his back. Applebloom looked at him, scared and confused, still clutching her amulet. "Zexis? What are you doing here? I though you were..."

"You brother told me to look after you. He was worried you might get in trouble", interrupted Zexis. He looked at Zecora and the spirits, who were floating at the edge of the path. "And it seems he was right..." He took a few steps towards Applebloom.

Immediately the spirits sprung to action. Two of the floated in front of him, hissing angrily and barring the way. "Do not touch her, Defiler!" Zecora raised her hand and several long, haunting howls answered her. Timberwolves.

Zexis shook his head. "What are you talking about? I just want to help! I don´t even know, what I did wrong!?"

"Yours is an existence that should not exist. Your thought are not you own and great evil lies in your action. Begone!" With the last words, darkness began to encroach closer. The ghosts got bolder and they began to surround Applebloom.

Zexis showed his teeth in frustation, before holding out his hand to the filly. "This clearly leads nowhere. Applebloom, come! Lets get out of here!"

She was shaking, tears in her eyes, but Applebloom did not come closer. Instead she turned to Zecora. "Z-Zecora, please....stop this. I don´t want this...l-let´s just talk about it.", she pleaded, crying openly now. "I want to understand..."

Zecora looked at her and for a moment she hesistated. The glow around her eyes faded and the spirits seemed to sense it, turning their attention towards her for a second. As if they were looking for orders.

A second was all Zexis needed. He dashed forward, through the gap between the two ghosts. If he were nimbler, he might have avoided them completely, but one of them floated towards him and grazed him. A biting cold flowed through shoulder and his arm turned numb. Thankfully it wasn´t the one, who held the syringe. He closed the space between him and Applebloom. She saw him too late, screamed in terror. His healthy arm shot forward and he rammed the syringe into her neck.

The sedative worked immediately. He had made sure he got a strong one, so she wouldn´t struggle. Appleblooms eyes rolled into her head and she went limp. Zexis catched her before she could fall.

Seeing that Zecora roared in anger. The spirits responded immediatly, floating towards Zexis, howling.

"Birdhoof! Help me!", screamed Zexis. Birdhoof sprang up from his position, but was cut off as two more ghosts appeared before him. He stopped in his tracks, terror written all over his face.

"RELEASE HER, YOU DEMON!" Zecoras voice bellowed throughout the entire forest, no doubt amplified because of an artifact.

"You go to sleep." Zexis pulled out the little bag with Knockout-Powder. Opening it with his numb hands and throwing it into her direction. The Powder hit the shamaness directly in the face, causing her to cough and inhale.

And then....nothing happened.

Zecora shook her head and glared at Zexis. Fuck! She is actually immune!?, thought Zexis. But he didn´t had time to worry about that, as the spirits were almost upon him. He tried to dodge out of the way, but there too many and he was too slow. An ethereal hand passed through his left leg and he stumbled.

Immediately they threw themselves at him. Zexis saw them converging and closed his eyes, awaiting the oncoming doom.

Then Appleblooms talisman flared up. The pale, blue light erupted from the wood, striking the ghost. Their angry howling turned into fearful, pained screams as the moonlight threw them into the darkness. A few tried to fight the light, but after a few tense seconds even they were banished into the forest. The light washed over Zecora, leaving her untouched.

Zexis looked stunned at the talisman. Could it be that Applebloom actually got her hands on a holy symbol of a god? But how? And who would give her something, that even priests could rarely acquire?

He heard a grunt and saw Zecora pull a fetish from her belt. Question could come later. He got up and carried Applebloom over to Birdhoof. That one had finally overcome his fear and helped him, taking the legs of the filly. Together they booked it, not even looking back, as Zecora was ratteling the fetish and muttering an incantation.

"Come forth, creatures of the wild magic. Come forth, Wolves of Timber!"

Howling filled the forest. Soon Zexis could see a pack of Timberwolves leaping out of the thicket, trying to catch up to him. Then a second one, then a third. Soon more then a dozens of these golems were snapping at their heels.

"They are catching up!", screamed Birdhoof.

"I know!"

Zexis threw Applebloom to him, got his hands free. One Timberwolf jumped, its jaws wide open. Zexis fist hit his wooden skull, scattering the leaves and twigs and throwing the rest of the body to the wayside.

But Zexis didn´t had much time celebrating his victory, as the wood began to quiver, shake and then reassemble itself to form a new Timberwolf.

"Fuck..."

Two more attacked. Zexis caught the first one in the air with his right hand, before throwing it on ground, shattering it on impact. Birdhoof catched the second ones leg with his telekinesis and flung it into a nearby bush. They reformed immediatly.

"If we do not hit hard enough, they just come back!", yelled Birdhoof, still running, but rapidly running out of steam.

Zexis was aware of that, but he had no idea how to do that. They were brittle enough to shatter easily, but the parts themselves were sturdy. His fist weren´t strong enough....

His fists....

Suddenly Zexis stopped. The Timberwolves saw their chance. The biggest one of them, their leader, stepped forward. His fangs were sharp, dripping with sap. A dark, low growl came from within him. He paced closer. And then, as Zexis didn´t react, he leaped forward.

Zexis hoof crashed into his torso. The kick broke through the drywood, scattering broken bark into every direction. An appletree might withstand that impact, but a Timberwolf could not. The alpha fell to the ground, broken. For a short moment his parts quivered, then they laid still.

Zexis stomped his right leg on the ground. "I buck trees every day, you fucking bastards.", he growled, "Come at me!"

Skill unlocked! Applebucking Kicks (basic)

Another one pounced. Zexis kicked his left leg foward, hit its jaw, sending it into the bushes. Then two of them attacked. He whirled around catching one of them with his right leg from the side, breaking through his torso and hitting the other one. A howl alarmed the zebra to an attack from behind and he turned around, just as another wolf tried to sink its teeth into his neck.

Birdhoof reacted. His horn flared up, grabbing the beasts hindlegs with telekinesis and yanking it away from Zexis. The zebra followed it up with a high kick. His hoof smashed through its jaw and destroyed the Timberwolf. The remaining ones howled with rage and threw themselves forward.

Zexis looked to Birdhoof. He nodded. They both understood what to do.

Birdhoof once again caught the fastest ones with magic and Zexis shattered them with precise kicks. This way they methodically took out one after the other, always making sure, that not more than two could attack them at the same time.

After several minutes of intense fighting, Zexis right leg speared through the last remaining Timberwolf. The beast howled in pain, before falling apart. Panting and choking for air the two stallions looked around.

The path was littered with twigs, leaves and broken bark. If one would look at it, one would assume, somepony just didn´t cleaned the road. Only the two of them knew what kind of battle they just fought.

"That...was...amazing...", panted Birdhoof. He still carried Appleblooms on his back, but a grin parted his lips. "Scary....and amazing..."

Zexis just nodded. His eyes were set on the darkness behind him. Through the shadows he could see Zecora looking at him. Her green eyes brimming with hatred, piercing through the darkness.

"Come on, lets go. Don´t want to find out what else she has in store for us.", he said and grabbed Appleblooms shoulders again, so they shared the burden.

Birdhoof nodded and together they ran as fast as they could. Zecora did not pursue...

Outside the Everfree Forest

"Shit, that was close."

"You can say that again."

"Shit, that was..."

"I was joking!" Zexis shook his head. Still, they managed to escape, which was something. He looked down at the unconscious Applebloom. Then he punched her in the face.

Birdhoof jumped up. "What are you doing!? We just saved her!", he yelled in shock.

"Need to make it seem like Zecora injured her.", answered Zexis calm, "She is heavily sedated, she won´t be waking up anytime soon." With that, he took a sharp knife, that Birdhoof gave him with trembling hands. He then cut into Appleblooms thighs several times, as well giving her one over her collarbone. Just superficial, nothing deep. Yet, Birdhoof still winced. Zexis grabbed her shirt and ripped it lightly, as well as cutting her jeans two times.

Then he stood up and looked down on his work. Applebloom now looked like she had been through tartarus. She was bleeding, her left cheek was swollen and her clothes torn. Everything he needed for his story.

He looked at Birdhoof. "Let´s get her to Redheart."

Ponyville Hospital

Big Mac stood in the floor, at the glass window that seperated him from the patients room. Behind that laid Applebloom on a bed, sleeping, covered in bandages with Applejack holding her hand. The blond mares eyes were red. She had been crying.

Zexis came up to Big Mac, two cups of coffee in his hands. He gave one to the red stallion. "Here, for the nerves.", he said.

Big Mac didn´t look at him, but took the cup and sipped at it. "Nurse said it´s just light injuries.", he said.

Zexis nodded. He knew that of course, but held up his sad look. He let a little bit of relief show. "Thats good to know.", he said. Then he looked down again. "Still, if I had just been faster, then I could have prevented this..."

"Don´t blame yourself.", said Big Mac. He took another deep sip from the coffee. "You couldn´t know what would happen. You couldn´t know that she....that she would..." His voice cracked and tears welled up in his eyes.

Zexis put a hand on the big guys shoulder, giving him support as quiet sobs racked the stallions body. "The nurse said, she is going to be fine. A few days of sleep and everything will be over.", he said, trying to calm the farmer.

Big Mac nodded, took another deep sip. "Y-you´re right....still, it´s just...seeing her like that..." Her drank a bit more. His tears still rolling down his face, but his expression darkening. "I never though Zecora would do that. To just attack her like that..." Anger swelled within him. The cup in his hands was slowly crushed, with hot coffee running down his arms. Big Mac didn´t even notice.

Zexis nodded. "She was probably possessed by the ghosts. She said something about them coming to her. Maybe she is a victim, too?", he said, fully knowing what the reaction would be.

Big Mac snarled, his lips parting to show his teeth grinding. "Victim or not, she hurt my little sister! I told Applejack this was dangerous. I told all of them.", he growled, his voice dripping with hate, as the hormone pills in the coffee lowered his inhibitions and detroyed the mental barriers that were holding his rage back. "She is going to pay for that."

"And after that?", asked Zexis quiet, whispering in his ear. "But will you do about your sisters? The farm?"

Big Mac looked at him, his face a mixture of anger and determination. "I am going to educate them." He then turned around and threw the cup into a bin.

Zexis grinned victoriously, gestured Birdhoof who was sitting nearby and they both followed Big Mac. It was time for Round Two!

Relationships updated!

Thunderlane

Willpower: 4+1/10
Corruption: 0/10
Lust: 6+1/10
Secrets: Rainbows Ex, locked
Traits:strong, very fast, handsome, dexterous

Zecora

Willpower: 8/10
Corruption: 0/10
Lust: 2/10
Skill: Master in Alchemy, Mystic
Secrets: locked
Traits: highest Affinity to alchemy (Enchantments), very intelligent, high Affinity to elements (earth), dexterous

Big Macintosh

Willpower: 5/10
Corruption: 3+4/10
Lust: 6/10
Secrets: Siscon, wants to be dominant
Traits: massive cock, massive balls, extremly strong, huge body

CP: 6

Author's Note

Phew, that were close to seven hours of work here. I am quite proud of myself.

Anyway, on to my comment on this chapter: Everfree Forest won out narrowly over Friendship Castle, which I found quite interesting. Seems like quite a lot of people were content on letting Zecora get away a third time.

I also made sure, to drop some hints in the chapter where some traits were insufficient or lacking, when it came down to it. Hope some of you picked up on that. That didn´t mean zexis would lose, but it would make the situation harder or take away some option.

Now on to other matters. The colours: A lot of you had some decent ideas and some came even pretty close. Now I am going to tell what they mean. Generally they will inform you about the skills, that will be mainly used in an event. I don´t like telling what the best option is, because that would be boring. The same goes for danger. Instead I am going to show you, what skills Zexis needs to make the most out of an event. Green means social. Yellow means physical. Purple is arcane (Magic, alchemy, etc.). And Red means combat. With that you can determine, what your chances are. But remember, depending on how long you ignore some events, there will some consequences in the future for that. So don´t always pick green, just because you don´t want to fight. Like I said, events will always play out in Zexis favor, if he takes them. The better he is at the demanded skills, the higher the outcome, that is all.

I will in the future make clear what the mechanics are immediately. That is what I decided after the feeback I got from you guys. Still, it was interesting (and entertaining) to see your reasoning in choosing the options.

What else? Oh yeah, the next chapter will be an Interlude. So keep that in mind. (Quick reminder: NO SUGGESTION IN THIS CHAPTER WILL BE COUNTED!!!) So you can think about some question you have for Eros, or some roleplay interactions or inquiring about the world this story takes place. (worldbuilding...hint!Hint! )

You can spend the Corruption Points (CPs) in the Interlude then, not now. Forgot to mention that last time. I only posted them, so you can keep track of them.

The boss fight with Zecora will happen after the Interlude.

Other than that, I hope you enjoy the chapter and I wish you a good day.