Silas groaned as his eyes slowly began to open, though they snapped shut again seconds later as the bright sunlight began to burn. He shielded them this time as he opened them again, spotting his signature fedora only a few feet away.

He sat up, a flicker of Observation Haki letting him know he was safe for the moment as he reached over and took the hat before placing it on his head. He stood up and looked around, just now starting to wonder why the hell he was surrounded by trees when he'd just been on his ship... or rather, what was left of it...

He was shaken from his thoughts as a low growl came from directly behind him. Another flicker of Observation let him know he was no longer alone - several animals, probably a wolf pack or something, had happened upon him and apparently thought him an easy meal.

Silas turned and looked behind him. Well, looks like he was partially right. It certainly looked like a wolf pack... but what sort of wolf was made of sticks and twigs?

He didn't have much time to ponder that question as two of them suddenly leaped at him, causing him to jump back. One of the wooden wolves, apparently a bit overeager, jumped again - only for Silas's fist, covered in a protective layer of Armament Haki, to smash it into the ground, where it lay still.

The other wolves seemed surprised by this as Silas used Observation again, checking for any additional dangers. Thankfully, the only dangers he found were all in front of him... and charging straight towards him.

He smirked, deciding now would be a good time to cut loose a bit.

He casually walked through the woods, the wolves having been destroyed rather effortlessly. It was actually kind of pathetic, he thought, what sort of New World island had wildlife that weak?

He continued walking in a straight line for a while, reasoning that no matter which way he walked, he would find an exit if he walked far enough.

And then he heard a scream.

He had a sudden flashback to his crew, and the next thing he knew he was running full-tilt toward the screamer.

Twilight grunted as the Manticore slammed against her shield again. Her magic reserves were already running low; the enraged beast would break through any second now. Behind her, Fluttershy was doing her best to patch up Pinkie Pie, who'd been unfortunate enough to be caught by a wild swipe of the Manticore's claws. Rainbow Dash was doing her best outside the dome to try and distract it, but it was ignoring her in favor of the wounded prey. Rarity, meanwhile, had fainted at the sight of Pinkie's blood.

They'd journeyed into the Everfree forest in an attempt to find out what had caused an abrupt influx of magic, one that had been sensed by every unicorn in Ponyville. Unfortunately, they'd accidentally disturbed a Manticore's naptime as they'd walked, and not even Fluttershy could calm it down before it began attacking.

The Manticore roared as it reared up and brought its claws down on the heavily-cracked barrier, finally breaking through as Twilight nearly collapsed from the magical strain. It reared up again, preparing its claws, as they all stared up in horror. Rainbow Dash began a desperate dive bomb, hoping to reach the beast before it could hurt her friends again... only for a black blur to appear out of nowhere and slam into the Manticore's side, sending it flying into a nearby tree with a roar of pain.

Everypony stopped in shock to stare at this newcomer.

It stood tall, just slightly under 8 hooves in height, with very little hair that they could see aside from what poked out from under its hat. It also wore what looked like business attire, with a black blazer over a white shirt, black slacks, and a red tie. A fedora covered the only hair they could see atop its head.

The Manticore picked itself up and shook its head, dizzy, before refocusing on the newcomer. It roared a challenge... to which this new creature simply smirked.

The Manticore darted forwards, raising a paw and bringing it down on this tall creature - only to suddenly fly backwards as the force behind the blow seemingly rebounded back in its face.

The ponies gaped as the creature's smirk widened.

"Bad kitty." The creature mocked. "I'm not prey for you to play with, and neither are they."

The Manticore got up again and rushed once again, this time trying its stinger - only for the creature to reach out and grab hold, catching the attack effortlessly.

Everypony's eyes widened as the Manticore struggled and the creature - no, the monster raised its other limb, which suddenly turned obsidian black before he swung, smashing the Manticore into the ground with enough force to create a small crater. The Manticore didn't move, though the sight of its chest rising and falling was enough to reassure them they hadn't just watched a murder... though that didn't mean they were any less intimidated as the creature turned to look at them.

Silas looked the horse-like animals over, from the way they'd all defensively circled their fallen friend to the scared-but-determined looks they sent his way. He looked past them at said fallen friend. They were willing to risk their lives to protect her... just like his crew was toward him... And he would be damned if he'd let their efforts be in vain.

He darted past them, so quick to their untrained eyes it was like he'd simply teleported to their friend's side, knowing they likely wouldn't let him approach otherwise. The yellow winged one cowered in fear as he looked down at her. He reached up and pulled off his fedora, revealing a shock of blonde hair, before reaching into the hat for a moment. When he pulled his hand back out, a roll of gauze was in his grip.

"Something tells me your friend needs this more than I do." He said, kneeling down and beginning to bandage her up on his own.

The horse-like things watched as he patched up their friend, probably not sure what to think. They'd just watched him pummel that winged scorpion-lion into the ground, and now he was helping them - Silas had to admit, if he was in their position, he'd probably react the same way.

He leaned back after a minute to admire his work. Not quite as good as his ship's doctor could have done, but pretty damn close. This horse-thing would be fine.

"Alright, now that your friend isn't going to bleed out on us... mind telling me where we are?" He asked, turning to face them all.

Author's Note

This is my first story on this site. Please, let me know what you think! I could use the feedback!

And just in case I get complaints about how easily he destroyed the wildlife, let me put it this way: regular, everyday animals versus a New World pirate. Who do you think will win?