There’s more to a person than meets the eyes. A corny cliche, yes, but it is true, one can never just judge the surface without truly seeing what lies beneath. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes a cold and aloof person can be a kind soul, a kind soul can also be hiding a dark truth. Such is the way of human beings, complex, never stagnant, always static. Take one girl, a girl by the name of Tree Hugger .
She was called many things, a hippy, an environmentalist, an eco-warrior, yoga enthusiast, but none knew the real Tree Hugger . However, only one probably knew her well enough, or as well as she wanted her to.
Tree Hugger sat down at Fluttershy’s house, having enjoyed the hospitality of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Shy. Currently, both girls were in Fluttershy’s room. Tree Hugger, sporting her red dreadlocks, laid on Fluttershy’s bed, with said girl laying beside her. They were mostly cuddling, having had come home after a tough day at the animal shelter. For a while now the two had been enjoying a closer friendship than most would think normal.
Fluttershy knew Tree Hugger was a little more affectionate with her friendships. She liked holding Fluttershy close to her, it felt nice. Of course she didn’t do such a thing without Fluttershy’s permission, actually, it was Fluttershy who voiced her appreciation of cuddling.
“Still haven’t gotten around to talking your school friends, Shy?” Tree Hugger asked.
Fluttershy shook her head.
“You know, if you all keep this negative energy between you all, it’s gonna be very unhealthy for you all later.”
Fluttershy sighed. “I know…but I still can’t understand why Pinkie would ruin my silent auction like that? On top of that, Rainbow Dash will barely talk to me, and…really, not many of us do. I…I want to be friends again, I’m just so afraid that -”
“They’ll reject you lose them forever?” Tree Hugger interjected, earning a nod from her shy friend. “Shy-Shy, if you put out that kind of negative feelings, then the universe responds in kind with a negative response. But, with positivity, you can make anything possible, and you’re too cute for someone to stay mad at.”
Fluttershy blushed. “T-Thank you, Treesy, but I don’t know. Everyone’s still unwilling to talk, and if we were together, it would just end in arguing. Sometimes I feel all alone…”
Tree Hugger moved her right hand to cup Fluttershy’s chin, turning her to head slightly so that their eyes would meet. “Is that girl still harshing your vibe?”
Fluttershy averted her eyes for a moment.
“Shy-Shy, tell me.”
Some tears began to form in the corners of Fluttershy’s eyes, prompting Tree Hugger to bring the kind girl closer to her. “This may be a bit out there since it’s me, but, maybe you should tell your parents about her, about Sunset Shimmer.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No-No, I-I don’t want to do that! I-I mean, she doesn’t do anything physically to me…”
Tree Hugger knew that Fluttershy was non-confrontational, and that was fine, it was her nature, she was a gentle soul. However, Tree Hugger felt that if the issue wasn’t addressed soon, Fluttershy may end up doing something terrible to herself. Tree Hugger unconsciously held Fluttershy tighter to her, making Fluttershy squeak a little from the ever closer contact, and the fact that she was being pressed closer to her friend’s ample bosom at the same time.
“Uh…ahem…T-Treesy, d-do you mind um…loosing up a tiny skoosh…?” Fluttershy asked with a fierce blush on her face.
Tree Hugger brought herself back to the moment and realized what she was doing, with an apologetic grin she loosened her hold on Fluttershy and allowed the pink haired girl some room. “Sorry Shy-Shy, I kinda drifted from this space.”
Fluttershy was still blushing, not entirely sure if she really wanted to her stop now that she did. “I-It’s fine, but really, don’t worry about Sunset Shimmer. I’ll be alright.” Fluttershy looked at her clock and sighed as she sat up. “Well, I better open my computer and make some pamphlets for the animal shelter.”
Tree Hugger looked up at the clock and sighed as well. “Yeah, I better get moving too. I have to be at a nature preservation rally tomorrow and early rising is recommended.”
“I wish I could go, it sounds exciting,” said Fluttershy with glee.
Tree Hugger chuckled nervously at that. “Y-Yeah…it is, but the opposition can really be negative and hostile, major bad vibes from some of them. Best work the animal shelter for now, Shy-Shy, I’ll turn you into a hardened Eco-Warrior, one day.” Tree Hugger walked up to Fluttershy’s computer and saw the copy of the pamphlet. “Wish I could help you tomorrow, between the two of us we could probably get some more attention.”
Fluttershy chuckled. “It’s alright, I’ll be at my usual spot by the horse statue. Sunset doesn’t really like to bother me when I’m around it for some reason. But I won’t question it.”
Tree Hugger nodded and picked up her satchel. She then headed to the door but paused upon seeing a shadow by the edge of the door. “Say, Shy-Shy, how’s your little bro doing?”
Fluttershy sighed heavily. “Zephyr Breeze? Well…he’s doing…alright, I guess.”
“He has such a free spirit, and that slight bit of stubble he’s got really gives him a mature look,” said Tree Hugger as she inched closer to the door.
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “Well…free spirit I suppose is a good term, but…‘mature’…” Fluttershy intentionally left that open, not necessarily wanting to belittle or bad mouth her little brother, however she did know him well.
“Not to say he couldn’t do with some proper motivation, and maybeeeeee…” Tree Hugger quickly reached for the doorknob and opened the door swiftly.
The result ended with a tall, lanky, young man tumbling forward until he hit Fluttershy’s bed. His hair was a sandy blonde, with a mint green complexion, and slight stubble on his face.
“A little work on the stealth and privacy,” Tree Hugger finished.
Zephyr, now upside down, turned his gaze to the pair of pale yellow feet now standing before him. He followed them all the way up until he was staring at the very perturbed face of his big sister. “Heh…Heh…heya Flutter Brutter…what’s up?”
Fluttershy growled and stomped on the floor as she shouted, “ZEPHYR BREEZE!”
Tree Hugger was going to a nature preservation rally, but what she neglected to tell Fluttershy, is that it was in Louisiana, and that it was less than a peaceful protest or rally. For a while now, Tree Hugger’s group known as Gaia’s Sword had been protesting the pollution being dumped in the swamplands done by Rich Industries. The CEO, Filthy Rich, had many a time stood before cameras and disputed that his company was doing anything illegal out there, and that their plants and factories were one-hundred percent ecofriendly.
However, Gaia’s Sword had been a major thorn in Filthy Rich’s side, mostly because of both their ecoterrorism tactics, and their methods of obtaining secret data that has proven most of the claims of his pollution, however, they weren’t able to get enough hard stuff to put the tycoon away. But today, they were going to.
Tree Hugger’s faction of Gaia’s Sword had gotten some intel that Rich Industries was working on something in the swamps of Louisiana, hopefully tonight they would find the hard evidence they needed and somehow bring down the businessman once and for all. Do not misunderstand, Tree Hugger believed in peace, but that there were somethings needed tough love.
The red dreadlock haired girl scanned the area, it was night, and moon was full. The swamp was alive with the sounds of nature, crickets chirping, snakes slithering in the distance, and every once and awhile there was the disturbing sound of an alligator growling. Tree Hugger was donned in black gear, black pants, shirt, gloves, and mask. Upon her belt was a can of spray paint, some homemade flashbangs, and tucked in a protective case was a flash drive. Within it was a virus that would find any and all info on Rich Industries’ activities at the swamp, plus give the added bonus of allowing their tech support hack into company’s systems to give them some support.
Tree Hugger waited a few more minutes and was rewarded by three other ecowarriors joining her side. All three were already donned in their gear, keeping their IDs secret was key here, even from each other. That way, everyone could maintain complete anonymity, referring to each other only by code name.
“Chiron, Pan, Nymph, you made it, righteous,” said Tree Hugger.
“Demeter, early as usual,” said Chiron.
“So what’s the security like?” Nymph asked.
Tree Hugger peeked from behind a bush and the glanced back to her fellow ecowarriors. “It’s pretty much easy, the swamp doesn’t give them much ground to stand on, can’t really patrol if there’s chance to be bitten, poisoned, or lost in the bog. So they’ve limited the patrols at night, meaning easier entry.”
“And what about cameras? They probably have cameras in those areas,” said Pan.
Tree Hugger winked her eye. “Nothing to fret, there’s a dense fog about to come in, with the natural elements of the swamp in the moisture, it can really mess with camera feeds and their ability to see clearly, we’ll slip under them.”
The four ecowarriors were excited, but still cautious, believing that they may once and for all find some damning evidence against Rich Industries. Tree Hugger nodded to Chiron, Pan, and Nymph and all four began their recon.
They avoided the more obvious points of entry, as well as some that were unable to be surveyed by a person and better watched via camera. So that left the unusual options, circling around the building and skirting the edge of the river. They kept constant awareness of their surroundings, knowing full well that most of the wildlife in the swamp was nocturnal and would be skulking about at this time, especially during a full moon night.
The group of four managed to find a part of the chain link fence that seemed to have been messed with. Tree Hugger spotted some tracks, gator tracks, around the area, apparently the creature was responsible for the damage. It was providence for them, now they had a way in, but Tree Hugger couldn’t help but feel for the gator’s no doubt aching teeth and jaws from chewing on metal.
Once in, Pan made his way to one of the doors. It appeared to be a maintenance door, allowing access to possibly some sensitive equipment they could mess with. Pan removed, what looked like, clay from a pouch he had on his belt. Pan packed the clay against the door handle, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a lighter and placed the flame against the clay.
In no time the clay was set ablaze, becoming molten as it hissed against the metal door. Soon sparks were flying as the superheated clay melted through the door handle and through the locking mechanisms inside it. In just a few seconds a round hole was melted through the door where the knob used to be. Pan carefully pulled back on the door and allowed Tree Hugger , Nymph, and Chiron entry.
Luckily there was a computer nearby, Tree Hugger took out the flash drive from its protective casing and inserted it into the computer. The virus downloaded quickly, and already a strange icon appeared on the screen, that of a smiley face with a ball cap on it. Text appeared that read: [Nice to see you guys aren’t dead, kudos on getting in! lol]
“Is he serious right now?” Pan asked.
“Cypher, can you provide over watch for us?” Chiron asked.
[Can I? No prob! Also, here’s a quick map.] The printer near the computer turned on and printed out a map with a red line starting from where they were to where they need to be. [This route will allow me the most control over the security systems, and cover for you guys. I’m already in their security systems and ready to blind them once you get there.]
“Righteous, Cypher. Alright dudes and dudette, let’s bring down this place and win one for mother Earth,” said Tree Hugger .
Nymph, Pan, and Chiron nodded.
It took a grand total of thirty minutes for the group to make it down the designated path that Cypher had made for them. True to the hacker’s word, there were security cameras and each one was already pointing straight up, allowing a view of the ceiling, however, to the guards, they would be seeing the same footage of a clear hallway but looped.
Thankfully, they were able to reach their destination, but with a minor hiccup. There were a couple of scientists still working late. Tree Hugger cursed under her breath, she was hoping to avoid any physical confrontation with anyone, and capable as she was Tree Hugger did not believe in hurting other people. With a sigh, Tree Hugger gripped one of the homemade flashbang canisters, she pulled the pin and rolled the ticking canister across the floor.
The canister continued to roll until it hit the leg of the desk the scientists were sitting at. Both curiously looked down to see what it was, just in time for the can to explode, releasing a bright flash and causing a deafening ring in both their ears. The surprise of the explosion sent both men flying to the floor in a daze, rubbing their eyes constantly to try and remove the spots that hindered their vision.
Taking this opportunity, the group rushed in. Nymph hurried to the computer that the scientist was using and began applying her own tech skills, at the same time, Chiron and Pan went to work tying up both scientists and taping their mouths shut. Tree Hugger kept watch, although her flashbang wasn’t that big of a noise, they couldn’t take the chance that someone didn’t at least hear something.
“Nymph, how’s it going?” Tree Hugger asked.
“Almost there, pass me that flash drive,” said Nymph.
Tree Hugger gave the device to Nymph, quickly inserting it and uploading the other part of the virus. Now connected, both Nymph and Cypher went to work downloading any and all files that they could on Rich Industries’ illegal activity here.
Pan walked around the room, spotting a tank with some kind of chemical compound that made him sneer in disgust before continuing on his patrol.
“Does anyone else feel like this was too easy?” Chiron asked.
“How do you mean?” Tree Hugger asked.
“Considering the amount of security they have at their other places, and granted this place is in the middle of a swamp, you’d think they’d still beef up security as hard as we’ve been coming at them.”
Tree Hugger didn’t want to say it, for fear of universes karmic energies would turn against them, but Chiron did have a point. The hacking of their systems, the low amount of guards, and even now. Either good karma was on their side or this was –
Suddenly the computer shut off, red warning lights began to blare out around the compound as the computer displayed readouts that no one could understand. Tree Hugger rushed to one of the scientists and took off the tape on his mouth.
“Dude, what’s happening?!” Tree Hugger asked.
“S-Something’s wrong, that’s not an intruder alarm, that’s a hazard alarm!”
Tree Hugger reached behind him and untied the rope, directing the man to one of the computers as he inputted some code that brought it back up. After a minute the scientist’s face went pale.
“Good god, I told them those chems were too volatile to keep in the same place!”
“I don’t – what are you talking about?!” Chiron asked.
“Okay, okay, there’s some shady crap going on here, that’s why they set up way out here in the swamps, surrounded by wildlife that not even a reporter would try to snoop around for fear of getting eaten or poisoned, but we’ve been working on a compound that’s supposedly going to revolutionize fuel for vehicles, and Rich Industries would be the leading creator and distributor!”
“Basically a monopoly on the market, drive all the oil based businesses out of the rat race,” said Pan.
“Of course the stuff’s toxic if it’s released into the open air or gets on human skin,” he added.
Pan pointed to a vat near the window. “Is that what that stuff is?!”
“No that’s –”
A series of explosions went off deep underneath their feet, the rumbling tremors got more intense as the seconds passed, prompting everyone to go into panic mode.
“We need to leave, NOW!” Nymph shouted.
Chiron went to the other scientist and released him so that they could evacuate. Tree Hugger was running behind them, but tripped at the last second on a chair that had rolled into her path due the constant shaking. She tried to get back up, but it was too late. A giant explosion came up from beneath her, tossing her through the vat of chemicals and straight out of through the window.
Outside the entire complex was crumbling, and soon, a fiery column burst forth from the center of the building, sending a blast wave that shook the swamp to its core. Debris rained down from above as smoke billowed into the air.
A still barely conscious Tree Hugger felt pain throughout her body, to the point that her mind was about to go numb. Her vision was filled with animals running away in fear, black smoke that obscured the moon and stars, and a deafness that she couldn’t shake. She felt so tired, she wanted to rest, but if she did, Tree Hugger knew she’d never wake up. However, her body betrayed her, as one limb after another became paralyzed, the pain dying out as her body followed suit.
Many things passed through Tree Hugger’s mind as the darkness began to encroach and the cold crept over her. Visions of her past lives, her current life, the passing of her parents that forced the young teenager to become self-dependent. The day she discovered her love of nature and animals, the day she joined Gaia’s Sword. But most of all of these memories, were the ones that contained a sweet, shy girl, whose kindness was like a beacon in the darkness, who cared not only for animals but the people close to her.
“Fluttershy…” Tree Hugger uttered with her last breath.
Several minutes passed as the chemicals seeped into her corpse and into the earth around Tree Hugger’s body. Animals began to gather to her, but none touched her, alligators, wolves, rabbits, birds, and snakes, all manner of swamp dwelling creatures began to gather to her, predator and prey alike. Some of the animals parted for a large black bear that looked over the body, it sniffed for a minute, but then carefully began to lift Tree Hugger’s body onto its back.
The bear led a procession of woodland creatures through the swamp and away from the disaster area. After a couple of minutes of walking the bear and the rest of the animals arrived at a small clearing, the bear carefully laid her body on a bed of moss. The bear stepped back and so too did the animals, staying in a perfect circle on the perimeter of the clearing.
After a few seconds, vines began to slither towards Tree Hugger’s body, the moss washed over her like a blanket, and the vines wrapped around her, as if making a cocoon for her, her body was moved into a fetal position and finally closed off. The cocoon sunk into the earth, and for a moment all was quiet. However, that soon changed.
The vines of the swamp lashed out from the trees and coiled at the center of the clearing, the earthen dirt rose up, forming a body as the vines outlined like an exoskeleton. Green vines grew from the head of the humanoid being, weaving tightly until they resembled dreadlocks, leaves detached from the branches and swirled around the being, stitching together to form an opened arm coat that flowed in the wind. Green, luminescent moss outlined whimsical vine like patterns on its body, all the way around its legs, arms, and chest. Upon its head grew a crown of flowers, pink orchids to be exact.
When the rumbling stopped, and the greenery settled, the being feel to its knees. For a moment it was still, the animals regarding it, part of them knew what it was, and yet still curiosity warranted them to keep an eye on it.
The being opened its eyes, which were now glowing a light shade of blue-green. The being slumped back a bit, looking down at itself it tried to understand what it was. From what it could tell, it was female. It – she – began feeling her arms, the cool earthen dirt, and the smooth vines that made up her exoskeleton, the soft patches of moss that gave off a subtle glow. Her hands went to her head, feeling the crown of orchids, and further on she was able to get her hands on the long vine dreadlocks, some of which draped over her shoulders.
One of the animals, a rabbit, hopped into the clearing, seemingly against the wishes of the other animals. It inched itself closer to her, not really feeling a sense of danger from her. She looked down at the rabbit, tilting her head to the side curiously. The earthen woman switched her seating position, crossing her legs and sitting on her rear.
She then beckoned the rabbit to come to her, of which the little thing happily did. She lowered her hand to the ground, finding that she was a lot bigger than she realized, for the little rabbit fit in the palm of her hand. Carefully she brought the bunny closer to her, and gently petted it with the index finger of her left hand, taking special care with how much pressure she was placing on it.
“C-Cute…” she uttered.
The earthen woman paused in her petting, raising her left hand to her throat. She spoke a word, she knew what words were. She knew the creature was called a rabbit, she knew the names of all the assembled animals, the names of the trees and even the moss that covered the ground. Carefully she placed the bunny back on the ground and brought herself into a meditative position.
She began to concentrate, there was more inside, a core to her being that was a part of her. Memories began to flow, memories of a little girl surrounded by loving parents, who were too soon taken from her. The community helped raise this girl, and through their actions learned to become a self-dependent person. This girl learned all she could about nature and animals, and about those who would harm it.
For some reason, her mind stuck to those memories, memories of people who polluted the waters, and destroyed nature in order to plunder its resources. Toxifying the air and choking the life of Earth’s animals and plant life.
The Green has chosen you…
The woman’s brow began to furrow.
Evil is poisoning the world, the evils of man, and the evils from beyond…
Her hands began to close into fists, and the earth beneath rumbled.
The Green chooses you as its protector…as one who once cared for the The Green…
The orchids began to change, transforming into a crown of thorns. The vines that made up her exoskeleton also began to sprout thorns, even her dreadlocks.
Memories of those who hurt The Green were flashing in her mind, but one stuck out, one that was responsible for what happened to her, for the loss of the others who also fought to protect The Green.
The earthen woman rose up to her full height, about eight feet tall, her eyes having changed from blue-green to a menacing red.
“Filthy Rich…!”
The Rich family had decided to take a “mini-vacation”. Due to the Louisiana incident, the press had been hounding Rich Industries, particularly the Rich family. So, Filthy Rich took his wife, Spoiled Rich, his daughter, Diamond Tiara, and by request her friend, Silver Spoon, out to their country retreat, having brought with them private security to keep members of the press as well as any would be troublemakers looking to go after them in line.
Diamond Tiara walked through the halls of their mini-mansion, when she passed by her father’s study and heard noises coming from inside. Now Diamond Tiara had never taken much interest in her father’s business dealings, do not misunderstand, Diamond loved her father. But the less she knew about some of the “off the books” dealings he did the better. Believing she could spare her conscious undue stress about everything. However, every once and awhile, Diamond would spy on her father, needing to know exactly the kind of mess they were in.
She stood next to the open door, out of eyesight of her father as she listened to a conversation he was having on his cellphone.
“So what’s salvageable?!.........Snuck in?! How do four hippy, eco brats just ‘sneak’ into a guarded facility?!.........Good god it’s those Gaya whatever people again, look, erase anything that shows this was their doing! I don’t want them making them into martyrs! And find out how five tons of our latest fuel goes up in a fiery column of death and destruction!!?!”
Diamond Tiara sighed heavily as she snuck past the open door and went on her way. She loved being rich, and all that it allowed her to do and get, but sometimes she hated the fact that her father’s dirtier dealings are where the money came from.
Eventually, she made it outside where Silver Spoon was awaiting her, faithfully. Diamond Tiara smiled, she knew Silver would always have her back. True she did treat her like a sidekick, a lot, but she never lost sight that Silver Spoon was her truest friend. And…maybe…something else, because she was looking beautiful in the full moonlight.
“Di, you alright?” Silver asked.
Diamond shook her head and smiled. “Y-Yeah I’m fine! Never better!”
Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow, that critical look in her eye, she could never lie to her friend, Diamond often lied to others, but Silver Spoon was possibly the only person who could see through her lies. “Okay, really, what’s wrong?”
“I overheard my Daddy talking to his people on the phone, sounds like some bad stuff happened,” said Diamond as she began walking down the cobblestone path.
Their mini-mansion was located in a quaint little forest getaway, trees surrounded most of the area, the perimeter of the mini-mansion had a wrought iron bar fence that went on for some yards in the back to get some of the trees.
During the walk around, Diamond noticed the amount of private security guards, they always made her feel uneasy.
“I know you don’t like to talk about that stuff, but what did your mom say?” Silver asked.
Diamond sighed. “Same thing she always says. ‘Diamond Tiara, when you’ve obtained the kind of wealth and power we have, you have to accept the good and the bad that comes with it. At the end of the day, money is money, you’re either crawling around in the gutter, clawing your way to the top, or looking down from the top.’”
Silver Spoon was also a rich girl, but compared to her own mother, Mrs. Rich always kind of scared her a little, especially with that kind of thinking. “Does your dad still want you to take over one day?”
Suddenly, there was a low growl coming from the tree line that made the guard snap his head in that same direction. For a brief moment he saw the green eyes that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had described, a sight that made the girls shriek again.
The guard quickly whipped out his radio. “All grounds personnel converge on my location, I am on the west side, near the tree line. I have Miss Tiara and Miss Spoon with me, I need backup, spotted a possible wild animal in the grounds!”
[Copy. We’re in route to your location, be there in a moment. Over.]
The guard took out his pistol, drawing back the slide to make sure it was loaded. He kept his eyes on the tree line, trying to spot any sign of the animal that was lurking inside. It wasn’t unusual for there to be animals lurking about, but large animals like wolves should not be able to make it through the bars, not that there were many around to begin with.
Soon three more guards appeared around the corner, with two more on their heels. Two of the guards took defensive positions around Diamond and Silver, while the guard who had originally helped them explained what he saw. However, his explanation didn’t last long as the green eyes appeared again, and the growl it released was even more threatening than before.
All the guards aimed their pistols in the direction of the glowing eyes. “You two, get them back inside the house.”
Both guards nodded and quickly helped Diamond and Silver up to their feet. However, the moment they did, five more pairs of green eyes appeared in the darkness of the tree line as a chorus made of growls and snapping branches echoed from that location. The first of the pairs moved forward, slowly, out of the shadows of the trees and revealed itself, stunning everyone.
Its body was made of wood and vines, and lupine in appearance, although it seemed to tower over a normal wolf by a head or two. The creature released a deep growl which emitted a fowl smelling vapor that was carried on the wind.
“Get them back inside now! And lock down the house!”
The lead Timber Wolf howled into the air and signaled to the others. All five rushed out of the woods and charged for the guards. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were swiftly carried away from the danger by the two guards as the others fired off their weapons, a chorus of gunfire and many muzzle flashes went off as they turned the corner and entered into the nearest door.
Screams of pain, along with snarling and ripping could be heard coming from outside, making Diamond and Silver want to throw up from just hearing it.
“ALL UNITS, LOCK DOWN THE MANSION! CLOSE ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS! THERE’S A PACK OF…OF…”
Diamond and Silver saw the hesitation in the guard’s eyes, not really knowing what to tell them, if he said the wrong thing they’d think it was a hoax, but the gunshots and screaming would most likely make them believe. Besides, what could he say, the other guards got eaten by living wood wolves?
Diamond shrugged. “Maybe, but, I don’t know if I want to by that time. After overhearing all things he does, I don’t know if I could do some of those things.”
“Well, it’s either that or learn from Sunset Shimmer, she’s kind of the same way.”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon stopped for a moment and allowed their imaginations to wander to a world where the terror of CHS, Sunset Shimmer, was obscenely rich and had the power to do practically whatever she wanted. It made both girls shudder with fear.
“Y-Yeah, I’ll move to another country before that happens,” said Diamond Tiara.
“I hear Italy is nice this time of year,” replied Silver Spoon.
Both girls laughed at their shared joke, finding their humor where they could.
Suddenly, a twig snapped in the distance that made both young girls glance in the direction of the sound. Diamond looked to Silver, and Silver to Diamond. It was no surprise that there may be the occasional squirrel or chipmunk scurrying around in the trees, but such sounds were all the creepier when it was at night. Both girls kept their gaze on the tree line for a moment longer, and when they did, they saw two green glowing eyes in the darkness.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon shrieked from the sight and backed up quickly until they tripped and hit the ground. Luckily their shrieks did not go unheard as one of the security guards came running from around the corner and stopped before them.
“Miss Tiara, are you alright?” he asked.
Diamond pointed her finger towards the tree line. “T-There’s something in there! It had glowing eyes!”
The guard glanced towards the tree line and raised an eyebrow. Late at night, animal eyes glow when light hits them. The guard believed that some of the moonlight may’ve reflected off an animal’s eyes in the darkness of the wood.
“It’s probably some animal Miss Tiara, if you want I’ll escort you two back –”
“BY A PACK OF RABID WOLVES! WE SAW FIVE BUT THERE MAY BE MORE, ADVISE TO USE EXTREME MEASURES!”
There was no need for reply as the sound of many feet could be heard running about the mansion, getting to work on locking down the mansion. The two guards quickly got all the heavy things they could and piled them on the door before leading Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to the panic room with her Mother and Father.
As soon as they made it into the hallway, the power went out throughout the house, making both girls gasp in terror. Thankfully the emergency lightning kicked in, but it bathed everything in an eerie red light.
I am so going to have Daddy change these to regular lights, thought Diamond Tiara.
There was a loud crash in the distance, followed by a symphony of gunfire. It wasn’t the gunfire that was scary, but what was scary was how fast it was stopping, in comparison to the echoing screams.
“D-D-Di…” Silver Spoon whimpered as she took the hand of her best friend into hers.
Diamond Tiara felt Silver Spoon squeezing her hand tightly out of mortal fear. As scared as she was too, she had to be as strong as she could for her friend. The guards began talking to each other, figuring out the best route possible.
“We’ll cut through this way, and then…”
“No, we don’t know if that’s even safe, it’s too close to the win –!”
Without warning, the other end of the hallway began to grow vines, they crept over the walls, making moss and flowers sprout, changing the landscape of the interior. Two Timber Wolves turned the corner, but they were flanking someone. A tall woman made of earth and trees, with glowing green lines, red eyes that burned even in the red light of the hallway. Tree bark had formed clawed gauntlets around her forearms, along with boots on her feet. If one had to word it, she looked as if Mother Earth herself had appeared for war.
The giant woman pointed a finger in their direction, and immediately the Timber Wolves charged, both guards empty their entire clips down the hallway, but the wolves were too quick, having used their sharp wood claws to climb the walls and ceiling to run on them, evading almost all their shots. The bullets that flew towards the giant woman were blocked by several vines that weaved together in front of her and formed a wall of protection.
Both Timber Wolves found their prey as they lunged at the guards with enough force to knock them all the way behind Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Neither girl dared to turn around as they heard gargled screaming, flesh being torn, and bones snapping, although the sight in front of them was not any better. The giant woman was approaching them, her footsteps shaking the floor with each.
The two Timber Wolves began to circle the girls, their jaws and claws dripping with the blood of their kills, even in the red light, the darker red ichor was clearly visible against their dark brown bark bodies. One of the Timber Wolves neared Silver Spoon, but Diamond put herself in front of it, trying to defend her. The wolf opened its jaws in preparation to bite her head off.
“NO!” The giant woman uttered.
The two Timber Wolves whimpered and backed away from the two girls. The giant woman knelt down before them, eyeing them with scrutiny.
“You two…leave here, The Green will ensure you are safe on your way to the closest humans,” said the woman as she rose and walked past them.
As she did, grass and vines grew in her wake. Diamond Tiara breathing had quickened, her heart pounding in her eardrums as she tried to comprehend that the giant earth woman not only spoke to them, but essentially spared their lives and allowed them safe passage out the mansion.
Diamond Tiara rose up, and tried to get Silver Spoon to stand too. “What’s wrong, you can’t move your legs?”
Silver Spoon shook her head.
“What’s wrong then?”
Silver Spoon motioned with her hand for Diamond Tiara to bring herself closer. When she did, Silver Spoon whispered into her ear, and then looked down. A red blush appeared on her face as she understood why. The rich girl hugged her friend close as she cried against her shoulder.
“It’s alright, you were scared – I was scared too!”
“But you didn’t…didn’t…please don’t tell anyone…” Silver begged.
Diamond Tiara stroked her friends silver locks and whispered to her. “I won’t, I promise.”
A shrill scream could be heard coming from down the hall the giant woman went down, along with automatic gunfire. It took a moment for her mind to catch up, but after that she realized that down that hallway was the panic room.
“MOMMY, DADDY!” Diamond shouted.
Several guards, now carrying M4 rifles, were firing shot after shot at Tree Hugger , but she did not falter, she would not stop until one of the enemies of The Green was silenced, forever. The men fired their guns until clip after clip was exhausted.
Irritated, Tree Hugger willed the vines that had followed her to lash out at the seven guards, each one was either taken by the ankle or by the neck and flung around the room, two were sent flying outside into the awaiting jaws of her Timber Wolves, three others were slammed against the wall with enough force to snap their necks, and the remaining two were attacked by the Timber Wolves who acted as her personal guard.
Tree Hugger could sense he was behind the door, the one responsible for so much harm to The Green, to herself. Tree Hugger raised her arms and thrust her hands forward, from the sprouted iron wood vines that pierced the surrounding wall of the panic room, and with a mighty heave, she ripped out the room from the wall revealing the steel cocoon that was their hiding space.
Tree Hugger bellowed as she struck the door of the panic room, denting the metal severely with each hit. She thrusted her claws, piercing the metal itself and ripping it open like cheap tinfoil. Inside was a cowering Filthy Rich and his wife, Spoiled Rich. The Guardian of The Green snarled as she laid eyes on him, and his equally black hearted wife. Vines sprouted out of Tree Hugger’s body, entering the panic room, and unceremoniously dragged both occupants out and threw them to the floor.
Spoiled Rich took a nastier fall, landing on her arm and dislocating it as she yelled and hissed in pain. Filthy Rich, still a bit dazed, made his way over to his wife and put himself between her and Tree Hugger .
“P-Please, whatever you are, don’t hurt my wife!” Filthy pleaded.
Tree Hugger stomped on the floor, causing a mini-quake that shook the room and forced Filthy Rich to fall onto his rear. “You, who have polluted, and lied, and schemed! You who hurt others to obtain what you desire! The Green will no longer sit back and allow this to continue! I am its guardian, and I am here to dispense its righteous judgment!”
The Guardian of The Green slammed her palm against the floor, and from the floor sprouted several plants with large mouths that sported rows of jagged teeth, like Venus flytraps, but for humans. The carnivorous plants’ maws dripped with saliva that hissed as soon as it hit the ground. Tree Hugger stood to her full height and narrowed her eyes at them as she raised her hand in preparation to give the kill order.
“STOP!!!”
All occupants in the room turned their eyes, or lack thereof, towards the door and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, both panting hard from having ran all the way there.
The pink girl rushed towards her mother and father and used her body as a shield. “Don’t hurt them!”
Tree Hugger slowly lowered her hand as she got down on one knee and looked the little girl in her eyes. “Do you know what this man has done to nature? To others? You are still young, and have time to learn, but he and that witch are beyond reason and redemption…do not waste your life for their’s!”
Diamond Tiara looked back her mother and father, both of whom were shooting her pleading looks for her to run away.
“I won’t, move!” Diamond declared.
“Diamond Tiara! Get out of here now young lady!” Spoiled Rich shouted.
“Sorry Mother, but I won’t!”
“Diamond Tiara, if there was ever a time for your teenage rebellion streak to start, now is not that time!” Filthy Rich stated. “Do as I and your mother say! You and Silver Spoon run as far as you can!”
Tree Hugger glanced Silver Spoon, who looked scared out of her mind, but still showed her courage by staying. “I gave you both a chance to leave unharmed. I extend that offer once again, leave now and I will ensure you are safe until you come across some reliable humans. Otherwise, you all meet your end here. Girl.” Silver Spoon flinched. “To you I also extend this offer separately, do not lump your fate with theirs.”
Diamond Tiara glanced to Silver Spoon, mouthing the words “leave now”. However, Silver Spoon did not obey, she strode towards them, quivering from the snapping and snarling of the carnivorous plants, but she eventually made it to Diamond’s side. “I-I won’t leave my friend…! I won’t!”
Tree Hugger rose up once again. “Very well…”
The plants snarled again, and Diamond quickly hugged Silver close to her.
Just then, something clicked in Tree Hugger’s mind. More memories flooded her mind, but they were not of her days as an ecowarrior, no they were days spent with a friend, a close friend. Someone she…loved. A girl, with long flowing pink hair, and teal colored eyes, and soft yellow skin. Tree Hugger remembered how warm she felt, how her smile brightened up the day, how her kindness knew no bounds
Fluttershy…
The Guardian of The Green’s eyes changed from red to blue-green, Tree Hugger looked upon the destruction and death she had caused, her hands cupping her mouth to stifle a gasp. She then looked upon herself, seeing the thorny protrusions on her, along with the bark gauntlets and claws. Tree Hugger began to cry, clear water falling from her eyes as she fell to her knees, the gauntlets falling apart, and the thorns retracting back into the vines. The Timber Wolves crumbled into piles of wood, and the plants shrunk and returned to the Earth below.
“I…I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…” she spoke with a heavy heart.
For a moment, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, despite all she had done, actually felt sad for the giant women. She was genuinely crying, and even though the guards were killed, she had spared them twice now. With that in mind Diamond took a step forward, against the wishes of her parents and friend. She then reached out to Tree Hugger and placed a hand against her forearm.
Tree Hugger looked upon Diamond Tiara with weeping eyes as she gently pulled away. “I’m sorry…for everything…you won’t see me again…but please, try to respect nature…and your connection to it…”
The earthen woman slowly rose up and walked towards the window, she waved her hand over it and willed some vines to pull that part of the wall out. Once she stepped foot onto the grass, Tree Hugger's body began to melt into ground until she completely disappeared from sight, leaving the Rich family, and Silver Spoon, grateful to be alive.
“Daddy, we need to talk about what you do, don’t we?”
(ONE YEAR LATER…)
A lot of what happened at the Rich family country home was kept hushed, attributing the attack to…extreme home invasion.
However, Tree Hugger had decided to exile herself. She was something else now, not human, but did possess memories, her body was too badly damaged to be of use, but still held a strong link to her life force. The chemicals that had coated her body had become one with the earth and soil, and plant life, allowing them to meld with her cells. And finally, The Green.
It had always been said that the Earth was alive, and those of Gaia’s Sword believed this, but to realize that it was a true consciousness that wished to have an advocate, a protector, was something that she didn’t expect, let alone that it would chose her, a “hippy girl” like herself. The fact of the matter was that it had, and it almost turned her into a killing machine, she had almost given into her wrath and almost took the life of a family.
She wasn’t a human anymore, she was born in that swamp, a thing that wasn’t human, animal, or plant.
Treehugger had found a place that was untouched by man, a little camp that she had heard about a long time ago, Camp Everfree. Once in a while, Tree Hugger would venture from her secret hiding placed deep in the forest and visit the camp in person. Technically she could still see through the plant life, but she felt seeing with her own eyes was the best. She would watch as the campers played in the water, hiked the trails, and release paper lanterns into the air.
Once in a while some campers would get lost in the woods, to which Tree Hugger would help them find their way back by either blocking paths or creating a trail for them to follow. There was, however, one day when she wasn’t able to see the camp.
Something was blocking her vision, a strong, otherworldly power. At first she didn’t see the need in intervening, the presence wasn’t dangerous to The Green, however, when she saw the dome of brambles, Tree Hugger began to have second thoughts about getting involved. Thankfully it all resolved itself, and by the girl she had feelings for no less. It was nice to see her friend again, she was as cute and beautiful as she remembered, still ever the kind soul. During the Crystal Ball she had tried to make contact with her, but in the end she couldn’t, not like she was, not looking a…a Swamp Thing. The last gesture she could make was willing a flower to appear on her cot.
Tree Hugger now resided in a groove closer to the camp. After the whole magical mishap she had carefully introduced herself to both camp directors, Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce. Thankfully, they didn’t seem too disconcerted by her appearance, having already gone through a lot already. But after their initial meeting, Tree Hugger was able to acquire an invite to stay closer to the camp, having a kind of nature spirit around would help the camp.
So for a while, Tree Hugger lived her existence in the Everfree Woods alongside the camp. However, as she roamed through the trees on one of her walks, she came near the lake and sensed a distortion. Curious, Tree Hugger made her way to the beach and watched as a house appeared over the lake itself. Tree Hugger took a step back, not understanding what she was seeing.
It was large, two story house, with lacquered wood, and some strange marking that appeared at certain spots on the house itself. Just then, the front door opened and a man stepped out. He was tall, about six foot at least, with black wavy hair, and a gray complexion. His eyes were an intense crimson, but there seemed to be no hostility in them. He wore faded blue jeans, brown boots, and a gray t-shirt, a formal look, but the way he carried himself said different.
The man spotted the earthen woman, sensing her trepidation of him. “Fear not young lady, I’m not here to harm you.”
Tree Hugger emerged from the trees, still skittish about the man. “Dude, did you just seriously come out of that floating house?”
“Oh yes, the House of Mystery, it has a mind of its own sometimes. Perhaps you can help miss…?”
Tree Hugger didn’t know if giving him her real name was safe, besides, did it really matter? “I’m Swamp Thing.”
“My dear, I know what it means to be once human,” said the man in a somber tone.
“It’s Tree Hugger,” she replied with a smile.
The man nodded and bowed to the earth woman. “My name is Sombra, I was actually looking for someone. The House tracked her magical energy to this place, but the trail has gone cold.”
Tree Hugger thought about what the man said, and then an idea popped into her mind as she pointed down the trail she was on. “Maybe you should check out the camp? There was some radical magical stuff going on here a couple of months ago, you might be able find something out from the camp directors.”
Sombra nodded to Tree Hugger and began to walk in the direction of the camp, but paused as he turned to her. “You know, Miss Tree Hugger, I can sense some magic within you as well.” The tall man reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “If you ever wish to have a safe haven, the House of Mystery is never too far.”
Tree Hugger carefully took the card and looked upon it. “Standing invitation to the House of Mystery. Tap three times to enter.”
“Thanks, but I don’t know,” said Tree Hugger.
Sombra shrugged. “Suit yourself Miss, it was the House that wanted me to give that to you. I must be off then, until our next meeting, Miss Tree Hugger.”
The dark man began his walk towards the camp, Tree Hugger knew not who or what the man was looking for, but something told her it was going to involve her friends’ school. She glanced at the House of Mystery, it almost felt as if it was exuding an aura of attraction to her. Tree Hugger smiled and bowed to the House. “I’ll hold onto the invitation, but I’ll stay here for now.”
Yes, she would remain here, where she could not harm anyone, where she could be at peace. However, The Green felt something stirring, an unease that made Tree Hugger wonder if the arrival of Sombra was cosmic fate, or a sign of that an event of unknown proportions was on the horizon.
For a moment, Tree Hugger's eyes shined red as she spoke, “Those who harm The Green, will face the wrath of Swamp Thing….”
SWAMP THING WILL RETURN…
