Chapters Pain....
pain......
Pain. That's all I felt.
And all I could see was darkness. Then I remembered to open my eyes. Light streamed in. I quickly shut them.
I opened them again, this time I allowed the painful moments of light hitting retinals and allowing me to see.
I was in a middle of a forest. Trees and bushes spanned out in every direction as I swiveled my head. Then I lifted my arms to rub my eyes.
And what did I do. Some may ask. Well I did what any reasonable person would do. I screamed. Well, not exactly, I cussed a lot. I tried getting up to run. I lifted off the ground and then fell face first into the grass. Banging my muzzle onto the ground and knocking off my glasses.
"Ow!"
I quickly sat back up onto my hindquarters. Yeah, fancy wording. I'm not some other idiot who fell into another world.
'Ok', I thought. 'Try using your instincts. That usually works.'
I quickly closed my eyes, after grabbing my copper rimmed glasses, and thought about getting up. I slowly willed my muscles to get up and then I opened my eyes. I was standing up. Well. On four legs that is.
I stepped forward and started to tip forward. I quickly stopped my self. I closed my eyes.
'Ok, looks like it wasn't that easy.'
After some time I got the walking down. I seemed late noon as I started my trek through the woods. In hope to find civilization.
I trot pass more trees and bushes as I move along a natural path. Truthfully, If I wasn't worried about being lost. i would have looked around more. It was beautiful.
There didn't seem to be much wild life other than a few birds here and there. I did snag my new antlers on branches a few times. Those pesky things weren't much use.
I had traveled for a time when I stumbled across a small pond. I quickly took a drink since I was parched. Then I sat down and looked at myself, Finally having something I could clearly see myself with.
I was a pony looking thing. Kinda like from that one show. I had dark brow fur with green stripes on my legs. There were to green stripes on my cheeks and a green mark on my forehead. I had dark green claws on the end of both my forelegs and back. There were strips on my back legs too. I had dragon like wings that were dark brown like my fur and forest green membranes. On my chest was a dark green patch, going from the base of my head to my underbelly. I had these gold rings on my neck and a small earing on my strange ears.They seem to be like leaves going backwards. My hair, or mane, was a forest green and same for my tail. My antlers were also forest green. I looked over to my flank and saw I had a cutie mark. It was a tree. My eyes were glowing green orbs in a black abyss.
'Holy Sh*t. I look like one of my druid oc's. Or my druid oc? I still didn't plan that far ahead.'
I look around, it had started to grow dark.
"Might as well start a fire. Don't want to be without warmth tonight."
I trot off to find some dead wood for fire wood. I find them easily, and after a few tireless moments, there was a crackling fire next to the small pond. I sat next to it, poking the fire with a stick as I sat there, deep in thought.
'How did I end up here?'
CRACK
I turn my head swiftly towards the sound.
Out of the woods came three pairs of glowing green eyes.
'Oh f**k. Timberwolves.' I thought.
I quickly got to my feet, err claws. Whatever. And backed away from the wolves.
'G-o, go away!" I yelled, quivering in fear. The wolves were far more terrifying up close than I thought. They seemed to prow closer, sniffing the air as they closed in.
They frigging stopped. Holy Sh*t!
They looked me up and down, then into my glowing green eyes. Then I noticed how similar some of my feature were to theirs. The eyes, claws, and ears. All similar.
Then I had a thought, 'We were similar. The same family of spirits. Heh heh. That makes sense, since I'm a druid. Ha...'
The wolves sniffed for a few more moments, I was still tense, but slowly they turned and walked away. Back into the forest.
'Huh? Wait. That actually happened? HHuuuuHH??!'
I leaned back onto the ground and crashed with a dull thud. I closed my eyes and thought,
'Ow, that hurt...'
The next morning I cleaned up my campfire, to make sure it didn't catch again. Don't want a forest fire right.
"All right. Today will be the day I get out of this forest." I said.
Turning towards the direction I was heading the day before. I walked past the pond and into the forest.
Sunlight streamed through the leaves and vines of the forest. The beams settle onto the forest floor and onto nearby bushes and shrubs.
"F**k!"
A figure stumbles out of the bushes, covered in minor scratches and covered in leaves. It slowly steadies itself on a nearby tree. It takes a deep breath an then brushes off the leaves it had collected onto its fur. It turns, looking own the natural path that spans from east to west. It looks both ways, and then trots down towards the western path and starts to trot down it....
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"Ugh...this forest will be the death of me." I groaned aloud, as I trot along the path.
It was around midday so the sun glared down on me. Strangely, it felt slightly energizing, must be the druid part of me.
After the night before, there hadn't been any sign of strange creatures. Well, any monstrous one that is.
I trotted along, for what seemed to be for hours without one speck of civilization.
'Maybe a large tree. Climb it and see if I see anything.'
I looked around, looking for the tallest tree I could see from the path. There! Roughly a straight path from where I currently stood.
I eventually started to see light ahead, along with more 'tribal?' items.
Was I heading towards a cannibals home? No, that's a stupid thought.
I finally burst out of the foliage. Breathing heavily. I look up tried to see what seemed like a small cottage in the tree that I was heading to. Vines that had what I believed were talismans and tribal masks decorated the tree and surround area.
I, curious, approached one of the talismans on a nearby tree and reached out to touch the talisman. Right as I was about to touch it, it glowed.
I felt a sharp pain on my claws and jerked back in a hiss of pain. Hissing, I slowly backed away from it. I slowly backed up and ran into one of the masks, a flash of primordial fear flashed in my mind and I jumped, yelping.
I started to see flashes of images, images and visions of things I feared or didn't know I did. I tried to run away but another appeared before me, causing me to jump back.
Image after image, vision after vision. I was terrified. I slowly covering my eyes and huddling in to a ball, too scared to do anything.
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It felt like hours. There, me huddling in a ball on the forest floor as images and visions of monstrous, nightmare inducing, things appeared.
Then they stopped. They stopped.
I heard hoof steps to my left. They slowly drew nearer.
"S-stay back. P-please...g-go away! p-please don't hurt me." I whimpered.
Then a hoof rested on my shoulder.
I slowly uncovered my face and opened my eyes to look up to a Zebra. She had these dark cerulean eyes and large gold hoop earrings. Around her neck were several gold rings. Same with one of her forelegs.
"W-who..." I softly coff, "Who are you" I ask in a clearer voice. I slowly sit up, brushing my self off slightly.
"I am Zecora. This here is my home." She points towards the small cottage, "Now who are you." She asks, leaning in uncomfortably close.
I lean back slightly so it wasn't uncomfortable. "I'm..." I pause, contemplating who I should introduce myself as. After a moment, I respond. "I'm Druid Forestoak." I flash a small smile, "But you can call me Oak for short."
Zecora studied me for a moment. Then she stood up and started walking towards her cottage.
"Uh...ok." I stand up and slowly starts following her, avoiding the talismans and masks.
Zecora pushes open her cottage's door and enters, I quickly follow her inside. Once inside she closes it. Walking over towards a kitchen area, she turns and asks.
"Y-yes." I quickly stutter, cot off guard as I look around her cottage.
She trots over to her kitchen and starts to make some tea.
I start walking around her cottage, looking at the trinkets and bobbles she has. I then hear a slight coff. I quickly turn my head to see Zecora over by a table with the kettle of tea.
"Oh, sorry." I say as I trot over to the table.
"Sit, and tell me about yourself."
I sit down onto a cushion and she slides me a small glass of tea. I take a small sip, it was surprisingly good. And I wasn't really that into tea.
"This is some good tea."
"Thank you. Now tell me about yourself. I don't want to have brought a stranger into my home." Zecora says, taking a sip of her tea.
I let out a deep sigh. Slowly looking up, I reply.
"Well, were do you want me to start. My personality of how I came to this forest. May I ask?"
Zecora stays quiet, sipping her tea. She motions with her hoof in a 'go on' way.
I let out another sigh.
"Well, to start. I woke up in a forest clear yesterday around midday. Where I was before that, I have no clue. Nor do I know were I am."
Zecora looks up, her face not changing but in her eyes. Her eyes I could tell were a mix of shock, confusion and interest.
Author's Note
So....I'm leaving off with a hanger.
I sat there, facing my host. Waiting for a response. There was none other than her eyes. Quite a poker face I might add. Can't say I'm not impressed. It could compete with mine.
"I awoke in the forest yesterday around midday, with nothing but this saddle bag and my wits." I continued, "I was more shocked and confused on where I was. After some small...panic attacks, I chose a direction and walked."
Zecora nodded. Taking a sip of her tea.
"I traveled till I got to a small pond, watering hole. Whatever you prefer. I was dusk around that time so I set up a fire. Then the wolves came."
I took another sip.
"They seemed more curios than hostile. I was scared, as anyone would be. But I was more surprised when they didn't attack, merely sniffing me. Then they left."
I took in another deep breath. And then continued my story.
"The next morning I continued on my trek. After some time I thought, find a tall tree. I could see if there was any civilization anywhere. I then saw your tree poking out of the canopy. So I made my way here. When I got close, I saw your things. Talismans and warding. They didn't seem to bother me till I got to where you found me. Something in those things. They caused massive amount of primordial fear to wash over me. It was horrifying."
I sighed. Taking anther sip of tea.
"Then you found me, and you know the rest."
I look up at her. She seemed to sigh.
"What of this book you speak of?"
"Oh!" I turn and reach into my saddle bags, pulling out a well worn book. It was made out of a leather like plant material with metallic bindings. On its cover there was a large emerald indented and fused into the cover. Roots seemed to curl around the borders of the emerald. A large bronze clasp held the book close. Strange symbols decorated the cover and side. It seemed like writing.
I set the book onto the table. Zecora looks at it and then tries to open it. A bolt of green energy strikes her hoof as she tires to. She recoils it and looks at her hoof for any damage.
"I'm so sorry, are you ok?" I asked, worried.
"I am fine young druid. I believe only one of your kind can open it." She says.
"Um ok?" I reach for the book and unlatches it. Nothing happens. I lift the cover and open to the first page. It seems to be an introduction. Reminds me slightly of the DnD books I had read in the past.
The writing was the same as the cover.
Both me and Zecora look down at the writing in confusion. Neither of us could read it.
"Can you read it?" Zecora asks.
"I don't think so....." I trail off as the symbols start to rise off the pages and spin, shift, and transform. Slowly the letters sink back into the book but it was now in perfect english.
"Yes, I can read it." I reply.
I look down at the book and scan through it.
"Its...a...well. Grimoire of sorts for druids. I believe." I say, unsure.
Zecora nodded.
"Possibly with this...grimoire. You can understand your reason for being here." She said.
I look up from the book at her.
"Yeah, and it says in here that I have assesses to a type of magic. Possibly it can help me understand those too."
"Possibly."
Zecora noticed that the tea was low and got up, grabbing the pot, she trotted towards the kitchen area.
"I was wondering if I could stay here till I fully understand my abilities. Is that ok miss?"
She set down the tea pot and started making more tea. She turn to me and replied.
"I don't mind, but only for a few days."
I looked surprised.
"Ok. Thank you Zecora. Thank you." I said, smiling.
Three days later
I sat outside Zecora's hut, meditating. The Druids Handbook sat in front of me opened to a page. On it was a picture of a creature meditating. Along with it was writing.
Slowly, around me small vines grew out of the ground. A bead of sweat rolled down my face and down my snout. Then I let a out a gasp of air.
"Huff...huff...." I fall back onto the ground, face up. The vines around me withered and shrunk away. "Why is it so hard?" I groaned.
I had got my basic abilities down the first two days. Mostly controlling vines and brambles. Supposedly those were the easiest things to do according to the book.
Leaning upright. I turn to look back at Zecora's cottage. Today was the last day she was allowing him to stay in her home. Today, I make my way towards the town of 'Ponyville?' or something like that. I nearly laughed when I heard Zecora say the name. Someone...er..pony, like her saying something so stupid. It just didn't sound right. I actually looked at the towns in the country I'm in. Oh yeah, its called Equestria. Not a bad name at all. And the Forest I'm in is called Everfree. Another good sounding name. But jeez, the cities names were just horse puns. Manehattan. Canterlot...ok, Canterlot isn't bad. Sounds like something fancy. But Manehattan. Really?!
Anyway, today I leave. I've already packed. Zecora nicely told me the currency, and turns out my bags are magical. Infinite money. Holy hell.
So where was I....oh yeah, going to Ponyville. Ugh, still get the cringe shivers whenever I hear that name.
"Druid Oak. Its time."
I swivel my head to see Zecora caring my saddle bags, along with hers.
"Oh. Ok, thank you for getting my bags." I say, "So this is it huh. Well thank you for allowing me to stay. Even for a short time. Thank you."
Zecora nodded. I quickly grab my saddle bags and put them on.
"Oh! Forgot something." I say quickly, turning and summoned my grimoire to myself. "There" I say, putting the book in one of the bags.
I turn back to Zecora.
"Um...bye." I say, awkwardly. "See you around. Possibly."
I start walking away.
"Yes."Zecora replied, chuckling at my awkwardness. "We'll see each other again. Now goodbye Young Druid." She waved.
I waved goodbye as I walked into the forest. Slowly walking towards my destination. Ponyville.
'I wonder how the ponies there are?'
Author's Note
I can't do the rhyming that Zecora does. So I'll try for mysterious.
I push through bushes and foliage. Breathing heavily. Leaves decorated my body. Vines tangled in my antlers.
'Fuck. Why did the path have to vanish back there!'
I push through the final bush into an opening. A small one. I look forward. The trees seem to be thinning. Good. I can get out of this fucking forest. Gods am I tired.
I pulled my canteen out of my bag and took a swig. Cold, refreshing water flowed out of it and down my parched throat. I quickly wipe my muzzle and cap the canteen. Shoving it into my bag. I trudged onward. Through the trees and foliage.
It has been about over two hours since I left Zecora's. I was fine till the path vanished. I regret pushing forward. I should have backed tracked when it vanished. I probably took a wrong turn. Still didn't know how that was possible.
I pushed onward, through the bushes and shrubs. Slowly, the trees and bushes thinned and spaced out. Allowing me to travel easier. I was now trotting, not shoving my way through foliage.
I started to see large green leaves trees planted in rows in the near distance. As I grew closer I saw that there was fruit on them. Large green apples. Unripe.
'Well that gives me an idea on the season. Summer. Also explains the heat.' I thought as a bead of sweat rolled down my neck.
I had started to sweat the closer I was to the edge of the forest. The trees must keep it relatively cool here.
I finally burst out of the treeline. Breathing heavily. I slowly walked up to one of the apple trees and laid under its nice, cool shade.
I let out a loud sigh.
"Finally out of that damn forest." I said, relieved.
I closed my eyes to rest. Then I heard hoof steps closing in. Then I heard a female voice with a southern accent speak.
"Now. Who are you doin' in my orchard." They asked.
'Ah....fuck.'
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"So you're telling me you came from the forest. Everfree forest and simply need a rest?" Miss Applejack asked. Trying to clear up any confusion.
"Yes. I simply was travelling out of...this Everfree forest and stopped to rest under your apple trees." I replied.
We were sitting in Miss Applejack's home. A quaint little farmstead style house. It was a barn red color with apple aspects in places.
She sighed, relieved. "I thought you were some bandit trying to steal some of ma' apples."
I smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I wasn't planning to. It already seemed to me that they were owned."
Miss Applejack laughed. "Darn tootin' right. So, you said your name was Forestoak right?"
"Indeed Miss Applejack."
"Oh. Don't call me that. It's just Applejack."
I smile. "Alright Applejack."
I stand up.
"I apologize for trespassing on your land Applejack. But may I ask for some help?" I ask Applejack.
She nodded. "Sure pal. What’d you need?"
"I was heading for a town called Ponyville. Could you point me in the direction of it? If you may?"
"Sure! I was actually heading down there today with my brother. You can head down with us." Applejack said friendly, standing up.
I quickly shook my head. "Please. I can go by myself. There's no need for you two to walk me down."
"Oh! But I insist. It'll make sense for both of us. And you can meet ma' brother Big Macintosh. He goes by Big Mac around here." She said, "Come on!"
She started trotting out the door. I reluctantly follow her, not wanting to seem rude.
She heads towards a large red barn. Near it stood a large red stallion wearing a large thing on his...front shoulders? Nearby stood a cart full of apples.
"Big Mac! Brought a friend." She called.
The large stallion turns and nods towards us.
"Hello there." I said to Big Mac, sticking out a claw to shake.
Big Mac shook it.
"Hi." He said in a deep southern accent.
"Big Mac. Meet Forestoak. Forestoak, this is my brother Big Mac." Applejack said as me and Big Mac shook.
"It's very nice to meet you Big Mac" I said awkwardly, his name rolling awkwardly off my tongue.
"Nice to meet you too Forestoak." He replied.
"Alright, lets get go'in." Applejack said and started trotting towards a large gate with an over arch. Big Mac followed behind and lastly I in the back.
We trotted out the gate and took a right down a path towards a town in the distance.
"Is that Ponyville?" I ask Applejack as we walk.
"Yeah. That's it." The cowpony replied, looking over her shoulder at me.
"All right then." I look down at the town a little more. It had a quaint, small, European style to it. "It seems...quaint." I remarked.
"Yeah, it's small but its home. But if you like big cities. Canterlot is the closes." She points a hoof towards a large castle and city on the side of a snow capped mountain.
"No, no." I said hastily, "I'm not a big fan of cities. Too claustrophobic for me personally."
Applejack laughed. "I agree with you. To crowded. You grew up in a small town too?"
"Yeah....it was actually named after a flower." I said, slightly saddened. "Petaluma. That's what it's called. You know once it was called the egg capital of the world. Heh."
Applejack turned intrigued. "Really? I've never heard of it."
"You wouldn't. It was called that centuries ago. It's really just a small farm town now." I replied.
Applejack nodded and walked onward. We neared the town were the road started to become more paved cobblestone than hard pacted dirt roads.
Applejack turned her head back towards me.
"Hey Forest."
"Yeah?"
"A warning, there's a pony in town that's especially interested in new folk. So be prepared." Applejack said, a serous look on her face.
That worried me a bit, but I shrugged it off. "They can't be that bad...."
Smack! I was slammed backwards into the ground by a large pink object. All I could see was bright, bubblegum pink.
"HIHOWAREYOU!I"MPINKIE!WHOAREYOU!?" A load, squeaky, and extremely energetic voice yelled into my ears.
"Pinkie! Get off of 'im!" Applejack cried, prying the pink demon off of me.
I let out a deep breath, in and out. I leaned upwards to see a pink, and I mean pink, earth pony. Her mane was a curly, poofy, all over the freaking place look to it. Same with her tail. Her eyes wide and slightly crazed, but were an electric blue. I noticed on her flank that there was a strange tattoo of sorts in a shape of three brightly colored balloons. She had a large smile plastered on her face and was staring intently at me. In a creepy way.
"Um....hi?" I said shakily, waving slightly.
"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie!" She energetically said, bouncing around me. "Your new in town aren't you?!"
"Yeah? Kinda obvious." I said, getting to my claws.
"Cool! So come by Sugarcube Corner late when your in town!" She then turned and bounced off towards town.
We watched her go. Then I turned to Applejack.
"Is she always like that?"
"Yeah. Pinkie's a...special case."
"Alright, should I question how she got here so fast?"
"Its best sugarcube that you don't. It's better to asept it."
"Ok. Not going to question that is called Pinkie Pie."
Applejack nods. "So shall we go Forestoak."
"After you."
Applejack nods again and turns towards Ponyville and we start walk into the small town.
Author's Note
Finally here. I wanted to do more but....well, too much to tell. Heh eh.
