The Life and Trials of Autumn Moon

by TraumaLane

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Changelings, Original Character, Trixie, Braeburn, Adventure
Length: 69743

Things used to be so simple for Autumn before she shifted. Will Autumn ever have a happy ending despite being something ponies fear going bump in the night?

Things used to be so simple before Autumn shifted, before she knew what she was. As she goes on her journey she will meet many different creatures. Some will be friends and others will mean to do her harm. Can a Canis Equus ever have a happy ending despite being something other ponies deemed a myth, a monster?

Edited by RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile:, huge shout out for the great work!

Proof read by Majora :twilightsmile: who is helping to make this story better who also deserves credit for their work and advice!

Amazing Cover art done by the myth, the legend JodTheCod:
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/331279/JodTheCod Thank you so much for the amazing cover art! :raritystarry:

Published 2020-03-29 17:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-12-24 18:47:18 UTC

A Moon's Reflection

Chapter 1: A Moon’s Reflection- First Quarter

The Moons owned a small farm in Bray Valley near Ontaurio, their property included a few dozen acres and a part of the forest near their house. The Moon family's day started like many other farmers across Equestria. They would rise with the sun to tend to their crops, perform maintenance needed to the various areas of the farm, and care for the variety animals that called their farm home. Another day was about to begin, but before the first rays of Celestia’s sun could peak over the Neighskapis mountain range of Galloping Gorge, a dark figure crept through the halls of the old farmhouse.

Eyes flashed glowing amber in the low light of the house, as olive colored hooves stalked over the faded dark brown floorboards. “This time for sure,” thought Autumn as she carefully avoided the squeaky fifth floorboard by her parent's door.

Her fuzzy ears perked as she listened for any change in her parents breathing or squeaking of their bed. As she pushed the slightly ajar door wider, it’s hinge just barely squeaking. Autumn stalked silently towards her prey, barely noticing the sound the door made as she moved into the perfect position. She took a deep breath, smelling the faint scent of falling leaves, the soil and wheat of her family’s fields, all while feeling the cool crisp fall air creeping in through the open window as she closed her eyes and flattened her ears against her skull.

Autumn Moon lowered her fore hooves to the ground and raised her haunches into the air as she prepared to make a legendary leap “I’ve got you this time dad...” she thought and began to grin. The filly jumped up into the air grinning like a mad mare, a pair of ivory fangs poking out past her lips.

“HA... GOT YOU!!!” shouted the large silver earth pony stallion as he sat up quickly opening his forehooves to catch his daughter before she landed. Shadow Snare’s short jet-black mane showed a bad case of bed head as his amber eyes flashed, his own fang filled smile grew at his little fillies wide eyed disbelief.

“W-what no way!” Autumn thought as her father caught her in his unshorn hooves and proceeded to give her a small noogie. Autumn wriggled around and pushed her fathers hoof away from her now messed up mane.

“No fair... how’d you know dad?” Autumn looked up at her dad in surprise frustration clear as she tried to straighten her mane.“ I woke up even earlier today and I didn’t even hit the floorboard this time.”

Shadow’s large barrel shook as he chuckled at his now pouting daughter. Autumn crossed her forehooves, her wild silver tail twitching as her eyes narrowed farther in annoyance at her father laughing at her attempt of a “wake-up call”.

“You waking up early now that’s a feat,” Shadow chuckled Autumns mouth dropped as she turned away from him her ears flat against her skull in embarrassment she snorted at his comment clearly not satisfied by that answer. Shadow looked at his daughter sympathetically “I guess I’ve teased her enough the stallion thought.

“In all honesty little one you almost had me,” Autumn turned to face him slightly her ears perking showing her surprise. Shadow grinned as he saw he’d gotten her to listen before he continued.

“Although, when I said you’d have to get up early in the morning to surprise me I didn’t think you’d take it so literally.” Shadow's gruff voice soothed Autumn as her father loosened his grip and reached out starting to mess up her wild silver mane again. This time Autumn let him muss up her silver mane deeming it’s neatness a lost cause.

“But to answer your question...” Shadow wiggled his pair of thickly furred ears as his daughter gazed up at him. “I heard the door squeak before you made it to the bed,” Shadow replied.

“Ugh... rats I can’t believe the door got me,” Autumn said as she face-hooved, her ears lowered in bashfulness. Autumn's ears started to perk up as she heard her mother start to stir next to her father. Sugar Beet was used to her husband and daughter's early morning antics and her dark emerald eyes glanced at them both before she too sat up awake for the day.

“Good morning Mom, hehe sorry about waking you. Can I still help out with breakfast this morning?” Autumn asked with hopeful eyes as she moved out of her father's hooves and nuzzled under her mother's chin like she did when she was smaller.

“O' course ya can, sugar, an' don’t worry, maybe one day ya will surprise yer father,” Sugar Beet said, her kind voice sounding tired. The farm mare sent a knowing wink and smile to her husband before she gave her daughter a small hug nuzzling the side of her face. Her long olive oil mane was also a casualty of bed head. The earth pony’s elderberry coat was a stark contrast to her husband’s and daughter’s. Her cutie mark was a white sugar beet and shined faintly as the sunlight peeked through the blinds on the open window.

Shadow Snare leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek giving her a sly wink in the process. Sugar Beet smiled and nuzzled her husband in return. “Now come on ya’ll, breakfast won’t make itself an' we got plenty o' work ta do.” Sugar Beet hopped out of bed as an energetic Autumn followed close behind.

“Alright love, I’ll meet you two beautiful fillies' downstairs after I feed the chickens and grab us some eggs,” Shadow Snare stated as he made his way out of the room his own cutie mark standing out against his silver coat, a wolf's paw filled with water, a snare tied above it.

Sugar Beet nodded smiling as she led her daughter to the bathroom to get ready for the day. Unlike her husband, who only needed a quick comb to fix his bed head, her daughter's wild mane and her own needed a bit more to get them somewhat presentable.

Her mother brushed her long olive oil mane into a simple hair band to keep it out of the way, she also donned a faded clover scarf around her neck tiny sugar beets scattered on the hand-me down garment.

Autumn gazed at her mother and brushed her own mid length silver mane wearing it in a somewhat wild style. Autumn reached up a hoof to smooth out her forelock; her silver mane matched her dad's coat and hung over her neck to the right, her long bangs covering her eyes partially. “There we go, that’s a bit better thought Autumn as she moved to leave the bathroom.

“Don’ forget ta git the fur on yer ears sugar,” Sugar Beet reminded her daughter. Autumn smiled sheepishly at having to be reminded but did as she was told. Both mares young and old brushed their teeth, Autumn brandishing a fanged smile to her happily smiling mother when she finished.

“So, mom, what are we making for breakfast?” an eager Autumn Moon asked as she happily cantered out of the bathroom, her bushy tail wagging slightly. Both Autumn and Sugar Beet went downstairs heading for the kitchen. They passed the small comfortable living room the sun beaming through the old glass windows of the farmhouse filling it with warmth.

Sugar Beet smiled at her daughter as she replied, “Well today ah was thinkin' we’d have some cinnamon apple flapjacks, wit' a side of eggs an sliced pears.” She looked at her daughter and her knowing grin grew wider as she saw the filly's eyes begin to sparkle at hearing that they’d be making Autumn’s favorite breakfast.

As the two mares of the Moon family reached the kitchen, both Sugar Beet and Autumn started getting all the ingredients and utensils they would need to start on the apple flapjacks and sliced pears. Autumn's tail started to wag eagerly as she placed the pears, Honeycrisp apples, butter, and milk on the table. Autumn smelled the sweet subtle smell of the Honeycrisp apples and the more earthy pears as she placed them on the counter.

Sugar Beet grabbed the sugar, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and finally Harvest Moon all-purpose wheat flour on the counter and started to heat up the stove. Sugar Beet started setting out the mixing bowl and turned to see her husband returning inside the house with his bounty: A basket of eggs.

Shadow grinned proudly and puffed up his broad chest as he trotted over placing the basket on the counter in front of his wife. “Your eggs, m’lady,” he said jokingly as he performed a small bow to his wife. “Is there anything you fillies need help with before I head off to check that hole in the fence near the south acre?” Shadow asked as he glanced between the other members of his family.

Sugar Beet smiled lovingly at her husband before relying sweetly, “Nah, we got it here hon’. Ya go on an’ check on the fence an' breakfast will be done before ya’ll get back.” The elderberry mare then glanced at the basket and placed two greased frying pans on the stove.

“Alright love, I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Shadow rubbed noses with his wife before turning to look at Autumn “Mind your mother little one, and try not to burn the house down,” he said smiling warmly, messing up her mane for the second time this morning.

“Daaaad... I’m not that terrible at cooking! Besides cinnamon apple flapjacks are the best, I don’t think I could ruin those if I tried.” Autumn smiled a determined grin to her father. “Plus, I haven’t burned anything in the last year,” she said the laughter failing to hide the pride in her voice. Autumn's silver tail rose in the air curving slightly as she held her head high.

Shadow chuckled at his daughter, sounding slightly like rolling thunder. “Ah... right you are, how time flies...apple flapjacks are your favorite so I’m sure they’ll be great,” Shadow said as he started walking towards the front door, his own bushy tail slightly wagging behind him. The sun began to light up the rest of the clear fall sky, the hard work of the Vanhoover weather team showing as the screen door at the front of the house shut with a familiar clatter leaving the two remaining family members to cook.

Autumn watched her mother set the fire in the stove and helped her mother to carefully measure out the supplies. Satisfied Autumn grabbed a knife and a few bowls and prepped the apples. Slicing them before beginning to mix them into the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. “Can ya grab four eggs for the batter sugar?” Sugar Beet asked.

“Sure mom,” Autumn replied she grabbed a near by dish towel off of the oven in her mouth. Autumn went to the fridge and carefully pulled out the four eggs and wrapping them up to carry them over to the bowl. Autumn noticed she could smell the scent of Bertha on the eggs she was carrying; as if the hen were right next to her. “Hmmm... I wonder if Red is giving dad grief again”, she thought as she processed the scent and continued her task... her strong sense of smell being nothing new to the filly.

Sugar smiled as she saw Autumn place the eggs on the counter top. The elderberry mare grabbed the eggs with her hooves, cracking them with practiced ease. “Woah. Nice mom... can I give it a try?” Autumn asked.

Sugar Beet smiled at her daughter “Sure thin’, jus’ make sure ya don’t get any shells in the batter. After yer done, ya can mix it up and start pourin' the batter into the pan.”

Autumn nodded and cracked the egg just like she was shown,narrowly managing not to get any shells in the batter. Sugar Beet watched proudly as her daughter stirred the batter and placed the families old cast iron skillet on the wood stoves flame. Autumn grinned in satisfaction and did as she was instructed by her mother, loving the smell of the batter as it hit the hot pan.

Autumn always loved getting to cook with her mother; it was amazing to think that something her family grew from the ground could be transformed into something new like cakes, pasta or her favorite flapjacks. She knew that all ponies have some form of magic, but to Autumn, this was the best kind. As she flipped the apple cinnamon flapjacks over and moved the finished flapjacks to a plate, her mouth started to water. The smell of the scrambled eggs her mom was cooking was not helping her situation. Swallowing her saliva Autumn’s ears flicked down slightly as her stomach released a growl louder than a Manticore.

Sugar Beet giggled at her daughter and shook her head as Autumn gave her a sheepish look, “Good thin’ we got some grub on the way, hon’. Sounds like an Ursa minor may be hiding in here’.” Autumn pawed at the ground slightly as a small blush colored her olive cheeks, but she continued to cook as her mother instructed, flipping the flapjacks as soon as she saw the batter bubble.

The two mares continued to prepare their breakfast with instructions being given occasionally by Sugar Beet to aid Autumn. Between them they had the breakfast done in a little less than an hour and were setting up the table when Shadow returned from repairing the fence.

“Wow... now this looks great,” said Shadow as he approached the table, his smile causing his amber eyes to glow in the light. He nuzzled up to his wife giving her a quick kiss before taking a seat at the head of the table, turning to Autumn he smiled and saying “You did a great job Autumn. Who knows, you may be a better cook than your mom someday.” Autumn puffed up her fluffy chest in pride and sat up straighter as Sugar Beet swatted her husband gently with her hoof.

“Maybe someday, ya did a great job sugar. Let’s tuck in ‘fore it gets cold” said Sugar glancing toward her daughter before turning towards her plate. Anypony who walked in could feel a sense of calm and happiness surrounding the Moon family as they dug into their breakfast.

Autumn smiled at her parents; their life was simple, and she enjoyed every moment of it as she ate her favorite apple cinnamon flapjacks and a bite of pear. Autumn's tail swooshed over the floor in satisfaction as she chewed the flavor causing her to him in satisfaction. Her tail reflecting her happiness as she thought about the wonderful food that she had made with her mother. The occasional conversation about work and school filling the house with chatter to combat the silence.

The Moon family finished their breakfast and started the day's chores. Shadow went out to the nearby barn to meet with the other farm hands they had brought on to help during the busy harvest season. The wheat and barley they had raised were ready to be collected and turned into flour or used for beer at the local Malt Hopps brewery, while sugar beets and carrots the family also grew would be picked and stored away for winter, with excess sold at the market for additional profit.

“Alright listen up fillies and gentle colts... I know the seasons been good, but we’ve still got work to do.” Shadow spoke with authority from the front of the crowd of ponies. Seeing he had their attention he glanced at the schedule in his hooves. “I need Team A to get hooked up to the harvesters and begin cutting and gathering with the wheat. Team B will begin to root up the beets and carrots and treat the soil afterwards. Sugar Beet will oversee Team B and I will go with Team A since they have multiple fields to cover.” Sugar Beet nodded at her husband understanding what was needed. “Finally, Team C will tend to the critters and help the others as needed” Shadow Snare looked at the small group of ponies and nodded at the look of understanding he saw from each of them.

Autumn smiled in admiration at her father as she watched him take the lead for the teams heading to the fields. “I’m gonna go see what I can do to help.” thought Autumn as she followed behind her parents managing to catch up with her mother.

“Hey Mom can I help you with the carrots?”Autumn asked eager to get her hooves dirty. As she saw the other farm hands gathering their sacks and carts with supplies. Seeing her mother grabbing a few bags in her teeth to sling over her withers.

Sugar nodded her approval as she gave Autumn a sack from her muzzle. “Sure thing sweet pea, just head on over to the west field and make your way down 3 fields to the right... you think you can do that?” The matriarch asked.

Nodding eagerly Autumn put on her gathering sack and headed toward the field her mother had instructed. “Alright here we go,” said Autumn as she began the practiced movement of gripping the vegetables stems with her fangs and pulling them out of their soil fortresses. Autumn could feel the life in the soil through her hooves and watched as the crops they had tended to were harvested with pride. Autumn’s strong neck muscles and hooves made easy work of the fields and with sacks full she headed to the carts before seeing what else needed to be done.

Autumn helped feed the pigs, and chickens and even had some time left over to play with her pet Rooster Red. The day flew by as the family worked together to complete the day's chores. After the farm hands headed home the tired family ate a full meal of carrots and vegetable alfredo before deciding to turn in for the night. Autumn and her parents walked to their rooms her parents stopping by her room to wish her a goodnight.

“You were a big help today little one, we wouldn’t have gotten as much done without you,” Shadow Snare said warmly as he pulled the covers over the filly.

“He’s right ya know, ya did a great job sweet pea. Thank ya for helpin out so much,” Sugar Beet said as she sidled up to her husband smiling at Autumn. “So ya ready ta go back ta school in a few days?” Sugar asked.

“No problem,” Autumn said bashfully to both her parents,“ and ready as I can be Mom. It’ll be good to see French Butter and Tall Tales again.” She glanced at her mom and dad, who were smiling at the thought of seeing her friends.

“I bet, but fer now though ya go on an' rest up, sweet pea,' ' Sugar Beet replied as she made for the door to turn off the light. “Love ya sugar, goodnight and sweet dreams.” Sugar smiled at Autumn before she started walking down the hall to her bedroom.

“Sweet dreams little one, love you” said Shadow as he followed his wife out the door to get some rest themselves after a long day’s work.

As the sun set over the Moon family’s farm Autumn thought about her next strategy to sneak up on her father in the morning, how she could help out on the farm after school and even had a wondering thought of when she’d get her cutie mark.

She was already larger than most fillies and colts her age and while most already knew what their special talent was, she did not. Maybe it would be tending crops like her mother or her father’s talent for building contraptions from the stories mother told her.

“Who knows...” whispered Autumn to no pony in particular as she rolled over looking at the wall before her eyelids fell heavily over her eyes. As these last passing thoughts went through Autumn’s head, she began to fall victim to sleep, wondering what the future would hold for her, hoping that it would be just as amazing as today had been. Her last sight before sleep was of the Mare in the Moon casting a soft glow over the fields her family’s farm.

Author's Note

Newly edited by RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile: Thank you for your hard work, and for making this story more readable. Your suggestions really helped make the story more clear. :pinkiesmile:

Now proof read by Majora who's talents help to make this chapter more readable thank you so much for your hard work.:raritywink:

This completes the first chapter on my newest story. I hope that you guys enjoy the ride and stay tuned for more of The Life and Trials of Autumn Moon. :twilightsmile:

Shadows in the light

Chapter 2: Shadows in the Light: Waxing Gibbous

As Celestia’s warm sun rose, marking the start of another day on the Moon family’s farm, Shadow Snare woke up in slight surprise at the lack of his mischievous daughter trying to scare him. “Hmm… wonder what that little one is up to,” Shadow said in a gruffer voice than usual, still rough from the night's rest. Shadow’s thickly furred ears perked, shifting in anticipation as he listened for any creaking floorboards or sounds of hooves. He heard his wife breathing softly, the sound of the old farmhouse settling, the animals beginning to stir out in the pens, and his daughter’s calm breaths down the hallway. Taking a deep breath through his nose Shadow scented the air, trying to see if his daughter had managed to sneak into the room without him noticing. Nothing stood out to him other than the sweet wildflower scent of his wife, his own earthy pine forest scent, and the faint fall and apple scent of Autumn from her last attempt.

“I guess she’s still sleeping,” Shadow Snare said, yawning, his fangs standing out in the rising sun as he stretched his forehooves out and cracked his neck, now starting to feel more awake. His golden eyes glistened slightly as he looked at Sugar Beet, and Shadow felt his tail begin to wag. His mate made him feel like the luckiest stallion in the world and, reflecting on the peaceful life they now shared with their daughter, he felt like he couldn’t ask for more. Shadow felt a slight sadness in his heart as he knew the struggles they had faced to get to this point, and he feared that history may repeat itself for his daughter.

“Better get Autumn up or she’s going to be late for school,” thought Shadow as he leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek sweetly. Sitting back up, he watched as Sugar Beet started to stir from his kiss and smiled softly at her.

Sugar Beet shifted in her sleep, mumbling slightly as she felt her husband's fangs slightly graze her cheek as he lovingly kissed her awake. Her dark green eyes cracked open as she smiled affectionately to her husband. “Good mornin’, sugar. Hmm... no wakeup calls from sweet pea this mornin’?” Sugar Beet asked, still half asleep.

“Surprisingly no, love… but I’m sure she’s got something up her sleeves,” Shadow said mirthfully, his fangs peeking out past his lips “You go ahead and rest a little longer sweetheart. I’ll get Autumn up for school,” Shadow said quietly, his previous worries had been forgotten for the time being.

Sugar Beet kissed him on the cheek. “Thank ya, love, I’d appreciate a mite more sleep,” she said tiredly as she tucked herself back underneath their comforter. Shadow got up from the bed feeling the fall chill leaking in through the open window. Missing the warmth of the bed already, he shivered slightly before he shut the source of the cold air. The large silver stallion quietly made his way down the hall.

Doing his best to put the troubling thoughts aside, Shadow’s ears twitched as he stood before the bedroom door, something was off. “Wait,” he thought leaned his head forward attempting to better hear what had caused him to stop, his thickly furred ears twitching as they worked to pick up the sounds around him.

Narrowing his eyes Shadow focused; his thickly furred ears had finally found what they were searching for…on the sounds coming from the room. The silver stallion's eyes widened as he realized what his sensitive ears had been trying to tell him “Autumn… her heart, it’s beating harder… her breathing is more active. Is she having a bad dream?” He wondered as he took a cautionary step and scented the air once again. Autumn’s natural scent of fall leaves and faint hint of apples met his nostrils; it was stronger but nothing else stood out to the stallion.

Satisfied that there wasn’t an intruder Shadow carefully listened and heard the sound of hooves shifting slightly and fur brushing against the slightly open door. Suddenly it became clear why his little one's heart rate and breathing were off, the corners of his lips lifted as he put it together.

“Ah… I see. Pretty clever, little one,” Shadow smiled at his daughter’s new strategy, but sadly she moved just before he entered the door. He opened the door carefully and walked into the room as if nothing was wrong. His eyes glowed in the dimly lit room as he noticed she had put some pillows underneath her covers to make a filly sized lump in her bed.

“Very clever... she even made a decoy; she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with when she’s older. I feel bad for her future mate. She'll be able to outwit any pony. Celestia, won’t they be in for some surprises,” Shadow thought of that for a second before feeling a small bit of that sorrow once again weighing on his heart. “Maybe more than they know.”

As he approached “Autumn” laying in the bed, he noticed another faint squeak, the sound of the floorboards creaking as they took on weight behind him. “She’s gotten better at stalking as well; she’s quieter than she was a few months ago,” the silver stallion grinned cockily, unseen by his filly. “Not quite quiet enough, though,” Shadow thought as he heard the smaller hooves of his daughter slowly moving towards him.

Just as Autumn was about to lower herself to the ground and pounce on her father, sensing his daughters intent Shadow turned around quickly and reared back to stomp his hooves on the ground.

“Boo!” Shadow shouted. Autumn jumped in surprise, her eyes widening as she lost her balance and fell out of her crouch. Autumn’s hooves became tangled up in each other and the filly flopped over unceremoniously on her side.

Shadow chuckled a little at his daughter’s reaction to being caught but he felt bad that she had fallen over, “Sorry… are you alright?” he asked mirthfully. Autumn shook her head simaliarly to a dog to clear her head her; Autumn nodded her head sheepishly as she moved to stand on her own four hooves. Shadow offered his daughter a hoof to help her up and Autumn took it nodding a thanks to her father only huffing slightly at her failed attempt.

Seeing this Shadow thought it may be best to let Autumn know how well she had done. “That was even better, little one; you almost got me that time. Nice work with the decoy,” Shadow said with pride in his voice.

“Really,” said Autumn, smiling , matching her father's fanged smile at the praise she had received. “Thanks, Dad, what got me this time? Was it the door?” Autumn asked curiously.

Shadow nodded his head confirming her guess at what gave her away. “That, and you moved before I entered the room...when trying to get the upper hoof you need to be patient and wait for the right time to strike,” he said, his tone kind as he gave Autumn a small lecture. Seeing her contemplate what he had said Shadow looked at the time and had realized that he still had a task to complete.

“Well, since you're up, little one, it’s time for you to get yourself together for school,” Shadow said as he began to lead the way to the hall. “Don’t wanna be late now do you?” the silver stallion asked teasingly as he watched his daughter shake herself out before she messily made her bed. Autumn shook her head in response and turned to follow him down the hall.

“No way, Dad! Besides, I gotta head out early if I wanna meet up with French Butter before we head over to school,” Autumn said excitedly as she turned to head into the bathroom. Autumn saw her mother start to make her way out of her parents’ bedroom and stuck her head out to greet her. “Good morning, Mom,” said Autumn just as cheerfully.

Sugar Beet turned to look at her daughter, her eyes warm, smiling softly. “Good mornin’, sweet pea. Did ya surprise yer father today?” The elderberry mare raised her brow and turned to her husband looking for confirmation, only seeing the silver stallion’s eyes shine in pride as a smile grew on his muzzle. “I heard a lil bit a shoutin’ an thought maybe ya managed to scare ‘im,” said the elderberry mare.

Shadow watched as the filly’s face fell slightly and her ears lowered, shaking her head answering her mother’s question.

“She came pretty close though,” Shadow said earnestly, hoping to raise his daughter’s spirits. “I almost didn’t see her coming. Soon she’ll be able to surprise just about anypony.” Shadow reached his daughter and messed up her mane before turning to his wife and placing a hoof over Sugar Beet’s withers.

“Daaad… not the mane again,” Autumn moaned in slight annoyance as she ran her hoof over her newly tousled mane, turning her head to her mother smiling a little. “I did almost surprise Dad. Looks like I’ll just have to do better next time,” Autumn said jokingly as she stuck her tongue out at her father before she turned back into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Shadow chuckled at his daughter’s sass as she returned to her previous task of preparing for the day and getting her now twice messed up mane in check.

“We’ll see about that, little one,” Shadow said gladly to his daughter as he turned with his wife to head downstairs. “Your mother and I are going to get breakfast started and then I’m going to get started on the chores for the day!” Shadow shouted up to his daughter. Hearing an affirmative yell from Autumn he continued with his wife to the next task at hand: getting breakfast started and feeding the chickens to get eggs.

“I’m going to go fetch some more eggs, love,” Shadow said, despite Sugar knowing where he’d be; he said it out of habit. Sugar Beet smiled at her mate despite the unneeded reminder. She loved Shadow and how he loved to keep her in the loop. The elderberry mare nodded to her husband.

“Alright hun, I’ll see ya when y'all come back,” Sugar said, sweetly kissing her husband’s cheek and reaching up to nibble his thickly furred ear. She turned towards the kitchen to get started on their meal, pulling out all the utensils she’d need for the task. The pots and pans rattled as they were set on the stove and the bowls she pulled out clanked against the counter; the sound of the shower running could be heard as the sun rose above the Neighskapis mountains, and the old farm house filled with the familiar sounds of the morning.

Smiling at hearing all this and smelling the efforts of his wife already setting to work in the kitchen, Shadow felt truly content and that sadness he had felt earlier shrunk even further until it was almost gone; still there, but not as much. The silver stallion turned and walked out the front door, feeling the fall air cut into his coat as he walked the familiar dirt trail from the house to the chicken coop. Grabbing some feed by the barn, he lifted the heavy sack onto his withers naturally and tore a hole into the sack, dumping a decent amount onto the ground to lure the chickens out into the open.

“Blech,” groaned Shadow in disgust, sticking out his tongue and spitting at the ground, “That seed never tastes any better. I hate it when that happens.” Spitting again, the large stallion shook his mane slightly as he lowered the sack and went to open the door to the hen house, the chickens already clucking in alarm at his presence. As he pulled the line for the lever, the chickens hesitated slightly, as if knowing by instinct that a predator was present. Even though Shadow and Autumn cared for their animals under their charge well, the livestock could always sense them and would be cautious even to this day.

“Come on ladies, it’s safe, I promise,” Shadow said calmly, used to this reaction from the feathered residents of his farm. “Just trying to feed you guys and grab some eggs, that’s all.” Hearing the kind voice of the stallion that cared for them placated the hens and, recognizing that what they had sensed was not a threat, they rushed for the food out in the field. A few of the chickens even paused and nuzzled his forehooves as if to say sorry to the silver stallion. Shadow smiled a bit before he grabbed the basket in his mouth and gathered the eggs with his hoof, placing them with care. After filling several well-used baskets, he put a few to the side to sell in the market and brought one, filled to the brim, to the farmhouse.

As he was walking back, the rooster that they had named Big Red strutted up to the stallion and fluffed up a bit, trying to show that he wasn’t afraid. Shadow rolled his golden eyes and snorted, knowing that the rooster never really liked him much. Ironically the large rooster loved Autumn and would cuddle up to her any chance he got. “I bet that big feather duster does that on purpose,” Shadow thought in mock annoyance. “Oh, well, can’t win ‘em all.” Shadow walked past the other male and continued back the dirt path back to the house.

Opening the door to the house with his prize, Shadow went to the kitchen to present them to his wife. Shadow’s ears perked up straight and pivoted as he listened once again to the symphony of familiar sounds of his family. Noticing that the shower was no longer running but still hearing hooves upstairs, he knew that Autumn was still getting ready. Taking another deep breath, he smelled spiced oats and heard the fire as it crackled cooking their breakfast. The stallion heard his wife greet him as he walked into the kitchen door.

“Welcome back, hun, I see ya got the eggs. Breakfast should be done in two shakes o’ a lamb’s tail,” Sugar Beet said over her shoulder as she stirred the oats she was cooking. Pouring the oats into some bowls, Sugar set them on the table as her husband set down the eggs to lend her a hoof in setting out the food. After setting out the oats, Sugar turned toward the basket and began to fry up enough eggs to feed five ponies knowing of her husband and daughter’s appetites. “Shoot, Autumn herself eats enough fer a full-grown stallion. She sure is growin’ like a stalk o’ wheat,” the elderberry mare thought, smiling at her reflection.

Noticing his wife beginning to smile as he turned from setting the table, Shadow's curiosity piqued. “What’s on your mind beautiful?” he asked, falling victim to hisown inquisitiveness. Shadow watched as the mare of his heart dished out the eggs between them and carried them to the table. “Nothing sugar, just thinkin’ ‘bout how fast Autumn’s growin’ up,” Sugar Beet responded warmly.

Before Shadow could respond, the sound of a full stampede coming down the stairs interrupted the silver stallion. Eyes widening in surprise both adult ponies watched as their whirlwind of a daughter made it to the first floor.

Autumn dropped her saddle bags off by the front door and slowed her gallop to a trot as she made her way to the table. Seeing her parents surprised looks, the olive oil filly blushed slightly and her ears lowered in bashfulness. “W-what is it? Do I have something on my face?” asked Autumn.

Shadow shook his head in amusement. “No, little one, but with how fast you were flying down the stairs, I’m surprised you weren’t followed by a Sonic Rainboom!” Shadow said, barking out thunderous laughter as his wife joined in shortly behind him. Autumn's eyes widened at her father’s accusation and her ears lay flat against her head before she too started to laugh at her dad's joke.

After the family shared a good laugh, they all sat down to the meal Sugar Beet had prepared. Shadow watched as Autumn wolfed down her eggs, and after a slight scolding from sugar, the filly slowed enough to taste her food. “So, today I’ll be working the fields out with the teams and delivering the next batch of barley to Talbina and Malt Hopps. You’ll be at the market until later today, right?” Shadow asked as he turned his sights to his wife.

Sugar nodded in confirmation to Shadow as she finished her bite of oats, then she turned to Autumn. “I’ll be back in time to make dinner, sweet pea. Do you think you can take care of the critters when you get back?” Sugar asked. Swallowing her last bite of food, Autumn nodded at her mother.

“Of course, I’ll take care of ‘em as soon as I get back, Mom.” Autumn said as she cleared her plate. Noticing the time on the kitchen clock Autumn’s ears shot up and her tail started to bristle. “Oh no… I’m LATE!” Running to the door and grabbing her lunch from the counter, Autumn donned her saddlebag. “See you later, love you guys!” Autumn shouted over her shoulder as she reared up and galloped out the door running down the dirt path towards Bright Pear Orchards.

Shadow and Sugar both looked at each other before they began chuckling together at their daughter’s silliness. Shadow grabbed his mate’s hoof and felt her wrap her olive oil tail around his bushy jet-black tail as they finished their breakfast, feeling himself wag it slightly in happiness. Shadow forgot about the sorrow he felt that morning but couldn’t shake the feeling that something else was coming causing his hackles to raise slightly. “Whatever is coming, it can’t be good,” thought Shadow as he glanced at his wife. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it… together.”

Author's Note

So ends the second chapter of the life and trials of Autumn Moon :pinkiesmile: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter and hope that you guys will enjoy reading it. :raritywink: I'd love to know what you guys think in the comments and the adventures of Autumn Moon will be continued in the next chapter. :twilightsmile:

Newly edited by the stylings of RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile: happy to work with you on another chapter!

Now with the proof reading talents of Majora seriously huge shout out to them for their work and helping to make this story better. Cheers!:twilightsmile:

Now with some bonus art of the characters if you enjoy them I'll draw more maybe scenes from the story. Here's a little pic of Sugar Beet and Shadow Snare. :raritywink:

Seeing Red in Autumn

Chapter 3: Seeing Red in Autumn: Waxing Gibbous

The worn dirt path that led from the humble wheat farm to Bright Pear Orchards was lined on both sides by great oak trees, their crisp leaves painting the morning with warm oranges, yellows and reds. The path itself was made by hooves of ponies past walking the path throughout many generations, and the trees themselves seemed like old friends to those who walked the road. There was a sense of calm in the cool crisp morning.

As the sun cut pillars of light through the trees, Autumn glanced down at her shadow, which seemed to be racing down the path with her. She panted slightly as she felt her saddlebags hit her sides with every gallop. As the wind blew towards her, Autumn took a deep breath. Scenting the air, she smelled the crispness of the falling leaves, some squirrels that were foraging nearby, and she even smelled the faint smell of pears and her destination in the wind.

“If I hurry, I should be able to meet up with Butters before she gets too far down the path,” thought Autumn optimistically as her hooves continued to beat the dirt and a cloud of dust followed closely behind her. The olive oil filly’s amber eyes glowed with determination as she picked up the pace grinning, her heart pounding in her ears. She had always been faster than most ponies her age but at times like this she was thankful for her additional speed her breath coming out in short puffs of condensation.

As Autumn crested the sloping hill, a quarter mile away from the orchard’s border, her thickly furred ears perked up as she picked up the sound of hooves walking down the path ahead of her. She noticed they sounded pretty light and heard the sound of bags rattling slightly with supplies. Taking a deep breath through her flattened wider nostrils, Autumn confirmed her suspicions as she smelled the scent of pears and buttercups. She smiled knowing who was coming even before she spotted them over the hill, her tail swishing in anticipation as her eyes spotted a familiar orange maned earth pony.

“Hey, Autumn… I almost thought you weren’t going to show!” French Butter shouted teasingly down the path at her friend, a face breaking grin spreading over her cheeks. The green pea earth pony filly’s smile seemed to reach her turquoise eyes. Autumn noticed that her long curly orange hair was pulled into a high ponytail. Her saddle bags labeled with her cutie mark, a dark green pear with a red bottom, rattled slightly as she waved her hoof energetically to greet Autumn as she ran the rest of the way. “So, what kept you?” French Butter asked curiously.

“Sorry, I took... a bit longer to get ready today,” Autumn said sheepishly as her silver tail wagged slightly. She used her hoof to rub the back of her head as she looked over to her friend. French Butter rolled her eyes and shook her head as she began walking with her friend down the path to school.

“Oh, and let me guess, your new plan to scare your dad probably fell through, right?” French Butter said teasingly. As she glanced at the olive oil filly, she noticed Autumn's eyes widen and her mouth open in surprise at being caught so easily.

“Alright, alright… you got me. I was close though, the decoy almost worked!” Autumn said in her defense, rolling her amber eyes as she lightly punched French Butter’s shoulder. “So how are things going at the Orchard?” Autumn asked as they continued their walk.

French Butter’s turquoise eyes lit up and she nodded her head smiling enthusiastically. “Things are going pretty well, the harvest this year has been pretty good, and Ma was talking about adding more items to sell at the stall. I even helped make a new pear jam, and Great Uncle Grand Pear said he may even sell it soon!” Butter said, puffing out her chest with pride.

Autumn grinned at her friend earnestly “That’s awesome, Butters! Maybe my mom will use it on apple cinnamon flapjacks soon.” Autumn smiled a little sadly as she looked at her still blank flank. “I must be the oldest pony I know that still doesn’t have one yet; obviously not for sneaking or surprising others. Nothing with farming or cooking like French’s…” thought Autumn. The green pea filly noticed her friend’s mood had decreased, turquoise eyes looked to try and find the cause. French Butter noticed where Autumn’s golden gaze had been looking and saw the olive oil filly looking somberly at her blank flank. French’s turquoise eyes grew sympathetic and she smiled warmly towards Autumn as amber eyes met hers as she turned back to face the road.

“Hey, I’m sure you’ll get your cutie mark soon, and besides, you’ve got plenty of talents!” French Butter said encouragingly. Autumn looked over to her friend and her mouth curled up slightly and her amber eyes looked appreciatively at the pea green filly. “Besides your dad, you can sneak up on just about anypony. You can find just about anycreature like it’s nothing, you know a ton about animals and plants, and you're more creative than half the ponies I know,” Butter said kindly, nudging Autumn in her side as they walked.

“Thanks Butters,” Autumn said as her tail wagged faintly, and she lifted her head smiling genuinely. “Maybe I’d make a good Colt Scout,” she said semi-sacrcastically, only slightly rolling her eyes as she shook her head. Autumn scented the air unconsciously as she breathed in the cool air to sigh... her eyes widened and her face became more focused as she analyzed the scent.

Musky short but thick fur hit her nose, mixed with a noticeable feline tint her nose had detected the smell of a large cat; glancing around she spotted some faint prints caught in the mud by the edge of the path and saw some space that didn’t match the rest of the brush in the surrounding area. Excited Autumn took the clues and was able to put together a picture of what could have passed by.

“Hey, check it out, looks like a critter made its way through here not too long ago, maybe a lynx?” Autumn said excitedly. Her golden eyes glowing slightly as she glanced at the forest, an almost natural pull seemed to be trying to lure her to try and find the creature paused her movements. “I wonder how far he’s gotten, why do I want to find out? thought Autumn as she shook her head noticing where she was and that she had almost forgotten about French Butter beside her.

French Butter’s eyes widened, and she looked slightly alarmed as she saw her friend seemingly returning from a deep thought. “S-should we be worried?” Butter asked her voice shaking fearfully. Autumn shook her head no, chuckling a bit at unintentionally startling her friend.

“Not about the cat,” Autumn said looking at the sun her eyes widened, and her ears shot up a serious look overtaking her muzzle, “but if we don’t start moving, we’re going to hear it from Miss Turner.” The silver maned filly looked at her friend and reared up before she started galloping down the path. As the teenage fillies started galloping down the trail, worries of the future faded away from Autumn’s mind. Soon they were replaced with the fear of being late and a good-natured race between the two earth ponies friends.

The chill of the fall wind rushed past the two fillies biting into their noses as they breathed in the cool air. The two sets of hooves pounding against the worn path, and the adrenaline from possibility of being late pushed them to run even harder. Feeling the excitement of the race, Autumn whinnied slightly as she smiled a face splitting grin.

Her heart pounding in her thickly furred chest Autumn glanced competitively at Butters, who was a short distance behind her. Seeing her, the green filly’s own wide determined smile grew despite the gap of space between them. Maybe missing school wouldn’t be so bad, thought Autumn as she felt very content in the friendly race and the free feeling of running through the forest.

As they ran past the main square, quite a few of the adult ponies began to begin their own daily grind. Some of the faces in the town were familiar, others were ponies that had traveled to Vanhoover and were just passing through. It wasn't uncommon for travelers to spend a few days in Ontaurio before moving on to their next destination most tourists stopping to see Neighagra falls and Horseshoe falls.

Autumn had gained a decent distance ahead of French Butter as she ran nimbly through the square carefully avoiding the ponies in the thriving square. Suddenly Autumn felt the fur on her neck stand on end... something was wrong and it caused her fur to itch her body seemingly trying to react to a possible threat.

Autumn’s hackles started to rise on her withers and she sniffed the air carefully trying to scent the square without drawing to much attention to herself.

“W-what was that?” thought Autumn, slowing down to a slow canter to try and see who or what was causing the feeling. As she scented the air again and tried to listen for anything strange in the sounds of the morning square, distracted by the clutter of sounds and smells around her Autumn jumped in surprise at the feeling of a body colliding with her. French Butter had caught up to her and had nearly ran Autumn over.

“Oh geeze sorry Autumn, I thought… we were in a hurry…” French Butter said breathing hard as a result of the run. “Is… something wrong?” Butter asked, seeing the concentrated look on her friend’s face. Autumn scanned the crowd with narrowed eyes, unconsciously baring her fangs, but saw nothing out of the ordinary besides a few ponies in shadows preparing for the day's work. Despite that, Autumn still felt her fur stand on end, but decided to dismiss it for the time being snorting she tried to clear the multiple scents from her nose.

“Sorry, Butters, I thought I saw something…” said Autumn apologetically. “We’re almost there, let's keep moving.” Butter nodded and started to trot down the street that led to the schoolhouse.

“Hey, you two!” shouted a familiar voice, the two fillies turned to see a cornflower unicorn colt with a short well-kept dark gray mane rushing towards them, his bright orange eyes shining in amusement. Autumn had missed the scent at first but as the colt got closer, she smelled the familiar sandalwood scent of the last part of their trio.

“Hey, Tales,” said Autumn happily as she saw him approach, holding up a hoof for a bump as the colt came to a stop next to the two fillies, “didn’t think we’d run into you so soon… you running late too?” The slightly older colt happily bumped his hoof with the olive oil filly and a mischievous smile grew on his muzzle as he got ready to spin his story for his friends. His cutie mark was of a pony silhouetted holding a book as their hoof waved out as if addressing a crowd.

“Yup, and I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it,” said Tall Tales grandly as he spread his hooves in mock wonder before he straightened up and placed his hooves back on the ground. “But if we don’t get moving, the only stories we’ll be telling is how we ended up staying after school,” Tales said, chuckling at his wit.

Agreeing with the unicorn, the two fillies nodded and they joined the colt as they galloped to their destination. Little known to the trio of ponies, a pair of cold blue eyes full of malice and suspicion watched as they disappeared around the bend.

Miss Turner was just about to close the aged wooden door to the red schoolhouse when she saw a very familiar sight of three young ponies running down the path. The prussian blue unicorn mare smiled slightly, her own light gray mane streaked with silver, and shook her head in slight wonder at the irony. “Running late again, I see, looks like they’ll make it just in time though,” thought Page Turner.

Her yellow eyes widened in surprise as she saw the small stampede approaching the door wasn’t slowing down. The school mare made sure that there were no other students in the way and stepped to the side, hoping that the way was clear enough before the inevitable happened.

“We’re going to make it!” thought Autumn excitedly, the other two following close behind her. Not paying attention, her front hoof caught on the door’s threshold sending her tumbling muzzle first onto the ground. “W-whoa!” shouted Autumn, flinching as she fell forward and tumbled rolling her body over in a semi somersault as she fell. French Butter and Tall Tales followed suit and stumbled close behind her falling unceremoniously on her in a clumsy pile.

“Oof… ugh. Sorry, guys.” Autumn said, grunting as Butter and Tales moved on top of her. Noticing the shadow that seemed to appear above them, the adolescent ponies all looked up to see Miss Turner looking at them in amusement.

“Nice entrance you three, are any of you injured?” asked Miss Turner earnestly as she glanced at the small pile of students. The three embarrassed ponies looked up and sheepishly shook their heads as they attempted to get up. As Tall Tales turned his head to move, he saw that his muzzle was only inches from Butters. As Tales’ bright orange eyes met Butter’s cool turquoise, they both froze blushing slightly before looking away.

“Any time, you two. I’d like to get off the floor at some point today,” Autumn said playfully, her tail flicking in slight annoyance. Her joke snapped the two adolescent ponies out of their stupor. Tales jumped back and mumbled a quick apology to both fillies as he tried not to step on Autumn’s silver tail. After righting himself, he offered a hoof to aid both the fillies up as they heard the muffled laughter of their classmates around them.

“Good to hear, you three, but next time try not to make the classroom a test crash site for the flying relay team. Alright?” the prussian blue mare said teasingly, smiling kindly at her students. “Settle down everypony, please take your seats and we’ll get started. Turn your history books to page three hundred and ninety-four,” Miss Turner said, addressing the rest of the class.

“Yes, Miss Turner,” came the unanimous reply from the still sheepish ponies. As the trio made their way to the desks, the muffled laughter of the other students died down to a few whispers around the room. The sound of saddlebags shifting, supplies being grabbed, and books opening filled the classroom of the modest school.

Miss Turner nodded as her students followed her instructions and grabbed onto the chalk with a light blue aura and began to draw a diagram showing the history of Equestria and how it led to the Equestria of today.

Autumn pulled her history book out and noticed the worn marks her fangs had left where she had used her mouth to grab the book. As she opened the book her ears picked up a whisper from across the room “Hey… would you look at that… Do you think the freak chews her books?” the voice said cruelly. Autumn’s ears lowered slightly and a sad look came across her eyes as she recognized the voice of one of the colts in her class. “Heh… maybe. I’ve seen her sniff the air like a mutt… maybe she eats homework like one too!” said the colt next to the one that made the first comment, chuckling under his breath.

Autumn’s ears flattened further to her head and she felt both sorrow and anger at hearing the familiar barbs. “Well, what do they know?” Autumn thought to herself, sullenly trying to block out the unpleasant words of the colts.

Uncomfortable she tucked her tail under her chair slightly. Despite the attempt to ignore their words, she did her best to hide her fangs underneath her lips and brushed her hoof over her ears, trying to flatten the extra fur they held down. Shaking her head, Autumn snorted slightly and shook her head doing her best to pay attention to her teacher at the front of the class.

French Butter noticed her friend fidgeting and nudged the olive filly’s chair with her back hoof. Tall Tales glanced at Autumn as well to see what was causing the fillies to stop taking notes. Butter looked at Autumn as if to ask if she was okay. Tales nodded silently as if to mirror the filly’s thoughts and confirm Autumn’s feelings. Autumn tried her best to assure the two of them and gave them a forced fang filled smile and a slight hoof wave trying her best to play it off as classroom boredom.

As Miss Turner dismissed her students to eat lunch, the room became a loud symphony of chairs moving back, bags being grabbed, and students chatting, eager to get to the first break of the day. “Finally, I never thought the morning would end,” thought Autumn as she felt her stomach begin to growl and hastily grabbed her saddle bags. “Good thing I snagged my lunch this morning,” Autumn thought as she felt the corners of her mouth rise slightly as she recalled her morning with her family. The olive oil filly turned towards French Butter as she realized that she and Tales had been trying to get her attention as she was lost in thought.

“Sorry guys, I was spacing out for a minute. What did you guys ask?” Autumn asked as she shrugged her bags onto her back. Autumn stood up on her four hooves and turned to face her friends smiling sheepishly. Thankfully she didn’t hear any more comments from the other students near them as they began to vacate the room and avoided any questions from her friends.

“Oh, no worries, Autumn, we just wanted to know if you wanted to hit the clearing for lunch?” Tales asked again, accepting the reason for Autumn's lack of response. “Plus, I want to tell you guys the epic tale of why I was late this morning,” Tales said in a false bravado voice and puffed out his chest in pride. French Butter giggled at the cornflower unicorn and covered her mouth with her hoof as she looked at the colt, warmly shaking her head.

Autumn looked at her two friends and rolled her amber eyes smirking at the colt’s absurdity. “Sure, sounds good. Plus, I’m curious how you’ll make something as basic as being late sound exciting,” Autumn said jokingly as she nudged the unicorn walking out the door, smiling a little wider as she did so.

The trio laughed together and made small talk as they walked the short distance to the small valley clearing near their school. After setting their saddlebags down, the trio of ponies each pulled out their lunches and began to eat. Autumn opened the simple brown bag and saw that her mom had made her three egg salad sandwiches and even packed her some spiced apples and pears. Her bushy silver tail began to wag as she pulled out the food and took a huge bite of the first sandwich, ivory fangs easily tearing the tasty homemade wheat bread apart.

Tales cleared his throat after finishing the first bite of his lavender sandwich and began to tell his story excitedly waving his hooves and entrancing the fillies. “The sun cut through the clouds and, despite Celestia’s sun's promise of warmth, the cold cut right through my coat as I trotted past the intersection. I ran down the dirt path, my hooves kicking up dirt with every step, eager to try and meet you guys before we met in the main square… not paying attention, I ran into the leg of a huge tan stallion! The first thing I saw were his cold blue eyes looking at me, scars running across his right eye leading down his muzzle. His mane was a deep purple like the night sky and his scowl curdled my blood as he looked down at me… his shadow covering the road until the tree line. The weirdest part was that this titan of a stallion wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by five of them, all of them wearing skins of different animals, some I couldn’t recognize…” said Tall Tales as he continued his epic saga waving his hooves and even acting out parts of the story using his magic to mimic shadows.

Autumn's eyes were wide as she listened to the cornflower unicorn recall his tale, and for some reason when she heard of the group of stallions who wore the skins of animals, she couldn’t help but feel her skin crawl. As Tales finished his story both fillies began to stomp their hooves in approval and the unicorn colt proudly took a bow. “That was pretty awesome, Tales. Guess I’d be late too if something like that happened to me. Hopefully, those stallions are just passing through,” said Autumn as she smiled at the unicorn colt.

“Sounds pretty frightening to me, but I’m glad we ran into you all the same,” said Butter as she winked at the colt smiling before she continued eating her lunch. French Butter pulled out some pears and was about to take a bite when they heard an obnoxious yell from across the field.

“Well, if it isn’t the fuzzy-eared freak, the hick, and the liar all together as usual… What's wrong, can't find anypony better to hang out with? Oh… wait… never mind,” said the voice before laughing cruelly. The trio turned at the familiar voice and couldn’t help the scowls that covered their muzzles. All their ears lay flat against their skulls.

The speaker was none other than Silver Tongue, an upper-class unicorn colt with a smug look on his powder blue muzzle. He flipped his medium-length golden yellow mane out of his dark blue eyes as if he was better than those he addressed and approached the group of three, sneering as he walked. His cutie mark was an antique silver scale.

Following behind him was a large earth pony colt by the name of Brick Breaker. His light brown coat and dark red mane was a stark contrast to his counterpart. His green eyes held nothing but amusement at mocking the trio and, true to his namesake, his cutie mark was of a brick under a sledgehammer.

Autumn couldn’t help but growl at the colts who had intruded on them during lunch; they bullied her and some of the other ponies in class. However, they never failed to mock Autumn and her friends more than any others. “What do you guys want?” asked Autumn in annoyance, baring the very fangs that the colts had ridiculed earlier that morning.

“Oh, nothing much, blank flank, we just wanted to ask why your nose looks like it got hit with the door? Why do you sniff the air like a dirty mongrel?” asked Silver as he watched the filly in question’s amber eyes narrow at his comments. “I mean, you’d blend right in at the animal shelter with your ratty tail, it looks like it carries fleas,” Silver continued his onslaught grinning and flicking his tail in Autumn's face as he passed her.

It took everything Autumn had not to bite the smug colt’s tail and toss him into the nearest dumpster; surprised at that abnormally violent thought, she raised her brows slightly. The olive oil filly took a deep breath to try and calm her anger. Just as Autumn was about to retort she was surprised to see that French Butter and Tall Tales had both stood up on all four hooves and moved to stand defensively in front of her.

“Why don’t you two just buck off already!” yelled French Butter snorting in anger as she looked at the two colts. The normally calm mare pawed at the ground and her turquoise eyes burned in cold fury as they bored into the bullies. Snorting Tales nodded his head in agreement and narrowed his eyes at the colts, almost daring them to come any closer.

Autumn whinnied in surprise and nearly busted out laughing at the shock on the colts’ faces at the green farm mare’s response. “I don’t think I could have said it any better,” thought Autumn as she started to clean up her belongings before she too stood up behind her friends.

Silver stepped up to French Butter and stood inches from her as he glared down at her. “And what if I don’t, hayseed, what are you going to do? Toss pears at me?” said the unicorn tauntingly. Butter was about to snap back at the obnoxious unicorn when she felt a hoof on her withers. Looking behind her, she saw Autumn step forward to be in front of her friends.

“I don’t think she’d waste good pears on you, and she has more class than either of you combined,” Autumn said as she walked confidently up to the two tormentors, “and Tales is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met, and unlike you, Silver, he doesn’t need to lie or be cruel to have anyone listen to him.” The silver maned filly turned to face her friends, who both had smiles starting to grow on their muzzles.

“Come on, you guys. These two aren’t worth it. Let’s head on back,” said Autumn as she started walking past the stupefied unicorn and the large silent colt, ignoring them as the trio gathered their belongings and began walking back to the schoolhouse. Autumn couldn’t help the smug smile she felt growing on her muzzle as she heard Silver start to growl in rage at her standing up to them.

Just as they reached the view of the schoolhouse Autumn heard something rushing towards her sadly she couldn’t react in time as a sharp pain filled her left ear. “Ouch! What the hay…” Autumn shouted as the stone that had cut into her ear caused a small rut to form in the dirt. Smelling the metal tang in the air Autumns eyes narrowed. The rock had traveled at a magically enhanced speed.

Reaching up a hoof, she felt a warm liquid begin to run down her face. Touching her ear and flinching in pain, she felt the rock had cut a notch in her ear. Butter’s and Tales' eyes widened in disbelief and both of their mouths dropped open as their faces showed concern for their now injured friend.

A few of the other students gasped at seeing the blood dripping from the ear and others fell silent in order to see what would happen next. The taunts were nothing new—Autumn heard them time and time again from the powder blue unicorn and his minion. But this was the first time they had physically tried to hurt her. Turning slowly, eyes narrowed and a sneer on her lips, Autumn faced Silver. The cocky unicorn tossed a rock up and down in his hoof tauntingly as he smirked at Autumn. Brick Breaker's eyes were locked on Silver Tongue in surprise, his muzzle slightly open in disbelief.

“Okay, no more miss nice filly…” Autumn thought in silent fury as she started to slowly approach her occasional tormentor. She took off her saddle bags in one swift movement and tossed it towards her friends for safe keeping. She felt a slight pain in her jaws and tasted blood in her mouth.

Unknown to Autumn, her eyes flashed blood red and her fangs had grown slightly longer in a matter of seconds. Her heart began to pound, adrenaline and rage rushing through her body, and she swore she could hear the hearts of all the ponies around her beating as well in a symphony of excitement or fear, Autumn couldn’t tell which.

Autumn’s whole body ached, her fur stood on end, her tail bristled, and she felt her hackles raise as she stared down Silver Tongue. Everything else faded away. Before anypony could move she rushed towards the unicorn with a snarl on her muzzle. “Grrrrraaaahhh!” shouted Autumn, her mouth slightly frothing with pink saliva as she ran full speed towards the unicorn that had drawn first blood.

Brick Breaker moved in front of the unicorn trying to block the enraged filly, but Autumn wasn’t having anything stop her. “No,” thought Autumn, the word growled out. Her thoughts felt like they weren’t her own, her actions belonging to some other creature lurking in her mind. Using her front hooves, Autumn quickly stopped and changed direction. Autumn got low and closed the distance, striking Brick Breaker in the stomach with her shoulder and knocking the wind out of him.

Brick Breaker’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open gasping in pain as he fell to the ground coughing trying to get air into his lungs. “H-How’d she move so fast?” thought Brick as he lay on the ground. Trembling, the large colt tried to get up, his hooves scraping against the grass, however his legs failed him. The gasps of the crowd could be heard in the background, but none of the others paid them much attention.

Silver’s eyes widened in fear and he began to tremble slightly as Autumn turned her blood red eyes back to the powder blue unicorn a deep growl leaving the fillies throat as she stalked toward him. “S-stay away from me you freak!” screamed Silver as he prepared to shoot more magically charged rocks at the silver maned filly. Silver panted, feeling the sweat dripping down his forehead, the rocks in the unicorn’s green aura shook slightly as he could barely focus.

Autumn's flaming eyes glanced quickly at the glowing rocks and growled deeply in her throat at their perceived threat, her ears lay flat against her skull. She lowered her body crouching low to the ground, her forehooves close to her chest as she prepared to pounce. She was so focused on Silver she didn’t hear the two ponies walking up carefully behind her. Before Autumn could take another step, she felt two hooves on her withers. Her red eyes flashed, snarling a growl escaped her throat as she turned to look at the creatures that dared to touch her. Autumn's eyes widened as she saw who it was behind her and the growl died in her throat, her lips falling over her fangs as her face turned from rage to surprise.

“W-wait, don’t do it Autumn… I know that load of horse apples took it too far, but you’ll only get in more trouble if you hurt him. In stories, the hero always has to be better than those he fights. I know you're better than him and so does Butters,” said Tales pleadingly as he looked into Autumn's eyes and saw the anger and fear that the blood red orbs held. Tales shuddered slightly at the sight but stood firm with his friend, hoping he could prevent any more injuries.

Autumn's ruby eyes softened as she saw the concern on both their faces; she felt herself calm down and her thoughts felt clear again. The sounds around Autumn seemed to quiet down slightly, her mouth hurt less, and like liquid gold bleeding over a bed of lava the golden color of her eyes returned. Her olive body began to shake in fear and confusion, tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. As the tears began to stain her olive oil fur a dark brown she felt relief as well as feeling grateful for the friends that pulled her back from that frightening place inside her head. Looking at her friends in gratitude she nodded and smiled kindly to Butter and Tales. “Sorry, you’re right, Tales. Thanks for… I- I don’t know what came over me,” said Autumn, slightly ashamed at what she almost did.

“It’s alright, Autumn. Honestly, I probably would’ve decked him too if you hadn't stopped me in the clearing,” French Butter said mirthfully, some tears in her turquoise eyes as she smiled back at Autumn. Tales’ and Autumn's eyes both widened in surprise before they burst out laughing at the fierce green pea filly. Butter huffed before she rolled her eyes and began to laugh herself. The crowd of ponies around them were still frozen in place after witnessing the fight, some in fear, disbelief, and others were confused about what the three ponies found so funny.

Silver stared at the trio in disbelief, still shaking his hooves clicking slightly on the ground. Silver lowered himself and his rocks onto the ground releasing a huge breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His heart was pounding, and he felt like all the strength had been taken out of his legs. For once in his life he was relieved that he was being ignored. Silver Tongue's breath shook as he glanced over at Brick Breaker. The colt was beginning to finally catch his breath and looked over at Silver, a question in his eyes that the unicorn couldn’t answer. Before he could even think about trying to process all that had occurred, the bell rang, signifying the end of lunch for the colts and fillies.

French took a deep breath of relief; the green filly was happy that nopony else had gotten injured in the chaos and watched as most of the crowd began to disperse back into the school building. As a cold wind blew past them, she could smell the blood and couldn’t help but look in concern at Autumn's torn ear. Butter’s face filled with concern but was surprised to see that most of the bleeding had stopped. “We should probably take her to the nurse all the same, it looks like it hurts… hopefully she won’t get in too much trouble… Silver’s the one who started it,” thought the concerned filly. As if reading her mind, Tales broke the silence that had taken place of the laughter.

“Autumn, h-how are you feeling?” Tales asked his friend cautiously. As Autumn glanced at him, he couldn’t help but look away after a few seconds. A little bit of fear ran through his mind. Feeling a little guilty, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his head with his hoof, trying to shift his mind to a different topic. “Is your ear okay? That rock took a good chunk of it off. Does it still hurt?” asked the cornflower colt in genuine concern for his friend. He pointed to his own ear with his hoof and offered to help Autumn up.

Autumn declined Tales' offer and got up on her own four hooves, shaking her body trying to get rid of the excess dirt, wanting to see that she still could. Autumn wiggled her furry ears and felt a sharp sting in the left one and couldn’t help hissing in pain. Autumn watched as her friends both flinched at her hissing and saw them both look at her in worry.

“Hehe… Sorry about that. It still hurts, but I can move it and I think the bleeding stopped. But I should probably go to the nurse and get it looked at,” Autumn said, her voice rough from yelling earlier. It still sounded like she was growling unintentionally, but she was happy that her body seemed to stop aching as if she had helped harvest three wheat fields single hoofedly.

Taking a breath through her nose, Autumn smelled a bittersweet smell soaking through the air, like fruit rotting, and turned to look at Brick Breaker and Silver Tongue, who hadn’t moved too far from where she had left them. Their eyes were locked on her and both colts looked at her as if she were a Manticore charging at them. “A-am I smelling their fear?” Autumn thought sadly as she looked at the colts. They may have hurt her, but she never acted that way before. “I’m definitely going to get in trouble for this… I need to apologize,” thought Autumn solemnly. “I’ll give them some time… first things first, gotta get my ear patched up,” thought Autumn. She silently wondered how she was going to explain all this to her parents when she wasn’t even sure what happened or what came over her.

Butter and Tales saw the troubled look on Autumn's face, and they both felt bad for their friend. Even though they were a little scared of what had happened, they realized that right now Autumn needed some help, and it was up to them to get her to the nurse. Nodding to each other, French took the lead and went to address Autumn while Tales grabbed their bags from a few feet away.

“Hey… Autumn… I know that was weird and you’re probably scared, right? Don’t worry, Tales and I are gonna take you to the nurse and we’ll help you explain what happened to Miss Turner, okay?” French Butter asked her friend sympathetically. The pea green filly placed a hoof on her friend's withers to show her support, and looking in the relief she saw in Autumn's amber eyes still shining with tears she felt silly for feeling scared, Autumn was her friend and she’d be there for her and Tales no matter what happens.

“At least I won’t have to do this alone,” thought Autumn appreciatively as Tales met back up with the two fillies. “At least I won’t be getting screamed at right away,” thought Autumn in slight amusement as the trio attempted to sneak off to the nurse.

Before the trio had made it a few feet from where they started, they heard the familiar voice of their teacher behind them. “What in Celestia’s name happened here?!” shouted Miss Turner in concern. Autumn’s coat on the back of her neck stood up and she looked ruefully up at the prussian blue mare’s face.

“Oh, buck…” thought all five ponies as their teacher’s brow raised up as she sat on her haunches and crossed her forehooves waiting for their response. Autumn’s mouth opened and shut, and the only words she could manage at that moment escaped her muzzle: “Aw, rats…” Tales and Butters both face-hooved at her response.

Author's Note

So ends the newest chapter, man this was a long one! :derpyderp1: but I hope you guys enjoy it all the same. :twilightsmile: I'd love to hear your thoughts below and until next time The life and times of Autumn Moon will be continued. :rainbowdetermined2:

This chapter is brought to you by the editing stylings of RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile: this story would be less readable without their efforts.

Now with Bonus Art!! Autumn, Tall Tales, and French Butter after they got caught.

Fighting and Forgiving

Chapter 4: Fighting and Forgiving - Waxing Gibbous

The schoolhouse was a moderately sized building and held three separate rooms for teaching colts and fillies. The remaining rooms were used for the principal’s office, teachers’ lounge, and one left for other purposes. This room was commonly used to discipline students who misbehaved in class or who started fights; the room’s dull olive drab green walls felt militant in nature, like it was meant for members of the royal guard more than students.

The stale smelling room had twenty desks, an old clock on the wall, two medium windows to look at the grounds where gym classes would take place, and a large chalk board that had a hastily written ‘DETENTION’ written on it. The five adolescent ponies dejectedly sat on their haunches, waiting for the last hour of class to finish so they could await their parent’s arrival to pick them up. True to their word, both French Butter and Tall Tales had stayed with Autumn to help explain what had occurred during her scuffle with Brick Breaker and Silver Tongue.

Autumn glanced at her friends tiredly, lifting her head slightly from her folded fore hooves, her bright amber eyes glowing in the shadows her legs had cast over her face. “I’m glad that Butters and Tales both stayed to defend me, but I’m sorry they’re stuck in detention with me,” thought Autumn glumly as she heard the clock ticking away the minutes. Autumn turned her attention to the offending object. It seemed as if the clock was slower than usual, slightly taunting her as the minutes seemed to loudly tick by.

As time continued to pass her stomach sank further in a mix of guilt and anticipation for the punishment she knew would be coming. “I wonder how Mom is going to react… I hope she was able to get someone else to watch the stand today,” thought Autumn, worry seemingly adding another stone to her already sinking stomach.

As Autumn sighed deeply, her ears twitched slightly as she heard movement from the desks in the back-right corner of the room. She flinched slightly in pain and glared in slight annoyance at the now bandaged wound in her ear.

The laceration that had oozed blood at first had seemed to be almost healed, but to be safe the school nurse had cleaned her ear with saline, put an antibiotic on the affected area, and wrapped a small piece of gauze over it. Nurse Aid seemed surprised that the filly’s wound was almost healed, noticing the amount of blood that had stained Autumn’s face and silver mane with its dark brown color.

Autumn had always been a ‘quick healer’ according to her parents. “It’s still weird though, I still don’t really understand what happened,” Autumn mumbled quietly to herself doubt and fear running rampant through her head.

Autumn smirked a little chuckling at the thought that followed. “At least I don’t have to wear that head wrap for a week. If Mom saw that she’d probably flip, and Dad would probably knock the school down with his shouting alone.” Autumn jumped, startled as she felt a hoof on her withers, nudging her to gain attention.

“How are you holding up?” Tall Tales asked, sympathy shining in his orange eyes as he looked at Autumn in concern, his mouth in a sad grimace. “Are you still worried about Miss Turner? I’m sure she believed us, and half of the class saw what Silver and Brick did,” the cornflower blue unicorn said encouragingly.

Autumn felt the corners of her mouth rise as Tales' words served their purpose relieving some of the despair she had been feeling in the pit of her stomach. Nodding her head Autumn returned his kind smile not ready to speak just yet, still gathering her thoughts.

Tales’ ears folded back as he quickly glanced at Silver and Brick sitting in the back of the classroom, a frown forming on his scrunched-up muzzle. “Although that didn’t stop them from trying to blame us anyway,” Tales said, snarling out his reply; his eyes narrowed at Silver and Brick, his tail twitched in annoyance.

Autumn saw the change in her friend’s expression and followed Tales’ gaze; as soon as her eyes met Silver Tongue and Brick Breaker, that same rotten fruit smell took over the stale scent of the classroom. Autumn felt what was left of her grin falter as the scent filled the air.

The colts in question froze in place and glared at her direction, as if trying to gauge if she would rush them again. The silver maned filly turned slowly towards them but saw the two jump slightly at her movement. Autumn didn’t want to see them looking at her like that; it made her feel sick to her stomach.

“That bucking smell again… I can’t blame them too much, I’d be scared too.” Autumn’s eyes dimmed slightly. Lifting her forehooves, she looked at them as if they might hold the answer to what had caused her to act that way.

Trying not to show her dejection at the lack of answer from her hooves, Autumn shook her head to answer Tales question. “No, it’s not Miss Turner I’m worried about. Even though Silver did hurt me, I shouldn’t have tried to attack him,” Autumn lowered her head, shaking it slightly, her amber eyes hidden from view.

“My family raised me better, I know I’m gonna get in trouble for this and I do deserve part of it. I’m just scared of what happened to me… It was like… I couldn’t see anything else but Silver. All my anger f-focused on him… a-and the next thing I know you and B-Butters were snapping me out of it,” said Autumn, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, unconsciously tucking her tail so that it lay like a soft furry safety blanket over her hooves.

“I-I bet I scared Tales and Butters, too…” Autumn felt as if she was dunked in cold water at the thought. She felt hollow, empty and sick with worry. Autumn tried to avoid breathing in through her nose to block out the possible smell of her friends' fear. Feeling something touch her, she flinched as Tales wrapped his forehooves around her in a half hug.

French Butter was listening to the conversation, her eyes filled with compassion as one of her dearest friends started to tell them what had been weighing on her mind.

“I knew something else was bothering her…” thought Butters as she felt sympathy towards the troubled filly. Standing up from her desk the green pea farm filly joined Tales giving Autumn a much-needed hug to show her support.

Butters noticed Autumn was startled by the additional hooves, but as she saw the olive colored filly she began to smile again, and Autumn’s shaking began to slow down.

“Don’t worry Autumn, Tales and I will always be there to watch your back. So, don’t worry if you need us. We’ll be there,” French Butter said kindly to the shaking filly and stroked Autumn’s back her hoof making comforting circles on the filly’s thicker coat; Butters looked at Tales and saw the colt look at her with determination in his eyes as he voiced his agreement.

“You can bet your last bit on that, Autumn, we got your back,” Tales said reassuringly. Nodding his head, a warm grin spread over his muzzle. Tall Tales felt his own mood improve as he saw Autumn start to smile again. Seeing Butters smile start to return as well made it all the better. As Butters and he backed out of the hug he held up a hoof, his eyes lit up hopefully as he glanced at Autumn, hoping she’d return their usual gesture.

Autumn’s eyes gleamed as she looked up. Seeing the looks on her friends' faces, she returned Tales hoof bump, feeling as if she had been filled up with her Mom’s famous carrot and celery soup warm and sated. She felt comforted by the friends she thought she had scared away with her behavior.

“Thanks, you guys… you’re the best,” Autumn said, her voice stronger than it had been before and tears in the corner of her eyes as her fang filled smile reflected the joy her friends had given her. She rubbed at her sore eyes with her hoof to try and hide the evidence of her tears ever the tough tomboy. Autumn’s thick silver tail started to wag slightly as she lowered her hoof. She heard a scoff in the back of the room.

“You two better be careful, she might rip your throats out with those fangs of hers,” Silver said coldly, despite the fear Autumn still smelled in the air. The unicorn’s eyes held nothing but contempt and distrust for the wheat farming filly.

Autumn felt her smile waver, lowering her head she took a deep breath; she stood and slowly approached the powder blue unicorn. Silver’s eyes widened and the smell of fear in the room thickened; a green aura covered his horn. “S-stay back, Moon, I-I’m warning you,” said Silver, his body slightly trembling as Autumn’s hoof steps echoed through the room.

Brick Breaker’s own eyes widened as he stood defensively, his breath becoming quick and shallow. Amber eyes met navy blue, and emerald green ones; Autumn tried with everything she had to show that she meant the two colts no harm. “Back o-off you half-breed freak, y-you won’t get lucky twice,” said Brick as he assumed a defensive stance, his head lowered as he pawed at the floor to show his intent.

Autumn froze for a second before she continued to approach the colts, cautiously she lowered her head and moved slowly. “I-it’s almost like approaching an injured animal… just gotta take it nice and slow,” Autumn thought as she saw the hate burning in the unicorn’s eyes lessen. As she continued her walk the green aura around Silver’s horn began to lose its luster, Brick’s breathing evened out and he began to relax his stance.

Autumn stopped a short distance away from the two bullies and slowly lowered herself to her haunches; she held her head up high as she looked between the two males. And took a steadying breath as she prepared herself to speak to her two used to be tormentors.

The ears of all four ponies stood at attention, curious to hear what Autumn had to say, as Autumn opened her muzzle to speak, the door to the room opened startling all five of the ponies present. Autumn’s head spun to see Miss Turner begin to enter the room, and following closely behind her was Sugar Beet and Silver’s father.

Escape Clause was an imposing cream-colored unicorn stallion that oozed upper class... a well known lawyer whose cutie mark was of a scroll and quill. The stallion’s frigid lavender eyes looked at Autumn in slight loathing before his gaze traveled to his son, getting colder as his eyes narrowed on the colt. Autumn felt as if a weight had hit her with the unicorn stallions gaze, and her body shook as a chill ran up her spine. Trying not to show how it affected her, Autumn looked up guiltily to her mother and skulked back into her seat.

Sugar Beet’s warm emerald eyes showed nothing but concern and love for her daughter as she looked upon the scene. Sugar’s eyes widened as she saw the bandages on her daughters’ ear and she unconsciously rose a hoof to her mouth in shock. Glancing at the unicorn colt, she couldn’t help the angry look that took over her face. “W-what happen’d… di-did one of those colt’s hurt ‘er?” Sugar thought as her anger rose at realizing her baby had most likely been injured by the young unicorn. It felt as if a dragon had lit her pelt on fire.

Glancing at Autumn, she noticed the look on her sweet pea’s face but couldn’t tell what or who was causing her daughter’s newfound distress. “Don’ ya worry now sugar, we’ll git ta the bottom o’ this.” As she took a seat beside her child, she put a supportive hoof around her withers and nuzzled her daughter’s face slightly. Miss Turner took her seat at the front of the class, a couple of folders floating in her light blue aura onto the desk.

Escape Clause took a seat in the front row and was followed in turn by Silver and Brick. Miss Turner took a deep breath. Feeling nothing but apprehension, she mentally prepared herself to go over the situation with both parents and to tell them the decided punishment.

“So, Mr. Clause, Mrs. Moon, we have called you in today due to a fight that occurred between Silver and Autumn that took place during lunch hour. From the reports given by Tall Tales, French Butter, Autumn, and several other colts and fillies, the fight started with verbal taunts given by Silver. Silver has been known to disturb class, some of these instances were when he teased other students,” speaking calmly and concisely, Miss Turner kept a neutral look on her muzzle.

However, she noticed the harsh look Escape Clause gave his son and the flinch that the young unicorn gave as a response; the colt began to sink lower in his seat and refused to look at her as she spoke, his actions betraying his guilt.

“However, this is the first instance where physical blows have been exchanged. Based on the reports from those involved and witnesses, things seemed to escalate when Silver shot a magically charged rock at Autumn,'' Miss Turner's voice became stern, her eyes narrowing as she addressed the students and parents with the details of what had started the fight.

Both Sugar Beet’s and Escape Clause’s eyes widened at hearing this. Both parents looked at their children, appearing surprised at their actions. Sugar Beet glanced at Autumn, who looked like a dog that had been kicked. Sugar’s eyes held a question that would go unanswered until Miss Turner continued to tell them of what occurred next.

“After seeing that she had been injured, Autumn then proceeded to charge at Silver. Brick Breaker stepped in the way to block her path and she struck him in the stomach. Several students noticed that she seemed to move incredibly fast as she did so, but after being checked by the nurse no further injuries were found,” said Miss Turner as she sighed lightly, as if telling the story strained her physically in some way.

“Autumn then stated that she turned back towards Silver and tried to rush him next before she was stopped by two other students… Tall Tales and French Butter respectively,” the prussian blue unicorn paused, noticing that Autumn had begun to slouch in her seat and look between the other ponies in the room guiltily as the details came to light, the young filly looking truly remorseful. Sugar Beet’s eyes looked fearful at hearing the details, but as she looked at her daughter, they held nothing but concern.

“Several other colts and fillies saw that Silver threatened Autumn with more stones after she had injured Brick Breaker, however, no more blows were exchanged. The nurse has also examined Autumn’s ear. Amazingly, the bleeding stopped quite quickly, but she covered the cut just in case,” Page Turner spoke the last words calmly missing the odd look Escape Clause had on his muzzle at the school mares last statement.

The female unicorn closed the folder containing the records of the students, glancing at the parents Page Turner noticed a sad slightly knowing look overcome Sugar Beet and the cold stern look on Escape Clause.

“Now, is there anything anypony else would like to say before we continue?” asked Miss Turner in a measured tone as she glanced between the parents and students alike. “…th…fre…fa…lt” Miss Turner’s ears perked straight up as she heard the mumbled reply from Silver Tongue as the colt spoke under his breath, her eyes narrowed slightly. Looking intriguingly at Autumn, she noticed the filly seemed to narrow her eyes and lower her head slumping further in her seat as if she had heard the colt clearly.

Seeing that the mumbled reply had also attracted the attention of the parents, their eyes focused on Silver, the teacher spoke once again. “What was that, Silver? Do you have something you’d like to say?” asked Miss Turner, her voice stern but even as she spoke. The unicorn colt’s head snapped up in surprise at having been heard by Miss Turner despite his best efforts.

Silver snorted and looked over at Autumn seeing the look in the filly’s eyes and the focused looks of the adults in the room. He thought better about his next words. “No, Miss Turner…” the unicorn said reluctantly. As the colt turned his dark navy-blue eyes to look at his father, he saw a look of disapproval on his face, his strong muzzle turned into a deep frown directed right at him. Escape Clause had heard what he had said, and the colt once again shrank in his chair.

Nodding, Miss Turner was about to continue when she was once again interrupted by none other than the silver maned filly sitting next to her elderberry mother. Her brow’s raised as Autumn cleared her throat to gain her attention. “Yes, Autumn?” Miss Turner asked in a patient voice.

“I-I’d like to say something, if it's alright Miss Turner?” asked Autumn. Quietly, she lifted her head to look at Miss Turner, waiting for the school mare’s approval before she continued. Seeing a small smile on the prussian blue unicorn’s face, Autumn felt a sliver of confidence run through her; Autumn looked to her mother for additional strength before she turned to look at Escape Clause, Silver Tongue, and Brick Breaker, a remorseful but determined look took over her face as she slowly stood on all four hooves.

“First off, I want to say I’m sorry… you did start it by throwing the rock, Silver, but that doesn’t mean I had the right to attack you. I got so angry that all I could think of was hurting you back, but that isn’t the right answer,” said Autumn her voice steady as she addressed the unicorn colt, Autumn felt a small smile start to form on her lips as she saw that the anger in the colt’s eyes had faded even more and his powder blue ears lowered as he looked away from her. Shifting her amber eyes to the Brick Breaker, Autumn’s smile faded as she spoke to the colt; she had hurt in her rage.

“Brick, I’m sorry I hurt you, it was wrong of me to hit you… especially since you didn’t hit me at all,” Autumn said glumly as she looked up to see that Brick’s eyes had widened in surprise at the filly as he nodded at her before her, too, looked away.

Autumn’s ears rose as her smile grew warmer before it was replaced by a more serious expression she spoke again. “Most of all, I’m sorry for scaring everypony. I’ll accept whatever comes next…” Taking her seat, Autumn felt relief flood her body. Taking in a breath, she was surprised to find that she had been holding it since she had stood up.

Autumn felt a hoof on her withers and turned to look at her mother, who had begun to rub her back in a familiar comforting gesture. For the first time since the fight had taken place, Autumn felt the weight in her stomach lift, feeling comforted by her mother’s gesture she leaned in close to Sugar Beet, resting against her mother’s side. Looking around the classroom, Autumn noticed the admiration that shone in Tales’, Butter’s and Miss Turner's eyes. Feeling the best she had all day, Autumn felt her wild silver tail wag as she raised her eyes to look at her teacher, still feeling nervous, Feeling the strength of her friends and her mother by her side, she knew she could face any punishment.

Sugar Beet’s warm emerald eyes shone with pride as she looked at Autumn. She saw that her daughter was truly changing in front of her; the slight sadness returning to her eyes went unnoticed by the other ponies. Her ears were flipped back as she smiled warmly at her brave daughter.

“That’s ma’ filly, so much like ‘er father… it looks like it’s finally time we tell ‘er,” thought Sugar as a small amount of dread tore across her body, her smile faltering only slightly. “Autumn’s growin’ up, Ah fear for her… but Shadow and Ah will be there wit’ ‘er every step o’ the way. We’ll help ‘er through this, together,” thought Sugar Beet as her eyes flashed in determination, feeling her protectiveness over her daughter surge forth provided her with the strength to face the threats to her filly side by side.

“Brave words for a… pony your age, truly beyond your years. It takes courage to admit when you’re wrong,” said the gravelly voiced Escape Clause as he stomped his hoof. The cream-colored stallion sat straighter as he addressed Autumn and Sugar Beet, and he turned his gaze to Miss Turner.

“I want to personally apologize for my son’s actions, and to the both of you mares. I promise that his mother and I will be having some choice words with him. One with his pedigree shouldn’t stoop as low as fighting others.” Escape Clause’s voice seemed overly sympathetic as he addressed the ponies in question, as if he was putting on a show.

Sugar Beet’s hackles began to rise as she noticed the change in tone as the stallion looked at her baby and noticed the inflection on his choice words. Her eyes narrowed and she fought against her instinct to rush the older stallion herself. “What did tha’ fancy pants snake ‘n the grass mean by that?” thought the elderberry mare as she didn’t miss a smirk on the male unicorn’s face.

Escape Clause looked away from the mare and turned his attention to Silver as his stern voice got deeper as he said the last few words. “Do you have anything to say, Silver?” asked the stallion, looking at his son expectantly. Silver jumped at the sound of his father’s voice, his navy-blue eyes finally leaving the spot that they had been glued to on the floor.

Silver’s eyes widened as they met his father’s stoic gaze. Swallowing the saliva that collected in his suddenly dry mouth, Silver cleared his throat. The colt turned towards the mares of the Moon family and looked at Autumn and Sugar Beet. The young unicorn's eyes held a shred of sincere remorse as he looked at Autumn’s semi-hopeful expression. As he saw the fierce look in Sugar’s eyes he flinched. “I’m sorry Autumn… Mrs. Moon, it was wrong to throw the rock,” Silver choked out, looking at the floor after he finished his “apology”.

“Tha stallion was faker than a three-bit coin an’ that colt’s got som’ growin’ to do. At least ‘e seems like ‘e meant ‘is apology,” thought Sugar Beet as she deadpanned the two unicorns that spoke to her, trying to clear their conscience. As unladylike as it was, Sugar snorted and attempted to look pleasant as she addressed Miss Turner and the unicorns sitting across from her.

“Autumn’s father and Ah will also be talkin’ to ‘er when we git home. But if we find out tha Autumn’s been hurt again, we will come down on th’ two o’ ya like a twister at a campsite. Am ah clear?” Sugar Beet’s eyes burned as she looked at Escape Clause, a growl in her throat signifying the sincerity of her promise to protect her daughter.

Escape Clause eyes widened as the mare leaned closer to amplify her threat. He sneered as he looked at the simple farm mare, his eyes holding disdain for the wheat farmer and her “deformed” daughter. Miss Turner and the fillies and colts present all looked at the usually kind mare in surprise at the ferocity in her voice. Miss Turner looked between the two parents, nervous that another fight would occur between the adults.

Autumn’s mouth dropped wide open in a wide ‘o’, exposing her fangs as she heard her mother’s reply, her tail limp on the floor. “I knew mom could be scary when she’s angry, but I’ve never seen her this riled up,” thought Autumn in amazement as she saw her mother looking fiercer than a timberwolf as she stared down the large stallion. Autumn turned her head looking towards French Butter and Tall Tales as if to see if she had been imagining the last few minutes. Butters and Tales looked back at her; their mouths were open wide enough to catch parasprites, seeing that Autumn knew it had been real.

Escape Clause was the first to recover, shaking his head slightly; he placed a fake smile on his muzzle, “Crystal, Mrs. Moon, crystal,” said the unicorn as he smugly answered the farm mares’ question. Sugar screwed up her muzzle before she settled back down in her seat. Miss Turner cleared her throat to break the tension between the adults in the room. Emerald and amethyst eyes broke the bridge of tension that was building between them; the gem-like orbs of both adults met with the teacher’s gaze.

“Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and apologies. Now, Mrs. Moon and Mr. Clause, both Autumn and Silver will be suspended from school for the next ten days. They will have to write an essay about resolving issues without violence and will miss the school trip that was planned next week. If this is acceptable, we will send the students home with you,” said Miss Turner calmly addressing the room full of ponies, seeing the parents nod in agreement, she continued.

“Brick Breaker, you will be suspended for 5 days and will write an essay about how words can harm others. However, you will not be banned from the trip… if you are allowed to go by your parents. I’ll be sending a note home with you and will expect a reply from your parents tomorrow, alright?” The school mare looked sympathetically to Brick Breaker as the colt nodded his understanding as well. “Yes, Miss Turner, I’ll tell them when I get home,” said the earth colt as he took the letter the teacher had written to his parents.

Brick Breaker paused after he put the paper envelope in his saddle bags looking at Autumn he cleared his throat. “H-hey Autumn, sorry…” said Brick Breaker, his voice could barely be heard, but looking up, seeing the surprise on the filly’s face, he knew she had heard him.

“Well, what do you know… good job, Brick Breaker,” thought Miss Turner as she caught the colt's gaze before he turned around in embarrassment at being caught. Feeling pride in two of her students that day, she recomposed her face before addressing the room once again.

“Alright then, if there is nothing else, please sign on these release forms and you are all free to go home,” said Miss Turner as she completed the last of her duties for the students and her parents. “That went better than expected,” thought the school mare as she watched the parents and their children walk down the dirt path towards town “This is the hardest part of the job. I hope those two will be alright,” thought the prussian blue unicorn, shaking her head as she turned to walk back into the schoolhouse to grade papers.

The sun began to set in the sky as the quartet of ponies slowly made their way towards their homes. Sugar Beet walked a few feet ahead of the trio to allow them to talk about everything that had occurred without her eavesdropping. “The nerve o’ that stallion. He knows more than he’s lettin’ on… he’s shadier than a tree in a bottomless gorge. Others my red plot…” She shook her head to rid herself of the angry thoughts of the snooty stallion. “I have to tell Shadow as soon as he gits back, horse feathers… why in Celestia’s green earth does that delivery usually take four days?” the mare asked silently in her mind as she looked up to the sky, her emerald eyes pleading to some greater force to answer her question.

Autumn was so focused on her mother, noticing that she still seemed to be upset, that she didn’t hear Tales talking to her at first… shaking her head she turned her attention to the unicorn that had spoken to her.

“…sorry you can’t go on the trip, Autumn; we’ll tell you all about it when we get back, promise!” said Tales as he tried to cheer up the fuzzy eared filly. Tales held up his hoof as if he was taking a solemn vow for his friend. Seeing her mood barely lift, he attempted to cheer her up once again.

“Hey, I’m sure your mother will be alright. If what we saw in the classroom proves anything, she cares about you too much to be angry forever. I’m sure things will get better, okay?” the unicorn colt nudged the filly as he began to chuckle at the memory of the look the stallion had on his face.

Autumn couldn’t help but smile at that, nudging the unicorn back as lightly as she could, still afraid of hurting somepony. “Thanks, Tales, you’re the best. I’m sure this will be a great story one day… but it’ll be awhile before I want to relive today,” said Autumn shaking her head and rolling eyes to hide the regret that ran through her.

“You and me both, Autumn, but I’ve got to get home before the sun sets. See you in a few days, Autumn. I’ll try to take plenty of pictures so you can be with us on the trip, okay?” Tales waved his hoof as he took the path that split off heading towards the farmlands that his two friends called home. “See you later, Butters, I’ll meet up with you tomorrow. Get home safe. Bye, Mrs. Moon.” The colt smiled at the green pea filly as he galloped off.

Sugar Beet didn’t react much to the colt’s farewell other than a nod and wave of her hoof as she continued to lead the way back to the wheat farm. Her mind was still working to decipher the puzzle that the family would soon have to face together.

“Bye, Tales, see you tomorrow,” Butters said as she watched the cornflower colt disappear over the hill heading back into town. Looking at Autumn, she saw that soon she would have to leave as well. As they neared the crossroads of their homes, the green pea filly tried to smile, her sympathetic turquoise eyes meeting Autumn's golden eyes, which glowed as the sun cast a pillar of light on them both.

“Hey, he’s right, you know; your family loves you, and I’m sure that together, you guys can figure all this out.” Autumn smiled at her friend and nodded her thanks to the fellow farm filly. “Sadly, I’ve got to head out, too. I’ll come by with Tales after the trip, okay? I’ll see you as soon as I can,” said Butters, trying to reassure her friend. “Bye, Mrs. Moon, see you in a few days, Autumn,” said French as she turned to walk home. She glanced back towards her friend, her eyes reflecting sympathy as she watched Autumn trudge behind her mother.

As twilight began to shine through, the sky turned a deep lavender color; dark blues and purples took over as Celestia’s sun set and the princess began to raise the moon. Autumn walked slightly behind her mother, glancing at her from time to time, knowing that she still had to face a possible punishment at home. She was afraid to add to whatever was troubling her mother. Her mother had been unusually silent as they walked the familiar path home.

“I’m glad that Corn Flour was able to take over the stall for Mom,” thought Autumn as she looked at her mother concerned at the silence that had taken over after they left the market. “Probably best if I don’t bring up the weird stuff until we get home. I can’t believe Mom sounded so fierce; I guess me and Dad aren’t the only ones who can growl.” Chuckling at the thought, the olive oil filly started grinning despite her worries.

Sugar Beet's ears perked up as she heard her daughter’s familiar giggle, her green eyes lit up as she looked at her daughter. The filly’s laughter had managed to pull the mare out of the troubles plaguing her mind; Sugar Beet began to smile herself.

“Hey sweet pea, I wan’ ya to know I’m proud of ya… now ya shouldn’t be fightin’, but ya were jus’ defendin’ yerself and I’m not mad at ya. Alright?” Sugar said to Autumn hoping to alleviate some of the weight of the worries that plagued the Moon mares on their walk. The elderberry mare’s loving smile grew as she saw relief spread from her filly’s face to the rest of her body. Autumn’s ember eyes started to shine with unshed tears as her mom reassured her.

Autumn felt the warmth of her mother’s love and reassurance in that smile, and warmth spread from her heart to the rest of her body, making her hooves feel twenty pounds lighter. Autumn rushed to her mom, hugging her around her barrel and nuzzling underneath her mother's chin as the filly’s tears finally fell, shedding some of the stress and fear that had occurred over the course of the day.

“M-mom, something weird happened today…I was so s-scared, s-something’s wrong with me…” Autumn’s voice broke as she finally felt that she could tell her mother about what had happened.

Sugar Beet listened to her daughter patiently as she listened to every detail of what had caused Autumn to be distressed. As Autumn told her mother what it had felt like when she rushed Silver, she noticed her mother seemed worried but was not as surprised or afraid as she thought she would be. As soon as Autumn finished her mother pulled her filly closer to her barrel, hushing her as she shed the last of her tears.

“There, there sweet pea, now ya listen to me… nothin’ is wrong with ya. Yer my daughter, prettier than a magnolia in may no matter what some varmints may say. I know ya probably have a lot o’ questions, but I promise as soon as yer father comes back in a few days, we’ll tell ya everythin’, okay?” said Sugar reassuringly, her kind words seeming to sooth Autumn as her daughter’s amber eyes shone with tears and curiosity.

Sugar felt her own tears threaten to leave her eyes. “It’s somthin’ we both need to tell ya. Do ya think ya can wait until then, my brave filly?” asked Sugar as she looked into Autumn's eyes, hoping to plead to her daughter, who was quickly becoming a mare.

“Alright, mom, I’ll wait… I’m sorry again for causing trouble today,” Autumn said, hiccupping as she looked up at her mother, feeling her tail start to wag behind her. As her mother wrapped her arms around her withers, she felt safe; the relief of having her mother’s reassurance and the possibility of receiving answers lifted much of the weight that was left in her stomach. The two mares looked up at the mare in the moon, admiring the stars that lit up the night as they continued to walk together, the burdens of the day fading as they talked about everything and anything.

The moon cast a beautiful glow over the farmhouse, and as the mares entered their property, Autumn and her mother worked together to take care of the livestock that had awaited their return. Big Red ran up to Autumn as she fed the hens clucking away as he nuzzled her hooves and tried to get her to play with him. Pausing the rooster noticed how his master was acting, sensing that something was bothering Autumn he jumped up flapping his wings to land on her back, nuzzling her neck and cooing trying to comfort his master.

“Aww...I’m alright, Red, thank you. Go get some rest, we need you to wake us up tomorrow,” said Autumn as she sat down on her haunches reaching up to pick up the affectionate poultry. Reds little black eyes shone as he seemed to smile at her with his little beak as if he was asking if Autumn was sure.... Autumn moved to cradle the rooster to her chest giving him a little hug before setting him down on the ground.

Autumn completed her portion of the chores and gave red some extra feed before heading back to the farm house. The comfort the rooster gave her made it seem like the fear, uncertainty and rage she had felt was a little farther away.

Autumn’s ears twitched as she heard her mother approaching; the elderberry mare’s hooves walked calmly up the path to the house. Together they walked side by side into the warm house, the love of the family radiating around the exhausted mother and daughter.

“Thanks for helpin’ to finish the chores, sugar. Now ya won’t be able to go play with yer friends until after we speak to yer father, and ya still have to write that essay, but after that we’ll discuss any other details of yer punishment,” Sugar said kindly yet sternly to her daughter watching for her reply, Autumn nodded in understanding.

“That’s fair, Mom. I’m gonna skip dinner tonight if that's alright; I’m exhausted…” said Autumn, yawning as she spoke to her mother. Autumn stretched out as best as she could still feeling sore, hoping to relieve some of the residual pain.

Sugar looked at her daughter with an understanding look on her face as she walked her daughter up to her bed. “Get some rest, sugar, we’ll talk more tomorrow, alright. I love ya,” said Sugar Beet as she tucked her tired filly into bed.

“Thanks, Mom… for everything… I love you, too,” said Autumn, her voice still strained from her hard day she watched as her mother went to turn out the light. “I wish mom would just tell me what’s going on, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough. Guess there’s nothing left to do but wait for dad to get back… I hope everything’s going well,” The olive oil filly’s eyes glowed in the dark as she looked at the moon before she began to lose her battle with sleep. She couldn’t help but feel content and loved despite the events of the day. “I’m sure everything will be ok…” thought Autumn tiredly as she finally fell asleep.

Author's Note

And that concludes this chapter of The Life and Trials of Autumn Moon :twilightsmile: this was the longest chapter yet and I'd love to give a huge shout out to RandomGuy101 for the hard work editing this chapter. :pinkiesmile: Great work, rocks and all. If you enjoyed this chapter leave a like and feel free to comment, feedback is always appreciated :raritywink: Until next chapter... The Life and Times of Autumn Moon will be continued.. stick around

The Darkest Night

Chapter 5: The Darkest Night – Full Moon

The night sky glowed a deep lavender color, the light of the full moon and the stars keeping the sky from appearing a deep sinister black. The wind carried the chill of fall and rustled the bare branches of the oak trees, the rest of the world seemed calm except for the horde of ponies who were currently breaking the quiet peace of the night.

Autumn ran as fast as she could through the dense forest, her hooves kicking up lumps of grass and dirt; branches and thorns cut at her face and legs as she galloped through the brush hoping to loose the crowd of ponies chasing her. A deep laceration on Autumn’s shoulder was leaking blood down her leg with every step she took; the tissue around the wound was swollen and black in color, slightly burned from the blast of a unicorn. Thankfully the heat of the magic partially cauterized the wound, preventing the drops of blood leading a solid trail back to her for her attackers to follow.

Autumn whimpered, her shoulder popping slightly as she moved pushing through the pain. Her frantic movements ripping the natural seal the burn had given her, pain wracked her body as she ran, adrenaline pushing her to go faster.

“J-just keep running, I have to keep going…. Wh-why why are they doing this, I didn’t do anything,” Autumn questioned loudly in her mind fearfully. Autumn took a chance, glancing behind her and saw that the group of ponies who had hurt her were not far behind. Looking up at the sky, Autumn noticed the branches reflected by the mare in the moon, but to her they looked like clawed talons reaching out to grab at her coat and hold her in place for the mob that was pursuing her.

Her hooves ran over the forest floor noisily, sticks and foliage braking as she ran; all attempts to hide her location were lost in a sacrifice for speed. Sweat poured over Autumn’s face and body as she tried to escape the group of dark shadows chasing her. They looked to be stallions, their rough voices shouting at her as she ran.

“That little monster can’t have gone far,” said one of the voices. The sound of ponies tearing through the foliage terrified Autumn. Her ears constantly moved to listen to the sounds around her; Autumn’s head was on a swivel always looking for a threat. Autumn quickly looked around her as she ran, trying to pinpoint where the ponies were coming from, and she heard the sounds of owls gliding through the air almost silently.

The chirps of the crickets became silent as the ponies came up to them and the taunting sound of hoofbeats behind her. Autumn’s tongue hung slightly out of her muzzle panting as she continued to run for her life. She scented the air as she ran; other than the average smells of the forest, Autumn smelled a slight burning smell bitter and hot in her nose.

“A-anger... Rage? No...Hatred, th-they’re gonna catch me! They’ll never stop,” Autumn’s golden eyes screwed shut as she realized she had smelled that way before when she charged at Silver and Brick. More than anything, though, she smelled the bittersweet smell of rotting fruit coming from her as she tried to escape. As Autumn ran, she noticed her hooves began to strike a harder surface, a worn dirt trail lined by beige rock… she unknowingly began to run into the mountains that overlooked her farm.

Looking down, tears in her eyes from the fear blurred her vision but they couldn’t hide the horrific image that her eyes had spotted. Autumn saw her family’s farm caught in flames, the smoke blowing towards her as if to kill any hopes that she was imagining any of this. Autumn’s whole body shook, everything else faded away and she collapsed onto the cold path, the rocks taking the heat from her body.

“N-no…. No…No No NO NO! Mom… Dad…are they…t-they can’t be.” Autumn’s tears flowed down her face, her amber eyes glowing in the dim light and the tears appearing as molten lava burning her cheeks as she was unable to finish the horrible thought.

“It’s all my fault,” Autumn said, her voice a stark whisper in the wind. Autumn’s head lowered as she felt as if her heart had been shattered like one of her mother’s jam jars on the floor, a familiar cold, hollow feeling filling her once again.

“There it is! Up there on the ridge,” a cruel baritone voice shouted, snapping Autumn out of her morose thoughts the filly’s head rose quickly as she saw that the mob had caught up to her.

“Get it! Shoot it before it runs!” shouted another voice. Looking down, Autumn saw a huge tan stallion leading the charge, his cold blue eyes freezing her blood and the scars on his muzzle glowing white in the light of the moon. The stallion’s lightning blue eyes locked with Autumn’s terrified hopeless golden ones. The stallion’s eyes held nothing but hatred and excitement at the harm that was coming for her. As he smiles, Autumn could feel the stallion’s malice from up on the ridge.

A shot of lavender magic struck the rocks near her head. Autumn's eyes widened in fear and surprise at hearing the air rushing towards her, and she rolled her body to the right and was able to dodge the magical energy just barely. The blast sent small particles of rubble flying and the powerful blast left a huge hole in the mountain.

Looking at the hole, Autumn’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull. She shook her head to break the spell the cruel stallion’s eyes had seemed to cast; she lowered her body to the ground, attempting to make a smaller silhouette for the stallions to aim at. The scared filly clumsily got to her hooves and ran behind some nearby rocks to try and avoid future attacks from the unicorns in the mob.

Still shaking, Autumn let her fear drive her hooves to carry her faster to escape the stallions as she followed the path she saw walls of stone forming at her sides, her hooves beating against the stone ridge, rocks clattering as they fell off, but noticed too late.

A huge cliff face lay at the end of her path, Autumn was trapped. “Oh n-no... this can’t be,” Autumn said, her voice, rough from running, shook as she realized that she couldn’t escape. She pounded the wall with her forehooves, maybe in some false hope that she could make a new path. Her amber eyes, still wet with tears, glowed in the dim light of night, her head snapping in several directions, eyes flying to try to find another way out. Seeing no way out, Autumn flipped her ears back as she heard the stallion’s hooves finally catch up to her.

“There's tha varmint!” shouted an earth pony stallion in disgust, his own voice rough from running after the filly. The cold-eyed stallion smiled cruelly as Autumn’s terrified eyes met his. Autumn crouched her body, collapsing, trying to appear small, her silver tail tucked between her back hooves.

“Finally caught you, eh, beasty?” said the blue-eyed stallion, his voice like poison. Autumn’s eyes turned blood red, she felt her body begin to ache, and she bared her growing fangs to the group, her eyes narrowed in defiance at the stallion she raised her head.

“We… I… I didn’t do ANYTHING! L-LEAVE ME ALONE!” Autumn shouted, her voice slightly deeper, to the mob of stallions angrily. Her voice broke slightly despite the strength she had tried to put behind it. The group's eyes widened before they all began to chuckle and laugh at the distressed filly. Autumn’s sneer shrunk a fraction and her eyes held a question.

The blue eyed stallion drew back his hoof and backhooved Autumn's cheek, stunning the filly and knocking her to the ground, Autumn felt as if her ears were ringing. “Uuugggh, my head,” thought Autumn as she shook her head, trying to clear it.

Before she could move, chains fell out of the air, ropes grabbing her hooves. Autumn tried her best to buck at the ropes, but the weight of the chains around her tightened. The stallions pulled her down to the ground. Helpless and head still spinning, Autumn couldn’t move. Taking short shallow breaths, Autumn’s eyes flew across the crowd of laughing stallions, her body shaking in fear and anger; Autumn continued to struggle trying in vain to free herself.

The huge tan earth pony stallion placed a blade against Autumn’s throat, and she froze at feeling the cold edge of the blade that was already beginning to cut into her skin. Autumn's blood red eyes burned like the fires in Tartarus as she glared at the stallion, her fangs poking past her lips as she snarled at the cruel pony trying in vain to be brave.

“Of course, you did something wrong,” said the tan stallion slowly and ruthlessly, as if to cause the filly more pain, his scars warping his sickening smile into an even scarier visage. “You were born,” Autumn’s eyes widened as the stallion drew back the blade as if to chop off her head, fear overtaking her as she saw her hopeless eyes in her pitiful reflection on the large sword.

“No, please…” whispered the olive oil filly looking for sympathy from any pony, looking up at the sky as she begged to be spared. The mare in the moon’s eyes looked on in cold indifference at the filly’s suffering. The imposing tan stallions’ cold smirk only grew as he lowered the blade quickly as if to slice her in half, Autumn felt her eyes snap shut as she let loose a howling scream.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!” Autumn felt as if she was being shook back and forth in an earthquake before the earth faded into black around her. The last thing Autumn heard was the memory of her mother screaming her name worry and fear lacing her voice… “AUTUMN! AUTUMN!”

“Autumn! H-hon, sweet pea, w-what’s wrong?” Autumn’s amber eyes shot open tears in the corners of her eyes, taking deep shallow breaths, her body was still shaking in fear of her nightmare. Autumn placed her forehoof on her aching chest, feeling her heart beating a mile a minute. Autumn’s sheets were soaked with sweat, causing her to shiver as she rapidly looked around.

Her eyes cleared finally seeing Sugar Beet shaking her awake; her tear filled eyes met her mother’s kind emerald eyes which were filled with concern as she woke her. Her mother tried to calm her down from the monsters that pursued her. “M-Mom,” Autumn said in amazed recognition as she rushed to nuzzle her mother.

“Thank Celestia, i-it was horrible,” the filly had tears forming in the corners of her eyes as she felt comfort from her mother who she had lost in her nightmare.

Sugar Beet placed her hooves around her daughter in a comforting hug, rubbing a hoof over her silver mane and fuzzy ears. “There, there, darlin’, yer shaking worse than a cat in a room full o’ timberwolves. Now tell yer ma what had ya howling like a wendigo in tha winter?” her mother questioned in a kind voice, trying to calm her shaking daughter. “A bad nightmare,” Autumn whispered, shaking her head into her mother’s chest as she refused to meet her mother’s worried eyes.

Sugar Beet took her elderberry hoof and placed it on her daughter’s cheek, trying to have the filly’s eyes meet her emerald ones, but her eyes filled with more concern as she felt the heat radiating off her daughter. “Sugar, y-yer burnin’ up,” Moving her hoof to her daughter’s forehead under a soaked silver mane, Sugar Beet confirmed her suspicions; Autumn had a high fever. It had started two days ago and had gotten more severe since Autumn’s fight with Silver.

“Horsefeathers… It’s been three days already; I wish Shadow were here… we need ‘im now.”Sugar shook her head in thought, cursing fate’s terrible timing. “He’ll be back tomorrow mornin’ I jus’ hope he’s safe. Fer now, Autumn needs me.”

Autumn couldn’t stop shaking, her body burning and her muscles aching terribly as she struggled to move her body. Autumn felt as if she had pulled up three fields of carrots by herself and accidently took another gulp of her father's Sweet Apple Acres Hard Cider. Autumn felt as if her body was burning, she felt sweat cover her olive oil coat, and her mouth ached again as her fangs poked much farther past her chapped lips.

“M-Mom, I don’t feel so good,” Autumn sat up, quickly running out of Sugar Beet’s comforting hooves as she felt bile rise up from the back of her throat, she shot up from her bed heading for the bathroom. “What’s wrong with me, did I get sick yesterday,?” Autumn thought miserably as she threw up nothing but stomach acid, burning her throat and nose.

Sugar followed closely behind her daughter and watched sadly as Autumn emptied the contents of her stomach. Sugar went to fetch a glass of water and came back to find Autumn still vomiting into the toilet. Sugar Beet felt terrible, and she wished more than anything that she could do more to help her ailing daughter, but she knew that other than home remedies to help her fever there was nothing she could do.

Sugar felt like she was failing Autumn, but determination filled the elderberry mare as she remembered her vow to help Autumn every hoofstep through what was coming. Sugar Beet slowly approached Autumn to rub a comforting hoove up and down her spasming back, whispering comforting words to the young mare.

“Mah poor lil’ filly, she needs to rest today,” thought Sugar as she continued to rub her daughter’s back, who struggled to vomit up the dinner they’d eaten last night. “Now ya listen here sweet pea, I wan’ you to go shower and then lay in bed and rest. No runnin’ around, no chores, no nothin’. Just rest up and try to git to sleep, an’ if those nightmare’s try to come back I’ll be here quicker than a Wonderbolt,” Sugar said reassuringly to Autumn. The filly pulled her muzzle from the porcelain pot and nodded at her mother, miserably confirming that she understood her mother's instructions.

“Alright Mom, I-I’ll try,” Autumn said her voice strained as she made her way back to her room, her silver tail dragging along the floor, picking up dust as her aching body dragged her to the shower to clean the sweat off her coat. The warm water didn’t help to cool her body, but it did aid her aching muscles, feeling the salt and dirt melt off her coat. Autumn slowly dragged the soap over her soaked coat and let the warm water do its job, feeling a little better as she washed off.

“I hope I don’t have another nightmare,” Autumn thought sadly as she heard her mother go down the hallway to change out her sweat-soaked sheets for a clean pair. Autumn sluggishly hopped out of the tub and grabbed a towel and dried off as best as she could. When she finally made it back to her room, Autumn tiredly rose her head. She noticed her mom moving throughout the room, so she decided to wait for her to finish what she was doing.

Sitting on her haunches and slouching tiredly, Autumn shook her head and tried to focus on something else, anything else to clear her mind of the cold blue eyes still haunting her mind. “H-hey today’s the second day of the camping trip, I wonder how Tales and Butter’s are doing?” thought Autumn as she tried to turn her melancholy mind to something brighter.

“I bet they’re having a great time. I might even get to hear about it after dad gets back,” thought Autumn as she felt a genuine smile begin to form on her muzzle and felt grateful for the change in her train of thought. “I bet Tales is telling the best stories by the campfire,” thought Autumn as the grin on her muzzle grew in genuine happiness.

Sugar Beet worked quickly setting up her daughters’ room with another glass of water, a bucket to get sick in, and gave her a fresh blanket as well. Turning, she saw a small smile begin to grow on Autumn’s muzzle despite the obvious tiredness that weighed down on the filly’s body. Sugar smiled sweetly at her daughter.

“I hope that when this is said an’ done I git to see tha’ smile again. This ain’t gonna be easy fer either of them,” Sugar thought wistfully as she subconsciously sent the last thought to her mate. Walking up slowly to her preoccupied filly, Sugar lowered her head and nuzzled her daughter’s face to gain her attention. “Come on sugar, back ta bed,” Sugar Beet said sweetly to ease the young mare to get a well-deserved rest, her emerald eyes reflecting the care and love she held for her daughter.

Autumn jumped slightly in surprise at her mother’s nuzzling, her kind voice calming her. Autumn opened her eyes halfway and lifted her head to look around at what had happened while she had zoned out. Seeing all the things her mother had done, Autumn felt a wonderful warmth spread through her from her core to her hooves, and she felt grateful for all the things her mother had done to make her feel better.

“Thanks, Mom, I’ll try to get some rest. Will you be okay with the chores though?” asked Autumn curiously as she climbed under her clean crisp covers the softness of her mattress already luring her back to sleep.

“Now don’ ya worry none, sweet pea, I’ll have the teams handle mos’ of the work today. I’ll be stickin’ aroun’ the house, so if ya need me I’ll be here ta help. I’ll come git ya for supper if yer appetite comes back,” Sugar winked at her daughter as she placed a cold compress on her daughter’s forehead, flattening her wild silver bangs down.

“Okay, Mom. Can we have carrot and celery soup tonight?” Autumn asked hopefully, a false whine in her voice. Autumn’s silver tail thumped slightly against her mattress as she gave the elderberry mare her best puppy dog eyes and lowered her now healed ears back hoping to give a more pitiful look.

Sugar had a surprised look covering her face before she burst out laughing at the filly turned puppy and the irony of the situation. “Put those big ol’ eyes away, sugar, o’ course we can have carrot and celery soup. An’ if yer feeling up to it, I’’l even throw in som’ pear an’ custard pie.” Sugar giggled as her daughter’s eyes lit up and her tail beat harder against the bed in anticipation. “But only if yer feeling better, deal?” asked Sugar in amusement, a warm happiness spreading through her at seeing some of the strength returning to Autumn at the prospect of another of her favorite desserts.

“Deal,” said Autumn, her voice stronger than when she had first got up. Despite still feeling sick, she felt a little better at her mother's offer. She lowered herself deeper and covered herself in the fresh clean smelling sheets, clear of the smell of her sweat and fear. “I feel a little better already,” thought Autumn as she got settled, despite her body still aching as if she ran the annual fall clean up. She ran her tongue over her teeth and felt as if her fangs were bigger. Shrugging it off, she started to fall back to sleep as her mother patted her head lovingly before leaving her room.

“Sweet dreams, sugar,” her mother whispered to the dimmed room that held her exhausted daughter. Autumn heard her voice as if she was still standing next to her, but she was already half asleep “‘Night, Mom,” Autumn mumbled out as she fell back to sleep, her ‘illness’; running most of its course as the filly slept. Autumn tossed and turned peacefully in her restful, dreamless sleep. The crisp fall day passed and she recovered slowly but surely. The only sounds leaving her room were tiny snores.

Life on the humble wheat farm continued as the day passed like any other. The Moon family’s crops were harvested, they sold their flour and vegetables at the market, and Sugar Beet kept busy as she cleaned the house and took care of the livestock, staying nearby to care for Autumn if needed. As Celestia’s sun began to lower below the horizon, taking what little warmth it offered with it, Sugar Beet had just finished cooking the soup that had become famous in their household and the sweet custard pie that she and her daughter would share that night.

As the warm golden broth bubbled, its savory smell hovered throughout the house, complemented by the sweet smell of custard and pears baking in a graham cracker crust. Hearing the apple shaped cooking timer begin to ring, Sugar stifled the fire of the old stove and opened the oven, carefully pulling out the pie to cool. As she placed the pie on the counter, Sugar's ears flicked back to the door of the kitchen as she heard hooves moving tiredly into the kitchen, followed by the sound of cloth dragging on the old hardwood floors.

“Good ta see ya, sleepin’ beauty. I take it yer feelin’ a bit better if yer lookin fer food already,” Sugar said teasingly to her daughter as she turned to look at Autumn. The young mare was covered from head to hooves in a light blanket that was dragging behind Autumn as she walked, and her wild silver mane stuck up in even more places than usual.

Yawning and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Autumn nodded her head tiredly at her mother. Grinning bashfully as she lowered her head before rose it again, sniffing at the air and smelling her mother’s famous soup.

“Much better than before, Mom. I still feel a little warm and my body still aches, but better,” said Autumn cheerfully as she took a seat at the table with her mother serving her a bowl full of delicious broth. Autumn licked her lips as the smell of her mother's famous soup hit her nose and warmed her bones before she even took a sip. “So awesome. This looks amazing, Mom,” said Autumn in delight as she saw her mother pull up a chair at the table.

“Good ta hear, sugar,” said Sugar as she joined her daughter at the table, both mares of the Moon family digging into their meal with gusto. Sugar Beet was so happy to see that her daughter had her appetite back. Both mares cleared their bowls and even went back for seconds, as the soup filled their stomachs with the warmth from the soup and the family home filled them both with content.

Licking her muzzle clean, Autumn flashed a fanged smile at her mother that seemed to be glowing, the blanket sinking to the floor as she turned her head to her mother. “That was delicious, Mom! I bet Dad will be sorry to hear he missed out on your famous soup when he gets back,” Autumn chuckled a bit at her teasing her mother. Giggling at her daughter’s teasing, Sugar shook her head as she began to clear away the bowls from the table.

“I’ll make sure ta save yer father a bowl, so don’ ya worry yer pretty lil head,” said Sugar, the smile reaching her emerald eyes as she winked at her daughter “So ya feeling up to that pear and custard pie?” the elderberry mare asked her daughter mischievously.

Autumn nodded her head enthusiastically. “You bet, Mom!” Autumn nearly shouted, her tail whipping back and forth in excitement and happiness her forehooves nearly taping in anticipation.

“Comin’ right up, sweet pea,” Sugar said as she sliced her daughter and herself two hefty slices of pie.

Autumn took a deep breath scenting the air she smelled the creamy sweetness of the pie’s filling, spiced with cinnamon and pears, her mouth watering at the prospect of the dessert. Autumn’s golden eyes lit up as she saw the pie set down in front of her.

“Awesome, thanks, Mom,” said Autumn as she took a hearty bite her teeth leaving deep grooves in the thick filling of the pie. Before her mother could respond to her, a series of frantic rapid beats of hooves against the sturdy farm door startled the Moon family mares out of their pleasant meal.

“Wonder what that’s all about,” Sugar Beet said cautiously as she got up from the table and went to go answer the door.

“Autumn! Mrs. Moon please come quick; we need help!!” shouted a panicked voice from the other side of the door. Sugar Beet and Autumn’s faces both snapped to look at each other, their eyes wide in recognition and alarm.

Autumn and her mother rushed to the door, and Sugar opened the door to see the panicked and worried looks on French Butter and Miss Turner’s muzzles. Both ponies looked exhausted, the mares panting and trying to catch their breath, Butters and Miss Turner looked as if they’d been through a fight with an Ursa Minor.

“Sweet Celestia, what happened to you two? I thought y’all were doin’ tha there campin’ trip. What happened?” Sugar asked, her voice laced with concern as she looked at the filly and school mare, her head turning to them both as she asked her questions. Miss Turner's eyes took on a sorrowful look as she lowered her head in shame before facing the strong farm mare and her daughter, her whole body showing her exhaustion as she strained to keep standing under the worry glowing emerald and amber eyes.

“The trip has been cut short, I’m afraid; there has been a horrible accident,” Miss Turner said in as measured a voice as she could manage her panic, still evident as she addressed Sugar Beet and Autumn.

French Butter finally managed to catch her breath. As soon as her turquoise eyes landed on Autumn, she rushed to her friend’s side, grabbing her in her shaking hooves. Autumn’s eyes looked sympathetic as the pea green filly’s eyes filled with tears, and Autumn wrapped her hooves around her friend’s withers. Miss Turner watched as Autumn shared her blanket with French butter, trying to comfort her friend. A small smile died on her lips as the pea green filly began to weep.

“Oh, Autumn, it’s terrible,” Butter said, beating Miss Turner to her explanation. Before anypony else could speak, French revealed what had brought the two of them to their doorstep. Autumn’s and Sugar Beet’s hearts and stomachs sank as French Butters shaking voice finally gained the strength to be heard above everything else. “It’s Tales… Tales is missing! We can’t find him…”

Author's Note

Another chapter finished and another huge shout out to the editing talents of RandomGuy101 :pinkiehappy: who's hard work makes each chapter better.

I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter :twilightsmile: and as evil as it is to leave it here the next chapter should be out some time next week until then The Life and Trials of Autumn Moon will be continued :raritywink: I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments and leave a like if you enjoyed this newest chapter. Until next time Cheers!

When the Wolf's Bane Blooms

Chapter 7: When the Wolf’s Bane Blooms – Full Moon

The sound of heavy claws made of sharpened lumber pounded against the forest floor breaking the silence of the night, powerful limbs crashed through fallen logs; massive paws tearing up the earth and destroying everything in their path. Rabbits ran from their burrows; owls took flight to escape the timber wolf’s rampage and even non nocturnal animals fled fearing to be the predators next meal. The massive wooden canine’s focus never wavered, its noxious green eyes locked on its prey’s wild silver tail as it glowed in the light of the full moon, puddles of foul smelling saliva dripped behind it as it continued to pursue its next meal.

The rancid smell of flesh rotting tainted the frigid air, Autumn struggled not to vomit as the foul stench pierced her nostrils with each breath she took galloping at full speed through the foliage. Autumn continued to run as fast as her hooves could carry her feeling the weight of Tall Tales on her back as she did her best to never lose speed despite the additional weight. Autumn’s aching legs begged her to slow down, the olive oil filly shook her head, golden eyes snapping shut growling in defiance of what her body was asking of her. Autumn’s felt as if her body would give out if she let up, her lungs filling with shards of glass as she breathed in the icy air, puffs of hot breath made mist form around her mouth with each exhale and sweat saturated her coat causing her entire body to shiver as she ran.

“N... No, Tale’s is counting on me…Everypony is still out here... and Mom,” the thought of her mother’s face filling with tears of guilt for losing them caused determination to fuel Autumn; she would do anything to prevent that fate. Autumn’s golden eyes shot open flashing as they shone in the darkness, burning with determination and fury underneath her furrowed brows. Autumn took a deep shallow breath and urged her body forward ever faster despite the pain. Autumn’s tongue hung slightly past her fangs as Tales panicked breathing spurred her on as the unicorn’s hooves gripped around her neck for dear life.

Scanning the area, the determined filly saw an opening that she could easily get through with Tales “Maybe it’ll slow that critter down,” thought Autumn as she sped towards the opening. Autumn leapt over some fallen pine trees that blocked their path; the dried-out branches resembled talons that gripped at both Tales and Autumn’s fur as they fled. Autumn noticed the ground beneath her hooves become more solid as she continued her mad dash, the land’s elevation continued to rise, and she saw more of the forest from the high ground.

Daring to glance behind her, Autumn saw that the timber wolf had gotten tripped up on the fallen trees and narrow rocks; Autumn’s ears twitched as she heard the creatures' frustrated growls. The timber wolf seemed to be struggling to get out of the tight space that its head was wedged “That won’t hold ‘em forever,” thought Autumn grimly and as if to prove her point the sound of wood splintering shattered any calm that the two ponies had felt.

Autumn looked up and saw a rock shelf just out of her reach; the crumbling rock path looked as if it could hold a pony but just barely. Autumn’s ears flicked back as the sound of paws quickly approaching made the decision for her eyes filled with concern as she turned her head to look over her shoulder “Tales we got to jump… j-just hold on tight,” looking forward Autumn ran away from the wall of the ridge and turned to face it after giving herself enough distance. Autumn lowered her body as she did every time she tried to surprise her father, shaking her head to psyche herself up. Autumn rolled her aching shoulders, pawing at the ground with her front right hoof before running at full speed towards the shelf.

Using every bit of strength, she could spare Autumn, bunched her body up and leapt; Autumn’s front hooves grabbed onto the ridge shelf scrambling for a few seconds; her left rear hoof finally found purchase. Autumn could not help the small grin forming on her face as she pulled Tales and herself over the ridge, her body shaking due to the strain on her weakened body and the exhaustion of running from the mystical carnivore.

Tales held his muzzle tightly against the back of Autumn’s neck to hold back screams as his right leg was jolted on impact. Autumn flinched as she felt Tales grip her neck tighter to compensate for the pain, she had caused him. The muffled scream that pierced her thickly furred ears filled her with concern, sympathy cooling the fire in her eyes as she glanced back at her injured comrade.

“Sorry Tales,” said Autumn through gritted teeth, her fangs bared as she continued to run up the ridge, her ears rotated listening for any signs of the search parties down below. Anything a voice, lights, magic, any sign of ponies who could help them; a scowl formed on Autumn’s face as the silent darkness of wilderness was the only thing to answer.

Tales lifted his head slightly and did his best to push back the pain “I-it’s not your fault, we’re not safe yet are we?” asked the cornflower unicorn, hopefully his eyes barely open. Tales orange eyes met Autumn’s regretful amber ones; seeing the disheartened look on her muzzle and hearing wooden paws quickly approaching the colt knew the answer.

Autumn raised her head as she continued her escape, scenting the air as she drew a deep breath smelling nothing but the sickening smell of the timber wolf’s breath, the stale scent of fear and the familiar smells of the forest around them.

Autumns ears flicked back as she heard the massive paws of the wolf begin to climb the path behind them. Looking behind her Autumn’s eyes shot wide as she saw the wolf leaping at them quickly closing what little distance she had gained; the timber wolves jaws snapped shut nearly managing to grab her tail.

“Oh… ratsratsRATS! Shouted Autumn as she used her front hooves to stop her movement and shifted her hips turning quickly, changing her direction of travel and faking to the right, hoping to trip up the predator. Despite the fillies best efforts the predator followed the two ponies closely, continuing to snap at them; Autumn could feel the heat from the predator’s breath misting near her tail and sweat poured down the side of her head as she tried to gallop faster.

Autumn’s eyes quickly roamed the area and seeing no other options she turned and ran into the nearby wood line, only to see that they were heading towards a ridge. Autumn’s heart began to pound harder, threatening to leap out of her chest and panic filled her eyes. “Come on think…”muttered Autumn as her eyes flew across the landscape looking for anything that could help them.

Tales tried his best to shake off his exhaustion and opened his orange eyes wanting to do what he could to help his brave friend. Tales scanned the environment and managed to spot a low hanging branch coming into their path grinning mischievously as an idea struck him “Autumn look, if you can grab that branch in your teeth and pull it with us it might swing back and hit the Timberwolf!” Tales shouted as his hoof pointed at the branch they were approaching. Autumn’s eyes lit up and she began to smirk despite her fear as she saw what the cornflower colt had in mind.

“He’s right! If we hit it hard enough it might fall apart, or at least slow it down,” thought Autumn as she calmed down slightly remembering what little she knew about timber wolves; panic no longer clouding her mind. “Great idea! Just make sure you duck,” said Autumn as she picked up her pace as much as she could to gain just enough distance for their plan to work. Glancing behind her Autumn watched as the timber wolf kept its pace, she had to time this right.

Autumn opened her muzzle wide and bit down hard on the thick pine branch and pulled it along with her as she ran, the muscles in her chest, neck and shoulders straining as she felt the tension in the branch building. When it seemed like the branch would fling the two ailing ponies back to the slobbering jaws of the creature Autumn screwed her eyes shut; sending a final silent prayer to anypony listening, she released the branch.

CRACK! The sound of wood splintering sounded like music to Tales and Autumn as they heard the whine of an injured timber wolf crashing to the solid rock around them. Autumn and Tales glanced behind them to see that the branch had hit its target dead in the muzzle, snapping the wolf’s head from the branches making its neck, shattering its chest and front left leg. Shards of wood and green foliage exploded from the massive mahogany canid's body as it fell to the ground. The Timberwolf’s leaf filled green ear tore in half and the other pinned against what remained of its fractured skull. Sticky orange sap leaked profusely from the wounds that the impact had inflicted, staining the dirt and rock below the timber wolf’s body a dark tangerine.

Autumn and Tales both looked at each other before smiling in ecstasy “I-it worked!” said Tale's happiness flooding his exhausted eyes a slight disbelief in his amazed voice. Autumn paused looking at the collapsing predator for a second as she caught her breath.

Hearing the wolf whine Autumn looked at the predator sympathetically feeling sorry for the injured critter for a second before giving a slight nod to their adversary. Autumn felt a small smile taking over her own muzzle despite her own exhaustion; fangs peaking far beyond her grin as the victory caused a warmth to spread through Autumn’s exhausted body.

“Way to go Tales, that… that…was a great... idea,” said Autumn, her voice rough as she felt herself wobble on her hooves slightly. Autumn tasted blood in her mouth once again and her jaw hurt even more than it had before; her body shuddered as she began to cough violently urging the fluid in her chest to clear out. Lifting a hoof to cover her mouth Autumn’s sight abruptly grew blurry and she felt as if a fence post had been pounded in between her fuzzy ears; the world seemed to be spinning and Autumn’s breathing became shallow as she tried to catch her breath after her cough had subsided.

Tales forehooves gripped harder around Autumn’s neck as he felt his friend start to lose her footing “W-woah, hey Autumn… are you ok?” asked Tales, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at the silver maned filly. Autumn’s wild mane covered her eyes from his view, but he felt her body shake underneath him, he felt how wet her coat was against his. A concerned frown covered Tales face, placing a hoof on her neck his eyes widened at how warm Autumn was. Autumn finally looked at Tales, her eyes were blood red, she did her best to smile reassuringly at her friend as she regained some of the strength her hooves had lost.

“I-I’m fine Tales, promise… just a little tired that's all,” said Autumn panting slightly as she responded hoping that Tales would believe her. Autumn felt her tail wag slightly happy that she had managed to save their fur from the hungry creature. Autumn’s blood red eyes dimmed in sadness at seeing Tales flinch as she looked at him. “What’s wrong?” asked Autumn as she turned to walk away from the barely breathing remains of the Timberwolf, her concerned eyes never leaving Tales troubled face.

Just as Tales was about to tell Autumn what he had seen, the olive oil fillies’ eyes faded returning to their warm amber color. A wounded growl escaped the creature laying behind them causing Autumn and Tales to jump at the sound; Autumn and Tales barely breathed until they saw that the timber wolf was not moving towards them.

“I-it’s nothing bud… We should probably move before that slobbering pile of kindling gets back up,” said Tales half joking as he tiredly nodded his head towards the wounded wolf as it turned its toxic green eyes towards them. The slime green glow fading in and out as the timber wolf’s face continued to fall apart from its slight movement, orange sap oozing through what remained of its sharpened fangs.

Tales flinched whimpering as the pain from his leg finally won the battle with the adrenaline that had been pumping through him. Pins and needles ran through Tale's injured leg as he tried to carefully reposition himself on Autumn’s back, a painful groan escaped Tales muzzle as he found a more comfortable position.

Autumn’s lips turned up slightly at Tales half joking tone however the serious look on her muzzle did not change; Autumn’s amber eyes refused to leave the wolf until the toxic green eyes closed. Autumn felt Tales moving but she refused to move a muscle until she felt it was safe to do so, her ears positioned at the creature listening for any sudden movement.

Satisfied Autumn turned away from the timber wolf and nodded her head “Let’s go home… let me know if you need me to stop ok?” Autumn asked sincere concern in her voice, happiness warming the question. Tales tired orange eyes lit up slightly as he nodded tiredly, his body shaking slightly as a breeze caused the forest to groan around them. Autumn began to trot quickly down the narrow rock path leading down the unfamiliar cliff, hoping to find some path leading back to town.

The full moon provided a cool blue glow to the ridge where the timber wolf had been left to perish. The mare in the moon seemed to be the only witness to the dying creatures’ final actions; the creature had barely moved in the short amount of time that had passed since the ponies had disappeared once again into the wood line.
The timber wolf’s eyes narrowed as it watched the prey that had fooled him walk away repeatedly in its memory, hatred burned in the faded slime green eyes. The timber wolf huffed coughing up orange sap, a growl escaping its jaws, scenting the air it noticed that the ponies had just entered the outskirts of another pack’s patrol route. A cruel grin formed on the beasts snarling muzzle, using the last of its strength the crumpling monster lifted its partially severed head from the cold ground. Taking a deep shuddering breath, the wolf parted its jaws and let loose a bone chilling alert howl; the sound piercing the night like an arrow.

The wolf’s head finally broke from its neck, a whimper escaped his lips as its head landed on the ground. The wolf’s eyes began to fade, the rest of its body beginning to tear apart, torn foliage ears perked as the last sound it heard before passing on was another timber wolf… it had heard the dying wolf’s alert howl and returned it. The pack would now be on high alert, they would be on the lookout for any intruders.

Autumn continued to walk through the forest, her ears rotating to try and listen for anypony wandering through woods or calling out for Tales. The only sounds that reached her thickly furred ears were crickets chirping, the hoots of owls, Tales breathing softly and the sound of the wind shifting through the branches that cast shadows over the moonlit ground. A wounded howl broke through the night shattering the peaceful night like cannon fire; Autumn and Tales jumped at the sound, it caused both of their coats to stand on end.

“W-what was that?” thought Autumn and Tales as both of their eyes widened in fear, Autumn’s ears twitched as she strained to listen for any other Timberwolves responding to the call. A stronger howl followed the dying wolf’s howl, and several more followed suit, the sound of Timberwolves filling the forest as if they were surrounded by them.

Autumn felt saliva build up in her mouth; gulping she tasted the iron of the blood still oozing into her fang filled mouth gagging at the taste. Shaking Autumn turned her head and saw that Tales had once again grown pale, a slight aura blinked over his horn as he instinctively tried to draw upon his magic to defend himself.

“W-why are they so close?” thought Autumn as she began to slowly back out of the area hoping that nothing had spotted them yet, fear froze the blood in her veins despite the intense fever that burned her body. Autumn lifted her head towards the sky and took a deep breath in through her nose scenting the air, the faded smell of rotting flesh and dried pine surrounded them. Autumn’s amber eyes flashed, narrowing as she looked carefully around them; there were signs that the path they were on was walked on frequently the grass was shorter and patches of it had been torn away by constant use.

“Horsefeathers,” muttered Autumn through gritted teeth, her fangs were longer flashing as she realized where they were “This might be a patrol route, part of the timber wolf’s territory… we have to get out of here,” thought Autumn frantically as she tried to calmly back out of the area, Tales looked at Autumn anxiously as he heard her curse through gritted teeth.

“A-Autumn are... are they close?” asked Tales, his voice shaking in fear of the predators that seemed to surround them on all sides, Autumn looked back with her amber eyes meeting his bright orange ones. Just as Autumn opened her muzzle the familiar sound of branches breaking caused her to snap her fanged mouth shut; Autumn turned her head towards the sound. Disbelief and fear took over Autumn’s face as her hackles rose in fear at what her eyes could see clearly lurking in the dark. The cornflower unicorn turned his head in the same direction that the sound of branches breaking had come from, Tales eyes snapped open in terror, his ears laying flat against his skull.

A sick green fog seemed to cover the ground causing the smell of rotting corpses to surround them. Autumn wrinkled her nose in disgust as the foul smelling fog seemed to mist and the scent seemed to cover both Tales and her fur; Tales started to cough and snorted trying to clear the smell from his own nose. Autumn lowered her body to the ground, spreading her hooves out she assumed a defensive stance; Autumn’s tail bristled and a deep growl escaped her snarling muzzle in a vain attempt to scare away the carnivores.

Three huge Timberwolves returned Autumn’s growl saliva foaming at the corners of their mouths; their toxic waste colored eyes narrowed at the ponies who had wandered into their territory. The largest of the wolves walked forward leading the other two as they began to stalk the two ponies; the other two were nearly identical save for notches in the left ear of one and the right ear of the other. Autumn snarled at the wolves that approached them, raising her head to show her fangs, her amber eyes turned bright burgundy startling the predators for a second, they felt as if they should be cautious of the strange pony-like creature.

“That’s right... back off you whimpering wood piles,” Autumn thought growling in her mind at the three wolves, her eyes flew across the area trying to look for a possible escape. Autumn’s narrowed eyes widened a fraction as she realized that the wolves were following her movement as they circled them. Taking advantage of that Autumn saw that there was just enough space between the wolf on her right and the ones behind her and to the left.

“If I can just get past them,” Autumn thought, firmly shifting her weight on her hooves she glanced at Tales nodding slightly as determined frown covered her still snarling muzzle. Tales questioning tangerine eyes followed Autumn’s blood red gaze to see what she was looking at; Tales saw the small opening and nodded his head in understanding, he wrapped his forehooves more tightly around her neck and braced himself against Autumn’s back.

Autumn lowered her body to the ground feeling a familiar energy fill her; the power flooded through Autumn’s entire body from her ears down to the tips of her hooves. Gasping the silver maned fillies blood red eyes sparkled as she faked running to the left startling the Timberwolves and causing them to charge towards her as she galloped in their direction. Just as the two creatures tried to snap their jaws around her neck and bushy silver tail, Autumn leapt out of their range, changing directions in less than a second.

The two wolves toxic eyes widened surprised at the female pony’s speed; their foliage covered brows rising their jaws met thin air, the wolves' paws continued to carry them in the direction they were running and before they could stop the creatures crashed into each other landing in an awkward wooden heap. The pack leader watched disbelief showing on its face at how fast this pony-creature had moved, shaking its massive head to clear its thoughts. The leader began to charge at the intruders turned prey.

Autumn’s hooves pounded against the grass and soil as she galloped as fast as she could away from the wolf’s territory. Autumn ran deeper into the wood line, her ears flicking back as she heard the pounding of eight huge wooden paws tearing apart the vegetation behind them. Autumn felt the adrenaline rush through her body, a familiar strength coming in her fear all Autumn could think of was getting Tales out of there, getting back home.

Autumn used this final thought as an anchor, something to focus on like her fight with Silver it was the only thing on her mind. Nothing else mattered and no creature would stop her as she heard her heart pounding in her ears, Autumn’s body ached and her jaw cracked as more blood slid down her throat.

Autumn felt as if she had been hit by the Ontaurio express train, her jaw throbbed painfully as she felt her growing fangs pierce far past her lips. Autumn’s eyes grew a darker red and she felt as if her hooves were beginning to crack as they struck the ground harder with every step.

“Just keep running, can’t stay here,” Autumn’s thoughts felt fuzzy. Her ears began to ring, she could not hear anything besides her own heartbeat pounding in her chest. Autumn felt an unbearable pain from behind her eyes, tears formed in the corners of her ruby eyes as she shook her head trying to clear it.

Tales glanced behind him, his orange eyes widening at the sight of two wolves still chasing them, looking back and forth he tried to think of a way to help them escape “Maybe I could blind them with a spell,” Tales thought hopefully. Tales flinched in pain as Autumn continued to run, he shoved his muzzle into her neck “Buck that hurts,” grumbled Tales feeling a shooting pain travel up his broken leg.

Before Tales could focus enough to cast the spell the timber wolf with a notch on its right ear burst out of the forest swiping a powerful paw at Autumn’s side, a sickening thud and the sound of tearing flesh was all the cornflower colt heard before he and Autumn were sent flying through the air. “AAAAARRRRGGGHH,” screamed Tales as he felt his leg pop as he tumbled head over hooves as the two ponies fell into what seemed to be a ditch. Tales rolled onto his side whining slightly as he finally came to a stop, Tales shook his head clearing his dark mane out of his eyes; lifting his head Tales dull orange eyes filled with despair as he saw that there were walls of dirt and stone walls surrounding them.

Tale's ears flicked to the right as he hurt a whimper similar to the timber wolf next to him, his face filled with concern as he saw Autumn laying in a heap a few feet away “Holy Celestia… AUTUMN! Are you ok?!” Tales asked his voice laced with worry as he struggled to use his forehooves to lift himself up and drag his injured leg behind him. Fear ran through Tales as he collapsed by his fallen friend, his trembling hoof rested on Autumn’s side waiting in terror and anticipation. Tales took a deep breath in relief as he felt that Autumn was still breathing, but the olive oil filly felt as if she was on fire compared to his chilled hooves.

Before Tales could try to wake Autumn, several howls startled the injured unicorn colt, his head snapped to the top of the depression as he saw three huge shadows blocking out the light of the moon. The pack of wolves snarled and barked in delight of the thought of fresh meat and they began to slowly climb down the side of the pit, dirt and rocks tumbling as they looked for a stable place to place their claws.

“Oh no,” Tales thought in anguish as he saw the enchanted creatures start to descend the wall looking at Autumn. Tales saw that she was unable to fight, in that moment his eyes that had been dull with exhaustion lit up like a flame as the resolve to fight to protect his friend filled him. Trembling Tales stood as best as he could; barely managing to support his weight on his good legs and Tales forced as much magic as he could to his horn. A golden yellow aura covered Tales' horn blinking on and off as he found enough strength to fire off an energy beam at the wolves, the beam missed but the spot it landed smoked, sending a silent threat to the predators. Three sets of poisonous jade eyes narrowed as they looked at the unicorn colt, Tale's mouth turned into a nasty snarl and he did his best to imitate Autumn’s fierce growl.

Two of the wolves glanced at their pack leader, the largest of the wolves turned its head looking down at the prey and grinned viciously as saliva began to drip down its jaws scenting the blood on the unicorn colt. The wolves began to climb down the ridge, snarling and snapping their jaws at the pony that had fired at them. Another blast hit the wolf with the notch in its right ear, shattering the timber wolf’s paw; it howled in pain, whimpering as it lapped at its collapsing limb with a leaf filled tongue. The pack leader and the other wolf’s eyes widened in shock as they turned their heads back to the unicorn, growls rumbling deep in their throats they backed away slightly, their leaf filled ears laying flat on their thick bark skulls.

Tales orange eyes blazed, despite his body trembling due to the pain and exhaustion. The determined unicorn colt lowered his head and neck spreading out his forehooves in a protective stance, his eyes looked over to see Autumn gasp for breath and her body shaking.

“I-I’ve got your back,” said Tales through gritted teeth... though he wasn’t sure if Autumn could hear him, his resolution growing stronger, the wolves surrounded them and began to climb down the walls all at once. Tales kneeled on the ground his horn barely blinking with his golden aura, taking a deep breath he placed a protective barrier around Autumn and himself.

Autumn gasped for air trying to fill her lungs as much as possible through the pain, blood red eyes snapped open her pupils shrinking to pinpoints as she glanced around rapidly, her vision growing blurrier by the second. Autumn’s body shook profusely, Autumn’s muscles began to spasm as if she were struck with an invisible lighting spell, her breathing became rapid and a sickening snap rattled the filly to her very core.

“AAaAaaaaahhhh…. RRARRRAAAAAH,” screamed Autumn, her voice becoming deeper as she screamed in pain, scaring Tales as his eyes looked at his suffering friend the first Timberwolf threw its weight at the barrier. The cornflower unicorn’s eyes snapped shut as it took all of his focus to keep the barrier up “H-hang on Autumn, please… our stories can’t end this way,” Tales muttered sadly his voice breaking as tears formed in the corner of his eyes.

Before any other creature could move again Autumn screamed in pain, startling Tales once more and freezing the Timberwolves in their tracks. The young storyteller could only watch in terror and fascination at what was happening to his friend.

Pain, blinding hot pain shot through Autumn’s body, agony filled the young filly causing her to contort her limbs just to ease any of the discomfort. The silver maned filly’s body bent in a way no pony’s would naturally, tears streaked Autumn’s muzzle as she continued to roll over on the cold soil. Autumn’s nose and jaw broke her skull fracturing and reforming as her body grew larger, her muscles flexing over her forehooves as they moved under her coat as if adding new tendons and muscles, the farm filly looked in horror as her front hooves began to split as if made of fragile bark. “W-what’s.. going on... what’s ha-happening…to me?” Autumn thought fearfully as much as she could through the pain.

“I-It feels like there’s something growing under my hooves....it HURTS so much, please.... for the love of Celestia... let this stop..” thought Autumn pitifully as she rose her right forehoof and banged the cracked bleeding hoof against a rock, watching as bloody claws and paw pads formed from the remainder of her hoof. Autumn tasted even more of her own blood as her fangs grew even larger, more fangs grew next to her original ones.

Some of fierce ivory daggers were more than four inches in length forming a terrifying set of flesh ripping jaws. Autumn’s tongue grew larger and flatter to fit in her growing mouth; her lips ripped, the tissue sealing forming a wider mouth than any equine, ironically Autumn’s mouth resembled the wolves that surrounded them. Autumn's flat nose lost more fur and began to form a unique pattern like most canines, her mane grew wild and thick blending into the fur of her neck and chest. Autumn’s ruby red eyes burned like the fires of Tartarus as her spine snapped like rotted wood going numb for a few seconds before a searing pain flowed through the olive oil filly.

“AAAAAAaAAHHH” Autumn screamed out as she struggled to breath, another sickening snap was heard as her ribs broke and expanded only to reform to accommodate a growing heart and lungs; her body continued to grow.

Autumn's hips snapped and reformed widening as if to support more weight. The olive oil fillies' rear hooves split in two forming two cloven hooves and a solid rough paw pad, and finally a sharp pain hit her plot as her tail seemed to extend farther allowing her to have more balance: her bushy tail becoming more than just the usual soft wild silver hair.

Autumn’s already thick coat grew thicker and more fur grew on her face, chest, ears and limbs giving her more protection in those areas and warming her shivering body.

Finally, the slithering writhing muscles that had torn and formed over the sudden additions and changes moved into place in a sickening yet satisfying way...the searing hot pain finally cooled and faded into a lukewarm ache… Autumn took a deep shuddering breath before collapsing to the ground. Her large clawed paws grasped at the grass and drew deep grooves into the earth as the creature Autumn had become shifted its body experimentally as if testing its powerful new limbs. The werepony sniffed at the air as it took in the welcome oxygen; the puffs of condensation resembled the smoke rising from the train at the Ontaurio City Station.

Tales moved as far away as he could from the terrifying creature that had taken form in place of his friend; Autumn was massive only slightly smaller than the timber wolves that had chased them here. Fear flooded through Tales and along with Autumn’s increased size his barrier collapsed around them, yellow shards rained around them as if a window had been shattered.

The injured timber wolf took the chance and leapt at the unicorn; Tales was too weak to move away from the foul-smelling fangs that were aimed at him. Shaking Tales closed his eyes preparing to meet his end given either by the creature next to him or behind him he wasn’t sure.

A sudden crack of hooves meeting wood rang out through the cavern, looking up in astonishment Tales witnessed two large cloven hooves bucking the attacking Timberwolf. The force of Autumn’s hooves broke the Timberwolves top jaw from its skull and the pine-filled predator flying up and away from the terrified unicorn.

The injured timber wolf gasped as the air was knocked out of its lungs, the cloven hooves cutting deep into its bark. Orange sap and sickly looking green saliva flew from the carniforis canines mouth as the Timberwolf struck the ground it’s head hitting a rock on impact. The Timberwolves toxic green eyes sputtered like a dying flashlight before it collapsed, it’s pack mates watched eyes wide.

Autumn turned her body as she came down from her pony minds go to defense, standing protectively over Tales. The werepony faced the remaining timberwolves, growling ... seeing the remaining Timbers turn menacingly towards her. Autumn parted her black lips bearing her fangs shining wet with blood and saliva. Autumn narrowed her eyes and opened her maw releasing a thunderous roar from her chest; saliva foamed at the corners of Autumn’s wide mouth and dripped from her piercing fangs as her verbal warning shook the night.

Tales' jaw dropped to the ground as he saw a fluffy olive oil furred chest standing above him; his eyes took on a questioning look as he spoke just above a whisper.
“A-Autumn is... a-are you still there?” asked the shocked unicorn. Autumn’s blood red eyes turned toward Tales as if to answer his question, a growl rumbled in her throat but it wasn’t directed at him.

Looking up Tales saw that the two remaining wolves were attempting to draw closer snapping their jaws at Autumn trying to get her to move. Autumn never faltered, she avoided the teeth aimed at her but continued to protect Tales... standing over him to prevent the predators from reaching him. She lowered her head snapping her own fangs at the Timberwolves, and taking swipes at them with her curved claws.

Seeing that they were cornered Autumn leapt at the wolves kicking up stones and dirt as she pushed off from the stone wall behind them, the claws on her front paws cutting grooves into the dirt and scratching up the stone as she charged. The newly transformed creature collided with the pack leader, the thud of a solid body mixed with the thud and whining creak of wood as Autumn drew her head back and sank her fangs deep into the timber wolf’s shoulder.

Turning her muscled neck, she tore out the thick bark and foliage that formed the limb, grinning in satisfaction as her fangs shredded the foliage away from the beast. The pack leader howled in pain as Autumn spat out the bitter branches and vines trying to protect her neck from the alpha timber wolf’s snapping jaws. Bright orange sap covered her lips as she tore once more into the wooden wolf... she continued to to dodge the wolf's attacks as she tried to grapple with the alpha to force it to the ground.

As Autumn wrestled with the leader the second timber wolf began to sneak behind her and move towards her back, the wolf lowered its body and opened its jaws in anticipation at drawing blood for its injured and fallen pack members. Tales saw the wolf and shook his head vehemently as if to tell fate that he would not accept what was happening.

“AUTUMN LOOK OUT!” shouted Tales as he sent the strongest blast he could manage at the second wolf. The brave unicorn’s turmeric eyes lost the light they held and became dull before they rolled into the back of his head. Tales watched helplessly as his vision faded into black giving the last of the access energy he had before he met the sweet embrace of unconsciousness.

The werepony jumped startled at the sound of the blast, a metallic burning smell hit her nose and her scarlet eyes went to that direction only to see the beta wolf approaching her. It was too late, before Autumn could toss the alpha and defend herself the beta struck out biting at the back of her left forepaw right near her elbow; its two long canines sinking deep into the flesh below her elbow. Roaring in pain the last of her adrenaline pumping; Autumn threw the wolf she was grappling with to the side grabbing it’s back paws she smashed it’s head on the ground. The timber latched harder onto Autumn’s foreleg as she flung the alpha like a straw rag doll; shifting her weight Autumn snatched her arm out of the beta wolf’s mouth her tissue tearing was she moved.

Two long lacerations oozed bright red blood all over the dirt floor, the young werepony gasped for air as she stood upright on two wobbly back hooves. Autumn’s massive body shook, and she felt as if she lost all the strength, she had gained a few seconds ago, falling back down to all fours she watched as the remaining wolf eyed her cautiously.

The werepony stood in front of Tales protectively growling low in her throat, she could not remember clearly why but she would not allow these creatures to take the small unicorn. “You will not take,” thought Autumn as her thickly furred ears lay flat against her skull, her hackles raised in a last silent threat.

Suddenly an unimaginable but a newly known pain ran through the wereponies body, as the massive creature began to transform back into an “earth pony”. Autumn groaned out in pain as she transformed back, her deep voice rose an octive becoming her own as she verbalized her pain. Despite having just been through a transformation it was still excruciating but was less painful than the first time had been.

All four of Autumn’s legs shook as she collapsed on the ground, her body crumbling into an exhausted olive oil heap. “W-What in Tartarus was that, w-what am I?” thought Autumn in fear and confusion at the events that had transpired her fear spiking as she saw the last wolf take on a satisfied smirk.

The olive oil fillies’ ears twitched at the sound of the final Timber wolf approaching her and Tales, Autumn struggled to get up, but she was too weak to stand. Panting with effort Autumn kneeled in front of her friend and bared her fangs at the timber wolf trying not to show her fear as the massive carnivore approached. The wind shifted through the tunnel and despite her best efforts the bittersweet smell of fruit mixed with Autumn leaves fought to brake her false bravado.

Autumn shut her eyes and opened them glancing at the silloutte of the mare in the moon... the lonesome mare seemed to gaze down at her regally a silent witness as the filly sent one last thought to her family “Sorry everypony… looks like we won’t be coming home,” tears started to form in the corners of her luminous amber eyes spilling over and staining her cheeks as the timber wolf leapt. In the background she swore she could hear a deep growling voice screaming her name, hooves and claws pounding against the ground coming closer as she began to lose consciousness.

Autumn’s eyes screwed shut as she prepared for the fangs to tear into her, she clutched onto Tales still standing over him so she would be the wolf’s first target. However the pain... the fangs never came; opening her tear soaked eyes Autumn saw a huge creature grab the timber wolf mid leap before it could touch her or Tales.

The creature stood upright on two tan cloven hooves, its silver fur glowing like an angel in the moonlight. The creature's thick black tail and thickly furred neck stood out in contrast as its muscled back bunched to throw a killing punch. The silver werepony spread its claws out before shoving its paw through the skull of the last timber wolf. Its massive paws and dagger like claws ripped out of the dead timber wolf with a sickening squelch as orange sap dripped from the creature’s paws and foreleg.

The creature howled up at the moon as if to scare off any other wolves in the area, snarling it turned and looked for any other threats before it lowered its lips covering its fangs, its hackles lowered and the growls that had rolled like thunder seemed to calm into a gentle hum.

Turning towards Tales and Autumn the creature fell to all fours and trotted quickly towards them. Kneeling over the small ponies the massive silver werepony picked them up as gently as possible in his massive paws, never scratching them with the razor-sharp spikes that adorned the end of his paw pads. As Autumn’s vision began to blur it faded to black as her body finally surrendered to its exhaustion. Autumn could not explain why she felt so safe, but she knew that whatever this creature was they were the same, he did not want to hurt her or Tales.

The last thing Autumn saw before she passed out were a familiar pair of golden eyes glowing at her, the warmth of a welcoming embrace and a familiar pine scent entering her nose.

Author's Note

And another chapter complete. :rainbowdetermined2: I hope you guys enjoy the new chapter and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I would like to thank those who have stuck with the story so far and I hope you will continue to enjoy future chapters.

This chapter has not been edited by RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile: yet due to their busy schedule. :ajsleepy: However, I hope despite this that it is still enjoyable. Please send good vibes to RandomGuy101 :pinkiehappy: and I hope you all have a great day. Cheers!:raritywink:

A Long Nights End

Chapter 8: A Long Nights End– Full Moon

The silhouette of the mare in the moon watched silently as a familiar creature covered distance faster than most ponies could ever hope to on hooves. The bitter wind whipped against the silver werepony’s body, soft thick fur guarding against cold, as the paw pads on his cloven hooves helped to silence his movements through the dense forest. The wild ebony tail of the massive bipedal creature helped him to stay balanced as he gracefully leapt over rocks and foliage landing as gently as he could to avoid jostling the precious cargo held in his arms. Thick condensation formed a vanishing string of fog that followed the creature with each breath the werepony took from his panting fanged mouth and wide flat nose.

Golden eyes scanned the valley, seeing as clearly in the darkness of night as anypony was able to see during the day. Thickly furred ears twitched listening for movement as the creature slowed, lifting its head slightly to scent the air. The cold air and elevation made it harder to decipher scents farther away, despite that they were unable to smell anything besides the stale scent of critters and ponies that had used the trails days ago. Sensing no immediate danger, Shadow slowed to a stop, breathing heavily his massive back and shoulders rose and fell steadily.

Shadows luminous amber eyes rested on the two ponies held gently in worn silver paws; Autumn and Tall Tales both exhausted and injured from the Timberwolves. Shadow's ears flicked back grazing his jet black mane, distress evident on his face. Shadow whimpered sounding as if he was the one injured, he took a cautionary sniff at the two ponies held in his grasp.

Shadow flinched at the memory, he had seen the deep lacerations on Autumn’s left forehoof and looked over the wound, it was mostly sealed pink skin taking the place of damaged tissue. The young unicorn had a broken leg, twisted hoof and both had various abrasions and contusions covering their bodies “No wonder, they’re both exhausted,” Shadow thought solemnly.

Not smelling any new blood, Shadow's gaze filled with guilt as he looked at his daughter “Autumn… I-I’m sorry..I’m so sorry little one... I thought we had more time. I should’ve been here when you needed me,” Golden eyes reflecting regret closed shut as the werepony shook his large head, his midnight black fur falling slightly into his eyes before he opened them again. “

You were very brave, but you are in SO much trouble when we return home,” Shadow thought pride and concern ran through him as he continued to run towards town.

Shadow took the small rest and lightly checked Tales condition more closely and noticed the improvised splint on the injured unicorn's leg “Did.. Autumn do that?” Shadow asked himself his voice deep and rough as his head shook in amazement.

As Shadow looked closely at his daughter he noticed something he hadn’t before…a flash of purple that was too dark to be a contusion. Curious Autumn’s father widened his arms cradling hold on his filly before his eyes rested on her flank, a crescent moon and broken monkshood plant adorned her flank, Autumn had finally earned her mark.

Drops of liquid pride formed in the wereponys bright amber eyes and he couldn’t help the fanged grin that turned the corners of his mouth slightly “Fighting Timbers, earning your mark.. finding and patching up your friend…I knew you’d make a formidable mare one day,” thought Shadow as he nuzzled his daughters head his eyes reflected a bit of sadness “We have to get you two home, everypony is worried,” said Shadow his voice holding warmth and concern for the no longer missing ponies.

Ending his short respite satisfied that the two ponies in his charge had no other injuries that he could treat, the silver male continued to charge down the trail, the sound of shaky breathing from his two charges encouraging Shadow to run even faster. Autumn’s father pulled the two ponies close to his chest as he bent his hind legs, lowering his body to prepare to leap over the rock shelf the two young ponies had climbed to escape the Timberwolves.

The cold wind rushed past the three ponies as they flew through the air, the chill caused Autumn and Tales to shiver as they subconsciously nuzzled Shadows thickly furred chest and arm searching for warmth. Landing as softly as he could manage Shadow heard a moan coming from the cornflower colt “Just hang on, it’s just a little farther…” the wereponys eyes narrowed filling with determination, a serious look covered his muzzle as he leaned forward running down the rarely used hiking trail heading back towards town.

Shadows eyes constantly scanned the forest, and his ears listened to the sounds of critters scurrying through the woods around them and the now steady breathing of the two ponies he carried. His molten metal eyes looked at the two ponies as he recalled how distraught Sugar and he were when they had seen Autumn was missing.

Sugar Beet had run out of the house calling for their sick filly, the panic on her face quickly changing to anger and determination to find their daughter. Shadow could barely convince her to wait for them in town before he began to track his wayward daughter. A deep frown formed on his face as Shadow recalled the scene he had come upon when he did find Autumn and Tall Tales, a sickening feeling causing his stomach to sink. “Thank Celestia… I got there in time,” thought Shadow as he thought of how his wife would have responded if she saw their cub in danger.

“I bet Sugar would’ve torn through those Timberwolves faster than you or I huh little one?” thought Shadow, chuckling slightly a small grin forming on his muzzle before it disappeared like his breath on the wind. Shadow continued his trek through the woods leaving the Timberwolf territories far behind as quickly as his hooves could carry them, kicking up clouds of dust in his wake.

The snap of branches breaking in the woods caused Shadow to slow to a stop, freezing in place, his ears swiveling as he scented the air. Stallions were nearby…four maybe five of them. ”The search party?” Shadow thought to himself hope spreading a welcoming warmth through his body... as the wind shifted the smell of death and furs followed closely behind it. Golden eyes widened and flashed as scarlet bled across the golden iris until they were the color of freshly shed blood, a deep menacing growl escaped Shadows lips as he pulled his daughter and her friend closer to his chest to protect them.

“Crypt Hunters...What are they doing here?” growled the silver werepony his voice dropping to a low whisper as his eyes scanned the forest. Recognizing the scent of one of the Stallions Shadows scarlet eyes narrowed. “Where have I scented that Stallion before?” mind reeling Shadow scented the air again looking down; he smelled the faint scent of the hunter on Tall Tales.

Horror covered Shadow's muzzle as a dark thought ran through his mind “One of them touched you… did they hurt you? Are they why you went missing?” Shadow shivered, feeling as if his blood froze in his veins. Rage slowly began to burn through Shadow, his shaking now caused by anger directed at the cowardly Stallion who possibly harmed this colt.

More branches broke nearby.. sounding closer than the last, Shadows head snapped up as his thickly furred ears strained to locate the new threat. The bitter stale scent of the pelt wearing stallions was stronger, almost surrounding them save for one side. The sounds of critters had stopped, the silence eerily quiet… the fur on the back of Shadows neck rose sensing danger was near but frustrated that he was unable to tell which direction it was coming from as it watched his every move.

A small mechanical click was heard before the sound of an arrow piercing the air rushed towards the werepony and his passengers. Shadow moved quickly dodging the deadly projectile as best as he could, moving the injured ponies he carried out of the arrows range, the arrow barely grazing his fur. “Buck, it moved!” whispered a stern voice as another round was loaded into a crossbow. Shadows heart pounded in his chest as he moved Tales into the same arm as Autumn as carefully and as quickly as possible before running on three legs towards the thick foliage.

“Don’t let it get away Quick Shot!” shouted another Stallion anger lacing his voice as he spoke. The sound of hooves could be heard breaking through the forest, eyes moving quickly. Shadow realized that he wasn’t too far from town. “Too many to fight, if I can just make it to town we’ll be safe; too many witnesses for these cowards,” thought the silver werepony adrenaline running through his body.

Not paying attention, another arrow flew towards Shadow cutting across his shoulder leaving a laceration an inch deep; the round had barely missed his neck as it stuck into the soil. Shadows scarlet eyes widened farther as drops of blood oozed out of the wound leaving a trail behind as it stained his mane and neck. Shadows cloven hooves and clawed paw pounded against the ground as he pushed his body to go faster, his protective instincts driving him to protect the ponies in his arms. Shadow pulled Autumn and Tales closer to his thickly furred chest doing all he could to shield them with his body, growling at the pain that burned in his shoulder.

“They’re trying to push me, make me run where they want me,” Shadow thought as his eyes continued to scan the environment his scarlet eyes flashed as he saw several ursa traps covered in leaves and grass ahead of him. The area was surrounded by old oak and pine trees their thick branches interlacing with each other as they blocked out the light of the moon.

Shadow grinned as he realized what the Hunters had planned: “Alright if it’s traps you want it’s traps you’ll get,” growled out Shadow as he leaped over the ursa traps, grabbing onto a low hanging branch his claws found purchase. “GGRrrrraaah,” growled Shadow as he pulled himself and adolescent ponies up and out of harm's way.

Climbing over the trap covered area using the thick branches to support their weight, Shadow leapt from tree to tree avoiding the metal jaws below. Pausing for a second, Shadow gently placed Tales and Autumn behind cover.

Returning to the trap laced tunnel, Shadow moved two of the traps towards the exit at the end of the path, being careful not to disturb the camouflage on them. The sound of hooves pounded against the path closely behind Shadow, his eyes narrowed as the silver werepony gently picked up Tales and Autumn and continued to run. Shadows' ears flicked back as a sickening snap was heard, the crackle of bones breaking and the scent of fear and blood filled the air.

“AAAAAHHHH...BUCK.. MY.. BUCKING HOOF!!!” the stallion who seemed to be named Quick Shot shouted. One of the other three Stallions stopped to try and pull their comrade free from the bone crushing trap, a smug grin broke out across Shadow's muzzle at being able to slow down two of the Hunters.

The shadow of a Pegasus flying far overhead broke Shadows short celebration, looking up Shadow saw a pink mare wearing an orange vest flying in the direction of town. Shadows scarlet eyes lit up, tilting his head back he scented the air; the scent of multiple ponies and nylon vests assaulted his nostrils. Thickly furred silver ears perked up standing out against his black mane as Shadow nearly howled in triumph; the sound of ponies moving through the forest, and the names of the two missing ponies could be heard faintly despite the thundering sound of galloping hooves behind them.

Turning towards the sound of possible help Shadow saw the shadow of another Pegasi flying above him carrying something, a curious look took over the wereponys face as he once again turned his gaze to the sky. Shadow's pupils shrunk in surprise before his eyes snapped back to the path as he tried to quick stop and change directions. A deep growl tumbled through Shadow's chest, sounding like thunder as he rotated his body and dug his claws into the ground to head towards the galloping stallions.

Shadow saw a clearing nearby surrounded by dense trees and bushes, perking his ears he heard the nearby river. Changing direction slightly Shadow made sure to duck behind cover for a few minutes protecting him from view of the Pegasus. Finding an anclove of bushes near the clearing Shadow hid Autumn and Tales in the brush, taking his paw and gently petting his daughter's wild mane as he looked at her sadly with his own golden eyes. “Two sisters… please keep them safe,” thought Shadow as he looked to the sky before he ran back into the view of the flying hunter heading for the clearing to draw the hunters to him.

The Pegasus wore an old guards helm adorned with fangs from his kills; a stark contrast to his dark onyx coat that stood out against the rich lavender night sky. Shadow could see the sneer on the Pegasus muzzle turn into a fierce grin as the stallion's wings pumped effortlessly propelling them forward; the hunter tilted his wings to perform a sharp enough turn to follow the werepony as the beast came back into view.

Moving as silently as a barn owl the hunter's wings evened out into a glide; the Pegasus rose the weighted net that they held in their hooves and flew slightly ahead of the monster below to trap it effectively. “I wonder who’ll call dibs on its pelt…maybe we’ll sell it or send it to The Pit; this ones got fight in ‘em. We’d make good bits either way,” thought Malstrom as the thought caused his cruel grin to widen.

Malstroms cold sea green eyes tracked the huge silver monster, noticing that it ran on three legs the hunter rose a brow in mild surprise “Guess Shot was able to hit that ugly brute,” thought Malstrom as he noticed the werepony begin to slow as he entered a clearing near a rushing river. “Perfect,” thought Malstrom as he barked a malicious laugh “Ha!”; he took his chance and threw the net over the huge beast.

Shadow's eyes never left the Pegasus and just as the airborne hunter released the net the gray werepony gathered all the strength he could manage and lunged dodging the net at the last second. Panting in exhaustion sweat dripped from his brow as his vision began to blur, shaking it off Shadow rose his head to see the last two hunters emerge from the foliage just ahead of them.

Two earth pony stallions were revealed; a mountain of a stallion with a tan coat and deep purple mane stared daggers in Shadows direction, scars shining in the moonlight. The tan stallions' dark blue eyes held nothing but hatred and satisfaction from the hunt, his were the color of deep water, the kind that surrounded ponies as they drowned. A huge dagger laced with a sickly green liquid held tightly in his grinning maw, the stallion pawed at the ground and snorted his disgust as he gazed at Shadow steam leaving his mouth and nostrils giving him a threatening look.

The second stallion was smaller than the tan one his coat was a Smokey purple color, his muzzle was covered in dark grey stubble, and he wore a leathery scaled pelt that hid his cutie mark. His wine colored eyes held nothing but hatred and disgust as they met Shadow's scarlet eyes. All of the males froze as they gazed at each other refusing to move at first, the Pegasus hovered farther back behind Shadow.

Shadows heart pounded as he snarled at the hunters that surrounded him, baring his fangs in a silent warning. As the stallions around him lowered their bodies to charge at him, Shadow moved his back hoof slightly, feeling the corner of the weighted net. An idea ran through the silver wereponys head, his eyes focused on the hunters “It’s a chance,” thought Shadow as he risked a glance in the direction of Autumn and Tales feeling his resolve strengthen.

As soon the wind had settled the trio of hunters made their move as one they began to charge at Shadow blades drawn and snarls on their muzzles. Shadow stood up on his two back hooves quickly kicking up the net, grabbing it in his front fore paws moving faster than any Wonderbolt; he turned his body in a tight circle swinging the net watching as it hit his mark, tangling the two stallions who were unable to avoid the snare. The two stallions fell struggling to stand in the weighted net, the river rushed just behind them.

“That’s two,” thought Shadow as he heard the sound of wings cutting the air closing the distance behind him. “How dare you, you freak! I’ll wear your fangs as a necklace,” threatened the Pegasus as he flew towards Shadow with outstretched hooves. Shadows eyes widened as he lowered his body close to the ground, narrowly missing the rage filled Pegasus; as Malstrom noticed that he’d missed his target he turned just in time to see two cloven hooves barreling towards his face.

The force of the blow rattled the flying hunter to his bones and he lost consciousness as he flew through the air flying directly into the two surprised hunters that had been scrambling near the river. The inertia caused all three stallions to fall into the rushing water, washing them downstream farther into the mountains, the tan stallion cursing at Shadow as his shouting was drowned out by the torrent of the river. “And that’s three,” thought Shadow panting as the adrenaline began to run its last laps through his body.

Exhausted Shadow couldn’t help but smile as he watched the threat get farther away from him and his family, though he knew they may return the feeling of victory that ran through him filled him to the brim. Shadow lost himself to his instincts for a moment and took a deep breath; muzzle pointed at the sky, he closed his now amber eyes, opening his fanged mouth his lips forming an o as he let out a victorious cry “AAAAAAAWWWWOOOOOOO!”

Shadow lowered his head and snorted towards the river before he returned to the enclavev to retrieve his daughter and the young storyteller. Gathering Autumn and Tales in his arms Shadow walked quickly towards town, his mate, and his home.

The howl pierced the night, traveling up to twenty miles away the barest echo of the call could be heard in the town square. While the ponies in the search parties and running the recovery tent muttered in panic, thinking a Timberwolf may pose a threat to the lost colt and filly, Sugar Beet’s ears perked as she recognized the sound.

“S-Shadow?” Sugar Beet whispered to nopony in particular as she lifted her head, using her forehoof she used her bandana to wipe the residual tears from her eyes. “Did ya find ‘em love? A-Are ya all safe?” thought the elderberry farm mare as she worried for Autumn, her friend and her mate.

As if fate was answering Sugar, a huge commotion broke out over the crowd as the shape of a wounded Shadow Snare came into view; Autumn and Tales placed carefully on his back as he was quickly bombarded by relieved rescue ponies. Medic ponies dawned in white vests with red crosses ran up to the large wheat farmer with medical bags and litters in tow, professional looks covering their muzzles as they assessed the stallion carefully and took the young ponies off of him. The Medical ponies treated the injured ponies asking Shadow multiple questions to gain a medical history.

As Sugar Beets emerald eyes met Shadows glowing amber ones relief flooded her body as she saw that her mate and daughter were home and safe. Ignoring the crowd, Sugar galloped towards her mate and daughter, pushing some of the ponies out of her way as she threw her hooves around Shadow's neck, nuzzling him before noticing a sticky substance on her forehoof.

Taking a breath through her nose Sugars stomach sank as she recognized the metallic scent of blood, her eyes snapped open in concern as she saw the laceration on her mate's shoulder. “Sweet Celestia! Shadow wha’ happened?” asked Suger her voice, shaking as she saw the injuries Tales and Autumn had.

The unnatural twist in Tales back hoof caused Sugar to be hit with a nauseous feeling; she covered her mouth with her hoof to silence the gasp and to keep the bile from escaping her throat. “Oh my stars… tha poor colt,” thought the elderberry mare as she saw how pale the unicorn colt that was a true friend to her daughter was. Tears made there way to the corners of Sugars emerald eyes as she shook her head, her ears pinned back as she saw the worry on Tales parents as they approached the area to see their son.

Sugar and Shadow watched sympatheticly as the medics quickly assessed Tales looking for any unseen hemmorage, after they established his airway and ensured he had a pulse the medics quickly assessed he leg. A maroon colored stallion worked on replacing the imporovised splint with SAM splints, while a pale green unicorn with a short cut pink mane placed an IV line with warm fluids in the unicorn colts hoof and covered the pale colt in a wool blanket before working together with the other medic to load Tales into the ambulance.

Two adult unicorns followed closely behind the mare's eyes, leaking tears as she fussed over their child comforted by her mate's hoof on her withers; the stallion looked over towards Shadow and Sugar nodding as gratitude filled his eyes.

Surprised by the action Shadow grinned warmly, his fangs showing slightly from one father to another and returned the nod. “Looks like your friend is going to be ok little one,” thought the silver stallion as his gaze looked over his steadily breathing daughter.

Both of Autumn's parents watched as a yellow earth pony medic with spiky orange mane took a set of vitals and performed an exam to triage the olive oil fillies' injuries. Sugar watched carefully a shot of fear and anxiety running through her as a look of surprise took over the medics face. Shadow noticed his mate beginning to shake as they watched their filly being examined, he took his hoof and wrapped it around her hoping to bring her some comfort. The medic double checked his equipment and performed his exam a second time both wheat farmers grew tense, holding their breath as they waited for the Medics findings.

The Medic turned to look at Shadow and Sugar a measured look on his face as he took a deep breath “By some Celestia given miracle she seems to only be exhausted, save for a few abrasions, contusions and a worrying lump on her head. She needs fluids and bed rest but other than that she should be ok,” said the astounded medic. Sugar Beet and Shadow both took breaths of relief at hearing their daughters condition.

“We’re going to take her to the hospital for observation but she should be good to return home after a few days,” said the medic as they loaded Autumn up into a second ambulance cart. Sugar grasped Autumn’s hoof in her own as she sat on her haunches in the ambulance a shaky smile covering her muzzle “Now you go on an’ rest sweet pea, yer father an I are right here. An we’re gonna stay right here until you wake up,” said Sugar as she lovingly nuzzled her daughter tears , escaping her eyes and landing on Autumn's flat nose.

Shadow watched as his wife consoled their sleeping filly and nuzzled his wife, rubbing his check against her moist one. “We’ll be right there waiting for you little one,” said Shadow, his usually strong voice breaking slightly as he saw his energetic daughter laying still. Sugar's tears tickled Autumn's nose and a small almost silent groan was heard causing both Shadow and Sugar Beet to sit up in surprise as both sets of ears strained to confirm what they’d heard.

To the adults' surprise Shadow and Sugar saw their fillies' tired amber eyes crack open; a deep tired sigh escaped the olive oil filly as she began to take in her surroundings. “M..mm..mom? D..dad what happened?” asked Autumn her voice straining her volume was barely above a whisper. Autumn’s whole body flinched as she tried to sit up; her body felt like she went several rounds with the boxing champ of Yakyakistan and she had a wicked headache. Despite all this she quickly looked around trying to find somepony “T..Tales?” asked Autumn her words slurring slightly as she struggled to stay awake.

Shadow and Sugar smiled at their daughter before Sugar answered Autumns question “He’s safe sugar, ya both are,” Autumn’s mother said happily as a warm smile covered her face and the light reached her emerald eyes. Her hoof lovingly grazed over her daughters wild silver mane and rested on her cheek.

Nodding Autumn's eyes closed again as she sighed in relief, as the filly blacked out all she felt was warmth in the darkness. Her family was here, Tales and her were safe… and for now that was enough.

Author's Note

Edited: Another chapter finished :twilightsmile: not edited yet by RandomGuy101 :pinkiehappy: so please excuse my grammar :derpytongue2: Another thing I wanted to note is for those who take the time to read this story and are sticking with it... Thank you so much, you guys are awesome! :rainbowdetermined2: And I would love to hear any thoughts you guys have, especially if it can improve this story or if you just have something to share. Here’s hoping you’re all doing well cheers! :twilightsmile:

Fight or Flight

Chapter 9: Fight or Flight – Waning Gibbous

The Grand Junction Hospital of Bray Valley was no stranger to treating patients from all walks of life; whether ponies had minor injuries, moderate illnesses or needed immediate treatment for trauma they could receive the care they need from the medical ponies on staff there. The large brown and tan building looked over the town square from a large hill, the glow from the hospital doors and windows made the intimidating building seem like a more welcoming place; a large mosaic of a Pegasus carrying a red cross brandishing the side of the building distinguished the hospital from the rest of the town. The normally peaceful clinic had turned into an organized hive of medical pony’s moving in a beautiful synchronized dance of chaos as they received the two adolescent ponies that had been recovered from the rarely traveled Razorback trail.

The young unicorn colt was rapidly taken by team one to the emergency room for evaluation, x-ray and to operate on the fractured right leg. Tall Tale's right leg was severely damaged; the doctors worked quickly to treat the open compound fracture in the colt’s tibia, and the oblique fracture in the first phalanx. Serious looks covered the muzzles of the nurses and surgeons as they worked feverishly to save the colt’s leg; meanwhile Autumn was taken to a separate wing to receive treatment before being moved to observation.

As night turned into day the chaos faded and a sense of calm came over the hospital as Tall Tales was removed from surgery, as the colt was moved into a room to allow for visitors a satisfied but tired smile came over Doctor Manner’s muzzle. As the champagne colored unicorn stallion walked the familiar hallway leading the waiting room, he felt a sense of accomplishment and happiness come over him as he prepared himself to address the cornflower colt’s parents. A sea green aura covered his horn as Doctor Manner carried Tall Tales chart reviewing the information before he walked up to the two weary adult unicorns awaiting the news of their son’s condition.

Rising Legend sat with his hoof over Sweet Sonnet’s withers as they sat side by side comforting each other; they were not yet aware of Doctor Manners presence in the nearly abandoned waiting room. Legend’s dull dark gray coat was a stark contrast to his wife’s much livelier pale raspberry coat, his neatly combed mane was a pale yellow with gray highlights that seemed to be covering more of his mane due to the stress they had experienced today. Legends normally bright turmeric eyes were drained of most of the life they usually carried with them, as he looked down at his wife with exhausted eyes Legend nuzzled Sonnet hoping to bring his mare some form of comfort to aid her through these trying events.

Sweet Sonnet’s cyan eyes were red and puffy due to shedding tears into the early morning; turning her head she looked past her tousled mid-length cornflower mane into the eyes of her husband. Sonnet smiled tiredly but appreciation for Legend’s efforts were clearly reflected in her face and a small timid smile upturned her lips as she feebly returned her stallion's nuzzle.

Doctor Manners eyes softened, and he smiled at the sign of affection between the loving parents. However, Doctor Manner knew he still had a job to do and thank Celestia this report would be one of the good ones. Lifting his hoof to his mouth Doctor Manner loudly cleared his throat causing both Legend and Sonnet to jump in slight surprise, at the unicorn that had seemingly appeared out of thin air.

Tales parents released each other from their brief embrace and both unicorns stood as gracefully as they could manage on all four hooves to greet the respected stallion. Legend stood as straight as he could manage and stuck out his hoof offering to give a hoof shake to Doctor Manner in greeting; seeing the gesture Doctor Manner gripped Legends dark gray hoof and gave the fellow stallion’s hoof a firm shake before he began to address the parents once again.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Bard… My name is Doctor Bedside Manner; I worked on the surgical team that treated your son… ‘Tall Tales’ is that right?” asked Doctor Manner as he looked for confirmation that he had the right patient before giving his report.

“Yes Sir, Tall Tales is our son… p-please… Doctor Manner, i-is our son… wi-will he be o-ok?” asked Sonnet, her voice timid and breaking, her cyan eyes were sad yet hopeful as she looked toward the medical pony who looked at her kindly. Legend nodded his head as if he wanted to support his wife’s question, Legend looked at Doctor Manner a serious look covering his muzzle, his dull gray body becoming guarded as he prepared himself to hear the news, whatever it may be.

“Tall Tales right leg was severely damaged from what we could only guess as a fall based on the angle of the fracture; we had to work quickly to treat the open compound fracture in the colt’s tibia, and the oblique fracture in the first phalanx. Normally these injuries are quite severe for any pony, much less a colt only thirteen years of age,” Doctor Manner watched as horror filled the parents' faces, his eyes widened and thinking quickly he continued his report before Legend or Sonnet could continue their panic.

“Thankfully, your son received care for his injuries in the form of an improvised splint, this kept any more damage from occurring in the leg and prevented any additional internal hemorrhage. After an extensive surgery we were able to reconstruct most of the tibia and reform the fractured phalanx straightening his crooked hoof. Because of this we were able to save his leg,” said Doctor Manner, his voice staying level as he saw relief and happiness fill Sonnet’s and Legend's eyes, grateful smiles covering both of their muzzles.

A soft smile appeared on Doctor Manner’s muzzle as he continued his report “It will take time for Tales to heal completely and with physical therapy the odds are good that the colt may be able to walk again. However, he may have a slight limp, or his leg will be weaker than the others later in life. But your colt Tall Tales is a fighter, and we will do our best to care for him until he is ready to return home; he should be able to return in three to four weeks, with regular appointments of course,” Doctor Manner finished his report and watched as Legend hugged his wife happily as Sonnet trembled her legs becoming weak before she sat on her haunches relief seemed to radiate from both unicorns as they received the news.

“Thank Celestia…my baby is going to be ok,” thought Sonnet as she brought a hoof to her eyes attempting to wipe away tears of happiness. Sweet Sonnet sat a little straighter as she returned her husband’s embrace, a shaky smile on her lips, she kissed his cheek multiple times, her tears soaking his dark fur. Releasing Legend from her embrace she backed away slightly and looked up to the sky sending her silent thanks to whatever greater force may be listening.

Despite feeling the cool chill from the combination of his mate’s tears wetting the side of his face and the hospital's air conditioning, the happiness that warmed Legend from his very core only grew as he felt Sonnets lips against his face before she backed away slightly. Legend was the first to recover, tears of joy in the corner of his turmeric eyes, he turned to Doctor Manner and reached to shake his hoof more strength in the dark grey unicorns shake this time “Th-Thank you so much Doctor Manner, for everything,” Legend said his voice thick with emotion as he smiled appreciatively at the medical stallion.

“Of course, Mr. Bard no thanks necessary,” Doctor Manner began to walk away before another thought ran through his mind and the champagne unicorn couldn’t help but reflect softly to himself “though I do hope that filly wakes up soon. I’d like to complement her work, she may make for a fine nurse someday,” chuckling Doctor Manner, walking away the satisfaction of another job being completed spread through him as he turned to go to his office. He had charts to finish after all, though in his distraction Doctor Manner missed the thoughtful looks that overcame Legend and Sonnet as they watched him walk through the hospital’s double doors.

Just as they glanced up a familiar elderberry mare was walking by, heading in the direction of the hospital’s cafeteria, her own body reflecting her exhaustion, Sugar Beet moved slower than usual however it seemed like she held her head slightly higher as she passed the surprised unicorns. Sugar Beet’s emerald eyes focused on the path in front of her, but a small smile on her muzzle betrayed that she had heard what Doctor Manner had said. A small bit of pride reflected in Sugar’s tired eyes as she continued her journey to retrieve the life-giving nectar that was coffee.

Legend’s bright orange eyes widened and jumping slightly the dark grey unicorn scrambled to stand upright and walk towards the elderberry earth mare. Just as Legend had opened his muzzle to call out to Sugar Beet, Sonnet had already beaten him to the punch as she had stood and quickly approached the matriarch of the Moon family.

“Mrs. Moon! Mrs. Moon, p-please wait,” said Sonnet her eyes wide as she galloped to catch the farm mare, the sound of Sweet Sonnet’s hooves hitting the linoleum floors caused Sugar to look up in slight surprise at the pale raspberry unicorn mare who had called out to her. A weary but warm smile covered the wheat farmer's muzzle as Sugar stopped walking to face the pale raspberry unicorn who was approaching her with a semi-frantic look on her face.

“Well Howdy there Missus Bard, how can ah help ya,” said Sugar Beet, her voice warm with kindness, her emerald eyes reflecting the warmth in her voice as she reached out a friendly hoof to Sonnet in the hope of calming the unicorn mare. Sweet Sonnet looked at Sugar Beet with a grateful look taking over her muzzle, though ironically the Bray Valley’s resident poet seemed to be at a loss of words as her mouth opened and shut as the unicorn mare thought of what she had wanted to say to Sugar Beet. Sonnet jumped slightly as Sugar tapped softly on her right wither and continued to speak.

“Ah couldn’t help but overhear, Ah’m glad that Tale’s will be aright’ yer colts a good an’ loyal friend, an I know Autumn will be happier than a pig in mud to hear tha he’s gonna be ok,” Sugar saw that her words had caused the corners of the raspberry unicorns lips to turn upward and wanting to assure the mare farther Sugar continued “ Now ya listen ta me, Yer colt’s a good one, stronger than an oak an a heart more golden than tha wheat we grow. He’ll be up on all four hooves quicker than a Wonderbolt with freshly preened wings, jus ya watch,” said Sugar encouragingly, her eyes glossy as she saw tears begin to form in Sonnet’s cyan eyes.

Taking a breath, Sonnet reached her left hoof up and wiped her eyes clear of tears, a thankful look overcame Sonnet’s face as she looked at the kind elderberry mare “Yes… Legend and I are s o relieved…But that is not what I wanted to say… I wanted to thank you, and your family. If your daughter hadn’t splinted Tales leg… If your husband had not found them. I feel like this story would have had a much sadder ending,” Sonnet’s cyan eyes narrowed as the thought of what could have happened caused her ears to flick back and she looked down slightly shaking her head in defiance of the bitter thoughts. Sonnet lifted her head once again to look once more at Sugar Beet, hopeful that her words had been received well by the strong earth pony mare. Sonnet’s eyes widened in surprise as Sugar Beet pulled her into a comforting hug, nuzzling the fellow mother softly in order to comfort her and accept the unicorn’s thanks.

Pulling away Sugar watched as a much happier Legend came to stand next to his mate and place a hoof over her withers once more “Autumn has always been a good friend to Tales, she’s a good filly. If you ever need help, the Bard’s will be there. Please, thank Shadow and Autumn for us, will you?” asked Legend hopefully warmth returning to his turmeric eyes.

Sugar Beet looked into the stallion’s eyes and saw the same kindness and strength she saw in the young unicorn colt who had stood by her daughter, smiling her ears flicked back in bashfulness “Thank ya kindly, both of ya… I’ll tell ‘em everythin ya tol me, sure as sugar. Ya’ll take care now, an give tha colt o yers our best,” said Sugar, a kind smile still on her muzzle as returned to her previous quest to retrieve coffee for herself and Shadow from the cafeteria. “I just hope we won’t need to ask for your help so soon,” thought Sugar Beet as a serious look took over her muzzle.

Shadow Snare sat in one of the hospital's uncomfortable arm chairs, his unruly onyx tail draped over the side of the chair flowing onto the cold linoleum floor twitching in irritation; his amber eyes focused on his sleeping daughter’s form as she slept. The familiar sound of Autumn snoring and the steady beat of her heart on the vitals monitor filled the otherwise silent hospital room with some form of noise to break the monotony that had come as the day turned into night once more. Shadow took a deep breath through his nose scenting the stale cleanliness of lemon cleaner, linoleum floors, plastic and metal mixed with the bitter scent of illness that most hospitals carried; another reminder of where Shadow and his family were.

An unsettled look crossed Shadow’s face as his thoughts raced, going over the events of the night that had led his family and himself here, “Those stallions were Crypt Hunters… there’s no doubt about it. But what are they even doing here! I thought most of disappeared after the Onyx Act was put in place to prevent those atrocities from occurring...,” Shadow shook his head snorting as the very thought of that sad chapter of cryptid history past through his mind.

“If those bastards are here, we’re all in danger…and if they’re showing their ugly mugs in town there’s no telling what they’ll do to Autumn or Sugar if they find out about them. There’s no telling how many colt’s, fillies or families will be at risk if they’re back… how many will disappear, how many will suffer... how many of them may still be out there hiding,” thought Shadow angerly, his upper lip curled exposing his fangs as a deep growl escaped his broad chest. The mere thought of those sorry excuses for stallions threatening his family, causing them harm filled him with rage and hatred.

Shadow’s eyes flashed blood red as he narrowed them in defiance of the horrible images his traitorous mind had conjured, his breathing became more rapid and his entire body tensed. Shadow’s thickly furred ears twitched as the sound of bed springs creaking broke his train of thought, glancing at the source of the sound his scarlet eyes rested on Autumn as she moved in her sleep. Shadow Snare closed his eyes and calmed his breathing, feeling his heart rate decrease Shadow opened his eyes gradually as they turned from a bright scarlet color back into their warm familiar amber.

“I won’t let that happen, not while I’m breathing,” Shadow nodded his head slightly and returned his gaze to Autumn. “I won’t let them hurt you or your mother, little one, I promise,” Shadow’s face softened as he made his silent vow. The sound of hooves echoed throughout the hallway as doctors and nurses made their rounds, checking on the other mares and stallions who found themselves under their care, the sounds of a hospital coming to life filled the hospital as the night shift retired for the day.

Shadow’s ears flipped back as the door behind him opened, scenting the air he smelled a familiar sweet wildflower scent that calmed him even farther combined with the strong bitter scent of cheap hospital coffee. As Shadow’s golden eyes rested on Sugar Beet softly walking into the room carrying a container with two cups of steaming coffee in her mouth, a fatigued yet loving smile covered his muzzle as the silver stallion went to help his mate. “Welcome back love…here let me take some of that off your hooves,” said Shadow, his rumbling voice making a grateful smile form on Sugar Beets face as he took the container with his powerful jaws.

Shadow took the container from his wife and brought it to the small table next to Autumn’s bed, once it was settled, he took one of the cups in his hooves and presented it to his wife. Sugar sat on her haunches and took the cup from her mate, a peaceful smile growing on her lips.

“Thank ya hon,” said Sugar as she glanced at the life giving brown liquid, Sugar’s face took on a contemplative look as she rotated the cup in her hooves, adding sugar to the bitter fluid before she continued “I ran in ta Tall Tale’s folks, they wanted ta thank Autumn an ya for savin’ their colt,” Shadow snorted a warm grin forming on his muzzle as he shook his head slightly before he took a sip from his own Styrofoam cup.

Sugar wrapped her curly olive oil tail with Shadow’s wild onyx tail as she glanced at her mate her emerald eyes filled with love and pride as she continued “I overheard tha Doctor, he said that the colt will make a full recovery, thanks ta Autumn’s quick thinkin’ with the splint,” Sugar watched as Shadow looked at her before smiling at their sleeping daughter across the room happy to see her husband’s mood lift she continued “Our filly really is somethin,” said Sugar the pride in her voice growing more prominent as her emerald eyes gazed at their daughter lovingly.

“Yes… She certainly is,” said Shadow, his voice reflective as he moved to sit closer to his mate, wrapping his tail tighter around Sugar’s. Shadow rubbed his silver coat against Sugar’s warm elderberry one as he moved into a comfortable position. Shadow gazed at Sugar lovingly before he rubbed his cheek against Sugar's; a soft moan escaped his lips as he bumped his nose against hers before he gazed at their daughter, her silver mane almost glowing in light of the sun. “She must have gotten all that cleverness from her mother,” said Shadow chuckling as his wife’s bright green eyes narrowed playfully before she bumped his muscled shoulder.

Sugar giggled as Shadow exaggerated how much force she had used to push against him, the silver stallion pretended to fall for a second before he gently placed his massive unshorn hoof over her more delicate one squeezing it comfortingly. Sugar Beet watched carefully as that second of levity that they had shared faded; Sugar noticed as the happiness that had been on her mate’s face disappeared along with it.

A worried yet curious look came over Sugars face as she watched Shadow’s mood change before her eyes “Hon, ya never did tell me wha happened out there,” Sugar said gently her voice holding a question as she looked at her mate with love, as her eyes looked slowly at the gash in his shoulder she touched the area gently with her hoof.

Shadow flinched slightly, the frown forming on his lips marred a deeper trench on his muzzle; Shadow’s body grew tense, his onyx tail bristled, and his amber eyes burned as if he were facing an enemy Sugar could not see. Sugar watched patiently as Shadow drew in a deep breath sighing deeply, the silver stallion turned his face towards Sugar a mix of despair and anger clear on his face as Shadow gripped her small hoof harder as if to draw enough strength to tell Sugar what he had encountered on his mission to find Autumn and Tales. Shadow's eyes snapped shut as he shook his head, his amber eyes opening slightly as he looked up in despair of what his family would now have to face.

“I never wanted this… I never wanted to bring any more trouble into our lives love… and here we are again. Because of what I am… ponies want to destroy me and everything I care for... Everything we care for, and anypony…This is going to be Tartarus… but I swear Sugar I’ll protect us,” Shadow looked at Autumn before turning his determined amber gaze towards Sugar “I’ll protect our family,” thought Shadow, some of the tension leaving his body.

Looking into his mate's loving emerald eyes Shadow felt nothing but support and strength exuding from Sugar Beet; he nodded slowly as he looked back at Autumn watching to see if their daughter would hear what he was about to tell her mother. Shadow’s thickly furred ears perked listening for any signs that they were not speaking privately, hearing a pair of hooves pause at their door. Shadow's suspicion faded after the hooves continued to walk down the hall.

The metallic brimstone smell of magic permeated the air but the silver werepony passed it off as a unicorn on the medical staff conducting his duties. Hearing no changes in the adolescent fillies breathing or movement he felt safe to tell the strong mare the whole story including the monsters that were hiding in the open among them.

Shadow calmly told Sugar of all the events that led up to them being in the hospital with their daughter, he told Sugar of Autumn’s quick thinking with the splint…of how it seemed that Autumn had fended off a pack of Timberwolves to protect Tales before he arrived to fight off the last Timberwolf and finally of how they had found their way out of Razorback trail. Sugar Beet’s face took on a terrified look as Shadow told the story and she would look over at Autumn in disbelief as he told her as much as he could of their daughter’s epic adventure. Shadow knew that despite his wife being distressed he had yet to drop the proverbial horseshoe “The Timberwolves weren’t the only threats out there, I was seen by Crypt Hunters, they took a shot at me,” Shadow said his voice tinted with anger as he growled out the name of the cruel stallions that had pursued him.

Sugars emerald eyes nearly flew from their sockets as horror and realization covered her face “Di-Did they see ya shift sugar? Did…,” Sugar’s voice broke off as she fearfully glanced at Autumn before her emerald eyes returned to Shadow’s face “Did they see ya carryin Autumn an Tales?” Sugar Beet asked warily her voice shaking despite her best effort to appear unaffected by the news. Shadow’s head lowered as he shook his head silently answering his scared mates’ question, Sugar could not help the small amount of relief that his answer gave her.

“No love, I was already shifted when I fought off the last Timber… and I managed to keep the unicorn colt and Autumn tucked close to my chest as I ran. I don’t think they saw Autumn or Tales before I hid them in some nearby bushes before I faced the cowards head on,” said Shadow, his voice grave and steady as he reviewed his memory looking for any way he could have given away his family's location forfeiting their safety. Finding none he looked at Sugar before he continued to recount his encounter with the infamous “hunters” seeing her face take on a serious look as she absorbed the information her husband had given her.

“How many were there?” asked Sugar Beet her voice just barely above a whisper as she asked the question that had been bothering her since she knew that these brutal murderous ponies were out there waiting to kill her husband and daughter. Sugar took a deep breath as she looked at Shadow, nothing but seriousness consuming her face as she sat up straighter waiting to hear how many of these brutes were running loose in Bray Valley.

“No more than five, all of them stallions. One earth pony with scars across his muzzle, along with three other stallions and one pegasus that seemed like he had more feathers in his head than brains. I managed to get one of the bastards to run into an Ursa trap, and trapped the other four in a net floating down river,” Shadow said seriously, though the silver stallion couldn’t help chuckling at the memory of the angry looks on their faces as they were washed plot over heads down river. Shadow flinched as Sugar’s deadpan look killed any of the remaining laughter he had about the deadly hunters that had nearly taken his head off with a crossbow.

Sugar took a deep breath and an understanding look took over her face; her burning emerald eyes softened at seeing her husband shrink from her gaze. Sugar Beet closed the distance between her and Shadow Snare getting close she nuzzled her stallion’s cheek before resting her head underneath his chin. Sugar Beet closed her eyes as she took this moment to comfort Shadow and listen to the powerful sound of his heart as it beat steadily against his thickly furred chest, reminding her that he was still there… he was safe and this familiar sound provided the elderberry mare comfort in its own right.

“Thank the Two Sisters that he’s ok,” Sugar cracked her eyes open and looked at Autumn “they both are,” thought Sugar a small smile finding its way on her muzzle as Shadow rose his hooves to hold her “But if we ain’t careful we may not be alright fer long, we need ta come up wit a plan before those rotten no good snakes in tha grass catch hide o’ hair o where we are,” Sugar thought pessimistically as her smile ran away from her lips being replaced by a straight line as she voiced her thoughts to Shadow.

“So, what are we gonna do now sugar? We can’t just sit here like a steering wheel on a mule waitin for those piles o horseapples to show up at the farm wit their knives achin fer ya’lls pelts,” Sugar shuttered in disgust as her mind seemed to betray her and created a colorful image of a sadistic stallion wearing her husband or fillies coat like a sick trophy.

Shadow rubbed his hoof up and down Sugars toned back and breathed in her scent as he sighed, worried about his wife’s valid fear. “We may have to leave the farm for a while…maybe we could find work at Golden Wave acres in Baltimare or maybe set up in Griffenstone. I’ve heard that the griffons are in dire need of good quality flour,” Shadow’s voice sounded like he was asking Sugar for her approval as he spoke trying to sound hopeful despite the gravity of their situation. Sugar Beet nodded her approval of her husband’s thought process and her silence seemed to allow Shadow to continue.

“Do you think you could get your cousin Buck Wheat and his family to look after our farm while we’re gone?” asked Shadow his voice grim as the thought of leaving their home filled him with a necessary sorrow. Sugar's emerald eyes held sorrow and seemed to be calculating before she sighed deeply, pulling away from Shadow; Sugar looked into Shadow’s amber eyes before she nodded softly.

“Cousin Buck was one o’ tha few of tha family tha didn’t disown us… I’ll send ‘im a letter as soon as the sun’s up, it’ll take a few days ta reach im though an at least a month ‘fore they’d be ready to leave,” said Sugar her voice becoming more steady as she entered business mare mode, trying her best outline how long their plans would take. Shadow nodded in understanding and as Autumn stirred once more in her sleep Sugar and Shadow grew silent.

“As soon as Autumn can go home… We have to tell her, she has to know love,” said Shadow as he spoke evenly with his golden amber eyes looking sadly at his wife. Shadow's eyes went to the floor as he sighed closing his eyes hoping that Autumn would not be more traumatized by what she was about to learn. The massive silver stallion flinched in surprise as he felt a loving hoof cup his cheek and his glowing amber eyes snapped open as he raised his head to look at Sugar Beets loving face. Shadow smiled lovingly at his mate and placed his hoof over hers, rubbing his cheek against the bottom of her hoof.

“We’ll do it together sugar, no matter wha happens,” said Sugar as she bumped her nose against Shadows' broader flat one. Shadows eyes reflected nothing but love and appreciation for the strong mare who was his mate, just as he opened his muzzle to return Sugar Beet’s sentiment a tired groan startled the two earth ponies. Shadow and Sugar turned their heads to look at the source of the groan, relief and happiness flooding their features as they saw their daughter’s eyes open.

“Uuuughh… Mo-Mom... Dad,” Autumn moaned out her voice rough due to having a dry mouth. Shadow and Sugar stood and walked over to their filly tears of happiness escaping the corners of their eyes and bright smiles on their faces, hearing their daughters voice once filled them both with relief. Autumn’s thickly furred ears twitched as they picked up the sound of her parents hooves coming towards her, and the dull glazed look that covered her eyes began to fade as her vision became more clear the light coming back into her amber eyes.

“Welcome back hon,” said Sugar Beet, her voice shaking slightly as she placed her hoof gently on Autumn’s wild silver forelock brushing back her daughter’s unruly mane to see her daughter’s lively amber eyes. Sugar Beet smiled lovingly at her filly as Autumn grinned at her and Shadow, Autumn’s own smaller fangs poking past her lips as she saw that her parents were there waiting on her. Sugar’s smile grew larger when she noticed that her daughters’ wild tail had begun to wag, thumping against the hospital mattress and the thin but warm blankets.

“Thanks Mom,” said Autumn, her rough voice gaining more volume as she became more conscious a guilty look came over her face as she looked between her mother and father; Autumn’s eyes widened in surprise as she realized that she was in a hospital. Autumn’s ears lay flat against her ears as her memories caught up with her horror and panic soon flooded the adolescent fillys face; shaking the olive oil filly jumped up and flinched as a sharp aching pain ran up her left foreleg.

Shadow and Sugar both watched in concern as Autumn rose her shaking left forehoof up and saw the two newly healed scars on the back of her left foreleg, appearing bright pink against her olive oil colored fur.

Autumn gasped as she felt the scars and her head shook in disbelief, her heart monitor began beeping more rapidly as she realized that the events of the night might have been more than a fever driven nightmare.
“M-Mom… D-Dad… I think I might be a m-monster,” Autumn’s voice broke pitifully as tears began to pour from her glowing amber eyes, the young wheat farmer turned away from her parents lowering her head in shame as she wept. Sugar Beet and Shadow reacted as if they had been slapped, their ears lay flat against their heads as they looked at each other before they went to comfort their poor filly.

Warm loving elderberry and silver hooves embraced Autumn as her small body shook with heart wrenching sobs; Autumn cried until her body refused to give her any more tears, exhausted her voice ragged she became silent and rolled over allowing the setting sun and the comforting whispers of her mother to lure her back to sleep.

The dark silhouette of a skinny male unicorn snuck away from the hospital just as Celestia’s sun began to set, grinning maliciously at the information he had overheard from the room that held that deformed filly and her ugly brute of a father. “I wonder what somepony may pay for this information,” said the cruel pony as he walked away smiling at the thought of the bits he could make if he gave this information to the right ponies… or maybe just one in particular. Heading into town the stallion turned towards home to rest before he went out to find a buyer.

Miles away from the center of town the Black Hoof river had turned from raging rapids to a calm flow. The calming sounds of nature could be heard; the rivers current slowed as it curved against the rocks near the coast the sound of the water serenely running was suddenly broken as the sound of angry yells broke the peace. A blue jay jumped in surprise and watched from the safety of a tree as a massive tan stallion with scars running down his muzzle pulled himself out of the river, the stallion screamed up at the sky startling the bird. The large stallions' rough rage filled yell echoed throughout the forest startling various animals and causing them to run from the source, nature grew silent around them.

Author's Note

Sorry for being a little late on this chapter :ajsleepy: I've been working late shifts doing medical coverage in the middle of no where so of course no computer. However, I hope you all enjoy the newest chapter and I hope you will continue to enjoy new chapters as they release. :twilightsmile:

This has not been edited by RandomGuy101 :pinkiesmile: yet so please excuse my grammer. :derpytongue2:

Until next time... Cheers!

Legends Hold a Seed of Truth

Chapter 10: Legends Hold a Seed of Truth – Waxing Crescent

As the sun crested over the mountains the sky began to fill with rich purples and oranges filling the crisp morning with the promise of another day, the light from the suns determined rays fell onto the side of Grand Junction Hospital causing the building to cast a shadow like a silent guardian of the ponies that lived in the town below.

Autumn watched silently as her parents quickly gathered what little they had brought to the hospital and packed them into their saddle bags as they prepared to return home. Dr. Manner had told them that she had healed what little injuries she had sustained “miraculously fast” and Autumn, Shadow, and Sugar were told that she would be cleared for release.

Autumn’s head was lowered, her ears lay flat against her head brushing against her silver mane as she grimaced as she recalled the words the medical stallion had used. “I’m a lucky filly huh?” thought Autumn as she shakily lifted her right hoof up to her ear, Autumn’s depressed eyes squinted in slight pain as she felt the absence of what had once resided there. Autumn moved towards the door of her hospital room as she numbly helped her father and mother pack before moving out of the much faster moving pony’s way.

"Am I really… I’m not so sure,” thought Autumn as she sat on her haunches lifting up her hoof, she looked in slight disgust before placing it on the cold linoleum floor. As Autumn looked up, she caught her reflection in the glass of a nearby medical cabinet, her ears rose as she looked curiously at the “pony” that stared back. Autumn’s fuzzy ears had been shaved down, her wild silver mane had been cut shorter and styled more neatly, and even her tail was combed and cut shorter.

However, Autumn’s small fangs managed to barely show past her pouting lips and her wider nose along with her shorter mane cut almost made her look almost like a teenage stallion. Sitting on her haunches Autumn’s golden eyes looked towards the large silver stallion that she knew to be her father as he packed the last of the supplies they had brought with them to the hospital into his saddlebags. Shadow had received similar treatment from Sugar Beet, his silver ears were shaved, and his mane and tail trimmed.

“Guess not,” Autumn said her hollow voice barely above a whisper as she watched her father as he moved about; Autumn’s mind wandered to the night that had led to all this, her memories only coming in flashes as she shook her head trying to clear the fog that plagued her mind. Autumn snorted as she shook her head; Autumn failed to notice as her mother gently approached her, an understanding look on the elderberry mare’s muzzle as Sugar Beet strained her lips, lifting them into a small smile.

“Ya ready ta go sweet pea?” asked Sugar Beet her voice kind but holding a hint of sadness; her emerald eyes warm as she walked up to Autumn nuzzling her slightly. Sugar Beet watched as Autumn’s body spasmed her eyes flickering as the filly tried to have her mind come back to Equestria.

“AH!” gasped Autumn as she flinched at her mother’s touch, her amber eyes widening as she met her mother’s gaze. Autumn shook off her momentary surprise and nodded “Yes Mom,” said Autumn as her mother as she watched her father approach them Shadow’s hoof steps strong and steady, Autumn couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her as her parents stood beside her support oozing from them as they looked at her. Autumn felt stronger than she had in the last few days.

“Pony or not… my mom and dad...we have each other,” thought Autumn tears started to fill her eyes and her lips lifted slightly exposing her fangs. Shadow Snare and Sugar Beet noticed Autumn’s tears and embraced her, nuzzling their filly lovingly before they all smiled at each other standing to leave and face the world together.

Autumn’s tail wagged slightly as they walked down the hallway, she held her head higher despite her ears feeling cold from the lack of fur and looked at the numbers of the rooms as she walked with her family. Noticing where they were Autumn’s eyes lit up a bit more, a hopeful joy filled her as the idea ran through her head. Looking up Autumn noticed her mother and father seemed distracted; troubled looks covered their faces as they walked their smiles faded. Autumn cleared her throat hoping that maybe she could take their minds off of what was troubling them for a second, Sugar and Shadow jumped slightly in surprise and looked towards her, their ears poised to listen to what she had to say.

“Mom, Dad… would it be alright if we saw Tales before we leave?” asked Autumn cautiously as she pawed at the ground, she lowered her ears and tried her best to use her “puppy dog” eyes. Autumn’s go to manipulation was less bright and she could not help but feel a small bit of dread as she saw the blank looks on their faces. Autumn's father seemed to be contemplating her request when her mother put a hoof over his, causing Shadow to look at Sugar her face calm and questioning as if to ask him what the harm could be in letting Autumn see her friend.

Sugar Beet and Shadow Snare looked at each other before smiling softly at each other and turned their heads towards Autumn. Sugar Beet nodded her head quickly towards Shadow as if to confirm what they had silently agreed upon. Shadow sighed slightly as his amber eyes met Autumn’s own golden eyes.

“Of course, we can little one, but we have to be quick,” the smile fled from his muzzle as he looked away from her, not quite meeting her amber gaze. “We still have a lot to talk about when… when we get home,” said Shadow solemnly. Autumn watched as her father’s ears seemed to tilt back as he realized what he had not meant to say a scowl forming on his muzzle angry, seemingly angry at himself.

Autumn’s smile faded slightly as reality reared its face once again, “I guess I’ll finally get my answers... Maybe Tales won’t want to see me after all,” Autumn’s eyes widened at the thought and she shook her head slightly before she nodded at her father, Autumn turned to look back at her friends door as her parents left her walking a short distance away to get permission from the hospital staff to visit the injured unicorn colt.

As Autumn stood there looking at the wood and metal door, she couldn’t help but feel as if the world had gone silent and the door seemed to stretch high above her to the point where pegasi would have to look out for the new obstacle. Autumn’s sharp hearing seemed to fail her as the sounds around her became muffled, her heart pounded in her chest and for some reason her hooves began to shake.

“Wh-what if he remembers… What if Tales is afraid of me? Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea; I think my mouth moved faster than my brain” Autumn’s eyes started to dart in different directions, the fur on her hackles rose as her breathing became rapid. Autumn felt her hooves shake, the hard surface of the sanitary linoleum floors clicking as she felt as if the whole hospital was spinning faster than a Pegasus in a tornado. Autumn tried to take deep breaths through her nose, but the mixed scents of hospital cleaners, illness, blood, and even stale bittersweet smell of fear did little to calm her down.

Autumn felt nauseous… feeling a massive headache she shut her eyes. A dull pain filled Autumn’s mouth and she couldn’t keep her eyes hidden from the bright lights of the hospital any longer; Autumn looked seeing her warped reflection in the silver handle that led to Tales room. Autumn’s mouth opened in distress and horror as she saw that her eyes had turned deep scarlet, her fangs now showed past her lips no matter how much she tried to hide them or will them to shrink and the fur on her ears seemed to be thicker showing a shadow of her old tufts of fur despite it having been cut less than two days ago.

“N-no! this can’t be real...not now... not here,” said Autumn her whispers pleading to anypony who was listening as she began to back away shaking her head slowly back and forth the hospital door opened. Autumn’s scarlet eyes flew to look at the pony that was now staring at her from a seated wheelchair, his leg supported and in a cast as he sat, Tales was sitting there being pushed by his mother, a pegasus nurse following closely behind her. Autumn’s mouth opened and closed like a fish on land as her mind blanked on what to say to the two mares who looked at her in surprise and the cornflower colt who’s turmeric eyes widened as he saw her suddenly in front of him.

Autumn took a breath and tried to straighten up as she shyly smiled at her long-time friend hoping that her initial fears were wrong as Autumn breathed in through her nose the fresh smell of rotting fruit met her nostrils. Autumn’s head snapped up as she sniffed, not caring if anypony saw her, Autumn’s eyes widened, and sadness filled them as she saw where the smell of fear was coming from.

Tales had pushed himself as far back as he could in his chair to get away from Autumn, his body shaking as he tried in vain to mask his fear. Autumn watched as Tales switched from being unable to look at her and staring at her as if she were about to eat him. Autumn’s scarlet eyes faded back into her amber color shining over with unfallen tears as she covered her mouth, and lowered her posture wishing with all her heart that she could disappear.

“Th-this was a mistake,” Autumn thought as she backed farther away, her tail between her legs as she backed away feeling as if she had been struck. Autumn turned her face away, she felt hollow and nausea filled her mouth with bile. Autumn risked a glance at Tall Tales as if to confirm what she had just seen was not a hallucination.

To Autumn’s despair it wasn’t an illusion conjured up by her anxious mind. Though Tales was no longer scrambling to get away he watched her cautiously, his face a mix of curiosity as he stared at her, his eyes hard and steadfast as they seemed to see right through Autumn; he knew what she was. Autumn felt as if a small part of her heart had broken just as his mother had noticed who was in front of them.

“Well if it isn’t Autumn, are you here to see- Tales sweety what’s wrong you look as if you’ve seen a ghost?” asked Sonnet turning her attention away from the young mare in front of her and towards her son who looked as if he was facing a creature he had never seen before instead of a friend.

Autumn looked back to Tall Tale’s mother her ears twitching as the pleasant mare’s voice reached her ears and try as she might Autumn couldn’t seem to meet the raspberry unicorn’s friendly gaze. As her amber eyes finally fell on Sweet Sonnet and Tales they shined with unshed tears, Autumn’s hoof fell from her mouth as she tried to steady her breath. The olive oil werepony turned her gaze to Tales before she spoke a sad smile on her lips, she watched as the expressions of the ponies in front of her filled with concern all except for one.

“Yes Ma’am, but I... I have to go,” said Autumn, her voice breaking as she ran. Autumn saw her parents in front of her and ran past them just hoping that they would follow. Autumn didn’t see that Tales face had softened as she spoke to his mother, she failed to see the regret as it filled the young unicorn as he realized he had been a horrible friend.

“A-Autumn wait,” Tales cried out, but his voice fell on deaf ears. The cornflower colt had seen how his impulsive reaction impacted Autumn and his ears fell flat against his skull as he stuck out his hoof as if trying to apologize but it was too late. “I-I’m sorry..” said Tall Tales, his voice cracked as he spoke.

“I couldn’t help it I-I just remembered her tearing into those Timberwolves… her fangs and her claws,” Tales shivered as his mind played out a terrifying array of memories; Autumn’s body morphing into a huge monster, her slashing and clawing at the Timberwolves. Glowing red eyes like fire flashing and huge ivory teeth ripping the creatures apart easily with her strong jaws, Autumn roaring in pain, her face a mix of pony and canine agony as her cry shook the ground as he lost consciousness from the pain from his shattered leg.

Tales ignored his mother as she tried to speak to him, just shrugging as she questioned what had happened. Tales felt hollow as he looked at his new cast, his mind finally remembering what it should have thought of instead of unwarranted fear.

“S-she did it to save me. Autumn protected me, w-why why did I act like that?” thought Tales as his head met his chest, he shook it in shame remembering how he had acted towards Autumn and muttered repeated apologies to the friend that he may have lost due to him being afraid of what he didn’t understand.

Night had fallen once again in Bray Valley, the soft glow of the crescent moon giving the Moon Family’s Farm a cool glow. Inside the walls of the old farmhouse Sugar, Shadow and Autumn sat at the table in a somber silence, the dining room that had usually been filled with the warmth of a loving family seemed to have lost the comforting aura that it usually carried.

A few hours ago, Autumn had run into the barn, Red the rooster saw his owner and followed the distraught filly. The large rooster seemed to sense the filly’s unhappiness and settled down next to Autumn to comfort her as she wept. Sugar Beet and Shadow found her nestled into the hay bales on the second floor when they had finally caught up to her.

Shadow had tried his best to talk to Autumn, but she refused to look at him burying herself under what was left of her silver tail, disheartened his wife placed a sympathetic hoof on his shoulder. Hours marched by steadily and eventually Autumn calmed down slowly coming to terms with what had happened. With some soothing words from her mother and aided by the hungry fillies growling stomach Autumn was coaxed out from underneath her tail and joined her parents for a meal that Sugar Beet quickly made for them.

To Shadow’s great relief they had not seen hide nor hair of the Hunters around town as they rapidly returned to their farm. Shadow sat at the table staring at the dinner Sugar Beet had prepared for them getting cold as time seemed to be passing by painfully for the three ponies sitting there. Shadow’s eyes held nothing but sorrow and a bit of self-loathing as he thought of the trouble he was causing those he loved because of what he was, Autumn had told them what had happened when she had seen Tall Tales and his heart sank.

“Based off the fact that we haven’t been run out of town either the colt hasn’t told anypony or they just don’t have reason to believe him. It sounds like he saw Autumn shift, not only that he remembers everything! If he says the wrong thing too soon, we may not have time to run or defend ourselves,” thought Shadow as he lifted his fork a piece of shredded lettuce to his mouth. A serious frown covered his face as he looked between his filly and mate; his amber eyes seeming dimmer than they usually would be.

Seeing that the rest of his family and himself had finished their meal Shadow stood taking the plates from the table motioning covertly to Sugar Beet to stay with Autumn so he could tell her what she needed to know. Shadow took a deep breath and sighed, sounding as if he had built an entire castle in one day, his withers slumped as he leaned against the counter before walking back to the dining table.

Shadow turned his attention to the two mares that mattered most in his life; affection reflected in his amber eyes. Shadow couldn’t help but feel protective of his family but seeing the concern on his daughter’s face and the supportive look from Sugar Beet he felt like they would make it past this piece of Tartarus in their lives. Shadow took a seat next to his mate moving his shorter tail out of the way and grasped Sugar Beets hoof, feeling her squeeze his in return the silver stallion felt that he would be able to do this.

“Autumn, my little one…my daughter. I am proud of you, of the mare that you are becoming and you need to know that I never wanted you to find out about what you and I are this way,” said Shadow, his voice shaking as he tried to ease into what he was going to be discussing. A regretful grimace turned into a grateful smile as she saw a small smile begin to grow on Autumn’s face; Sugar squeezed his massive hoof with her fetlock before backing up his statement.

“Yer father’s right sugar, prouder than a pegasus wit’ peacock feathers,” said Sugar Beet her emerald eyes reflecting the love she had for her daughter, tears forming in the corner of her eyes. Sugar took her green bandana decorated with flowers, and sugar beets with her hoof and gently dabbed at the tears that threatened to flow from her eyes. Autumn’s smile wobbled as tears formed in the corners of her tawny eyes, she puffed out her slightly less fluffy chest in pride as she took a steadying breath.

“You’ve grown like a stalk o’ wheat, wit’ a heart twice as golden. Ya saved yer friend, ya came back home and I wan’ ya to know that no matter wha’ we both love ya with all our hearts an we’ll be wit’ ya every hoof step,” said Sugar Beet her voice loving and reassuring before she glanced at Shadow Snare resolve filling her eyes as she told her daughter that her parents would be there for her.

Shadow felt tears burning in his eyes threatening to fall as he leaned over and placed a loving kiss on his beautiful mare’s cheek, his onyx tail wagging slightly as he backed away looking at Sugar Beet his eyes never leaving hers. Shadow watched as tints of light pink touched his wife’s cheeks, and a true smile finally grew on his muzzle as Sugar Beet and himself looked at their daughter who was looking at them with genuine happiness shining through the darkness that had taken over her eyes when she had first returned home.

Shadow watched as Autumn took a deep breath, her ears lifting from her head as she looked at her hooves before her face lifted up from looking at the old farmhouse floor. Autumn’s shining eyes moving between him and Sugar Beet. “I-I’m… glad,” said the young mare as she looked back towards her father before she continued.

“But that’s not all is it? Mom, Dad I have to know… what am I” asked Autumn her voice breaking slightly as she spoke; she watched the smiles on her parents' faces dim into more serious looks. The pain of seeing their smiles leave their faces seemed to cause the young mare to flinch in her seat.

Shadow stood slowly as he shook his head, his shortened mane no longer falling in his eyes as he rose a dead serious look overtook his muzzle. Shadow flexed his hooves, and cracked his neck sighing in relief at the familiar pleasure the act brought; Shadow Snare looked meaningfully at Sugar Beet and released the elderberry mares hoof slowly as he walked to the center of the living room.

“It’s time, Autumn needs to see me…realize this part of her,” thought Shadow as he felt his little one’s eyes following him as he moved. Shadow looked at his wife and Sugar Beet nodded so minutely that any other pony would have missed it, seeming to know what Shadow Snare was planning to do.

Shadow cautiously perked his ears listening for any possible sounds of interlopers on their land, hearing nothing but the sound of crickets and the noises of their livestock settling in for the night. Shadow rose his muzzle to the air and took a deep breath through his nose scenting the air and finding nothing he felt assured that he could go through with his next course of action.

“Sometimes... Creatures need to see something to believe in it little one,” said Shadow as he watched as his daughter’s eyes continued to follow him as he turned to face the mares in front of him. Shadow took a deep breath as he began to shift, an intense pain ran through his body like an old friend. Shadow’s fur grew thicker as his eyes turned bright scarlet, his jaw broke snapping like a rotted branch before reforming five inch fangs sprouting from his mouth as he breathed deeply, clenching the muscles in his barrel to aid the transformation.

Shadow looked up his crimson eyes falling on Sugar Beet and Autumn as he shifted, his mate and daughter kept him grounded, they were his anchor. Autumn watched in stunned silence, her hooves covering her mouth as she breathed wincing as if she could feel what her father was experiencing despite her body not being the one that was going through the metamorphosis.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there when you went through this little one,” thought the large silver werepony as he understood the possible emotions Autumn was experiencing. Shadow’s body grew larger, the sound of his ribs breaking filled the air with deep popping sounds. Taking a deep breath the silver werepony felt as his vital organs grew to fit in his expanding body; Shadow turned his head as best as he could and focused on his family. Shadow knew that keeping his mind focused on that kept the pain from consuming him, from the beast taking over. Shadow Snare fell to the faded wood floor as he breathed deeply, contracting and relaxing his muscles as he continued to shift.

“Sweet Celestia…Dad!” Autumn gasped her voice raising as she stood trying to move to comfort her father. Shadow shook his massive head holding out a hoof to stop her, so she wouldn’t be too close as he transformed. He would never hurt either members of his family but even with years of experience shifting sometimes it would take a minute for the adrenaline pumping through his system to fade enough where he could think more clearly.

“N-no little one… it's ok, I-I’ll be fine just stay,” Shadow’s rough voice sounded even more abrasive, going from a rumbling thunder to a volcano erupting, earth cracking and large rocks crashing to the ground. Shadow Snare tried to steady his breathing, his bright red eyes meeting his daughters concerned amber ones; he smiled as reassuringly as he could as his bleeding lips sealed themselves. Blood caked his silver coat staining his lower jaw a deep burgundy color, some areas a dark brown as they clotted to his fur.

Autumn seemed conflicted as if she wanted to disobey her father and rush to comfort him, but a steadying look from Sugar Beet and a nod caused the filly to sit next to her mother to watch the rest of the transformation. Sugar took a hoof and wrapped it around their daughter’s withers as they sat silently, Autumn closing her eyes as she saw her father’s bones fracture and reform. His already massive muscles squirming like snakes as new tendons and ligaments formed on the torn tissue before settling into place. Though Autumn had transformed before, she was delirious with fever, and unlike last time she could hear the sickening sounds of tissue tearing and bones breaking underneath her father’s pelt, sometimes it became too much and the filly had to look away.

Shadow Snares muscular chest expanded, and his hips fractured shortly after his spine had broken and reformed to allow him to walk bipedally, the large werepony gasped as his hooves shattered like tempered glass and his claws and paw pads emerged. Finally his fur grew thicker and tufts of fur formed on his elbows and what was left of is mane seemed to blend into the fur on his muscular neck.

Sugar Beet’s emerald eyes never left Shadow as she watched her mate transform, it was nothing new to the strong farm mare. Sugar Beet knew what kind of creature her mate was but her daughter was new to all this and she would be there for Autumn. Sugar Beet flinched slightly when she knew the painful breaks were coming, the elderberry mare never liked to see the ones she loved in pain but there was nothing she could do but be there for Shadow and comfort him after he was finished. Finally, Shadow’s tail grew longer, and his rear hooves split in two adorned by rough paw pads; the large silver werepony breathes were shallow at first growing deeper.

Shadow’s eyes flashed red as he shakily stood, on all four limbs, his claws leaving small scratches in the faded paint of the floor as he rose. Shadow felt as if he had fought twenty-five of Celestia’s guards single hoofed.

“The muscle pain will fade,” Shadow thought assuring himself as he braced himself, the werepony shook his body out like a wet canine as his muscles finished moving into place. Shadow stood on two hooves using his tail to steady himself, the toes on his cloven hooves spread as they supported his weight.

The large silver werepony had to squat slightly in order to keep his head low enough to meet his family’s eyes. Shadow felt as if his heart was pounding out of his chest, his lungs burning for oxygen as he took deeper breaths trying to lower his heart rate.

Looking down Shadow closed his eyes and tried to focus on his anchor, memories of Sugar and him falling in love, Autumn being born, him holding her in his hooves for the first time, all the memories he had of his loving family came to him in an instant. The scent of wildflowers, and the calming fall and apple scent of his daughter mixed with the salty smell of sweat helped him to stay grounded.

Shadow opened his eyes, the scarlet eyes filled with warmth and affection as they reverted back to his rich amber color; he couldn’t help but the small grin that grew on his face at the sight of his beautiful mate and daughter that made his life worth living the only thing that made it better was seeing the relief flood both of their faces.

Shadow snorted his nose puffing a warm burst of air before he turned to address the awestruck filly that bared his heritage. “We as a species have gone by many names throughout pony kinds' history little one. We went from feared warriors written in ancient texts, to creatures of folklore shortly after we had come into existence,” Shadow’s eyes seemed to grow sad as he said this, but he shook his head and continued.

“Ponies called us by different names when they saw one of the few of us that were left..after,” Shadows voice trailed off as if not wanting to remember that painful part of their heritage but also realizing that he had to keep his story on track.

“Didn’t Autumn mention that her unicorn friend was a storyteller… if we can ever meet under better circumstances I bet he could give me some pointers,” thought Shadow as he cleared his throat watching as his wife and daughter listened attentively to what he was telling them.

“The ancient pegasi called us lukanthropos, the Nhorse called us ulfheoinn, and the Native ponies and buffalo of Vanhoover called us Loup-garou. All these different cultures gathered what they had heard about us from what little was left recording us and we became creatures of legend… wereponies, Cannis Equus,” said Shadow, his voice becoming stronger as he watched as Autumn and his wife were being taken in by the story.

“Many ponies don’t know that those scraps of text or ancient drawings were of flesh and blood creatures, ones that were once ponies just like them but some of us could still assume their form” Shadow flexed his claws, his paw pads forming fists before he lowered himself down to his haunches. Shadow paused as he watched Autumn’s eyes widen as she looked between herself and her transformed father, an unreadable expression taking over her face.

“So I-I’m a w-werepony?” asked Autumn her voice a broken whisper as her eyes filled with more questions turned towards Shadow and came to rest on her mother. Sugar Beet looked at Shadow and her ears lowered slightly as slight discomfort crossed her features.

“Well not quite sweet pea, ya see yer par’ werepony but yer also part pony. More than mos’ other wereponies, yer special,” said Sugar as she nuzzled her daughter. Autumn’s ears flipped back to lay flat against her head as if she had a hard time believing what her mother was trying to tell her.

Shadow slowly shifted back into his pony form drawing both mares attention, though the process was still painful it was much less so than when he initially shifted into his much larger form. His amber eyes moved from Autumn to Sugar Beet as both mares’ heads moved downwards as he shrunk keeping their eyes in line with his face. Only after Shadow had shifted back into a silver stallion did he continue his story.

“Autumn, have… have you ever heard of the Celestial war?” asked Shadow Snare as he looked earnestly at his daughter hoping that she may have heard of the event. Autumn’s face scrunched and her nose wrinkled as she contemplated what she had learned in school; Autumn shook her head when she found she had never heard of that part of history.

Shadow sighed slightly and nodded understanding why this may be “I see... it’s alright little one, this war happened many years ago. Even most historians don’t remember more than bare whispers of the event, or they dismissed it as an old foal’s tale,” said Shadow, his voice becoming steady as he tried to weave the story.

“According to the legends there were once two princesses who maintained balance and ruled Equestria; Celestia used her alicorn magic to raise the sun and her younger sister who raised the moon and created the night sky. One day the younger sister became consumed with jealousy, greed, and envy towards the elder alicorn who’s day was honored and reveled in while ponies slept through the night she had worked hard to create.

As time past it seemed that the Lunar Princess would never escape the darkness of her siblings shadow and it was said that some ponies dismissed her because they feared her night and what creatures thrived in it. In time the younger sister became twisted, spiteful, and malicious.

The darkness overcame the young alicorn transforming her into a creature who’s only desire was to snuff out the day so her night could reign over the land... to us she was known only as the Onyx mare, Death Bringer, and Nightmare Moon,” Shadow watched in slight amusement as his daughter’s jaw dropped in disbelief and her amber eyes nearly popped out of her skull at hearing this new information. However, Autumn seemed to have lost any of her words due to her surprise, she remained silent as Shadow opened his muzzle to continue.

“The younger sister fled to other kingdoms who held ponies that supported her, most of them worshiped the moon and gathered ponies and creatures alike to form an army. Nightmare Moons thirst for victory led her to destroy cities, lives and even ancient knowledge; they credit her for destroying any records that would allow any other unicorns to learn how to raise the sun! So that she could rule eternal night and no pony unicorn or otherwise could overthrow her. The battles lasted for years, families torn apart...common knowledge forgotten, and ponies becoming more and more divided against any who were different from themselves.

After many battles against those loyal to Celestia Nightmare saw that she was running low on troops and needed to form a different strategy in order to beat her sister and reign over eternal night. Nightmare Moon needed minions who could be stronger than twenty stallion guards, the new soldiered needed to heal themselves rapidly to conserve medical supplies, who could hunt down her enemies, and who would be under her absolute control to prevent possible traitors from defecting to her sister's side.

The dark alicorn summoned the best scholars, doctors, and magic users in her court to try and come up with a solution to win the war. Nightmare and her loyalists used dark magic along with what knowledge her court gave her to combine normal ponies with creatures of the night. Based off of old Mares tales they used POWs from Celestias army and defectors as their subjects.

They experimented on the poor ponies combining them with other creatures; bats, scorpions, wolves and snakes to name a few. These hybrid creatures were no longer the ponies that had been drug from their cells; if they survived the experiments they were chained and branded seen as nothing more than tools who were created to fight in a war.

Some of the “less violent” hybrids like Vamponies, were used as healers, assassins, and council members who could create more troops with their bite. Their fangs drained the blood from their enemies, and while under her control these ponies lost their connection to other ponies. They were cruel warriors but their weakness to the sun and solar magic made them vulnerable.

In order to guard them Nightmare used the wolf-pony hybrids as guard dogs for those who were not able to withstand the sunlight or those who wielded its magic. Wereponies were slaves to the moons power, changing when the moon was full or whenever Nightmare Moon would force our transformation. She would control wereponies with her magic to do her bidding... due to our large size when shifted and our superior strength our ancestors were also used as berserker’s who could cut down ten stallions with one blow. We... wereponies can heal themselves and our sensitive ears and noses make it easy to track any creature as if we’re bloodhounds,” said Shadow, his voice halting as he heard Autumn gasp slightly and realization came over her face. The filly unconsciously reached up towards her ears and Shadow saw as she caught her reflection in a nearby surface. Sugar Beet placed a comforting hoof over her daughters and turned her emerald gaze towards him.

“Ya ok hon?” asked Sugar Beet as she lowered herself to look into Autumn’s eyes. Though Autumn was shaking she nodded her head and clenched her mother's hoof as if it was grounding her to the spot.

“I’m… It’s ok.. You can keep going Dad, I want to know what happened,” said Autumn, her voice unsure but her face determined as she tried to pretend as if she wasn’t affected. Shadow’s eyes grew sympathetic as he nodded before continuing his story. Sugar Beets ears flicked back as her eyes filled with pain knowing what part of the story was coming next.

“Any who left or tried to leave… were said to have been tortured and put to death. After her hybrid troops made quick work of Celestia’s soldiers it seemed night would concur day. Nightmare Moon emboldened decided that she was ready to finish her sister... but mysteriously Nightmare Moon was defeated,” Shadow paused in his tale.

“H-How dad, how did Celestia beat her?” asked Autumn her curious voice nearly a whisper. Shadow shook his head showing his uncertainty in that question.

“Sadly no creature knows for sure little one, and all we know is that she was never seen again. Though where she disappeared we do not know… some say she was banished others say became the night sky itself to escape her sisters wrath. The creatures were finally free of Nightmare Moon’s corrupted power and some escaped their chains before Celesia’s guards could reach them. But as knowledge of Nightmares experiments spread ponies distain for other creatures was fueled by fear of these unknown hybrids. The remaining cryptids were quickly labeled as traitors by high society; nothing more than monsters and freaks made by a mad mare.

To form some kind of order the creatures came together to form clans, and they tried to hide amongst ponies as best as they could, most wanting to leave their old lives behind in favor of one with peace. Other cryptids held resentment for the ponies who had killed their family members and some clans struck out to harm ponies, even killing those who they deemed worthy of their nightmarish abilities. Celestia gathered her guard after word of these malicious acts reached her court. Seeing that the creatures her sister had created had survived the initial search and were running loose in her lands. Celestia voiced her concerns to her advisors. The remaining princess worried that we would continue to harm her little ponies, or turn on her to bring Nightmare Moon back; we were to dangerous to let live.

To prevent this created an elite section of guards known as the Solaris Syndicate. They split into different specialties in order to accomplish their holymission. Locating the traitorous monsters, jail them, and kill them if they see it necessary. There were politicians, Scouts, spies, hunters, jailers, they were said to be like their own internal army. Hunter’s were the ponies who would track down those of us in hiding, Jailers who would torture and keep us locked away… ultimately their job was to find us and bring us in so Celestia could decide our fates… death or imprisonment.

However, based on what little was passed down about them they gained more power and influence the more cryptids they found and their victims faced a fate worse than death. They pushed hate of any mixed species and spread fear and hatred of us as they went; though they did so in a way that would escape notice of those who would stop them. These ponies seemed to revel in our suffering… they would hunt us like animals on closed courses, torture ponies who had shown cryptids kindness, and killed all those who would dare to try and accept our ancestors into pony society.

Soon ponies turned against eachother in a massive witch hunt. Many innocent ponies were hanged in public, burned at stakes, and those who showed tolerance were often rejected by those in high society. Acts of violence, bigotry , and aggression ran rampant and the guards did nothing to stop them. Maybe they were payed off or believed that the Syndicates actions were just as they were elite soldiers,” Shadows voice dropped as he saw how horrified Autumn looked. His little one looked as if she was going to be sick but he knew he needed to finish their history. Sugar Beet seeing this reached out gently, rubbing Autumn’s back in a comforting gesture.

“It wasn’t until much later that Celestia noticed the atrocities that were being placed upon ponies who had done nothing but take pity on poor twisted monsters,” Shadows face sneered in disgust as he uttered the last word… seeing Autumn’s face fall farther as he uttered the last sentence he moved to sit beside his daughter trying to provide a silent comfort and protection.

“Celestia sent guards that she could trust to search for more proof of the Syndicates misdeeds. Mass graves were found in Germaney, Nickeragwa, all over Equestria and beyond… some of the bodies were so damaged they couldn’t identify the ponies. Work camps were used to create more propaganda or weapons for the Syndicate, creatures and ponies were sold by traffickers and never seen again. Horrified Celestia made the Onyx act… it prevented ponies from committing murder to those ponies who had dared to try and teach traitors friendship.

Public executions were made illgal, and ponies who gave up the location of cryptids that were hidning were pardoned. However, it left plenty of room for harm to come to those who were not seen as ponies anymore. By this time most ponies thought they had wiped us all out. We faded out of history, what was left of cryptids were said to have gone underground. Our ancestors were monsters and like creatures of legend they faded away into the nightmares of foals and scary stories of ponies.

From that day forth the Syndicate was disbanded by Celestia and Hunters who had killed innocent ponies in their blood thirsty crusade were punished for their crimes. Though ironically like the cryptids of the past some of the cowards escaped their punishments, and disappeared without a trace… until recently,” Shadow took a deep breath to steady his nerves his anger caused his eyes to flash red before they returned to their original color. Autumn’s weight shifted as she looked up at her father and addressed him as best, she could despite her mind reeling from the information she had learned.

“So wereponies were created to be used in a war which we lost… and after we were free of Nightmare Moon a group of ponies who hate us were formed to hunt us. But instead these Syndicate ponies tortured and killed cryptids and anypony who would help them. Wereponies heal quickly... and the hearing and smell make sense but you said we used to change under the full moon. But you changed just now dad,” said Autumn her statement sounding more like a question once Shadow dug past the shock that laced his daughters voice.

“Yes, little one… as the centuries past our ancestors learned to control when they shifted… so they were no longer slaves to the moon's phases. Not only this but we learned to cull the beasts within us, so that we do not kill innocent creatures due our wolves’ side. Based on what I saw when I arrived in the pit it seems that you already have better control over that part of you, you protected your friend despite having no training to anchor yourself,” said Shadow, his voice filling with pride as he tried to nuzzle his daughter.

Autumn flinched away from Shadow Snare, missing the injured look on his face as she stood on shaking legs escaping her mother’s loose embrace. “This is too much,” thought Autumn as she shook her head backing away from her parents… the weight of everything she had learned fell on her like a mountain. Sugar Beet and Shadow watched in concern as they watched their filly begin to hyperventilate, sweat began to soak Autumn’s fur as her eyes struggled to focus on anything.

“Easy there sugar, jus’ breath in and’ out,” said Sugar Beet trying to cajole her daughter into a more stable state. The elderberry mare understood that this was a lot to take in but she didn’t want to risk Autumn shifting and running out into the woods… not when the Hunters could be close by. Before Shadow could make a second attempt at trying to calm his daughter Autumn galloped out of the room and up the stairs locking her door behind her as she collapsed onto the floor.

Author's Note

Another chapter done... on that note, I'M SO SO SORRY it took so long for me to get this posted. :applecry: Life got pretty busy but for the few, the proud the brave that are still reading this thank you and I hope that you'll continue to read this story. Thanks to you all you're awesome! :rainbowdetermined2:

The Mare in the Mirror

Chapter 11: Shattered Reflection -First Quarter

Shadow stood up quickly to follow his distressed daughter lifting his hoof out as if he wanted to stop his filly from running away, from feeling the way she was. His muzzle fell to face the floor his body sagging with dejection; the silver stallion could not help but flinch as he heard Autumn slam her bedroom door shut before the soft tumble of locks met his sharp ears. His ears fell flat against his skull as he sighed looking defeated but somehow accepting of the outcome. He drew what little comfort he could from the fact that his wife sat beside him.

“I hate that I had to make her feel this way, and we still haven’t told her that we are leaving,” he said his voice sounding exhausted as if he had finished climbing a mountain. Shadow looked at his wife his eyebrows rising in surprise as his wife placed a hoof on his looking at him sympathetically.

“I know it was hard hon’,” Sugar said her voice steady as she glanced at the stairs leading to their confused and hurting daughter. She knew that their daughter was upset but was grateful that Autumn had not shifted or lashed out at her father after hearing his explanation.

“Our lil’ one needed ta know h wha she is… an’ why these thin’ are happenin to ‘er. Only thin’ we can do now is keep ‘er safe from those who wan’ ta do ya’ll harm,” her voice serious as she thought of the Hunters that were possibly very much alive and wanting to harm her loved ones.

Sugars hoof left her husband’s as an ache began to form in her chest, the mare struggled not to panic as her traitorous mind creating gruesome morbid pictures playing out before her. Shadow’s body torn to shreds, massive lacerations pooling blood beneath his body as cruel stallions stabbed sharp merciless objects into his shuttering, suffering body. The soft pink tissue sewing the layers of his skin to his muscle peeled away like the skin of an orange as they cut away his pelt his rumbling voice screaming.

Sugar felt tears begin to form in her eyes as the morbid train of thought continued its rampage through her mind. Her mind played a terrible play of their daughter being skinned alive as stallions surrounded her… laughing as they tortured her in front of her own family. Autumn screaming as the sick sound of blades squelching as they pierced her ribs sinking deeply as she screamed in agony. The thought of a hunter looking at her as tears streamed down her face smiling cruelly as he twisted the knife relishing in the pain of the filly. Sugar nearly vomited as the fear and disgust wrenched her stomach into a knot.

“No, not a snowballs chance in Tartarus,” thought Sugar as she could not help but begin to shake her head snorting as she fought of the visions that tormented her. Instead she began to think of what was real… what was here… what mattered instead of the nightmares that thrived in the dark crevices of her mind wanted to conjure in its stress. She felt Shadow shift as he looked toward her, she could feel his concern without even looking at him and that combined with the scents and sounds of the home they had built grounded her, calming her mind and body.

Sugar Beets emerald eyes seemed to glow like her husbands and daughters when they were in a dark room. As she turned to look at Shadow she smiled reassuringly to let him know that she was ok despite the fear that shot through her at the dark thoughts that were loosing their strength in the warmth of that her family brought her. She placed her hoof on her heart and feeling the steady beat she took it and placed it on the silver stallions unshorn tan hoof as her smile grew.

“We’ll make it through this, we’ll go somewhere th’ varmints’ can’ find us an’ then we’ll take th’ time ta celebrate Autumn’s mark. An when it’s safe maybe we can com’ back, or we can grow a new one where the two sisters will to be,” the thought of that sapped the last of the strength from the beast that was the distressing thoughts that ran through her brain. As another thought came across her mind, she decided to voice it to her mate as he patiently waited for her to voice the thought turning her gears.

“Ya know, we may have ta leave but as long as we got eachother I’m happy... An who knows maybe in the future she won’ have ta hide. She can be who she is wit out ponies looking at ‘er and seeing anythin’ more than her,” the elderberry mare said her voice hopeful and listing as if talking about a beautiful dream however unlikely it seemed.

Shadow looked at his mate and nuzzled her his face appreciative of the happiness that thought brought his mate and himself in that small precious moment, the soft feel of her wine colored coat… the sweet smell of wildflowers covered the smell of fear as it faded away. The sensation of him brushing his neck, flat nose and cheek against hers made his heart swell and his body seemed to lift slightly. Even though he knew that dream would most likely never come true he couldn’t help but feel hope that maybe… just maybe it could happen for his little one. “Heh… Maybe,” he said as he turned his amber eyes back to the second floor of the farmhouse.

Sugar Beet’s emerald eyes followed her husbands amber eyes, and she looked back at him her smile becoming a straight line as she thought about what they still had to tell Autumn “I know he’s itching like a dog in a flea convention ta go try ta make er feel better but I think our lil one probably needs some space. Not ta mention we still gotta tell er we’re gonna be movin,” the farm mare looked at the stairs and sighed at what felt like a weight that she still had to place on her daughter’s shoulders.

“I know ya wanna go up their love, but I don’ think Autumn will be wantin’ ta see us righ’ now. Let’s give ‘er a lil’ time to simmer down… an we’ll be right here if she needs us,” Sugar watched as her husbands face seemed to lift a small grin turning up the corner of his mouth exposing the ivory tips of the fangs she loved underneath. Shadow nodded his head and the farm mare was relieved as he seemed to agree turning his body to walk towards their living room.

Before he could take another step, Shadow’s eyes widened, before narrowing in suspicion. Sugar watched in concern as her husband’s body became tense, his thickly furred ears flickered to face the front door of his home as if to zone in on a sound she couldn’t hear. Sugars emerald eyes mimicked his suspicion and she lowered her body as she approached Shadows side her side brushing against his.

“What do ya hear, Sugar,” she whispered as if there were another pony just on the other side of their door her voice strained as the atmosphere of the house became more tense. She watched as Shadow opened his mouth to respond in a hushed voice his fangs flashing in the moonlight, steady and aggressive as if he was sending a threat to the possible intruders.

“Hooves, running down the road… it could be nothing but. I want to be sure; they’re far off and they may just be passing through,” Shadow looked at her his amber eyes glowing as he looked at her his head turning slightly. His rumbling voice and posture seeming to try and encourage her not to panic just yet. Shadow’s head whipped around towards the front door of their home as his hooves clopped against the wooden floor seeming to sound louder with every step almost as if he were stomping.

Sugar watched as the muscles of her mates’ large silver body seemed to writhe as he walked fur standing on end as it prepared for what was coming next. Her hooves clopped against their floor as she followed behind him out their front door, her emerald eyes roamed Shadows body watching as he began to walk as his body broke and reformed before her eyes. His silver fur grew thicker, his shorter onyx mane stood up like a short mohawk as they stepped out into the cold chill of the night, a wind howled across their farm.

“I wish ya didn’t have to, hon’ an I know tha’ ya are doin’ it ya protect us but I wish I could do more ta help ya,” Sugar’s voice growing sad as she looked to the ground. She looked up guiltily as if she had done something wrong but as Shadow turned to look at her she saw that he shook his head as if what she said did not make sense.

“You already are love… your protecting our home and daughter,” Shadow’s shoulders shook as he chuckled his smile taking on an almost mischievous look, his flat nose scrunching up as his face finished shifting one ear up and the other flat as he winked at the mare of his heart. “Besides, any poor creature that would go against you has my sympathy,” he said chuckling as a pained smile broke out on his face. Sugar returned his smile with a small one before he grunted in pain... her smile fell as his voice grew deeper...he coughed up blood and saliva onto the floor as his fangs grew larger more growing as his lips ripped to form a wider more canine like mouth. His eyes snapped open pupils shaking; his red irises shrank, his pupils turning into pinpoints, he couldn’t help the growling groan that escaped his mouth.

Shutting his eyes Shadow grounded himself thinking of his family, creating his anchor as his body broke and healed simultaneously… suddenly he felt a wonderful familiar feeling. Luxurious warm fur brushing against his sides, loving soft hooves dragging across his neck rubbing up and down his mane. A blush bloomed on the silver werepony’s muzzle dying the fur on his cheeks and the ridge of his nose a light pink. He slowly turned his head his eyes widened as she saw warm golden olive oil curls and the small lovely body of his wife embracing him as he continued to shift.

“I love ya ta the moon an’ back, ya crazy stallion… ya always know what ta say…” Sugar’s voice shaking as she embraced her mate. “Please promise me you’ll be safe; come back ta us… ok?” she pleaded with him as she flinched involuntarily; her ears twitching at the sounds of Shadow Snare’s bones breaking and flesh tearing as she held him gently. Her emerald eyes shining with tears as she pressed her nose to her husband’s neck.

The subtle hiss that followed as the wheat the grew seemed to shiver at the cold the wind blew across them, did little to detract from the sound of Shadows hooves shattering, the flesh squelching as it moved and the sound of crepitus rolled through the night. Shadow sat on his haunches as he felt his hips and legs reshape themselves but all that pain was muted as his thoughts centered around the mare under his chin and the beautiful daughter that they had together a loving moan escaped his throat.

As his body finally finished shifting, Shadow wrapped his paws around his wife and looked lovingly into her beautiful emerald eyes. Leaning down kissed her smaller muzzle deeply, feeling his onyx tail wag lazily as he felt Sugar return the movements of his lips. As he pulled away his face lit up, filled with determination and he nodded at his wife before he rose to his paws and cloven hooves. He took a look at the dark window on the second floor... the room that held his daughter. A serious look over took his face his ears twitched as Sugar lifted her hoof to his cheek to draw his eyes back to hers.

“Don’ worry love, Ah’m worried about ‘er too but,” she stoped looking back toward her daughters window before turning her attention back to her husband. “She’s a lot like ya, strong, stubborn, an’ if Ah know ‘er she’ll be able to git through this... she won’ let this beat ‘er. Ya were alone when ya first shifted an had to learn on yer own. But our lil’ one she’s got a great dad and mom ta help ‘er... fer now she’s safe an’ I’ll be a diamond dog in a spa before I let that change tonight, you go see what’s on the way and we’ll be righ’ here waitin’,” Her voice calm and steady love in the promise of her words.

Shadow looked at his wife appreciation shining across his features, he placed his massive paw over her hoof and squeezed before he turned running into the forest lining that surrounded the path to their home.

The air shifted between Sugar and Shadow as he sped off into the night, the wind he created blew Sugars golden mane as she rose her hoof to steady the strands that flew into her eyes. Sugar Beet dropped her hoof as the air settled and sat on her haunches watching as the dust settled and her husbands form melted into the shadows. Sugar sat guarding their home and their daughter.

Autumn lay curled up in a ball, her ears ringing blocking out all the other sounds from around her. The noise seemed to reflect the screeching of her mind coming to a halt as she worked to process everything. Her tear-soaked face was half covered by her semi wild tail, her eyes were tightly shut as if trying not to open and face the confusing and terrifying world her father’s story had put her in. Part of her flat nose poked past the soft downy fur of her silver tail; her breathing was shaking slightly as she absorbed the information her family had told her.

Shrunken amber pupils flowed in the dark room as memories flashed through her mind, her eyes glided shut as they played out in segments sewing together to form a full film in her mind.

The smell of the forest, the savory tang of the iron in Tales blood flooding the air as she carried him on her back. She flinched as the memory of the soul crushing pain that came after the timberwolves trapped them ran rampant through her body. Autumn shuttered at the memory of her spine shattering like tempered glass and fusing together with her broken pelvis. Her ribs shattering before the costal cartilage reformed to fit her larger lungs and pounding heart… it was a sick rush as adrenaline pulsed through her body flooding her tissue with necessary strength.

She lost a lot of memories past that she could only remember flashes of her killing the Timberwolves. The only thought she could remember being on her mind was to destroy the threat to her and what she considered a member of her pack.

A flash...Red clouding her into her vision… the sound of Tales shield shattering magic tinkling like crystal as it hit the ground of the pit. Claws… a scream… her scream morphing into a deep rumbling growl. Ivory claws flashing in the moonlight as she flexed the new digits that took place of her forehooves. She remembered leaning on her front paws guarding a unicorn under her chest. Her bucking the hooves on her back legs kicking out as the sound of wood breaking met her ears. Orange blood glowing as it splattered over the ground covering her rough paw pads in thick sap like plasma.

As each memory played out her breathing hastened, a sharp pain hit her jaw. “Ah...ow!” she shouted as she sat up placing a hoof on her jaw rubbing around the area where the sharp pain had originated. Her face becoming distressed as she felt her fangs growing larger underneath her lips; as swallowed her brain registered the taste of iron.

Her nose sore as her face became a pained grimaced an involuntary whine escaping her lips, as the pain raged on her face morphed into a frustrated scowl. She felt as if her coat was on fire as her fur grew thicker, her mane sticking out wildly as it grew longer. The silver hair began to blend into the olive oil fur on her neck, sweat began to soak her coat. The fur on her hackles rose as her heart began to pound against the walls of her chest fighting her lungs for space, her breath becoming more fatigued.

“Now?!” she stated sarcastically more of a statement then a question. Autumn’s voice became deeper as she felt a severe migraine pulse through her brain, a familiar pain beginning to spread as her body betrayed her changing against her will. Her eyes snapped open as realization ran across her face, scrambling to stand she stumbled.

“Stupid...clumsy bucking..“ she cursed herself her voice bitter as her eyes narrowed in annoyance at her typical clumsy movements that caused her to fail at stalking. The annoying feeling of pins and needles along with the agony that was growing more familiar to her continued its war path through her legs as she rushed to get to her olive oil hooves while they were still in one piece.

Standing despite her shaking legs the teenage werepony spared a glance at the mirror that sat close to her bed as she turned towards her door to call for help. “M-Mom, Da-,” she said as her voice sounding like a growling chimera dying in her ever-growing sore throat. Her face froze as she did a double take. The darkness of her room combined with the luminous light of the moon creating sinister shadows on her face, Autumn flinched as a familiar pair of scarlet eyes stared back at her... her bodies details still hidden by the shadows of her room.

The snarl that had formed on her face from the frustration and pain showed her fangs in their savage glory, her face fell slowly her lips covering her flesh tearing teeth. Fuzzy ears flattened against her skull moving slowly, she felt a dull ache in the notch of her left ear. A reminder of how she attacked Silver. That pain brining Silver Tongue and Brick Breaker’s voices to her, piercing the chaos of her mind.

“Look at the Freak…Stay back Half-breed,” she shut her scarlet eyes and shook her head snorting at the voices her silver bangs covering her eyes. Another series of memories ran to the forefront of her mind the site of Brick Breaker and Silver cowering away from her, scared of her as she approached them in detention… the site of Tales in his wheel chair backing away from her as she stood in the hospital rooms doorway just trying to visit her friend. The pain of his reaction to her still fresh. Autumn could swear she could smell the bittersweet smell of their fear. A sad look crossed her muzzle as her eyes looked at the wall once again, she drug herself towards it resting her burning sweaty head against the cold wall.

“I guess in a way I am…” her voice shook as she remembered something her dad had said what seemed like days ago. “Sometimes seeing is believing for pony’s little one,” her eyes blinking open slowly and she sneered as another thought crossed her mind “That’s ridiculous… I saw dad... I SAW him change; I can remember bits of what happened when I changed… I already saw my reflection in the door knob at the hospital.”

Her eyes widened as another pulse of pain struck her. She hit her head against the wall hissing in pain “Ah BUCK” she shouted her mouth pressed into the floor her eyes snapped shut. She rolled her body her hooves moving following her commands though they felt numb. She sucked in a breath through clenched fangs, wrinkling her flat nose as she shook her head trying to divert her thoughts from what was happening to the ridiculous mission she had decided to give herself at hoof.

The young olive oil mare’s eyes opened as another thought came to her...surprise coming to her face as another realization hit her “I didn’t hurt Tales I saved him,” she thought a defiant grin forming on her muzzle as the corners of her lips ripped open.

Autumn gagged on the blood spitting it out before she lifted one of her hooves and looked at it her eyes narrowing in anger. She pictured killer claws attached to paw pads tearing apart enchanted wooden creatures to protect her friend. Her smile dropped into a straight line. Her hooves began to splinter as her paw pads attempted to form underneath as if following her train of thought.

“Silver and Brick Breaker… I did hurt Brick and the Timberwolves… but I could’ve hurt him worse. I’m still me... I’m still me… I’m not a monster and neither is dad. This isn’t any ponies fault... maybe I do need to see.” she thought as the pain stopped and faded for a few precious minutes. Thankful for the reprieve the partially shifted werepony weakly lifted herself up rolling her half formed body to her hooves; the cracking feet shaking as if she had fallen in a frozen lake.

Taking a deep breath, she placed a bleeding hoof on her chest feeling her rapid heartbeat she tried to slow her racing heart. Feeling the powerful muscle begin to slow and the soft fur against her aching hoof filled her with a small spark of relief taking another deep breath in through her nose she ignored the assault of smells and sighed her breath shaky as it left her lungs.

Staining a patch of her fluffy chest a dark crimson she lowered her hoof opening her scarlet orbs before she shakily stepped closer to the mirror more of her body stepping into the moonlight. Though it was painful her hooves moved steadily...softly clicking as she walked across her room. The teenage mares eyes fell to the floor, her semi wild tail swishing behind her as muscles bunched and released her olive oil fur shining like gold in the moonlight. Her body moved in a routine she had easily done her whole life “Why is it so hard to look?” she asked herself.

Seeing the edge of the mirrors stained dark oak frame on the floor she lifted her eyes seeing her cracked bleeding hooves reflected in its surface. She slowly lowered herself to her haunches feeling the chill of the cold wood floor soak into her coat from her rump traveling up to the tips of her thickly furred ears, but whether it was the cold, the pain, or fear causing her shaking she couldn’t say. Slowly, painfully she began to lift her head; her shorter silver bangs shining in the moonlight doing little to hide her body as she looked at her partially transformed body.

Scarlet eyes opened slowly growing wider in shock as she turned her head to look at her reflection dead on. Her eyes and features softened as they took in the wild fur, her blood red eyes, the scrunched-up muzzle forming deep ridges in the bridge of her flat canine like nose. Cracked bleeding hooves dripping blood down to the floor, tender pink flesh swelling through the crevices. Huge fangs shone white as snow shining with saliva that dripped involuntarily onto the floor pink with residual blood; they poked intimidatingly past her lips showing how deadly they could be if she were to bite somecreature.

Opening her mouth she experimented by opening and shutting her stronger jaw.. feeling the power to tear flesh the thought causing her to tremble. The wider mouth her lips going farther back seeming out of place on a mostly equine form.

Cautiously she lifted her lips and saw how intimidating her teeth looked... she’d never really thought about it until now. Autumn lifted her hoof to her right fang feeling the sharp tip pierce her frog as she ran it over one of the knives her mouth seemed to carry. She flinched pouting at the fact that she’d hurt herself further and watched as the burgundy droplet formed over the cut on the bottom of her hoof, the moonlight giving the dark droplet an eerie glow.

Fuzzy ears lowered as her eyes continued to roam over her form taking in everything. Her silver mane began blending into the fur of her neck almost resembling the fur on a lions mane as it travelled down her back. Her tail began bristling and swishing reflecting her distress, she even saw her muscles moving slightly under her coat in a slow unnatural way as if preparing to move into new positions.

Sighing she lapped at the blood unconsciously her usually thicker equine tongue had become flatter and more mobile. Noticing the change as her tongue scrapped over the small injury, she looked at herself she froze once again and stuck out the organ looking as it hung over her sharpened teeth. Autumn shook her head trying not to fall over as her head grew light and her migraine hit full force, her legs shaking as she fell kneeling on the floor.

Her eyes took in fur matted from sweat, tears and laying on the floor made her look feral and her hackles rising between her withers didn’t aid matters. Her blood red eyes snapped open as she gasped in pain gagging on the saliva that built up in her mouth at looking at the ferocious looking creature she could become... seeing it in the mirror was different than seeing it warped in a hospital door knob. Autumn’s entire body pulsed at once pain deciding to rear it’s ugly head as if to mock her, firing of every nerve in her body as she fell to her side.

The young mares heart became tachycardic and her lungs jumped into overdrive in order to produce the oxygen her body seemed to crave so desperately. Autumn glanced up and saw her face become drenched in sweat as her body began to seize her head and neck striking the floor as her jaw broke signaling another shift. “N-No come on...change back please.” she pleaded her voice weak from lack of air and pain taking away any strength in her voice.

She did everything she could to try and calm down, to think of a way to change back to her earth pony form. “Come on think of anything else… taking care of the critters with mom, C-Chasing Red around the chicken yard… Eating apple cinnamon pancakes with mom and dad… Hearths Warming telling stories around the fire as they drank cocoa her dad getting a whipped cream mustashe… Dad patching up my scraped knee when I crashed the wheat cart… Trying to surprise dad every morning...Hanging with B-Butters… Listening to Tales stories… when he wasn’t terrified of me” as memories that usually filled her with peace flashed one after the other in Autumns mind silk thin strands formed in the void of her mind weaving together; but to no avail Autumn couldn’t seem to see it. She continued to transform hopelessly whimpering her body breaking and reshaping itself once again.

She curled her body into a fetal position before she rolled onto her back placing a hoof on her chest as she gasped for air. Her heart pulsed harder and faster aching as it strained to move her blood through her body. Autumn’s ears twitched as she heard her hooves began crack and fall to the ground, muscles tearing and bones shattering and reforming underneath the hard keratin.

Four paw pads emerged covered in blood and mucus fur growing over the digits and a small dew claw emerged from the reformed paw razor sharp ivory claws digging into the wood floor as her forelimbs fell to the floor. As she clenched her newly formed fists the claws dug splintered divots into the wood as she curled up shaking. Finding her hooves and paws on solid ground she rapidly stood up and her pony brain urged her to her back legs to scare away what was kicking in her fight or flight.

Autumn reared up and her eyes glowed red as everything around her faded away… blinded by pain and adrenaline the werepony reared back and flexed her jaw as it broke to fit the fangs growing larger in her mouth. Her lips ripping farther to make her mouth more canine. Falling back to her four limbs she lifted her rear legs flexing each rear hoof as it shattered two toe pads and a foot pad forming ending in two sharpened cloven hooves.

She fell to the ground as her ribs, spine and pelvis shattered filling her room with the sound of crepitus. Her muscles squirmed under her coat as the fur grew thicker over her body, her flesh twitched as muscles tore and restructured themselves with new ligaments and tendons.

“AAARRRRAAAAAAAOOOOORRRRRrrrr!” the loud howl escaping her throat; the werepony halfway transformed bucked and snarled, paws lashing out and clawing anything nearby. Her stained oak night stand shattered like cheap plywood as she used her powerful paws to crush it as she lowered her body to the ground. The creatures glowing red eyes settled on the nearby bed and she grabbed onto the pillow tearing it to shreds the room mirroring snowfall as cotton and cloth fluttered down.

Outside the farmhouse Sugar Beets eyes widened as the sound of a loud howl broke her concentration breaking her vigil. Turning her head her face morphing from determination to concern as her ears pointed to the house, her emerald eyes worried as she rapidly got to her hooves.

“Tha’ can be... Autumn! Hold on,” She rapidly ran back to the house from across the front yard. Kicking up grass and dirt as she rushed to her daughter.

Snarling she flipped over the bed spilling the mattress onto the floor the frame being tossed across the room landing near the closet and blocking the bedroom door. As her vision cleared the werepony shuttered looking around the half transformed wereponies eyes shifted between bright red and white. Her paws reached up clenching her head as it pounded like a Zebrafrican drum… it almost sounded as if some pony was banging against a wooden surface. All the creature could see behind her eyelids was darkness.

Suddenly in the recesses of her mind... the wereponies ears lifted as if she heard something faint a voice?… No.. voices? “There, there sweet pea, now ya listen to me… nothin’ is wrong with ya. Yer my daughter, prettier than a magnolia in may no matter what some varmints may say,” the warm loving voice making her snarl fall slightly… her ears stood at attention before she shook her head sneering. Although the werepony tried its best the voices got louder… it seemed as if her eyes glowed white again flashing before flashing back to red.

“Don’t worry Autumn, Tales and I will always be there to watch your back. So, do not worry if you need us. We’ll be there,” the memory of a pea green earth pony with orange mane filled her memory along with the memory of a purple unicorn with a cheeky smile.

A series of small whimpers escaped her lips as golden pupils peaked through the glowing white irises. Growling she the werepony saw her reflection in the mirror she saw a young mare with fuzzy ears, a warm smile and warm happy amber eyes. Ponies began to stand beside the vision... an elderberry mare with loving grass green eyes, the purple unicorn with turmeric eyes, a pea green filly holding a jar of pear jam... a silver stallion... with fuzzy ears like her. The werepony stopped as she looked at the shattered mirror, her rapid breathing slowing her snarl fell as she looked at the stallion who shared the olive oil fillies... no... that pony it was her. Her father shared her amber eyes the large silver stallion smiled his face filled with pride as he reached his hoof out and messed up her wild silver forlock. Autumn slowly reached up with her paw to flatten out her messed up mane, the small filly matching her movements.

Angry the beast part of the werepony shook her head trying to ignore the vision. She rose her paw flexing her fingers to better utilize her claws and slashed at the mirror; wood splintered from the frame and the mirrors glass shattered forming cracks and spilling glass onto the floor. The werepony sucked in a gulp of air as she kneeled on the ground her tail whipping around as she seemed to pant in effort. She banged her head against the floor glass crunching as her skull thumped against the surface the shards sticking to her silver mane as she lifted her head shining like stars in the moonlight annoyed she shook them off.

The need to hunt... wanting blood.. needing her claws to tear into flesh and fangs tearing apart enemies. A hulking shadowy figure forming an ethereal werepony stood snarling in her mind against the memories the voices. Howling the beast backed away slightly as the memories calmed its rage it’s red eyes wide and untrusting blinked and it’s crouching defensive posture seemed to relax. The predatory thoughts that came with the adrenaline became quieter as more voices joined the young olive oil mare still smiling kindly in the mirror still smiling at her holding out a hoof. She held a glowing thread out to the werepony flinching away the beast in her tried to avoid it as an abused dog would a kind touch.

Suddenly a crash was heard in the background the door that had closed off the creature providing a barrier broke and the werepony rose to her powerful limbs snarling at the creature that had dared to startle her. The werepony froze...Standing in the doorway was the elderberry mare her emerald eyes had tears in the edges and for a second the werepony thought it was due to fear.

Opening her mouth she lifted her body slightly to her back legs and opened her mouth “RAAAAAAAWWWWWWRRRRR!”
The air from the creatures powerful lungs brushed the pony’s curly olive oil mane and shook the room but there she stood a small consoling smile on her lips.

“Autumn... sugar it’s me... Mommy. Ah know yer scared, but Ah also know yer my brave filly and that yer strong enough ta come back,” tears formed in Sugar Beets eyes as she walked toward the werepony cautiously her daughters growl dying in her throat. Sugar walked up to her daughter rose her hoof to her daughter inviting her in for a hug... the large werepony lashed out her claws just grazing the farm mares hoof causing two lacerations to form on her fetlock. Sugar flinched at the pain but she refused to pull back continuing to walk towards her scared confused daughter.

The werepony shook her head her tail tucking between her legs; the beast rose her arm trying to bat the pony that stood by her “false” pony form away. But she couldn’t do it she looked at the blood as it dripped to the floor with each step... the mare... no HER mother took. The thickly furred ears fell flat and she whimpered as she realized what she’d done. She lowered her head in shame shutting her eyes, suddenly her eyes snapped open. Her mother’s hooves were wrapped around her neck nuzzling her cheek.

“It’s alright Mom’s here lil’ one, ya know who ya are...yer our filly, now come on back... please?” Sugar said her voice full of love and understanding. At those words Autumn’s memories struck the werepony like a freight train and like a Pegasus had flown by the fog that clouded her mind finally cleared enough and the beast in her mind cautiously took the glowing thread in its mouth. Warmth flooded her burning, sweating and aching body like some pony had soaked her in a warm bath.

Her heart rate slowed and the pain slowly faded as the werepony looked at the mirror and saw her form both of them blending together. Blinking and breathing out she opened her eyes, looking up raising her brows her pupils returned glowing scarlet before turning to their amber color. Autumn fell to the ground a small exhausted smile on her lips as she collapsed into a heap on the floor Sugar tried in vain to catch her daughters heavy body.

“Sweet Celestia!! Autumn are ya alrigh, are...did ya, are ya hurt? Are ya there?” she asked concern lining her voice as she rushed to the wereponies side. Her motherly instincts kicking in she started to look for any injuries as she used her hooves to gently lift her daughters paw and check her eyes. Seeing the gorgeous amber color she shared with her father an amazed and relieved smile split her muzzle. She watched as Autumn lifted her paw up and rubbed her eyes as if trying to clear the stars and Pegasi spinning around her head.

The farmhouse sat silent as the chaos that had transpired between the two females of the Moon family settled to an easy calm. The only sound left was the sound of labored breathing and an occasional moan or whimper coming from Autumn as she slowly came to her senses. Each breath felt like water flowing through a desert to her starved aching lungs. vision cleared her body completed her shift the floor groaning in complaint at the additional weight of the creature it had not had to support yet.

Shakily Autumn stood and shook her body out looking more like the a wolf as she did so, her eyes blinked open slowly still photosensitive as she looked at her clawed hands. She began freaking out as she felt her arms with her rough paw pads and looked at her cloven feet wiggling her two toes. “W-what in the hey?!?” her eyes trembling her mouth opening and closing like a fish on land as she looked at her reflection in the shattered mirror...screaming startled herself and jumped back slightly.

She realized it was her own reflection and started looking at her paws running them down her face her eyes watched as her reflection moved with her. She began to hyper ventilate as she backed away flinching as a shard of glass carved a laceration into her front right paw pad breaking any illusions that this was a nightmare. Pouting slightly, she almost looked cute as she yanked the shard out with her teeth her eyes taking in the destruction around her.

Autumn jumped as she felt a hoof brush over the fur on her paw, her face whipped around to face her mother. “M-mom what.. what happened? Regret covered her transformed muzzle as she saw the cuts on her mother’s hoof. The mares emerald eyes followed her daughters as she tried to get her attention away from her injury by moving her hoof and waving it off. Autumn scented the air and smelled her mother’s blood on her... her eyes shone as she lifted her claws to her face horror flooding her face.

“How am I? D-Did I h-hurt you? she asked her mother shame causing her ears to fall against her head... “Mom I-I’m so so sorry, Autumn’s deeper voice shook with sorrow sounding fragile. Sugar Beet looked away but shook her head at her “I-it’s fine sweet pea just a scratch, I’m jus’...jus’ happy yer here, I knew ya could do it,” said her mother no fear in her voice just pride and understanding as she places a loving hoof over the claws that had her blood on them.

Autumn flinched away from the kind touch feeling dirty. “No wonder they were scared of me,” she said her deep voice growing smaller. Scenting the air the smell of rotting fruit left a sickly sweet trail staining the air as it faded. Autumn sat up her sable colored tail wrapping around her like a safety blanket around her hooves and paws giving her some form of warmth in the limbs that seemed to grow cold.

She looked away from her reflection in the shattered mirror that showed her and her mother. Seeing what Tales had seen that night; that side of herself that until now she had never fully seen for herself. Looking around what was left of her furniture, how large she’d become how much she could do with little effort.

“Tartarus… I’m scared of me too mom,” the female werepony’s ears drooped even farther. Looking down at herself she a mix of shame and sadness. Slowly she tried to make herself smaller she couldn’t seem to look her mother in the eyes.

Suddenly Autumn jumped as she felt her mother’s hooves around her neck nuzzling her and giving her a typical too tight mom hug. She felt her mom kiss her cheek some moisture leaving dark stains on her olive oil fur. “Hon’ ya didn’t do anything’ Ah’m sorry I scared ya honest. But ya have nothing ya be sorry fer an’ yer nothin to be scared of you don’t have ta be afraid,” said Sugar her gentle voice just louder than a whisper.

Autumns eyes began to shine as she returned her mothers nuzzle her body began to shrink as she slowly transformed back into her earth pony form shaking as she hugged her mother as gently as she could. The feeling of her large werepony body becoming smaller while someone she loved held her gave her a sense of happiness... she was a werepony... but a monster... no she was a daughter being hugged by her mother her form didn’t matter. Not here.

“This feels nice...it still hurts but not nearly as much,” a genuine smile came over Autumn’s face her whole body relaxed as it finished transforming back. The feeling of her mother’s hooves around her neck never left her. Love seemed to flow from her mother into her and the warmth was a welcome change to the confusion and misery she had been feeling earlier. Her silver tail thumped against the ground before her face fell still sensing that something was wrong, she pulled away from her mother’s embrace.

Scenting the air as she breathed in trying to enjoy the familial warmth. An involuntary shiver danced its way down her spine as the room seemed to get colder, the fur on her hackles rose. “Something’s wrong,” voicing the information her body seemed to be telling her. Sugar Beet pulled away from embracing her daughter a questioning look on her face.

Autumn scented the air again to try and determine what was coming. Her amber eyes turned scarlet as if to intimidate any possible threats to her and her mother. Her eyes closed as the scents of the farm and her surroundings rushed to her brain as she processed what was around her, the smell of the forest… the familiar earthy smell of the critters stables, sweat… old stale pine forest, wildflowers of her mother’s fur, two new scents… metal..wood and something else?

The sound of hooves pounding the front door caused the farm mare and the tracking werepony to jump startled at the sudden onset of noise. Sugar’s grip tightened around Autumn’s withers drawing her closer to her chest in a defensive posture. Her face a mask of seriousness as the next words that left her muzzle seemed to freeze Autumn’s blood in her veins. “We have company.”

Author's Note

OMG! I am so so sorry for the late update... work has been crazy and this is the first time I've gotten a chance to write anything :applejackconfused: But thankfully I managed to find some time today to write out another chapter. I hope that you guys enjoy this one and for the few the proud the brave that are still reading this I salute you and thank you. If you like the story please leave a like, and if you have any feedback I'd love to hear it. Until next time (hopefully sooner than this chapter) Cheers! :raritywink:

A Not so Silent Night

Chapter 12: Investigation without Invitation-Waxing Gibbous

The farmhouse grew quiet as the pounding seemed to stop for a time, Sugar Beet’s emerald eyes glared in the direction where the sound had been originating as if she was trying to sense what or who was beyond the door. Emerald and Ruby eyes glowed in the cool blue darkness of the wereponies semi-destroyed room. Sugar and Autumn’s eyes locked on the door leading downstairs; the only light in the room coming from the moon outside doing little to expose what lay beyond the shadows in the farmhouse’s hallway. Elderberry and olive oil ears were perked forward twitching to listen for any other movements downstairs, both mother and daughter breathed lightly trying to calm their heartbeats.

Sugar jumped as she heard a deep menacing growl resonate through the empty room, her instincts caused her stand pulling her daughter closer to her by lowering her neck and pushing her foal towards her side; she attempted to guide Autumn behind her only to be met with resistance. A questioning look replaced the protective grimace on Sugar Beets face as she looked down and realized what had happened; emerald eyes widened as she saw her daughter refusing to move to her side for “protection”.

“Wha do ya hear sweet pea?” she asked quietly her own ears straining to hear what her daughter’s canine like ears seemed to be picking up. A cautious look overcame the adult mare as she attempted to relax her tensed muscles; to calm herself so she could process whatever her daughter told her.

Autumn was standing steadfast refusing to budge as she tried to keep her position standing in front of her mother, her stance protective as her face formed a fierce snarl. Autumn’s fangs were on full display as her lips were pulled back exposing her fangs to the moonlight her scarlet eyes glowing solid red for an instance before returning to scarlet pupils surrounded by white sclera. The young mares thick olive oil fur began to rise on her hackles her fur had grown close to its previous length on her chest, ears and body after her transformation. Her wolf-like ears twitched as they picked up the sound of hooves moving outside the farmhouse, the sound of slightly labored breathing calming, a creak of wood… the sound of the wooden porch creaking as hooves moved to look inside the window of their house.

“Mom… They’re still here,” said Autumn her voice slightly shaking as her deepened voice met her ears. She closed her eyes for a second as she breathed deeply through her nose seeing if she could decipher anything else about the intruders that had decided to assault their family homes door in the middle of the night. Four different scents seemed to meet her nose; metallic…magic, wood… smoke, iron, rain, feathers, oil and nylon mixed in with the distinct scents of three stallions… the light smell of another pony met her nose, but it was lighter…different. Maybe an old scent or one that was rubbed off onto the other ponies.

“I..” Autumn’s ears flicked back a dissatisfied look on her face as she heard the growl in her voice, and she cleared her throat trying to get her normal voice back. “I can smell them, three different ponies… they’re moving around the front of the house,” said Autumn relieved that her voice seemed to return. She turned her head as her mother moved across the room a focused look on Sugar’s face; the mare was careful not to move any of the broken furniture to loudly as she moved toward the window to try and get a glance at the would be “visitors” below.

Despite having experience with these kind of situations thanks to years of living with her werepony mate Sugar could not help the look of surprise that flashed across her face. Emerald eyes widened as she quickly took in what little she could from her daughter’s window, two ponies glancing along the sides of the house as if they were checking to see if anypony was home.

“Two sisters… yer right hon’, just as the farm mare spoke the pounding at the door began anew. Sugar Beet backed away from the window glancing from the corner of her eye she saw a shadow moving along the wood line at the back of the house. Sugar Beet did a double take to try and identify what she had seen. A loud masculine voice shouted from the front door distracted the mare from what she had seen.

“HELLO! Is anypony home?” asked the unfamiliar voice as it shouted through the house attempting to notify them in earnest or trick them into revealing they were there Sugar couldn’t tell. Turning her head back to try and see what had been lurking in the darkness she could not seem to find anything there.

“What in th’ name a Celestia? Is that one of the other ponies Autumn sniffed out?” thought Sugar as she tried to spot what had moved in the darkness. Deciding that it was a lost cause she moved it to the back burner in order to focus on what was happening currently.

“I’ll keep an ear ta th’ ground but fer now those ponies aint budging an I don’ wan ta take the chance o them comin’ in here,” she thought as she moved a hoof to her chin in thought, glancing around the room she saw claw marks splintering the wood floors, the smashed bed and she recalled that Shadow had shifted in the living room and may have left claw marks there in his haste. Thinking fast the mare moved quickly to her daughters’ closet, she watched as her daughter followed her movements.

“M-mom, what are you doing?” asked Autumn as she watched dumbfounded as her mother began to sift through her closet, which was one of the few things in her room that had not become a casualty during her meltdown. Autumn walked closer to her closet as a look of surprise emerged as she ducked to dodge the fast flying clothing her mother had unwittingly hurdled towards her. She watched as an ugly Hearthswarming sweater her mother had knitted her barely whizzed over her thickly furred ears, sighing in relief she stood as her mother approached her with a maroon hoodie she would wear when it snowed.

“Put this on lil one, and this,” said her mother as she tossed a black wool beanie at her Autumn did her best to catch the items in her hooves as her mother moved toward her to help her put on the articles of clothing. Autumn felt as her mother pulled the dull red hoodie over her head and tried to voice what her mind had wanted to know.

“Mmph… Mom what the hey… why?” she asked as her flat muzzle was smooshed as her head squeezed through the hoodie’s neckline, her silver mane stuck up in various places due to static causing her silver mane to look like Disco Fever; a famous pony from the Neighties. A disgruntled look came over the teenage mare’s face as she worked to use her hooves to slick down her mane and follow her mother’s orders. Just as she managed to get her mane under control a black beanie was quickly thrown over her ears and her static riddled mane.

“Sorry sweet pea we gotta hide that extra fur a yers; tha coat has grown back like our wheat in the spring on yer ears an chest. Just in case one o those ponies spot ya I don’t wan them ta think twice,” Sugar elaborated on her quick decision to dress her daughter and understanding came over Autumn as she nodded slowly taking in what her mother had told her. Sugar didn’t miss a flash of pain that seemed to dance across the filly’s vison before Autumn shook her head seeming to come back to the current situation.

“Now ya listen ta me, Ah am gonna see who these ponies are so they don’ come bargin’ in or callin in tha calvery. Ah DON’T wan’ ya ta try anything alrigh’, I know you said ya felt somthin’ and I trust ya but we can’t just go an attack ponies. So, unless they move ta do us harm try to stay outta site… is that clear,” seriousness overtaking Sugar as she explained what she expected of Autumn.

Sugar Beet saw Autumn begin to refuse to stay out of the line of site, knowing the stubborn filly would want to be right in the thick of everything. Wolves and ponies alike defend their territories and families well, and she knew that it would be harder for Autumn to deal with these instincts as she had just begun to fully shift. She watched as Autumn looked away refusing to meet her piercing emerald gaze, her hard expression remained though her eyes softened slightly as she saw Autumns body shake slightly as she finally turned back to meet her gaze her muzzle already open as if to argue against her.

Sugar Beet cut her off with a wave of her hoof authority rising in her voice “AM I clear Autumn,” said Sugar as she met her daughters determined gaze, the matriarch refused to blink until she saw Autumn look away dejected but watched as her daughter nodded her understanding. Sugar looked at her daughter sympathetically and moved to turn Autumn’s face with her hoof so her young filly would face her again. Sugar’s expression softened to one of empathy as she saw her daughters sad, frustrated eyes still burning ruby red, tears burning at their edges threatening to fall at any moment.

Sugar moved to try and wipe the tears away, seeing this Autumn moved away from her and looked away seemingly embarrassed that she had been caught crying again. A hurt expression flashed across her face; it hurt her feelings to see her daughter move away so quickly. Sugar shook it off quickly realizing now was not the time, she turned away herself to let the younger mare quickly wipe away her tears with her sleeves. Heaving a sigh Sugar took a second to consider her options and thought of a way to at least give Autumn some feeling of control in this situation.

“Hon’ you can stay on lookout alright, but if I say run you need ta get ok? Now… we need ta fix those eyes,” taking her daughters hooves in hers she urged her into a hug smiling as she met no resistance this time. “Breath lil one, try tah block out what yer wolf side is screamin at ya ta do. Yer dad said ya had to wait fer the right moment tah strike but first ya gotta learn to lay low so ya can. Try ta think of th’ things that helped ya before… take a deep breath… in an out,” said Sugar calmly as she tried to sooth her daughter.

Autumn thought of her anchors, the ones that helped her when she was stuck in her werepony form. As the thoughts flashed in her mind, she began following her mother’s directions calming her heartrate as took calming breaths. It was as if the calm her mother felt was leaking into her and she sighed in slight relief; a headache she did not realize was stabbing at her brain seemed to ease away. The tension in her muscles left as she breathed in her mother’s comforting wildflower scent, her jaw seemed to relax the pain of her fangs growing fading away as they shrunk to her normal size. Feeling her mother pulling back Autumn opened her eyes to meet her mother’s familiar loving and patient gaze a small smile formed on her lips and her fangs poked through shining along with her eyes.

Sugar smiled slightly as she saw her daughters beautiful amber color begin to bleed across the blood red eyes, looking as if somepony had spilled yellow watercolor on a white paper. “Tha’s my filly,” said Sugar her voice filled with parental pride. She nuzzled her daughter’s cheek, happy that her daughter didn’t refuse this time. The dull pain from the previous refusal eased slightly as she and Autumn began to make their way to the stairs, looking at each other the elder mare nodded and called out downstairs.

“Hold yer primates, Ah’m comin’,” shouted Sugar keeping her voice as even as she could she snuck to the kitchen and opened and shut the back door as if she had been working outside and had just returned inside the house. Autumn saw her mother move to the front door from the top of the steps, carefully watching as the elderberry mare trotted quickly but calmly to the door, thankfully the pounding ceased after she responded to the stallion on the other side of the door.

Sugar took a deep breath through her nose and calmed her breath, her tail flicking in irritation as she put on a “normal demeanor” to meet whoever was banging on her door. She took a moment to straighten out her signature neck scarf and did a quick visual sweep of the visible parts of the living room seeing no visible claw marks from Shadow’s previous shift she nodded and moved to open the front door.

“Ah’m glad Shadow didn’t put tha’ new door in… the stained-glass window on the top woulda let anypony see inside the house,” thought Sugar as she tried to alleviate her stress by thinking of something ridiculous as old home renovations. Snorting at her featherbrained thought she finally turned the handle of the door; the shadow of a large stallion immediately fell over the mare.

Looking up Sugar Beet saw a large well-built earth pony stallion standing in the door, he had five o’clock shadow and a grizzled grimace covered the serious ponies face as his eyes looked down at the farm mare. His coat was a dark brown and his salt and pepper mane was cut short in a militant style, he wore blazer and seemed to have a badge clipped to his belt along with a baton; an older fedora hat covered his face from view along with dark black aviators his eyes were almost impossible to see in the low light. Looking she saw that his cutie mark was of an old magnifying glass. He smelled of smoke, and stale alcoholic cider triple proof his eyes were hard and held little warmth causing Sugar to almost shiver under his gaze.

Behind him was a dark blue male Pegasus whose eyes were hidden by his own pair of aviators, he looked younger than the larger earth pony, but his stance was eerily calm as if he were waiting for something. His head moved slightly from side to side as he was taking in the environment. Sugar Beet tried to see more of him, but he moved away from the light being cast from the door.

The large earth pony grunted as if he was already tired of the situation, he snorted and moved to be in front of the Pegasus, he grabbed his badge with his hoof and moved to present it to Sugar Beet in a practiced motion.

“Evening ma’am. Detective Hard Boiled with the Ontaurio police, I’m aware that it is late, but we had some questions for you regarding the recent incident that involved your daughter,” said the gruff sounding stallion he looked up as if trying to recall the name before giving up and pulling out worn out notebook covered in coffee stains. Sugar Beet could not help the small beads of sweat that seemed to drip down the side of her face as her mind began to race with what this stallion was about to say.

The farm mare kept a calm look on her face as she nodded letting the male know that she was listening to what he was saying however a serious grimace remained on her face. “Is… Is this about the fight with that snake Escape Clause’s colt… did he hire a detective? Or is this about the accident on the hiking trip?” Sugar asked herself as she tried to think of what each line of questioning could bring.

“Ah have ta be careful here, if we say tha wrong thing it may reach tha wrong set o ears,” she shuddered at the thought but covered it up as best she could to disguise her bodies response as a shiver from the autumn chill as she saw both stallions look at her movement. She moved her hooves to her green scarf covered in sugar beets and blossoms and pulled it tighter around her neck and shrugged her shoulders as she did her best to put on an act for the officers. Hard Boiled looked at her and huffed as he looked at his notebook to confirm the name and continued his questioning.

“Autumn, she was the one that found a unicorn colt named Tall Tales when he was lost in the woods is that correct?” the detective asked in a steady voice. He noted that the mare seemed calm enough and dismissed the shiver as it was cold tonight, the wind blew behind him into the house as if nature itself was supporting this theory.

“Tha’s correct Mr. Boiled… she an tha colt were found by my husband about a week or so ago… horrible what happened but were jus’ glad our daughter and Tales are back safe. But what does that have ta do wit’ why yer here?” asked Sugar being respectful but direct in her own question.

Hard’s eyes widened slightly but he knew mares could be protective of their foals though he’d keep a note of that if needed. He cleared his throat and pulled out a pack of Old Bit cigarettes, he tapped the package and a few of the fags jumped up to allow him easy access, he paused and nodded to them as if to ask for the mares’ approval, though the farm mare’s snout wrinkled in distaste she gave a slight nod stating that he could do as he wished.

He pulled out an old flip lighter with a faded mare pinup and a symbol like the sun emblem on bits produced all around the Equestrian territories but this one had a few differences it looked like an old military emblem; the mare looked at the lighter as he lit his cigarette, but that stare struck him as odd. He took a deep inhale of his fag and as the nicotine hit his system it brought a familiar addictive calm with it.

“Settle down ma’am, we are working to investigate the incident, your daughter is not in trouble. We just wanted to see if we could gain any testimony of what she saw while she was out there, after questioning the Bard family they reported that Tales had little memory of what had happened previously to him waking up to your daughter’s calls. He had significant TBI which may have caused the memory loss, so we are just trying to fill in the gaps. Some of the local police here went back to the scene and found evidence that the colt and Autumn may not have been the only ones there.” Hard watched for a reaction from the mare but only saw a questioning look overcome her as she seemed to be thinking about what he had said.

Neither ponies seemed to notice a slight flinch escaping the Pegasus behind them, his ears were now pointed towards the ponies in front of him as he seemed to be taking in everything they said. He held a notebook in his hooves as he wrote down notes seeming to become more interested now than he had been before.

“What do ya mean by tha Mr. Boiled? There was somepony out there with them?” asked Sugar her voice shaking as the ramifications of the stallions words began to build horrifying scenarios in her mind. Her blood ran cold as soon as she had heard that somepony else was possibly out there and what their intentions may have been to the adolescent ponies while they were alone. Sugar saw another shadow moving in the tree line near the front of the house before she could react farther a flash of silver reflected in the moonlight that dappled through the breaks in the tree branches setting her mind at ease. A sparkle of gold reflected the moon as it seemed to meet her gaze before it seemed to stealthily move out of site did more to calm her and she sighed slightly relieved that her mate was close by.

“Can’t devolve everything but there were signs of a struggle in the general area where the incident occurred. Is there anything that you can tell us about that night, did your daughter see anything or mention anything to you? How in Celestia’s mane did she end up out there anyway? From what I gather from other witnesses and those who were part of the search party your family was not involved in the efforts nor was she on the school trip.” Hard’s questions and statements were laid in such a way that was only gained by years of practice.

He looked at the mare as she looked sternly at both him and the rookie that the department had sent out to meet him at the house, the newbie continued to scribble in their notebook but hadn’t chimed in with their green horn questions like usual. He’d never seen this pony before but all the ponies in blue seemed to look the same. “One thing to be grateful for I suppose I’m getting to old to be correcting newbies or facehooving at their poor efforts to impress elders.” thought Hard Boiled dryly.

“Our Autumn… she struggled for a while to earn her cutie mark, but she had a habit of lookin for things when we went for walks or when we were takin brakes from harvestin. Our lil’ one was so creative… seein’ things in broken twigs or noticing critter tracks even at a younger age. Ah had no idea tha’ could’ve been her callin, so we tried to push her to other things; cooking, farmin’, anythin. She’s got a heart o’ gold an’ she’s as hardheaded as a yak, jus’ like her dad. So when she heard her friend Tall Tales was lost an they were lookin’ fer ponies ta help…she wanted ta be there,” said Sugar as she seemed to reflect on the fact that she should have known about what her daughters talent may have been. Sugar’s face scrunched up in slight frustration at her lack of attention, but she saw no judgment on the stiff detective’s face as he nodded seeming to understand what she was saying.

“She sounds like a good kid, so I’m guessing she went to go help find her friend?” asked Hard Boiled his eyebrows rising as a slight lift of the corner of his mouth almost exposed a smile. He wanted to get more to the point of his question the pride in the mother’s voice as she talked about her kid sparked a small bit of warmth in his heart.

“She is…me an’ Shadow are so proud o her,” said Sugar as her eyes softened along with her expression. A small smile covered her muzzle before it was wiped away by the memory of the previous events. “Autumn managed to sneak out, she found one o the search parties an’ followed them ta the campsite to try and help to find Tall Tales. Even though she was sick she still pushed herself to follow those signs that no pony else noticed… those broken sticks, bent grass. My lil one… turned out to be a natural born tracking pony,” said Sugar her voice thick with liquid pride as she lovingly talked about her daughter’s borderline heroic, if reckless actions. Hard Boiled listened to her as she spoke, his eyes widening from what he was hearing but she continued.

“From what she told me she followed a trail of broken grass and followed these “signs” until she found the colt injured on a rock shelf, she managed to pull him out and did her best to find her way back to camp or to one of the rescue teams. She followed the trail that she created while tracking the colt back as much as she could. There were supposedly Timberwolves in the area, from what she said she heard one close to them and ran carryin’ her friend,” said Sugar Beet her voice scared despite these events being long over. “Ah guess Shadow an Ah never really addressed that, after we’re done with all this craziness,” she thought frustrated at how much danger her daughter had managed to put herself in.

“Soon as ah found out she was missin’ Ah went out ta find ‘er. Ah was crazy wit panic; thankfully, my husband returned from a business trip delivering our goods to The Hopps Brewery a few towns over. Ah tol’ him what was happenin an he ran off ta find our lil one. He was a skilled trap maker before we built this farm together, he had some experience tracking and by some Celestia’s given miracle he found them both and brought them home with only a minor injury, he said he had gotten snagged on some rough rocks as she slipped” said Sugar her voice emotional but not overly so as she recalled an abridged version of their tale.

Hard Boiled shut his eyes nodding at the mare’s recount of the story and took another deep drag of his cigarette before he finished it and put it out on the aged wooden porch. He breathed the smoke out through his nostrils looking more like a surly dragon than a pony, Sugar’s face moved to one of distaste at the rude actions of the stallion, but she kept a level head as she waited to see the stallion’s reaction.

“That is quite a story Mrs. Moon, your husband and daughter sound like amazing ponies. Is there any way we could have a word with him or your daughter to ask them a few questions?” asked Hard Boiled as his eyes peeked past his aviators. He noticed that the mare became slightly panicked at the request, her eyes green eyes widened, and her ears twitched as if they were about to lay flat against her head, but she stopped them. His eyebrow rose slightly in question at the mare’s reaction.

“Sadly, Autumn has been a little under the weather as o late, an Ah don’t think there’s much more she could add ta yer notes. An’ Shadow is out; Ah told ya everything they both told me,” Sugar said slightly defensive of her family, but she tried her best not to show it to the perceptive pony. Hard Boiled didn’t seem to react to her change in voice or demeanor, he finished writing his notes as he took another huff of his cigarette looking to the side as he exhaled the smoke.

“Her story lines up with most of the evidence, there were Timberwolves in the area and from the other witness accounts it seems like most of her story lines up… seems like we won’t be getting much from these farmers turned “hero’s”. No point pushing to talk to the husband and kid for now… I think that’s enough for one night,” thought Hard as he wrote down a few more notes and cleared his throat.

“Alright Ma’am thank you for your time, that’s all we need for now. If we need anything else, we will let you know. Again, your family is in no trouble with the law at this time, so you are free to move as you would, if you go on vacation or any other business trips, we will find a way to contact you,” said Hard Boiled as he closed his notebook and placed it in his jacket pocket. He tipped his hat toward the mare in the door, she nodded her understanding but showed no other tells the seasoned law pony.

“Ah hope this helps ya’ll sorry ah couldn’t be of more help, ya’ll git home safely Mr. Boiled and…?” questioned Sugar as she tried to get a name for the Pegasus behind the grizzled detective. The Pegasus looked startled for a second but seemed to recover quickly, his wings fluttered slightly and cleared his throat.

“Storm ma’am, Rough Storm,” he answered curtly his voice deeper than was expected as if he had a sore throat. He put his notebook away as well and seemed to be eager to leave the area as soon as possible. Sugar nodded though she could barely hide the suspicion that seemed to creep onto her muzzle, she nodded and faked a smile as best she could before she nodded at the Pegasus. She closed the door as they turned to leave, as soon as the doors knob clicked into place, she let out a sigh of relief and her body slumped slightly in relief.

Sugar’s eyes snapped open suddenly as she heard the creak of the wooden floors in her kitchen move as they were supporting weight. A hardened look overcame her face and her eyes locked onto the door in front of her, she moved as silently as she could manage to the door ready to buck whoever had snuck into her house into next year. Just as she turned the corner the matriarch of the Moon family jumped as she was suddenly met with a shadowy silhouetted pony form in a space that she didn’t expect one she shouted slightly scaring the other pony into yelling as well and nearly lashed out with a left hook before recognition covered her face.

“Aaahh, M-mom w-wait… it’s me,” said Autumn her voice raising in octave in slight fear at the prospect of her mother ready to attack her for scaring the both of them out of their coats. Seeing the displeased look from her mother caused Autumn to look instantly sheepish as she had been caught where she was not supposed to be, she lowered herself to her haunches and lowered her head in a submissive gesture hoping to escape some of her mother’s anger.

“Autumn! I told ya to stay upstairs, how in tarnation did you get into the kitchen?! Why did you move?” asked Sugar her voice barbed with irritation at being disobeyed. Even through the black beanie she could see her daughter’s ears flatten against her head joined by a wild silver tail curling around her front hooves as she looked pleadingly at her mom.

“I’m sorry mom, I… I just wanted to be closer in.. in case something happened. Something still didn’t feel right, and I thought I heard something moving around outside… I’m sorry I didn’t listen but I’m pretty sure neither of them saw me,” Autumn’s voice semi-pleading, she hoped her mother would understand what her intentions were. Looking up hopefully she saw her mother’s face soften slightly before the elder mare snorted and her striking emerald eyes grew sharp again not wavering just yet. This caused Autumn to shiver slightly.

“I understand you wanting to see what tha sound was… and that you wanted to be able to help if somethin’ happened. But next time I tell ya to stay put you WILL listen, understood?” asked Sugar as she looked at Autumn with a raised eyebrow and a stern expression.

Autumn nodded furiously, her eyes were wide in surprise and fear like an old pony cartoon. Autumn’s fuzzy ears flew up from their position on her skull instantly, grinning slightly to match the small grin on her mother’s face from her slightly goofy behavior. She was relieved she may have dodged another possible punishment for her disobedience, but the moment of levity was short lived.

Sugar and Autumn both became more solemn as they looked at the door, both Moon family mares felt uneasy as if there was still something wrong. Sugar glanced at Autumn as an uneasy feeling seemed to cause a ball of ice to form in her stomach.

Autumn’s amber eyes looked at her mother and saw that she was uneasy, she wished there were something she could do. Autumn’s Tale swished and she looked down and her new cutie mark the broken stalk of wolfsbane reflected by the crescent moon, a small soft smile formed on her muzzle when she remembered how proud her mother sounded when she was talking to the detective about what she did.

Suddenly there was a huge thump coming from upstairs causing both Autumn and Sugar to jump. “Wha was that?” asked the wine-colored mare she looked at her daughter a determined stare on her face. “STAY here Autumn, don’t move,” said Sugar her voice leaving no room for argument. She stood up and moved in front of the olive furred adolescent werepony, her ears lay flat against her mane as she snorted at the possible threat. Sugar grabbed a frying pan off the counter in her teeth, she moved quietly out of the kitchen stashing the would be weapon out of site. Sugar Beet sat defensively in front of the kitchen, her eyes looking defiantly up at the approaching sound.

Autumn growled her eyes flashing red she took a breath through her nose, before she straightened up her eyes turning back to their amber color. A heavy set of cloven hooves moved down the stairs the sound of their movement familiar to both Autumn and Sugar Beet both of their faces went from aggression to relaxed relief. Sugar saw the familiar shape of her mate walking down the stairs of their home, all the aggression left her as her entire body relaxed.

Shadow walked down the stairs his head down, his dark black mane covered his amber eyes, his breathing was slightly heavy. The massive silver wereponies paw gripped the stairs railing as he walked down the stairs. Shadow looked up glancing around the living room entrance before his eyes met Sugar Beet’s emerald gaze, a loving smile covered his muzzle as he moved to hug his mate close to his chest. A relaxed sigh escaped the large werepony as his paws wrapped around his smaller wife, they nuzzled each other as the werepony shifted back to his stallion form.

Looking to the side the stallion’s amber eyes grew wide in surprise as he noticed a cast iron skillet hidden along the side of the couch, a light chuckle left his throat. “Prepared I see… heh heh, so tell me is that for intruders or?” Shadows teasing fang filled grin grew at Sugar blushing as her eyes flicked to the offending kitchenware, as soon as his mate began to rub her own arm in embarrassment, he decided he had teased her enough. Sugar snorted and hit his shoulder lightly rolling her eyes at her mates’ decision to tease her at what may be an inopportune time.

Sugar returned his smile and returned to her favorite spot in the crook in Shadows well-muscled neck and chest, the large draft pony’s hooves wrapped around her once again. “Ah dunno handsome, ya keep teasin an’ we’ll see,” said Sugar feeling Shadows chest shake in a near silent chuckle helped calm her and her small smile grew at her own barb. Neither ponies noticed as Autumn moved to approach the door leading to the living room, seeing her parents in an embrace she stopped smiling at her parents enjoying the sight of them happy together deciding not to ruin the moment.

“So who was runnin down the road love, do we have anythin’ to worry about?” asked Sugar tentatively her voice a whisper hoping to dissuaded Autumn from overhearing them. Worry was etched in her face as she turned her head into her mates neck for comfort.

“The ponies running down the road were just some kids and a skinny unicorn stallion. Are you both ok?” asked Shadow his voice and body exhausted. Sugar nodded in his arms and he instantly relaxed happy to hear that nothing else had happened in his absence. His golden eyes flashed as he cracked them open, he was not eager to voice the thought that was itching to be released by his fanged mouth.

“We may need to leave Vanhoover sooner than we thought,” said Shadow his voice strained as he spoke, he looked up from the old farmhouses well-worn wooden floors. A questioning look on his face as he felt Sugar Beet stiffen in his arms, her eyes seemed fixed on what was to the left of them.

“W-we’re leaving Vanhoover?” a sad broken voice met his thickly furred ears he whipped his head to the side moving away from his mate seeing a depressed looking Autumn standing in the door of the kitchen. “Horse Apples,” thought Sugar beet and Shadow Snare as they turned to face their daughter what their near future held.

Author's Note

It has been a while.... I am sorry for how late this chapter is coming out. :fluttershbad: Life has gotten quite busy, and for a while I wanted to build this chapter better than the last. I took some time with this and can't wait to see what you all think. I thank you all for your patience and hope to see you guys enjoy future chapters. Cheers!

I hope that you guys enjoy this chapter and wish you all a Happy Holiday.

No One Likes A Spoor Loser

Chapter 6: No One Likes A Spoor Loser – Full Moon

For a moment no other sound was heard besides the small sniffles of French Butter as she struggled to settle her breathing. The frigid wind of the fall night howled past the humble Moon family farm; the wind sounded sorrowful as if trying to reflect the emotions of the ponies who had heard the news of Tall Tales disappearance. The old farmhouse creaked and groaned, settling around the group of ponies. Autumn’s ears seemed to buzz as they did in her nightmare, she continued to weakly rub her hoof up and down French Butters back still trying to comfort her friend.

Sugar Beet shook her head attempting to process the news that French Butter had told her, but looking at Autumn she saw that the news had impacted her daughter, “Tha colt stood by Autumn like a true frien’, this aint no time to stand aroun’ shakin’ like a scarecrow in winter,” Sugar shook her head assuming a strong stance reflecting the determination she felt running through her as she met with the distraught teachers gaze. “Miss Turner, how long has Tale’s been missin’?” Sugar Beet asked her voice fueled by purpose startling the fillies out of their stupor.

“He went missing earlier today, after the hike with the rest of the class,” said Miss Turner, her voice becoming steadier, her bright yellow eyes meeting the determined fire of emerald ones. “After returning to the campsite we saw Tales was missing at the headcount, I gathered the other chaperones and began to look for Tales. We looked for hours and could not find hide or hair of him, we gathered the rest of the students and returned them to their parents. French and I came here as soon as we could hoping that you and your husband would aid the search,” the prussian blue unicorn finished her explanation, her gaze hopeful at the possibility of more ponies joining the search for the lost colt.

“I’m sorry ta say mah husband ain’t here, Shadow’s on a delivery an’ won’ be back until tomorrow, an’ Autumn ain’t been feelin well. Now, I wan ta help ya’ll but Autumn needs me here, Ah’m sorry…truly” Sugar Beet said regretfully informing Miss Turner and seeing despair begin to enter the teacher’s eyes. Sugar’s ears flattened against her skull and her eyes became downcast, a sad frown forming on her muzzle as she saw Miss Turner nod her head in understanding.

French Butter backed up looking at Autumn “I didn’t know you were sick Autumn, don’t worry we’ll find Tales,” Butters said sniffling she hugged Autumn trying to put on a brave face for the other filly trying to keep the worry from her eyes. “I hope you get better soon,” said Butters sincerely as she began to follow her teacher out the door.

Autumn watched as Butter’s and Miss Turner turned to leave, she began to shake her head as if to deny what her mother had said and what she was seeing. Before the two mares could take another step out of the Moon’s door Autumn dropped her blanket and stood determined as her mother had not too long ago.

“W-wait!” Autumn said wincing at the pain she felt in her throat resulting in a rumbling growl in her voice. Autumn raised her hoof as if to try and stop her friend and teacher from leaving, her eyes looking sympathetic as she looked between Miss Turner and French Butter.

Miss Turner and Butters stopped in their tracks jumping in surprise at the sound of Autumn's rough voice. “I’m feeling a lot better… we could go; I wanna help find Tales,” said convincingly turning her glowing amber gaze to her mother “please mom?” asked Autumn pleadingly, her thickly furred ears falling to the side of her messy silver mane as she sat on her haunches and turned her golden eyes up to her mother’s face.

“Jus as stubborn as her father too, I wish ya were here Hon. You’d be able to find tha’ colt faster than a hot knife through butter,” thought Sugar as she turned her gaze from the sky back to her daughter sitting before her, a warm motherly smile taking over her muzzle. “I bet she’d be able to fin Tales too but it’s too soon, she was barely able to stand earlier,” thought Sugar as she began to shake her head looking at her daughter with understanding but authority in her emerald eyes.

“I’m sorry Sugar, but ya jus got better an’ runnin’ aroun’ in the woods may make ya sick again. An if ya passed out or got hurt we may have two missin ponies out there instead o’ one. We wouldn’t be much help ifin we had to take ya home,” said Sugar as she watched her daughter’s eyes lose a portion the fire that was stoked moments ago as she spoke the elderberry mares mouth set in a straight line.

“B-but Mom I’m feeling better honest, please” Autumn said sincerely as she straightened her posture but as soon as she stood Autumn felt woozy and stumbled on her hooves. A fierce piercing headache ran behind Autumn’s eyes and her vision became blurry as the pain ran through her head and body. Autumn could not hold back the whimper that escaped past her lips as she placed her right hoof on her temple rubbing the area hoping to ease the pain.

“N-no not now, why now..” thought Autumn in frustration, her eyes narrowing at her body betraying her, her tail twitching in annoyance and her ears flicking back. As the pain faded and Autumn’s vision became clear again, she saw that her mother and the others had seen what had happened and had appreciative, but pitying looks on their muzzles. Autumn watched as her mother slowly approached her and placed a steady hoof on her withers, her stomach sank as she saw the look on her mother’s face and the set line of Sugar’s muzzle.

“I’m sorry hon, but we’re gonna have to sit this out an let the others handle this, I’m sure they’ll find Tale’s. Tha colt’s brave an I bet my last bit that he’ll find the others searchin for im ifin they don find im first,” said Sugar Beet sincerely as she rubbed her daughters shoulder, her eyes reflecting sadness as she felt Autumn's shoulders slump at her response.

Autumn's head fell and shifted her eyes to the floor, her tail drooped to the floor as she looked back towards Miss Turner and French Butter before she looked at her mother. “Fine…” said her voice straining Autumn as she turned to head up the stairs to her room “Sorry French, Miss Turner I hope you find him,” said Autumn in a defeated shaking voice. Autumn looked away before they could see the tears in the corners of her glowing eyes, and she galloped up the stairs slamming the door behind her.

Sugar Beet’s eyes followed Autumn as she ran to the second floor and flinched just slightly as she heard the farm's old bedroom door banging against its hinges at the force. Sugar sighed before turning to the other ponies who had watched the entire scene in sympathetic silence. “Ah’m real sorry we can’t help ya’ll but I truly hope ya find Tales, if hes still missin tomorrow my husband an I will try ta join the search,” the elderberry mare said, her voice calm and sincere as she addressed Miss Turner.

“Thank you Mrs. Moon I hope your husband returns safely, and Celestia willing we will find Tales soon. I’ll be joining the search after taking French home,” Page Turner said as she placed a comforting hoof on Butters shoulder guiding her to the door. “We’ll let you know as soon as we find him, I hope Autumn finds some solace in that,” Miss Turner said as she nodded to the farm mare hoping to give her some comfort before departing. The prussian blue unicorns horn lit up in a light blue aura as she cast a simple lumos spell making a small bright orb to light the way to Bright Pear Orchards.

“Thank ya kindly Miss Turner, an don’t ya worry none Butter’s I’m sure they’ll find Tales soon. For now jus’ get home safe and give yer family our best alright,” Sugar said as she shifted her attention to the pea green filly who was finally beginning to stop shaking. French Butter nodded her head wild curly orange mane bobbing as she confirmed her understanding. “Yes ma’am,” said Butters as she and Miss Turner left the farmhouse and descended the steps on the humble porch, the wind howling past them as if to morn their departure.

Shutting the sturdy front door of the farm cutting out the warm light that the house provided, Sugar Beat turned her troubled eyes up to the staircase. “I best go check on er,” thought Sugar as she walked up the stairs and down the familiar hallway of the family farmhouse as she rose her hoof and knocked her ears perked up listening for her daughter’s response.

“Come in,” came her daughter's mumbled response through the thick door. Sugar opened the door and saw her daughter wrapped up in a cocoon of blankets on her bed, her wild bushy silver tail sticking out slightly as Autumn tucked herself further into the blankets not facing her mother as Sugar approached her in the dimly lit room. The only light was of the full moon giving the room a sad blue glow, a pillar of light falling on the blankets and casting a shadow over Autumn’s face hiding her expression.

Sugar Beet walked up to the side of Autumn’s bed and placed a soft hoof on her daughter's side, feeling the olive oil filly jump underneath the covers “I know yer probably sore about not bein able to help yer friend sweet pea, but ya jus got back on yer hooves an I don’t wan ya getting hurt or lost yerself….do ya understand?” the older farm mare asked her daughter in a consoling voice rubbing her hoof on the Autumn shaped lump under the thick comforter, her emerald eyes glowing in the low light shining with concern for her daughter.

Autumn nodded her head, the comforter crumbling with her movement “I know mom,” said Autumn her voice still strained and slightly growling as she answered “I think I’m just gonna get some rest, I’m not really hungry anymore,” said Autumn her voice sounding tired and defeated, Autumn sighed and rolled over as she spoke hoping her mother would understand her want to be alone for a while.

“I understand sugar, you go ahead an rest as best ya can, If they find tha colt I’ll tell ya straight away. But fer now I hope ya sleep well, Love ya lil one,” Sugar Beet said, stealing her husband's nickname for their daughter as she gave Autumn a small nuzzle under the covers, feeling her daughter return the gesture. “I love you too mom,” said Autumn, her voice a small whisper as she turned her head and placed her head on her pillow and forehooves.

Sugar Beet left her daughter to rest and went downstairs to clean the remainder of their meal. True to her word she put a bowl of soup away for Shadow upon his return, and she went up to her room tired from the strain of the day. Sugar began to fall asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow, the scent of her husband still on the sheets providing her with comfort as she drifted deeper. The light of the moon traveled across the floor of the matriarch’s bedroom as the hours began to pass, suddenly Sugar’s eyes shot open and she was gasping for air as if she had been drowning.

“What in Celestia’s name was that?” Sugar thought as she placed her hoof on her chest trying to steady her heart. It was as if something was wrong, Sugar’s eyes widened in fear as she realized what may have caused her reaction “Autumn!” the thought caused terror to run through her body, the hair of elderberry coat standing on end as she jumped to her hooves and walked quickly to her daughter's room. Sugar’s hoof was shaking as she opened her daughter's door peeking inside, but as her eyes saw the shape of her daughter still resting in her bed under the covers her heart began to slow. Sugar took a deep breath and sighed in relief. “Ya silly ol mare, she’s fine. Ya got all riled up fer nothin,” Sugar mumbled quietly to herself as she shut the door behind her and returned to her room falling back into a peaceful sleep, however she couldn’t help a lingering feeling in the pit of her stomach.

A small stage and tent had been set up in the town's market, a group of forty ponies had gathered in warm clothes to fight the chill of the wind as it blew across them. The crowd mumbled in worried tones as they discussed the reason they had gathered there as a local sheriff walked up to the stage the chatter grew quiet.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts of Bray Valley we thank you for coming out tonight to aid in the search of a lost colt!” a brash sounding earth stallion known as Sheriff McColt addressed the crowd of ponies who wore bright orange vests and team badges. A unicorn mare stood next to him and held up a picture in her yellow aura to aid the stallion as he briefed the volunteers. “The colt in question is named Tall Tales, a cornflower unicorn colt with a dark dray mane and yellow eyes. His cutie mark is a pony silhouette with its hoof held out and holding a book, he was last seen on Hurricane’s hiking trail at eight in the morning, the colt hasn’t been seen since then,” said the sheriff in a sturn voice to the crowd as he looked at the ponies he was addressing moving his head from side to side in an effort to be heard by all the ponies present.

“You will all be broken into teams and we will branch our search out from the hiking trail, to the campsite and even back to town, after this brief you will report to the tent to receive your maps, flashlights, and whistles. If you find any clues or the colt notify your team leaders and we will have a pegasus fly to the tent to get medical ponies to your location and spread the word to the other teams. Stay in groups of four and travel together, there have been reports of predators in the area, be safe and lets go out there and find that colt,” said the sheriff in a strong voice hoping to motivate the ponies who came to help the local guards and police. A small sound of stomping hooves followed his speech and he stepped down to join the teams.

Unknown to the sheriff or the well-meaning ponies a shadow watched from the sidelines staying quiet as they heard the information the sheriff had given the crowd. Waiting in the foliage nearby the creature crouched low staying in the darkness waiting until the teams headed to the trail; as soon as teams began their trek the figure followed closely behind the ponies staying just out of site.

The hooves of the shadow moved quickly and quietly as the campsite team and hiking trail team began to split from each other to perform a police call around the surrounding area looking for any sign of the missing unicorn colt. The shadow crouched low to the ground scenting the air and the soil of the campsite, its wild mane catching the moonlight for a second as fangs poked past lips as they grinned in silent victory.

They had found what they were looking for even though it was old… the scent was faint, but a familiar sandalwood scent pushed through the scent of the forest surrounding them she could have sworn she could see it, “Tales,” thought Autumn in happiness and relief as she turned her head to try and locate a volunteer to see if they were on the right track.

Looking up from what she had found amber eyes widened in horror as she saw that the teams were heading in the wrong direction “w-where are they going, that’s not the right way!?” thought Autumn as fear and panic ran through her as if to add to her terror a menacing howl rang through the air. Autumn’s glowing amber eyes became even more horrified and her ears flipped back as she shivered in the crisp night; it was as if she could understand the howl it sounded cruel, desperate but mostly it sounded hungry.

“Th-There’s no time, Tales needs help now,” thought Autumn as she shook her body trying to warm herself and get rid of the shaking idling her body despite her thicker coat of fur sweat covering her coat. Autumn took a deep breath through her nose and scented the air once more, following the scent she found herself on Hurricane’s trail her only companion was the mare in the full moon watching as the filly sniffed at the ground and glanced up trying to follow the scent of her lost friend. As Autumn looked up she saw something, her furry ears perking up as her face questioned what she was seeing, and she doubted at first if it meant anything.

There just near the trail she saw some of the branches by the deer trail had been bent, as if some creature had passed by there. Autumn’s stance became determined, her eyes narrowing as if looking for something, Autumn followed her gut. “Maybe,” thought Autumn, hope sparking deep in her chest. Autumn went by the broken branches and crouched low looking in the light of the full moon, her amber eyes flashing she saw it, just there next to the branches almost invisible was some tail hair and small clump of cornflower fur taking a deep breath through her nose it confirmed the hope that began to burn through her.

“I-it is! Tale’s he passed through here,” Autumn nearly shouted in her joy and her eyes lit up. She nearly jumped up in the air bucking in her victory as the forest seemed to be telling her that she was going the right way. “I just need to look, it.. it’s like finding critters… look for the signs,” thought Autumn as she continued past the bent branches it was like magic her hooves carried her for hours over the forest farther and farther into the thick foliage surrounding the intermediate trail.

Each clue she found led Autumn closer to Tales, she stepped carefully as she continued to track her friend. Autumn’s eyes glowed in determination as she continued to follow the trail the unicorn had left behind; a broken branch, torn grass, old hoof prints in mud… even the slight smell of urine near the trail stood out to her as if they were neon signs pointing to her goal. Autumns eyes crossed and she stuck out her tongue in disgust almost gagging as she tried to get that particular smell out of her nose “Didn’t need to know that smell,” thought Autumn as she shook her head trying to erase that part of her journey from her mind in an effort to raise her spirits in the cold air of the night.

The scent of sandalwood grew stronger as Autumn continued moving with purpose through the forest, her ears were straight at attention swiveling at the sounds surrounding her, trying to focus her sharp hearing listening for the sound of hooves moving through the forest. However, Autumn never went too fast as to miss any spoor that may lead her to Tales, she felt as if her fever was returning and fought against the dizziness she had felt. “No, not again,” thought Autumn as she did her best to push through her illness nausea causing her to almost vomit.

Raising her head as the wind picked up Autumn closed her glowing amber eyes scenting the air once more, however her heart sank she smelled a thick bitter scent, iron mixed with the Tale’s natural scent… blood.

Autumn’s heart began to pound in her chest, suddenly she felt nauseous for a whole new reason… her hooves began to tremble as she saw dark spots on the lavender flowers of wolf’sbane, the stems were snapped; the dark red blood standing out on the bright purple petals. “No, no…” whispered Autumn her voice shaking as she confirmed her fear, that blood belonged to Tales… the same hungry howl she had heard before cut through the air causing Autumn to jump in surprise the hair on the back of her neck began to stand on end, her bushy tail bristling as she realized she wasn’t the only one following the trail. Taking another breath through her nose Autumn’s eyes widened the scent was recent, stronger than what she had been following.

In her panic Autumn sat on her haunches and rose her hooves to her mouth and shouted as loud as she could into the night “TAAALLES, WHERE ARE YOOOOU?!?” screamed Autumn her voice carrying through the biting fall air, Autumn placed her hooves on the ground and pearked her ears straining to listen for any sign of her friend. “Come on Tales…please,” thought Autumn the cold fear that had run through her causing her to shiver as silence seemed to answer her, then just faintly she heard something that sparked the hope she had felt before melting the dread in her heart.

“Ugghhh, Hel..p..a..any pony there?” asked a tired weak voice carried by the wind. Autumn’s eyes snapped open and she turned her head towards the direction her ears had heard Tales, he was alive and nearby. “Tales keep talking I..I’ll find you,” Autumn said her joy leaking into her voice as she began to smile, her fangs glowing in the moonlight as she got closer to her friend.. as she continued, she noticed her hooves striking hard stone as she climbed higher up the ridge.

Autumn continued to gallop towards the scent of her friend as it grew ever stronger, never failing to follow the spoor, droplets of blood leading her on though Tales failed to continue speaking.

Just as Autumn opened her muzzle to shout into the night once more the ground fell off into a steep rocky cliff! Autumn’s eyes widened in fear as she struggled to slow her gallop, her hooves skidding against the rough stones of the ridge coming to a stop just before going over the edge. Taking short shallow breaths Autumn’s eyes shook as she tried to calm her pounding heart, she swallowed the saliva that had gathered in her mouth gulping as she saw how close she came to falling, looking over the edge she saw a shadowy lump laying on a shelf of stone. As the clouds moved past the full moon lighting the forest she saw Tales laying on the rocky shelf, his rear right hoof was badly twisted and he had several cuts and a piece of bone stuck out of his right leg but he was breathing. A camera lay shattered far below on the hard stones at the bottom of the cliff.

Autumn’s eyes widened in worry for Tales but relief also flooded through her “I..I did it,” thought Autumn, her tail wagging as she realized what she had done “Tales I’m right here! I found you,” said the olive oil filly, her voice filled with emotion as tears began to fill her eyes. Suddenly an amazing warmth passed through Autumn filling her with a pleasant feeling as if she was running through flower petals tickling her coat, she felt as if she was flying as her hooves left the ground, her eyes closed shut as a bright light began to emanate from nowhere surrounding her. A mysterious wind flowed around her but unlike the cold wind of the fall night the cut into her as she ran this one felt like a welcoming spring breeze calling her to something wonderful, despite the terrible circumstances it was beautiful.

As Autumn’s hooves touched the cold ground she felt as if she had lost all strength in her legs, her head felt fuzzy and she shook her head placing her hoof on her head “W-what was that?” thought Autumn cautiously as she looked around to see if one of the unicorn volunteers had found her. She began to smile but as her eyes glanced around the landscape the only unicorn she saw was Tales who was mumbling, not strong enough to cast a spell. Autumn’s brow rose in curiosity as she began to look over her body lifting her still tingling hooves, as she looked at her flank, she noticed something amazing there was a mark there!

Autumn’s mouth dropped exposing her fangs as she took a second to see a crescent moon on her flank reflecting a broken stalk of wolf’s bane. Autumn felt more tears form in the corner of her amber eyes as she felt more happiness running through her “I c-can’t believe it,” thought Autumn but she shook her head realizing that there were more important things to do than stare at her flank.

“Tales’s,” Autumn went to the edge of the cliff and called down to Tall Tales “Tales buddy can you hear me, if you can please try to get up,” pleaded the olive oil filly as she saw her friend begin to move. Her eyes lit up as she saw Tales weakly lift his head, his yellow eyes dull as they looked up at Autumn… As soon as he saw her some light came back into his eyes.

“A-Autumn is that you?” asked Tales his voice strained his voice sounding dry as a hopeful smile covered his muzzle. The young unicorns tail began to twitch weakly in happiness as he tried to attempt to stand “OOOOWWWWW BUCK that hurts!!” Tales shouted as loud as his movement caused his numb hoof to shoot a sharp pain through his spine. Blood continued to ooze onto the cold rocky ridge covering the colt’s side causing him to shiver even more when he saw the blood.

“D-don’t move Tales! I’ll get something to pull you up ok just try to stay awake ok,” said Autumn concern in her voice trying to remain calm as she looked around trying to spot anything she could use to pull her friend up. Autumn’s eyes widened as she saw Tales camping pack laying close to the woodline, rushing over to it she tore the bag open with her hooves hoping to find something she could use… dumping the bag onto the ground it seemed as if someone was listening to the fillies silent prayers.

“Yes! Hang in there Tales I’ll have you out soon,” shouted Autumn there laying on the ground was a thick blanket. Autumn tore the blanket into strips with her sharp fangs, holding the edges down with her rear hoof as she used her earth pony strength to tear the cloth as if it was tissue paper. Autumn felt as if she was burning up and she wobbled slightly as she finished the strenuous work quickly panting slightly, shaking it off she began to tie the strips together forming two loops at the end to wrap around the stranded unicorn.

“Tales, you still up,” Autumn shouted to Tales to see if he would be able to wrap the rope around him. “Yeah bud still here,” Tales responded tired and weak but still awake. “Thank Celestia, at least I don’t have to lasso him,” thought Autumn as she grinned slightly, she gathered the rope in her mouth and saw a tree close enough to the edge of the cliff. She wrapped the rope around the base and tied the other end of the rope to herself before she went to Tales.

“Alright Tales, try to wrap this around you once you’ve got it I’m gonna try to pull you up try not to move too much alright,” asked Autumn her voice strong trying to hide the uncertainty she was feeling at her plan. Tall Tales nodded his understanding and began to wrap the rope around himself wincing in pain. As soon as Tales was done Autumn began to pull the unicorn colt up the side of the cliff, as slowly and as carefully as she could using the tree as a pulley to help her with the weight.

Tales groaned slightly as he felt nausea from the pain in his leg and did his best not to look down at the fall that had shattered his leg and camera his heart pounding against his ribs as he was pulled up. Before he knew it Tales felt fangs wrap around the scruff of his neck as his body was pulled over the edge of the cliff a shot of fear overcoming him as his body quickly changed directions “A-ahhhhhh!” shouted Tales as his eyes widened and his body started shaking. Tales ears perked up as he realized he wasn’t lying on a hard rock ridge but had been caught by Autumn, a grin broke out over his muzzle in appreciation for the friend who had found him, his eyes gained more brightness as he realized he had been saved.

“Ooof… Sorry Tales I-“ said Autumn her voice cut off as Tales wrapped his hooves around her with as much strength as he could manage leaning on her due to the pain in his leg. Autumn wrapped her hooves around her friend, she felt the unicorn colt shaking.

“Autumn, T-thank you! Thank you so much, you’re the best friend a colt could have,” said Tales, his voice shaking as he hugged his friend, feeling relief and happiness fill him with warmth despite the cold he had felt for hours. The pain in his back hoof pulsed through him throbbing as he moved but in that moment Tale’s could care less.

Autumn shook her head and rubbed his back as she comforted him “Tales, you had my back… and I’ll always have yours,” said Autumn as she chuckled slightly pulling back she looked at her friend illness forgotten her eyes shining in happiness and pride “You can bet your last bit on that,” said Autumn winking at her friend. Tales eyes widened in surprise at Autumn’s joke before he too began to laugh at his words being used on him, as his body shook with laughter a sharp pain ran through his leg.

“Ahhh… horsefeathers, my leg,” cursed Tales, gritting his teeth together as the pain of his twisted hoof and broken leg came back full force. Autumn jumped and looked at her friend’s leg seeing the shard of bone poking through his distal left thigh covered in blood and torn sinew she lowered him slowly to the ground.

“T..that looks bad, I helped my dad splint a cow’s leg before… Maybe I can try to splint your’s,” Autumn asked cautiously as she gauged Tales' reaction to her idea. Her amber eyes reflected concern for her friend and her ears were pinned back knowing that it’d probably hurt Tales to splint it but knowing it’d be worse if she left it as is.

Tales eyes widened in fear for a split second and he took a hard look at his twisted swollen leg, he almost vomited at the site of the bone poking through his skin. Turning his head away from the injury he turned his bright orange eyes to look into Autumn’s glowing ones and he felt the fear and nausea melt away as she saw the concern in the warm amber eyes as she waited patiently for his answer. “I trust her, Autumn can do this,” thought Tales as he nodded before opening his muzzle grinning slightly “You know most hero’s do have to patch up their friends in legends, looks like it's your turn Autumn. I trust you..j-just try to be gentle.. please,” said Tales his voice filled with mirth as he saw his friend roll her eyes and smile at him before nodding at him hiding her eyes for a second with her wild silver bangs.

Looking back up Autumn had a face splitting grin forming exposing her fangs to the unicorn, however Tales felt no fear, this was Autumn and she was his friend. “You got it,” said Autumn as she held up her hoof for a bump from the cornflower unicorn, after feeling a tap against her hoof she looked up a serious look covering her muzzle. Autumn's eyes scanned the area and nearby she saw a tree with medium sized branches and she looked down to the rope she had made from the thick blanket, her ears perked up and her eyes lit up as she set to work.

Tales watched as Autumn walked quickly to a nearby tree and tore off some stiff branches with ease, tearing off the leaves before she drug it across the ground to him. He tilted his head in a question before he realized what she had in mind.

“I’m gonna measure the branch on the leg that isn’t injured ok, then I’m gonna tie it off with some strips of bandage and tie the splinted leg to your uninjured one ok? I’ll carry you back to the campsite and they can call for help from the medical ponies at the market,” Autumn said calmly explaining what she was about to do to Tales as best as she could “Just try not to buck me in the face ok, my nose is flat enough as it is,” Autumn said jokingly hoping to ease the worry on Tales face.

“No promises,” Tales said jokingly as Autumn placed her hooves on his leg she pushed against it moving it slightly, her eyes laser focused on the leg as if looking for something, her ears standing at attention listening for any strange sounds. Suddenly he sat up straight hissing through his teeth as pain shot through him. Autumn's hooves had found a break and he struggled not to shrink away from Autumn as she seemed to be noting where the break was despite her eyes widening and her focus shifting to his reaction.

“Tales! I’m sorry!” shouted Autumn her voice filled with guilt as she moved back slightly trying not to move her friends injured leg. “It’s fine keep going” growled out Tales as his breathing became less shallow and he started pawing at the dirt with his front hooves. Autumn nodded and quickly continued examining the leg, his fetlock and his twisted hoof. Finding what she needed she took the branch and measured it against Tale's good leg before snapping it the appropriate length and tying the branch to this injured leg. Autumn did her best to work quickly to splint the leg despite Tales shaking and flinching as she finished tying the leg to the other.

“All done Tales, sorry I know that probably felt terrible,” said Autumn her voice laced with guilt at hurting her friend, but she felt a slight sense of pride at the splint she had made. Tales shook his head and waved a hoof at her as if it had been no big deal. Autumn smiled and grabbed the remains of Tales saddle bags and tied them to herself before turning towards Tales and lifting him onto her withers.

Glancing behind her Autumn looked at Tales as he adjusted himself to lay comfortably on her back, she started to grin at him as he looked at her sheepishly “So if I’m the hero does that make you the damsel in distress?” asked Autumn in a taunting tone as she started to laugh at the indignation that covered Tales muzzle as he snorted at the fanged filled smile covering the filly’s face.

“Hardy Har Har…very funny Autumn,” said Tales as he refused to look at her rolling his eyes at her amusement. He shook his head and couldn’t help the grin growing on his face as she turned around and began to walk them both back to the campsite though how she was doing so he had no clue. Autumn took a deep breath through her nose and opened her eyes a happy grin on her face as she walked deep into the forest doing her best not to jostle her injured comrade.

“But you know this will make an awesome story to tell everypony when we get back, I just hope Butters isn’t too worried,” said Tales wistfully as Autumn grinned at the soft look on the unicorn’s face. As Tales saw that he had been caught with his hoof in the cookie jar, he quickly looked away from the warm amber eyes now burning a hole in his head as Autumn grinned smugly. Just as Autumn was about to open her muzzle to retort Tale’s reaction a deep menacing growl cut through the night silencing the two adolescent ponies, the hair on both their necks stood up and a chill ran up their spines causing them to shiver, their blood freezing at the sound of branches breaking behind them.

As Autumn and Tales slowly looked behind them toxic green eyes glowed back at them, the sickening smell of rotting roadkill covered the area in a thick humid mist. The creature's body blended perfectly with the thick oak and pine trees surrounding the two ponies, as the huge wolf narrowed his toxic eyes it growled deeply its throat vibrating as thick slimy saliva covered the sharp shards of wood that formed its teeth, globs of the foul smelling fluid hitting the forest floor.

Autumn and Tales' eyes nearly popped out of their heads as they both looked at the size of the wooden wolf’s fangs and saw that they were it’s next target. Tales started taking small shallow breaths as his heart began to beat against Autumn’s back in panic. Autumn took a shaky breath through her nose gagging at the sickening smell of rotting carrion and the bittersweet smell of fruit that pierced the air smelling the Timberwolves breath and their fear.

Autumn felt a cold dread fill her stomach and her own glowing amber eyes looked deep into the creature’s cruel hungry green ones. Autumn's fuzzy ear flicked back as she felt Tales tap her on her withers, she refused to take her eyes off the huge predator, carefully watching for any changes in its movement.

“Au-Autumn w-what do we do?” whispered Tales his voice shaking as he asked Autumn all of the happiness that they had felt moments ago long forgotten. Before Autumn could respond the timberwolf lowered its huge lumber body to the ground in a very familiar pose to the silver-maned filly, her eyes widened and she dug her hooves into the ground before whispering past her clutched fangs “We run...hold on,” said Autumn baring her fangs as she turned as fast as she could kicking dirt and rocks into the Timberwolves toxic slime green eyes trying to buy them some time to get away.

Tales squeezed his terrified orange eyes shut and held back a whimper as his leg shifted; Autumn turned quickly as her hooves beat hard against the ground as she galloped across the forest floor. The unicorn colt wrapped his hooves tightly around Autumn’s neck and held on for both of their lives as the huge creature shook its head pawing at its eyes trying to clear out the dirt that the brave filly had kicked up, snarling as it began its chase, its paws pounding against the ground close behind them.

Author's Note

Another chapter in the books :twilightsmile: I hope you all enjoy this one, however this one sadly has not been edited by RandomGuy101 yet due to a busy schedule :ajsleepy:, but here’s hoping It’s still an ok chapter all the same. :twilightsmile: If you like the story I’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback is always appreciated. Until next time Cheers! :raritywink: