Chapter 1 - A New Friend?

~ Exposition ~

The Everfree Forest has always been there, dark and secluded from the rest of Equestria. It borders a small rural town called Ponyville, its citizens have learnt to not bother the forest, save for a few daring adventurers never to be seen again, in turn, the inhabitants of the Everfree have learnt to stay to the shadows away from view, safe and protected.

"Sweetie Belle, darling!?" The fashionista called out to a bedroom upstairs in the Carousel Boutique.

Moments later, a small white furred filly with a pink and purple curled mane answered "Yes Rarity?" before hopping down the stairs to face her sister, who was staring thoughtfully at an empty patch of fabric on her new ensemble.

"Be a dear and go to Zecora's hut to ask for a blue gemstone for me please? Like the one she showed me once from her stash!" Rarity tossed her curled lock of mane, "It would simply look divine!"

The filly, Sweetie Belle, rolled her eyes, "Alright, but can I invite the Crusaders over after?" Getting a nod of agreement, she dashed towards the exit, to put a saddlebag on, intent on getting back to see her best friends as soon as possible.

"Make sure to not stray from the safe path darling! You never know what could be in those ghastly shadows." The taller unicorn called after her sister, shuddering.

Making her way through the cleared path between two walls of dense trees, Sweetie Belle trotted happily, breathing in the damp smell of wood and vines.

Almost reaching the small, wooden hut, the pale unicorn was about to quicken her pace when a sudden crunch from beyond the foliage caught her attention.

She gasped, Was it a monster? Was it dangerous? Her thoughts halted to a stop, taking a different turn. Was this an opportunity for a... "Cutiemark Monster Catcher!"

Ignoring her sister's warnings from earlier, Sweetie Belle dove into the thick vines, taking advantage of her small size and following the faint rustling of leaves.

The filly came to a clearing, "Hello? Mister Monster? Is any creature here?" suddenly, she was thrown across the grass, landing on her side and wincing in pain.

When she opened her lime eyes, her pupils dilated. She was facing five timberwolves, their teeth bared and grins victorious. Sweetie Belle held her mouth agape, willing herself to scream for help, but instead, a helpless whimper came out as she curled into a ball around her injuries and waited for the inevitable strike to come.

It didn't come.

After a few tense moments, Sweetie Belle opened her eyes a crack, expecting to see pointed teeth before her or the insides of a timberwolf, but instead, she was met with five wolves lunging into a deep bow, still and silent.

Now she was confused, "Huh?" Were they bowing to her? Did I hypnotize them?

"Aegis." A stern voice came from behind the filly, she jumped and swiveled around to see a lavender mare, the timberwolves bent down lower, their noses touching the earth, "What have I always told you about innocents?"

Her voice was light and calm, similar to wind chimes on a spring afternoon, Sweetie Belle gaped in awe as the ferocious creatures flinched and cowered away from just her voice.

The young unicorn nearly tripped over her hooves when the next voice spoke, a deep rumble of words, yet easily distinguishable "Do not harm unless harmed Mistress, forgive us."

Sweetie was about to warn the anonymous mare as she walked up to the timberwolves, who were shrinking away at her glare, before she softened her expression, "It is quite alright, if you would please return to your patrols now," prompted the violet unicorn before sending them a smile.

The wolves relaxed their posture upon seeing their mistress's kind features, bowing down once more before retreating back into the shadows.

The mare wore a black coat covering her mane and cutiemark, she had soft violet eyes and a warm lavender coat.

Gazing at the mare in wonder, Sweetie flinched as the older unicorn's attention turned to her, stepping back and trembling. If she could defeat a mob of monsters with just words, what could she do to her?

To the filly's surprise, the mare spoke in a gentle voice, full of concern, "I'm sorry about them, they're just not used to strangers, what's a little filly like you doing out here alone?" as she sent a powerful wave of magenta healing magic through to Sweetie Belle, repairing the bruises from when she had tumbled onto the ground before.

"I-I was o-on my way t-to Zecora's hut, and I- uh I heard a noise in the v-vines so I decided to investigate!" The pale filly stammered, still shying away from the powerful mare.

"No need to fear me little one, I merely want to help, do you know the way out?" The unicorn asked, voice laced with a tinge of sadness at the filly's reaction.

Catching the suppressed sigh, Sweetie Belle was filled with guilt and shame at her own actions, the mare had been nothing but kind, both to the creatures and herself, why would she fear her?

"I'm sorry, I can't retrace my steps, I live in Ponyville, do you think you could just send me in the right direction please?" the filly questioned tentatively, releasing her breath in relief as she received a heartwarming smile.

"Of course, would you like me to accompany you there myself? The creatures will know you are under my protection." offered the cloaked pony, starting to trot towards a thick cluster of vines and letting them part for her.

"Thank you!" the white filly exclaimed before adding, "You can call me Sweetie Belle!"

Throughout the stroll, they had stayed respectfully silent, occasionally coming across a creature who would immediately bow and receive a gentle smile and a nod from the mysterious mare.

As they neared an opening revealing the familiar sight of Ponyville, Sweetie Belle sighed, obviously relieved at the sight of home, before leaving up and hugging her savior, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Miss Mistress!"

The mare let out a little gasp, before curling a foreleg around the small bundle, returning the hug and letting out a soft, melodic chuckle, "You can call me Twilight, If you ever need me, just shout alright?"

Receiving an enthusiastic nod, Twilight let the little filly run towards a purple structure, watching as she reached the door, before disappearing into the canopy of trees.