Omega Rising: Claws and Stripesby Danny the ChemistChaptersPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6PrologueEarth, Amazon Rainforest, 12:34 PM The vast forest lay in idyllic silence, interrupted only by the myriad of animals inhabiting the biome and the natural sounds of trees, wind, and rivers. Despite this tranquil atmosphere, a group of heavily armored men silently navigated through the dense vegetation of the jungle. The thick, humid jungle air clung to their equipment and face coverings, making breathing a bit more challenging. Nevertheless, they pressed forward with determination. Their well-trained bodies effortlessly bore the weight of large backpacks filled with survival gear and an assortment of weapons. Clad in camouflaged uniforms, they blended seamlessly into the forest surroundings, save for the small metallic coat of arms adorning each soldier's upper arm—a depiction of a glaive in front of Earth, glinting in the occasional rays of sunlight piercing through the dense foliage. The five men forged ahead until the leader raised his arm, signaling the others to halt. Quietly, he reached for his radio and activated it. "Hunter one to base. Confirm Omega's position," he murmured softly, tapping the radio button. The device crackled before a voice transmitted through. "Omega is located one and a half clicks South-East from your position." Satisfied, he nodded, glad the target hadn't shifted since their last update. "Acknowledged," he swiftly replied, then switched channels. "Hunter one to Hunter two. Confirm your location." More crackling followed, and a different voice responded. "Hunter two to Hunter one. We're stationed one click South of the target. All set." Once again content with the response, he checked in with several other teams to confirm their positions. When he ensured everyone was in place, he stowed away the radio and signaled his men to resume their advance. Minutes ticked by until the team reached their designated spot. Each member scanned the area, on the lookout for their prey. Then, a tap on the leader's shoulder signaled that the target had been sighted. All attention immediately focused on where the soldier pointed. Initially, nothing seemed visible, but they knew better. Like themselves, their target could blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Straining their eyes, they barely discerned the outline of their quarry, nestled amidst the trees, likely resting. The leader gestured for his men to take aim, yet they all signaled an obstruction in their line of sight. Cursing inwardly, he hesitated to move closer, aware that any sudden approach might alert their quarry. Nevertheless, they had no other choice. Silently and cautiously, they began to shift position, ensuring absolute silence. Then, a soldier accidentally stepped on a branch, causing it to snap loudly. All gazes snapped to the source of the noise, shooting the man a glare. In an instant, their attention reverted to their target, only to find it had vanished from its previous location, much to their horror. "Formation Beta!" the team leader barked, rallying everyone into a tight circle, back-to-back. Rifles raised high and low, they scanned every inch of the vast jungle. Each held their breath, the sole sounds echoing were the jungle's whispers and their racing hearts. Their attention honed in as something rustled in the canopy, and their muzzles shifted toward the sound. But they were too slow. An orange blur leaped down from the trees, landing on a soldier. Surprised, the soldier shouted, his rifle discharging in a wild shot. Before he could react, something coiled around his neck. His breath caught as he was yanked away from the group and into the shadows of the jungle. As his comrades regained their senses, all they caught sight of were his boots vanishing into the undergrowth, no scream heard. "Damn it," the leader cursed, grabbing his radio. "Switching to Hunted Hunter plan!" he ordered, his comrades nodding in agreement. Without hesitation, they all pivoted in unison and bolted in the same direction. The jungle suddenly stirred to life, a thunderous roar resonating through the endless expanse of forest. "Hunter one to everyone! Hunter and Prey failed; we lost one man. Switching to Hunted Hunter," he broadcasted urgently, not waiting for a response. Swiveling, he aimed his rifle backward and fired towards the pursuing threat. Another thunderous roar confirmed his suspicions before he redirected his attention forward. "Requesting backup. It's furious." Adrenaline surged as they dared not glance back, fixating on their destination. The plan might still work if they could just reach the second team. Seconds stretched into agonizing minutes as the forest blurred past them. Their bodies screamed from the sudden sprint, but stopping wasn't an option. An orange creature lunged from behind, snatching another soldier. He shrieked in terror as the creature loomed over him, fangs bared. Before he could even raise his weapon, the creature attacked. His agonized screams pierced the rainforest, silenced only by his own blood. The remaining three men paused briefly, not for mourning but to ensure the creature stayed on their tail. They understood the stakes and postponed grieving until their mission concluded. The leader fired shots toward where their comrade had fallen, aiming to draw the creature's attention. Relief mingled with fear as the creature locked eyes with him. They resumed their sprint, the hunter hot on their heels. Their bodies were nearing exhaustion, but they knew they were close. Suddenly, another attack loomed, but this time a large steel net intercepted the creature mid-leap. Its momentum halted, crashing to the ground, struggling within the metallic confines. The leader glanced toward the source—a group of soldiers, one wielding a specially designed cannon. A smirk played beneath his mask, though he remained vigilant. He knew the net wouldn't contain it for long. As expected, the creature soon strained against the steel fibers, attempting to tear them apart. "Firing tranqs!" one soldier yelled, a loud boom accompanying a cannister landing beside the trapped creature. Hissing, it spewed a yellowish-brown gas, causing the monster to cough, succumbing to the narcotic. Its deafening roar echoed, rattling those nearby. Ripping through the net, the creature staggered away from the gas, feeling its legs weaken and dizziness set in. Despite this, it recognized it was cornered but spied an opportunity. With astonishing speed, it bolted toward freedom. Just as it neared escape, it triggered something underfoot. Four rods shot up, delivering a powerful electric charge. Muscles seized, convulsions wracking its body as electricity coursed through. Paralyzed, it collapsed, writhing in agony, unable to produce a sound amidst the relentless shock. The soldiers cautiously approached, their guns trained on the creature. Seeing no response beyond its twitching, they slowly eased their guard. "Operation Cat and Mouse is a success," the leader radioed in, prompting cheers all around. "Prepare the sedative. Chopper inbound for extraction." He then turned to another soldier. "Great shot, Fowler." "Thanks, sir," Fowler replied, setting the net cannon down. "But seriously, I can't wrap my head around this thing." He eyed the orange-furred creature. "It tears through steel like it's nothing and survives a shock that'd drop an elephant. This ain't no human." "You're not wrong," the leader agreed. "I've been tracking this thing for over a year. Finally feels like a weight off my shoulders to have this mission wrapped up." The leader and Fowler conversed while nearby soldiers readied the sedative, and a pair of soldiers approached the creature with scornful eyes. "Serves you right, you damn monster," one spat, lifting his rifle and firing a few shots at the creature. The rifle fire startled everyone, drawing the leader over to the soldier. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?" the leader shouted, snatching the rifle from the soldier's grasp. "Oh, come on, Sarge. It's not like those even do anything to it," the soldier retorted, rolling his eyes. "Besides, it just gives it a little itch. And after what it's done, it deserves way worse." The anger continued to blaze in the sergeant's eyes as he seized the soldier's uniform, pulling him in close. "Do. Not. Do. That. Again. Do I make myself clear?" The man silently nodded, released but without his rifle. Disgruntled, he shifted his attention back to the creature, grabbing a large stick and striking it. Another soldier approached. "Is that really necessary?" he asked, concerned. The man halted his beating, staring at the soldier with disdain. "What? You think I give a rat's ass what the sarge says. I've got a lot of pent-up anger against this thing," he said, swinging the stick again. "One year and three months. That's how long this thing played with us." Another smack. "Dozens of good men. Gone." Smack. "Only 'cause we were supposed to capture, not kill," the soldier muttered, justifying his actions with a resentful edge in his voice. Smack. "Not saying we could end it, but it sure would make the job easier," the soldier remarked, his tone tinged with frustration and resignation. Smack. "So, I reckon I'm entitled to at least this much," he said, readying for another strike and glancing at the other soldier. "Besides, it can't do a damn thing right now. I'll give it a taste of what we've endured." As he raised his hand for another blow, he failed to notice his proximity to the trapped creature or its tail coiling near his leg. With a furious growl, the creature's tail wrapped around his ankle. The soldier felt the coil tighten. "Ah, shi—" He barely managed a word before the tail swept him off his feet, slamming him into one of the rods. The impact broke the rod, cutting off the electric charge to the trap. Free from the shock, the creature stood tall. Its attempt to flee was met with a barrage of bullets. "Fire the sedatives!" someone yelled amidst the gunfire. Several cannisters landed around the creature, releasing hissing gas. Without a moments notice, the creature bolted. This time, its pace was sluggish, hindered by the electric trap and the sedatives coursing through its system. Stumbling through the jungle, it heard screams and gunshots trailing behind. Seeking refuge, it leaped into the canopy, attempting to shake off its pursuers. Darting from tree to tree, it couldn't shake the relentless pursuit. Exhaustion set in, weighing heavily on the creature. Evading capture was paramount, or it knew it would be captured. Suddenly, a branch snapped under its weight. Gravity seized control, and it plummeted. The resounding thought 'it's over' raced through its mind. Half an hour later The soldiers regrouped, informing Sergeant Nicholas Graves that they couldn't locate the creature. With a calm yet tense demeanor, he ordered them to comb the jungle once more, this time utilizing helicopters and infrared cameras. The soldiers saluted, acknowledging his directives, and departed to resume the hunt. Once alone, Graves opened a small laptop. "Sergeant Nicholas Graves reporting," he saluted the person on the screen. "We've yet to locate Omega; we're leaving no stone unturned, sir." "You better," came the terse reply before the feed cut off. Graves slumped in his chair, exhaling heavily. He glanced at the file before him, opening it to review its contents. A blurry image of the creature met his gaze, accompanied by the bold letters OMEGA-24. "Where in the world have you vanished to?" he muttered, crumpling the file in frustration. Equestria, Everfree Forest, 2:09 PM The small figure perched atop a tree, peering out over the dark forest. Fresh air brushed against her orange, white, and black-striped fur, tousling it gently. Her wide blue eyes scanned the unfamiliar landscape, absorbing the new sights before her. Leaning against the tree, her clawed hand gripped its bark while her tail swayed happily back and forth. "Miri think, Miri like this place." Chapter 1Equestria, outskirts of Ponyville. Fluttershy cheerfully strolled along the dirt path, humming a pleasant tune to herself. Several birds flocked around her, joining in her symphony. Slowly, their numbers rose until a small concerto formed, making the already bright day seem even brighter in the mare's eyes. She found herself caught in her own world, dancing along with the melodious ensemble. Her joyful walk abruptly halted by a thunderous roar, the birds scattered, and Fluttershy jumped in surprise. Instinctively seeking cover, she hid behind a boulder. As she cautiously stood up, her entire body shook. Her eyes darted in every direction, searching for the source of the frightening sound. Another roar echoed, prompting her to hide again, though this time, she identified its origin: the Everfree Forest. Her stomach sank, and her already erratic breathing escalated. Despite her fear, curiosity got the better of her. The unusualness of the animal's cry concerned her, driving her to worry that it might be in trouble. With a determined resolve, she emerged from her hiding spot and ventured toward the edge of the forest. Though it took only a couple of minutes, each step felt like hours under the weight of her fear, casting doubt on her every move. Nevertheless, she pressed on. Now standing before the looming forest, her breathing grew heavy, and the sheer foreboding aura of the place threatened to overwhelm her. Despite the pressure, she gulped and summoned the courage to take another step forward. Suddenly, she heard the cracking of wood, and she instinctively leaped out of the way just in time to avoid a massive object hurtling from the trees. A scream escaped her lips as she tumbled to the ground, but she swiftly raised her upper body, anticipating a potential threat. Her eyes darted around, scanning the immediate area to identify whatever had attempted to tackle her. They quickly fixated on the motionless form of a Myrmecoleon. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming for Fluttershy. Despite her initial instinct to flee, the creature's stillness drew her closer. The sight of the pooling blood beneath its body froze her in place, a mix of fear and concern evident in her expression. Her hesitant hand extended toward the fallen creature, as if pulled by an unseen force. But a sudden chill raced through her, causing every hair on her body to stand on end. Her attention sharply diverted towards the forest, locking eyes with an unknown entity lurking within its shadows. Paralyzed by terror, she was torn between the impulse to escape and the fear of provoking a potential attack. Time seemed to stretch infinitely as the tense standoff continued. The creature observed her with glowing blue eyes, its intent unreadable yet undeniably predatory. In a heartbeat, its focus shifted elsewhere, and it vanished into the darkness of the forest, leaving Fluttershy trembling in its wake. As the immediate danger dissipated, her legs gave way, and she collapsed, her heart racing wildly. Only then, with the threat gone, did she manage to draw a deep breath, wiping away the sweat that had coated her face. Her body exhausted, drained of adrenaline, she succumbed to unconsciousness, the ordeal proving too much for her fragile nerves to endure. Equestria, Ponyville, about an hour later. The scene in the library was filled with a mix of tension and concern, the group gathered around Fluttershy, offering comfort after her harrowing experience. Sipping the provided tea to steady her nerves, she recounted the chilling encounter, her voice still carrying the weight of fear. "And then it just disappeared," she concluded, her words trailing off as she took a moment to compose herself. Rainbow Dash's attempt to inject a bit of skepticism was swiftly met with disapproving glances from the others. "I mean, yeah, it's not exactly Fluttershy's style to make this stuff up," she amended, sensing the mood in the room. Applejack chimed in, her arms crossed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "She's lucky she got away. Who knows what that critter was up to? And taking down a Myrmecoleon? That's no small feat. Those things are tougher than a Manticore, last I heard." As discussions ensued and the group exchanged thoughts, Twilight remained uncharacteristically quiet, her usually composed demeanor marred by worry. Her furrowed brow hinted at the depth of her concern for Fluttershy's safety and the implications of the unknown creature's presence. "Is something the matter, Twilight?" Rarity piped up. Twilight, being brought out of her deep thoughts, blinked and looked at the alabaster mare. "Actually, yes," she replied, earning surprised looks from everyone. "A few weeks ago, Zecora approached me about strange occurrences within the Everfree. She mentioned that animals, monsters, and all other creatures seemed restless to her, as if something had shifted inside the forest." Her statement unsettled everyone in the room. The forest was already renowned for its chaos, where everything operated on its own whims. Now, they were being informed that something was exacerbating the situation. "Then, a couple of weeks ago, she informed me that all the creatures within began behaving unusually. They crossed established borders, encroaching upon other creatures' territories, sparking numerous fights," she recounted. "In the worst cases, they even ventured beyond the forest." "Wait," Applejack interjected, almost shouting. "Is that why we've had so many Timberwolf incidents in the past week?" Twilight didn't verbally reply; instead, she simply nodded. The weight of the situation slowly began to dawn on them all. "Do you think it's because of this... 'Thing' that Fluttershy saw?" Spike asked. "I'm not entirely sure," the lavender mare sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Zecora mentioned she was going to investigate since she knows the Everfree Forest best." The room fell silent as everyone awaited her next words. "Aaaand?" Pinkie said, leaning in close to Twilight, her bright blue eyes almost touching the mare's purple ones. Twilight gently pushed away her hyperactive friend. "And I haven't heard from her since. That's why I'm worried, especially since she was supposed to come to town for supplies yesterday." Wide-eyed, everyone reacted. "Are you suggesting Zecora might be in danger?" Applejack exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell us this right away?" "I didn't want to jump to conclusions. She's been delayed before, so I was waiting until tomorrow," Twilight retorted. She took a deep breath, calming her nerves. "However, with what Fluttershy saw... I can't help but fear the worst." "Well, what are we waiting for then?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, leaping into the air and hovering above everyone's heads. "Let's go and save Zecora." Nods of agreement came from everyone, including Fluttershy, whose nerves remained on edge. They dashed out of the library and sprinted toward the forest. It took several minutes before they reached the edge of the ominous forest. Despite their initial determination, as the Everfree loomed over them, fear began to seep into their minds. Yet, they pushed forward, charging ahead. The bright day faded swiftly as the forest enveloped the group in darkness. Their senses heightened, every rustle and sound signaling potential danger. Silence reigned among them, none daring to break it. Minutes stretched on as they pressed forward, seemingly uneventful for the time being. Abruptly, a blood-curdling roar shattered the silence, causing everyone to huddle together. Wide-eyed, they scanned the surroundings, mere seconds feeling like an eternity. They remained on high alert, waiting until they were certain the threat had passed. "What was that?" Rarity's voice trembled with fear, her body quivering. "I-I-It's the s-s-same one I hear b-b-before," Fluttershy stuttered, her voice shaking in terror. The first to overcome her fear was Rainbow Dash, who directed her gaze toward the direction of the loud roar. "It came from that way," she said, pointing in its direction. Her wings flared, ready to take off. "Where do you think you're going?!" Applejack exclaimed, immediately grabbing hold of the pegasus's tail and pulling her back to the group. Rainbow let out a yelp of pain as her tail was yanked, jolting her backward. She turned, shooting a glare at her friend. "Quit doing that!" she shouted, rubbing the sore spot. "We know where that thing is right now. We should go over there and deal with it." "Are you outta your mind?" Applejack retorted, her face a mix of confusion and anger. "We didn't come here to tangle with that thing. We came to check on Zecora." "I concur with Applejack, dear," Rarity chimed in. "We should steer clear of whatever is causing all of this and head straight to Zecora's. No need to get dirty for no reason." Rainbow huffed in frustration, crossing her arms. "If this thing is as dangerous as we think, we'll have to deal with it sooner or later. Right now, we know where it is, and it doesn't know we're here. Plus, it's six to one. We can take it," she said, her excitement growing as she spoke. The other girls exchanged uneasy glances, acknowledging the truth in Rainbow's words. Breaking her silence, Twilight spoke up. "Alright, then we'll split up," she declared. "Fluttershy and Rarity, head to Zecora's place and check if she's alright. The rest of us will investigate whatever is causing all this chaos." A series of nods and exchanged glances followed. "But let's be clear. If it becomes too dangerous, we run away immediately," she emphasized, looking directly at Rainbow. "Agreed?" Rainbow saluted. "Aye, aye, captain." Breathing a sigh of relief, Twilight assumed command. "Alright, let's see what this thing actually is." Before she proceeded, she turned to Fluttershy and Rarity. "Same goes for you two. If something happens, just run away." "You needn't worry about that, darling," Rarity assured her. With her reassurance, the group split, each heading in their designated direction. Twilight's group navigated the forest cautiously, mindful not to make too much noise and alert the creature they were pursuing. After a few minutes, they halted, discovering signs of a struggle. Broken branches, torn shrubbery, and bloodstains adorned rocks and trees. Steeling their resolve, they followed the trail of destruction until they arrived at a small clearing. Peeking out from behind the cover of bushes, they took in the scene before them. The large manticore lay on the ground, blood oozing from its severe wounds. Beside it, a smaller creature covered in orange fur with black stripes sat, its head pressed against the manticore's body. "What's it doing?" Applejack whispered, attempting to get a better view. "Maybe it's giving the manticore some 'get well' kisses to make it feel better," Pinkie offered optimistically with her signature smile. "Maybe it's not as bad as—" Her words halted as the creature pulled its head back and tore a sizable chunk of flesh from the corpse, starting to chew on it. "Never mind," Pinkie concluded abruptly. "Nah, that can't be what's been causing all this commotion," she said. "I mean, look how small it is. I could take this runt out easy peasy." The group exchanged worried glances as Rainbow expressed skepticism. "Even so, we should be cautious. We know nothing about it or what it can do. It managed to take down a manticore," Twilight cautioned, concern etched on her face. Rainbow began stretching her wings confidently. "I could do the same if I tried hard enough," she boasted. Applejack, sensing Rainbow's readiness for a fight, reached out to stop her from doing something rash. But this time, she was a moment too late. Without warning, Rainbow bolted from her hiding spot and charged toward the strange creature. With a swift flip of her body, she propelled herself directly at it, hooves first. The impact connected, causing the strange being's body to convulse violently. A pained cry erupted from its blood-stained mouth as it was thrown away from the manticore's body. Rainbow beamed proudly at her fallen adversary, turning back to her still-hidden friends. "See, easy peasy," she exclaimed, lifting her hand in a peace sign. To her surprise, there was no response. Applejack suddenly emerged from the bushes, charging toward Rainbow with a mix of anger and fear on her face. Her hand clenched into a fist, poised to strike. Confused by Applejack's intense reaction, Rainbow attempted to calm her down. "Whoa, AJ, chill—" Her words were interrupted as her friend swung her arm. Rainbow winced, bracing for impact, but felt nothing. Swiftly turning her head, she saw Applejack's arm extended, the striped creature flung away from them both. "Easy peasy, huh?" Applejack scolded. "You were this close to being mauled by that thing," she added, emphasizing her words with a gesture. Rainbow huffed in an attempt to maintain her confidence. "I knew it was coming. I was just waiting to surprise it." Applejack rolled her eyes at Rainbow's attempt to save face. Her attention swiftly shifted to the creature, now picking itself up once more. Rubbing its jaw, it shot the two mares a menacing glare. Growling, it lowered its stance, preparing for another charge. Without exchanging words, the two mares shared a nod of understanding. Applejack raised her arms in a defensive stance, poised to protect herself at a moment's notice, while Rainbow took to the skies, positioning herself for an attack. The creature, noticing Rainbow's flight, refocused its attention on the mare directly in front of it. With a menacing snarl, it dropped onto all fours and lunged toward Applejack. Bracing herself, Applejack lowered her body, shielding her upper body with her arms in anticipation of the impending attack. The creature lunged at Applejack, its claws tearing through her flesh, eliciting a cry of pain. The excruciating sensation caused her to drop her guard, leaving her vulnerable. As the creature aimed for her throat, Rainbow Dash plummeted from the sky, delivering a forceful dropkick. This time, the creature managed to deflect the attack, but Rainbow's strike pushed it away from Applejack. Without hesitation, Rainbow continued her assault, utilizing her speed to circle the beast, landing blows whenever an opportunity arose. Fueled by anger, the creature attempted to retaliate, swiping at Rainbow to dislodge her from the air. Yet, Rainbow's agility kept her just out of reach, frustrating the creature further. Despite landing solid hits, Rainbow realized her attacks weren't causing substantial damage. Her powerful strikes required time, distance, and distraction—luxuries she lacked in the current skirmish. Then, a glint caught Rainbow's eye. She smiled and abruptly broke away from the fight. Spotting her attempt to flee, the creature reached out to grab Rainbow. Just as it was about to seize one of her hooves, a large pink figure materialized in front of it, halting its advance. "Hiya, I'm Pinkie Pie," the mare introduced herself to the bewildered creature. As the creature hesitated, Pinkie swiftly produced a sizable metal contraption from behind her, proudly proclaiming, "And this is my party cannon!" Pulling the cord, confetti and streamers burst forth, creating a cacophony of noise and a colorful onslaught that caused the creature to stagger backward. "Here comes the Corkscrew Strike!" Rainbow Dash descended from the sky once more, this time at a dazzling speed, her spinning body striking the creature with immense force. The impact sent even Pinkie flying in one direction while the creature crashed several feet away. "Wow, that was amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed, dashing over to Rainbow. "You were like woosh, and I was like, 'Hasta la vista,' and then—" Her chatter halted when she noticed Rainbow clutching her leg with a pained expression. "Are you okay, RD?" Rainbow winced as she spoke through clenched teeth. "Yeah, I think I might've broken something. That thing's like hitting a brick wall." "Well, at least it did its job," Applejack's voice reached them as she approached with Twilight in tow. "And where were you guys?" Rainbow inquired, rising with Pinkie's assistance. "I had to tend to Applejack's wounds," Twilight immediately responded, gesturing to the sizable scars on the orange mare's arms left by the creature's attack. Rainbow's expression shifted to one of apology. "Medical magic isn't my expertise, so you should get yourself checked out as soon as possible." "Got it," Applejack acknowledged, nodding gratefully at Twilight. "I reckon you should look at Dash next." The sudden growl halted Twilight's movement toward Rainbow. All eyes snapped back to the creature they assumed was defeated. Slowly and unsteadily, it rose, coughing up blood. Its expression filled with unbridled fury made the mares' blood run cold. "I gave it all I had, and that thing's still standing," Rainbow stated, wings flaring as she prepared to take flight. "Yet, it's badly hurt," Applejack observed as the creature struggled to stand. "Maybe, if we work together, we can still bring it down." "Alright, Pinkie and Rainbow will provide support and distraction. Applejack, you're going to face the thing up close, as you're probably the only one who can actually take it head-on," Twilight swiftly outlined their strategy, seizing the moment before the creature fully recovered. "Try to hold it down or keep it occupied until I can conjure a restraining spell, in case you can't take it out." "I won't give it a second to think." "Okie dokie." "Can do, sugarcube." With their plan set, they charged at the creature. Applejack lunged forward, aiming to tackle and subdue it swiftly. Yet, the creature unexpectedly halted her attack, matching her strength despite being about half her size. It lifted both of its arms, clasping its hands, then swung them toward Applejack's back with formidable force. In the final moment, a rainbow blur emerged out of nowhere, crashing into both Applejack and the creature, forcefully separating them. Before they could react, Rainbow vanished into the sky once more. The creature disregarded the airborne mare, shifting its focus back to Applejack, only to be met by the familiar sight of Pinkie Pie. "Surprise!" Pinkie shouted, thrusting an air horn into the beast's face. The sudden blare disoriented the creature, causing its ears to ring, but it swiftly attempted to swipe at Pinkie. Yet, in an instant, Rainbow whisked Pinkie away to safety. Seizing the opportunity created by the creature's confusion, Applejack moved in. She approached the creature and unleashed a series of powerful punches, each landing with force and pushing the creature backward. A sense of triumph began to surface in the mare. However, her optimism was short-lived. The creature countered with an unexpected punch of its own. The blow caught Applejack off guard, not only due to its unexpectedness but also due to its unbelievable power. Though it staggered her, Applejack held her ground, but the creature's relentless assault continued. She attempted to block the next strike, but the force and pain it inflicted caused her arms to quiver despite her efforts to withstand it. Rainbow swiftly swooped down, snatching Applejack away from another one of the creature's imminent strike. She dragged her friend further away, while Pinkie kept the creature occupied by darting around it and flinging various objects at it. Twilight joined in, launching magical blasts, though most missed their mark as the creature dodged skillfully. "You're not looking too good," Rainbow observed, concern etching her features as she checked on her friend. Applejack massaged her aching arms before responding, determination in her voice. "Don't you worry about me." She adjusted her hat firmly on her head and cracked her neck. "I ain't holding back anymore. It's time this thing learns about the Apple family's kicking power." A smile spread across Rainbow's face. "Got it. I'll try to create an opening for you," she affirmed before taking off again. Pinkie continued her whimsical assault on the creature, keeping it on edge with her playful banter. "Oops, not there," she chimed with a cheerful tone, deftly evading its claws. "So close!" Her giggles echoed as she contorted her body in an almost unnatural manner to dodge yet another attack, then unleashed a can of fake snakes, showering the creature. Growing increasingly frustrated by Pinkie's antics, the creature attempted to grab the hyperactive mare, only for her to seemingly vanish and reappear behind it. "I'm all for hugs, but that one's a bit much," she quipped, grabbing something. "Remember this? The Party Cannon!" She swiftly aimed the 'weapon' and pulled the cord. However, the creature reacted swiftly this time. Just as she discharged the cannon, it seized the cannon's end, crushing it shut. The cannon's midsection inflated like a balloon. Pinkie stared at it. "Huh, guess it was a one-hit wonder," she mused. With no escape for the blast, the cannon's backside exploded directly into Pinkie, sending her hurtling to the ground unconscious. The creature looked pleased, finally silencing the bothersome pink pony. Its celebration was short-lived as it sensed something rapidly approaching. In the nick of time, it leaped out of the way as Rainbow dashed past, halting just a few feet away in mid-air. "Alright, nobody messes with my friends and gets away with it!" Rainbow shouted, propelling herself once more at the creature. With remarkable speed, she maneuvered, dodging and weaving every attack the creature launched, landing jabs whenever she found an opening. Though her strikes seemed ineffective, they irked the beast enough. Seizing the opening created by Rainbow, Applejack dashed toward the creature and swung her leg. Confident, the creature chose not to evade, intending to exploit the mare's vulnerability. Yet, when Applejack's strike connected, a surge of pain shot through the creature's body. Its ribs cracked from the impact, sending it staggering backward, struggling to catch its breath. Applejack capitalized on the opportunity. Approaching the creature once more, she lowered her body before delivering a forceful upward kick. Blood spurted from the creature's mouth as it was launched several feet into the air. "Your turn, Dash!" Applejack's voice rang out. Responding to the cue, Rainbow swooped down from above, colliding with the creature and sending them both crashing to the ground below. The impact fractured the earth beneath them. In an attempt to escape, Rainbow aimed to take flight once more. But just as she prepared to flee, panic struck her. Something coiled around her midsection—she looked down to see the creature's tail wrapped around her waist, locking her in place. Struggling desperately to break free, Rainbow watched in horror as the creature slowly rose from the ground. Despite her efforts, she couldn't loosen its grip. As the creature stood upright, it abruptly whipped its tail, forcefully yanking Rainbow toward it. Helpless against the creature's sheer strength, Rainbow was violently pulled in. Taking advantage of the momentum, the creature swung its arm, clotheslining the pegasus and rendering her unconscious. "RAINBOW DASH!!!" Applejack and Twilight screamed in unison, their voices filled with anguish and fear. The panicked screams redirected the creature's attention toward the orange mare. Growling fiercely, it dropped to all fours and charged towards Applejack. Gritting her teeth, she prepared herself to intercept the oncoming assault. But just as the creature was about to reach her, a pink force field materialized directly in its path, causing it to crash into the barrier. "Thanks, Twilight!" Applejack exclaimed, seizing the opportunity. Rearing her leg behind her, she declared, "Time to put you down!" With unwavering determination, she swung her leg with full force, no longer holding back. The creature managed to raise its arms to defend itself. A resounding crack echoed through the air as Applejack's leg struck the creature's arms. However, unlike before, the beast remained firmly planted, showing no signs of faltering. Terror swept over Applejack's features. "Oh no," she gasped, realizing that not only had the creature endured her attack, but it appeared unfazed. Before she could retract her leg, the creature seized it. Its claws dug into her flesh, eliciting a sharp cry of pain. Then, in a swift motion, it yanked her leg, hoisting her into the air before slamming her back down to the ground. The air rushed out of Applejack's lungs, and her head rang from the impact. Blurry vision accompanied a faltering consciousness. Through her haze, she discerned a shadow looming above her. Instincts urged her to move, but her body refused to respond. In the nick of time, her perception cleared, revealing the creature standing above her, one arm raised high. Bracing for impact, Applejack shut her eyes, awaiting the blow. Yet, the expected strike never landed. Slowly opening her eyes, she found the creature still standing above her, now encased in a magical bubble. Lifting her body, Applejack saw Twilight giving her a thumbs up. "Just in the nick of time," Twilight declared proudly. "Sorry it took so long, but I wanted to make sure it couldn't break through after seeing how strong it was." "It's fine," Applejack replied as she stood up, briefly teetering before regaining her balance. "Are you sure this thing will hold, though?" she asked with concern. The creature within the bubble relentlessly punched, kicked, and slashed at the magical barrier, a wild and ferocious display as it sought to break free. It thrashed around like a caged beast, roaring and snarling, demanding release. "Very sure," Twilight reassured, her pride evident. "This magic is strong enough to hold an Ursa Minor, so we have nothing to worry about." With Twilight's confidence, Applejack walked over to Rainbow and Pinkie. Attempting to wake them, she realized the severity of their injuries; they would likely remain unconscious for a while. Gently, she picked them up and carried them over to Twilight. Inside the magical barrier, the creature intensified its rampage. It dug its claws into the magic, gaining a grip. Exerting all its might, it pushed against the magical confinement, attempting to tear it apart. "Uh, Twilight," Applejack called out with concern. Twilight's eyes widened in disbelief as she witnessed the creature's relentless assault on her magic. Pouring more power into the bubble, she exclaimed, "That's impossible!" Despite the intensified magical barrier, the creature persisted, pouring even more strength into its efforts. Its sinewy muscles strained as if on the brink of tearing themselves apart. The creature seemed determined to break free, undeterred by the amplified magical defense. "MIRI!" The words reverberated through the air, stunning the two mares as they gazed at Miri in utter shock. "STRONGEST!" Miri's claws dug even deeper into the force field, a small opening beginning to form. In response, Twilight poured even more magic into the barrier, desperately hoping to contain her. "THERE IS!!!!" With one final surge, Miri tore the magic apart, freeing herself. The force of the barrier breaking sent Twilight tumbling off her hooves. Although she managed to sit up, fear gripped her, preventing her from standing fully. The unexpected turn of events had left her shaken. She and Applejack were now faced with an enraged Miri, who seemed none worse for wear. Her murderous eyes fixed on the two mares, who stood frozen in place. Miri took a menacing step toward them, claws and teeth fully exposed, outlining her intentions. Suddenly, something darted out of the bushes and positioned itself between the mares and the tiger girl. "Cease this fighting; there has been a misunderstanding!" Zecora's voice echoed. Twilight and Applejack gazed at the zebra with stunned expressions, while Miri growled, baring her teeth. Unfazed, Zecora maintained her focus on the tiger girl. "With concern, no harm they wove. Leave in peace, with the gentleness of a dove," she calmly pronounced, her eyes locked firmly onto Miri. Miri's snarling gradually subsided, though she remained on edge, the tension in her posture evident. Zecora turned her head back towards Applejack and Twilight. "In the woods' embrace, where echoes sigh, apologize, or all may die." Heeding Zecora's warning, the two mares lowered their heads. "Sorry," Applejack apologized, carefully holding both Pinkie and Rainbow. "Apologies," Twilight quickly added. Miri glanced at them, the anger still evident in her eyes. Then, she shifted her gaze toward Zecora. Despite the zebra's stern expression, Miri sensed a plea in her eyes. With a sigh and a huff, Miri turned around, leaping into the treeline and vanishing from everyone's sight. The two mares finally released the breath they hadn't realized they were holding. "What was that?" Applejack's voice trembled. "Did that thing just speak?" "TWILIGHT! APPLEJACK!" From the bushes emerged Fluttershy and Rarity, running directly to their friends. They quickly began examining them, visibly concerned. "By Celestia's mane, are you all right?" Fluttershy inquired, checking their injuries. "We should get you checked out immediately." "In my humble abode, where magic is rife, we'll treat them well, restore their life," Zecora offered, approaching the group while holding her bandaged side. "Are you all right, Zecora?" Twilight immediately inquired. "Did 'that' do this to you?" "And how in tarnation do you know that thing?" Applejack interjected, with a hint of concern in her voice. "Miri, in the forest's lore, speak her name, forget no more," Zecora replied to Twilight, her tone stern, almost as if scolding her. "No, a creature distinct caused my heart unrest. At my dwelling's nest, the full tale is best," she finished before hobbling toward her house. The others quietly followed her, unaware that a pair of blue eyes were observing their movements. Author's Note I apologize for the long hiatus. Some IRL stuff has been happening and I didn't have much time to write. However I will try to fix that, and make some time in the week to write, so hopefully more consistent uploads. Chapter 2"Wake up." Rainbow Dash let out a groan but didn't wake up. She just rolled over, trying to shut out whatever was making the noise. "Wake up." This time, the voice was clearer, louder, and kinda familiar. So, the mare opened her eyes just a bit to see who or what was messing with her sleep. All she could see were these bright blue eyes, like they were about to pop out at her. "WAKE UP!" The sight and Pinkie's sudden loudness startled her. She leaped out of the bed, screaming, attempting to take off into the air. But her flight was abruptly halted as she collided with something. Although she'd bumped her head many times before, this pain felt different. It was like someone had drove a stake through her skull. "Aaaugh!" she groaned loudly, grabbing her throbbing head. "Pinkie!" another voice exclaimed. "Didn't I tell you to let Rainbow be? Do you want to give her another concussion?" The annoyed voice belonged to Twilight, who strolled into the room upon hearing the commotion. "Sorry," Pinkie apologized sheepishly, then glanced at Rainbow. "My bad, Dashie. Didn't mean to scare you." "Startle," Rainbow corrected. "So, what happened?" she asked, her head pounding like a drum at a concert. "Do you want the long or short version?" Twilight asked, casting a spell. A gentle aura wrapped around Rainbow's head, and she felt a bit better. "Short one, please," Rainbow requested. "Well then, to put it simply-" "We totally got our butts handed to us!" Pinkie interrupted, jumping between them. Annoyance crossed Twilight's face before she used her magic to nudge Pinkie out of the room. "Awww, but I wanted to tell what went down," the mare whined as she got pushed outside. Twilight sighed and turned back to Rainbow, who looked pretty relieved. "Well, what Pinkie said. Things were going from bad to worse. And just before the worst could happen, Zecora showed up at the perfect moment and drove Miri away." Rainbow let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Celestia," she exclaimed. "By the way, how's Zecora doing?" "Not too bad, really," Twilight said. "Seems she got banged up and needed some recovery time, which explains her disappearance. But now, she's doing pretty well." "Good to hear," Rainbow said, feeling like a weight was lifted off her chest. Suddenly, her expression changed, and a look of confusion appeared. "Miri?" she asked, puzzled. A sheepish look spread across Twilight's face. "Yeah, turns out her name's Miri." Rainbow didn't say anything, just processing the information. "Did Fluttershy name it?" she groaned. "She's not thinking of keeping it as a pet, is she?" Her face twisted in frustration. "No and no," Twilight quickly reassured her friend. "According to what Zecora told us, Miri's actually intelligent and that's the name she uses for herself.." Rainbow was totally lost at this point. "What?" she asked, looking completely baffled. "I'm clueless too," Twilight said, giving a shrug. "Zecora mentioned she'll explain everything back at her hut when everyone's up. We were waiting for you to wake up." The thought of being the last one got Rainbow all worked up, but it only made her headache worse. So, she swallowed her pride and followed Twilight to where the others were. As they stepped out of the room she had been resting in, they entered the main area—Zecora's domain for rituals and potion-making. As soon as they arrived, every mare's eyes in the room locked onto them. "Oh, thank Celestia you're okay!" Fluttershy exclaimed, rushing up to her friend and enveloping Rainbow in a tight hug. "I thought you'd never wake up," she said, tears welling up as she kept holding onto Rainbow. "I'll be fine, Shy. Sorry to make you worry," Rainbow apologized, returning the hug. The others also joined in with their relief at the pegasus' well-being, making her feel overwhelmed by kindness, both figuratively and literally. "Good to find you in spirits swell, now I'm ready to answer questions that dwell." Zecora interrupted the group. The group paused their affectionate display and settled down, with one mare passing out popcorn to everyone. Zecora nodded, ensuring she had everyone's attention. "This tale unwinds, over a month in the past, in the depths of Everfree, where shadows cast. Noticed things awry, nature's discord, a tale of mystery, intensely explored," she began, tossing some ingredients into the boiling pot. A puff of smoke erupted from it, forming a small cloud above the cauldron. "Creatures stirred, their instincts alert, a change arrived, in the forest's covert. Animals and monsters, a response untamed, behaving differently, to a threat unnamed." The rhyming seemed almost enchanting, further enhanced by images starting to materialize on the cloud. Several glowing eyes hid amidst the trees, looking apprehensive. Among those eyes, a pair of blue ones dominated over all the others, as they tried to avoid them. "I delved into the mystery, ventured wide, through the forest's depths, where secrets hide. Days spent in search, a dangerous quest, until I found the girl, in nature's bequest," she continued, as the images shifted to show Zecora walking through the forest. After a while, her image stopped, stumbling upon the familiar tiger-looking girl. "Instincts whispered danger near, curiosity beckoned, overcoming fear. Closer I came, in the forest's sway, she noticed, cautious, in a wary display." The image of the tiger turned towards Zecora's image and assumed a defensive stance. "No hostile vibes, a feeling rare, yet caution lingered in the forest's air. Kept my distance, disaster to avert, observing her moves, a delicate concert," she spoke. "She mirrored my stance, a wary dance, curiosity in her gaze, a fleeting chance. No mindless beast, as I first believed, in those eyes, a sentient soul I perceived." The image of the tiger turned away from Zecora and dashed off, leaving the zebra behind. "Found, then lost in a swift decree." The cloud swirled, and the image changed to the two facing each other again. "Yet, the next day, she found me, you see." "As the day prior, we delved once more, time spent studying, understanding to explore." Zecora continued her story, depicting the two figures in the cloud as they stared at each other, circling like a sort of dance. Then they halted, and the zebra pointed at herself. "Without thought, my name I spoke, deeming it senseless, a word misspoke." The zebra awaited a response, but after a few seconds, she hung her head in disappointment. "But her reply, in the air so free, Miri, echoed gently." The tiger opened her mouth and out of it flew four letters, spelling the tiger's name. The mares were on the edge of their seats, curious about where this encounter was heading. Zecora chuckled, enjoying the fact that she had such a captivated audience. "A bond we wove, though no further it strode." she continued, as the zebra approached the tiger, but the latter backed away in response. "Days passed, the routine held sway, till haste betrayed, in a forgetful display. A protection charm left behind in my dome, attacked by Timberwolves, far from home." As soon as the zebra left the tree where she lived, she got jumped by a pack of those monsters. Swinging her staff to fend them off, but the wolves managed to land some hits. The zebra started getting bloodier and bloodier. "Moments from demise, Miri appeared, dealt with the beasts, as danger neared." Suddenly, the tiger appeared out of nowhere and engaged in a fight with the wolves. After a brief struggle, she emerged victorious. "Before gratitude could find its way, she vanished again, like the break of day." The zebra extended her hand toward the tiger, but it just turned and fled. The scene shifted, showing the zebra resting in bed, covered in several bandages. "Injuries bound me, my ventures confined, hence, in Ponyville, my absence defined." Then something caught the zebra's attention. She stood up, though with some struggle, and shuffled toward the door. "To my surprise, Miri knew my plight, left a present, in the still of night." The zebra picked up what seemed like a carcass of an animal, a repulsed expression appearing on her face. "Well, it's the thought that counts." The smoke from the cauldron cleared, and Zecora looked once again at everyone. "Rest of the tale, you're well aware, I hope my answers bring some flair." "I don't buy it," Rainbow said, crossing her arms. "I mean, I get what you're trying to tell us, Zecora, but that thing seemed pretty wild to me." The zebra's eyes immediately shot towards the pegasus, filled with icy spite. "Your friends revealed, you charged ahead, no thoughts pondered, the fight was bred." "OK, yeah, but—" "How can you deem her wild and untamed when you, headfirst, in the chaos, aimed?" she cut her off, her tone becoming even harsher. "B-but—" "No ifs, ands, or buts, the truth does show, you reap what you sow, as life's currents flow," Zecora interrupted again, pointing a finger at Rainbow. "Halt the words that demean and feast, she bears a name, let its melody be released." It wasn't often that Zecora became angry, and seeing it for the first time, all of the mares backed away slightly. Rainbow, on the other hand, looked like she was about to wet herself. "Hey now, let's ease up a bit. Some of us are still recovering," Twilight interjected, stepping between the two. She glanced at Rainbow. "You gotta dial back whatever's bothering you about Miri. She didn't do anything wrong, just stood up for herself." The pegasus grumbled, clearly not pleased. Twilight then turned to Zecora. "Rainbow might be out of line, but she's got a point worth considering." Zecora crossed her arms, eyeing the unicorn with curiosity. "What, pray tell, is this point you are trying to sell?" "See, Miri might not come off as aggressive, but she's still a big question mark," Twilight started explaining. "We've got no clue about her origins, why she's in Everfree, or what she really is. Plus, like you mentioned before, Zecora, she's not exactly warm and fuzzy toward others. Doesn't seem to trust anyone, even when they mean well." The words resonated with Zecora, making her ponder deeply as she realized the validity of Twilight's concerns. "And let's not forget, she's the one stirring up this whole mess in the forest," Applejack chimed in. "We came here to figure out why the critters in Everfree were acting all wonky, and Miri seems to be the root cause." Leaning back, she crossed her arms. "We can't just leave this be. Ponyville's feeling the heat already, who knows how bad it is elsewhere in Equestria?" Zecora let out a deep sigh. "I grasp each point you lay in sight, yet, what path forward, do you invite?" "Well, my idea was to, uh, ask her to leave the forest," Twilight proposed quickly. Her solution was met with skeptical glances from everyone, including Zecora. "Twilight, dear, are you certain that's the best way to go about it?" Rarity questioned, echoing everyone's doubts. "Based on what I've gathered, reasoning with Miri doesn't seem to be the easiest, especially after that altercation." "True," Twilight agreed, nodding. "But I don't think we can just kick her out forcefully." They exchanged looks, some glancing at their injuries. "Best-case scenario, she might be open to understanding and working together with us." "Okay, let's say your plan pans out. What's next?" Applejack inquired. "Where's she gonna stay if not in the forest? Definitely not Ponyville, that'd be a whole mess waiting to happen." Twilight replied with a sheepish smile, "Oh, dear Luna, you're actually considering it." "Before you pass judgment, hear me out," the unicorn pleaded. "Miri clearly has a strong distrust of others. But if we could help her get accustomed to people, it could really benefit her." Pinkie suddenly produced a box and set it down in front of Twilight. The unicorn gave her thankful nod, before stepping on it. "Consider this—a species we've never seen in Equestria. A mystery waiting to be unraveled. She might hold knowledge beyond our wildest dreams." After finishing her speech, she anticipated a loud cheer, but instead, was met with continued skepticism. Disheartened, she lowered her head and stepped down from the box. "If I write to Princess Celestia and seek her opinion and approval, would that be acceptable?" The mares exchanged glances and nodded silently among themselves. "Yeah, pretty much," Rainbow spoke on behalf of the group. "And I suppose it'd be us who'd be taking care of her while she's around in town?" Applejack inquired, seeking further clarification. "Absolutely," Twilight confirmed. "We'll ensure Miri doesn't get into any major trouble and smoothly integrates into the town." "Sure, that's the best-case scenario," Rainbow interjected. "But worst-case? She could just gobble us up the moment we let our guard down." Her statement sent a shiver down almost everyone's spine. "Especially after that first encounter." "Exactly," Twilight reassured confidently, sticking to her plan. "We'll have Zecora and somepony else approach her. Miri seems to trust Zecora the most, so she might be more open to listening. And we'll send another pony along in case things go awry. Someone who can calm her down if she gets aggressive. Someone who hasn't shown hostility toward Miri." "And who exactly is this 'somepony'?" Fluttershy inquired. Instead of a direct response, Twilight kept her gaze fixed on the pegasus, her eyes almost pleading. Fluttershy stared back, puzzled, until realization dawned on her. "ME?!" Fluttershy exclaimed in surprise. Chapter 3Canterlot, Royal Palace The candlelit halls of Canterlot Castle stood empty, their quiet echoing softly through the corridors. Only a single alicorn wandered these halls in the early dawn light. Luna had completed her nightly duties, just as she always did. Fatigue was slowly creeping in, but she took comfort in the thought of her warm bed waiting for her. She moved toward the kitchen, knowing her sister would be there, as she always was. While Celestia thrived in the morning and radiated energy at the break of day, Luna found it hard to summon any enthusiasm at this hour. Nevertheless, she appreciated the small comforts her sister provided when she awoke. As expected, the moment Luna entered the royal kitchen, she was greeted by her sister's radiant presence. "Good morning, sister! I hope you had a pleasant night," Celestia said, her smile as bright as the morning sun. "I made a fruit salad for you." Luna's eyes drifted to the plate on the table, its aroma making her stomach growl. "Thanks," she replied in a low, even voice, levitating the plate toward her. Despite her subdued demeanor, Luna appreciated the thoughtfulness her sister showed. She might not be a morning pony, but even so, a small gesture of kindness from Celestia never went unnoticed. "You're very welcome," Celestia replied with a warm smile. The two sisters sat down to their respective meals, chatting casually about how their days had gone. Given that their duties kept them apart for most of the day, these shared moments were rare, so they tried to make the most of them. But their tranquility was abruptly interrupted by a burst of green flames, which appeared out of nowhere, startling both mares. Out of the flickering fire, a scroll dropped onto the table in front of Celestia. "A letter from your student?" Luna asked, taking a sip of her tea. "It seems so," Celestia replied, using her magic to lift the parchment into her hands. "But I wonder what could be so urgent that she needed to send it this early in the morning." With curiosity, she unrolled the scroll and began to read. Her expression shifted from mild amusement to serious concern and then to sheer bewilderment. Luna, noticing her sister's changing demeanor, raised her own eyebrows in confusion. "What does it say?" she asked. Celestia didn't answer immediately, her eyes still scanning the letter. When she finally finished reading, she set the scroll down and turned to her sister. "Luna," she began with a hint of disbelief in her voice, "have you ever heard of a large tiger woman living in the Everfree Forest?" Luna stared at Celestia, trying to gauge if this was some kind of joke. But when she realized her sister was dead serious, she stood up from the table and made her way to the doors. "Nope, and this is no longer my problem," she replied with a slight smirk. "Good night, sister, and good luck." She closed the doors behind her before Celestia could respond. Celestia glanced at the letter one more time, then sighed, shaking her head. Ponyville, edge of Everfree Fluttershy stood near the entrance to the forest, her entire body tense. Not far away, her friends were hidden in the bushes, their eyes fixed on the mare. Like Fluttershy, they were tense, but for different reasons. "I'm still not sold on all this," Rainbow whispered, her voice low and wary. "You said you'd be fine with it if we got Celestia's permission," Twilight countered, thrusting a parchment toward Rainbow's face. "It says right here that she's one hundred percent on board with this." Rainbow swatted the paper away, her expression unimpressed. "You forgot the part where she also wrote, 'Be careful,'" she replied sharply. "All I'm saying is, we shouldn't expect too much from this whole ordeal." Before Twilight could respond, Rarity interposed herself between the two. "Now, now, let's not fight amongst ourselves. We have a job to do, and arguing won't help," she said soothingly. Her words seemed to calm them, and they returned their attention to Fluttershy. Minutes ticked by, and nothing happened. The mares waited patiently, though their nerves were taut. Finally, Rainbow broke the uneasy silence. "Isn't Zecora supposed to be here already, with Miri in tow?" Rainbow whined, her impatience showing. "I don't think dragging around a huge tiger girl is all that easy," Applejack replied swiftly. "If you don't think you're cut out for this, you can just... y'know, leave." Rainbow's eyes shot daggers at Applejack, knowing full well she was being baited. She wasn't one to back down easily, but she also knew that rising to the challenge meant admitting defeat. Rainbow doesn't lose. Just then, Fluttershy's body twitched, and all eyes swung back to her. A rustling sound came from the trees as Zecora emerged from the darkness. She gave a quick nod to Fluttershy before approaching her. She then stopped beside her, turning back to face the looming shadows of the Everfree Forest. "I lured her with care, she chose to agree. I only hope she doesn’t quickly flee." Zecora explained to the shivering mare. They both peered into the forest, waiting for any sign that the tiger was approaching. The branches of a nearby tree creaked and shifted, as though something large was perched on them. A light clicking sound followed, akin to a dog’s claws on a ceramic floor, then a thud as something landed on the ground. The group watched in anticipation as a figure slowly emerged from the forest. Unlike Zecora, Miri stayed within the tree line, her form cloaked by shadows. Although her features were indistinct, it was clear that she, like Fluttershy, was on edge. Zecora attempted to break the tension. She looked at Miri and smiled. "Thanks for coming here, Miri, dear." she said in a calm and friendly tone. Miri's eyes shifted to Zecora, then back to Fluttershy. "Cora said ponies want talk with Miri. Talk," she said, her voice edged with suspicion. Fluttershy was taken aback by Miri's curt response. She knew the tiger-woman could speak, but hearing her words still felt surreal. She was brought out of her reverie by Zecora's gentle nudge. "Oh, right. Talk," Fluttershy stumbled. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before addressing Miri. "Hello, Miri. My name is Fluttershy, and this is Zecora," she introduced herself. "Miri know Cora," the tiger-woman replied in a flat, unimpressed tone. Fluttershy flinched at her misstep and felt her anxiety rising, but Zecora's hand on her shoulder helped her regain her composure. "Yes, of course," she said softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Well, now that we're introduced, I want to start by apologizing on behalf of my friends for what they did," she said in a calm, soothing voice. "They feel sorry for their actions and want to let you know that they wish to make amends." Fluttershy paused to give Miri a chance to respond, but the girl remained silent, her gaze sharp and piercing. Fluttershy swallowed hard, the intensity of Miri's stare causing her nerves to fray. But with Zecora's steadying presence beside her, she managed to maintain her composure. "In any case, what I really want to talk to you about is... well, about you staying in the Everfree Forest," Fluttershy said, trying to sound confident. Her words elicited a reaction from Miri, whose head tilted slightly and whose ears twitched in curiosity. "Explain," Miri demanded, her voice low and serious. Fluttershy felt a glimmer of relief. She had caught Miri's interest, even if only for a moment. "You see, your presence in the forest has been causing other creatures to act erratically. As a result, the towns and villages nearby have seen an increase in monster attacks and other issues," she explained, trying to keep her voice steady. Miri's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. "Not Miri fault!" she snapped, her voice like a growl. Fluttershy jumped behind Zecora, shivering more than before. "I-I-I wasn't saying that y-y-you did it on p-p-purpose," she stammered, her voice cracking from sheer terror. She peered from behind Zecora to see that Miri was still hidden within the tree line, and she sighed in relief before continuing. "We do not blame you for anything that happened, but we also can't just let you be. If this continues, many more ponies could get hurt. Would you be alright with that?" There was a long pause before Miri responded. "What suggest?" Seeing that she was willing to listen, Fluttershy steeled herself and stepped forward again. "We thought, maybe, you could live somewhere else. We have made plans to have you live on one of my friend's farms, so you could—" "NO!!!" Miri's sudden scream cut Fluttershy off. "Miri know trick! Miri not fall!" Confusion spread across Zecora and Fluttershy’s faces. "What?" Fluttershy asked. "We are not trying to trick you. We just wish—" "Quiet!" Miri shouted, her body tensing as if ready to either fight or flee. "Lies! Miri not fool! Miri not believe!" Her outburst caught them off guard, leaving them both in shock. "Miri," Zecora interjected, her voice calm and soothing, emphasized by the rhythmic cadence of her speech. "My friend speaks the truth; no lies do we say. We want what's best for all, in every way." Her words seemed to ease Miri's tension a little, but the tiger-woman still looked wary. "Can you share why you don't trust our way? What makes you doubt what we have to say?" Zecora asked gently. "Miri monster!" she replied, her voice laced with bitterness. "You afraid Miri because Miri different. Act nice, but really mean. Want Miri captured." The two mares were taken aback by her words. "My goodness," Fluttershy gasped. "We would never do something like that. What could make you think that?" Miri stared directly at her. "Happened before," she said, her tone sharp and unforgiving. Their shock grew even deeper. "I'm-I'm so sorry, Miri," Fluttershy immediately replied, her voice tinged with compassion. "I regret the cruelty that you had to face, But I swear on my name, no harm will take place." Zecora added, her voice as sorrowful as Fluttershy's. "We mean you no ill, only wish to live in peace, Our goal is harmony and the quarrels to cease." Miri continued to watch them, her eyes searching for signs of deception. She had encountered fake kindness before, and she knew how to spot it. But this time, their concern seemed genuine, leaving her feeling conflicted. "Miri." Her thoughts were interrupted by Fluttershy's voice. The pegasus stepped from behind Zecora and stood beside her, her stance confident but gentle. "I know you have no reason to believe us, but if there's any way we can earn your trust..." she said, stretching out her hand toward Miri. The internal conflict within Miri flared at the sight of Fluttershy's outstretched hand. She didn't want to believe them. Trusting them meant risking more pain. And yet... "Miri think about it," she said, her voice a mixture of caution and uncertainty. "Miri tell Cora decision." With those words, she turned and disappeared into the forest. The two mares stood in silence, staring at the spot where Miri had just been, her words echoing in their minds. They exchanged a worried glance, understanding that Miri's trust would not be easily won, then made their way back to their friends, who were still hiding. The others listened intently as Fluttershy and Zecora recounted the entire exchange, the gravity of Miri's words and her wariness casting a somber shadow over the group. They knew they had a long road ahead to bridge the gap between them and the tiger-woman, but they were determined to try. Chapter 4Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 5Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 6Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
PrologueEarth, Amazon Rainforest, 12:34 PM The vast forest lay in idyllic silence, interrupted only by the myriad of animals inhabiting the biome and the natural sounds of trees, wind, and rivers. Despite this tranquil atmosphere, a group of heavily armored men silently navigated through the dense vegetation of the jungle. The thick, humid jungle air clung to their equipment and face coverings, making breathing a bit more challenging. Nevertheless, they pressed forward with determination. Their well-trained bodies effortlessly bore the weight of large backpacks filled with survival gear and an assortment of weapons. Clad in camouflaged uniforms, they blended seamlessly into the forest surroundings, save for the small metallic coat of arms adorning each soldier's upper arm—a depiction of a glaive in front of Earth, glinting in the occasional rays of sunlight piercing through the dense foliage. The five men forged ahead until the leader raised his arm, signaling the others to halt. Quietly, he reached for his radio and activated it. "Hunter one to base. Confirm Omega's position," he murmured softly, tapping the radio button. The device crackled before a voice transmitted through. "Omega is located one and a half clicks South-East from your position." Satisfied, he nodded, glad the target hadn't shifted since their last update. "Acknowledged," he swiftly replied, then switched channels. "Hunter one to Hunter two. Confirm your location." More crackling followed, and a different voice responded. "Hunter two to Hunter one. We're stationed one click South of the target. All set." Once again content with the response, he checked in with several other teams to confirm their positions. When he ensured everyone was in place, he stowed away the radio and signaled his men to resume their advance. Minutes ticked by until the team reached their designated spot. Each member scanned the area, on the lookout for their prey. Then, a tap on the leader's shoulder signaled that the target had been sighted. All attention immediately focused on where the soldier pointed. Initially, nothing seemed visible, but they knew better. Like themselves, their target could blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Straining their eyes, they barely discerned the outline of their quarry, nestled amidst the trees, likely resting. The leader gestured for his men to take aim, yet they all signaled an obstruction in their line of sight. Cursing inwardly, he hesitated to move closer, aware that any sudden approach might alert their quarry. Nevertheless, they had no other choice. Silently and cautiously, they began to shift position, ensuring absolute silence. Then, a soldier accidentally stepped on a branch, causing it to snap loudly. All gazes snapped to the source of the noise, shooting the man a glare. In an instant, their attention reverted to their target, only to find it had vanished from its previous location, much to their horror. "Formation Beta!" the team leader barked, rallying everyone into a tight circle, back-to-back. Rifles raised high and low, they scanned every inch of the vast jungle. Each held their breath, the sole sounds echoing were the jungle's whispers and their racing hearts. Their attention honed in as something rustled in the canopy, and their muzzles shifted toward the sound. But they were too slow. An orange blur leaped down from the trees, landing on a soldier. Surprised, the soldier shouted, his rifle discharging in a wild shot. Before he could react, something coiled around his neck. His breath caught as he was yanked away from the group and into the shadows of the jungle. As his comrades regained their senses, all they caught sight of were his boots vanishing into the undergrowth, no scream heard. "Damn it," the leader cursed, grabbing his radio. "Switching to Hunted Hunter plan!" he ordered, his comrades nodding in agreement. Without hesitation, they all pivoted in unison and bolted in the same direction. The jungle suddenly stirred to life, a thunderous roar resonating through the endless expanse of forest. "Hunter one to everyone! Hunter and Prey failed; we lost one man. Switching to Hunted Hunter," he broadcasted urgently, not waiting for a response. Swiveling, he aimed his rifle backward and fired towards the pursuing threat. Another thunderous roar confirmed his suspicions before he redirected his attention forward. "Requesting backup. It's furious." Adrenaline surged as they dared not glance back, fixating on their destination. The plan might still work if they could just reach the second team. Seconds stretched into agonizing minutes as the forest blurred past them. Their bodies screamed from the sudden sprint, but stopping wasn't an option. An orange creature lunged from behind, snatching another soldier. He shrieked in terror as the creature loomed over him, fangs bared. Before he could even raise his weapon, the creature attacked. His agonized screams pierced the rainforest, silenced only by his own blood. The remaining three men paused briefly, not for mourning but to ensure the creature stayed on their tail. They understood the stakes and postponed grieving until their mission concluded. The leader fired shots toward where their comrade had fallen, aiming to draw the creature's attention. Relief mingled with fear as the creature locked eyes with him. They resumed their sprint, the hunter hot on their heels. Their bodies were nearing exhaustion, but they knew they were close. Suddenly, another attack loomed, but this time a large steel net intercepted the creature mid-leap. Its momentum halted, crashing to the ground, struggling within the metallic confines. The leader glanced toward the source—a group of soldiers, one wielding a specially designed cannon. A smirk played beneath his mask, though he remained vigilant. He knew the net wouldn't contain it for long. As expected, the creature soon strained against the steel fibers, attempting to tear them apart. "Firing tranqs!" one soldier yelled, a loud boom accompanying a cannister landing beside the trapped creature. Hissing, it spewed a yellowish-brown gas, causing the monster to cough, succumbing to the narcotic. Its deafening roar echoed, rattling those nearby. Ripping through the net, the creature staggered away from the gas, feeling its legs weaken and dizziness set in. Despite this, it recognized it was cornered but spied an opportunity. With astonishing speed, it bolted toward freedom. Just as it neared escape, it triggered something underfoot. Four rods shot up, delivering a powerful electric charge. Muscles seized, convulsions wracking its body as electricity coursed through. Paralyzed, it collapsed, writhing in agony, unable to produce a sound amidst the relentless shock. The soldiers cautiously approached, their guns trained on the creature. Seeing no response beyond its twitching, they slowly eased their guard. "Operation Cat and Mouse is a success," the leader radioed in, prompting cheers all around. "Prepare the sedative. Chopper inbound for extraction." He then turned to another soldier. "Great shot, Fowler." "Thanks, sir," Fowler replied, setting the net cannon down. "But seriously, I can't wrap my head around this thing." He eyed the orange-furred creature. "It tears through steel like it's nothing and survives a shock that'd drop an elephant. This ain't no human." "You're not wrong," the leader agreed. "I've been tracking this thing for over a year. Finally feels like a weight off my shoulders to have this mission wrapped up." The leader and Fowler conversed while nearby soldiers readied the sedative, and a pair of soldiers approached the creature with scornful eyes. "Serves you right, you damn monster," one spat, lifting his rifle and firing a few shots at the creature. The rifle fire startled everyone, drawing the leader over to the soldier. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?" the leader shouted, snatching the rifle from the soldier's grasp. "Oh, come on, Sarge. It's not like those even do anything to it," the soldier retorted, rolling his eyes. "Besides, it just gives it a little itch. And after what it's done, it deserves way worse." The anger continued to blaze in the sergeant's eyes as he seized the soldier's uniform, pulling him in close. "Do. Not. Do. That. Again. Do I make myself clear?" The man silently nodded, released but without his rifle. Disgruntled, he shifted his attention back to the creature, grabbing a large stick and striking it. Another soldier approached. "Is that really necessary?" he asked, concerned. The man halted his beating, staring at the soldier with disdain. "What? You think I give a rat's ass what the sarge says. I've got a lot of pent-up anger against this thing," he said, swinging the stick again. "One year and three months. That's how long this thing played with us." Another smack. "Dozens of good men. Gone." Smack. "Only 'cause we were supposed to capture, not kill," the soldier muttered, justifying his actions with a resentful edge in his voice. Smack. "Not saying we could end it, but it sure would make the job easier," the soldier remarked, his tone tinged with frustration and resignation. Smack. "So, I reckon I'm entitled to at least this much," he said, readying for another strike and glancing at the other soldier. "Besides, it can't do a damn thing right now. I'll give it a taste of what we've endured." As he raised his hand for another blow, he failed to notice his proximity to the trapped creature or its tail coiling near his leg. With a furious growl, the creature's tail wrapped around his ankle. The soldier felt the coil tighten. "Ah, shi—" He barely managed a word before the tail swept him off his feet, slamming him into one of the rods. The impact broke the rod, cutting off the electric charge to the trap. Free from the shock, the creature stood tall. Its attempt to flee was met with a barrage of bullets. "Fire the sedatives!" someone yelled amidst the gunfire. Several cannisters landed around the creature, releasing hissing gas. Without a moments notice, the creature bolted. This time, its pace was sluggish, hindered by the electric trap and the sedatives coursing through its system. Stumbling through the jungle, it heard screams and gunshots trailing behind. Seeking refuge, it leaped into the canopy, attempting to shake off its pursuers. Darting from tree to tree, it couldn't shake the relentless pursuit. Exhaustion set in, weighing heavily on the creature. Evading capture was paramount, or it knew it would be captured. Suddenly, a branch snapped under its weight. Gravity seized control, and it plummeted. The resounding thought 'it's over' raced through its mind. Half an hour later The soldiers regrouped, informing Sergeant Nicholas Graves that they couldn't locate the creature. With a calm yet tense demeanor, he ordered them to comb the jungle once more, this time utilizing helicopters and infrared cameras. The soldiers saluted, acknowledging his directives, and departed to resume the hunt. Once alone, Graves opened a small laptop. "Sergeant Nicholas Graves reporting," he saluted the person on the screen. "We've yet to locate Omega; we're leaving no stone unturned, sir." "You better," came the terse reply before the feed cut off. Graves slumped in his chair, exhaling heavily. He glanced at the file before him, opening it to review its contents. A blurry image of the creature met his gaze, accompanied by the bold letters OMEGA-24. "Where in the world have you vanished to?" he muttered, crumpling the file in frustration. Equestria, Everfree Forest, 2:09 PM The small figure perched atop a tree, peering out over the dark forest. Fresh air brushed against her orange, white, and black-striped fur, tousling it gently. Her wide blue eyes scanned the unfamiliar landscape, absorbing the new sights before her. Leaning against the tree, her clawed hand gripped its bark while her tail swayed happily back and forth. "Miri think, Miri like this place."
Chapter 1Equestria, outskirts of Ponyville. Fluttershy cheerfully strolled along the dirt path, humming a pleasant tune to herself. Several birds flocked around her, joining in her symphony. Slowly, their numbers rose until a small concerto formed, making the already bright day seem even brighter in the mare's eyes. She found herself caught in her own world, dancing along with the melodious ensemble. Her joyful walk abruptly halted by a thunderous roar, the birds scattered, and Fluttershy jumped in surprise. Instinctively seeking cover, she hid behind a boulder. As she cautiously stood up, her entire body shook. Her eyes darted in every direction, searching for the source of the frightening sound. Another roar echoed, prompting her to hide again, though this time, she identified its origin: the Everfree Forest. Her stomach sank, and her already erratic breathing escalated. Despite her fear, curiosity got the better of her. The unusualness of the animal's cry concerned her, driving her to worry that it might be in trouble. With a determined resolve, she emerged from her hiding spot and ventured toward the edge of the forest. Though it took only a couple of minutes, each step felt like hours under the weight of her fear, casting doubt on her every move. Nevertheless, she pressed on. Now standing before the looming forest, her breathing grew heavy, and the sheer foreboding aura of the place threatened to overwhelm her. Despite the pressure, she gulped and summoned the courage to take another step forward. Suddenly, she heard the cracking of wood, and she instinctively leaped out of the way just in time to avoid a massive object hurtling from the trees. A scream escaped her lips as she tumbled to the ground, but she swiftly raised her upper body, anticipating a potential threat. Her eyes darted around, scanning the immediate area to identify whatever had attempted to tackle her. They quickly fixated on the motionless form of a Myrmecoleon. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming for Fluttershy. Despite her initial instinct to flee, the creature's stillness drew her closer. The sight of the pooling blood beneath its body froze her in place, a mix of fear and concern evident in her expression. Her hesitant hand extended toward the fallen creature, as if pulled by an unseen force. But a sudden chill raced through her, causing every hair on her body to stand on end. Her attention sharply diverted towards the forest, locking eyes with an unknown entity lurking within its shadows. Paralyzed by terror, she was torn between the impulse to escape and the fear of provoking a potential attack. Time seemed to stretch infinitely as the tense standoff continued. The creature observed her with glowing blue eyes, its intent unreadable yet undeniably predatory. In a heartbeat, its focus shifted elsewhere, and it vanished into the darkness of the forest, leaving Fluttershy trembling in its wake. As the immediate danger dissipated, her legs gave way, and she collapsed, her heart racing wildly. Only then, with the threat gone, did she manage to draw a deep breath, wiping away the sweat that had coated her face. Her body exhausted, drained of adrenaline, she succumbed to unconsciousness, the ordeal proving too much for her fragile nerves to endure. Equestria, Ponyville, about an hour later. The scene in the library was filled with a mix of tension and concern, the group gathered around Fluttershy, offering comfort after her harrowing experience. Sipping the provided tea to steady her nerves, she recounted the chilling encounter, her voice still carrying the weight of fear. "And then it just disappeared," she concluded, her words trailing off as she took a moment to compose herself. Rainbow Dash's attempt to inject a bit of skepticism was swiftly met with disapproving glances from the others. "I mean, yeah, it's not exactly Fluttershy's style to make this stuff up," she amended, sensing the mood in the room. Applejack chimed in, her arms crossed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "She's lucky she got away. Who knows what that critter was up to? And taking down a Myrmecoleon? That's no small feat. Those things are tougher than a Manticore, last I heard." As discussions ensued and the group exchanged thoughts, Twilight remained uncharacteristically quiet, her usually composed demeanor marred by worry. Her furrowed brow hinted at the depth of her concern for Fluttershy's safety and the implications of the unknown creature's presence. "Is something the matter, Twilight?" Rarity piped up. Twilight, being brought out of her deep thoughts, blinked and looked at the alabaster mare. "Actually, yes," she replied, earning surprised looks from everyone. "A few weeks ago, Zecora approached me about strange occurrences within the Everfree. She mentioned that animals, monsters, and all other creatures seemed restless to her, as if something had shifted inside the forest." Her statement unsettled everyone in the room. The forest was already renowned for its chaos, where everything operated on its own whims. Now, they were being informed that something was exacerbating the situation. "Then, a couple of weeks ago, she informed me that all the creatures within began behaving unusually. They crossed established borders, encroaching upon other creatures' territories, sparking numerous fights," she recounted. "In the worst cases, they even ventured beyond the forest." "Wait," Applejack interjected, almost shouting. "Is that why we've had so many Timberwolf incidents in the past week?" Twilight didn't verbally reply; instead, she simply nodded. The weight of the situation slowly began to dawn on them all. "Do you think it's because of this... 'Thing' that Fluttershy saw?" Spike asked. "I'm not entirely sure," the lavender mare sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Zecora mentioned she was going to investigate since she knows the Everfree Forest best." The room fell silent as everyone awaited her next words. "Aaaand?" Pinkie said, leaning in close to Twilight, her bright blue eyes almost touching the mare's purple ones. Twilight gently pushed away her hyperactive friend. "And I haven't heard from her since. That's why I'm worried, especially since she was supposed to come to town for supplies yesterday." Wide-eyed, everyone reacted. "Are you suggesting Zecora might be in danger?" Applejack exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell us this right away?" "I didn't want to jump to conclusions. She's been delayed before, so I was waiting until tomorrow," Twilight retorted. She took a deep breath, calming her nerves. "However, with what Fluttershy saw... I can't help but fear the worst." "Well, what are we waiting for then?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, leaping into the air and hovering above everyone's heads. "Let's go and save Zecora." Nods of agreement came from everyone, including Fluttershy, whose nerves remained on edge. They dashed out of the library and sprinted toward the forest. It took several minutes before they reached the edge of the ominous forest. Despite their initial determination, as the Everfree loomed over them, fear began to seep into their minds. Yet, they pushed forward, charging ahead. The bright day faded swiftly as the forest enveloped the group in darkness. Their senses heightened, every rustle and sound signaling potential danger. Silence reigned among them, none daring to break it. Minutes stretched on as they pressed forward, seemingly uneventful for the time being. Abruptly, a blood-curdling roar shattered the silence, causing everyone to huddle together. Wide-eyed, they scanned the surroundings, mere seconds feeling like an eternity. They remained on high alert, waiting until they were certain the threat had passed. "What was that?" Rarity's voice trembled with fear, her body quivering. "I-I-It's the s-s-same one I hear b-b-before," Fluttershy stuttered, her voice shaking in terror. The first to overcome her fear was Rainbow Dash, who directed her gaze toward the direction of the loud roar. "It came from that way," she said, pointing in its direction. Her wings flared, ready to take off. "Where do you think you're going?!" Applejack exclaimed, immediately grabbing hold of the pegasus's tail and pulling her back to the group. Rainbow let out a yelp of pain as her tail was yanked, jolting her backward. She turned, shooting a glare at her friend. "Quit doing that!" she shouted, rubbing the sore spot. "We know where that thing is right now. We should go over there and deal with it." "Are you outta your mind?" Applejack retorted, her face a mix of confusion and anger. "We didn't come here to tangle with that thing. We came to check on Zecora." "I concur with Applejack, dear," Rarity chimed in. "We should steer clear of whatever is causing all of this and head straight to Zecora's. No need to get dirty for no reason." Rainbow huffed in frustration, crossing her arms. "If this thing is as dangerous as we think, we'll have to deal with it sooner or later. Right now, we know where it is, and it doesn't know we're here. Plus, it's six to one. We can take it," she said, her excitement growing as she spoke. The other girls exchanged uneasy glances, acknowledging the truth in Rainbow's words. Breaking her silence, Twilight spoke up. "Alright, then we'll split up," she declared. "Fluttershy and Rarity, head to Zecora's place and check if she's alright. The rest of us will investigate whatever is causing all this chaos." A series of nods and exchanged glances followed. "But let's be clear. If it becomes too dangerous, we run away immediately," she emphasized, looking directly at Rainbow. "Agreed?" Rainbow saluted. "Aye, aye, captain." Breathing a sigh of relief, Twilight assumed command. "Alright, let's see what this thing actually is." Before she proceeded, she turned to Fluttershy and Rarity. "Same goes for you two. If something happens, just run away." "You needn't worry about that, darling," Rarity assured her. With her reassurance, the group split, each heading in their designated direction. Twilight's group navigated the forest cautiously, mindful not to make too much noise and alert the creature they were pursuing. After a few minutes, they halted, discovering signs of a struggle. Broken branches, torn shrubbery, and bloodstains adorned rocks and trees. Steeling their resolve, they followed the trail of destruction until they arrived at a small clearing. Peeking out from behind the cover of bushes, they took in the scene before them. The large manticore lay on the ground, blood oozing from its severe wounds. Beside it, a smaller creature covered in orange fur with black stripes sat, its head pressed against the manticore's body. "What's it doing?" Applejack whispered, attempting to get a better view. "Maybe it's giving the manticore some 'get well' kisses to make it feel better," Pinkie offered optimistically with her signature smile. "Maybe it's not as bad as—" Her words halted as the creature pulled its head back and tore a sizable chunk of flesh from the corpse, starting to chew on it. "Never mind," Pinkie concluded abruptly. "Nah, that can't be what's been causing all this commotion," she said. "I mean, look how small it is. I could take this runt out easy peasy." The group exchanged worried glances as Rainbow expressed skepticism. "Even so, we should be cautious. We know nothing about it or what it can do. It managed to take down a manticore," Twilight cautioned, concern etched on her face. Rainbow began stretching her wings confidently. "I could do the same if I tried hard enough," she boasted. Applejack, sensing Rainbow's readiness for a fight, reached out to stop her from doing something rash. But this time, she was a moment too late. Without warning, Rainbow bolted from her hiding spot and charged toward the strange creature. With a swift flip of her body, she propelled herself directly at it, hooves first. The impact connected, causing the strange being's body to convulse violently. A pained cry erupted from its blood-stained mouth as it was thrown away from the manticore's body. Rainbow beamed proudly at her fallen adversary, turning back to her still-hidden friends. "See, easy peasy," she exclaimed, lifting her hand in a peace sign. To her surprise, there was no response. Applejack suddenly emerged from the bushes, charging toward Rainbow with a mix of anger and fear on her face. Her hand clenched into a fist, poised to strike. Confused by Applejack's intense reaction, Rainbow attempted to calm her down. "Whoa, AJ, chill—" Her words were interrupted as her friend swung her arm. Rainbow winced, bracing for impact, but felt nothing. Swiftly turning her head, she saw Applejack's arm extended, the striped creature flung away from them both. "Easy peasy, huh?" Applejack scolded. "You were this close to being mauled by that thing," she added, emphasizing her words with a gesture. Rainbow huffed in an attempt to maintain her confidence. "I knew it was coming. I was just waiting to surprise it." Applejack rolled her eyes at Rainbow's attempt to save face. Her attention swiftly shifted to the creature, now picking itself up once more. Rubbing its jaw, it shot the two mares a menacing glare. Growling, it lowered its stance, preparing for another charge. Without exchanging words, the two mares shared a nod of understanding. Applejack raised her arms in a defensive stance, poised to protect herself at a moment's notice, while Rainbow took to the skies, positioning herself for an attack. The creature, noticing Rainbow's flight, refocused its attention on the mare directly in front of it. With a menacing snarl, it dropped onto all fours and lunged toward Applejack. Bracing herself, Applejack lowered her body, shielding her upper body with her arms in anticipation of the impending attack. The creature lunged at Applejack, its claws tearing through her flesh, eliciting a cry of pain. The excruciating sensation caused her to drop her guard, leaving her vulnerable. As the creature aimed for her throat, Rainbow Dash plummeted from the sky, delivering a forceful dropkick. This time, the creature managed to deflect the attack, but Rainbow's strike pushed it away from Applejack. Without hesitation, Rainbow continued her assault, utilizing her speed to circle the beast, landing blows whenever an opportunity arose. Fueled by anger, the creature attempted to retaliate, swiping at Rainbow to dislodge her from the air. Yet, Rainbow's agility kept her just out of reach, frustrating the creature further. Despite landing solid hits, Rainbow realized her attacks weren't causing substantial damage. Her powerful strikes required time, distance, and distraction—luxuries she lacked in the current skirmish. Then, a glint caught Rainbow's eye. She smiled and abruptly broke away from the fight. Spotting her attempt to flee, the creature reached out to grab Rainbow. Just as it was about to seize one of her hooves, a large pink figure materialized in front of it, halting its advance. "Hiya, I'm Pinkie Pie," the mare introduced herself to the bewildered creature. As the creature hesitated, Pinkie swiftly produced a sizable metal contraption from behind her, proudly proclaiming, "And this is my party cannon!" Pulling the cord, confetti and streamers burst forth, creating a cacophony of noise and a colorful onslaught that caused the creature to stagger backward. "Here comes the Corkscrew Strike!" Rainbow Dash descended from the sky once more, this time at a dazzling speed, her spinning body striking the creature with immense force. The impact sent even Pinkie flying in one direction while the creature crashed several feet away. "Wow, that was amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed, dashing over to Rainbow. "You were like woosh, and I was like, 'Hasta la vista,' and then—" Her chatter halted when she noticed Rainbow clutching her leg with a pained expression. "Are you okay, RD?" Rainbow winced as she spoke through clenched teeth. "Yeah, I think I might've broken something. That thing's like hitting a brick wall." "Well, at least it did its job," Applejack's voice reached them as she approached with Twilight in tow. "And where were you guys?" Rainbow inquired, rising with Pinkie's assistance. "I had to tend to Applejack's wounds," Twilight immediately responded, gesturing to the sizable scars on the orange mare's arms left by the creature's attack. Rainbow's expression shifted to one of apology. "Medical magic isn't my expertise, so you should get yourself checked out as soon as possible." "Got it," Applejack acknowledged, nodding gratefully at Twilight. "I reckon you should look at Dash next." The sudden growl halted Twilight's movement toward Rainbow. All eyes snapped back to the creature they assumed was defeated. Slowly and unsteadily, it rose, coughing up blood. Its expression filled with unbridled fury made the mares' blood run cold. "I gave it all I had, and that thing's still standing," Rainbow stated, wings flaring as she prepared to take flight. "Yet, it's badly hurt," Applejack observed as the creature struggled to stand. "Maybe, if we work together, we can still bring it down." "Alright, Pinkie and Rainbow will provide support and distraction. Applejack, you're going to face the thing up close, as you're probably the only one who can actually take it head-on," Twilight swiftly outlined their strategy, seizing the moment before the creature fully recovered. "Try to hold it down or keep it occupied until I can conjure a restraining spell, in case you can't take it out." "I won't give it a second to think." "Okie dokie." "Can do, sugarcube." With their plan set, they charged at the creature. Applejack lunged forward, aiming to tackle and subdue it swiftly. Yet, the creature unexpectedly halted her attack, matching her strength despite being about half her size. It lifted both of its arms, clasping its hands, then swung them toward Applejack's back with formidable force. In the final moment, a rainbow blur emerged out of nowhere, crashing into both Applejack and the creature, forcefully separating them. Before they could react, Rainbow vanished into the sky once more. The creature disregarded the airborne mare, shifting its focus back to Applejack, only to be met by the familiar sight of Pinkie Pie. "Surprise!" Pinkie shouted, thrusting an air horn into the beast's face. The sudden blare disoriented the creature, causing its ears to ring, but it swiftly attempted to swipe at Pinkie. Yet, in an instant, Rainbow whisked Pinkie away to safety. Seizing the opportunity created by the creature's confusion, Applejack moved in. She approached the creature and unleashed a series of powerful punches, each landing with force and pushing the creature backward. A sense of triumph began to surface in the mare. However, her optimism was short-lived. The creature countered with an unexpected punch of its own. The blow caught Applejack off guard, not only due to its unexpectedness but also due to its unbelievable power. Though it staggered her, Applejack held her ground, but the creature's relentless assault continued. She attempted to block the next strike, but the force and pain it inflicted caused her arms to quiver despite her efforts to withstand it. Rainbow swiftly swooped down, snatching Applejack away from another one of the creature's imminent strike. She dragged her friend further away, while Pinkie kept the creature occupied by darting around it and flinging various objects at it. Twilight joined in, launching magical blasts, though most missed their mark as the creature dodged skillfully. "You're not looking too good," Rainbow observed, concern etching her features as she checked on her friend. Applejack massaged her aching arms before responding, determination in her voice. "Don't you worry about me." She adjusted her hat firmly on her head and cracked her neck. "I ain't holding back anymore. It's time this thing learns about the Apple family's kicking power." A smile spread across Rainbow's face. "Got it. I'll try to create an opening for you," she affirmed before taking off again. Pinkie continued her whimsical assault on the creature, keeping it on edge with her playful banter. "Oops, not there," she chimed with a cheerful tone, deftly evading its claws. "So close!" Her giggles echoed as she contorted her body in an almost unnatural manner to dodge yet another attack, then unleashed a can of fake snakes, showering the creature. Growing increasingly frustrated by Pinkie's antics, the creature attempted to grab the hyperactive mare, only for her to seemingly vanish and reappear behind it. "I'm all for hugs, but that one's a bit much," she quipped, grabbing something. "Remember this? The Party Cannon!" She swiftly aimed the 'weapon' and pulled the cord. However, the creature reacted swiftly this time. Just as she discharged the cannon, it seized the cannon's end, crushing it shut. The cannon's midsection inflated like a balloon. Pinkie stared at it. "Huh, guess it was a one-hit wonder," she mused. With no escape for the blast, the cannon's backside exploded directly into Pinkie, sending her hurtling to the ground unconscious. The creature looked pleased, finally silencing the bothersome pink pony. Its celebration was short-lived as it sensed something rapidly approaching. In the nick of time, it leaped out of the way as Rainbow dashed past, halting just a few feet away in mid-air. "Alright, nobody messes with my friends and gets away with it!" Rainbow shouted, propelling herself once more at the creature. With remarkable speed, she maneuvered, dodging and weaving every attack the creature launched, landing jabs whenever she found an opening. Though her strikes seemed ineffective, they irked the beast enough. Seizing the opening created by Rainbow, Applejack dashed toward the creature and swung her leg. Confident, the creature chose not to evade, intending to exploit the mare's vulnerability. Yet, when Applejack's strike connected, a surge of pain shot through the creature's body. Its ribs cracked from the impact, sending it staggering backward, struggling to catch its breath. Applejack capitalized on the opportunity. Approaching the creature once more, she lowered her body before delivering a forceful upward kick. Blood spurted from the creature's mouth as it was launched several feet into the air. "Your turn, Dash!" Applejack's voice rang out. Responding to the cue, Rainbow swooped down from above, colliding with the creature and sending them both crashing to the ground below. The impact fractured the earth beneath them. In an attempt to escape, Rainbow aimed to take flight once more. But just as she prepared to flee, panic struck her. Something coiled around her midsection—she looked down to see the creature's tail wrapped around her waist, locking her in place. Struggling desperately to break free, Rainbow watched in horror as the creature slowly rose from the ground. Despite her efforts, she couldn't loosen its grip. As the creature stood upright, it abruptly whipped its tail, forcefully yanking Rainbow toward it. Helpless against the creature's sheer strength, Rainbow was violently pulled in. Taking advantage of the momentum, the creature swung its arm, clotheslining the pegasus and rendering her unconscious. "RAINBOW DASH!!!" Applejack and Twilight screamed in unison, their voices filled with anguish and fear. The panicked screams redirected the creature's attention toward the orange mare. Growling fiercely, it dropped to all fours and charged towards Applejack. Gritting her teeth, she prepared herself to intercept the oncoming assault. But just as the creature was about to reach her, a pink force field materialized directly in its path, causing it to crash into the barrier. "Thanks, Twilight!" Applejack exclaimed, seizing the opportunity. Rearing her leg behind her, she declared, "Time to put you down!" With unwavering determination, she swung her leg with full force, no longer holding back. The creature managed to raise its arms to defend itself. A resounding crack echoed through the air as Applejack's leg struck the creature's arms. However, unlike before, the beast remained firmly planted, showing no signs of faltering. Terror swept over Applejack's features. "Oh no," she gasped, realizing that not only had the creature endured her attack, but it appeared unfazed. Before she could retract her leg, the creature seized it. Its claws dug into her flesh, eliciting a sharp cry of pain. Then, in a swift motion, it yanked her leg, hoisting her into the air before slamming her back down to the ground. The air rushed out of Applejack's lungs, and her head rang from the impact. Blurry vision accompanied a faltering consciousness. Through her haze, she discerned a shadow looming above her. Instincts urged her to move, but her body refused to respond. In the nick of time, her perception cleared, revealing the creature standing above her, one arm raised high. Bracing for impact, Applejack shut her eyes, awaiting the blow. Yet, the expected strike never landed. Slowly opening her eyes, she found the creature still standing above her, now encased in a magical bubble. Lifting her body, Applejack saw Twilight giving her a thumbs up. "Just in the nick of time," Twilight declared proudly. "Sorry it took so long, but I wanted to make sure it couldn't break through after seeing how strong it was." "It's fine," Applejack replied as she stood up, briefly teetering before regaining her balance. "Are you sure this thing will hold, though?" she asked with concern. The creature within the bubble relentlessly punched, kicked, and slashed at the magical barrier, a wild and ferocious display as it sought to break free. It thrashed around like a caged beast, roaring and snarling, demanding release. "Very sure," Twilight reassured, her pride evident. "This magic is strong enough to hold an Ursa Minor, so we have nothing to worry about." With Twilight's confidence, Applejack walked over to Rainbow and Pinkie. Attempting to wake them, she realized the severity of their injuries; they would likely remain unconscious for a while. Gently, she picked them up and carried them over to Twilight. Inside the magical barrier, the creature intensified its rampage. It dug its claws into the magic, gaining a grip. Exerting all its might, it pushed against the magical confinement, attempting to tear it apart. "Uh, Twilight," Applejack called out with concern. Twilight's eyes widened in disbelief as she witnessed the creature's relentless assault on her magic. Pouring more power into the bubble, she exclaimed, "That's impossible!" Despite the intensified magical barrier, the creature persisted, pouring even more strength into its efforts. Its sinewy muscles strained as if on the brink of tearing themselves apart. The creature seemed determined to break free, undeterred by the amplified magical defense. "MIRI!" The words reverberated through the air, stunning the two mares as they gazed at Miri in utter shock. "STRONGEST!" Miri's claws dug even deeper into the force field, a small opening beginning to form. In response, Twilight poured even more magic into the barrier, desperately hoping to contain her. "THERE IS!!!!" With one final surge, Miri tore the magic apart, freeing herself. The force of the barrier breaking sent Twilight tumbling off her hooves. Although she managed to sit up, fear gripped her, preventing her from standing fully. The unexpected turn of events had left her shaken. She and Applejack were now faced with an enraged Miri, who seemed none worse for wear. Her murderous eyes fixed on the two mares, who stood frozen in place. Miri took a menacing step toward them, claws and teeth fully exposed, outlining her intentions. Suddenly, something darted out of the bushes and positioned itself between the mares and the tiger girl. "Cease this fighting; there has been a misunderstanding!" Zecora's voice echoed. Twilight and Applejack gazed at the zebra with stunned expressions, while Miri growled, baring her teeth. Unfazed, Zecora maintained her focus on the tiger girl. "With concern, no harm they wove. Leave in peace, with the gentleness of a dove," she calmly pronounced, her eyes locked firmly onto Miri. Miri's snarling gradually subsided, though she remained on edge, the tension in her posture evident. Zecora turned her head back towards Applejack and Twilight. "In the woods' embrace, where echoes sigh, apologize, or all may die." Heeding Zecora's warning, the two mares lowered their heads. "Sorry," Applejack apologized, carefully holding both Pinkie and Rainbow. "Apologies," Twilight quickly added. Miri glanced at them, the anger still evident in her eyes. Then, she shifted her gaze toward Zecora. Despite the zebra's stern expression, Miri sensed a plea in her eyes. With a sigh and a huff, Miri turned around, leaping into the treeline and vanishing from everyone's sight. The two mares finally released the breath they hadn't realized they were holding. "What was that?" Applejack's voice trembled. "Did that thing just speak?" "TWILIGHT! APPLEJACK!" From the bushes emerged Fluttershy and Rarity, running directly to their friends. They quickly began examining them, visibly concerned. "By Celestia's mane, are you all right?" Fluttershy inquired, checking their injuries. "We should get you checked out immediately." "In my humble abode, where magic is rife, we'll treat them well, restore their life," Zecora offered, approaching the group while holding her bandaged side. "Are you all right, Zecora?" Twilight immediately inquired. "Did 'that' do this to you?" "And how in tarnation do you know that thing?" Applejack interjected, with a hint of concern in her voice. "Miri, in the forest's lore, speak her name, forget no more," Zecora replied to Twilight, her tone stern, almost as if scolding her. "No, a creature distinct caused my heart unrest. At my dwelling's nest, the full tale is best," she finished before hobbling toward her house. The others quietly followed her, unaware that a pair of blue eyes were observing their movements. Author's Note I apologize for the long hiatus. Some IRL stuff has been happening and I didn't have much time to write. However I will try to fix that, and make some time in the week to write, so hopefully more consistent uploads.
Chapter 2"Wake up." Rainbow Dash let out a groan but didn't wake up. She just rolled over, trying to shut out whatever was making the noise. "Wake up." This time, the voice was clearer, louder, and kinda familiar. So, the mare opened her eyes just a bit to see who or what was messing with her sleep. All she could see were these bright blue eyes, like they were about to pop out at her. "WAKE UP!" The sight and Pinkie's sudden loudness startled her. She leaped out of the bed, screaming, attempting to take off into the air. But her flight was abruptly halted as she collided with something. Although she'd bumped her head many times before, this pain felt different. It was like someone had drove a stake through her skull. "Aaaugh!" she groaned loudly, grabbing her throbbing head. "Pinkie!" another voice exclaimed. "Didn't I tell you to let Rainbow be? Do you want to give her another concussion?" The annoyed voice belonged to Twilight, who strolled into the room upon hearing the commotion. "Sorry," Pinkie apologized sheepishly, then glanced at Rainbow. "My bad, Dashie. Didn't mean to scare you." "Startle," Rainbow corrected. "So, what happened?" she asked, her head pounding like a drum at a concert. "Do you want the long or short version?" Twilight asked, casting a spell. A gentle aura wrapped around Rainbow's head, and she felt a bit better. "Short one, please," Rainbow requested. "Well then, to put it simply-" "We totally got our butts handed to us!" Pinkie interrupted, jumping between them. Annoyance crossed Twilight's face before she used her magic to nudge Pinkie out of the room. "Awww, but I wanted to tell what went down," the mare whined as she got pushed outside. Twilight sighed and turned back to Rainbow, who looked pretty relieved. "Well, what Pinkie said. Things were going from bad to worse. And just before the worst could happen, Zecora showed up at the perfect moment and drove Miri away." Rainbow let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Celestia," she exclaimed. "By the way, how's Zecora doing?" "Not too bad, really," Twilight said. "Seems she got banged up and needed some recovery time, which explains her disappearance. But now, she's doing pretty well." "Good to hear," Rainbow said, feeling like a weight was lifted off her chest. Suddenly, her expression changed, and a look of confusion appeared. "Miri?" she asked, puzzled. A sheepish look spread across Twilight's face. "Yeah, turns out her name's Miri." Rainbow didn't say anything, just processing the information. "Did Fluttershy name it?" she groaned. "She's not thinking of keeping it as a pet, is she?" Her face twisted in frustration. "No and no," Twilight quickly reassured her friend. "According to what Zecora told us, Miri's actually intelligent and that's the name she uses for herself.." Rainbow was totally lost at this point. "What?" she asked, looking completely baffled. "I'm clueless too," Twilight said, giving a shrug. "Zecora mentioned she'll explain everything back at her hut when everyone's up. We were waiting for you to wake up." The thought of being the last one got Rainbow all worked up, but it only made her headache worse. So, she swallowed her pride and followed Twilight to where the others were. As they stepped out of the room she had been resting in, they entered the main area—Zecora's domain for rituals and potion-making. As soon as they arrived, every mare's eyes in the room locked onto them. "Oh, thank Celestia you're okay!" Fluttershy exclaimed, rushing up to her friend and enveloping Rainbow in a tight hug. "I thought you'd never wake up," she said, tears welling up as she kept holding onto Rainbow. "I'll be fine, Shy. Sorry to make you worry," Rainbow apologized, returning the hug. The others also joined in with their relief at the pegasus' well-being, making her feel overwhelmed by kindness, both figuratively and literally. "Good to find you in spirits swell, now I'm ready to answer questions that dwell." Zecora interrupted the group. The group paused their affectionate display and settled down, with one mare passing out popcorn to everyone. Zecora nodded, ensuring she had everyone's attention. "This tale unwinds, over a month in the past, in the depths of Everfree, where shadows cast. Noticed things awry, nature's discord, a tale of mystery, intensely explored," she began, tossing some ingredients into the boiling pot. A puff of smoke erupted from it, forming a small cloud above the cauldron. "Creatures stirred, their instincts alert, a change arrived, in the forest's covert. Animals and monsters, a response untamed, behaving differently, to a threat unnamed." The rhyming seemed almost enchanting, further enhanced by images starting to materialize on the cloud. Several glowing eyes hid amidst the trees, looking apprehensive. Among those eyes, a pair of blue ones dominated over all the others, as they tried to avoid them. "I delved into the mystery, ventured wide, through the forest's depths, where secrets hide. Days spent in search, a dangerous quest, until I found the girl, in nature's bequest," she continued, as the images shifted to show Zecora walking through the forest. After a while, her image stopped, stumbling upon the familiar tiger-looking girl. "Instincts whispered danger near, curiosity beckoned, overcoming fear. Closer I came, in the forest's sway, she noticed, cautious, in a wary display." The image of the tiger turned towards Zecora's image and assumed a defensive stance. "No hostile vibes, a feeling rare, yet caution lingered in the forest's air. Kept my distance, disaster to avert, observing her moves, a delicate concert," she spoke. "She mirrored my stance, a wary dance, curiosity in her gaze, a fleeting chance. No mindless beast, as I first believed, in those eyes, a sentient soul I perceived." The image of the tiger turned away from Zecora and dashed off, leaving the zebra behind. "Found, then lost in a swift decree." The cloud swirled, and the image changed to the two facing each other again. "Yet, the next day, she found me, you see." "As the day prior, we delved once more, time spent studying, understanding to explore." Zecora continued her story, depicting the two figures in the cloud as they stared at each other, circling like a sort of dance. Then they halted, and the zebra pointed at herself. "Without thought, my name I spoke, deeming it senseless, a word misspoke." The zebra awaited a response, but after a few seconds, she hung her head in disappointment. "But her reply, in the air so free, Miri, echoed gently." The tiger opened her mouth and out of it flew four letters, spelling the tiger's name. The mares were on the edge of their seats, curious about where this encounter was heading. Zecora chuckled, enjoying the fact that she had such a captivated audience. "A bond we wove, though no further it strode." she continued, as the zebra approached the tiger, but the latter backed away in response. "Days passed, the routine held sway, till haste betrayed, in a forgetful display. A protection charm left behind in my dome, attacked by Timberwolves, far from home." As soon as the zebra left the tree where she lived, she got jumped by a pack of those monsters. Swinging her staff to fend them off, but the wolves managed to land some hits. The zebra started getting bloodier and bloodier. "Moments from demise, Miri appeared, dealt with the beasts, as danger neared." Suddenly, the tiger appeared out of nowhere and engaged in a fight with the wolves. After a brief struggle, she emerged victorious. "Before gratitude could find its way, she vanished again, like the break of day." The zebra extended her hand toward the tiger, but it just turned and fled. The scene shifted, showing the zebra resting in bed, covered in several bandages. "Injuries bound me, my ventures confined, hence, in Ponyville, my absence defined." Then something caught the zebra's attention. She stood up, though with some struggle, and shuffled toward the door. "To my surprise, Miri knew my plight, left a present, in the still of night." The zebra picked up what seemed like a carcass of an animal, a repulsed expression appearing on her face. "Well, it's the thought that counts." The smoke from the cauldron cleared, and Zecora looked once again at everyone. "Rest of the tale, you're well aware, I hope my answers bring some flair." "I don't buy it," Rainbow said, crossing her arms. "I mean, I get what you're trying to tell us, Zecora, but that thing seemed pretty wild to me." The zebra's eyes immediately shot towards the pegasus, filled with icy spite. "Your friends revealed, you charged ahead, no thoughts pondered, the fight was bred." "OK, yeah, but—" "How can you deem her wild and untamed when you, headfirst, in the chaos, aimed?" she cut her off, her tone becoming even harsher. "B-but—" "No ifs, ands, or buts, the truth does show, you reap what you sow, as life's currents flow," Zecora interrupted again, pointing a finger at Rainbow. "Halt the words that demean and feast, she bears a name, let its melody be released." It wasn't often that Zecora became angry, and seeing it for the first time, all of the mares backed away slightly. Rainbow, on the other hand, looked like she was about to wet herself. "Hey now, let's ease up a bit. Some of us are still recovering," Twilight interjected, stepping between the two. She glanced at Rainbow. "You gotta dial back whatever's bothering you about Miri. She didn't do anything wrong, just stood up for herself." The pegasus grumbled, clearly not pleased. Twilight then turned to Zecora. "Rainbow might be out of line, but she's got a point worth considering." Zecora crossed her arms, eyeing the unicorn with curiosity. "What, pray tell, is this point you are trying to sell?" "See, Miri might not come off as aggressive, but she's still a big question mark," Twilight started explaining. "We've got no clue about her origins, why she's in Everfree, or what she really is. Plus, like you mentioned before, Zecora, she's not exactly warm and fuzzy toward others. Doesn't seem to trust anyone, even when they mean well." The words resonated with Zecora, making her ponder deeply as she realized the validity of Twilight's concerns. "And let's not forget, she's the one stirring up this whole mess in the forest," Applejack chimed in. "We came here to figure out why the critters in Everfree were acting all wonky, and Miri seems to be the root cause." Leaning back, she crossed her arms. "We can't just leave this be. Ponyville's feeling the heat already, who knows how bad it is elsewhere in Equestria?" Zecora let out a deep sigh. "I grasp each point you lay in sight, yet, what path forward, do you invite?" "Well, my idea was to, uh, ask her to leave the forest," Twilight proposed quickly. Her solution was met with skeptical glances from everyone, including Zecora. "Twilight, dear, are you certain that's the best way to go about it?" Rarity questioned, echoing everyone's doubts. "Based on what I've gathered, reasoning with Miri doesn't seem to be the easiest, especially after that altercation." "True," Twilight agreed, nodding. "But I don't think we can just kick her out forcefully." They exchanged looks, some glancing at their injuries. "Best-case scenario, she might be open to understanding and working together with us." "Okay, let's say your plan pans out. What's next?" Applejack inquired. "Where's she gonna stay if not in the forest? Definitely not Ponyville, that'd be a whole mess waiting to happen." Twilight replied with a sheepish smile, "Oh, dear Luna, you're actually considering it." "Before you pass judgment, hear me out," the unicorn pleaded. "Miri clearly has a strong distrust of others. But if we could help her get accustomed to people, it could really benefit her." Pinkie suddenly produced a box and set it down in front of Twilight. The unicorn gave her thankful nod, before stepping on it. "Consider this—a species we've never seen in Equestria. A mystery waiting to be unraveled. She might hold knowledge beyond our wildest dreams." After finishing her speech, she anticipated a loud cheer, but instead, was met with continued skepticism. Disheartened, she lowered her head and stepped down from the box. "If I write to Princess Celestia and seek her opinion and approval, would that be acceptable?" The mares exchanged glances and nodded silently among themselves. "Yeah, pretty much," Rainbow spoke on behalf of the group. "And I suppose it'd be us who'd be taking care of her while she's around in town?" Applejack inquired, seeking further clarification. "Absolutely," Twilight confirmed. "We'll ensure Miri doesn't get into any major trouble and smoothly integrates into the town." "Sure, that's the best-case scenario," Rainbow interjected. "But worst-case? She could just gobble us up the moment we let our guard down." Her statement sent a shiver down almost everyone's spine. "Especially after that first encounter." "Exactly," Twilight reassured confidently, sticking to her plan. "We'll have Zecora and somepony else approach her. Miri seems to trust Zecora the most, so she might be more open to listening. And we'll send another pony along in case things go awry. Someone who can calm her down if she gets aggressive. Someone who hasn't shown hostility toward Miri." "And who exactly is this 'somepony'?" Fluttershy inquired. Instead of a direct response, Twilight kept her gaze fixed on the pegasus, her eyes almost pleading. Fluttershy stared back, puzzled, until realization dawned on her. "ME?!" Fluttershy exclaimed in surprise.
Chapter 3Canterlot, Royal Palace The candlelit halls of Canterlot Castle stood empty, their quiet echoing softly through the corridors. Only a single alicorn wandered these halls in the early dawn light. Luna had completed her nightly duties, just as she always did. Fatigue was slowly creeping in, but she took comfort in the thought of her warm bed waiting for her. She moved toward the kitchen, knowing her sister would be there, as she always was. While Celestia thrived in the morning and radiated energy at the break of day, Luna found it hard to summon any enthusiasm at this hour. Nevertheless, she appreciated the small comforts her sister provided when she awoke. As expected, the moment Luna entered the royal kitchen, she was greeted by her sister's radiant presence. "Good morning, sister! I hope you had a pleasant night," Celestia said, her smile as bright as the morning sun. "I made a fruit salad for you." Luna's eyes drifted to the plate on the table, its aroma making her stomach growl. "Thanks," she replied in a low, even voice, levitating the plate toward her. Despite her subdued demeanor, Luna appreciated the thoughtfulness her sister showed. She might not be a morning pony, but even so, a small gesture of kindness from Celestia never went unnoticed. "You're very welcome," Celestia replied with a warm smile. The two sisters sat down to their respective meals, chatting casually about how their days had gone. Given that their duties kept them apart for most of the day, these shared moments were rare, so they tried to make the most of them. But their tranquility was abruptly interrupted by a burst of green flames, which appeared out of nowhere, startling both mares. Out of the flickering fire, a scroll dropped onto the table in front of Celestia. "A letter from your student?" Luna asked, taking a sip of her tea. "It seems so," Celestia replied, using her magic to lift the parchment into her hands. "But I wonder what could be so urgent that she needed to send it this early in the morning." With curiosity, she unrolled the scroll and began to read. Her expression shifted from mild amusement to serious concern and then to sheer bewilderment. Luna, noticing her sister's changing demeanor, raised her own eyebrows in confusion. "What does it say?" she asked. Celestia didn't answer immediately, her eyes still scanning the letter. When she finally finished reading, she set the scroll down and turned to her sister. "Luna," she began with a hint of disbelief in her voice, "have you ever heard of a large tiger woman living in the Everfree Forest?" Luna stared at Celestia, trying to gauge if this was some kind of joke. But when she realized her sister was dead serious, she stood up from the table and made her way to the doors. "Nope, and this is no longer my problem," she replied with a slight smirk. "Good night, sister, and good luck." She closed the doors behind her before Celestia could respond. Celestia glanced at the letter one more time, then sighed, shaking her head. Ponyville, edge of Everfree Fluttershy stood near the entrance to the forest, her entire body tense. Not far away, her friends were hidden in the bushes, their eyes fixed on the mare. Like Fluttershy, they were tense, but for different reasons. "I'm still not sold on all this," Rainbow whispered, her voice low and wary. "You said you'd be fine with it if we got Celestia's permission," Twilight countered, thrusting a parchment toward Rainbow's face. "It says right here that she's one hundred percent on board with this." Rainbow swatted the paper away, her expression unimpressed. "You forgot the part where she also wrote, 'Be careful,'" she replied sharply. "All I'm saying is, we shouldn't expect too much from this whole ordeal." Before Twilight could respond, Rarity interposed herself between the two. "Now, now, let's not fight amongst ourselves. We have a job to do, and arguing won't help," she said soothingly. Her words seemed to calm them, and they returned their attention to Fluttershy. Minutes ticked by, and nothing happened. The mares waited patiently, though their nerves were taut. Finally, Rainbow broke the uneasy silence. "Isn't Zecora supposed to be here already, with Miri in tow?" Rainbow whined, her impatience showing. "I don't think dragging around a huge tiger girl is all that easy," Applejack replied swiftly. "If you don't think you're cut out for this, you can just... y'know, leave." Rainbow's eyes shot daggers at Applejack, knowing full well she was being baited. She wasn't one to back down easily, but she also knew that rising to the challenge meant admitting defeat. Rainbow doesn't lose. Just then, Fluttershy's body twitched, and all eyes swung back to her. A rustling sound came from the trees as Zecora emerged from the darkness. She gave a quick nod to Fluttershy before approaching her. She then stopped beside her, turning back to face the looming shadows of the Everfree Forest. "I lured her with care, she chose to agree. I only hope she doesn’t quickly flee." Zecora explained to the shivering mare. They both peered into the forest, waiting for any sign that the tiger was approaching. The branches of a nearby tree creaked and shifted, as though something large was perched on them. A light clicking sound followed, akin to a dog’s claws on a ceramic floor, then a thud as something landed on the ground. The group watched in anticipation as a figure slowly emerged from the forest. Unlike Zecora, Miri stayed within the tree line, her form cloaked by shadows. Although her features were indistinct, it was clear that she, like Fluttershy, was on edge. Zecora attempted to break the tension. She looked at Miri and smiled. "Thanks for coming here, Miri, dear." she said in a calm and friendly tone. Miri's eyes shifted to Zecora, then back to Fluttershy. "Cora said ponies want talk with Miri. Talk," she said, her voice edged with suspicion. Fluttershy was taken aback by Miri's curt response. She knew the tiger-woman could speak, but hearing her words still felt surreal. She was brought out of her reverie by Zecora's gentle nudge. "Oh, right. Talk," Fluttershy stumbled. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before addressing Miri. "Hello, Miri. My name is Fluttershy, and this is Zecora," she introduced herself. "Miri know Cora," the tiger-woman replied in a flat, unimpressed tone. Fluttershy flinched at her misstep and felt her anxiety rising, but Zecora's hand on her shoulder helped her regain her composure. "Yes, of course," she said softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Well, now that we're introduced, I want to start by apologizing on behalf of my friends for what they did," she said in a calm, soothing voice. "They feel sorry for their actions and want to let you know that they wish to make amends." Fluttershy paused to give Miri a chance to respond, but the girl remained silent, her gaze sharp and piercing. Fluttershy swallowed hard, the intensity of Miri's stare causing her nerves to fray. But with Zecora's steadying presence beside her, she managed to maintain her composure. "In any case, what I really want to talk to you about is... well, about you staying in the Everfree Forest," Fluttershy said, trying to sound confident. Her words elicited a reaction from Miri, whose head tilted slightly and whose ears twitched in curiosity. "Explain," Miri demanded, her voice low and serious. Fluttershy felt a glimmer of relief. She had caught Miri's interest, even if only for a moment. "You see, your presence in the forest has been causing other creatures to act erratically. As a result, the towns and villages nearby have seen an increase in monster attacks and other issues," she explained, trying to keep her voice steady. Miri's eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. "Not Miri fault!" she snapped, her voice like a growl. Fluttershy jumped behind Zecora, shivering more than before. "I-I-I wasn't saying that y-y-you did it on p-p-purpose," she stammered, her voice cracking from sheer terror. She peered from behind Zecora to see that Miri was still hidden within the tree line, and she sighed in relief before continuing. "We do not blame you for anything that happened, but we also can't just let you be. If this continues, many more ponies could get hurt. Would you be alright with that?" There was a long pause before Miri responded. "What suggest?" Seeing that she was willing to listen, Fluttershy steeled herself and stepped forward again. "We thought, maybe, you could live somewhere else. We have made plans to have you live on one of my friend's farms, so you could—" "NO!!!" Miri's sudden scream cut Fluttershy off. "Miri know trick! Miri not fall!" Confusion spread across Zecora and Fluttershy’s faces. "What?" Fluttershy asked. "We are not trying to trick you. We just wish—" "Quiet!" Miri shouted, her body tensing as if ready to either fight or flee. "Lies! Miri not fool! Miri not believe!" Her outburst caught them off guard, leaving them both in shock. "Miri," Zecora interjected, her voice calm and soothing, emphasized by the rhythmic cadence of her speech. "My friend speaks the truth; no lies do we say. We want what's best for all, in every way." Her words seemed to ease Miri's tension a little, but the tiger-woman still looked wary. "Can you share why you don't trust our way? What makes you doubt what we have to say?" Zecora asked gently. "Miri monster!" she replied, her voice laced with bitterness. "You afraid Miri because Miri different. Act nice, but really mean. Want Miri captured." The two mares were taken aback by her words. "My goodness," Fluttershy gasped. "We would never do something like that. What could make you think that?" Miri stared directly at her. "Happened before," she said, her tone sharp and unforgiving. Their shock grew even deeper. "I'm-I'm so sorry, Miri," Fluttershy immediately replied, her voice tinged with compassion. "I regret the cruelty that you had to face, But I swear on my name, no harm will take place." Zecora added, her voice as sorrowful as Fluttershy's. "We mean you no ill, only wish to live in peace, Our goal is harmony and the quarrels to cease." Miri continued to watch them, her eyes searching for signs of deception. She had encountered fake kindness before, and she knew how to spot it. But this time, their concern seemed genuine, leaving her feeling conflicted. "Miri." Her thoughts were interrupted by Fluttershy's voice. The pegasus stepped from behind Zecora and stood beside her, her stance confident but gentle. "I know you have no reason to believe us, but if there's any way we can earn your trust..." she said, stretching out her hand toward Miri. The internal conflict within Miri flared at the sight of Fluttershy's outstretched hand. She didn't want to believe them. Trusting them meant risking more pain. And yet... "Miri think about it," she said, her voice a mixture of caution and uncertainty. "Miri tell Cora decision." With those words, she turned and disappeared into the forest. The two mares stood in silence, staring at the spot where Miri had just been, her words echoing in their minds. They exchanged a worried glance, understanding that Miri's trust would not be easily won, then made their way back to their friends, who were still hiding. The others listened intently as Fluttershy and Zecora recounted the entire exchange, the gravity of Miri's words and her wariness casting a somber shadow over the group. They knew they had a long road ahead to bridge the gap between them and the tiger-woman, but they were determined to try.
