PonWolf: the Ascension

It finally happened. The Main Six had run out of luck, this time.

For the past few months, some creatures (ESPECIALLY the Timberwolves) have been getting a lot more aggressive. And, unexpectedly, rather more clever in some cases. Hence the current situation.

The wooden wolves had become a lot more stealthy recently. And this time, they were able to sneak up on the six Ponies. And so it was that now they were unconscious and bleeding... But surprisingly not dead yet. Apparently they had wanted some revenge for the last.... How many times did they get away from them, again?

Well, that's there and not here.

But, maybe their luck hadn't run out entirely. As the coniferous canines were circling them, another howl sounded from close by. But this wasn't a Timberwolf.

In a blinding flash, a large, steel grey form had cut apart one of them, just as quickly returning to the shadows. And another instant passed. Two more of them were torn apart in that instant.

The others began to panic, and started to run away. But it was too late for them as well.

There their essences left from the piles of wood that were left and spread off into the forest, to reform at some point.

The figure, still unseeable, went to the six downed Ponies. It sniffed at them. Silently, it cut one of its forelegs and began dripping some of its blood into their wounds.

The effect was instantly visible. Their wounds began to close at a prodigious rate, bones snapping back into place and knitting. They would live to see another day. The figure nodded and lifted the still unconscious Ponies from the ground.

After leaving them (Safely) outside of the Everfree Forest, whatever it was sped off into the woods. Just as quickly and stealthily as it had come.

The next morning, the Main Six found themselves outside of the Everfree, not broken and bleeding, for some reason.

Twilight decided not to look askance and got the rest of them to return to her Palace. They needed to discuss what was going on.

Arriving there, seated around the Map, they were silent for a time. Rainbow Dash, being the boldest among them, was the first to broach the topic.

"So... Does anyPony know why we're still alive?"

Twilight was the first to answer, with a shake of her head. "I honestly have no idea. But I got the feeling something strange is going on. Well, more so than it usually does in Ponyville, anyway."

The others chuckled at that. Something strange happened every other Tuesday there. But this was kind of Overkill. Nearly literally.

Rarity yawned. "I'm not sure about you, darlings, but I'm still feeling rather drowsy."

Fluttershy nodded. "To be quite honest, I think I agree with Rarity. If you (yawn) Don't mind, that is."

Twilight would have insisted that they stay for the time being, but they all had their priorities the following morning. For example, Applejack had chores to do, and the Zap Apples wouldn't harvest themselves. They disappear in another couple of days.

As for Rarity, tomorrow was going to be rather busy for her. She had a lot of orders to fill, and strikingly little time to do it in. Also, Sweetie Belle was down with the cold. She wanted to be there to take care of her sister.

Fluttershy had a lot of animals at her home that needed to be taken care of.

Rainbow Dash would also need to work with the weather team; there was a storm front scheduled, and she was one of the few that would be able to aid with its creation.

Pinkie Pie was simply needed to help the Cakes with baking. It was Saturday tomorrow, and those days are usually busy.

Twilight was still concerned, but was understanding. As they left, she thought to herself, aloud, "We should be dead. Possibly devoured! But instead, all we are is dead tired. Well, close to it anyway."

She decided to follow suit and went to bed. Tomorrow was another day.

A few short days later, Applejack was finishing up some of her chores. In this case, she was getting the last of the apples from some of the trees on the far side of their property. As she finished up, she noticed that she was barely tired at all. Didn't even break a sweat the whole time. She thought to herself, with a smile, 'I must be getting even better at this!'. The next thing she noticed was that it was nearly nightfall! She thought about, "Mebbe it's time Ah got back home."

Shifting to a more upright stance, she shouldered the last of the apples, and she started to head back.

When she got there, she noticed that there were some Manticores threatening her family; four or five of them. Which was odd, because usually those creatures are solitary.

Dropping the apples, also dropping back to all fours, she quickly sprinted over and placed herself in between the two parties. Her family was one of the most important things to her. She would never let them down as long as she was still standing.

Suddenly, she felt like there were ants crawling all over her. Okay, that isn't quite accurate, but it still felt really really weird!

She felt something stirring within her. While she could, she said to her family, "Ah'm not sure what's goin' on, but somethin's about ta happen! Git inside! Right quick! Ah'll distract 'em!"

Her family members were begrudging, but they knew how strong and fast Applejack could be when it comes to the crunch. So they complied.

As soon as they were safely indoors, Applejack said, "Alright ya varmints! Come 'n git me!"

With that, she kicked one of them and started running. They were in hot pursuit.

She galloped as fast as she possibly could. Which with the invisible ants on her was more difficult than you might think.

As she got a fair distance away, she felt the something stirring within her again. She had to stop. She turned around toward the Manticores. Green energy was wafting off of her. Looking up, she saw that the moon was up, It it was a Full moon tonight.

Fur started to grow more thick, her teeth sharper. Her eyes turned a glowing green shade. She felt her hooves turn into paws, sharp claws extending. Her tail was becoming more bushy as well.

In a moment, where Applejack once stood was now a powerful wolf. Instinctively, she looked toward the Sky.

" AOWOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

She snarled as she looked back to the startled Manticores. With a growl, she leapt at one with blinding speed. Within a second, she had cut deep gashes into the creature. She also tore its tail off before landing.

Jumping at it again, she dug her sharp fangs into the creature's neck. One down.

The bloodlust rising within her, she shifted to a more upright form. She leapt again, this time kicking the next target. As hard as she could. It was sent stumbling back several meters, its foreleg broken.

She leapt again, returning to her more wolven form. She dug all of her claws and fangs into it. Two down.

The last ones decided that discretion was the better part of valour and decided to run as fast as they could. Which wasn't nearly as fast as Applejack could run. She was able to take out another one before the others got away, tearing it to shreds.

Tiredly, she walked back toward home. She had just enough time to see her family looking at her with startled expressions before she slumped to the ground, reverting to her regular Pony form. The last thing she heard was a voice telling her,

"Congratulations, Applejack. You are now a Blood Talon. Use this power to protect your family and friends. For you are now a PonWolf"