Young Six: The Deathworlder

In the swamplands of the Everfree, a small creature walked. It looked like a small dragon hatchling. His scales were black with a blue underbelly. The hatchling had no wings and it lacked horns. There was nothing special about him; he was just a simple dragon. That was until you saw his other features. The talons on his feet and the claws on his hands were intimidating. The ones on his feet were serrated; almost like they were made to grasp items easier, that or it made climbing more easy. His claws were thick and appeared sharper. Even his tailblade looked lethal. If any creature caught an awkward glance at him; they would possibly think he was some kind of walking weapon.

“Hmm, the swamp area seems to have little game.” He commented as he listened to the ambiance around him. “Closest creature seems to be farther away.” He focused on the sound he was hearing. “By the sound of its steps. Sounds like it's in a forest area.” He looked in the direction of the sound.

He heard something swimming in the water behind him. He turned to face the water and watched its surface. There was something big swimming beneath its murky surface. His stomach growled and he placed a claw on his stomach. He hoped it would be a big catch. He looked to the ground and picked up a large rock. He then pulled his arm back and aimed just at the front of the creature. In a single swift motion, he hurled the rock into the water. He slammed into the surface and struck the creature hard. It caused it to stop.

“Hmm?” He was curious about what was going to happen next.

Something large exploded from beneath the water. It had displaced enough water to cause a small wave to shoot up. The drake stood his ground as the water washed over him. As the water flowed back he looked up at the creature. It was a swamp dragon. Its sickly green scales were the perfect camouflage. It glared at him while he smirked at it.

“A little small.” He commented as another growl came from his stomach. He then saw three more heads appear from under the water; most of its body also “Poor thing.” He felt a little bad for it; he didn't know it had three tumors growing from it. He readied his claws for the fight. “Let me put you out of your misery.” The hydra roared at him as all four of its heads lunged at him.

It was nighttime now in the swamp of the Everfree. The drake had managed to set up a makeshift campsite and had a good fire going. He walked over to the body of the hydra he had killed. He used his claws and tail to cut out a large piece of meat from its body. He pierced it with a sharpened stick and nodded before walking back to the fire. He carefully placed the ends of the stick on two others that were placed away from the fire. He had to wipe some drool that had managed to fall out of his mouth.

“Rhamnoy, just because you're away from home. It does not mean your manners are away from you.” He scolded himself as the scent of cooking meat filled the air. He stood up and looked around; a proud smile stretched across his face. “I think this will be a good time to take a video note.” He said before he looked at the palm of his claw.

In the center of his palm was a blue jewel. It had a small glow coming from it. The glow changed from blue to red as a small white ball floated above it. He cleared his throat before slowly spinning around.

“Today is day zero of an unexpected warp to what appears to be a life planet.” He began before he focused on the hydra he had hunted. “Planet does appear to have game. As seen with this swamp dragon here.” He moved closer to the heads; well, where the head used to be. “Unfortunately, the poor thing did have Booglehead. And, further bad news, it had progressed to the point of a third sentient tumor. Can assume a fourth one would have sprouted if left alive.” He moved to the cut of meat he had taken out. “Thankfully, the disease was isolated to the heads. As you can see the meat still has its bright color. With no blue splotches.” He chuckled a little before he turned towards the meal he was cooking himself. “Currently, about to have a good meal grandmother showed me once.”

He turned away from the food he was cooking and showed a nearby tree. “During the fight; I learned this planet has a connection to magic. Here's an example.” He said before he glared at the tree. “DIE!” He shouted and the tree was splintered. “Connection to magic is just as strong as Htgnerts connection.” He then turned his hand to the ground.

He then jumped about fifty feet into the air; as he reached the height of his jump he did a quick sweep of the area around him. “Gravity appears to be lighter here.” He commented as he started to float back down. “Can also see a structure in the distance. Civilization may be possible on this planet. Will investigate in the morning.” He landed back on the ground and the scent of his meal wafted up his nose. His stomach growled and he looked at the meal he was preparing himself. “Well, this wraps up the report. I'm going to enjoy a meal.” He turned off the crystal and walked over to the fire.

He sat down in front of it and licked his lips as he used the two ends to pick it up off the flame. He drooled a little as he gazed at the meal. He then took a big bite out of the meat. The flavor reminded him of the great wolves he and his uncle used to hunt in the frigid forests of Mablmaa. But, it was a little more tender than a great wolf. He swallowed and went in for another bite. Only to bite into the wood of the branch he was using. His eyes went a little wide in shock. Apparently, he had enjoyed the meal a little too much.

“Okay, it was that good.” He commented before his stomach growled again. “Seconds!” He said happily as he ran over to the body and cut off another piece.

Not only did he have seconds and thirds, he finished the whole body in less than an hour. He looked more like a ball than a dragon. He had a satisfied smile on his face and he was already sleeping peacefully. But, for a pack of timber wolves, he was a huge meal. The Alpha growled at the Omega and it slowly approached him. It took a few cautionary steps towards him. It growled softly as it heard him yawn; it was ready to sink its fangs into his body. But, it knew better than to eat before it's Alpha. It continued to sniff him a little more; before it turned towards the Alpha and growled. Only, to end up getting crushed by the dragon rolling onto its side. The pack stared at the splinters of the Omega. The Alpha looked at one of the splinters. It then looked back at him and licked its lips.

“Huh, what's that!?” He asked while sitting up and looking around. He heard the sound of footsteps running towards him. He turned just in time to see the fangs of a timberwolf just in front of him. Only to have them blown away by a burp he let loose.

All of them whined as they were blown away by a gust of wind similar to that of a hurricane. Some of them were splintered against the trees. While others were thrown far off into the Everfree. Rhamnoy's eyes went wide and his claws immediately shot to his mouth. His face was a complete shade of red.

“Excuse me!” He apologized behind his claws. He gasped when he noticed his body was back to normal. “Huh, all gas. That's good at least.” He smiled happily before yawning and lying back down.

His eyes snapped open and he quickly rolled out of the way. A crocodile-like creature had crawled out of the swamp. It barely had him in its jaws. But, he had already delivered a hard slash to its neck. Completely severing the head from the rest of the body. He activated the gem's recording feature again.

“Quick, update to the note. This planet's game seems to appear intimidating. But, is in a polite word weak and unfortunately plagued.” He took a quick scan of the crocodile. “Crocodile appears to be infected with rock hide. And, a recent attack by a pack of wolves, reveals canines on this world may be infected with arborfur.” A thought crossed his mind. “I wonder if the fish are infected with Flygos?”

He deactivated the gem and looked at his camp. It was in complete ruins. He sighed knowing that he was going to have to move from the area. He was a little annoyed. But, if he wanted a good night's sleep he had to move. He looked around for a moment until he remembered the structure he saw in the distance. He turned in the direction of the structure and started walking. As he walked deeper into the forest he kept his senses up. He felt the game of the forest all around him. Some were staying away from him; while others simply stood their ground as he walked by. He made mental note of a few animals he had passed by.

He continued walking until he came to a sudden stop and backtracked. He was looking at a massive tree. It stretched high into the sky; its trunk was wider than a tree he saw back at him. He walked up to it and looked down at the roots. He knelt down and pressed his claw against one of the large roots. He felt the root give a little under the pressure. He moved his claw to another root and it held firm.

“Yes.” He said happily as he began to dig into the soft root.

He worked like a beaver jacked up on Energizer juice. He managed to dig out all the dead roots; leaving only the strong ones and clearing out a huge space under the tree. He smiled proudly at his work. The tree's underside was just as big as a small cave. If he got his claws on a few items he could make a Nomad base out of it. He yawned again and walked over to an area underneath one of the healthy roots. He lay down on the ground and instantly fell asleep.

At the tree house, Harmony felt the presence of a kindred soul. She felt its power coming from the Everfree. It felt similar to the powers of the elements. But, there was something different. The element connected to the soul was not fully connected. She didn't want to disturb the young in their sleep again. But, she needed them to meet with this soul. It could be another element that could stand with them. She began to link herself with their minds. She soon entered the dream space. A happy smile stretched itself across her face as she saw the young ones appear before her.

Ocellus noticed her. “Harmony!” The changeling yelled happily as she flew towards her.

She embraced her happily before the others captured her in a wonderful group hug. She looked at each of them. “I'm happy to see you all again.” They smiled at her. “You've all grown strong in the passing year. How have you all been doing?”

Smolder, the dragoness, pulled away from her. “We've been fine.” She answered. “How about you?”

“I've been alright.” She smiled at them again. “I'm sure you're all wondering why I brought you hear again.”

Gallus, the gryphon, nodded. “Is there another danger to Equestria?” He asked it was a question that was all on their mind.

Thankfully, she shook her head causing all of them to sigh in relief. “There's is no danger.” She assured them before the smile returned. “But, I believe that a new element bearer is about to be born.”

The news shocked and excited all of them at the same time. Recently, Silverstream had been wondering about something. Why their group didn't have a seventh member? Twilight and the elements had Starlight. The pillars at first had none, but after a fight with a former friend, they also gained a seventh member. They were the only group who hadn't found their seventh member. To hear that they were possibly going to have a seventh element join. They were looking forward to tomorrow.

“Where is he or her?” Sandbar, the earth pony, asked her.

“They are located in the Everfree.” She saw them nod. “Meet me here after school.” She finished before they were returned to their dreams.

Each of the students woke up a short time later. They were all in the school right now; each of them looked out the windows of their room. Smiles of excitement stretched across their faces before they fell back to sleep. They couldn't wait to meet the new member.

The final bell rang and students excited the school. Some of them were heading home. Others greeted their friends and began to head out to their hangout spots. But, The young element bearers were heading off to the forest. They had met each other in the foyer of the school and began the journey to the Everfree.

“So,” Silverstream started as they walked through town. “What creature do you think was chosen?” She asked.

Each of them did wonder not only who it was. But, also what creature was joining their group? It could be a Diamond dog, a buffalo, maybe even a reindeer. But, it could also be another one of their species. Sandbar wouldn't mind another pony in their group. But, he also knew the others would feel the same.

“Hey, whoever they are.” He began as they looked at him. “I'm just happy to meet another new friend. Especially, one, who shares something with all of us.” They smiled at him and nodded.

They continued walking towards the forest. All of them stopped for a moment when they reached the entrance. They weren't intimidated by it. They had walked through it so many times; that its secrets hardly affected them anymore. But, a shared thought did cross their mind. This was possibly the last time they would walk out as six. They were finally going to walk out with their seventh member. There was another rush of excitement as they stepped onto the path to the crystal tree house.

Rhamnoy sat on a tree branch over one of the trails in the forest. He was using this time to study more of the forest and its game. He found some porcupines that were infected with Needlerage. There were also some snakes. But, they appeared free of any infection. That was good news for him. But, he did wonder what other diseases were on this planet. As he looked down the path he heard something. He heard a male voice.

“Hello?” He questioned as he turned around and looked the other way. He saw a group of six walking down the path. “Gryphon, Dragon, Hypogriff, Pony, Yak, and a pony infected with Buggy-bone. Interesting.” He continued to watch them as they walked closer. He focused on the talk they were having.

“Do you think they'll be nice?” He heard the Pony ask.

“Wonder who they're talking about?” He dropped from the branch.

“We'll know once we find them.” Gallus replied. “It's not like they're gonna drop right in front of us.”

“Hey, there!” A random dragon who just dropped right in front of them greeted.

Gallus screeched in fear as he fell backwards. His heart went from single beats to a hundred in a matter of seconds. The others yelled in surprise as they saw the dragon smiling at them. He was the about the same size as Ocellus and he had black scales with a gray underbelly.

“Sorry, for the scare.” He apologized with a chuckle. “Names, Rhamnoy.” He extended his claw to the gryphon. “Nice to meet all of you.”