The farm warded the wild grasp of the forest with a strong fence along their border. Far from impenetrable, many animals enjoyed passing through from civilization to the untamed. When feral creatures stayed around the farm, a rarity for them, they merely stayed to watch the farmers work. Despite the spooky rumors of the Everfree Forest, most of the creatures that bothered to explore beyond it always remained friendly or at the very least neutral. The only exception to this were the Timberwolves. Vile-smelling creatures compiled of wood chunks and strange magic. Renowned for their incredible agility and unstoppable ferocity, they served as the primary reason to stay away from Everfree. Big Mac never really feared these creatures, his previous strength served well enough to fight them off.
Any timberwolves come after us, they'll get a big surprise. He chuckled at their possible reactions to his new power. Standing on the edge of Everfree allowed him a decent view of the goings-on at the farm. Granny Smith stared at the barn, impossible to fix on her own. She waved goodbye to the crusaders who quickly packed their things for a new adventure. They rendezvoused with Mac, the three becoming slightly hesitant when the timberwolves howled in the distance. "I thought you two were staying here to help Granny." He said raising an eyebrow, expecting a response.
"Well, you see Big Mac-" Scootaloo began, only for Applebloom to cut her off.
"We all wanted to show you where the, uh, arena was. That's what the rock guy called, right?"
"He called it the ritual site." Scootaloo rebutted.
"He actually didn't call it anything." Sweetie Belle said, "Weren't you listening?"
"I'll bet you remember his name too, don't ya?"
"Terrac." Sweetie snipped, venom in her voice.
"Alright, settle down there, egghead. Don't go all Twilight on me." Scootaloo feigned fear, and giggled.
"What's that supposed to mean? I spend time with Twilight because she's teaching me better magic!"
"It was just a joke, chill out."
"Here's a joke for ya!" Sweetie's horn lit up, a wicked grin growing on her face.
"Now girls, we've got the timberwolves to tear us to pieces. No need to do their job for 'em." Big Mac said, looking down at the warring ponies. "Unless you want to make it my job." Sweetie's horn faded, both girls quickly went silent. He motioned towards the forest path, "Shall we?"
The Everfree Forest contained many strange and confusing pathways, though the little fillies recalled their path easily. Timberwolves stalked them the deeper they trekked. Breath stink permeated the area, working them into a paranoid stance, ready for combat. Stray branches held the shape of grabbing hands, reaching out to steal away anypony that come too close. A growl echoed too close to Big Mac, he flared his new powers at the noise. He reared and slammed his front hooves on the ground toward the threat. Large craggy earthen spikes shot out from the mossy forest floor, knocking down trees and bashing creatures aside. In the distance, the timberwolf replied with a whimper.
"Did you get it?" Scootaloo asked while she stared into the new craggy expanse.
Big Mac raised an ear, listening intently. Silence once again reigned the forest. "Eeyup." He replied, wearing a smug grin. They continued down their projected path, Applebloom recalling their adventure as if she'd a map of the entirety of Everfree at her disposal. A short time later found them staring down a fork in their path. Each filly looked at each other nervously, occasionally glancing at their escort. The silence was quickly broken, as they began arguing about the path. Petty insults were thrown out, causing more childish fighting. Big Mac ignored them and examined the forest around him. Thickets and branches cleared up significantly from whence they came, it felt wildly civil. The path even improved. It was no longer covered in tangled roots and moss, housing an occasional rectangular stone or two.
They do not know where to go. A voice whispered to Big Mac.
"Who said that?" He replied aloud, the three stopped bickering.
"Said what?" They asked him.
"Not you." He disregarded them, searching for the source of the voice.
Do not panic, Earth Kin. You are nearby, I sensed your presence. Earth Ponies usually communicate using the lines within the earth itself. It seems I have forgotten those newly awakened never possessed this power. My apologies. It sounded somewhat like Terrac. The voice felt strangely distorted, as if some interference prevented him from recognizing the stone pony's basal voice.
So does that mean you can hear my thoughts? He attempted Terrac's method of communication.
If that is what this realm of speech is referred to, then yes. Terrac responded. Before you lies a split unto the path. One way leads to more of the forest. The other leads to our resting place.
Mind telling me which one to go down, then? Big Mac asked impatiently, his companions short tempers testing his patience.
This is where we may begin the first lesson. You are to become one with the earth. Well, as close as a mortal pony might. I would like for you to examine your surroundings once more.
Big Mac looked around. Nothing's changed.
No, not with your eyes. Look with your power. Feel the ebb and flow of the earth, much as one might watch the waves of the sea. He closed his eyes, and dug his hooves deeper into the soil. A deep breath in, a deep breath out. A beat of the earth's heart. Before him the surroundings reconstructed themselves. They were rebuilt not how most might see. He saw through the fog and trees, and he freely looked about. The sky above him stretched higher than he ever saw, reaching to places unknown. He looked upon the fork in the path. Each path looked similar, yet one stood out.
It whispered to him, "This way shall lead you to your destiny. This way shall lead all of the Earth Ponies to their destiny."
He opened his eyes, pulling himself from the other realm. Each filly stared at him without a word or movement. "This way." He said, walking toward the once-whispering path. They silently followed him. A grand building revealed itself when they drew close. Constructed of massive stone and bound by thick vegetation, it stood stout in the earth, never climbing higher than the tree line surrounding it. Several Earth Ponies wandered about the grounds, shaping and reshaping the earth around the building.
"I never saw any of these ponies before." Sweetie Belle commented, watching one juggle increasingly larger stones.
"That is because we could not reveal ourselves to those unaware of us." A gravely voice responded from behind them. The four jumped in surprise, one causing a rock formation that rose to tip down a tree.
Sweetie frowned when she saw Terrac before them, "Terrac, you can't do that to us!"
"You nearly killed us!" Scootaloo added.
"Yea, using your rock...uh..rock-a-port like that scared all-"
Terrac cut off Applebloom, "My apologies, I forgot you did not sense my encroachment." He looked at Big Mac, "Surely you did, Earth Kin?"
Mac shook his head, "Nope."
"Disturbing. Perhaps you are still adjusting to your new abilities." He paced around them, "Also, I suggest you be a bit more kind to the timberwolves."
"They were gonna kill us! Timberwolves are-"
Terrac cut off Applebloom again, "Harmless. They merely wanted to see who approached our lands."
"Is that all they do?" She asked, already knowing the answer she expected.
"Well, no. They are wild creatures of the fundament. A mistake created from the trees themselves by an old friend. Since then we found use in them, they kept mortal ponies away from our lands. Recently you ponies have grown foolhardy, traveling here on mere whim. We have befriended them, but cannot control them. We'd like to keep the truce alive, lest we forge our own crisis."
"Sure." She shot a cross look at Terrac, then refocused her sight on the building grounds.
"We are glad you've arrived, Earth Kin. Your trials must begin as soon as possible. The first taste of power earlier was merely a test if you could tap it at all. You showed prowess in singling out the fundamental sight with skilled focus. This will prove useful in your later struggles." He paused a moment, and motioned towards the crusaders, "Your first trial arrives. Only those who posses our abilities may enter. Will you accept your fate? It is a lonely destiny, but a necessary one."
Big Mac looked to them, Scootaloo and Sweetie giving looks of encouragement. Applebloom didn't look at her brother, but her crestfallen expression spoke for itself. "Only if they are safely guided out of the forest."
"Of course." Terrac stomped his hoof, and the two mares from the farm manifested from nearby ground. "They shall bring your friends to safety."
Big Mac approached Applebloom, "I won't be gone for long. Besides, you wanted to show me something interesting, right?"
"I wanted to see this too..." She trailed off.
"You will. Just...don't tell AJ. Her tenacity would probably cause havoc."
"I won't. Be careful, Big Mac."
"Eeyup." He smiled, and they shared a long-needed embrace. Big Mac watched as they faded into the forest shade, guided by Terrac's mares.
"Your destiny awaits, Earth Kin." Terrac bowed to Big Mac. He led his new pupil to the compound.
The mares quickly navigated the path for the crusaders, bringing them to the entrance of the forest. They disappeared without a word, leaving the three at the edge of the farm. Applebloom gazed into the forest.
"Come on Applebloom, he'll be fine. It's Big Mac." Scootaloo said.
Sweetie chimed in, "Yea, he's never had something he couldn't face!"
"I sure hope so." She sighed. Led back to the house by her friends, Applebloom sat on the porch. The planks were scorched and misshapen, she easily disregarded it. A creaky body sat down next to her, a hoof wrapped around her.
"What's the matter, hayseed? Where's Big Mac?" Granny Smith asked.
"With the Earth Ponies. They're training him or whatever."
Granny pulled Applebloom closer, "He'll be alright."
"That's what everypony keeps saying."
"Then don't ya think it has some truth to it?" They sat together on the porch for a long while. Granny spoke as the sun began to wane once more, "I just hope we can fix up the house n' barn. Applejack'll be sure to help us along when she-" Granny crooked her head away from the house, raising an ear. Distant clatter of a wagon disrupted the peace of the country. It halted, and quickly continued into the distance. They watched the path as a memorable mare returned to the farm.
"Applejack!" Both said, and her trot stopped dead.
"What in the wide world of Equestria happened here?" Applejack stared wide-eyed at the house.
"It's a long story. Only thing to know is that it needs fixin'." Granny said.
Applejack approached the house cautiously watching the frame, "You sure it's safe?"
"I checked, mostly surface burns."
"What in the hay burned the 'surface' of our entire farm?"
"You probably won't believe it." Applebloom answered. They all gathered at the foot of the porch, sharing a comforting Apple Family hug.
"You have no idea what we faced. I'm surprised it only took a day," She pushed in a few planks, testing them, "But considerin' Twilight's crazy new magic, I can see why. You see, when we first arrived at-" Applejack looked through one of the house windows, and surveyed the expanse of yard. She settled her gaze on Granny Smith and Applebloom, "Where's Big Mac?"