Back at the Everfree Forest, Pinkie and Rainbow were running for their lives from the irritate timberwolf. They tried as hard as they could to shake the beast, but he kept up his pace after them.
“Hurry Pinkie! It’s after us!” Rainbow panted, as she tried outrun the beast.
“I'm right behind you, Rainbow!”
As they continued through the forest, they see that the weretimberwolf start to get closer to them.
“We gotta lose this thing! Any ideas Pinkie?” asked Rainbow.
“Just one…”
“You do? What is it?”
“You’ll see…” Pinkie said with a wink.
With that, Pinkie Pie split off from Rainbow and headed into a nearby bush.
“What the-? Pinkie, where are you going?”
The weretimberwolf then leapt into the air to pounce on her. As Rainbow turned around, she was then pinned to the ground. As the beast loomed over her it bared its fangs and lowly growled at her. Rainbow desperately tried to free herself.
“Err… get off of me!” she grunted.
At that moment, the weretimberwolf raised its head to signal that it was about to bite her.
“GAH! PINKIE!” she screamed.
Just as it was lunged downward with its muzzle agaped, it soon found its jaws roped shut. Rainbow looked up to see that Pinkie was now straddling the beast back and had tied up its muzzle.
“Giddy up little Timby!” said Pinkie with a grin.
When the weretimberwolf noticed her on its back, it started to buck out while Pinkie held on tight.
“Yeehaw!” she cheered.
Pinkie then guided the brute off of Rainbow and into a tree. As it fell to the ground, she quickly hogtied it again. Rainbow was left in awe with how fast Pinkie subdued the monster.
“What the hay? Where’d you get that rope and how’d you learn to do that?” she asked.
After she made sure the beast was secure, she turned to answer her friend.
“Simple, I got the rope for that tree over there. I have ropes stashed all over the place in case of rope emergencies. Second, I help AJ train for her last rodeo she competed in and picked up a few things,” she replied.
“Uh…okay. Whatever. Now, let’s get that bark and get back to Ponyville.”
“Yeah!”
As Rainbow made her way over to the now tangled creature, it began to thrash about to try and get free.
“He’s a lively one, ain’t he?” chuckled Rainbow.
“Y’know, when he’s not chasing us he’s actually kinda cute,” squeed Pinkie.
“Yeah, he’s a regular ol’ teddy bear,” Rainbow said with rolled eyes.
As the weretimberwolf continued to thrash around, Rainbow was able to snag another piece of bark.
“All right, now let’s get out of her before the same thing that happened that did last time happens again.
The two friends then left the beast tied up and headed back to Ponyville.
“Let’s just hope we’re not too late,” said Rainbow.
--------------------------------
Back at the fight, the mares were still engaged in a heated battle. Timberjack then skidded to a stop after Flutterbat had delivered a left forehoof to her muzzle. Timberjack wiped her mouth and spat out the blood that was within.
The two then began to circle each other again. Both were just waiting for the other to show any sign of fatigue or weakness. Timberjack then came up with an idea to end the fight. She then jumped back and got to a pouncing position. Confused, Flutterbat retreated to a defensive position. In a flash, Timberjack was gone.
“Not this again…” groaned Rarity. “Keep your guard up, darling. She could pop up anywhere.”
The three then scan the area to see if they could possibly find her. Without warning, Timberjack appeared behind Flutterbat. Before she could react, Timberjack kicked her in back with force the sent her flying forward. Before she got too far, Timberjack appeared in front of her. In a blinding burst, Timberjack then swirled around Flutterbat and delivered a series of rapid slashes to her body.
“Flutterbat!” cried Rarity.
After a few attacks, Timberjack stopped her assault and retreat from Flutterbat. To their horror, Twilight and Rarity saw that her hooves and body were covered with various placed scratches. Flutterbat then fell to the ground, to which Timberjack let out a victorious howl. She then started to make her way over to her fallen prey.
“Applejack please stop this!” pleaded Twilight.
Her petition fell on deaf ears, as Timberjack slowly made her way over to Flutterbat. As she stood before the beaten mare she gave a cocky snort. Just as she was about to deliver the final blow, Timberjack was caught off guard by a headbutt to the chin. While stunned, Flutterbat grabbed her tail with her fangs and began to spin her around. After a few motions, Flutterbat released her tail and sent Timberjack sailing into the air. Though her wings were in agony, she ascended to greet her foe. Timberjack tried to swipe at her, but Flutterbat easily evaded the attack. It was now her turn to go on the offensive, as she delivered a series of hoof strikes to the face and body.
After a few blows, Flutterbat then kicked her toward the ground. As she was falling, Flutterbat dove for her. Once again she tucked in her wings and began to rapidly spin clockwise. And just as before a swirl of wind began to case around her body. While she continued to spin, she contacted Timberjack’s body. Just before the two reached the ground, Flutterbat unfurled her wings and stopped her momentum which sent the gust of wind and Timberjack crashing into the ground.
“Timberjack!” cried Twilight.
When Flutterbat landed on the ground, it was apparent that her last attack used the last bit of strength she had left. When she limped over to her opponent, she saw that Timberjack was embedded in the ground and seemed to be unconscious. Her friends breathed a sigh of relief that they felt the fight was now over.
“Flutterbat did it…” stated Rarity.
“I’m just glad it ended before it could become fatal,” replied Twilight.
Flutterbat then started to make her way over to her friends. They could see that she was limping and need medical attention.
“The poor dear. Let’s go tend to her,” said Rarity.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Twilight spoke. “Then we can…tend…to…Timber…jack…”
“Darling? What’s wrong?”
Twilight then pointed over to where Timberjack crashed. Rarity turned in that direction and felt her heart sink into her stomach. She saw that Timberjack had made it back to her claws. Though she struggled to remain vertical, she let out a howl to get Flutterbat’s attention. As she turned around, Flutterbat’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks. She couldn’t believe that not only did Timberjack survived, but she was actually able to stand. With a low growl, Timberjack began to sway back and forth. As she did this she seemed to be falling into a trance.
“W-What’s she doing?” gulped Rarity.
“I don’t know,” answered Twilight.
After a few moments, they all saw a sinister smirk appear on Timberjack’s face. With that, she disappeared in a swirl of purple haze. They then saw a scratch mark on a nearby house, then another on the ground next to them, and then on a tree.
“What is she-” started Twilight before she was scratched on her back.
“Twilight!” Rarity cried, before she was scratched on her left side.
The two fell to the ground. Though the scratches weren’t severe, they were enough to draw blood. Flutterbat tried desperately to locate her foe but was unable to. She then saw a set of claw marks that seemed to be heading toward her. Just as marks were about to reach her, they stop. Cautious, Flutterbat perks her ears to try and listen for Timberjack’s movements. This proved futile as she soon felt a scratch knock her upwards. It was then she was barraged by a series of slashes that kept sending her upward.
“Flutterbat!”
After a few moments, while in midair, Timberjack appeared in front of Flutterbat. She then delivered a kick that sent Flutterbat crashing to the ground. The impact caused her to bounce off the ground and then land on it facedown. Now back on the ground, Timberjack panted heavily as her body was now at its limit. As she gingerly walked over to the now unconscious Flutterbat. With each step she took, Timberjack was struggling to stay on her claws.
“Twilight…we have to stop her…” Rarity winced.
They both tried to get up to stop her. As she reached Flutterbat, Timberjack kicked her over onto her back. When she looked at her unconscious foe, she howled triumphantly. She then raised her claw to deliver the final blow.
“Flutterbat!” Rarity shouted.
As she was prepared to strike, the clouds overhead covered the full moon’s glow. She then saw Flutterbat slowly change back into Fluttershy. When she saw this, Timberjack’s eyes widened and she stopped just inches from Fluttershy’s chest. With labored breath, she loomed of the unconscious mare. She then began to sniff her.
“What is she doing?” Twilight queried.
As she was sniffing her, she was then tackled off of Fluttershy by Rainbow Dash.
“Leave her alone!” barked Rainbow.
She then looked to see how hurt Fluttershy was.
“Fluttershy!” she cried, then glared at Timberjack. “How could you?”
Timberjack then bared her fangs, though she was barely able to stand. At that moment, Pinkie went to check Twilight and Rarity.
“Are you girls alright?” she asked.
“We’ve been better, darling,” spoke Rarity.
“Were you two able to get the bark?” queried Twilight.
“Yes indeedy!” Pinkie answered as she showed her the bark.
“Perfect!” replied Twilight. “DISCORD!”
Said draconequus appeared in front of them, while he was eating an apple.
“You called?”
“We were able to get the bark. Now what do we do?” she asked.
“Really? Well that was fast,” he spoke after taking another bite of his apple. “In any case will need to make an antidote.”
“And how do we do that?” questioned Pinkie.
Discord then snapped up a laboratory table with various vial filled with strange liquids. He then put on a lab coat and clear protective glasses.
“We’ll have to ground the bark into a powder. Once that’s done I can make it into a dart. You’ll just have to keep her busy for a few minutes.”
“What? Why didn’t you say we needed this earlier?!”
“Well you didn’t ask me that,” he said, as he summoned bowl and started to ground the bark. “Anyways, I should be done soon. Just keep her busy ‘til I do.”
“How’re we gonna–”
Rainbow then tackled Timberjack and pinned her to the ground. Timberjack then scratched her chest, caused Rainbow to loosen her grip. Timberjack then flipped Rainbow off of her and then started to run away.
“Girls stop her!” Discord shouted.
Pinkie and Rarity then chased after her. Pinkie was the first to block her path.
“Sorry Timbyjack. But we’re not letting escape.”
Timberjack then let out a primal roar to try and rattle Pinkie. When she saw Pinkie slightly flinch, she used that opening to spin tackle her into a tree. With Pinkie now out of the way, Timberjack made a break for the Town Square. Before she could reach it, Rarity teleported in front of her.
“Applejack…darling…please. I don’t want to hurt you,” warned Rarity as she charged up her horn.
With a low growl, Timberjack slowly backed away from her. As she was doing this, she heard Twilight teleport behind her.
“AJ please…we’re your friends,” Twilight said, as she stepped closer to her.
Timberjack was then backed into a corner, as she stood her ground at the base of a tree. With her defenses up, Timberjack began to swipe her claws to fend off the approaching mares.
“Discord, how that antidote coming?” asked Twilight.
She looked back the see that had just finished making the power and now was mixing various liquid to fill the dart.
“I almost have it done,” he said, while mixing the brew. “Just keep her busy a few more seconds.”
Twilight then turned her attention back to Timberjack. She let out a threatening bark as continued to swipe at them.
“Applejack please…let us help you…” pleaded Twilight.
She snarled in response while her gnashing her teeth. Rainbow then landed in front of her.
“AJ, snap out of it! This isn’t you!” Rainbow said.
As Timberjack surveyed the group, she tried to find a way to escape. With no other options, Timberjack then spin tackled Rainbow into Rarity and made a break for it.
“Discord! She's headed your way!” warned Twilight.
By then, Discord had finished the antidote and pour it into a metal dart. As she whisked past him he snapped up a wooden blowpipe and took aim. However, he didn’t immediately fire it at her.
“Discord, what’re you waiting on?” shouted Twilight.
“This will take precise aim, and I’ll only get one shot,” he explained.
As Timberjack seemed to be getting further and further away, Discord still withheld the shot. After a few seconds, he fired the dart. With great speed, it hit Timberjack directly in the left flank. With a pained howl, she slowly her pace ‘til she eventually fell to the ground. At that moment, Timberjack began to slowly transform back. Just then, the wooden parts of her started to crack and break off, her fangs began to recede to her normal teeth, and her eyes loss its lime green glow. Once back to normal Applejack lost consciousness.
“Applejack!” shouted the girls.
They all then rushed to her. When they saw she was unconscious, they breathed a sigh of relief.
“That was a little too close for comfort,” spoke Twilight.
“You can say that again,” chuckled Pinkie.
“So what do we do now?” asked Rainbow.
“Well, we first need to tend to their wounds. They both are banged up pretty bad,” said Rarity.
“Good idea, let’s take them to the palace. I have some healing potions that I got from Zecora that should fixed them right up,” stated Twilight, as she lifted Applejack onto her back with her magic.
“I’ll go and get Fluttershy,” Discord said, as he made his way over to the unconscious pegasus.
As she saw this, Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle.
“My, my…aren’t you being quite the gentleman, Dissy?” she teased.
“Not another word out of you, Pinkie,” he warned as he picked up Fluttershy.
“Okay, no need to be testy~” she responded.
That that he just huffed. They all then head to Twilight’s palace.
--------------------------------
The next morning, the two battle worn mares lay in the beds of the palace’s infirmary. As the sun’s rays grazed her face, Fluttershy began to stir from her slumber. As Fluttershy’s eyes fluttered open, she let out a groan.
“Ugh…what happened?”
When she tried to sit up, she felt her body was completely sore. When she was vertical she noticed she was in Twilight's palace infirmary.
‘How’d I get here? she wondered.
When she looked around, she saw that Discord was sitting in a chair next to her bed. He had fallen asleep and was laying on the edge of the bed. She couldn’t help but think how cute he looked and gently booped his nose, which caused him to stir. When he saw she was awake, a smile appeared on his face.
“Good morning, my dear,” he beamed.
“Good morning Discord. Um...what happened last night? And why am I in Twilight’s infirmary?” asked a confused Fluttershy.
“Well, it turns out Applejack was the timberwolf that we were looking for. You turned into Flutterbat and fought hoof to hoof with her. After the fight I carried you back here and tended to you wounds,” he explained.
“I did?”
“Yes, my dear. You put up quite a fight too.”
Fluttershy then blushed and looked down. She then noticed her body was bandaged.
“I guess it must’ve been some fight.”
“Yes, it was…”
When she heard the subtle sadness in his voice, she looked up to see a look of guilt on his face.
“Discord, what’s wrong?” she asked concerned.
He then looked away from her.
“I’m sorry, my dear,” he softly spoke.
“About what?”
He then looked into her eyes.
“For what I did? I know I was just trying to help you control your other half, but I shouldn’t forced you to do it. And you were hurt because of it,” he spoke. “Could you ever forgive me-”
His words stopped when he felt her wrap him in a tight embrace.
“Don’t be. I actually wanna thank you Discord,” she said while buried in his chest.
“T-Thank me?”
She then looked up at him with a sincere smile.
“You were only trying to help me with my problem. You’re really such a good friend to me....”
She then pulled him down and gave him quick a peck on the cheek. This caused him to furiously blush.
“Thank you, Discord…” she beamed.
He then fell over from her pure adorableness. The two then heard stifled giggles coming from the doorway. They turned to see the girls at the door watching their tender moment. This caused Fluttershy to hide behind her mane.
“Aw, that was so sweet~” sighed Pinkie.
She then ran over to them and wrapped them into a hug.
“I always knew you two would end up together,” she smiled.
“It’s not like that Pinkie,” stated Fluttershy with a small blush.
“We’re just good friends,” protested Discord with a blush. “That’s all.”
Pinkie then gave him a smug grin.
“Riiiiiiiight~” she teased with a quirked eyebrow.
Fluttershy and Discord looked at each with blushes on their faces and then looked away. This caused the girls to slightly giggle at the situation.
“How are you feeling, darling?” asked Rarity.
“I’m fine, just a bit sore is all,” answered Fluttershy.
“Well, that’s good. Zecora's healing potion we gave you and Applejack healed your wounds, but your bodies will still need time recover,” said Twilight.
“Applejack! Where is she?” asked Fluttershy.
They all point the bed next to her. She looked to see her friend bandaged up like she was. Applejack then fluttered her eyes open.
“What’s with all the racket?” she groaned.
As she sat up, she winced slightly as the toll of the previous night had caught up with.
“Ow, what in tarnation happened last night?” she asked.
“See for yourself,” Discord said. as he snapped up the film projector and screen.
“Do you film everything we do?” asked Twilight with an arched eyebrow.
“Yes I do. It’s mostly for my amusement,” he grinned.
He then showed the events of last night.
--------------------------------
After they finished watching the film, Discord made the projector and screen disappear. Applejack was left in a state of bewilderment.
“Ah...Ah really did all that?” she asked.
The others nodded in response.
“Fluttershy...Ah’m so sorry…”
“It’s okay, Applejack. You weren’t yourself,” replied Fluttershy.
“But Ah could’ve killed ya. Heck Ah could’ve done it to anyone of y’all.”
“But you didn’t,” Twilight chimed in. “The only times you really attacked was in self defense.”
“But Ah-”
“No, ‘buts’ darling. We’ve already forgiven you,” said Rarity. “Besides, you’ve already been cured of your timberwolf self.”
“But how can we be sure that Ah’m completely cured? We thought that of Fluttershy was, but she still can change into Flutterbat,” countered Applejack.
Twilight then tapped her chin.
“She has a good point,” Twilight agreed.
“Well, we can always keep a close eye on ya,” suggested Rainbow.
“Yeah, we’ll make sure to help you if you happened to turn into that mean ol’ Timberjack again,” Pinkie spoke with a confident tone.
Applejack couldn’t help but smile. It made her feel better to know that her friends were there to support her. She then hopped out of bed, and with a staggered walk made her way over to Fluttershy. Discord moved out of the way, as Applejack approached the bed.
“Ah’m real sorry sugarcube. Can ya ever forgive me?”
Fluttershy then booped her nose.
“Of course I do silly.”
In response, Applejack gave Fluttershy a tender hug. Fluttershy slightly winced from the strength of the hug.
“Ow, easy AJ. I’m still a bit sore.”
She quickly released the hug.
“Oh, sorry sugarcube.”
“That’s okay, Applejack.”
The two then shared in a laugh.
“Well, Ah best be gettin’ back home. Ah’m sure Big Mac and Applebloom are worried sick about me,” she chuckled.
“And I have to get back to my cottage. My animal friends are probably worried too.”
“Well, somepony should escort you guys. Just to make sure you make it home safely.”
“I’ll be taking dear Fluttershy home,” Discord stated.
He then snapped up a large basket with a soft pillow warm blanket. He placed her in it and wrapped her in the blanket. once he knew she was secured he levitated the basket in the air.
“Discord, you don’t to do this…” Fluttershy said.
“Nonsense my dear. I’m more than happy to take care of you,” he spoke with a bow.
This caused a blush to snake across her muzzle. Discord then saw Pinkie look at him with a cheeky grin.
“Aww...that’s so sweet,” she teased.
“Don't push it...” Discord warned
“Why? We all know that you love he-”
“One more word and I’ll be sure to send your mouth to another dimension,” he threatened.
“Hehe...I’ll just keep my mouth shut then,” gulped Pinkie.
“I thought you’d say that. Shall we be off my dear?”
“Yes…”nodded Fluttershy.
“Good. Tata girls~” Discord said, as the two disappeared.
“Let’s get you home, Applejack,” said Rarity.
“Yeah, Ah think gettin’ back home to the family will do me some good.”
The two then headed for the doorway. As Applejack passed her, Twilight thought she saw a small piece of wooden hide behind her ear.
“AJ wait!” called out Twilight.
“Huh? What is it?”
“Could you turn your head for a sec?”
“Uh sure, but why do ya-”
“I just thought I saw something.”
“Oh, okay then.”
Applejack complied with Twilight's request. When Applejack turned her head, Twilight didn’t see it anymore.
‘Must’ve been my imagination,’ Twilight thought.
“Did y'all see anything, Twi?” asked Applejack.
“No...I’m probably just seeing things.”
“Alright then, see ya later.”
“Right, take care,” Twilight smiled.
With that, Rarity and Applejack headed to Sweet Apple Acres.
--------------------------------
Later that night, on a secluded hillside that overlooked Ponyville, a cloaked figure was waiting the shadows. The figure then looked up at the moon.
“Hmm...he’s late…” the figure groaned.
At that moment, Discord appear behind the figure.
“You’re late Discord!” said the annoyed figure.
“My sincerest apologies. I had a prior engagement,” he spoke.
“So how'd the fight go? Tell me who won?” the figure asked.
Discord looked away with an annoyed frown.
“Timberjack...” he mumbled.
“I’m sorry what?” the figure asked.
“Timberjack...”
“One more time…”
“Ugh...Timberjack won.
“Hahaha! I was right!”
The figure flew around Discord in triumph. It threw off its cloak to reveal was a young female draconequus with a long white mane. It was no one than other his rival in chaos, Eris mistress of Chaos. She then whistled to call her pet. At that moment, they heard a beast approaching. With a few seconds the weretimberwolf came from behind the trees and leapt into her arms.
“Good job Timby! Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?
He then licked her and barked happily.
“Whatever, I could have won this bet,” huffed Discord.
“Aw come on, Dissy, don’t be a sore loser,” teased Eris.
“I was this close to winning too, but ...
“You didn't. And I, Eris mistress of chaos, am the grand champion!” she declared
She snapped up a big banner that says:
Eris is the monster champion!
At the moment a grand fireworks display then exploded behind her.
“You may have one this round. But give Fluttershy some time and she won’t lose the next time.”
“So you say,” she mocked. “You sure seem soft when it comes to that yellow mare.”
“I’m not soft!” he defended. “I’m just protective about our friendship.”
“Sure, your ‘friendship’,” she said with a wink.
“Whatever, Eris. What do you know about it?”
She then wrapped around him like a snake.
“Oh I know a lot of things, Dissy. But that’s for another time. Now, I believe you owe me something,” she said, holding out her talon.
He threw a small bag of bits towards her. As she looked at her newly acquired bits, she couldn’t help but smile.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Discord. Good luck with your little marefriend. Tata~”
she said as she disappeared.
With annoyed scowl, Discord sat at the base of tree and looked down at the town. As he did this, a scroll appeared in front of him.
“Hmm, what’s this?”
He then open the scroll and read the message.
if you wanna lose again just lemme know, I'll be up for another wager n_n
-Eris
With fire in his eyes, he quickly ripped up the note.
“Next time Eris...next time…”