//------------------------------//
// UnderStand and Assess 
// Story: Scattered Seeds 
// by 111segasonic 
//------------------------------//

Like every night, Luna lifted the moon over the horizon. She stood proudly on the balcony of the castle as she did so. Thanks to the moon's soft glow, Luna was able to spot three night guards flying toward Canterlot. She opened her wings and flew out to greet them.

When seeing their princess approaching, the night guards landed and bowed at her presence.

"Guards, what did you find?" Luna asked as she followed them to the ground.

"We've scouted out the Everfree and we've located the house, as you asked," one said.

"And?"

"It's not good news. We've spotted the plants associating with the timberwolves. We don't know what they were doing, but we doubt it’s any good."

"Yes, that may be a problem, but I'm sure we can manage."

"Maybe, but I didn't finish. The creature also swamped its plants with mushrooms. If we were to attack now, we would have no clue what we’re dealing with."

Luna paused, quite surprised at the sudden turn of events. "That does change everything...."

For a while, Luna remained silent, trying to figure out what to do next. "Come; let us share the news with the others."

Later Luna and the scouts flew towards the company of the night guards. As they landed, the guards lined up in attention and waited for Princess Luna to speak.

"Everypony!" Luna yelled. "Tonight's battle has become more complicated than we thought. The timberwolves are now being involved, so in mid fight, we'll surely be ambushed. Not only that, but the creature has switched his plants. Our strategy now is useless. I believe it's clear what we should do."

All the guards nodded in agreement.

"We should fight harder than ever if we want to overcome these plants tonight."

Surprise and confusion rippled through the crowd. "W-what?" the scout said. "You still want to do this?"

Luna glared at the scout.

"I mean, of course your highness."

"You all may not think you’re capable of winning, but I know we can do this. We can't let this monster scare us with some measly alliances or just switching plants! You are the proud night guards of Equestria! What the royal guards can do, you could do better!"

The guard's confidence rose slightly, but they were still skeptical.

"All we need to do is alter our strategy a bit, and this monster will be on his knees begging for mercy! If you want to stay behind, raise your hooves. Just be prepared to face my wrath!"

No one would dare raise their hoof, even if they wanted to leave.

"Good, now listen up."





Barry stretched his arms out and yawned. After finishing replacing his plants, he was dead tired. He leaned against the house and reflected on his choice of plants. There was one row of sunflowers and another of sun-shrooms. For range, he planted three rows of scaredy-shrooms. There were two rows of fume-shrooms with pumpkins around them. And finally, puff-shrooms were scattered everywhere.

"Okay shrooms, I'm going to take a quick nap," Barry said. "If we're attacked, the sounds of battle would wake me up…probably."

The plants watched him walk into his house and, as always, forget to close the door. 

"Sometimes, I think he does that on purpose," a fume-shroom said. "Right, Scaredy?"

No answer was returned.

"Scaredy-shroom?"

The mushrooms turned to find all the scaredy-shrooms hiding in their caps.

"Scaredy-shroom, are you okay?" a sun-shroom asked. "The zombies aren't even here yet."

"I-I know..." a scaredy-shroom whispered. “It’s just... the forest is really spooky-looking..."

"Scary forest?" Puff-shroom said. "What forest- oh..." It dawned on the mushrooms that they weren't on Barry's usual lawn. "How did we get here?"

"Yeah, I meant to mention that," Sunflower said. "In fact, that's probably the reason Barry replanted me."

"Go on." 

"According to Barry, we were taken here by a tornado. While he was here, he was attacked by colorful ponies. So you have nothing to be afraid of, Scaredy-shroom."

"Maybe you'll do better without me," Scaredy-shroom suggested. "I'd just mess up and get in the way."

"Dude, they're ponies," a pumpkin said, "there's no reason to be afraid."

"Ponies are vegetarians, and that's plenty reason to be afraid."

"Ugh," Sunflower said. "Can you talk to him, Balloon-shroom?"

Fume-shroom stood agape at what Sunflower just called him. Sunflower quickly realized her mistake.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!"

"No it's okay," Fume-shroom said, trying to hide away his pain. "I didn't mind."

Sunflower mouthed another sorry and continued. "Let me just finish before I make more of a mess. We're having a change of strategy...."





Luna and her company of night guards glided over Ponyville and toward the Everfree. The shadows cast over the rooftops of the small homes. Anyone of that town would have panicked had not they already been informed of their passing by. Each of the guards wielded a crossbow and had a small shield strapped to their arm. As they reach the forest, they continued to fly over until they were instructed to land.

"A couple of yards ahead is the creature’s house. And be cautious; we don't know when a timberwolf might ambush us," one of the scouts warned.

Luna nodded and pressed forward. Even though she was the only one without night vision, she walked ahead of everyone else. This bravery made her guards even more confident. At least it made some.

"I still can't believe the princess is still going with this mission," a guard whispered to the scout. "We could all die out here if we're not paying close enough attention."

The scout exhaled heavily. "I'm no fan of this idea either. But she's the princess. Even still, I think if we stick with this new plan we could win."

"Yeah...what was the plan again?"

The scout groaned and continued to look ahead.

"Hey, don't blame me. This sudden change left most ponies confused."

"Luna named twenty-five guards to strictly guard our flanks from timberwolf ambushes. In the meantime, the rest would be fighting the plants. I hope you remember which one you're doing."

"Yeah, I'm the one fighting the plants."

"Good, now as you fire at the plants with your crossbow, Princess Luna will guard us with a giant magic shield. We know the shield will break sooner or later, but we'll be prepared. When it does, the princess will flash a bright light with her horn, blinding the plants. That's our cue to swiftly but silently take to the skies. Before the plants know where we are, the princess will create another magic shield. Princess Luna will draw their fire and we'll be able to easily pick them off."

"Ah okay, thanks."

The scout nodded and trotted ahead to Luna. "Your highness, we're approaching the house," he said pointing ahead.

Luna strained her eyes to see what he was pointing at. She was able to detect a small light.

"Positions everypony," Luna ordered. The guards moved into position and waited for the command to fight. They slowly crept toward the house until they could go no more without being spotted. "Alright everypony, CHARGE!!"





I jerked awake at the rapid sound of bows releasing arrows. "Whoa, what's happening?!"

I threw myself to the window and opened it, quickly realizing I was being attacked from behind by the horses. I grabbed for my seed gun, absorbed the lingering sun on the ground. Then I struggled to replace the plants that fell to the arrows. This was going from bad to terrible. Not only did the barrage of arrows never stop, but the horses had a giant magic shield like last time.

"Stinking campers," I grumbled as I grabbed some spare plant food off the shelf. I planted a Stallia and powered it up. Light engulfed the plant and a giant spore cloud burst throughout the area. As I assumed, the shield allowed air to flow through. The spore cloud fazed through and clogged the horse's lungs. Arrows stopped firing as the horses dropped to the ground hacking and coughing. Without much effort, the shield melted away.

I had to hand that one to myself. That was smart thinking; now all I had to do was-

Flash!!

"AUGH, MY EYES!"

Everything turned white as I fell backward. I rubbed my eyes and blinked several times, trying to regain my sight. As my vision cleared, I lifted myself to my feet. I looked out the window and saw they put the magic shield back up. Wonderful. But I noticed my plants were looking upward instead of forward. Then I spotted one of the sunflowers trying to get my attention. The sunflower was repeatedly pointing up.

"Wait, don't tell me." I stuck my head out the window and looked up. "Hmm, well-played horses."

Suddenly arrows began to rain from the sky. I jerked back as an arrow whizzed past me. I reached for the Blover seed packet and put it in a slot of the seed gun. As I fired the seed in front of my house, the seed instantly grew into a Blover. The Blover took a deep breath and spun his leaves, creating a huge gust of wind. All the flying horses were blown far away, leaving one, confused horse.

But this one horse was more different than the rest. In fact, it was more like a mixture of all them. The horse was blue and had wings and a horn. It was much bigger than the others and it stood almost my height. And another thing, it was angry. I mean, really angry. Its horn glowed brightly; then it fired a beam that destroyed almost half of my plants. "Hey!!" I yelled. "That’s cheating!!"

"ENOUGH!!" it roared, "PREPARE TO MEET THINE END, FOUL BEAST!!" Its horn began to glow brighter. It was about to shoot again, but I was ready. I fired a seed in front of my house and watched it grow into an ice-shroom. The ice-shroom created a bright flash that froze everything, except my house and plants. The blue horse was frozen in a firing position. I grinned at the feeble attempt this horse had to bring. I walked down the stairs and exited the door.

"Silly horse," I said, walking toward it, "you simply can't beat me. I mean it was a nice strategy and you almost had me. But let's face it, I'm just better."

Suddenly, the ice started cracking. I just smiled as I pointed my seed gun at its feet. I then fired a doom-shroom in front of the thawing horse. "Fire in the hole!"

DOOM!!





In the Canterlot castle, Celestia and several griffons were gathered around a table eating. A few royal guards stood behind Celestia as they listen to the story of the griffons.

"...after your ponies left our town, Gilda spread this 'friendship' thing everywhere." A griffon said. "After a few weeks of skepticism, griffons started to buy it. Thanks to you ponies, we're united once again not only as a kingdom but as friends."

Celestia smiled at this news, but then she got more confused. "Wait, if you now value friendship over money, why did you rob our ships."

The griffons began to laugh. "Did we say we value friendship over money?" one said between laughs. "Nothing is higher that gold to a griffon. Everyone knows that!"

"But-"

"We see friendship as more of a second priority. Besides, it’s easier robbing ponies when you're together, am I right?"

The griffons started cracking up, but Celestia wasn't amused. "I think you're taking this the wrong way. Friends don't work together for robbery. They-"

CRASH!

The ceiling suddenly caved in as something crashed into the table, snapping the table in half. A figure weakly rose from the wreckage.

"Luna?!" Celestia said as her sister stumbled forward. "What happened to you?"

"N-nothing," Luna said, struggling not to fall back down.

"Let me help you."

"No! I'm fine!" Luna yelled.

The griffons couldn't help but laugh at Luna's situation. "Oh wow! Whatever could have happened to you?" One snickered.

"Remember guys," a griffon said, "this is why you don't fly and drink at the same time!"

Celestia fought to keep a calm demeanor. "Could...could you please wait outside for me to clear this up? In fact, can we continue this another day?"

The griffons shrugged. "Alright."

As they were escorted out the room, Celestia went to attend her sister. "Luna, are you alright?"

"I'm peachy!" Luna cried. "Absolutely fine!"

"You're hurt. Allow me to treat those wounds."

"I'll do it myself!" Luna dragged herself to the door.

Celestia could only pity her sister. "I know you spent a lot of effort in planning this. I'm sorry you didn't-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Luna opened the door and slammed it on her way out. She hobbled to her room; every part of her body ached, but what hurt most was her shattered pride. Luna continued to sulk as she cast a quick healing spell.

"I've been insulted in more ways that I can bear...and it's all that creature's fault! If I ever see it again, I'll tear it apart! How could I be so humiliated!?"

At that moment, she felt like smashing something. But that was something the old Luna would have done. No, she had to clear her mind. Just then, an idea entered Luna's head. She had the ability to enter dreams, so why not enter the creature's? It's been awhile since she made a real horrifying nightmare. Plus, she could learn of its weaknesses for the next encounter. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to do it.

Light filled the room as Luna started the spell. Then in a flash, she disappeared.





I was in a snowy taiga. I had no idea of how I got there or why. But whatever the reason, I knew I had to get out. Following the path at my feet, I started to make my way out of the taiga. Or at least, I thought I was. Honestly, I wasn’t complete sure of anything.

After a time of senseless walking, a purplish blue fog began to form. I attempted to wave the fog away, but to no avail. The fog grew thicker by the second, and soon I couldn’t see anything. Just what I needed. I attempted to continue my journey, putting a hand in front of me so I wouldn't run into anything.

After what seemed like an eternity, the purple smoke began to sink into the ground. Relieved I could see again, I sighed and took in my bearings. Somehow, I had managed to wander into a grassy field.

Suddenly, red bony hands tore the ground below me. I jumped back and nearly fell to the floor. Everywhere I looked these hands were popping from the underground. For each hand, one red skeleton emerged from the ground. Everything they touch would rot and encrust in a red substance.

"Oh no...please NO!"

I knew what this was; I knew who they were. I tried to make a break for it, but I was already surrounded. Panic and fear coursed through my blood as I saw all the skeletons raise their arms. In each hand, a hammer and sickle appeared. It was the communist un-dead, my greatest fear.

"Get back!" I yelled. "I'm an American citizen! You can't touch me!"

The skeletons grinned. One opened its mouth and with a scratchy voice, it spoke, "America...is...ded."

I looked at them in disbelief. "Y-you're lying. America is-"

They all laughed their sick, communist laughter. Visions entered my mind. Evil visions. I saw America burning, dying. As I watch everything I knew that was freedom die, tears streamed down my face.

"Impossible..." I managed to utter.

"We already have won. America no longer exists."

I looked down at myself; I was wearing a red shirt with the flag of the Soviet Union. Under the symbol were bold golden letters exclaiming Communism Rules!. I fell to my knees and began to sob. Then I began to chuckle. Soon enough, I was doubling over with laughter. The filthy Commies were puzzled.

"Of course! This is a dream. That explains it all. I mean, come on, Communism can't succeed. Communism is the very definition of failure." I rose to my feet. "And now I know this is a dream..."

I closed my eyes as shock wave completely obliterated my enemies.

"...I can end it."

After a while, I couldn't help but notice I was still dreaming. Everything was silent, and the scenery had deteriorated into whiteness. But I was still asleep for some reason. Before I could think of ways to wake myself up, a blue horn started rising from the ground. Then a head followed; next mane. Soon, a whole body emerged from the white floor. I was face-to-face with a very familiar flying unicorn.

"Aren't you that unicorn that cheated?"

"Cheat!?" the unicorn said in disbelief, "I did not cheat! If anything it was thou who cheated, hiding behind your plants. You couldn't handle yourself in a real fight."

At its sudden speech, I backed up. "Wait timeout, you're intelligent? Never would have guessed."

As the unicorn tried to conceal the rage building in her, I couldn’t help but smirk. 

"Anyway, I don't feel like talking to you now. I have things on my mind." I attempted to snap her away as I did with all my boring dreams. But unlike my boring dreams, she wouldn't disappear. "Why can't I..."

"I am the ruler of the night, controller of dreams. That includes your petty dreams, fool."

"Wait, you're not a part of my dream?"

"Who's the intelligent one now? I came here to finish what I started tonight, and there is nothing you can do about it." The unicorn extended its wings, as thousands of creatures flew from the sky. The creatures had a head and body of a lion, but their ears and wings were that of bats. And for a tail, was a giant scorpion tail. The faces of these terrifying creatures all lusted for blood.

"Uck, I think I'll pass." I again tried to snap them away, but apparently, the horse had more power than me in my own dream. 

As the creatures landed, their attention was on me. As they saw that I was unprotected, they all roared and charged at me. It was a race to tear away my flesh, but I wasn't going to make it easy for them. I crouched down, concentrated and made a brick dome around me. The animals slashed and struck at the dome with enough force to level a city. I could barely hold the thing up.

"I-if I die, I wake up, right?" I said.

The unicorn didn't answer me. In fact, I doubt it even heard me over the constant growling and banging. One of the bricks broke and I was able to see the gnarling teeth of the lion things. I couldn't take any chances that I might die, so I had to talk my way out. "You say I'm hiding behind my plants, but look at what you're doing now! You're even more pathetic than me!"

"Child, do not compare me with the likes of you," the unicorn said.

"Hey, I'm only stating the facts! Why don't you prove that I can't fight on my own?"

"I don't have to prove anything to you."

More bricks were tearing apart and the creature's' paws could almost reach me. "J-just give me a sword or something. I'll have you begging for mercy!"

I was starting to sound desperate, but thankfully the unicorn bought it. "Fine! I'll show you how weak you are!"

The creatures suddenly disintegrated, along with my protection. I wasn't sure if this was a good idea or not, but I knew I would find out. Before I could turn around, my breathing was suddenly cut off and I was lifted a few inches in the air. The horse was using her magic to “force choke” me.

“You were foolish in challenging us,” The horse said, tightening her grip.

“Seriously,” I choked, “Who’s ‘us’? Are you hiding a mouse in your mane or something?” I pulled out some butter and chucked it at her horn, causing her to drop me. “Mind you, this is still a dream. We both may be able to control it, but it’s still a dream. Meaning...MACHINE GUN!!”

As a machine gun spawned in my hand, I relentlessly fired at the unicorn. The unicorn managed to teleport away before it was hit. "This wasn't part of the deal!"

"I only said no army, not no weapons!"

"Fine then...." There was a bright flash and we were both at the bottom of the ocean.

"Huh, I didn't say we couldn't change the background either. Well played."

The unicorn frowned in disappointment. "You've apparently mastered breathing underwater as well."

I grinned. "Oh, so that's what you were trying to do! I've mastered quite a few skill in my drea-"

Before I could finish, the horse bucked my face. Why didn't I see that coming?

I spawned a giant war hammer. “Try it again, I dare you!”

I darted toward the horse like a torpedo. But before I got close enough, the horse suddenly opened a portal. All the water began to get sucked too the other side. I stopped immediately and I tried to swim away, but I was caught in the current. Soon, I was pulled to the other side. I found myself floating through…

“Space? I’ll hand it to that horse, it has imagination.”

I twisted myself so I was facing the portal, just in time to see the flying unicorn float through. I threw my hammer at the horse, causing it to fly backward. I laughed as it struggled for balance.

“I know space is fun, but can we focus on the battle at hand?” 

The horse spawned a cannon and fired it. The cannonball plowed into my gut as I sailed backward. "Ow..."

This went on for a few minutes. I'd summon some ridiculous weapon and use it, and the horse would do the same. In the meantime, we jumped from scenery to scenery.

It was getting really dumb really fast. I snapped my fingers and we were teleported back to earth. "I think we could agree that if we in a fight, it'd be a tie," I said.

"Of course not!" the unicorn yelled. "The fact that we're in your dream is the only reason you're not dead now!"

"Speaking of which, I think I'm going to call your bluff."

"Bluff?"

"If I die, I wake up. That's how it always works. I doubt you have any more power to kill me from inside here than you have out there in the real world."

The horse said nothing.

I folded my arms and smirked. "I knew it. You got nothing on me."

The horse smiled deviously. "Now that's where you're wrong."

Suddenly, chains shot from the ground and wrapped around my wrist and ankles. With a terrible tug, I was thrown to the floor and forced to my knees. The more I struggled to get up, the tighter the grip. Even my ability to control my dream was failing. “What are you doing?!”

The horse started charging a spell, “As an alicorn, I swore to never use mind control on anypony. But then again, you're no pony...."

"Mind control?! You can't be serious!"

The horse approached me and put its horn over my head. "We will free thee of thy violent ways.” 

As the spell hit me, I felt as if my will was being drained and replaced with communism. Suddenly, I started glowing red, white, and blue. I broke my chains and punched the horse's face. “Ha! You cannot mind control a citizen of the US of A!” 

The horse backed up. "How is this possible!?"

“In my country, there is one concept we value above all others.” A single tear rolled down my cheek. “That concept is known as freedom. We have come to value it so much, that our brains furiously resist all mind control attempts.”

“...” Luna was dumbfounded. “That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”

I spawned a radio in my hand. “I'm gonna need 50 megatons of freedom over here.” As soon as I said that, I heard whistling. “Well, I can’t say this hasn't been fun, but I've gotten pretty bored of this dream.”

Before the horse could react, a bomb fell on her. The gigantic explosion rang out across the dreamscape. But instead of being a mushroom-shaped cloud, it was eagle-shaped.