Tales of the Battle Foals

by Sirdubya

Heading Home

When the foals emerged from the cave, they found that morning had just about broken. Ponyville could be seen far out into the distance. Even more promising was that the waterfall that cascaded down from Canterlot was just to their right. They hurriedly limped over there, and each got a nice gulp of water from it. They made a point of refilling their bottles as well.

Shadow Shroud looked at her map. “Hmm…..Okay, looks like there’s a railroad track to the east of here. We’ll cross over it, and then head south to this wooded area here. From there, we’ll build another raft like we did at Foal Mountain, and then just ride downstream the rest of the way back to the forest. Fire Fight and I should be able to guide you guys back to the castle from there.” She explained as she pointed to her map.

“I doubt the raft would be a very good idea, Shroud. We’d be right next to civilization, and be very easily noticed even at night. But taking that route along the riverbank would still be good since we’d still be in the woods.” Spiral Galaxy said.

“Hmm….good point. Then I vote we do that. Sound good?” Shroud asked.

Turf War’s stomach suddenly growled. “We got one ‘no’ down he’e. He say he want some breakfast first. Dat straight?” he said.

Fire Fight chuckled. “I’m on it, guys.”

“And you all had better eat well and rest up first. You all took quite the beating to say the absolute least.” Quantum Tech said.

“Ugh… ‘Beating’ is only the beginning.” Air Slash said as he rubbed his shoulder. Fire Fight cooked up a nice medley of some herbs, veggies and the cave mushrooms for everypony. Quantum was impressed at his skill, even going as far as to say that he surpassed her family’s personal chef.

Quantum Tech then suddenly realized something. “Wait! Kickback, didn’t you say that you were almost out of bullets?”

“Shucks! Ah just about forget! Any idea how Ah could get a restock?” Kickback asked.

“I…..suppose I could try to manufacture more for you…..assuming I could acquire the necessary materials….” Quantum said.

“I’m that there are plenty of such resources within the Everfree forest. All we have to do is look around.” Shadow Shroud said.

“I’m an experienced smith, so leave any handling of metals to me.” Air Slash said.

“I absolutely will, Air Slash. Your craftsmanship of these weapons and armor is nothing short of impressive.” Quantum Tech said.

“Thank you.” Air Slash said.

“Could I ask you to sharpen my knives when we return? They’ve become rather dull with how much I’ve put them through.” Shadow Shroud asked.

Air Slash nodded. “Certainly. Fire Fight, Turf War, if you two want me to tend your own armaments, I’d happily oblige.”

“I appreciate you fo’ dat, son.” Turf War. Fire Fight nodded as he was chewing his food.

“Can you patch up my armor too, Slash?” Spiral asked.

“Yes. It seems I have my own work cut out for me.” Air Slash said.

“Indeed, but let’s wait until we reach our destination before worrying about such things.” Quantum said. Air Slash nodded.

Fire Fight held out his hoof. “Put ‘em in, guys.” He said. They all fist bumped except for Quantum Tech, who just gently placed her hoof into the circle.

“Erm……Like this?” she asked.

“Nah, homegirl! You gotta bump it d’ho! See? Like dis!” Turf War demonstrated firmly putting his hoof into the circle.

“Er….very well….” Quantum Tech did as Turf War showed her, and he approved. They all shared an excited ‘Yeah!’. Quantum Tech just gave a nervous smile. “That felt rather undignified…” she mumbled to herself.

*****

After their breakfast, the foals set out. The railroad that Shadow Shroud mentioned was indeed where she said it would be. They looked both ways before quickly crossing it. There were thankfully no trains well within sight, but they still hurried towards the forest just to be sure. Their injuries had healed considerable from resting and having a good meal, so they could use most of their strength.

When they made it to the forested area, they made a point of gathering more food. Air Slash managed to nab a bunch of eggs once more while the others harvested some basic fruits, herbs, natural wheat, edible flowers and……fish carcasses?

“No, Crazylocks!” Shadow Shroud swatted them out of the manic filly’s hoof.

Crazylocks pouted. “Aww, but they’re my favorite midday snack after some nice acupuncture with piranha teeth!” she whined. They all just shook their heads in annoyance, and told her to follow. “Hmph! At least I could have fun at the Fish Bones Bonanza back in the earthworm caves…”

*****

At last they had reached the edge of the Everfree forest. It was as foreboding as its two returning occupants had remembered. Nevertheless, they were fearless to brave its horrors. “Careful, guys. This place has a bad rap all over Equestria for a reason.” Fire Fight warned.

“Man, if we can fight off a crystal monster, we can get through here, right?” Turf War asked.

“Never let your guard down, Turf War, especially in a place such as this. I’ve heard many a tale of ponies venturing into this dreaded place only to never return.” Air Slash said.

“Well, Fire Fight and I made it through just fine, didn’t we? Besides, there’s a zebra that lives out here, so we’ll have to make sure we don’t accidently bump into her as well.” Shadow Shroud said.

“A zebra? Really?” Spiral asked.

“Yeah. Her name is Zecora. She makes potions and….does other weird zebra stuff that I don’t really understand. Anyway, she’s a citizen of Ponyville, so yeah, we’ve gotta avoid her.” Fire Fight said.

“Understood. Shall we?” Air Slash asked. When he looked back, he could see that Quantum Tech was shivering heavily. She was understandably scared of having to trudge through a location spoken of in ghost stories. “Quantum Tech?”

“Huh!? Oh! U-U-Umm….Y-Y-Yes! Just, uh…Just let me make a few observations first….” She stammered.

Kickback gulped, and walked over to her. “Ah hope Ah don’t regret this.” He whispered to himself. He held out his hoof to her. “Come on now, Ms. Quantum. We’ll be fine.” He said softly.

Quantum Tech saw this, and eased up. She smiled at him, and took his arm. “Thank you, darling!” she said.

Kickback suddenly wasn’t feeling so proud. While he was a gentleman at heart, he was gonna have a difficult time with Quantum. As they finally began their hike through the fabled forest, Spiral couldn’t help but to start snickering while the others just smiled amusingly at them. Kickback felt pretty annoyed as Quantum clung to his arm. He couldn’t bring to himself to force her off of him seeing as she likely wouldn’t make it through the forest otherwise.

While she was still laughing, Spiral picked up some leaves and fallen flower petals, and began playfully tossing them at the two. “Dun…Duh, Duh-Duh! <snicker> Dun…Duh, Duh-<snicker>Duh! Dun…D- Ha! Hahaha!” She couldn’t help herself.

Kickback was becoming agitated. “Ms. Spiral, Ah don’t reckon yer helpin’ none.” He said.

Spiral eased her laughter. “Sorry, Kickback!” she said.

Kickback directed his eyes towards the genius filly who was clinging to him like a fangirl, and sighed. “Ah regret this…”

*****

After a few run-ins with some monsters here and there that were easily put down, the foals had finally reached their destination. “Ah! Home sweet home.” Shadow Shroud said. The castle hadn’t changed a bit since it was last seen. They entered the doors without hesitation Quantum finally let go of Kickback.

Standing in the ruined foyer brought Fire Fight back to that fateful night. He vividly recalled the moonlight gleaming viciously from Shadow Shroud’s kunai and his flames lighting the dark room as they clashed. He looked over at her to see that she was smiling at him too. He could see it in her eyes; she remembered too. This was where everything began. Despite some uneasy feelings in the beginning, this would turn out to be a happy place for the two of them, and for their new friends.

Everything was still there. The fallen columns, tattered rugs, stairs, and suits of armor that wielded either swords or axes were all left untouched. Crazylocks began slowly inhaling in a gasping manner; she was probably taking in the scenery of her new home.

“Damn! Dis a fine crib!” Turf War said.

“It’s a little dilapidated, but if Shadow Shroud saw fit to settle here, then I see no reason to complain.” Air Slash said.

“I wonder if there’s like a….meditation chamber or something where I can practice controlling my magic?” Spiral asked.

“Not really, but there is a nice and quiet room just below the fountain in the courtyard where I would meditate. I’ll show you.” Shroud said.

“Okay!” Spiral said.

Shroud then faced Quantum and Air Slash. “I’ll also show the metal forge and the wizards chamber that I mentioned-”

“DESTROY THE AXEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!!”

Crazylocks screamed at the top of her lungs just before she pounced like a predatory cat at one of the suits of armor holding an axe, ripped the axe from the suit, and furiously slammed it on the ground. She repeatedly did this until the blade of the axe shattered, and moved onto another one.

“CRAZYLOCKS, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?” Fire Fight shouted. He, Spiral and Quantum used their magic to restrain before any more damage could be done.

Crazylocks slammed and scratched against the magic bubble like a wild animal. The same fury that she had exhibited upon hearing Gene Splice’s name had been evoked, and it was still a terrifying display. “You’d better calm down this instant, missy!” Quantum demanded.

Something about Quantum’s tone must have had an effect on Crazylocks, because she calmed her rage considerably. She was still snarling and growling, but overall calm…..for her standards. “The axes…..The axes are dangerous! Don’t ever trust them! They’ll look you in the eye and say ‘Hey, kiddo! Want a cookie?’ and then stab you right in the back as soon as your turn around! They’re evil! EVIL!!” she declared.

Turf War was confused upon hearing that. “Uh, homegirl? Y’all I got a-” He was cut off when Kickback elbowed, and shook his head as if to warn him not to provoke her any further. Turf War realized just what kind of danger he nearly put himself into. “Dude! I owe you my life!”

“So….What? Do we just get rid of all those axes?” Spiral asked.

“I’ll repurpose them somehow. We won’t have to worry about our friend here having another episode.” Air Slash said.

“I’ll melt them down for you if you need me to.” Fire Fight said. Air Slash nodded. They quickly moved any remaining axes away from Crazylocks, and Shadow Shroud hid them under the fountain until her temper blew over. It was a long road coming back, but the foals could finally begin relaxing and rebuilding their lives.

Comments

[KingJoltik]

Huh. So I'm guessing Gene did something to Crazylocks with an axe...ouch.

Well, at least they finally got home. I'm wondering if this means a time skip soon? You know, showing that Quantum and Air have done their work and everything.

[HB_DS2013]

Here's hoping Crazylocks will have her head checked at some point.

[Jonny Bench]

Imagine my surprise and happiness when i check in to find not one, but two new chapters of the story! Still loving every second of it!

[Grizzly Nation]

“I’m that there are plenty of such within the Everfree forest. All we have to do is look around.” Shadow Shroud said.

I think you meant I'm sure that there are plenty

[Sirdubya]

8493441
I actually did mean what I put, but I realized it didn't make much sense contextually, so I changed it. Thanks.

[Test Subject 7]

I hate Gene Splice. He is a F****** A******!!!