The Little Pony Legend: Legend of Everfree

by MaggiesHeartLove

Forest of secrets

While the group were technically here to protect the students and investigate, that didn't mean they couldn't check out the scenery. Rarity was especially enchanted by the beauty of the land.
"Oh, it's still as beautiful as I remember." she said, gazing at the large lake before them, "It looks like a diamond shining in the sun!"
"It is lovely out here." Fluttershy said as the wind blew in her long pink locks and a small bird landed on her. "The fresh air, the cool breeze, the birds that land on your finger."
"I think that only happens to you." Rainbow Dash said.
Flash caught Timber working at the camp docks, while his sister was giving the campers the safety rules. He noticed Tender Taps struggling with his safety vest, preparing to fish with his friends, and Flash kindly assisted him. The teenager gave the twenty two-year-old a high five in gratitude before going back to his old friend. He walked pass Petunia, who was feeding a few ducks on the lake.
"Aren't they just the cutest?" she said, gushing over the little animals.
Flash smiled only to nearly trip over a hole on the docks. Thankfully, he managed to regain his balance before he could injure himself.
"Careful." Timber said, "We've been meaning to fix that."
"You should. This is a safety hazard."
"Don't worry, I've got this." Timber said, once again sounding a lot like his older sister.
Flash arched an eyebrow in suspicion, "I see your sister's been rubbing off on you." he said with a light chuckle, only to stopped instantly when he saw Timber's sudden angry glare. "Dude, I was just joking around."
Timber blinked twice before forcing himself to laugh, trying to seem genuine. "Ha, ha! Good one. Oh, still got that sense of humor."
Flash blinked in surprise. "Yeah…so, how have you been? Everything alright back in Germany?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." Timber replied while simultaneously working on fixing the broken piece of the docks with his tools. "Why you ask?"
"Well, because last time we spoke you were gushing over how happy you were there and, well, you just…stopped writing."
"I was busy." his old friend replied, which really wasn't much of the answer Flash was looking for.
"So, how long are you staying?"
"What do you mean?" Timber asked, stopping his work for a brief moment.
"How long are you staying at Camp Everfree?"
"Forever."
Flash blinked in surprise. "What?"
"Is there a problem?" Timber turned to look up at Flash, his tone sounded almost offended by the question itself.
"No, I'm just…surprised. I mean, when we first met you kept saying your dream was to leave the camp and--" Flash Sentry flinched and took one step back when he saw Timber angrily toss the rope aside. His fist clenched tightly, indicating he was angry. Flash didn't know how to react, all he did was say the truth. Timber's dream was to leave the camp and go to school somewhere else. Did something happen?
Slowly, Timber's fists unclenched and he tucked his hands into his pockets, a habit he did often when they were younger. "Sorry." he said, looking down at his feet in shame. "I know I said those things but, while I was at that school, I realized I really missed home. So, I came back. I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to be disappointed."
Flash immediately felt sympathy for his friend. "Timber, I'm not disappointed, I'm just surprised. You seemed so happy from the emails you sent me and Twilight. Whatever happened you can tell us. We're your friends." he smiled and placed a supporting hand on Timber's shoulder.
Timber took a single step back, his hands still in his pockets. "I know. But, if it's all right with you, could we just not talk about it? I'm really happy here. Believe me, I have no regrets coming back."
"Oh, well…okay, sure thing, Timber Wolf."
"Thanks." Timber's eyes shifted to his side, his nostrils slightly flaring, indicating he was smelling something.
"Timber!" Gloriosa called, and her brother didn't think twice to respond to her and left Flash behind, without so much as a "see ya".
Flash couldn't put his finger on it, but there was definitely something off about Timber. Granted, it had been a while since they last saw one another, but he felt very uneasy when he suddenly became angry over a question, and he was certainly being very secretive about what happened in Germany. If anything happened.
Gloriosa approached alongside Celestia and Luna, looking over the broken piece of wood on the docks. "This is a safety hazard." Luna said, "I suggest we close down the dock for the remainder of the camp."
The other students all groaned in complain. They were all so looking froward to sailing and such. Gloriosa bit her bottom lip, "Oh, I'm sure it won't have to be for the remainder of camp." she said, trying to be as optimistic as she can, "Just needs to be patched up a bit. I've got this!"
Apple Bloom pondered for a moment and a brilliant idea struck her. "Or maybe we do! If you ask me, this whole dock needs to go." she kicked one of the logs sustaining it, seeing how it came right down so easily. Further proving her point.
"Building a new one could be our camp gift. Sure, it would benefit us, but a nice new dock would benefit future campers, too."
"That's a great idea, Apple Bloom!" Applejack said, smiling proudly at her little sister, wrapping her arm around her.
"I agree too." Timber said, placing a proud hand on his sister's shoulder, "After all, what better way to enjoy your stay here than to build a dock for future campers. Right, sis?" he said, pulling her closer.
For a brief moment, uncertainty flashed in her eyes before smiling in agreement. "Absolutely!"
"I'm with AB." said Scootaloo, "Building a new dock is definitely it! What do you guys think?"
The students all cheered in agreement, making Gloriosa and Timber smile with joy. "Looks like it's settled, then." Gloriosa said, baring her white teeth in a wide smile.
Timber shared the same smile. "Yes. Looks like it." He said. His mannerisms practically screamed confidence and satisfaction.

A few moments later, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Gaby were already hard at work with their start on fixing the docs. Meanwhile, several other campers were painting lanterns for Sweetie Belle's idea. Applejack and Rainbow Dash helped the two. Applejack chuckled when she saw Rainbow Dash hammering a nail.
"Huh, nice hammer. Where did you get it?"
"Uh, duh. The toolbox?"
"Hah, that's cool." Applejack smiled pridefully as she pulled out a hand made hammer, made entirely out of stone with a wooden handle, wrapped together with tight bandages. "I made mine."
Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom all rolled their eyes and groaned, all the while Applejack simply showed off her homemade hammer.
Starlight noticed Gloriosa and Timber talking, a far distance away from the rest of the campers, and her curiosity sparked. She tapped Twilight's shoulder, getting her attention.
"Hey, Twilight."
"Yeah?"
"Are Gloriosa and Timber the only ones working here?"
Twilight looked at the two siblings, deep in conversation. She tilted her head slightly. "I guess so."
"I mean, I haven't seen anyone else, not even a chef in the cafeteria when I went to get a drink. You don't think it has anything to do with the strange things happening, do you?"
"I'm not sure. Let's just keep our eyes open for anything suspicious."
"Don't have to tell me twice."
Meanwhile, Kuvira watched from afar, still unsure if she should be a part of the activities or not. The memory of what happened back at the cabin replayed in her mind. Visions of the plants growing all around, entrapping the walls with its green roots. She felt a strange energy sweep within her when the moment happened. An energy she had not felt in so long, nor would she want to feel it. Ever again.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden breeze, followed by several leafs dancing around in spiraling movements, almost as if they were dancing. The leafs flew towards the forest, making the bushes and tree branches move gently around. Kuvira squinted her eyes when she saw something slowly emerge halfway through the bushes.
She walked closer, seeing the creature had brown fur all over its body. It appeared to be a canine, domestic looking with an exotic while aura to him. His eyes were green and bright, which carried such emotion and spirit. Kuvira approached, only for the creature to suddenly run off, its bushy tail wiping behind it.
Kuvira gasped once she felt a hand on her shoulder and spun around rapidly, griping the intruder's arm and pinning him to the ground. He cried out in pain, on his knees with his arm behind his back, being held by Kuvira's powerful grip.
"Ow! Hey!"
Kuvira quickly stepped back, releasing him, remorse over her actions. "Oh, Timber Spruce, I'm so sorry!"
Timber straightened his back and rubbed his arm. "Wow. That's some powerful grip you got there."
Kuvira blushed in humiliation. "I'm sorry. You startled me and--"
"It's fine, I understand." his eyes shifted to the forest before them. "Did you see something?" he asked, rather suspiciously.
"I…I thought I did." Kuvira said, still gazing at the forest before her. Trying to see if she could find the creature but no such luck.
"Probably an optical illusion." Timber said, "The forest does have a way of tricking your eyes."
Kuvira blinked, "Yeah. I guess you're right." she said and walked away. "I think I need some water."
At a nearby table, Starlight Glimmer was helping some campers with the lanterns, only to spot Kuvira walking away in sadness. Starlight politely excused herself and approached the metalbender. "Hey, are you okay?"
Kuvira sighed before responding. "No. I'm beginning to think me coming here was a mistake."
"Why would you think that?"
"You and Sunset Shimmer seem to have things under control, and you have your friends. What can I do? Besides mess things up?"
Starlight gripped Kuvira's shoulders, "You didn't mess anything up. If this is about what happened at the cabin, it's okay."
"No, it's not!" Kuvira spatted, swatting Starlight's hands off of her, "Starlight, you remember what happened to me the last time I got involved with magic!" Starlight opened her mouth to say something, but Kuvira beat her to the punch, "And don't say it wasn't my fault."
"Okay, I won't. But--"
"I almost lost my humanity, my sanity and my friend! If whatever is in this camp is giving me some kind of new magic I don't want any part of it! For all I know it could turn me into a monster again!"
"That won't happen." Starlight reassured.
"How do you know?"
"Because, I know better than anyone how hard it is to try and move on from your past mistakes. But you have to know that Korra wouldn't have sent you here if it wasn't for a good reason. She sees good in you, she always has. You should trust her judgment." Starlight took Kuvira's hands, giving a reassuring squeeze. "And you're not alone. We're here for you."
Kuvira's eyes shimmered as if tears would fall. That was the first time anyone, aside from Korra, has ever genuinely offered her true friendship. The siren's friendship was a counterfeit, but Starlight's offer was indeed real. Despite her uncertainty, she managed to form a smile.
Fluttershy blew on her whistle, getting the student's attention. "All right, now. You've made a lot of progress, but it's going to be getting dark soon. We can pick this up tomorrow between our other camp activities."
"Everyone, get cleaned up, and we'll gather by the fire pit at eight to share s'mores and scary stories!" Gloriosa said with glee, only for Pinkie Pie to excitedly hug her marshmallow bags.
"S'mores!"

"…And that's when she looked down and realized she was wearing purple socks with a burgundy dress! AAAAHHHHHHH!!!"
Rarity screamed in terror, only to notice everyone else's blank reaction. Pinkie Pie happily ate her marshmallows onto various sticks placed together in a sugary, sticky marshmallow bouquet. The students and counselors shares the same monotone reactions.
Rarity cleared her throat, "Purple and burgundy, darlings! The same color family! AAAHHHHH!!!" she scrammed dramatically.
"It wasn't scary then, it isn't scary now." Rainbow Dash said, only to flinch when Silver Spoon suddenly let out a bloodcurdling scream.
"AAAAAHHHHH!! Burgundy and purple!!"
"See! She thinks it's scary." Rarity said smiling triumphant.
Scootaloo rolled her eyes, "Silver Spoon finds anything unfashionable scary. Watch." she whispered into her friend's ear, "Pleated stripes."
"AAAAHHHHHH!!!!" Silver Spoon screamed, gripping Sweetie Belle tightly. The pink/purple haired only blinked in disinterest.
Kuvira, Starlight, Sunset and Twilight all shared the same awkward expression. "Uh… that was a terrifying story." Twilight said, trying to sound supportive.
"Oh, yeah." Starlight said before whispering to Sunset, "I'm terrified she'll try to tell it again."
Flash cleared his throat, "Ahem! Um, anyone else have a spooky story in mind?"
"I have one." Timber Spruce said, raising his hand, "But I'm warning you, you might as well hug a friend now. That's how scary it is!" he said, speaking in a spooky tone, his voce deepening for effect.
Spike hid behind Kuvira for protection while the other campers either followed his warning and hugged their nearest companion, or simply smiled in excitement at the edge of their logged seats, the flames of the camp fire illuminating their faces. The older generation, however, only listened calmly. They were quite familiar with this story, and judging by Timber's opening, no doubt it would scare the new campers just as it did them.
"It's time I told you about the legend of Gaea Everfree."
Kuvira, somehow, became fascinated with the name. Probably from these students it would be just a made up story, but seeing as Kuvira herself came from a world were winged humans and supernatural plants were an everyday possibility, this didn't strike her as 'just a story'. She listened attentively as Timber continued.
"Many years ago, my great-grandparents came to this forest. Seeing its beauty, they decided that it would be the perfect place for a camp. But once they started building, strange things started to happen."
"How strange?" Kuvira asked, almost absentmindedly. Her natural curiosity got the better of her.
"Things like plants moving on their own and lights swarming around the forest at night."
Kuvira's eyes widened, her memory reverting back to earlier when the plants seemed to have responded to her subconscious mind.
"One pitch black night, when the wind was howling, a tree branch crashed through the roof of their cabin! They screamed and ran outside, only to see the giant creature rising from the earth!"
The campers shivered in their seats, even the most excited students started to feel the spirit of fear creeping up on them.
"She had wild hair like the roots of a tree. Her mouth had jagged rock teeth and her eyes were pools of black tar. But her aura shimmered like diamonds. Anywhere she went, she left a trail of gem dust in her wake. Trembling, my great-grandparents asked who she was and what she wanted. In a deep and hollow voice, she told them that her name was Gaea Everfree – an ancient spirit who held domain over the forest, and that my great-grandparents were trespassing on her land. They begged her to let them stay and build their camp, to share this wonderful place with others. Gaea Everfree finally agreed but warned them that they would not be able to keep it forever. Someday, she will return and reclaim the forest as her own."
Now Kuvira was starting to feel fear. This creature, this Gaea Everfree, sounded very much like a magical creature. Something at the same level as the former evil changelings and even the sirens. Mysterious and horrifying in definition. She also remembered the articles Twilight mentioned about the camp, where strange things were happening recently, as well as the plants coming to life. She wondered….could it be possible?
"So if you see a trail of gem dust, you'll know that it is... Gaea Everfree!"
Timber's voice grew louder for effect, terrifying the campers, and even the counselors. But it wasn't just the story that terrified them, but also the pair of eyes that appeared in the bushes, glowing in the night.
"AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!"
"Hey, guys! Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!" Gloriosa said as she came out from the shadows, smiling as always, and the students could breath multiple sighs of relief, though some were still trembling.
"Then why did you come out of the bushes?" Saffron asked.
"I… took the scenic route, because the forest is beautiful at night. But no one else should do it without a guide, kay? All right, everybody, time to head to your tents."
The campers followed her orders and left the campfire circle, each pair of students heading to their respected tents. The counselors remained in order to put out the fire, but before doing so, Twilight took the opportunity to speak to their old friend.
"Hey, Gloriosa."
"Yes, Twilight?" she asked, chipper as ever.
"I just wanted to say I'm very impressed with how you've been running the camp. Your father would be very proud."
Gloriosa pressed her hands over her heart. "Awww, thanks Twi. That means a lot."
"However, I have been meaning to ask, what happened to all the other employees?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's just, last time we came here there were a lot more camp counselors helping out, and now it's just…you and Timber."
Twilight and Gloriosa flinched when Timber suddenly dropped one of the logs. Flash noticed his fists clenching once again before being placed back into his pockets. He spun around, smiling.
"We've been a little low on helpers this month, with it being summer and all. But we've got a line of applicants so I wouldn't worry too much about it."
Twilight blinked in curiosity. "Well, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright. I mean, I'm not saying you aren't doing a good job, it's just I was concerned is all." she adjusted her glasses, indicating her uncertainty.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I've got this!"
"You sure do." Twilight replied, forcing a smile.
The group immediately froze once they heard the sound of a wolf howling in the distance. It was clear as crystal and it echoed amongst the trees. All eyes fell on the purple/green dog, who darted his eyes back and forth.
Spike simply shrugged, indicating he was not the culprit. The sound was heard once more, only it didn't sound like just an ordinary howl one would hear in nature shows, but it sounded almost as if it were singing. It was calm, and comforting and filled with so much beauty it was almost as if they were listening to the bewitching howling of a ghost mixed with a siren's melody.
"Timber! I thought I told you to take care of those dogs!" Gloriosa spatted, her sunny exterior having slipped away like a snake's skin, replaced with a fierce tensity in her voice and glance.
Timber simply nodded and ran into the forest to seek the dogs. He didn't even ask or think twice, he simply obeyed. Flash and Twilight found that especially surprising. When they were teenagers, while Timber did do as his father said whenever he was asked, whenever Gloriosa did he would respond with a snarky comeback and do it anyway. This time, it just didn't feel like their typical brother/sister dynamic they have come to know them for.
Once he was gone, Gloriosa placed a hair behind her ear, chuckling, "Sorry. Some of the stray dogs from town tend to wander into camp during this time of year. The breeze helps keep them cool during the hot summer days. They love it here, but it does tend to cause a few unnecessary misconceptions."
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked.
Gloriosa waved her hand casually in a rotating manner, "Oh, just some folks claiming wolves wander around these woods, things like that."
Kuvira asked as the images of the creature from before flashed in her eyes. That creature she saw, it was indeed canine, but it certainly didn't look like any domestic dog she had ever seen. Not by a long shot.
"Well, you guys mind putting out that fire? I've got to go and help out Timber with the dogs." Gloriosa waved farewell, smiling brightly.
Once she was out of sight, the group took this time to talk about their mission. "That didn't sound like an ordinary dog." Fluttershy said, "I don't think I've ever heard a howl like that before."
"So those stories weren't just made up." Sunset said.
"It's not just the howling." Flash said, "Timber's been acting strange ever since we got here."
"No offense Flash, but I think we've got bigger things to worry about than your old camp buddy." said Applejack.
"I'm telling you, he's not acting like himself. He's wanted nothing but to leave the camp and see the world and now he's saying he wants to stay here forever?"
"Plus, he and Gloriosa don't banter like they used to." Twilight said, rubbing her chin in thought, "Not to mention it's also strange that they're both the only people working here. Without any other employees how does the camp stay in business?"
"Let's not forget Gladmane. Gloriosa seemed pretty hostile when he showed up. Why would he be interested in a camp anyway?"
Starlight began counting the theories with her fingers once by one. "Okay, so we have the weird dreams, the nearly deserted camp, the mysterious howling, your old friends acting weird and Ku--" she stopped herself once she saw the earthbender's horrified expression. "Kuuuuuuuuuuvira, you have anything to add?"
"Um…I…I did see something earlier." she said, "I saw a creature in the bushes today. I didn't get a proper look at it, but it was brown with green eyes. I think…I think it was a wolf."
"Or a dog?" Pinkie Pie asked asked.
"Even if it was, it certainly didn't look like any dog I have ever seen. At least, not domestically anyway."
"Let's not forget about Gaea Everfee." Rainbow Dash.
Applejack rolled her eyes, "Oh, please. That's just an old Camp Everfree tradition. We all heard the story before, and Timber always did get a kick out of scarrin' us."
"I don't know. Think about it, last time we came here we lost all of our magic, and now that we're back we hear this weird ghost howling, a mysterious wolf and now the camp has only two people running it. For all we know, Gaea Everfree could be some creature that got booted from Equestria and ended up in this world. That's what happened with the sirens."
"You think maybe the lack of employers could be linked to the strange occurrences?" Fluttershy asked.
"And the strange occurrences could be linked to the magic?" Pinkie Pies asked, "And the magic could be linked to Twilight's dreams since Twilight's dreams are what led us here in the first place and the magic could be linked to Gaea Everfree?"
Eyes blinked in surprise at how Pinkie Pie managed to put all of that together so quickly. There were no limits to how this girl's mind works.
Sunset spoke, "So far, all we've managed to find are theories. If what Rainbow Dash said is true and there is a Gaea Everfree out there, all the more reason we should stay on guard."
"Sounds like a plan." Applejack said, "Last thing we need is have these kids' camp experience ruined by some power-crazed magical creature."
Upon hearing this, Kuvira felt herself shrink.
"Oh, hear-hear." Rarity nodded, " We've had to deal with more than our fair share of those. At the Fall Formal, a musical showcase, the Friendship Games, not to mention our comrades in Republic City had to deal with the exact sa—" Rarity stopped herself once she noticed Kuvira looking down in shame. Rarity quickly changed the subject.
"Well, I mean, you know, everything turned out all right, of course." she said, giving a nervous chuckle.
"Mmm. I'm kinda tired." Kuvira said as she turned away and walked in the direction of the camp. "I'm gonna turn in."
Starlight and the Rainbooms watched the poor girl disappear into the night. The two Equestrian ponies angrily glared at Rarity for her slip up. She always did have a habit of speaking before thinking at times.
"Not cool, Rarity." Starlight said through clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry! I forgot for a moment."
"Maybe lay off bringing up what happened with the sirens around Kuvira." Twilight said, "She's still pretty sensitive about it."
Pinkie PIe rubbed a semi melted marshmallow over her out before saying, "Our lips are sealed." with her mouth still full.
Sunset sighed as she waved her hand, using her firebending to distinguish the fire. Darkness surrounded the forest and a pair of green eyes watched from afar.

Later that night, Twilight heard the sound of a rock hitting the window. Spike gently nuzzled her face as she sluggishly stood up. Placing on her glasses, Twilight opened the window to see Flash Sentry, up and about and fully dressed.
"Flash? What are you doing? It's the middle of the night!" she exclaimed in a whisper.
"Come outside." he said, also in a whisper.
"Why?"
Her question was answered when she saw a tiny firefly land on her nose. Several more appeared above Flash and he pointed towards the trees. "There's plenty more where that came from. If you're up for a moonlit walk with me." he winked flirtatiously.
Twilight smirked, "You're crazy."
"Why? We're not students anymore, what's the worst they could do? Give us detention?"
Twilight giggled. That was true, they didn't necessarily have to sneak off like they did last time and worry about getting into trouble. But, sneaking out was all part of the fun.
"I'll be there in a bit." Twilight closed the window and changed into her hiking cloths as quickly as she could before stepping out through the same window, only to look her footing and for Flash to catch her in his arms.
"I know I'm charming, but you don't have to fall for me."
Twilight playfully shoved him and ran out towards the forest, giggling about. Flash followed suit, the two lovers playfully chasing one another like children.
It felt as if nothing had changed. They were still the playful, wild and free youthful spirits they had always been. Their laughter grew louder and more joyously as they traveled across the forest, the fireflies and the full moon being their primary source of light. They running came to a slow stop, but their laughter still echoed amongst the trees. Flash and Twilight intertwined their fingers, walking side by side in perfect sync.
"This is perfect." Twilight said, "You, me, the forest. Feels just like before."
"I know." Flash smiled, placing a gentle kiss on Twilight's knuckles. "The best years of my life."
"Oh, please. You're just saying that."
"No, I mean it. Until you came to Canterlot High there wasn't anyone I could really relate to. I mean, sure I had my bandmates and all, but even before Sunset became our friend and she was basically this dictator, everybody stuck with their own clique. Since I was a musician, those were the folks I thought only wanted me around. Even after Twilight--well, the pony Twilight--changed Sunset back from that demon monster and she became good, I still felt a little out of place sometimes. It's funny, how you can be surrounded by so many faces and still feel like you're all alone."
"Believe me, I know that better than anyone. That was my entire first year at Crystal Prep in a nutshell. My whole life revolved around learning and knowing as much as I could. But, whenever I played or listened to music, it felt like the whole world just melted away and I could see a side of myself I didn't even know excised."
"That's the magic of music." Flash said as he removed a branch in their way, "It's basically an open door, just waiting for you to walk right through." the two stopped and gazed into each other's eyes. "Then you came and…I finally found a voice who understood."
"I could say the same thing about you." Twilight said, holding his hand close to her heart. "Canterlot High may have once been a magical place, but being with you...it's like it never left."
Their faces flushed with light red as Flash gently caressed her face, traces of her hair intertwining with his fingers.
"I love you, Twilight Sparkle."
"I love you too, Flash Sentry."
The two leaned in close, sharing a passionate kiss. Flash wrapped his arms around Twilight's waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Fireflies danced around them, their bodies emitting a bright aura that neither of them were aware of. Once their lips parted, the aura disappeared. They remained wrapped in their embrace only to hear the sound of something in the bushes. Twilight gasped and Flash held her close. They saw the bushes rustle. They were not alone.
Flash picked up two sticks and handed one to Twilight. The two wielded their wooden weapons, ready to defend themselves. The mysterious intruder made his presence known, only to reveal a brown creature with a wet black nose and beautiful green eyes.
Flash and Twilight blinked in surprise. The creature didn't appear as if he were about to attack. Twilight had seen enough nature shows to know the proper stance for a wild animal ready to pounce. His body wasn't hunched over, his teeth weren't bare, he wasn't even growling. He simply stood there, gazing up at the two, his long bushy tail moving swiftly across the forest floor.
Twilight slowly lowered her stick and took one step closer. "Careful, Twilight." Flash said, keeping a sharp eye on the creature.
"I don't believe it." Twilight said, the moon shinning down upon them, illuminating the creature's furry tips as he stepped closer. Flash came to the conclusion that it meant no harm.
"It's a…a wolf." Flash said, nearly breathless, "A real, actual wolf."
Twilight crunched down to the creature's level, "Just like Kuvira said." slowly, she reached out her hand. It hovered over the creature's head, and he remained perfectly at ease.
Twilight reeled back once the creature suddenly started to growl and ran off without warning. Twilight stood up and Flash stood protectively by her side, only for them to see Timber Spruce appear from the shadows, wielding an ax.
"Get out of here, mutt!" he shouted angrily, wielding the weapon like a mad man, only to stop once he saw Flash and Twilight. "Oh. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you guys."
"Then why were you holding an axe?!" Twilight exclaimed, her heart pounding rapidly at the sight of the thing. "One wrong move and you'd have chopped our heads off!"
"Wait, what are you doing out here?" Flash asked.
"With an axe?!"
"I…" Timber's eyes darted back to a wagon with which carried chopped blocks of wood. "I was chopping down firewood."
"In the middle of the night?" Twilight asked, rather surprised Timber would be out this late.
"We needed more for tomorrow night's campfire." Timber replied, placing his axe back into the wagon with the rest of the wood. "Actually, you're one to talk. What are you two doing out this late?"
"We're just taking a moonlit walk." Flash replied.
Twilight crossed her arms, pouting bitterly, "Or at least we were."
"Well, you shouldn't be." Timber said, sounding surprisingly authoritative. "Gloriosa doesn't like anyone besides me and her out on the woods this late."
"Why? We're not teenagers anymore, we can--"
"Because it's my camp and that's how it is!" Timber exclaimed, clenching his fists once again as he gained up on Twilight, his nostrils flaring.
However, rather than feel intimidated, Twilight stood her ground. "Hey, this may be your camp but you better watch that attitude of yours or I'll--Hmp!" before she could continue, Flash quickly covered her mouth before she unintentionally started something she wouldn't be able to finish.
"Actually, it is pretty late, and Timber's right." Flash said to the fellow young man, "This is your camp so we should respect your rules." he gently led Twilight away from the scene. "Come on, sweetie. Let's get back to camp and let Timber work."
Flash gave Timber a high five and the two disappeared from his sight. Once they were far enough, Flash's smile faded. "I told you. He's not himself."
"You're right. That's not the Timber I remember."
"No…he's not."
As they headed back to camp, Timber narrowed his eyes, looking around, keeping his axe in hand. As he walked deeper into the woods he came across one of his old wolf carvings and, without even a hint of remorse, he swung his axe and watched in satisfaction as the wolf's head rolled onto the ground.