//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4:Making Allies, Probably  
// Story: The Outlands of Equestria 
// by CloverStarshine 
//------------------------------//





"I uh," stuttered Twilight. "My name is Tw-Twilight Sparkle. I'm known as the Pri-princess of Friendship in Equestria. And don't worry about Discord. He's not a threat."

Torrid gave her a menacing look that have Twilight  chills. She then nodded her head at the other Pegasi Phoenix and they let Discord go. He glared at
Torrid .

"Oh where are me manner,," said Torrid. "Yer clearly aren't here to steal, I'm sure. Follow me and ye can tell me why ya, yer friendz and little pet are here."

"If you call me 'pet' one more time I'm gonna," said Discord, but Fluttershy put a hoof over him to calm him down. The group followed Torrid, with Twilight and her at the front, with Torrid's group surrounding the others.

"So, Princezz Twilight I presume," said Torrid. "What bringz ya and yer friends to ze Outlandz?"

"Well uh Torrid," said Twilight. "Me and my friends came here because our homeland is dying, falling apart. We came to find the Reviving Seed. So don't worry, we won't be any trouble."

"Oh but trouble iz one of many zat describes the Outlandz," said Torrid.

"Huh?," asked Twilight. "What do you mean by that?"

"You'll zee," said Torrid. The group soon arrived at a large gate. It was surrounded by black brick walls and had ivy growing on them. The gates opened and the group entered what appeared to be a small village. "Welcome to our home village," said Torrid. The other strange pegasus all gave some glances at them. Especially Discord and Twilight.

*************

"What's with the creepy stares?," asked Discord.

"Well we don't get many alicornz or Equestrianz around," replied Torrid. "And we all don't very much want any dracunaquuzez here. So get used to it."

They soon approached a tall castle. It had red and black bricks and tall windows. The tips of the towers were on fire! When they entered more creepy stares came in.

"It's like that time we arrived at Starlight's village," whispered Rainbow Dash. "Only these guys have spears and weapons on them."

"I don't like this," whispered Fluttershy. "What if they hurt us?! What if-."

"Don't you worry my dear," said Discord. "If any of these losers hurt you, I'll take care of them." He really despised them. Especially their little leader. But he also didn't want a clan war. Soon they entered a large room and the group was left alone with Torrid.

"Um, Torrid," said Twilight. "What are you if you don't mind me asking."

"Not at all mate," said Torrid. "We're known as Phoenix Pegasi. One of the many creaturez in the Outlandz. Now ya said ya wanted the Reviving Seed right?" She then opened a big map showing all of Outlands.

"Ze Seed is known to be at the edge of the Outlandz," said Torrid. "Ze journey is very dangerouz so you must be careful. And be sure to stay away from those pesky Icecornz."

"Wait you despised them?," asked Twilight. "Don't you guys get along. You know, use the power of friendship."

Torrid burst out laughing. "Ya really think we use the magic of friendship here? Listen kid, I'm telling ya one thing and it's this. The word friendship or harmony ain't exist here. Ya can't trust no one. All they want is the gold and power. And don't think King Adder is all good. He's worse. So ya stay away. One thing's for certain, he ain't like Equestrians. So stay clear out of him."

"But you said we couldn't trust anyone," said Twilight. "So why should we trust you?"

"Let's just say, I'm ze only one not in for ze power and gold," said Torrid. "All I just want is to a-stay all out of trouble ya hear. Willin' to help just to know whether zer's anyone I can trust. Ya see, out here, it's everyone for themselves. Tell ya one thing, would really love to see Equestria plus experience friendship."

"But why can't you all just get along?," asked Twilight.

"I told you swanee," said Torrid. "All want power and gold. Even can't trust your own kingdom mates. So y'all might want to do me some favor and, take me to yer land? Promise won't do any damage."

"But if you really want to go why don't you go yourself?," asked Twilight.

"Would've done it by now," said Torrid. "Can't do it. I go so well everyone else. And they ain't your friendly neighbor who bring ya fresh cookies every morning. They want ze gold, ze power."

"We'll do what we can," said Twilight. "But, could we take the map just so we don't get lost."

"Sure thing mate," said Torrid. "Just make sure ya bring it back ya hear?"

"Understood," said Twilight, taking the map. As the group left Torrid said, "Oh and one more thing. Good luck. Y'all need it."

***************
"Finally," said Discord in relief after they had exited the village. "I'm glad we're out of that place. Talk about hostility. Am I right."

Twilight just sat down and opened the map. The Outlands were way bigger than Equestria. And way dangerous based on what Torrid had said. 

"C'mon," said Twilight, pointing Northwest. "Let's head this way."