//------------------------------//
// Discords Game part 1 
// Story: One Way Trip 
// by SoulSpirit 
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I started toward the Everfree Forest, but indirectly. To make sure no one was following me, I took every twist and turn, every alleyway I could find until I felt like I was clear. To make sure I wasn’t lost, though, I stopped at the edge of town and asked a random pony to point me in the right direction. I thanked the gray, cross-eyed mare before continuing. After about five minutes, I stopped to survey the grassland and sky behind me. Can’t be too sure I’m not being followed, I thought, recalling the rules of Discords game. Again, I’m not looking forward to the possible prank reward, but I can’t test how I can handle myself alone if I’m not alone. I went over the objectives in my head one more time.

So what do I have to do again? Right! I have to find a Poison Joke made of sapphire. After harvesting it, I have to look for some old castle ruins. Upon finding the ruins, Discord said I’d have to explore them and that I’ll know what to do then.

Seemed simple enough. Except I didn’t know anything about the layout or much about the creatures of the forest, seeing that I’ve never been there before. I concluded it was  best to avoid anything suspicious along with all wild life. Before setting up a camp, I’ll have to check for environmental hazards, signs of territorial marks, and I’ll be required to be a very light sleeper. Hopefully I won’t have to stay overnight, but I doubt I’ll beat Discords game before night fall, because it’s noon right now.

I was at the edge of the forest, and there were so many trees.  The only difference between this forest and a jungle is only the size. I turned around and checked one last time for any unwanted followers. Once I was convinced I wasn’t being followed, I entered the forest.

I didn’t bother to mention it earlier, mostly to avoid having an episode consisting of a breakout of insanity, but I noticed that everywhere I went ponies controlled every aspect of nature, including weather. Fucking weather. As I looked around the forest, I noticed that it was the only place I’ve seen where nature controls itself. It just seems right to me for it to be this way. I tripped over some vines on the ground and caught myself on a nearby tree. I got back on all four hoofs and noticed something different about that tree that caught my eye. Scratch marks. I noted. Great, I’m already on claimed territory. I took a closer examination of the scratches. They aren't very wide, and out of the names Spike mentioned, I’d have to say Timber Wolf. A Manticor sounds like a name for a much bigger creature. Though finding something like this is to be expected. No, what worried me  was how deep the caw marks went. I’d have to say it was about an inch deep. If I run into a pack of Timber Wolves, I might be in some trouble.

I snapped out of my thoughts. I had to get moving. Maybe I should look for the ruins first. I thought. I could find an area there to use as shelter from the start, and I probably won’t have to worry as much about environmental hazards, or even weather for that matter. Alright, that’s what I’ll do. But first, I’ll need a vantage point to see where I’m going. I searched as well as I could until I came across a rather tall tree. When I was practicing teleportation, I didn’t think of practicing teleporting onto a tree branch. It was really stupid that I didn’t, seeing how it is that I was practicing inside a god damn fucking tree! Well, now’s better than later I guess. After having second thoughts, I realized that I don’t know how I would stand on a branch having four hoofs. That, and I probably wouldn’t have the balance needed to do so anyway. I gave up on the idea completely after realizing that I couldn’t climb and carried on. Every now and then I would stop to listen just to check for any predators that might be stalking nearby.

“Thank God!” I cried. It took a while, but I found a trail. It wasn’t  exactly what I was looking for, but it was a gleaming shimmer of hope in my eyes. The trail took me to a clearing where I decided to stop. The trail continued on, but I could already see the moon coming up. I have to make camp now. It was a good run though.

I emptied my left saddlebag of its wood I got from Apple Jacks farm and made a small pile in the middle of the clearing. If I were attacked, I would see it coming. As I went around the perimeter of the clearing, checking for any threats, I collectd decent-sized rocks with my magic.

When I got back to the wood pile, I surrounded the wood with the rocks. I had a theory. If I make the heating spell intense enough, it might start a fire. I had no clue if this was going to work because I didn’t do any research on it, but I was going to need it. I started working up the heat spell. I kept increasing the strength of the spell, but it was starting to cause symptoms of exhaustion. I kept it up as I felt waves of heat emanating from the target. Come on…….. YES! A small flame started at the center and then engulfed the rest of the wood. My vision went black as a feeling of dizziness consumed me and I stumbled to the ground. My vision was restored after a few seconds and I regained focus. Better look into fire magic. I told myself.

I then heard the howls of the Timber Wolves. As if on cue, I gazed to the moon. Fantastically beautiful! Better head to sleep, only few hours left for such a luxury. With that, I laid down, crossed my forhoofs, rested my chin on them, shut my eyes, and drifted into the sweet bliss of relaxation.




I woke up early the next morning to the sound of my stomach. Fucking hell, I was in such a hurry I forget about food. Who the fuck forgets to pack food when thinking of essentials? Too late now, I already started the game. The way I see it, I have only three options now. I can’t afford to forfeit the game now, and only a dumbass would start running around attempting to eat unknown vegetation in a hostile forest. So I went with the only option left, to continue on and hope my stomach’s sounds don’t get me detected by predators.
I got up onto all fours, then realized I forgot to take off my saddlebags last night. Good thing I didn’t ruin them by tossing and turning  in my sleep, or otherwise I might have ruined them. I took a few minutes to jog my memory on which way I came from. Definitely don’t want to go back the way I came.

After determining which direction to follow the path, I set off. I wanted to keep a fair pace to make it in a timely manner, though I still have no certainty that this is the right way in the first place. As I continued walking along the rock covered path, I heard something from behind me. I stopped and listened. I heard breathing.

It can only be one of two things, and it better not be the one that’s sapient. Of course by sapient, I’m referring to ponies. If I got followed, I lose Discords game. Even though he’s stone right now, doesn’t mean he’s completely powerless. No telling what the punishment could be if I broke the rules. Hoping that it’s nothing too terrible hiding back there, I turned around to investigate with a teleportation spell ready. Before I could proceed any further than two yards, a strange creature, accompanied by five others just like it, came out of the many shrubs and bushes on the sides of the trail. It’s a good thing that the trail’s so wide, like about ten feet or so, or otherwise it would be very crowded here. It seems as though they were studying me before doing anything. I took the chance to do the same.

With careful examination, three things became painfully apparent to me. First, they were made of wood. Two, they looked like wolves, to put it bluntly. The last thing is what made me extremely cautious. Blood stained claws. I noted. Must be the Timber Wolves Spike mentioned. I’m going to need to make full use of the teleportation spell. “Looking for a meal? Well I’m no easy pray. Come on!” They started circling around me as I made my taunt.

An idea came to me, but it’ll be risky. I backed up to nearby tree and said, “Hungry? Then come and get me mother fuckers.” That seemed to have done the trick. The two closest to me made a lunge for me. I waited till they reached the highest point of their jump before grabbing one with a levitation spell and ramming it into the other that was flying at me. Due to the impact of collision, the one I grabbed had injuries including a broken leg and a snapped neck, killing it. The one that I slammed the first into, due to the impact of landing and being smashed, shattered into splinters, obviously killing it.

“Still want me?” I asked. As if to answer, the remaining three started to retreat. I sighed in relief. Not only did I survive, but I also learned that I can kill them. I walked over to the corpse of the Timber Wolf that didn’t shatter, used my magi to hold up it’s paws, and began ripping off it’s claws. Placing the claws into the empty saddle bag hanging on my left, I thought I could use them as weapons in the next fight. That is, if there is a next fight. For my own safety, I can’t take any chances. I survived this time, but that doesn’t mean I will the next.

I continued down the path. Along the way, I stepped in a small patch of some weird looking flowers. When that happened, I had to find a hiding spot and stay there for half an hour being the size of a walnut. What did I learn? I learned what Discords favorit plant, poison joke, looked like. So I have to find one made of sapphire? Well fuck me! Without careful inspection, they all looked like they fit the description.

Wait, Discord, as he is now, definitely doesn’t have the power to conjure or great anything while in his stone state. If he isn’t just sending me on some wild goose chase, the sapphire poison joke had to be hidden somewhere safe, somewhere difficult to access. I have a theory, and it’s only so damn good because it’s you. I reasoned to myself. But before anything, I need to reach the castle ruins first.

I picked up my pace, but I didn’t break into a sprint. Last thing I need is to crash head first at top speed into another pack of Timber Wolves or any other monster for that matter.

The path eventually brought me near a river. Good thing too, because since I had no food, water is a must. I went over to the river bank and, because I didn’t have the luxury of a cup or know any water magic, bent over in order to lap up whatever water I could. I could taste every bit of dirt that the water carried with it, but I ignored it. I can’t afford to pass up any opportunities for water. It wouldn’t do any god to collapse while in the forest.

Now, after I finished helping myself to the available water, I traded onward following the trail. Only to stop after a yards distance though. “Well, there you are you fucking god damn pain in the ass.” The castle sat on the cliff just opposite of mine. I turned my gaze downward, just a little, and noticed that the only way across was an old bridge. That would be convenient, if it weren't missing some of the wood planks that were meant to be walked on. I returned my attention to the other side. Just by looking, I can just barely tell that the other side was out of rang for my teleportation spell. 

I reexamined the bridge. I might be able to use it. I started to walk across it, but I got scared a little for a moment when the bridge started to sway. I recomposed myself and continued. Every so often my hoof would break through one of the planks, causing me to panic a little. This process continued to repeat until I made it across. 

One across, I looked back at the bridge. I had broken most of the planks, but to be fair they do seem pretty old. Fuck me! I was going to have to figure out something when I leave to get back across.

I looked up at the sky to check the sun. I’m no expert at telling the time using either the sun or the moon, but anyone who can see it right now would know it’s dusk already. I sprinted the rest of the way to the castle ruins.

I stopped just yards from the front door. I can already tell that I wouldn’t have time to explore tonight. I entered the front door, surprised that it lead directly into what I had to say would b the throne room. That would be a major weakness in security. I thought.

This room was so damn big, bigger than the throne room in Canterlot castle. Looking up, I saw holes in the ceiling. Great, I can check if it’s morning without having to step outside. The floor was made of stone, but there was a nice carpet to sleep on. No need for a fire tonight. Thinking that, I disposed of the remaining wood from my saddle bags. 

Upon returning, I removed the saddle bags, set them off to the side, laid down, and went to sleep.





My eyes snapped open. Not because the sun was up, not because I had to take a piss, not because it got cold, but something worse. “Great, more of you of you assholes.” I followed my greeting with the preparation of my horn for the incoming onslaught of Timber Wolves. I had to take a quick note of my surroundings as they slowly crept their way in the throne room. Sine I don’t know any offensive or defensive spells, my options were very limited. All I can do is run, dodge, or teleport.

I let my guard down. A Timber Wolf tackled me down from the side, tripping me over my saddle bags. I threw the fucker off me. I cotived some of the gas contents spill onto the floor. Perfect! I levitated the collected wooden claws over to me, orbiting them around me. Now, I have projectiles. They weren’t really projectiles. I would be holding them in my magic the whole time until they met their target, then just let them go. I looked around the room, then executed the teleportation spell, taking me to a corner of the room. I levitated the claws to y front and took aim. These assholes think they have me cornered. I thought. “Come on, Tinder bitches. Let me see what you got.” After I was done taunting, I made a quick head count. Nine?!?!?!?! 

Five of them took position to prevent me from running while the remaining four took up offensive positions. They know some strategies, I’ll give them that.

The closer two of the four leaped into the air towards me. I grasped them both by the head with my magi and, after smashing their heads together, I launched the corpses at the other two. One of the corpse's hit their target,  exploding both target and projectile into another but sticks, twigs, and splinters upon impact. Unfortunately, my second target dogged out of the way, but I’m not letting him get away. While he was still in the air, I sent five five claws his way. I was able to see where each one made its mark. One along the side, one stuck in it’s leg,  another stuck in its snout, and the fourth dug into its eye, half blinding it. The last claw must have missed. Whimpering, it landed on its side on the floor in front of me. It’s head looked up at me. I can see the misery in it’s good eye as it realized that it lost the greatest battle there ever could be. The battle for survival. I witnessed it’s good eye fade to a dull gray as fell limp, dead.

Thank god wood doesn’t bleed, or this would be rather messy.

The remaining wolves started their advance with claws and fangs sharpened and ready to strike. I just stood there as I realized that I was heavily out matched as I noticed more Timber Wolves come in from outside. Yet all I could do was stand there and wait to be striked down. This is it, I’m going to die. Here and now. I closed my now teary eyes and collapsed onto my knees, awaiting death himself to come claim me. 

Not like anyone really knew me in this world, except for an exempt few. Even then, I had nothing to contribute. I welcome my end.

I can hear a few Timber Wolves get closer as they jumped through the air. Then, it seemed as if time itself, and everything with it, went on pause. I could feel something, even hear it say something.

You think your done here? Not a chance! Just give in to me, and I shall give you the will you need to continue, I shall give you power you need, I shall give you the chance you deserve to make yourself something to this would! All you need to do is give in. 

I obeyed. With time flowing as it should again, the Timber Wolves lunges continued to draw them nearer. The voice I heard was dark, deep, full of hatred, but sounded familiar. A wave of black and purple magic erupted from my horn, sending all Timber Wolves flying and crashing into walls. I gave in, I gave up control. Conjured weapons of all the sorts surrounded my body. A flail, a sword, daggers, a mace, and even staffs. They were sent after the wolves. The wolves tried to run away, but magic barriers blocked all exits. It was a massacre. Chunks of wood went flying everywhere. I couldn’t remember anything more after that.




I woke up much later with a head splitting headache. What the fuck happened? I wondered, picking myself up to all fours. Something about my magic being black and purple?  I check by levitating some nearby wood. Nope, still white. Must have been a dream. I should start exploring the castle anyway the sooner I’m done here, the sooner I can go back to Canterlot and possibly get some food too. I took a step towards a hallway entrance just to end up wincing. “What the Fuck?” I looked down at my front left leg to see some blood running down it. “God damn, no healing magic.”

I pressed on, limping. I didn’t know any healing spells, I had no medical supplies, and if I went back to Ponyville, I loose, and I’m too far into the game to quit now. I couldn’t do anything but press on.

I limped over to my saddle bags and, using my magic, secured them on my back. Luckily for me, none of the straps went over the cut on my leg. I have no clue when the got me. What the hell. 

I continued to the hallway I started for before I noticed my injury. For the first six minutes or so, I left a small trail of blood behind me. What a pain, literally. I chuckled. Stopping at a three way intersection I started to feel light headed, possible due to blood loss. I needed to rest for a bit. I sat down, leaning back against the wall. I felt my back push something into the wall. I felt a slight tremor before seeing my surroundings turn around me.

There I was, finally motionless, sitting there in astonishment. I stood up and began to look around, still limping. Beds with curtains, cabinets with pill bottles, medical charts, must be a medical ward. I’m in luck for once. I searched the room for anything of use. I looked as hard as I could, but still didn’t find much. But there was some things I found that I needed though. Just some bandages and medical tape. Better luck next time. I joked sarcastically. I used the the bandages and tape immediately on my leg, hoping I would recover quicker. I went over to one of the beds that still looked decent for a rest. I still have a few hours of sleep to make up for anyway.