//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: The Dangers of the Forest // Story: The Keepers of The Balance // by Steven1992 //------------------------------//  A Precarious Situation After Sarius left, the two mares left behind stayed there in awkward silence for several minutes. The silence was broken when Dusty came out of the mansion and over to Luna and Fluttershy. “Um, do you two mind moving this awkwardness into the mansion, where it’s potentially less cold?” She asked somewhat nervously. Whatever feelings of fear she had from both Luna and Fluttershy being here, was gone the moment Sarius shouted at these two. The two mares just stared at her, Fluttershy’s stare had more meaning behind it while Luna’s was blank. Without a word the three mares walked into the mansion and situated themselves in the large dining area. Luna and Fluttershy sat on opposite ends of the room. Dusty sighed to herself. Dusty being the former queen Chrysalis of the changelings she could tell there were complications here, and not just love complications. Dusty decided to talk to the two mares to try and help remedy this. ”These two certainly have it bad right now.” She thought in her echoey tone. She walked to Fluttershy first, since she felt more comfortable with her than Luna. Fluttershy was sitting in a chair with her head resting on the table. Fluttershy seemed to be quite down, possibly from Sarius yelling at her. “Hey Fluttershy. Is everything okay?” Dusty asked feeling like she wanted punch herself hard for asking a stupid question. ”Of course everything’s not okay! She’s obviously feeling bad right now!” She yelled to herself in her head. Fluttershy sighed. “Not really. I just-” She paused for a second. “I never thought I would anger Sarius so much to the point he would yell at me.” She started moving her hoof in a circular pattern on the table for no reason. “Well, in his defense. You and Luna looked like you were about to tear each other apart. He had to stop you two somehow.” Dusty stated. Fluttershy groaned in response. “You know he wouldn’t hurt either of you or even yell at you without a good reason, right?” “I guess you have a point.” Fluttershy replied plainly. “Why should this matter to you?” Fluttershy asked. Dusty took a seat at the table. “In all honesty, it doesn’t. But Sarius helped me and gave me a chance when I thought I didn’t even deserve any of it. And I guess, I want to help him in any way I can. Right now for instance, you and Luna have feelings for the drake. But you don’t know what to do now and maybe I can help you two.” Fluttershy picked her head up and looked Dusty in the eyes. “Is this just so you can feed off the love created between the three of us, Chrysalis? Or do you really mean to help us over yourself?” Fluttershy asked seriously. Dusty’s eyes went wide. “What? Y-you know? H-How?!” She asked frantically. “Sarius told me. He also asked me to help him redeem you.” Fluttershy stated plainly. “Oh.” Dusty felt stupid for now realizing it. “He did say you would be perfect to help me in my redeemation.” “You didn’t answer my question. Please answer it.” Fluttershy said in a kind tone. Dusty looked at Fluttershy for a good minute. “I already told you. Sarius saved me, gave me a chance and is letting me stay here. All out of the goodness of his heart and I want to at least try to repay that kindness. In any way I possibly can.” Fluttershy was somewhat unfazed from this. “And again right now, there’s a problem between you, Luna and Sarius that needs to be taken care of right now. It’s true that the love between you three can feed me and sustain me for a long time, but it’s not my goal at all.” Fluttershy then smiled brightly. “Alright. You just erased any doubts I had about you. Just tell me what I need to do to fix the problem that’s been caused.” “Surely Sarius has already told you two. You two have to be willing to decide unanimously and respect Sarius’ decision when he makes one. But most importantly, neither of you should hate the other or Sarius.” Dusty said with certainty in her voice. “Oh.” Fluttershy was somewhat disappointed. “I was honestly expecting it to be… I don't know…. Requires more effort.” Dusty shook her head. “Nope. It’s that simple but it’s not easy either.” Fluttershy nodded. “I know. But as long as Sarius is happy.” She smiled even though there was sadness to be seen in her expression. “I’m happy.” Dusty smiled. “And I’m sure that’s all Sarius would want to. I’m certain the last thing he wants is to hurt either of you. Though you two will have to help him. Choosing between the two of you will be very difficult for him, especially when he could end up breaking the heart of one of you.” Fluttershy sighed. “I know. I’ll just need to prepare myself for it, that’s all.” Fluttershy then looked at Luna who was silently watching from the other side of the room. “Now go talk to her as well. And make sure she doesn’t find out you're Chrysalis. I assume Princess Luna will be far less forgiving to you after hearing what you did to her sister and niece at the wedding.” Dusty gulped and shivered slightly from Luna’s gaze. “Yeah, I know. Don’t remind me.” Dusty got up and started walking over to Luna, every step seemingly getting heavier. “Your highness.” Dusty said, trying to sound respectful. “I assume you want to give me a lecture as well?” Luna asked without losing her demeanor. “Um, yes. Unless you prefer I don’t.” Dusty said, trying not to stutter. Luna simply sighed. “I don’t think it will be necessary, my little pony. I overheard part of what you said to Fluttershy.” Luna said. Dusty’s eyes went wide and her blood almost went cold when Luna mentioned overhearing the conversation with Fluttershy. “U-uh. H-how much d-did you overhear, your highness?” Dusty asked, getting frantic. Luna looked at Dusty with a cocked eyebrow. “The part where it’s Sarius’ choice and we both will have to respect it. As well as not hating the other.” Luna leaned in closer to look at Dusty more closely. “Why do you ask? Is there something you prefer I didn’t find out?” Luna asked, confused. Dusty was sweating, but started calming down when Luna said nothing about her being Chrysalis, but she was still quite frantic. “No No. There’s nothing I’m keeping from you, your highness. What could I possibly have to hide? I’m just a regular unicorn who is tending to Sarius’ home for him.” Dusty was internally screaming at herself for being stupid. Luna narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Dusty felt like she blew her cover and was prepared for the worst. But Luna simply backed away from Dusty having a regular expression. “I suppose you have a point. Though now I’m realizing you never told me your name.” “Oh.” Dusty felt like face hoofing herself right now, but was mostly calming down knowing her cover wasn’t blown. “I’m Dusty Homage.” “Dusty, I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you Dusty.” Luna smiled. Dusty’s heart was racing a mile a second as she was trying her best to slow it down. “So, you know what needs to be done, your highness?” Dusty asked, looking for confirmation. Luna nodded. “More or less.” Dusty sighed in relief. “Though I must ask what do you mean by the love between the three of us can sustain you.” Dusty’s heart rate picked right back up again as she was internally screaming even more. “W-w-well. I-I-I was referring to being-” Dusty was trying to think of something to say that wouldn’t raise suspicion. Luna started eyeing her confused. Then an idea hit her in time. “I was referring to being happy when the three of you work things out and everything turns out for the better. Cause I too want you three to be happy.” Dusty hoped to whatever gods that were present, Luna would buy it. A moment of silence that felt like a whole year to Dusty was broken when Luna smiled. “I see. That’s good to hear. Since you’re the caretaker of this home, you would want nothing more than for the owner to be happy. It makes sense.” Dusty wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but held off on it for fear Luna might ask another frightening question. “Is there… anything else you wanted to ask me?” Dusty asked hoping the answer was no. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. “Yes. How did Sarius find you and where?” Luna asked. Luckily it wasn’t a question that could endanger Dusty’s secret. “Oh. He found me alone in an abandoned shack on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. I was barely able to survive, just eating off the fruits of the nearby land.” Dusty answered knowing it was all true. “Were they apples?” Asked Fluttershy who decided to walk over. Dusty jumped a bit at the sound of Fluttershy’s voice but instantly was beginning to calm down. “Y-yes. I do believe they were.” “Oh. Well I would recommend not telling Applejack you ate the apples from her farm.” Fluttershy jokes. Dusty got concerned. “Is there a punishment for that?” Dusty asked somewhat, not wanting to know the answer. Fluttershy shook her head. “No, but Applejack takes tending to the farm very seriously. If she found out the reason for fewer apples recently, she wouldn’t be happy.” Fluttershy stated. Dusty chuckled nervously. “Well, let’s hope Applejack doesn’t find out then.” “Ah don’t find out what?” Asked a husky female country voice. Dusty’s eyes opened wide once again as she, along with Luna and Fluttershy, looked to the door leading out the back of the mansion. Applejack was standing right in the doorway. Dusty doesn’t know how much more of this she can take. Her heart rate since she started talking to Luna was at an all time high. “Nothing really, Applejack. We were just talking about you.” Fluttershy said, trying to defuse the situation before it got out of hoof. “If ya say so.” Applejack said not really pleased with that answer. Behind Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie pie came through the doors. “Hi Everypony!” Pinkie shouted as she entered. When Pinkie caught sight of Dusty she let out a loud gasp and moved towards Dusty so fast she was a blur. Pinkie took her hoof and started shaking it really fast. “OH MY GOSH! This is the most amazing, interesting and spectacular thing to ever happen. There’s another new face in Ponyville which means another party. This is a real good doozy, I never thought I would throw two parties within such a short time.” Pinkie let go of Dusty’s hoof as Dusty was trying her best to not scream from a combination of terror, panic and the sheer desire to just scream. “Have you met Sarius? No, that’s a silly question to ask, I mean you’re here in his home so of course you met and know him. This is all so amazing. Tell me who you are, where did you come from, what’s your favorite thing and if you have more, tell me them all in order from least to most, and most importantly-” Pinkie was caught off by Applejack closing her mouth and pulling her back a bit. “Now now Pinkie. Ah know yar excited, we all are. But you’re scaring the poor mare. Take it easy will ya?” Pinkie, in some unexplainable way, instantly calmed down but still had a smile. “Okie Dokie.” “She’s certainly a hoof-full, wouldn’t you agree darling?” Rarity asked Dusty, trying to be casual. “You could say that, I guess.” Dusty replied halfheartedly, mostly from everything happening right now. Rarity then took a good look at Dusty which made the latter a bit more nervous. “I must say though. The color of your mane and fur are quite unique, my dear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pony with a green mane and tail before.” Rarity smiled. “I will say, this might give me some ideas for a design.” “Oh, well…. Thanks?” Dusty asked confused on whether or not what Rarity said was a compliment or just an obvious observation. “Don’t worry, I’m not being rude. I’m just saying you are very unique, my dear. Possibly in more ways than one.” Rarity said with gusto. Fluttershy stepped forward wanting to help get some of the attention off of Dusty. “So Aj, what brings you here? I am also curious as to what Pinkie Pie and Rarity are doing here as well. As far as I’m aware we didn't have a social gathering today.” “Ah know. Believe it or not, Ah came here to see Sarius and talk to him about something a bit important. And apparently Rarity was doing the same thing.” Applejack answered. “And I’m just here cause everypony else was coming.” Pinkie smiled. “Oh, you and Rarity wanted to talk to Sarius. What about?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “Well, it has something to do with Applebloom.” Applejack said. “Sweetie Belle for me.” Rarity added. “Really? What could your sisters have to do with Sarius?” Fluttershy asked, concerned. “Ah noticed that Applebloom has been… getting behind on things. Like farm work, school work and sometimes just being in a daydream. And it’s been happening since Ah introduced her to Sarius.” Applejack said. “Same here. Sweetie Belle has been trying to read some of my romance novels as well as lacking in school work and daydreaming as well.” Rarity added again. “Oh dear.” Fluttershy muttered her breath. “Wait, do you two think that Sarius had done something to them?” Fluttershy asked worriedly. Applejack waved a hoof. “No, of course not. I know Sarius isn’t the kind of drake that would do this. I just wanted to ask him if he knew anything about this.” Applejack said with reassurance. “Ditto.” Rarity agreed. “I believe I might know what’s happening with those two.” Luna spoke up, seemingly catching a few of the ponies present by surprise. “P-Princess Luna? I had no idea you were here.” Applejack bowed in an apologetic manner. Rarity did the same. Luna shook her head. “There’s no need to bow. I’m here for a.. Casual visit.” Luna hesitated a bit knowing her visit wasn’t causal at all. “Anyway, regarding your younger sisters. They both had a single dream about them and Sarius together.” Applejack shook her head while Rarity just blushed a bit. “I do believe these two have a… What was the word my sister used?” She tapped her chin for a minute. Her eyes then brightened up as she remembered. “A Crush. Yes, they have a crush on Sarius.” “Just a crush, huh? That’s not as bad as I thought.” Applejack sighed in relief. “Gracious. I had no idea my little sister actually took after me.” Rarity mused. “Are you sure it’s just a crush, your highness?” Fluttershy asked, wanting to make sure. Luna nodded. “I’m sure. I’ve seen this before.” “Well as long as it’s just a crush, it’s easily fixable, right?” Applejack asked. Luna and Fluttershy nodded. “It should be, but don’t forget that even though we don’t see it as a big deal, we shouldn’t expect them to as well.” Fluttershy said, trying to make sure everypony understood. Suddenly, the doors were slammed open by a panicked Rainbow Dash. “YO GIRLS!! We got a serious problem!!” All eyes turned to her. “What do ya mean, Rainbow? What’s the emergency?” Applejack asked worriedly. “I was following Scootaloo, she met up with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle at their clubhouse. They then ran off into the Everfree Forest together.” Rainbow said, still panicked. A collective gasp was heard from all the ponies present and eyes widened in shock and horror. Meanwhile, the CMC were walking on a path in the forest for about 15 minutes. Sweetie Belle was getting nervous and concerned. Applebloom seemed centric on following an invisible path to all but herself. Scootaloo was getting a bit impatient. “Hey girls, are either of you getting a bad feeling right now?” Applebloom and Scootaloo were silent. “Because I am.” Sweetie muttered to herself. “How much longer Applebloom? I thought you said you knew the path.” Scootaloo asked. “I don’t know and I do. Something’s just not right.” Applebloom said, not sounding sure of herself. Applebloom suddenly stopped. “Hey what gives?” Scootaloo asked, a bit annoyed. “Everything okay Applebloom?” Sweetie added concern. “I think…. We’re lost.” Applebloom said definitely. Scootaloo eyes widen. “WHAT!” She shouted. “Oh boy.” Sweetie uttered, not entirely surprised. Scootaloo was a little angry. “I thought you said you knew the way?” Applebloom was getting nervous. “I just said I do. But it’s only the path from Ponyville to Zerora. We came in from the farm, I was hoping when we would find that path.” Applebloom said mildly frantic. Scootaloo groaned but calmed down trying to not be mad at Applebloom. “Okay, let’s just think about this for a minute.” Scootaloo placed a hoof on her head, thinking. “So we came from that way-” She pointed down the path. “-and that’s where the farm is.” “Uh huh.” Applebloom agreed. “And Zerora’s should be somewhere that way right?” She pointed the opposite way. “Yeah it should be.” Applebloom said not really sure. Sweetie Belle wasn’t liking where this was going. “So we just keep going that way.” Scootaloo said, sounding sure of herself. “Or we can turn around and leave while we can,” Sweetie Belle suggested. Applebloom looked at her, like she was considering that option. Scootaloo however wasn’t listening. “Nah. If we just keep heading that way, I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Scootaloo said completely ignorant of her friend's concern and worry. Scootaloo continued marching down the path with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle trailing behind. Applejack was straining to charge into the forest but was being held back by Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy. Rainbow was holding her tail, Rarity was using her magic to hold her back, while Fluttershy was standing in front of her trying to talk sense into her. “Let me go!! I gotta save my little sister!” Applejack yelled out of sheer fear and concern for Applebloom and the other CMC members. “We know AJ! But you can’t just run off into the forest by yourself. It’s suicude.” Rainbow yelled trying to get through Applejack’s thick skull. “She’s right darling. We must wait for Twilight to come up with a plan. If we act hastily, we’ll put not only the fillies in more danger but us as well.” Rarity said through strained teeth. Applejack was certainly strong enough to make it difficult for Rainbow and Rarity to hold her back. Luna was still present watching this happen. “Applejack, I highly suggest you calm yourself now. If these three aren’t enough to stop you, I will. And you know I can stop you, so make it easier on both of us.” Luna warned. Applejack stopped struggling as Luna’s warning managed to drain her strength. “I know, but y'all can’t expect me to just stand here and do nothing.” Applejack retorted. “Calm yourself and think Applejack.” Fluttershy said in as calm and gentle of a voice as possible. “Do you feel any sense of foreboding? This also goes for you two Rarity and Rainbow.” Fluttershy asked. Rainbow was breathing a bit hard from the struggle. “I don’t feel anything except being tired from holding her back.” Rarity tapped her chin. “I feel deeply concerned about the filles but nothing else really.” Rarity confirmed. Fluttershy looked at Applejack. “And you?” Applejack just looked at her. After a minute of silence from Applejack hopefully thinking, she finally said something. “I don’t feel any ‘forebodying’ or what you call it. I’m just a bit mad and concerned.” She said with honesty. “See. If any of you felt a bit of foreboding, you would know. And as long as none of us feel that, I’m certain the CMC are fine. In fact-” Fluttershy held her chest with her hoof. “-I believe they are quite safe.” Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow looked at Fluttershy confused. “What do you mean, Darling? What makes you so sure?” Rarity asked. “I feel like, somepony is watching them and keeping them safe. Or more precisely-” She smiled. “Somedrake.” Fluttershy corrected. “Sarius?” Applejack asked. “Ya think he’s watching them?” Fluttershy shook her head. “I don’t think so. I know.” She looked at Luna. “What about you? You feel it too?” Fluttershy asked, both now knowing they have affections for a shared individual. Luna nodded. “I do. As much as you three won’t believe Fluttershy and I, the fillies are safe.” “Well it would explain why you two are so calm right now.” Rainbow pointed out. “We’re back!” Yelled Pinkie as she was bouncing towards the group with Twilight and Spike in tow. “Twilight! Tell us ya got a plan.” Applejack asked. “I do. So let’s not waste any time.” Twilight said as the Mane Six were gathered with Spike and Luna tagging along. Everypony but Luna then headed into the forest together. Luna looked to Dusty who was standing outside the door. “You coming?” Luna asked. Dusty shook her head. “No, I think I’ll hold down the fort, so to speak for you all.” “Very well then.” Luna, satisfied with the answer, ran after the others in the forest quickly catching up, until Dusty was alone finally. Dusty breathed a long sigh of relief. “At least I finally get a minute to myself now.” Dusty said to herself. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom are still making their way deeper into the forest slowly. Sweetie’s nervous and frantic feelings were high now, Applebloom was starting to be concerned and worried, while Scootaloo was losing the determination she had earlier. They were drawing close to a small covered clearing. Applebloom decided to speak up. “Hey, Scootaloo. Maybe we should stop and go back like Sweetie Belle suggested?” “Nah. I’m sure we’re fine. Let’s just-” Scootaloo paused. “-keep going, maybe we’ll get lucky?” She said unsure of herself now. “Come on, Scootaloo. Let’s just turn around and leave the way we came. Before it’s too late.” Sweetie said thinking to herself it was too late. “The Everfree is a dangerous place. That’s what everypony keeps telling us, remember?” “I know.” Scootaloo said somewhat annoyed Sweetie thought she forgot. “But in all seriousness. While it’s unclear how far in the forest we are, but if this place really was dangerous-” Sweetie and Applebloom’s eyes widened from the realization Scootaloo was about to say the worst thing ever. “No. Don’t finish that sentence Scootaloo…” Applebloom warned. Scootaloo however, ignored it. “-Then something dangerous would have already attacked us by now.” She finished completely ignorant of what she said. “By Celestia, you’ve done it now.” Sweetie said with utter fear. On cue, low growling could be heard across the clearing. Not just one growl but multiple were heard almost as if it was coming from everywhere. Then a single figure made of wood appeared through the trees and grass followed by more. Wood figures that resemble wolves, with sharp bark for teeth and claws and eyes that glowed a deep dark green. The CMC slowly started to back away, but the wooden wolves matched their two steps with one. “Of all the things, Timberwolves.” Applebloom muttered. One in the front reeled on his hind legs and howled. A couple of the other wolves then growled and barked as they charged forward. The CMC then huddled together and closed their eyes as the wolves leaped into the air at them, accepting their fate. Suddenly a strong gust of wind was heard as the sound of wolves yelping and falling was heard and was soon followed by another growl behind the CMC. But this growl was deeper, a bit more angry and far more primal. The CMC opened their eyes one by one and saw the timberwolves weren’t staring at them but something standing over them. If the CMC saw what the wolves were seeing, they would see a tall and long, red and silver dragon with blue wing webbing, standing in a defensive posture over them. Wings spread out, teeth fully bared with bright flames dancing in the maw as a form of intimidation. Glowing blue angry narrowed eyes staring back at the timberwolves with the intent of killing. No words were needed to be exchanged, for what was about to happen next was all too clear. A battle was about to start and it wouldn’t be a pleasant sight in the least.