Chapter Two
King Sombra woke up early and flew into the Everfree forest, he needed to see where Pazazz had tumbled.
The King ventured far into the forest and soon saw a curious sight, a group of Timberwolves were snarling and whining because they were stuck in the thick mud.
“Hmm, however did you get yourselves into that predicament? No matter, you will be relocated, since this area is not for you.”
The King teleported the timberwolves to an uninhabited part of the forest and watched them break off to explore their new home.
The King continued on his search and saw many hoof prints. This must have been where the trio ran to when the storm threw their sense of direction so far off.
As he wodnered, King Sombra almost fell down the same hill that Pazazz had. He corrected himself, then flew and landed gracefully on the ground. There were many hoof prints and a bit of dried blood here and there. He opened the map he was carrying and carefully marked it with the potentially treacherous slope. He would update his other map later, once he was home.
After further exploring, Sombra found the cave his son had mentioned. It wasn’t all that far from his own Castle. Sombra was satisfied knowing what happened to the youths the other day. With his task complete, he flew back to his Castle.
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Once home, King Sombra levitated a diorama he had been working on of the Everfree Forest. He added the hill and cave he had found, thanks to his sons adventures. ShadowFlair watched as his King put finishing touches to the latest diorama of the Everfree Forest, he knew the forest mattered very much to Sombra.
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Night Blaze and Glimmer left Ponyville General, both in high spirits. They entered Everfree Forest and travelled the route Night now knew so well. Night would pause every now and then, listening to the sounds. Glimmer had to suddenly break into a run after Night, when he took off galloping, seemingly at random.
“Night, slow down! what’s the rush?”
“I thought I heard a cry for help.” Night said breathlessly, heading even deeper into the Forest.
Sure enough…
“Help, help me!” a frightened pony cried, their voice strained with fear.
Night entered the clearing and saw two Timberwolves circling a hole, from which the cry for help could be heard. Night pawed at the ground before dashing at the timberwolves. They stopped their hunt, circling and dashing at Night.
Night made an energy sword appear and he slashed this at the wolves. The wolves quickly retreated when he managed to cut a chunk off of one, scaring them off. Night tracked the two timberwolves, making sure they were out of the area and unlikely to come back. His purpose was obvious by now. It felt right to him, that he was protecting others from the dangers of this wild forest.
While he drove the wolves away, Glimmer Carapace helped the dazed pony out of the hole. The shaken pony was glad to still be among the living. Glimmer assured her the wolves were gone now and escorted the dazed pony back to Ponyville.
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Night came dashing into Ponyville not long after, and he saw his father talking with Princess Starlight Glimmer.
“I am thrilled that you plan to create the Everfree Rangers, your highness. We are aware that many ponies travel through the forest and thus need to be guided to a safe area.”
Sombra bobbed his head in gratitude to the little alicorn. Next, he turned to his son, beaming widely, he is very proud of him for getting his cutie mark.
“How does it feel to have reached the next step of your future?” He asked.
Night pranced on the spot excited. “It’s amazing- I just rescued a pony that was trapped in a hole in Everfree Forest. I managed to lure the timberwolves out of the area and away while Glimmer Carapace got her out safely. It just felt like the right thing to do.”
Sombra considers this and nods, impressed with his bravery. “That took courage and quick thinking, I can see why you gained your mark! The Everfree needs a protector, both for itself and those who traverse it. It could have none finer in you.”
Starlight Glimmer gave her nod of approval. "You have demonstrated exactly what your Dad wants to establish. It could be that you are destined to be the first Ranger in Everfree.”
"I guess the detailed diorama of Everfree Forest impressed the Princess, huh dad?” Night said with a smile.
Sombra nodded.
“Yes, she was very impressed! That forest has long been the subject of many questions and myths, ever since the days of the royal sisters initial rule. Who knows, we may finally be able to put a reason to its madness!”
Princess Starlight Glimmer pranced on the spot with delight. "I am eager to see what you come up with, for making the Forest safe for any pony eager to explore it.”
Night was just as excited as she was, but his father wasn’t done yet.
“Night, how would you like the be the first of the Forest Rangers of EverFree Forest? Princess Twilight Sparkle felt that ponies need guides to get through the Forest unharmed. That would be one of the many duties as the head Ranger. Patrolling the Forest, monitoring the wildlife and watching for freak incidents like storms and fires.”
“I’d love to!”
Sombra can see his son is excited and smiles, always happy to see him in such high spirits.
“I would say this is cause for celebration, your mother will be so thrilled to hear the news!”
Night hugged his Dad, "Mom will be delighted I got my cutie mark. It appeared after I saved Pazazz during the storm, my first ever rescue.”
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Sombra smiled as they headed to Ponyville General to visit Pazazz. He can tell how fond of Pazazz the young stallion is, and they’ve shared a close bond for years.
“We will ask the cook to make up something special, anything you want! A cutie mark is worth celebrating!”
Night stood there in deep thought. "I would love to have a pizza party! Can we have it in Pazazz's Hospital Room? She is staying in a private, so nopony else will be bothered. Maybe we can hold it in the sun room?” Night was thinking about his best friend and how to cheer her up.
Pinkie Pie appeared out of thin air as was her custom and saw Night’s cutie mark.
“You need a Cutecenera party!” Then the party pony disappeared just as fast.
She soon reappeared with Princess Luna in tow. She was disoriented by the sudden relocation and appeared bemused. Poor Luna had been sleeping when the pink blur had come barrelling in.
Not stopping there, Pinkie even managed to use her party cannon in the hospital room.
“Happy Cute Cenera, Night Blaze!” The pink party mare shouted joyfully.
Dr McGrass and Nurse RedHeart were both very surprised by the randomness.
“Pinkie Pie?! How did you do that?” They asked at the same time.
King Sombra had to face-hoof as he shot them a smile.
“You will get a headache trying to understand Cotton Candy. I learned to just flow with it.”
King Sombra looked at Night’s flank and smiled at the new mark. “That is an impressive Cutie Mark you have Night.”
Princess Luna glared at Pinkie Pie.
“You could have waited to do the party later.” Luna said, rather grumpily. As her name implied, she was a night pony.
Pazazz was clapping her hooves with delight. For a moment she didn’t need to think she was in a hospital room. Pinkie’s parties had a magical way of cheering her right up.
“Please forgive Aunt Pinkie Pie, she was doing this to cheer me up. This party was just the prescription to do that.”
Princess Luna saw Bunny’s left wing and left leg in traction and winced, since that would ruin any ponies mood.
However, Pazazz soon felt lousy towards evening…