//------------------------------// // Spirit of Earth: Disturbance // Story: It's a brutal world mate... // by shattered_sky //------------------------------// “The Master wants to see you Dusk.” Pumpkin Cake told Dusk. The dark purple pony slowly turned towards her. “Are you okay?” She asked in concern Dusk nodded slowly. “Did he say why?” He wasn’t surprised. After that stunt on the radio he’d been waiting for the reprimand. He then wondered if it was about the mess Twilight did. He DID give her the information. “Well he looked serious. He called us too.” She replied as her brother swooped down. “Yeah, usually he’s jolly. You totally seem weird too Dusk.” Pound cake pointed out. Dusk slowly poured himself a steaming black beverage. Inhaling it, he smiled and took a small sip. Dusk seemed unusually calm for everpony else in the room. He gave a sigh of contentment as he dipped a piece of a muffin into his coffee. “I’m just relaxing. It’s been a rough few weeks.” Dusk easily replied as he ate his muffin. He felt like he’d been here for months. “So are you fully recovered?” Pumpkin asked. “Yeah.” He did not want to go into further detail. He still experienced migraines when overusing his magic. All of the lightning magic messed him up somehow he thought. So did getting punched by a deer who could apparently bench-press boulders. He was quickly finding himself out of his depth. “Well… That’s great then!” She cheerfully replied after an awkward silence. She sniffed the air recognizing the beverage Dusk was drinking. “Is that coffee?” “One of my clients gave me a free bag of coffee. Some businesspony headed to hoofington. I teleported him back and forth.” He explained. “Lucky you. Our little stunt on the radio is why you’re enjoying yourself.” Octavia scowled as she went up to Dusk. Dusk simply levitated a bag of bits over to her. The charcoal pony raised an eyebrow. “And thanks to you I can take it easy for a while. I’m giving you and Vinyl half. I wouldn’t get good clients without your help.” He happily explained as he poured himself another cup. Octavia’s jaw dropped at his gesture. She’d expected him to lord it over her how powerful he was or brag about the bits he’s collected. Octavia sputtered and grabbed the bits and ran. Dusk gave a wave before inhaling the scent of his coffee again. “Oh yeah! That was totally rad how you guys interrupted the broadcast! Then you and Vinyl teleported to give it to them!” Pound cake jabbed a few times at the air. “Master was had a good laugh out of that. Until a representative of the station visited a few days later.” Pumpkin cake sighed as she shook her head. “Master began heavily drinking again. It isn’t good for his liver.” Glaring at the black beverage she added, “And too much Caffeine isn’t good for you.” Dusk shrugged and downed the rest of his coffee. He got up and gestured for the Twins to lead him. “So let’s see the big pony.” He declared as they headed for the Guild master’s office. Dusk and the twins sat in the Guild master’s office. It was a simple room with a really heavy looking desk where the master did his paper work. Which had several high piles of papers scattered about. There were a few barrels in the room, filled with the Master’s personal brew. A large map of known equestrian hanged behind the desk. And a few display cases were around, containing some broken weapon or a helmet. One in particular caught Dusk’s attention. An Amber glow densely hugged the display case. It contained a weird looking gauntlet. An inscription was written in elegant script ‘As of any sin Envy heralds destruction to whom lets it in’. Dusk’s instincts told him to throw the thing in the ocean or into a volcano. Pumpkin Cake looked warily at the object clearly having similar sentiments about the object. “It’s dangerous somehow… I don’t know why.” The tan unicorn swallowed as she tried to focus on the older pony. Dusk scowled and shook his head. “It’s sealed I guess. But I’m hearing things.” He snorted and rubbed his forehead. “And I was feeling fantastic earlier. How about you Pound?” He turned to look at the tan Pegasus but he disappeared. Pumpkin just stared at her brother climbing the walls, beating his wings to keep him up. Dusk followed her gaze and saw Pound cake crawling across the ceiling like some demented spider. Dusk shouted and threw his swords at the ceiling. Pumpkin pulled her twin away and placed him beside her. “Stop doing that Pound! It’s creepy.” Pumpkin complained. Pound cake simply laughed like crazy. “God dammit! You’re like some sort of demented monster from a horror flick.” Dusk growled. “Sis he was so chill earlier! Now he’s so jumpy.” Dusk sighed and retrieved his swords. “It’s probably the coffee. You shouldn’t drink so much.” Pumpkin advised. Dusk simply pulled out the canister and hugged it. Putting it back and shrugging. “Telling anypony in this guild to refrain from excessiveness is futile.” Pinkie declared as she entered. Dusk was wondering how a mare wearing bulky armor could be that silent. “Anyways, I’m here at the master’s request.” “The master called you too?” Dusk curiously asked. Pound cake was snickering to himself. Dusk growled and pulled out a fire axe. Pumpkin got up and wildly waved in front of Dusk asking him to relax. “I’m going to slice that cake!” Pinkie walked over and backhoofed the Pegasus. She then walked over to Dusk. Dusk sat down and raised his hooves in surrender. “Now that we’ve all calmed down we should hear what the Master has to say.” Pinkie sat beside Dusk. The other three ponies looked at her in confusion. Pinkie frowned and looked at the desk. A loud yawn could be heard as a large figure emerged from behind the desk. The Master. “Wait, what!? He was here the whole freaking time!?” Pound Cake exclaimed. “You three didn’t sense him?” Pinkie questioned. They shook their heads. Dusk simply stared at the huge stallion and wondered how these ponies hid so well. “Master g-good morning.” Pumpkin nervously greeted. The large stallion gave another large yawn as he stretched. He smacked his lips and sat down. He somehow placed a tiny pair of spectacles on the bridge of his muzzle and started reading some papers. “So, morning lads. The reason I called you ponies is for an important quest.” He cleared his throat and shifted through his papers. “Dusk Shine, you were on that mission from the Apple family right?” Dusk nodded. “Well as Derpy reported they have talismans that repel creatures of the forest. So you must be familiar with them, yes?” “I actually never saw ‘em. Derpy placed them. We were all so beat after the fight.” The Master groaned and placed a grey stone with a few black pearls embedded. Pumpkin and Pound shivered as the room felt colder. Dusk got up from his seat with a start. What he saw was black ichor seeping out of it. “What the fuck is that thing!? Why does it look like that?” Pinkie frowned in confusion as Dusk freaked out. “What do you see?” The Master calmly asked. “Black inky stuff… Like a sludge or slime. Coming out of it.” He swallowed as he focused on it. His companions looked at him in confusion. “How about you three?” “I don’t see anything. Just an odd stone.” Pumpkin was scared of it though. “I f-feel, faint. Like it’s trying to get me.” She was starting to sweat profusely. “It’s just plain wrong.” Pound Cake was also terrified of it. Pinkie simply nodded. “Well somehow the Apple family have access to this kind of talisman. It feeds on the life force of those around it.” He explained. Dusk summoned a sledgehammer. This actually caused the master to laugh in surprise. “No Dusk. It won’t drink your soul. Unless you’re dying.” The master’s grim expression returned. “However it will slowly drain your magic and kill weaker creatures. The spirits of the forest are repelled by it too.” He explained as he placed the stone in a box with runes etched on the sides. The feeling of dread then abated. “We helped put those things?” Dusk asked in horror. “Damn.” “But the issue is that they have more of it. Right master?” Pinkie guessed. Nodding the master began to debrief them. Apparently the Apple family were using the talismans to expand their farm. To repel the dangerous creatures and push them out. Their goal was to push out the dangerous creature and utilize the fertile area for agriculture. The resource were so rich and ripe for the taking. What they didn’t know was that it would render the land useless. “And why is that?” “Dusk shine. The Everfree isn’t like any other forest. The magic which we use too control the weather has no effect there.” Pinkie then lifted a hoof and waved it in front of Dusk. “You don’t see anything right? There are forces besides magic. Dangerous and beyond ponies. Spirits allow the forest to prosper. Without them the forest would die away.” “What were you trying to show me?” “Ponies are sensitive to magic around them. Some feel, hear and see things no other do. But there are forces that are unknown to most of us. Or ways that magic could be hidden.” The Master explained. Dusk frowned, clearly not liking it. “Team Diane. Your mission is to relocate the workers around the forest and to destroy all of the talismans you come across.” He continued. “We are getting paid for this right?” Dusk asked. Pumpkin glared at him while Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “I won’t go there without something in it for me. It’s too dangerous. Last time the forest was agitated. Now it’s probably godamned pissed at everything.” Dusk stared right at the master. “Otherwise I’m out.” Pinkie gritted her teeth. “You vile cur. It’s just money for you?” She spat in disgust. “Yes you will be rewarded. Yes it’s a ways above your rank. And it is extremely dangerous.” The Master listed down. He then laughed. “Oh but I understand if you’re scared.” “Yeah! You scared? You big stallion?” Pound taunted. “’Cause I ain’t!” He bragged but he sounded nervous. “Fuck you all.” Dusk growled out. “Hmmm. Well I understand your concern. But you don’t have to take it, I could ask Twilight Instead.” At this comment Dusk’s eyes sparked with hate. “I need a unicorn who can teleport massive distances with multiple ponies in case things go south. With assistance she could pull it off.” “She’s been miserable for a while sir. Is she okay?” “Buck. She’s not right in the head. Of course she’s not okay.” “She’ll be fine.” Dusk muttered through gritted teeth. “Unless she pulls something.” The master sighed. “She took some time off. But she’s acting like usual.” Master replied. “Faust forbid.” “God forbid” The master chuckled as Diane and Pumpkin hit the guys. “Well do you accept?” He asked. The twins looked at each other before nodding. “We’ll go.” They simultaneously announced. Pinkie nodded in agreement also. Dusk sighed and nodded. “Team Angel will be in charge of placating the forest and assessing the threats. Consisting of Fluttershy, Thunderlane, Isaac and Andromeda Stargazer, Derpy, and Octavia.” The master then pulled out a rolled up piece of parchment. “Diane, Pumpkin Cake, Pound Cake and Dusk Shine. You will stop the workers from destroying the forest and evacuate them. Expect resistance. Diane has flares in case you need their backup.” Dusk wanted to know what the reward was but he decided not to press. He knew it would be worth it. Or it better should. The other ponies nodded. ***** Octavia pulled out a wooden mask. Made of living wood with various flowers growing on it. “I thought that we weren’t allowed to bring things like that.” Knives commented. She pulled out a steel canister and greedily gulped the contents. Isaac looked horrified. “What? Its coffee. Dusk wouldn’t notice two cups worth.” She grimaced at the bitter taste. She wondered how Dusk downed that drink every morning. It worked wonders for her hangover though. “Andy! You’re not supposed to bring stuff like that!” Isaac exclaimed. Knives lazily looked at the canister before chucking it as hard as she could. “How about her?” Knives questioned, pointing to the charcoal earth pony. She then stared blankly at the mask as it wrapped around Octavia’s head. “Now she’s being eaten.” She concluded. “Nopony will notice if we leave her-“ She began to lead her brother away. Isaac stomped and pushed her hoof away. “She’s trying to communicate with the spirits.” He clarified. “Sorry bro but that’s impossible. She’s not a shaman, ponies can’t be shamans.” Knives insisted. “Actually it is possible. A PERSON can only have their eye opened when they’re young. Any species.” Octavia explained. She pulled out a stone bowl filled with all sorts of seed and placed it on the ground. “Children are sensitive to these things. They can retain the ability to see spirits even if they grow up. If they choose.” “Wow that sound amazing!” Isaac exclaimed. He then shivered. “Sound a little scary though.” “Why did you choose that though?” Knives idly asked. “Because dead ponies are infinitely more wise and entertaining.” She smirked behind the mask. “My great grandfather was an adventurer too. And he had a Zebra lover who taught me about spirits. No wonder why my great grandmother was so bitter.” “Oh they’re still alive?” Isaac curiously asked. “Dead of course. Except for the old hag, she’s probably going to outlive me too.” This caused Knives to break out in laughter. “Now shush. I need to focus.” She then stood on her hind hooves and began to chant. She hopped around the bowl while waving her hooves in the air. Knives laughed even harder. “Next thing you’ll reveal is that you play a cello or a former idol.” Knives joked. Octavia stopped her chanting and dancing to look at her. She sighed before continuing. Knives howls of laughter got louder. The contents of the bowl were blown away by the wind and the clearing they were in was filled with mist. Octavia bowed low. “Spirits of the forest hear me.” She spoke in a low voice. “We who bear the mark of the Manticore do not mean you harm.” She promised. The winds began to blow wildly as hundreds of golden motes swirled around the clearing. “YOU PONIES DARE DESECRATE OUR HOME!? YET YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO CLAIM INNOCENCE.” Octavia clutched her head and screamed. A red aura surrounded Knives. She seemed relaxed however. “Andy no! Suppress your magic!” Isaac begged. Knives sighed and the aura dissipated. “Tavi what’s going on?” He worriedly asked. “W-we have our hoof in this I admit. But we acted only to shield our land from the-“ “PONIES YOU STRUCK FIRST! WE ACTED ONLY IN DEFENCE. NOW YOUR KIND TRESPASSES UPON OUR LAND. FULED BY GREED YOUR KIND WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING!” Octavia whimpered as her ears bled. She was the only one that could hear the voice. “THEY’RE ANGRY! THEY SAID PONIES AIM TO DESTROY THE FOREST. IT MUST BE THE APPLE FAMILY WITH THEIR TALISMANS!” Octavia shouted at her companions. “Why are you shouting?” Knives asked. “WHAT!?” Octavia shouted back. “Oh no, she’s gone deaf.” Isaac gasped and covered his muzzle. “TELL THE SPIRITS THAT WE”LL STOP THE PONIES DESTROYING THE FOREST! THEN WE”LL PLANT A LOT OF STUFF OR SOMETHING.” Knives shouted. “WE WILL DESTROY THE TALISMAS THAT ARE DISRUPTING THE FOREST AND REMOVE THOSE PONIES DESTROYING IT.” Octavia coughed before continuing. “WE ARE OF THE GUILD MANTICORE STING. WE APPLOGISE FOR OUR HOOF IN THIS. AND WE OFFER OUR EFFORTS IN RESTORING THE FOREST. THIS I SWEAR ON MY GUILD’S NAME.” The wind quieted as the golden motes slowed. “PONY. WE WILL HOLD YOU TO YOUR PROMISE.” Octavia blinked as her ears stopped bleeding. Knives smiled as she looked around. Octavia once more bowed low. “YOU ARE AN ODD ONE PONY. FEW PONIES OPEN THEIR EYES TO THIS WORLD. FEWER CHOOSE TO WALK IT. WE WILL GRANT YOU TIME TO UNDO THIS. AS LONG AS YOUR CLAN BRING NO FURTHER HARM THE CREATURES OF THIS FOREST WILL GRANT YOU PASSAGE.” The golden motes then spread out and floated around. “Sooooo. I’m guessing I don’t have to wrestle a Sentinel.” Knives remarked. The mask around Octavia’s face returned to its normal state and she placed it in her bag. “Also these cool lights are a bad thing huh.” She deduced. Octavia scowled as she stomped towards Knives. “You idiots are going to NOT cause wanton destruction this time!” She fumed as Knives raised her hooves. “Unless you want to kill us all that is.” “Hey. Master would be real pissed if only me and my bro walked out.” She gave a small smile. “You don’t have to worry about us. Be worried about the Cakes and Pinkie.” She then tapped her chin. “Although Dusk might be a problem too-“ Octavia pulled Knives by the collar of her hoodie. “I am. Fucking serious.” She spat out, glaring at the light brown pony. “I will not be cursed. Because you dumbasses. ‘Accidentally’ knocked down a tree.” She gritted her teeth. “This is why you’re still bronze.” Knives laughed in Octavia’s face. Isaac floated away the angry flailing pony away. “I’m going to cut you in pieces after this mission!” Octavia threatened. “Guys calm down!” Isaac rushed in between them. “We need to focus on helping the forest.” Octavia sighed as patted where her chainsaw was usually slung. “Why are we doing the reforestation?” “Because we don’t have wings. And two of us are earth ponies.” Knives explained as she pulled over a huge stone cart into the clearing. “Also my bro knows this stuff.” She proudly declared as she rubbed the unicorn’s mane. He blushed and giggled. “Now you two get planting.” She commanded as she climbed one of the trees. “I’ll uh, keep an eye out for the fliers.” With that she pulled the hood over her head and rested on one of the branches. Isaac gave a nervous laugh as Octavia growled. ***** Derpy frowned as she looked at the workers cutting down the trees. She jolted down notes of the placements of the talismans and where the groups of workers where. Fluttershy silently landed beside her. “Hmmm… You got anything?” Derpy asked without looking away from her work. Fluttershy groaned. “I feel naked without my weapon.” “Ponies don’t have any taboos towards public nudity.” She simply replied. Fluttershy scowled. “Well why can’t we just beat them up and break the talismans?” She questioned. Derpy rubbed her head in anticipation of a migraine. “Because Angel, we’d all be sitting ducks.” She finally looked at the yellow Pegasus. “And even if Octavia managed to ‘talk to the forest’, the workers would get hurt of course. She told me that she couldn’t extend ‘protection’ to them.” Derpy punctuated with air quotes. Derpy was skeptical of shamans and such. “So?” Fluttershy asked in disgust. Derpy simply looked back, flat-eyed. They both saw a red beam of magic. “So apparently she talks to trees now. Huh.” “I doubt it. But I’ll play along. But I do know the presence of the deer placates the forest inhabitants.” She then rounded on the yellow Pegasus. “Info. Now.” She demanded, losing her patience. Fluttershy rolled her eyes as she told Derpy about two more groups. One mining near a cavern and another clearing the land. She also reported odd individuals lurking around. Derpy’s brows furrowed. To her it didn’t make sense. Nothing of this whole affair did. If they wanted to expand wouldn’t the slowly push from THEIR territory. Not in the middle of the forest. Not to mention the spirits were the things keeping this forest healthy. After those sickly things did their job no crops would grow. To her it seemed that their goal was to gather lumber and other valuable resources. Lumber was worth a LOT these days. And they were going to damn the forest to get it. “Tch. Idiots. What a waste.” She said in disgust. To her they could get a lot more if they just played by the forest’s rules. Something just dawned upon Derpy. “Odd? Also what do you mean lurking around?” “They were staying out of sight. Thunderlane didn’t even notice them. A few oddly dressed ponies. A monkey, a cat and a minotaur.” She listed down. “Quite the collection of freakshows eh? She laughed at the thought of a circus. Derpy however went rigid. “Describe the Minotaur.” “Eh? He was wearing a swirled bronze armor or something and he was purple. And there was a blue cat. Monkeys are monkeys why are you nervous?” She asked. Derpy began to sweat. “You foal! Those were Ideals!” At this declaration Fluttershy smiled wickedly. “We’re ill equipped, in a forest of death! And there are elite soldiers on your level!” Derpy frantically looked around. “Where is Thunderlane!? And where you two followed!?” “Actually yeah.” She happily replied. At this statement Thunderlane went hurtling past them. The black Pegasus looked worse for wear as he shook himself and steadied midair. One of Derpy’s eyes went to the side. “WHERE DID YOU GO!?” He shouted at the top of his lungs. Fluttershy shrugged. Thunderlane growled and landed a branch below them. His chest was burned and still smelled of cooked meat. He grabbed a wad of herbs and pressed it to his chest. Hissing in pain, he awkwardly tied a bandage around his chest. “Flare the beacon now!” Derpy was already on it and shot a red beam from an orb. An orange Pegasus came into view. He wore a white armor with silver blue accents. A pair of blue curved swords were strapped to his back. “Well now. I was wondering where the babe went.” He gave a smug grin as he glanced at Thunderlane. “He’s still alive?” He asked mockingly. Thunderlane growled at the remark. “Eh he’s a solid six.” Fluttershy dismissed with a wave. “You just caught me off guard. I’ll turn you into a light bulb.” Thunderlane started to spark. “Ow that hurt.” The Pegasus complained as he clutched his chest. “Thorns on roses I guess.” “Flash Sentry. Former Shadowbolt. Ideal under the Testament of Love.” She frowned as she pointed a wing at him. “You’re a long way from the frozen north. Cadenza Mi Amore must have control of the place now. Or lost it.” “Now this mare knows ponies. Also we crushed the opposition.” He sweetly replied. He dodged a thunderbolt launched at him. “Whoa there.” “I’m going to smash that grin!” Thunderlane then flew over to his companions. “Get out of here! This one’s mine.” Fluttershy shrugged and headed off. Derpy looked concerned for a change. “You can’t win this one. I’ll fight with you.” She hovered around. “I know how to beat this one. He uses black lightning maneuvers and the swords on his back allow him to-” “Go. I won’t leave anything left for the cavalry.” He promised. Derpy stared at Thunderlane for a while, shaking her head and went in the direction Fluttershy left. “There is nothing I can say to convince you otherwise. But he’s not the mission. Stalling him should be your priority, we’ll handle the others. Diane and her team should be here soon.” She then flew off. “I hope that idiot doesn’t die.” She whispered “Aw man they left. The pink maned one was Manticore Sting’s Angel. What a shame you’re the one I’m fighting.” Flash sighed. “Maybe I can still go after her.” “As awesome it would be if she destroyed you.” Thunderlane started flying around Flash. “I’m going to tear you apart.” The air around Thunderlane crackled as he gained momentum. “Imma hit you like Thunder. “At least put up a fight.” He requested with a bored tone. ***** Diane was furious. Dusk was supposed to wait. Instead he raced ahead Dusk walked into the clearing where they were cutting down trees. “We’re supposed to wait for Intel!” Pinkie hissed as Dusk simply entered. Pinkie and the Cakes were still hiding in the bushes. As Dusk showed up the workers stopped and began to murmur among themselves. Dusk however spotted two glowing figures. One glowed with a green aura standing along the workers, a Minotaur. The Minotaur had purple skin and was wearing a bronze armor. Tiny green spheres flowed around his body. A dark blue aura was glowing in the trees. Dusk couldn’t make out any and details “EVERYBODY GET IN ONE CORNER SO THAT I CAN KICK YOU ALL OUT!” Dusk shouted at the top of his lungs and everybody present almost went deaf. Pinkie and Pumpkin both facehoofed. The Minotaur took one glance at him then turned away. “Look at the fancy unicorn and his tricks.” A gruff stallion wearing a red lumberjack outfit mocked. “Look sir we’re a little behind schedule so if you would get-“ Dusk then used a gravity spell to slam the stallion up and down before tossing him in the aforementioned corner. “Next!” Dusk hollered. The Minotaur raised an eyebrow and lumbered forward “Tickets for you cow. Next trip.” Dusk offered with a grin. The Minotaur chuckled as he unslung his Warhammer. “Only Manticore Sting would be stupid enough to interfere with our Queen Celestia’s business.” Studying Dusk for a moment he sniffed. “Have we met before?” “No. You would not be here if we met.” Dusk taunted. “Also the Apple family and Sunbutt? Fuck, we might as well piss off King Sombrero too.” Dusk then pointed his head to the groaning stallion. “Do I have to make you go over there?” “Ponies are funny. But that wasn’t a good joke.” The Minotaur then advanced. Dusk’s horn glowed dark blue as he used his gravity spell. To Dusk’s surprise the Minotaur wasn’t fazed. Dusk forced him down harder. The Minotaur grinned as he was brought to his knees. The ground sank as the Minotaur somehow charged forward. Dusk canceled his spell and teleported back but the Minotaur blurred forward and swung his mighty hammer. Dusk managed to dodge but the power of the blow knocked him into a tree. As he lay on the ground he saw a red beam of light shoot into the sky. “The other guys are fighting. Huh.” Shaking himself off, he summoned arcane blades to his sides. “Better finish this.” “Hmph. Ponies only good for talking. Can’t back up words.” He firmly declared. Dusk then thought to himself. If unicorns could force themselves to lift massive weights, he probably could overcharge his spells. He was an alicorn afterall, which meant his limits were greater. “I’m going to give myself the biggest fucking migraine.” His horn once more glowed a dark blue as gravity tried to push the Minotaur down. “This again?” He asked in disappointment. The arcane blades shot forth and the Minotaur moved to deflect the spell. An overglow enveloped Dusk’s horn and once more the Minotaur was brought to his knees. The blades sank into his flesh as a crater was formed beneath him. The Minotaur’s muscles bulged as he attempted to get up. “W-what? How!?” He growled as he was forced in place. “Get him now!” Dusk commanded. A fireball launched pass Dusk and nailed the Minotaur in the face. He screamed in agony as a sizzling sound could be heard. Pinkie charged, enveloped in a blue aura. “Dusk look out!” Pound Cake cried as a projectile was heading for Dusk’s face. Pound Cake swooped down and grabbed Dusk. Dusk’s spell was cancelled and the Minotaur hit a home run. Pinkie crashed into a boulder and slumped over. Pound cake stared in shock as the projectile fell a tree. “Holy guacamole what was that!?” He landed and set down Dusk beside Pumpkin Cake. He panted from the effort of carrying the older pony. “Yikes you’re heavy.” He complained. “Diane no!” Pumpkin screamed, her eyes watering. Dusk scowled as a figure emerged. “A monkey. Did that.” The projectile came back and was caught by the owner. It was a yoyo. “A yoyo!? That thing knocked down a tree!” He shouted in disbelief. The new foe was even shorter than the cakes. “Hey horsies let’s fight fight yo. Time to party!” He proclaimed in horrendously accented English. “I don’t think the coffee woke me up.”