Chapter 8: A Long Nights End– Full Moon
The silhouette of the mare in the moon watched silently as a familiar creature covered distance faster than most ponies could ever hope to on hooves. The bitter wind whipped against the silver werepony’s body, soft thick fur guarding against cold, as the paw pads on his cloven hooves helped to silence his movements through the dense forest. The wild ebony tail of the massive bipedal creature helped him to stay balanced as he gracefully leapt over rocks and foliage landing as gently as he could to avoid jostling the precious cargo held in his arms. Thick condensation formed a vanishing string of fog that followed the creature with each breath the werepony took from his panting fanged mouth and wide flat nose.
Golden eyes scanned the valley, seeing as clearly in the darkness of night as anypony was able to see during the day. Thickly furred ears twitched listening for movement as the creature slowed, lifting its head slightly to scent the air. The cold air and elevation made it harder to decipher scents farther away, despite that they were unable to smell anything besides the stale scent of critters and ponies that had used the trails days ago. Sensing no immediate danger, Shadow slowed to a stop, breathing heavily his massive back and shoulders rose and fell steadily.
Shadows luminous amber eyes rested on the two ponies held gently in worn silver paws; Autumn and Tall Tales both exhausted and injured from the Timberwolves. Shadow's ears flicked back grazing his jet black mane, distress evident on his face. Shadow whimpered sounding as if he was the one injured, he took a cautionary sniff at the two ponies held in his grasp.
Shadow flinched at the memory, he had seen the deep lacerations on Autumn’s left forehoof and looked over the wound, it was mostly sealed pink skin taking the place of damaged tissue. The young unicorn had a broken leg, twisted hoof and both had various abrasions and contusions covering their bodies “No wonder, they’re both exhausted,” Shadow thought solemnly.
Not smelling any new blood, Shadow's gaze filled with guilt as he looked at his daughter “Autumn… I-I’m sorry..I’m so sorry little one... I thought we had more time. I should’ve been here when you needed me,” Golden eyes reflecting regret closed shut as the werepony shook his large head, his midnight black fur falling slightly into his eyes before he opened them again. “
You were very brave, but you are in SO much trouble when we return home,” Shadow thought pride and concern ran through him as he continued to run towards town.
Shadow took the small rest and lightly checked Tales condition more closely and noticed the improvised splint on the injured unicorn's leg “Did.. Autumn do that?” Shadow asked himself his voice deep and rough as his head shook in amazement.
As Shadow looked closely at his daughter he noticed something he hadn’t before…a flash of purple that was too dark to be a contusion. Curious Autumn’s father widened his arms cradling hold on his filly before his eyes rested on her flank, a crescent moon and broken monkshood plant adorned her flank, Autumn had finally earned her mark.
Drops of liquid pride formed in the wereponys bright amber eyes and he couldn’t help the fanged grin that turned the corners of his mouth slightly “Fighting Timbers, earning your mark.. finding and patching up your friend…I knew you’d make a formidable mare one day,” thought Shadow as he nuzzled his daughters head his eyes reflected a bit of sadness “We have to get you two home, everypony is worried,” said Shadow his voice holding warmth and concern for the no longer missing ponies.
Ending his short respite satisfied that the two ponies in his charge had no other injuries that he could treat, the silver male continued to charge down the trail, the sound of shaky breathing from his two charges encouraging Shadow to run even faster. Autumn’s father pulled the two ponies close to his chest as he bent his hind legs, lowering his body to prepare to leap over the rock shelf the two young ponies had climbed to escape the Timberwolves.
The cold wind rushed past the three ponies as they flew through the air, the chill caused Autumn and Tales to shiver as they subconsciously nuzzled Shadows thickly furred chest and arm searching for warmth. Landing as softly as he could manage Shadow heard a moan coming from the cornflower colt “Just hang on, it’s just a little farther…” the wereponys eyes narrowed filling with determination, a serious look covered his muzzle as he leaned forward running down the rarely used hiking trail heading back towards town.
Shadows eyes constantly scanned the forest, and his ears listened to the sounds of critters scurrying through the woods around them and the now steady breathing of the two ponies he carried. His molten metal eyes looked at the two ponies as he recalled how distraught Sugar and he were when they had seen Autumn was missing.
Sugar Beet had run out of the house calling for their sick filly, the panic on her face quickly changing to anger and determination to find their daughter. Shadow could barely convince her to wait for them in town before he began to track his wayward daughter. A deep frown formed on his face as Shadow recalled the scene he had come upon when he did find Autumn and Tall Tales, a sickening feeling causing his stomach to sink. “Thank Celestia… I got there in time,” thought Shadow as he thought of how his wife would have responded if she saw their cub in danger.
“I bet Sugar would’ve torn through those Timberwolves faster than you or I huh little one?” thought Shadow, chuckling slightly a small grin forming on his muzzle before it disappeared like his breath on the wind. Shadow continued his trek through the woods leaving the Timberwolf territories far behind as quickly as his hooves could carry them, kicking up clouds of dust in his wake.
The snap of branches breaking in the woods caused Shadow to slow to a stop, freezing in place, his ears swiveling as he scented the air. Stallions were nearby…four maybe five of them. ”The search party?” Shadow thought to himself hope spreading a welcoming warmth through his body... as the wind shifted the smell of death and furs followed closely behind it. Golden eyes widened and flashed as scarlet bled across the golden iris until they were the color of freshly shed blood, a deep menacing growl escaped Shadows lips as he pulled his daughter and her friend closer to his chest to protect them.
“Crypt Hunters...What are they doing here?” growled the silver werepony his voice dropping to a low whisper as his eyes scanned the forest. Recognizing the scent of one of the Stallions Shadows scarlet eyes narrowed. “Where have I scented that Stallion before?” mind reeling Shadow scented the air again looking down; he smelled the faint scent of the hunter on Tall Tales.
Horror covered Shadow's muzzle as a dark thought ran through his mind “One of them touched you… did they hurt you? Are they why you went missing?” Shadow shivered, feeling as if his blood froze in his veins. Rage slowly began to burn through Shadow, his shaking now caused by anger directed at the cowardly Stallion who possibly harmed this colt.
More branches broke nearby.. sounding closer than the last, Shadows head snapped up as his thickly furred ears strained to locate the new threat. The bitter stale scent of the pelt wearing stallions was stronger, almost surrounding them save for one side. The sounds of critters had stopped, the silence eerily quiet… the fur on the back of Shadows neck rose sensing danger was near but frustrated that he was unable to tell which direction it was coming from as it watched his every move.
A small mechanical click was heard before the sound of an arrow piercing the air rushed towards the werepony and his passengers. Shadow moved quickly dodging the deadly projectile as best as he could, moving the injured ponies he carried out of the arrows range, the arrow barely grazing his fur. “Buck, it moved!” whispered a stern voice as another round was loaded into a crossbow. Shadows heart pounded in his chest as he moved Tales into the same arm as Autumn as carefully and as quickly as possible before running on three legs towards the thick foliage.
“Don’t let it get away Quick Shot!” shouted another Stallion anger lacing his voice as he spoke. The sound of hooves could be heard breaking through the forest, eyes moving quickly. Shadow realized that he wasn’t too far from town. “Too many to fight, if I can just make it to town we’ll be safe; too many witnesses for these cowards,” thought the silver werepony adrenaline running through his body.
Not paying attention, another arrow flew towards Shadow cutting across his shoulder leaving a laceration an inch deep; the round had barely missed his neck as it stuck into the soil. Shadows scarlet eyes widened farther as drops of blood oozed out of the wound leaving a trail behind as it stained his mane and neck. Shadows cloven hooves and clawed paw pounded against the ground as he pushed his body to go faster, his protective instincts driving him to protect the ponies in his arms. Shadow pulled Autumn and Tales closer to his thickly furred chest doing all he could to shield them with his body, growling at the pain that burned in his shoulder.
“They’re trying to push me, make me run where they want me,” Shadow thought as his eyes continued to scan the environment his scarlet eyes flashed as he saw several ursa traps covered in leaves and grass ahead of him. The area was surrounded by old oak and pine trees their thick branches interlacing with each other as they blocked out the light of the moon.
Shadow grinned as he realized what the Hunters had planned: “Alright if it’s traps you want it’s traps you’ll get,” growled out Shadow as he leaped over the ursa traps, grabbing onto a low hanging branch his claws found purchase. “GGRrrrraaah,” growled Shadow as he pulled himself and adolescent ponies up and out of harm's way.
Climbing over the trap covered area using the thick branches to support their weight, Shadow leapt from tree to tree avoiding the metal jaws below. Pausing for a second, Shadow gently placed Tales and Autumn behind cover.
Returning to the trap laced tunnel, Shadow moved two of the traps towards the exit at the end of the path, being careful not to disturb the camouflage on them. The sound of hooves pounded against the path closely behind Shadow, his eyes narrowed as the silver werepony gently picked up Tales and Autumn and continued to run. Shadows' ears flicked back as a sickening snap was heard, the crackle of bones breaking and the scent of fear and blood filled the air.
“AAAAAHHHH...BUCK.. MY.. BUCKING HOOF!!!” the stallion who seemed to be named Quick Shot shouted. One of the other three Stallions stopped to try and pull their comrade free from the bone crushing trap, a smug grin broke out across Shadow's muzzle at being able to slow down two of the Hunters.
The shadow of a Pegasus flying far overhead broke Shadows short celebration, looking up Shadow saw a pink mare wearing an orange vest flying in the direction of town. Shadows scarlet eyes lit up, tilting his head back he scented the air; the scent of multiple ponies and nylon vests assaulted his nostrils. Thickly furred silver ears perked up standing out against his black mane as Shadow nearly howled in triumph; the sound of ponies moving through the forest, and the names of the two missing ponies could be heard faintly despite the thundering sound of galloping hooves behind them.
Turning towards the sound of possible help Shadow saw the shadow of another Pegasi flying above him carrying something, a curious look took over the wereponys face as he once again turned his gaze to the sky. Shadow's pupils shrunk in surprise before his eyes snapped back to the path as he tried to quick stop and change directions. A deep growl tumbled through Shadow's chest, sounding like thunder as he rotated his body and dug his claws into the ground to head towards the galloping stallions.
Shadow saw a clearing nearby surrounded by dense trees and bushes, perking his ears he heard the nearby river. Changing direction slightly Shadow made sure to duck behind cover for a few minutes protecting him from view of the Pegasus. Finding an anclove of bushes near the clearing Shadow hid Autumn and Tales in the brush, taking his paw and gently petting his daughter's wild mane as he looked at her sadly with his own golden eyes. “Two sisters… please keep them safe,” thought Shadow as he looked to the sky before he ran back into the view of the flying hunter heading for the clearing to draw the hunters to him.
The Pegasus wore an old guards helm adorned with fangs from his kills; a stark contrast to his dark onyx coat that stood out against the rich lavender night sky. Shadow could see the sneer on the Pegasus muzzle turn into a fierce grin as the stallion's wings pumped effortlessly propelling them forward; the hunter tilted his wings to perform a sharp enough turn to follow the werepony as the beast came back into view.
Moving as silently as a barn owl the hunter's wings evened out into a glide; the Pegasus rose the weighted net that they held in their hooves and flew slightly ahead of the monster below to trap it effectively. “I wonder who’ll call dibs on its pelt…maybe we’ll sell it or send it to The Pit; this ones got fight in ‘em. We’d make good bits either way,” thought Malstrom as the thought caused his cruel grin to widen.
Malstroms cold sea green eyes tracked the huge silver monster, noticing that it ran on three legs the hunter rose a brow in mild surprise “Guess Shot was able to hit that ugly brute,” thought Malstrom as he noticed the werepony begin to slow as he entered a clearing near a rushing river. “Perfect,” thought Malstrom as he barked a malicious laugh “Ha!”; he took his chance and threw the net over the huge beast.
Shadow's eyes never left the Pegasus and just as the airborne hunter released the net the gray werepony gathered all the strength he could manage and lunged dodging the net at the last second. Panting in exhaustion sweat dripped from his brow as his vision began to blur, shaking it off Shadow rose his head to see the last two hunters emerge from the foliage just ahead of them.
Two earth pony stallions were revealed; a mountain of a stallion with a tan coat and deep purple mane stared daggers in Shadows direction, scars shining in the moonlight. The tan stallions' dark blue eyes held nothing but hatred and satisfaction from the hunt, his were the color of deep water, the kind that surrounded ponies as they drowned. A huge dagger laced with a sickly green liquid held tightly in his grinning maw, the stallion pawed at the ground and snorted his disgust as he gazed at Shadow steam leaving his mouth and nostrils giving him a threatening look.
The second stallion was smaller than the tan one his coat was a Smokey purple color, his muzzle was covered in dark grey stubble, and he wore a leathery scaled pelt that hid his cutie mark. His wine colored eyes held nothing but hatred and disgust as they met Shadow's scarlet eyes. All of the males froze as they gazed at each other refusing to move at first, the Pegasus hovered farther back behind Shadow.
Shadows heart pounded as he snarled at the hunters that surrounded him, baring his fangs in a silent warning. As the stallions around him lowered their bodies to charge at him, Shadow moved his back hoof slightly, feeling the corner of the weighted net. An idea ran through the silver wereponys head, his eyes focused on the hunters “It’s a chance,” thought Shadow as he risked a glance in the direction of Autumn and Tales feeling his resolve strengthen.
As soon the wind had settled the trio of hunters made their move as one they began to charge at Shadow blades drawn and snarls on their muzzles. Shadow stood up on his two back hooves quickly kicking up the net, grabbing it in his front fore paws moving faster than any Wonderbolt; he turned his body in a tight circle swinging the net watching as it hit his mark, tangling the two stallions who were unable to avoid the snare. The two stallions fell struggling to stand in the weighted net, the river rushed just behind them.
“That’s two,” thought Shadow as he heard the sound of wings cutting the air closing the distance behind him. “How dare you, you freak! I’ll wear your fangs as a necklace,” threatened the Pegasus as he flew towards Shadow with outstretched hooves. Shadows eyes widened as he lowered his body close to the ground, narrowly missing the rage filled Pegasus; as Malstrom noticed that he’d missed his target he turned just in time to see two cloven hooves barreling towards his face.
The force of the blow rattled the flying hunter to his bones and he lost consciousness as he flew through the air flying directly into the two surprised hunters that had been scrambling near the river. The inertia caused all three stallions to fall into the rushing water, washing them downstream farther into the mountains, the tan stallion cursing at Shadow as his shouting was drowned out by the torrent of the river. “And that’s three,” thought Shadow panting as the adrenaline began to run its last laps through his body.
Exhausted Shadow couldn’t help but smile as he watched the threat get farther away from him and his family, though he knew they may return the feeling of victory that ran through him filled him to the brim. Shadow lost himself to his instincts for a moment and took a deep breath; muzzle pointed at the sky, he closed his now amber eyes, opening his fanged mouth his lips forming an o as he let out a victorious cry “AAAAAAAWWWWOOOOOOO!”
Shadow lowered his head and snorted towards the river before he returned to the enclavev to retrieve his daughter and the young storyteller. Gathering Autumn and Tales in his arms Shadow walked quickly towards town, his mate, and his home.
The howl pierced the night, traveling up to twenty miles away the barest echo of the call could be heard in the town square. While the ponies in the search parties and running the recovery tent muttered in panic, thinking a Timberwolf may pose a threat to the lost colt and filly, Sugar Beet’s ears perked as she recognized the sound.
“S-Shadow?” Sugar Beet whispered to nopony in particular as she lifted her head, using her forehoof she used her bandana to wipe the residual tears from her eyes. “Did ya find ‘em love? A-Are ya all safe?” thought the elderberry farm mare as she worried for Autumn, her friend and her mate.
As if fate was answering Sugar, a huge commotion broke out over the crowd as the shape of a wounded Shadow Snare came into view; Autumn and Tales placed carefully on his back as he was quickly bombarded by relieved rescue ponies. Medic ponies dawned in white vests with red crosses ran up to the large wheat farmer with medical bags and litters in tow, professional looks covering their muzzles as they assessed the stallion carefully and took the young ponies off of him. The Medical ponies treated the injured ponies asking Shadow multiple questions to gain a medical history.
As Sugar Beets emerald eyes met Shadows glowing amber ones relief flooded her body as she saw that her mate and daughter were home and safe. Ignoring the crowd, Sugar galloped towards her mate and daughter, pushing some of the ponies out of her way as she threw her hooves around Shadow's neck, nuzzling him before noticing a sticky substance on her forehoof.
Taking a breath through her nose Sugars stomach sank as she recognized the metallic scent of blood, her eyes snapped open in concern as she saw the laceration on her mate's shoulder. “Sweet Celestia! Shadow wha’ happened?” asked Suger her voice, shaking as she saw the injuries Tales and Autumn had.
The unnatural twist in Tales back hoof caused Sugar to be hit with a nauseous feeling; she covered her mouth with her hoof to silence the gasp and to keep the bile from escaping her throat. “Oh my stars… tha poor colt,” thought the elderberry mare as she saw how pale the unicorn colt that was a true friend to her daughter was. Tears made there way to the corners of Sugars emerald eyes as she shook her head, her ears pinned back as she saw the worry on Tales parents as they approached the area to see their son.
Sugar and Shadow watched sympatheticly as the medics quickly assessed Tales looking for any unseen hemmorage, after they established his airway and ensured he had a pulse the medics quickly assessed he leg. A maroon colored stallion worked on replacing the imporovised splint with SAM splints, while a pale green unicorn with a short cut pink mane placed an IV line with warm fluids in the unicorn colts hoof and covered the pale colt in a wool blanket before working together with the other medic to load Tales into the ambulance.
Two adult unicorns followed closely behind the mare's eyes, leaking tears as she fussed over their child comforted by her mate's hoof on her withers; the stallion looked over towards Shadow and Sugar nodding as gratitude filled his eyes.
Surprised by the action Shadow grinned warmly, his fangs showing slightly from one father to another and returned the nod. “Looks like your friend is going to be ok little one,” thought the silver stallion as his gaze looked over his steadily breathing daughter.
Both of Autumn's parents watched as a yellow earth pony medic with spiky orange mane took a set of vitals and performed an exam to triage the olive oil fillies' injuries. Sugar watched carefully a shot of fear and anxiety running through her as a look of surprise took over the medics face. Shadow noticed his mate beginning to shake as they watched their filly being examined, he took his hoof and wrapped it around her hoping to bring her some comfort. The medic double checked his equipment and performed his exam a second time both wheat farmers grew tense, holding their breath as they waited for the Medics findings.
The Medic turned to look at Shadow and Sugar a measured look on his face as he took a deep breath “By some Celestia given miracle she seems to only be exhausted, save for a few abrasions, contusions and a worrying lump on her head. She needs fluids and bed rest but other than that she should be ok,” said the astounded medic. Sugar Beet and Shadow both took breaths of relief at hearing their daughters condition.
“We’re going to take her to the hospital for observation but she should be good to return home after a few days,” said the medic as they loaded Autumn up into a second ambulance cart. Sugar grasped Autumn’s hoof in her own as she sat on her haunches in the ambulance a shaky smile covering her muzzle “Now you go on an’ rest sweet pea, yer father an I are right here. An we’re gonna stay right here until you wake up,” said Sugar as she lovingly nuzzled her daughter tears , escaping her eyes and landing on Autumn's flat nose.
Shadow watched as his wife consoled their sleeping filly and nuzzled his wife, rubbing his check against her moist one. “We’ll be right there waiting for you little one,” said Shadow, his usually strong voice breaking slightly as he saw his energetic daughter laying still. Sugar's tears tickled Autumn's nose and a small almost silent groan was heard causing both Shadow and Sugar Beet to sit up in surprise as both sets of ears strained to confirm what they’d heard.
To the adults' surprise Shadow and Sugar saw their fillies' tired amber eyes crack open; a deep tired sigh escaped the olive oil filly as she began to take in her surroundings. “M..mm..mom? D..dad what happened?” asked Autumn her voice straining her volume was barely above a whisper. Autumn’s whole body flinched as she tried to sit up; her body felt like she went several rounds with the boxing champ of Yakyakistan and she had a wicked headache. Despite all this she quickly looked around trying to find somepony “T..Tales?” asked Autumn her words slurring slightly as she struggled to stay awake.
Shadow and Sugar smiled at their daughter before Sugar answered Autumns question “He’s safe sugar, ya both are,” Autumn’s mother said happily as a warm smile covered her face and the light reached her emerald eyes. Her hoof lovingly grazed over her daughters wild silver mane and rested on her cheek.
Nodding Autumn's eyes closed again as she sighed in relief, as the filly blacked out all she felt was warmth in the darkness. Her family was here, Tales and her were safe… and for now that was enough.