Chapter: 13. Camping, nightmares, and a blue flower.
The sun was rising to a new day and its rays filled my room with its warmth. I wish I could tell you I had a good night rest but no, I tossed and turned all night. Now the sun was in my face trying to wake me up.
“Ugh go away sun.” I said sleepily as I rolled over and covered my face with the covers.
“Yawn but we have to. We got to meet up with Miss. Applejack for that camping trip.” Rosy said with a yawn before rolling over and pulling the covers over her head.
“I know.” I said as I slowly removed the covers and sat up before hopping off the bed and heading for the bathroom. I then found myself with a little problem. I could reach the light switch or sink so I thought I was in my tiny fox form but when I looked down I was shocked.
“AAAAHHHHHHH WHAT THE HELL!!!” I yelled as I looked down at my body. I was now small and I don’t mean I shrunk, no I was now a toddler. It was like I was 5 again. I quickly found a chair to stand on so I could look at myself in the mirror and sure enough there was a 5 year old me looking back. My hair was much shorter and hung just above my shoulders. I still had my ears and tail but they felt much softer now.
“What's all the yelling abou-…HAHAHAHA.” Rosy said before she started to roll around laughing.
“This ain’t funny. How did this even happen last night? I was fine, now I’m five again.” I said as I looked at myself. I was now around 3 feet tall and my PJs were falling off.
“Hahaha sorry haha you just look so funny like that.” She said while trying to stop laughing as I glared down at her.
“(Sigh) this is just great. What magic caused this? Wait a sec.” I said as I got a closer look at myself I noticed something different from what I looked like when I was younger and began to pat myself down until I got to a certain spot.
“No…no, no, no, NO WHY, WHY IS IT GONE.” I yelled as I frantically threw my shirt off and looked down into my PJs bottoms.
“Wait what's gone?” She asked while I began to cry.
“(Sniff) I’m not just younger (sniff) I’m now a girl. Oh god WHY.” I said before Rosy started to laugh again.
“HAHAHAHA Now you can be my sister HAHAHA.” She said while I tried to settle myself down.
“Ok Fox don’t panic. Maybe the girls would know what's goin on. Yeah I sure Twilight would know. Alright I’ll just teleport over to her house.” I said to myself as I hopped off my chair and tried to focus my magic but I didn’t have enough.
“Well this isn’t good. My magic isn’t strong enough like this, I can’t even make me close. This just sucks.” I said while Rosy calmed down.
“Haha well maybe Rarity could make you something. We do have to meet up with them for the camping trip.” She said as she picked herself off the floor before Tammy hopped up on her head and Ayla nuzzled my cheek.
“I almost forgot about that. Come on let go maybe we can catch her before she leaves her shop and hopefully I can find out what happened to me.” I said as I grabbed my bag and we headed out the house. Once outside I unclipped my cart to tried to make it bigger but I only was able to make it half its size but it was big enough for me and Rosy to ride on. I was just glad that the enchantments still worked and we made our way out of the forest and into town. It didn’t take us long to reach Rarity’s Boutique and saw Rarity and sweetie bell loaded down a cart with a mountain of luggage.
“Well I think that’s everything Sweetie Bell. Now lets go we don’t want to keep Applejack waiting.” Rarity said before she hooked Sweetie Bell to the cart as we rolled up beside it.
“Hi Miss. Rarity, hi Sweetie Bell.” Rosy said before she hopped off the cart and gave Sweetie Bell a big hug.
“ROSY are you ready for the camping trip?” Sweetie Bell asked after breaking the hug.
“You bet but my dad on the other hoof.” Rosy said with a snicker.
“Speaking of your father, did he have a little sister?” Rarity asked as I hopped off the cart. I decided since I don’t know what happened to me or how to fix it that I might just have a little fun with it.
“Hi pwetty pony. Daddy told me that you was the bestest at making pwetty dwesses and wanted me to have a pwetty sun dwess for my very first camping twip.” I said as I tried to pull off my most adorable look I could complete with shy puppy dog eyes. The whole time Rosy was trying not to bust out laughing while Sweetie Bell just looked on with confusion.I
“Oh my, well of course I can darling. I’m going to have to have a word with Fox for not telling us about you sooner. Now hold still while I take your measurement.” She said with a warm smile before she pulled out her measuring tape and took down my sizes then ran inside her shop.
“PFFFT HAHAHAHAHA you nailed the cute adorable look dad HAHAHA.” Rosy said as she couldn’t hold in her laughter and fell on her back.
“Wait what?” Sweetie Bell asked as she looked between Rosy and me.
“Hehe I don’t know what happened to me but why not have some fun with it. Good morning Sweetie Bell it's me Fox.” I said with a big smile.
“Wait Mr. Fox what happened to you?” Sweetie Bell asked as she walked up to me.
“Honestly I have no clue. I went to bed normal last night and woke up as, well in your terms, a young filly.” I said before Rarity walked out with the sundress.
“Here you are darling.” Rarity said as she showed me the dress. It was a white sundress that faded to light blue at the bottom and had a pocket with light blue lace around it and it had Rarity’s Diamond cutie mark in the center.
“Thank you vewy much Miss. Wawity. Its vewy pwetty.” I said adorably while Sweetie Bell and Rosy Tried not to laugh.
“Well I’m sure you will look absolutely adorable in this Fox.” She said with a big smirk before Rosy and Sweetie Bell burst out laughing.
“Aw how did you know?” I said with a pout.
“Fox I have a little sister that loves to use her adorableness to her advantage. Plus you're the only one around here that has ears, a tail and can walk on two leg, now go on and get changed or we’ll be late to meet up with Applejack.” She said as she passed me the dress and with a sigh I took it and went behind the cart to change. I slipped off my large night shirt and pulled the dress over my head and it was surprisingly comfortable.
“There we go. Thanks again Rarity.” I said as I walked back over to them as she was hooking Sweetie Bell up to her cart full of luggage.
“That seems a little excessive don’tcha think.” I said as I looked up at the cart.
“Oh darling it’s only the Essentials.” She said with a smile as Sweetie Bell tried to pull the cart.
“(sigh) Hold on a sec Sweetie Bell.” I said as I walked up to her cart and tried to focus my magic for an enchantment but it's hard with my magic this low. With a bit of effort I was able to make it lighter but not light as I hoped.
“Ugh doing magic like this is hard but I was able to make the cart a hundred pounds lighter. You can hook it up to my cart if you want it to be able to pull it no problem.” I said as Rosy hopped up in the cart.
“Are you sure? I don’t want it to be a bother.” Rarity said as Sweetie unhooked the cart and tied it to the back of the cart.
"It's perfectly fine Rarity. Now let's get this show on the road." I said before me, Rosy, and Sweetie Bell hopped in the cart and we headed out of town. On the way I wanted to ask Rarity if she might know what happened.
"Hey Rarity, so last night I went to look normal and now I'm a young kit (fox pup) any clue about why it happened?" I asked while Rosy got some bananas from the cart and passed me and Sweetie one.
"Hmm I'm not really sure. Your home is in the Everfree right?" She asked as I ate my banana.
"Yep (munch) about five minutes passed Fluttershy's cottage." I said with a mouth full of nana.
"Please darling don't talk with your mouth full." Rarity said with a stern glare.
"Sorry." I said with a small blush.
"Now did anything happen on your way home?" She asked as we passed the edge of town.
"Well not really." I said before finishing my banana.
"Well you did trip and fell into that patch of blue flowers." Rosy said as she fed a piece of her banana with Tammy while Sweetie Bell gave some of hers to Alya.
"Blue flowers? Oh dear I think you might have fallen in a patch of Poison Joke." She said with a worried look.
"Poison Joke?" I asked as I began to get a little scared.
"Yes, it's similar to Poison Ivy and Oak but instead of red itchy rashes it pulls pranks. But don't you worry I'm pretty sure Zacora can whip you up a batch of the cure in no time." Rarity said with a warm smile.
"Um what ...what if you accidentally ate one." I said with a bit of worry.
"Oh, oh dear I'm not quite sure. I've never heard anypony eat one before." Rarity said as I began to panic a bit.
"Oh no, no, no I hope I'm not stuck like this." I said as I grabbed my bag and pulled out my ear piece.
"Aw but I never had a sister before." Rosy said with a wide smile that was met by a glare from me while I slipped the earpiece on.
"Very funny. Twink you there?" I asked while I tried to make my display but it didn't hold up.
"Yes Fox, How can I help you and thank you for that melon treat you gave me it was delicious." She said happily.
"Your welcome. I need to see if we have any information on a blue flower called Poison Joke. Mainly the effects if eaten." I said Alya climbed up my arm to nuzzle my cheek.
"Give me a second to find what you need and I'll send it to your display." Twink said as I pet Alya's head. Her fluffy feathers are starting to fall out and are replaced by bubble gum pink slick feathers.
"Yeah that might be a problem. As of this morning I now look like my mom when she was five and I mean in all aspects." I said sadly while Rosy and Sweetie Bell played with Tammy.
"Well that's not good. Alright I got the information let see, there are a couple of articles here one of which was a research document by an earth pony named Mage Meadowbrook. It says "After one of the villagers accidentally ate a Poison Joke flower he came to me with his body inflated like a ripe blueberry. I was able to put together the cure potion that we use for those who just touch the plant but it had no effect until I made a few alterations so it can be drunk. After drinking the potion the villager returned to normal the next day." Twink said as we say Applejack in the distance.
"Why do I feel like there is more to this." I said with a deep sigh.
"Because there is. "It has been a month since the villager came to me and now he is back with another case but this time he was now tiny. After giving him another potion I called on a dear unicorn friend to scan his natural magic and found that the magic from the flower that causes the odd effects on the body had fused with his natural magic. In this case it can not be removed. I found the potions effects will hold the Jokes curse at bay but not cure it. The curse of the Joke will come back with random effects and at random times but with the help of the potion the curse will only last for 24 hours at most before its lifted. Below I have written the instructions on how to make the potion if anypony eats the Joke but I will continue to look for a more permanent solution." That's all there is to this article and I haven't been able to find any more information on the subject but good news is I have everything to make the potion for you if you'd like." Twink said happily.
"Yes please and why do you sound happy about all this?" I said with a raised brow.
"Because this is a perfect chance for collecting new research and you my dear kit is the test subject." Twink said with excitement.
"Yay. Thanks I'm glad my suffering will bring you joy." I said dryly as Applejack, Applebloom, and Scootaloo waved as we got closer.
"Oh you're quite welcome. I'll have the potion ready in about 3 hours." Twink said before putting the earpiece away as we reached Aj.
"Hey y'all. Um who's that." Applejack said as Rosy and Sweetie Belle hopped off the cart.
"Hey Aj it's me Fox. Before you ask, I had a run in with Poison Joke." I said with a sigh.
"Oh well we can get you fixed up with one of Zacora's brews." Applejack said as I climbed off the cart.
"For my case that won't work. I ate one and now I'm stuck with random things happening to me. On a plus side there is a potion that will turn me back to normal for a while but the curse will come back with random effects and at random times." I said while Applejack gave me a funny look.
"Well ok then. Are you ready to head out?" Applejack said as Scootaloo showed the fillies that she could hoover now.
"Sure am. I packed our camping gear in my bag and brought some good old camp fixins for dinner. Where's Rainbow Dash?" I asked as I looked around in the sky.
"She said she is going to meet up with us at the first campsite. Um Fox think you packed enough cuz that looks like something Rarity would do." Applejack said as she pointed to the large pile of luggage attached to the cart.
"That's because Rarity did do that." I said with a smile as I hopped up on the cart.
"Gee, Rarity, did you remember to pack?" Applejack said as she looked at the luggage mountain.
"Oh, well, let's see who gets the last laugh when you're absolutely desperate to curl your lashes, and you realize you didn't bring your eyelash curler." Rarity said with a confident smile before I turned and noticed Scootaloo showing the fillies how long she can hover for. And with a smile I walked up to them.
"Hey there Scootaloo, looks like your wings are finally working right." I said happily as I pet the flying snake on my shoulder.
"Isn't it great. I went to the doctor for a check up and it was a miracle that my wings are getting stronger and I should be able to fly around in no time if I exercise my wing every day." She said with a big smile as her wings buzzed.
"That's good to hear. Maybe when you get old you can be in the wonderbolts with Rainbow." I said before Scootaloo and the rest ran up to my cart and hopped on. It made me happy to see that I was able to make her life a bit better.
"Something tells me you had something to do with that fillies wings." Applejack said as she walked up next to me with a smirk and I never lost my smile.
"Maybe." I said before making my way to the cart.
"Alright, y'all, let's move 'em out!" Applejack said before we all set out to our first campsite. After a good bit of walking, well in my and the fillies case, riding we finally got to the site and I could see Rainbow flying around.
"Oh, are we there yet?" Rarity said as we reached the campsite.
"The last thousand times you asked that, the answer was no. This time, it's actually yes. There's Rainbow Dash up there right now." Applejack said as we watched Rainbow smash through a line of trees breaking out a chunk that we can sit on by the fire.
"(Sigh) she just basically cut those trees down. Well I could always use some more wood for my shop. I'll cut them up later." I said to myself as we all got off the cart and started to set up camp.
"[quietly] Alright, Scootaloo, just play it cool. [normal] Hey Rai–" Scootaloo said as she walked up to Rainbow before tripping and landing on her back.
"[clears throat] Hey, Rainbow Dash! What's up?" Scootaloo said while trying to look cool on the ground.
"Pst hey girl want to see something funny?" I asked quietly for the fillies and got nods and snickers.
"( POOF) Aw I look like a toy Chihuahua with big ears and sound like I inhaled a whole tank of helium." I said in a squeaky high-pitched voice while I looked over my even tinier fox body. ( imagine a stuffed fennec fox Beanie Baby.)
"Hahahahahaha" The fillies laughed as I glared at them.
"Hey that wasn't the funny part. Now hush here comes Rainbow." I said as I sat down and stiffened up like a toy.
"What took you guys so long?" Rainbow said as she flew up to us.
"Well, some of us didn't pack as light as the others. So we were slowed down a bit." Aj said pointing to the Rarities cart.
"Cool. Um what's up with this little fox toy, Did Fox make it?" Rainbow said before picking me up to get a better look.
"Oh um yeah dad made it for me." Rosy said with an innocent smile.
"Wow it almost looks real." Rainbow said as she brought me in for a closer look. It was then I decided to make my move.
"RRAAAWWW!!!" I yelled loudly.
"AHHHHH!!!" Rainbow screamed before she fell on her back and the others fell over laughing.
"HAHAHAHA." I laughed as I hit the ground.
"What is that." Rainbow said as she scooted away from me.
"Hahaha chill out Rainbow it's just Fox. Now if yall are done laughing let get our camp setup."
"Yeah it's me. (POOF) I had an accident with some Poison Joke and until tomorrow morning. So I'm stuck as a little girl." I said as I patted the dust off my dress and everypony went to set up their tents with Rainbow laughing as she went up to Scootaloo.
"Haha looks like you'll be sharing a tent with me, huh?" Rainbow said as she gave Scootaloo a nudge.
"Heh, if that's okay with you." Scootaloo said shyly while I fished my tent out of my bag.
"Sure! Long as you don't snore. You don't snore, do you?" Rainbow said as the glarex down at the filly.
"Nope. No way. Not me. Never snored a day or [laughs nervously] night in my life." Scootaloo said with a nervous laugh.
"Then you and I are gonna get along just fine." Rainbow said before a loud pop as a large tent inflated from a small box.
"Really?" I asked with a raised brow.
"You have got to be kidding me." Rainbow said while looking up at Rarity on the balcony of her condo tent.
"Sweetie Belle, do be a dear and see if you can find some fresh flowers for my bedside vase." Rarity said as she tossed an expensive vase down to Sweetie Bell how caught it after it bounced off their tent canopy.
"Scootaloo, do be a sweetheart and see if you can gather some firewood." Rainbow said while mocking Rarity's voice, making use laugh.
"Seriously though. Can you get us some wood for the fire?" Rainbow asked as she gave Scootaloo a light nudge.
"Of course!" She said before running off into the woods.
"Alright Rosy the tent is set now let go set up for dinner. I'm thinking some campfire roasted veggies, whatcha think?" I asked while I pulled everything I needed to cook with out of my bag.
"Sounds great. Can I help?" Rosy asked with sparkling eyes.
"Of course you can. Let go set this stuff up and we'll start cooking." I said as Scootaloo came back with the fire wood and AJ got the fire goin. Once the fire was ready I set my campfire grill on top of the fire before Rosy and I cut the veggies, then put them on the grill.
"Alright y'all supper will be ready here in a bit." I said as I took out the plates.
"You sure a little filly like you can handle the cooking?" Rainbow said with a smirk.
"Hey just because I look young right now doesn't mean my cooking skills are gone. Just for that no seconds for you." I said before I booped her nose making her grumble and sit back on her log. As soon as the food was ready I had Rosy help pass out the plates while I cleaned up my mess. After a good supper we were just sitting around the fire.
"Okay, everybody get comfortable, 'cause I'm about to tell you the best story you've ever heard." Rainbow said as she hopped in the air.
"Is it about the time when Rarity had wings, and then they got ruined, and then you saved her from plummeting to her doom?" Scootaloo asked excitedly.
"Wait what?" I asked with a raised brow.
"I'll tell ya later." AJ whispered to me.
"Okay, maybe it's the second best story you've ever heard. But probably still the scariest. You like scary stories, right?" Rainbow said in a spooky voice.
"Mm-hmm." Scootaloo said nervously.
"It all happened on a night just like this one, in a forest, just like this…" Rainbow said as she started her story and a short time later i had a filly hugging my arm.
"...And then, The Olden Pony asked, "Who's got my rusty horseshoe?" Rainbow said in an old raspy voice.
"Not me!" Sweetie Bell said before her, Scootaloo, and Applebloom hugged each other.
"You do!" Rainbow said loudly while pointing at the fillies making them jump and scream.
"I wasn't scared at all, hehe. Good story." Scootaloo said with a nervous laugh.
"Knew you wouldn't be scared. The way you jumped that cart the other day, you're like me – fearless." Rainbow said as she gave Scootaloo a little nudge.
"Yeah. Fearless." Scootaloo said nervously as her teeth chattered.
"It wasn't that scary." I said in a blunt tone.
"Oh really then lets hear a story from you then." Rainbow said smugly as I thought of a good story to tell.
"Hmm I think I got one. Anyone now what a Bard is?" I asked and everypony just shrugged.
"Ok well a Bard is a person or pony that tells stories with songs and I know a few good stories to sing." I said as I unclipped my violin and began the song.
(Play Master Mirror)
"His smile is fair as spring, as towards him he draws you." I sang as I used my magic to set the mood with a little bit of fog.
"His tongue sharp and silvery, as he implores you." I sang with Rosy helping me in the background making it seem like there were voices in the forest as I plucked the strings on my violin. By the time the song was over Rarity and Applejack were hugging their sisters and Scootaloo was trying hard not to hug Rainbow who was just sitting there with wide eyes.
"Ok that was pretty scary." Rainbow said before standing up and stretched.
"Don't worry. Rarity is here to keep you safe and sound. Ooh!" Rarity said to Sweetie Bell in a coddling manner.
"Think it's about time for me to hit the straw." Applejack said with a yawn and a trembling filly on her back.
"Don't you worry, little sis. There's no 'Olden Pony' or mirror monster in our tent." Applejack said as she patted her sister's head.
"Haa, that sure was funny, wasn't it? Hehe. How they were all afraid of The Olden Pony or some monster in a mirror. Heh, but not me, heh!" Scootaloo said with a nervous laugh.
"That's because you're tough, just like when I was your age!" Rainbow said proudly before dumping water over the fire making Scootaloo yelp.
"I'm hitting the sack. Come in whenever you feel like it." Rainbow said before walking into her tent leaving Scootaloo out by the fire pit.
"It's, it's nothing... Just my imagination…" Scootaloo said after hearing the noise of the forest.
"And that isn't the thundering stomp of The Olden Pony…" Scootaloo said before zipping into her tent.
"Well it's time we head to bed too Rosy." I said before I noticed she looked a little down.
"What's the matter sweetheart?" I ask sweetly as I pat her head.
"Um dad can I ask you something?" She asked shyly while drawing circles with her hoof.
"Sure, whats up?" I asked as I sat down in front of her.
"Um just for tonight can… can you sleep in your tiny fox form?" She asked softly with big puppy dog eyes.
"Is it because I look like your stuffed fox." I asked sweetly just getting a quick nod from her.
"(POOF) Alright fox snuggles it is. Now let's go get some sleep." I said in a squeaky voice as I hopped on her back and we headed into the tent. Tammy was on Rosy's head and because I was so small, Alya had gently wrapped herself around my neck.
"Hehe with Alya like that it looks like you have a pink bowtie on." She said with a smile as we got comfy in my sleeping back and fell right to sleep.
"I-Is anyone out there?" Someone said outside my tent and woke me up.
"Yawn what's that." I said before wiggling my tiny self from the cuddly filly and poked my head out of the tent to see Scootaloo walking into the woods.
"Why is she out wandering the woods at night? I better make sure she gets back safely." I said quickly before quietly following her behind the trees.
"Grumble grumble horseshoe." Said a clocked limping pony that literally came out of nowhere.
"Ok that's not right." I said as I began to look around for anything else that just pops up and I caught a glimpse of a familiar wavy mane pony walking through the trees next to me.
"Wait a sec." I said before I pushed past some bushes and popped out right behind Aunt Luna.
"Luna?" I asked with a bit of surprise before she noticed me.
"AAHHH RAT!! (BAMB)" She screamed before bucking me into a nearby tree.
"OOF OW ugh hi to you too Aunt Luna." I said after I pulled myself out of a fox shaped indent in the tree.
"Wait, is that you, dear nephew? What are you doing in the dream realm?" She asked while I dusted myself off.
"Dream realm? I thought something was off when an earth pony popped up out of thin air. The only one I know that can do that is Pinkie." (POOF) I said before I changed to kid me.
"What happened to you? You look just like your mother when she was young...did somebody curse you?" She asked as she looked me over.
"We do too, a bit of clumsiness. I fell into a patch of Poison Joke but don't worry I have a potion to help. Anyway what brings you out here. Well in here I guess." I said with a sigh.
"It is my role as princess of the night to guard ponies from their nightmares and tonight has been quite busy. Tonight has been filled with elder ponies looking for a lost horseshoe and monsters trying to drag ponies into mirrors. Now I'm more curious as to how you got into the dream world." She said as she looked down at me.
"In all honesty I have no clue how I got here...and about the mirror monsters." I said as I tried to look innocent and cute.
"Hmmm I will talk to you more about this later. It seems the young filly Scootaloo will be waking soon so fare well nephew and have a blissful slumber." She said before giving me a hug and fading out of the dream while I was forced out and awake but it was still dark and I was warm and comfy so I went right back to sleep.
.
.
.
.
(The Crystal Empire, just past midnight.)
The moon shined brightly down upon the crystal castle and through the balcony window onto the princess of love and her husband sleeping peacefully when a loud explosion shook the Empire.
(BOOOOOM)
"AAHHH WHAT WAS THAT!?" Cadence yelled as she and Shining jumped out of their bed.
"Are under attack? Guards report!" Shining said before quickly encasing the empire in a shield as two
"Sir there was a large explosion west of the Empire." One of the guards said.
"Do we know what caused it?" Cadence asked as she approached the guards.
"No ma'am." The other said.
"Shining, take a squad and see what happened. I'll keep the shield up just in case." Cadence said as she walked to the balcony. In the distance she could see a large column of black smoke rising into the sky blocking out the moonlight.
"Guard inform a squad of scouts and first Lieutenant Heavy Point to meet me at the west side of the Empire. I'll be there shortly." Shining said as he put on his armor.
"SIR!" The guards said with a salute before dashing out the door.
"Be careful out there. I have a bad feeling about this." Cadence said with worry.
"Yeah me too." Shining said before he slipped on his helmet and headed for the west side of the Empire.
(ONE HOUR LATER)
"Everypony be on guard, we're nearing the site of the explosion." Shining said as the came to a massive hole in the ice where the smoke was coming from.
"Sir there appears to be a large forest in flames." A large maroon earth pony guard said as he looked over the edge of the ice.
"Yeah but what could have done this?" Shining said with concern as he stared dowe at the burning forest.
(WOOSH WOOSH)
"DRAGON!!!" A scout called out as a gigantic black dragon with crimson horns and scales slowly rose from the smoke in front of Shining and his squad.
"RRRRAAAAAAHHHH!!" It roared in their faces before taking to the sky and disappeared in the smoke.
"Why was there a dragon here?" Shining said to himself as he glared in the direction the dragon flew off in.
"Sir that dragon had something that looked like a large black crystal in it's claws." The maroon earth pony said.
"Hmm...Heavy Point sent a scout back to the castle to inform Cadence of what happened here and have her send us an exploration team with a small base camp set up. Also have her send the report to Celestia, Luna, and Sir Fox Lilly." Shining said before sending up a light spell to illuminate the area.
"Sir if you don't mind me asking, why send a report to Sir Fox?" Heavy Point asked with mild curiosity.
"Because he had a friend that lived down there." Shining said with a heavy sigh before Heavy Point left to make the report.
(Fox, sunrise.)
"Alright so the girls will probably be up pretty soon so i better make some coffee and a hearty quick breakfast." I said quietly in my cart. I woke up early and was happy to see that I was back to normal with all my parts where they should be. After a quick self inspection I left Rosy in the tent to sleep until everyone woke up and I went to get breakfast started.
"Yawn morning Fox." Applejack said as her and Applebloom walked up to the cart window.
"Good morning. Care for some coffee and some juice or milk?" I asked while setting out some cups.
"A cup of coffee sounds good." Applejack said as she leaned against the cart.
"Can I have some milk?" Applebloom said with a warm smile.
"Sure no problem. How does breakfast burritos sound for this morning's breakfast?" I said as I set out my ingredients before I poured their drinks.
"Good morning darling." Rarity said as her and Sweetie Bell walked up to the cart.
"Would you like some coffee Rarity? I'll have breakfast ready soon." I said while cutting up some onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms for the burrito.
"I would love a cup of coffee with cream and sugar please." Rarity asked as I started cooking. I used my magic to pour the coffee and mix it as well as pouring Sweetie Bell some milk.
"Thank you Mr. Fox." Sweetie Bell said with a smile.
"Your welcome Sweetie." I said as I happily mixed some eggs with the veggies before Alya popped out of my hair and slid down to my shoulder then nuzzled my cheek.
Buzz buzz.
"I hope y'all like burritos. Oh hey Sweetie Bell do you mind waking Rosy up?" I asked as i got out some tortillas.
Buzz buzz
"Sure thing." She said before walking to my tent as Rainbow and a very tired looking Scootaloo walked up to the cart.
Buzz buzz
"Morning girls...and Fox. Nice to see you back to a normal big guy." Rainbow said as she stretched her wings.
Buzz buzz
"Stupid fly go away. Want some coffee, Rainbow. You alright there Scoots." I ask as I try to bat the fly away.
Buzz buzz
"Oh yeah I'm fine. I totally didn't have a nightmare last night hehe." Scootaloo said nervously with shifty eyes.
Buzz bu-WHOOSH
"Whoa did you just breath fire Alya?" I asked as I watched the fly burn to ash in a blue flame while Alya happily shot a small blue flame out of her mouth.
"Alright goin to have to watch out for that. Adorable and deadly just be careful you don't set anything on fire." I said as I scratched her under the chin before Rosy, Tammy, and Sweetie Bell walked up.
"Good morning. (yawn) What's for breakfast?" Rosy asked while I started putting the burritos together.
"I made some burritos and I just finished them. Here y'all go, fresh hot breakfast burritos." I said as I past one to everypony.
"Alright y'all after breakfast we'll break down camp and hit the trail. Our next stop is a cave close to Winsone Falls. We should make it there before nightfall." Applejack said before we all munched on the burritos. After a good breakfast we packed up our stuff and hit the trail. Rarity tried to make her sister push her while she was on that couch of hers but after I saw how hard it would be for Sweetie Bell I put a temporary movement enchantment on it so Sweetie could ride the cart with the other fillies except Scootaloo how was asleep on the luggage cart.
"Alright y'all we need to pick up the pace so we can get to the next campsite before dark." Applejack said before Scootaloo woke up with a gasp.
"Dark?! I'll just ride ahead and make sure the path is clear. We don't wanna be out here after dark, right?" Scootaloo said as she got her scooter and helmet.
"Doesn't matter to me." Rainbow said with a shrug.
"Well, y'know, it's for the scaredy-ponies, heheh." Scootaloo said before taking off on her scooter.
(Sometime later)
"That's why it's always important to bring your own trunk on any public outing." Rarity said before Scootaloo jumped out of the bushes.
"Um... don't come this way! Take the path! It's, heh, way better than going through the bushes." Scootaloo said with tired eyes. As we walked Applejack stepped on a twig and scared Scootaloo who jumped high enough to grab a cloud before slipping off it and fell.
"I got'cha." I said as I quickly caught her and set her down.
"You're more nervous than a worm in an apple on cider making day. What gives, Scootaloo?" Applejack asked with concern.
"Heh, nothing, just thought I heard something, aheh." Scootaloo said while trying to hide how tired she was.
(owl hoots)
"Ahhh." Scootaloo said before sliding back.
"You sure you're okay? You seem a little jumpy." Applejack asked.
"Just getting my exercise! You know how important it is to stretch out those hindquarters every so often, aheh." Scootaloo said while stretching her hind legs.
(Frog croaking)
"Uh, d-do you need a little help?" Scootaloo asked me after the frog made her jump a bit. I was inside the cart making some sandwiches while we rolled along. That movement enchantment on my cart really comes in handy some time.
"Yeah sure. Hop in and you can help Rosy pass out lunch then you can help us get ready for supper." I said as I sliced some bread.
"Um... what are friends for?" Scootaloo said before hopping in and helped put the sandwiches together.
(Night time)
"No need for tents tonight, y'all. We'll just take shelter in that cave." Applejack said as we came upon the cave we're staying at for the night.
"All right! A deep, dark cave! Perfect for the story I've got for tonight. All we need is a campfire, and we're good to go." Rainbow said as she flew above the cave entrance.
"Uh, of course…" Scootaloo said nervously. I thought of something that might help her nerves a bit and called her over.
"Hey Scootaloo come here for a sec." I said as I used my magic to make a small fox charm.
"Need some more help with supper Mr. Fox?" Scootaloo said with a large forced smile.
"Nope that's already done. Here, this fox charm will bring you luck and keep any monsters away so you don't have to be scared any more." I said as I clipped the charm on her main.
"Scared? I'm not scared. Who said I was scared? I'll be right back with lots of firewood from the deep... dark... not-scary-at-all forest!" Scootaloo said as Rainbow hoverd above us.
"Thanks." Rainbow said to Scootaloo.
"Okay. I can do this. On the count of three, I get those branches. One... two... three! Here, branches branches branches…" Scootaloo said before she walked to the other side of the carts. After Rainbow went back to the fire pit I decided to keep an eye on her.
"Bbbbrrr! Hoo-wee! It's colder than a timberwolf's toenail. Bbbrr! Where's that Scootaloo?" I heard Applejack say as I watched as Scootaloo looked into the forest with a scared look before she ran into it in a panic, then came back with just a few twigs.
"Here you go!" Scootaloo said as she dropped her twigs in the fire pit. I chuckled to myself before collecting a good bundle of twigs.
"That's it?" Rainbow said with a raised brow.
"It's all I could find, 'cause, y'know, there aren't that many trees around here!" Scootaloo said before I walked up beside her.
"Yo Scoots you dropped these." Isaid with a wink as I put the bundle by the fire and left to bring back supper.
"It's all we need. Why don't you sit with Rainbow Dash for a while?" Applejack said before she started the fire.
"Soups one girl. Ha literally, it's Quinoa and vegetables stew its hardy, heathy, and full of goodness." I said as I set the pot of stew next to the fire and Rosy helped pass out bowls. After a good supper we were ready with a few scary stories.
"Now, where was I? Oh yeah, the [spookily] scary part." Rainbow said with an evil laugh.
"Hey, I have an idea! How about I tell tonight's story?" Scootaloo asked with a nervous laugh.
"Alright, just make sure it's a horrible one." Rainbow said as she got comfy on the stump.
"There once was a really really nice pony who lived in a bright and sunny land, where there are rainbows every day, and lots and lots of happy friends, and–." Scootaloo said before Rainbow cut her off.
"No offense, but it's not a real campfire story unless somepony's shaking. I've been told that these very woods are haunted…" Rainbow said as she started her story.
"...by The Headless Horse! It gallops only at night–." Rainbow said spookily before Applejack cut her off.
"If it doesn't have a head, then how in tarnation does this pony know where it's goin'?" Applejack said with a smile.
"I agree with Applejack." I said with Rosy chuckling in my lap.
"It's headless, not brainless.-...looking for little lost ponies–." Rainbow said before getting cut off again.
"So where's its brain?" Applejack said with a smirk.
"Ugh. Fear was dripping from the air…" Rainbow continued her story.
(A short time later)
"...and they were never heard from ever again!" Rainbow finished her story as the fillies hugged their sisters and me.
"Never?" Sweetie Bell asked in fright.
"Never." Rainbow said in a spooky way before the fire popped making the fillies scream then laugh except Scootaloo who was trembling in fear.
"Don't worry, you'll be safe with me tonight." Rarity said as she hugged her sister.
"It's not time for bed yet, is it?" Scootaloo asked nervously.
"'Fraid so, Scootaloo." Applejack said as they got up to go to bed.
"Uh, but we haven't even sung any campfire songs yet!" Scootaloo said nervously.
"Well I do know another scary song." I said as I went to unclip my violin.
"NO, no that's alright darling. One scary story is enough for us. I will never look at a mirror the same. A regular campfire song will do just fine." Rarity said as a shiver ran down her back.
"You don't have to ask me twice!" Sweetie bell said before she started singing ninety-nine buckets of oats on the wall and very off key and rhythm. I ended up putting a sound barrier up around me and Rosy at around sixty buckets and by the time she finished the only one still awake was a very tired looking Scootaloo.
" ...buckets of oats! Take one down, pass it around, you've got zero buckets of oats on the waaaaaaaalllllll!!!!" Sweetie Bell sang before falling right to sleep and Rarity picked her up and put her on her back.
"Good night, Sweetie Belle." Rarity said sweetly.
"Good night, y'all." Applejack and Applebloom said as they headed inside the cave.
"Oh is it over?" I asked with a sleeping filly in my arms.
"Yeah. Sleep tight." Rainbow said while walking into the cave.
"Oh, just one more song! Anyone? How about a dance contest? I know you love to cut a rug, so how 'bout we mess up a cave floor? I have a brilliant idea! Hide and seek! Who's with me?" Scootaloo said tiredly as she tried to stay awake
"Maybe tomorrow." Applebloom said before falling asleep.
"Seems like you don't really wanna go to sleep tonight. Is there some reason why?" Applejack asked with concern.
"Yeah Scootaloo. You know that those stories are just stories. Plus with all of use here nothing can get you." I said as I set Rosy in the sleeping bag.
"Pfft, of course not! I just love camping and hanging out with Rainbow Dash so much that I don't wanna waste a single minute with sleep! [yawns] Heh, silly sleep." Scootaloo said with a yawn.
"That's cool and all, Scoot, but this pony needs her shut-eye and she needs it now!" Rainbow said before falling asleep.
"Ugh, this is so unfair... [yawns] I'm falling asleep…" Scootaloo said before falling asleep.
"Night girls." I said before sliding in my sleeping bag next to Rosy and fell right to sleep. I woke up shortly after to find Scootaloo racing past me on her scooter.
"Whoa what happened." I asked myself as I looked around at the spooky woods we were in.
"Well this is a surprise once again dear nephew." Luna said as she popped up beside me.
"So I take it, this is Scootaloo's dream again." I asked as I watched Scootaloo.
"You are correct. But before I forget me and my sister would like to come to Canterlot when you return. We got a report from the Crystal Empire that we would like to discuss with you as well as your upcoming mission. As for now though would you care to watch me work." She said as a headless pony came to the top of a hill
"Sure. I've been worried about Scootaloo. I think the scary stories are getting to her." I said as the moon began to shine.
"Your part right but there's a root fear she needs to get over." She said before she disappeared and left me to watch.
"If The Headless Horse catches me, I'm never gonna be heard from again! And I wanna be heard from! Woah, woaaah! Ugh! Woah!." Scootaloo said before she wrecked her scooter.
"It's all over!" Scootaloo cried as the headless horse rose up in the moonlight before it was replaced by Luna.
"A warm welcome to you, Scootaloo." Luna said sweetly.
"Princess Luna! I thought you were The Headless Horse!" Scootaloo said as she looked up to the night princess.
"You were mistaken, but I hope not disappointed." Luna said with a warm smile.
"You are so, so much better than The Headless Horse. But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Canterlot?" Scootaloo said.
"I am the princess of the night. Thus it is my duty to come into your dreams." Luna said with pride.
"Oh, yeah... Wait, is this just a dream? But it feels so real!" Scootaloo said as she moved her hoof in the air and watched it ripple like water.
"I assure you that you are asleep. But when you awake, the thing that frightens you most will still exist." Luna said with concern.
"Eh... The Headless Horse?" Scootaloo said nervously.
"Hmmm... Is The Headless Horse really what frightens you the most?" Luna said as she brought her hoof to her chin.
"Mm-mm. I'm afraid Rainbow Dash will find out I'm not as tough as she thinks I am." Scootaloo said as she looked down sadly.
"Everypony has fears, Scootaloo. Everypony must face them in their own way. But they must be faced, or the nightmares will continue." Luna said before the dream began to ripple and pushed Luna and I out of the dream.
"Face your fears!" I heard Luna say before the dream faded and I woke back up in the cave.
" –Princess Luna?! It was just a dream." Scootaloo said as she quickly woke from her dream.
"But The Headless Horse isn't! Rainbow Dash said it lives here, in these very woods!" Scootaloo said after she heard some water drops in the cave. Then a loud whinny sounded through the cave.
"It's the wicked whinny of The Headless Horse!" She said in fright before she grabbed her scooter and took off into the woods as I sat up and looked over to Rainbow who was whinnying in her snoring.
"Hey Rainbow wake up we got a problem." I said as I slowly shook her awake.
"Huh wha Fox whats up." Rainbow said while rubbing her eyes.
"Scootaloo just took off on her scooter. I think those stories may have got to her and it's not safe for a filly to be out there at night." I said before me and her left to find Scootaloo. A short time later me and Rainbow were flying above it looking for Scootaloo.
So it's a horse without a head... which means it doesn't have a mouth... and if it doesn't have a mouth, then... it's not a horse-eat-pony kind of horse... but still... it's a horse without a head!" Scootaloo said as she sped down the path before she it a rock and crashed, sliding down a hill next to a waterfall and was able to catch a branch before she fell.
"Hello?! Is anyone out there? [nervously] Anyone except The Headless Horse? Scootaloo said before the branch started to break.
"Heellllp–" she cried out as the branch broke and she fell into the rapids below.
"Rainbow there she is. We have to get her before she gets to the waterfall!" I shouted before Rainbow shot past me and caught her just as she fell. I was right behind her.
"I gotcha!" Rainbow said before we landed.
"Rainbow Dash! Fox Is that you? Thank you, thank you!" She said happily as she gave Rainbow a hug.
"What were you doing out here in the middle of the night?!" Rainbow asked.
"It is time for you to face your real fear, Scootaloo!" Luna's voice softly echoed in the night and I gave her a nudge and wink.
[sighs] I'm so, so sorry, Rainbow Dash! I just wanted you to hang out with me and see how cool I was so you'd take me under your wing, teach me everything you know, and become like my big sister! But then you started telling those spooky stories and I got scared! I thought I heard The Headless Horse so I ran out here by myself, and...well, I guess you know the rest." Scootaloo said with some sniffles.
"Hey, I'm gonna tell you something, but if you ever tell anypony else, I'm gonna deny it. First time I heard those stories... I was scared too." Rainbow said as she gave me a look that said if you tell I'll get you.
"And I have an irrational fear of lizards but I don't let it get to me. I still can't look at Spike while shivering." I said with a smile.
"You were?" Scootaloo said with a chuckle.
"Sure! I mean, I got over it because I realized pretty quick that if there was such a thing as a Headless Horse, I could totally take it on. So, you're looking for somepony to take you under their wing, huh?" Rainbow said as she gave her a wing hug.
"Mm-hmm." Scootaloo nodded.
Yeah, I might be up for something like that." Rainbow said proudly.
"Really?" Scootaloo asked with big eyes.
"As long as you don't go falling into any more rivers in the middle of the night." Rainbow said, making us giggle.
"It's a deal!" Scootaloo said as she gave Rainbow a hug.
"Let's head on back before the sun comes up and we can get some more sleep." I said before we took off flying back to camp.
(Midmorning close to the falls)
"I call sister teams! Last herd to make it to the falls is a moldy carrot!" Sweetie Bell called out before running down the path.
"Ugh, if you insist. [giggles] It is so on!" Rarity said as she took off after her sister.
"Hey what about us?" I asked before Applejack put her hoof on my leg.
"You can be a temporary sister, bye." Applejack said before she ran down the path laughing with Applebloom at her side.
"They think they can beat the two of us?" Rainbow said as she picked up Scootaloo and took to the sky.
"Lets go dad." Rosy said as she held onto my head with Tammy and Alta on my shoulders.
"Don't have to tell me twice." I said as I jumped into the sky and caught up to Rainbow who was holding Scootaloo above her head while Scootaloo's wings were buzzing. I was able to get Rainbows attention and motioned her to lower her hoof and as soon as she did her eyes lit up as Scootaloo never noticed she was flying on her own. And with a happy smile and a tear in her eye we caught up with the group and made it to the falls.
(Later that night, dream world.)
"Who's got my rusty horseshoe?" Said the olden pony who had Scootaloo cornered before Rainbow showed up.
"Here it is, for ponies sake. Now take it and stop all your moaning." Rainbow said as she tossed an old rusty horseshoe to the olden pony.
"Thank you, and have a nice day." The olden pony said before disappearing into the wood while Rainbow and Scootaloo hugged.
"That's a good way to end a nice trip." I said happily with Luna at my side giggling.
"That is my nephew. Farewell for now and don't forget to come see me and my sister. We will be waiting for you." Luna said before giving me a hug as the dream faded and another day began.