//------------------------------// // Chapter 42 - Dealing with the wolves // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 2 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// Mystic sat there, completely tense as she gazed at Gunnolf and his Pack members. She scooted closer to the trembling Starlight and magically grasped the handle of her machete. “You think you can corner us like this?!” Rainbow cried. “We’ve handled worse than you!” “And you’re in a cave,” replied Gunnolf, baring his teeth. “From what I see, you’re cornered and I have the upper claw.” He raised a paw and slightly waved it. Mystic’s eyes widened as all of the Pack members raised blowpipes and pointed them in their direction. “Please,” Twilight said with a desperate look, “We didn’t want trouble we just wanted to find our friend.” She helped Starlight sit up, Mystic saw that the unicorn had a troubled expression on her face. “Ah,” said Gunnolf, “Maybe you were right about one thing. But…” He snarled. “You greatly disrespected our Majestic and escaped from his clutches.” “And we’d gladly do it again!” Rainbow declared. “I don’t have time for your nonsense,” Gunnolf hissed. “Now, either all of you come out of this cave and make this easy for all of us. Or…” He looked directly at Starlight, “We’ll be forced to take drastic measures.” Twilight held Starlight close. “She’s got powerful magic!” Rainbow stated, pointing at Starlight. “She’d wipe you out without even blinking!” “Rainbow, not helping!” Sunset said with a glare. “What? It’s true.” Mystic sighed. She didn’t see any way out. The cave is rather too small and they’re all cornered. She looked at Starlight again, knowing the poor mare’s mind isn’t fully stable. “Fine,” said Mystic. Everycreature looked at her. “Pardon?” Gunnolf asked. The orange unicorn lifted her hooves in surrender. “What’re you doing?” Rainbow asked. Mystic shot her a glare before looking at Twilight. “We don’t have any choice. It’s our only chance.” Twilight gulped. “I…” Her lip trembled as she looked into Starlight’s eyes. Mystic placed a hoof on the alicorn’s shoulder. “For her sake,” said Mystic. The alicorn let out a groan of defeat. She looked up at the wolves and held her hooves up. Mystic watched as everypony else did so, shooting a glare towards an upset Rainbow. “Good,” said Gunnolf. He gave a sideways glance to the wolves behind him. “Get them in chains. We have a long journey back to the Forest.” Cursed chains, Mystic thought as she walked through the tall grass. The sun beat down on her, soaking through her darkened clothes. Ahead, are large shrubs that are partly dried because of the lack of rain. As they got closer, a couple of wolves were standing in front of what seemed to be where they’d cleared out some of the shrubs. “Get moving!” a wolf barked. Mystic heard him spank somepony, and she wasn’t surprised when she heard Rainbow yelp. She looked behind her to see the party in a chain link. Twilight, Sunset, and Starlight each had magic dampeners as she did. The sounds of the local wildlife whooping pierced through the air, traveling through like a wave of unease. Mystic nearly gasped when she heard it. Hyenas... she thought, knowing that they’re scavengers and take no prisoners. As the wolves forced the ponies to move forward, the shrubs obviously had been cut down. Mystic saw along the dusty ground that only stumps remained of where they used to be. A few seconds passed before she and the others came upon some tents whose covers were made out of worn materials. “We’ve got the most powerful ones!” Gunnolf announced. Almost immediately, from what Mystic could tell, about thirty more wolves emerged from behind the tents and they began stomping their paws in celebration. The unicorn nearly gulped. She didn’t have a plan. Mystic’s eyes widened when she saw the she-wolf coming over. “You found them?” Accalia asked. “Yeah, some of them,” replied Gunnolf. “Some?” Accalia repeated. “We’re going to find them soon, but we’ve mostly got the situation handled.” Accalia looked at Mystic and then back at Gunnolf. “Well, this won’t be good enough for our Majestic.” “No, it won’t be,” Gunnolf stepped up to her. “But I will make sure of it.” “And you’re not finding anything about him odd?” Gunnolf growled. “Enough! I will not have your questions usurp his rule.” “Then what’s the benefit of all of you coming out here for us?” Mystic asked. Both wolves turned to look at her. “I think you know the answer to that,” said Gunnolf, forming a harsh glare. “So what?” Accalia asked. “I bet you’re asking questions about what you’re seeing in this land.” “I prefer not to.” “Then what was that light and the ominous circles?” “Accalia, shut it!” “I don’t think she should,” said Twilight. The head wolf opened his mouth but the alicorn interjected. “All of you need to know that we’re just ponies that love all creatures. Accalia wanted to know more about us and she found out she’s missing out on a lot.” “Accalia?” Gunnolf looked at her. Mystic noticed that he had the look as if he were processing something. The she-wolf shouldered her way past Gunnolf and stood next to the equines. “I helped the ponies escape,” she said. “You did what?!” Gunnolf barked with wide eyes. “You heard me.” Gunnolf stammered. He snarled and raised a paw. But then he stepped back. “Why?!” he cried. “Because the wolves can thrive and still be open to the world,” Accalia explained. She stepped further in front of Mystic, facing the wolves broadside. The unicorn saw what seemed to be a key she’d swiped. She pretended to stumble over her hooves, grabbing the key with her teeth before any of the wolves noticed. “Do you know what you’ve done?” Gunnolf shouted. “High treason to the throne! For somewolf who’s done so much through hundreds of years.” “But you’ve seen for yourself just how true the ponies’ story is with needing to find their friend.” “Even if it is, they still broke the Law.” “How were they to know that? We’re too reclusive.” Gunnolf let out a snarl. Mystic stepped back and watched the wolves standing next to her. “Stay still,” one of them ordered. “The chains are too tight,” Mystic complained. “Deal with it.” Looking over Accalia’s shoulder, she saw Gunnolf had a look of distraught and hurt on his face. “Just try and think that there is something out there,” Accalia reasoned. “I can’t betray Tokuta!” said Gunnolf. “Maybe he needs to shake things up in his closed world view.” “Enough!” Gunnolf cried, “Accalia, you stand aside and let us take care of the ponies right now!” The she-wolf stepped back next to Mystic. She pushed the unicorn to the ground. Before Mystic could say anything, Accalia laid her head on top of her barrel. “If you slay these ponies, I shall die with them!” she said. Gunnolf gasped followed by the others. “Accalia, what the heck has gotten into you?” Gunnolf asked with a look of disbelief. “Only somewolf who’s willing to keep you from harming them,” replied Accalia. The she-wolf sprang to her paws, pulled out a pole, and knocked the surrounding wolves to their paws. Amazed, Mystic reacted, shot up onto her hooves, and turned the key in Twilight’s magic lock. “Accalia!” Gunnolf cried. Mystic turned around to face the wolves. “Seize her!” Gunnolf pointed to Accalia. “Oh, no you don’t!” cried Twilight. Suddenly, a surge of purple magic shot out from behind Mystic, enveloping the wolves in a similar colored aura. “What the?” Gunnolf cried. “I can’t move!” Twilight stepped next to Mystic, the latter noticing her straining to keep the spell up. “We will go home,” the alicorn spoke. “It’s your choice to either fight us or just try to see what Accalia is trying to say to all of you.” Mystic felt a hoof touch her horn. The unicorn saw Sunset had begun to unlock her magic dampener. When it came loose, she smirked and nodded. “All of you,” Twilight pointed to the wolves. “I respect and appreciate you want to follow your leader. But there are times when leaders need to listen to his or her subjects.” “That’s right,” said Starlight. Mystic saw that she had a bit of a nervous look. “A real leader celebrates what makes their subjects unique instead of closing them into a system.” “Tokuta is a great leader,” Gunnolf growled. “We believe he is,” said Twilight. “But he could be wrong about different things to help him become a better leader. If you allow us, we could help your society connect and interact with others.” “And become stronger?” Accalia asked. “Exactly.” “But...” Gunnolf frowned but then his look hardened. “How can we be sure that you just won’t use us for your own advantage?” “That’s precisely what we don’t try to do and prevent,” said Twilight. “It can be a lot for your world view to be changed,” said Sunset, “But if you know it’s a better way for everycreature, you and others can be thriving in harmony.” Mystic glanced at Sunset on those words, grabbing her attention for a minute. “Gunnolf,” said Accalia, looking at the hardened wolf. “This is a better way. We don’t need to overthrow Tokuta, we just need to encourage him.” The head wolf lowered his gaze, his lips slightly trembling. “I don’t want you to get hurt...” he murmured. “Sister.” Mystic’s eyes widened. “Neither do I, brother,” said Accalia, gently walking up to him. “These ponies have faced a lot in this savanna. We can all do the same by learning more of their ways.” Gunnolf sighed, furrowing his brows. His sister gently touched his cheek affectionately. He seemed surprised at the gesture. “You know,” said Accalia. “Trust me.” He thought some more. Mystic observed him closely trying to detect anything he might be pulling. “All right...” said Gunnolf. He looked at the ponies. “I... release all of you.” “More like you need to be released,” Rainbow chuckled. Gunnolf blinked. “Fair enough.” “If I let you go,” Twilight strained, “Will you have every one of your wolves stand down?” “Yes, yes,” Gunnolf nodded. “I apologize, blah, blah, blah.” Still prideful, Mystic thought, but not as a surprise. With a grunt, the pinkish-purple aura vanished and the wolves were freed. Mystic watched them like a hawk as they examined themselves, appearing relieved to move again. “I hope you’re right about them,” Gunnolf said to Accalia in a grave tone. “I am,” Accalia assured him. “Now,” said Twilight. “That that’s out of the way.” She smiled at them. “How about proper introductions?” Mystic blinked a few times at her approach as if almost nothing happened. The two wolves' somewhat surprised looks suggested that they seemed in agreement with her as they looked at each other. Mystic looked up at the sapphire sky to see Twilight flying. The alicorn was slowly turning. Mystic looked down at her hooves, knowing she’s been up there for about twenty minutes. But, one other thought has been on her mind. The wolves decided to help... she thought, poking at the dirt. But... I know what all creatures are. But this shouldn’t change much of anything... should it? She lifted her head and looked to the right and saw several wolves talking with each other. Despite their apparent alliance, it will likely be temporary, but there were these nagging thoughts that kept the unicorn doubting her resolves. “It can be a lot for your world view to be changed,” Sunset’s voice echoed, “But if you know it’s a better way for everycreature, you and others can be thriving in harmony.” Again? Mystic thought incredulously. Just because this happened, doesn’t mean I’ll be changing my world view. Nopony can tell her how to see the world. They can just screw off. Then she heard wings fluttering. She turned to see Twilight had landed a few feet in front of her. Rustles came from nearby. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the two head wolves had arrived. “You were up there for half an hour,” said Gunnolf. “I calculated it to be about twenty minutes,” said Mystic. “I thought it was fifteen,” said Accalia. “Oh, the world speeds on for you, Accalia,” Gunnolf deadpanned. “Let’s not worry about how long she was up there,” said Sunset, approaching from behind. She looked at the alicorn. “Did you see anypony?” The alicorn shook her head. “I thought I did a few times but the heat kept sending waves onto me. I might need some water.” “In what direction?” Mystic asked. “West,” replied Twilight. “I did see a lot of creatures and wildlife.” “Any danger?” “I think I saw what looked like hyenas but I wasn’t sure.” Mystic’s eyes slightly widened. “We should get moving.” She began walking forward, “We’re burning daylight.” “Let’s,” Gunnolf murmured. “I’ll tell the others to pack up,” said Accalia. Outside of the large shrubs, Mystic watched the Pack standing in rows of ten at attention to Gunnolf. There were four lines but noticed that two of them weren’t in the line behind the first three. She realized what’s going on when she saw Gunnolf had an upset look. “No!” cried Gunnolf, “I knew we had a couple of more wolves before we caught the ponies!” “What’s wrong?” asked Twilight. “A couple of wolves have gone back to Tokuta,” replied Accalia. “What?!” “I knew it. I knew this would happen,” Gunnolf stomped the ground. He looked at Twilight. “He’s coming here and he’ll know that he was misled to where we had gone.” A blue blur dashed up to the wolf, revealing Rainbow Dash. “Oh, we’ll handle him in one way or another!” Gunnolf just growled in response. “It was bound to happen,” Sunset sighed. “But let’s not waste any more time.” “Just know that I’m in charge of where we go,” said Gunnolf. “I think we should listen to the ones who can fly,” said Mystic. “Oh, just shut it.” Mystic ignored his comment and saw Starlight sitting on a log. She felt a slight tug for the unicorn but shook her head. “All right, let’s move everywolf,” said Gunnolf. “We’ve got another, unexpected mission to go through.” “You’re welcome!” said Accalia. Mystic took one more look at Starlight before she decided to walk ahead to get a lay of the land to clear her head. About half an hour passed in their search and there hasn’t been any sign of who they’re looking for. Trying to keep her mind off the soldiers and wolves, Mystic looked out across the dry light green plains of the savanna. It soon met somewhat hilly terrain with more shrubs and trees about five hundred yards away. “You mean you have a pride of lions looking for you?” Gunnolf asked, surprised. “Why?” “We kinda stopped them from invading our nation,” said Rainbow. “Wow. You ponies know how to get into trouble.” “More like danger finds its way to us!” Rainbow boasted. Mystic heard somecreature get right next to her. A sideways glance told her it was Accalia. “Remember when I called you a lone wolf?” Accalia asked. “Vaguely,” Mystic deadpanned, though she clearly remembered it. “You only prove my statement even more true,” said Accalia. “Congratulations to me, then,” replied Mystic, brushing some thick grass aside. “Well, I think you should open yourself up like our society.” Mystic let out a sigh through her nostrils. “Hey, I see some creatures ahead!” Twilight said from above. “What are they?” Mystic asked, looking up at her. “Some kind of antelope with black curled horns.” Immediately, Mystic knew what she was talking about. “Impala antelopes. I consider them the whitetail deer of Oogundaa.” “Really?” Accalia asked. “I got my reasons.” “What’re they up to?” Starlight inquired. “Just heading towards a watering hole,” Twilight explained. “There’re a lot of other creatures there, too.” The sound of whooping echoed through the air. Mystic stopped and heard everycreature else do the same. “What’re those?” Starlight asked nervously. Twilight gasped. “Hyenas!” she cried. “Where?” Mystic asked, pulling her machete out. “To the northwest, heading towards the--” Twilight gasped again. “Towards the what?” Mystic asked. She didn’t receive a reply. Almost right away, she saw Twilight making a beeline to somewhere over a hill. “Twilight!” Sunset called. “What is that crazy princess up to now?” Gunnolf asked. Sunset galloped after the alicorn. “Oh, darn it!” Mystic cried as Rainbow flew off. The unicorn took off after them as well. “Where’re they going?” she heard Gunnolf. Mystic ran over the hill and she saw a huge pack of about fifty hyenas swarming across the savanna. Oh my gosh, she thought, amazed at the sight. There, a little to her left, she saw a herd of about thirty impala antelope running from a moderate-sized watering hole. They’ll tear that whole herd apart... she thought, unable to stop it from coming to her mind. She couldn’t let that happen. The unicorn galloped faster as the hyenas got closer to their prey. “You’re not having dinner today!” Sunset cried as a surge of red magic washed over the front of the hyena pack. The hyenas turned their attention towards the ponies, only for more of them to be struck with purple magic and knocked off their paws. Several of them snarled and let out crazed laughs. As Twilight and Sunset let their magic fly at the pack, Mystic noticed that about half of the group had followed the impala herd. Immediately, she galloped off in their direction. The unicorn narrowed her eyes, focusing on the group. She pulled out several knives. Then a demented laugh came from nearby. Despite the chills she got, Mystic ducked underneath a hyena that had lunged for her. The mare galloped faster after the pack, spotting that several impalas ahead were separated from the main part of the herd. Snap! She thought. She spotted a nearby ridge and jumped onto the top of it. The unicorn managed to get a decent vantage point and she magically shot a knife at the front of the group. A growl of pain escaped one of the hyenas. With a smirk, Mystic launched one knife after another. She saw that a few of the hyenas had stopped and pawed at various parts of their bodies to get the opposing objects out. Mystic focused on the front of the group again, but this time they had split into a pair of ten. The unicorn’s heart nearly skipped a beat when a couple of hyenas charged for her. She leaped over them, created a magical rope, and sent it towards her enemies. The rope tightened itself around them, tripping them over their paws. Mystic didn’t take time to smirk as she focused on saving the impalas. Next to the hilly terrain, she spotted a couple of them scrambling to get up. The predators are closing in. Oh, no. she thought, unable to help feel a little scared. “Over here!” she cried before she could think of another plan. “I’ve got fresh meat over here!” The hyenas didn’t pay any attention to her. With a loud groan, she let out a couple more shots of magic, but they missed. Suddenly, a blue blur zoomed past her. She nearly tumbled off the ridge but kept her hoofing. She watched as it zig-zagged across the landscape, striking the hyenas without warning. Mystic rolled her eyes, relieved but annoyed at who showed up. She leaped off the ridge and saw the impalas close to the tree line that had steep hills behind it. The blue blur appeared beside her, revealing Rainbow Dash. “Couldn’t you have signaled one of us?” Rainbow asked. “I had to improvise!” replied Mystic, knowing it wasn’t fully true. The pegasus shook her head and charged for the hyenas again. One of them lunged onto Rainbow, causing the pegasus to yelp. Instinctively, Mystic shot a bolt of magic, but the hyena managed to stay on top of the pegasus. “No!” Mystic grunted. Without thinking, she tackled the hyena, sending them both down tumbling across the ground. Mystic landed flat on her back. Before she could get back up, a paw planted itself firmly on her stomach, knocking the wind out of her lungs. She was met with the ravenous face of a hyena with a look to kill. “Get off her!” came Sunset’s voice, followed by a surge of red magic. Mystic felt her grab her hoof and help her stand up. “You okay?” Sunset asked. “I’m good,” replied Mystic. She looked behind Sunset to see three hyenas have cornered the impalas. “Cover me!” she ordered Sunset and took off running. The hyenas were nearly upon the impalas. Mystic galloped faster and charged up her horn. She saw the horrified looks of the impalas. With a shout, she lunged at the hyenas, sending out a surge of magic. All three were sent flying off into the nearby trees. With some heaves, Mystic looked at the impalas who had amazed looks on their faces. “Stay here,” she said. They nodded vigorously. Mystic heard more blasts of magic, and she saw Twilight had joined them. “There are more coming!” Rainbow cried. Mystic looked to where she was pointing and saw a third pack of about thirty more hyenas ravenously charging at them. “Good gracious,” Sunset marveled, “How many of them are there?” Mystic readied her magic again. But then the wolves appeared from over a nearby hill. Some relief washed over her as the Pack charged at the hyenas with their weapons drawn. Mystic watched as the wolves took them by storm. But the hyenas were able to hold their ground and the savanna they occupied became a battleground of swiping claws and gnashing teeth. “Well, look at that,” she muttered. She turned to the rest of her party and saw that more hyenas had advanced upon them. She saw Sunset trying to hold her own against a large hyena, but it kept clawing and gnashing its teeth at her. Before she could do anything, Gunnolf jumped from out of a bush with a dagger fully drawn. He let out a shout and landed a stab with a sickening crunch into the hyena’s torso. The beast fell over dead. “It took you long enough!” Sunset said with wide eyes. “What? Tell your friend you just don’t bolt off without strategizing first!” Gunnolf defended. “Quit the drama!” Mystic snapped. “Little help over here!” cried Twilight. Nearby, Twilight had been fending off several hyenas but more were coming from over the hills. Mystic bolted over to her side and Sunset appeared out of a pop of red. “Let’s finish this!” Sunset declared. Mystic inwardly agreed. “Yah! Yah! Take that!” a voice cried from over the hill. Confused, all three ponies and Gunnolf looked at the shrubs in front of them. “You want a piece of me?!” came another. Mystic nearly collapsed when she saw coming from over the hill-- “Imperial soldiers?!” she cried, completely taken aback. Pegasi swooped down from the sky, spears in their hooves, and attacked the hyenas nearby. Then, a couple of them landed in front of the surprised equines. “Stay together!” a grey one said. “Who’re you and why are you here?” Mystic demanded. “I’m Jia! Get with the others,” the pegasus ordered. Mystic snarled as Jia flared her wings and took off. Mystic turned to see that the foul soldier had begun making a beeline for Gunnolf. “Don’t attack the wolves, they’re helping!” said Sunset. Jia stopped midair. “Seriously?” Jia asked, surprised. “Just focus on the real problem here!” Mystic ordered. Jia shot her a glare but zoomed off in the direction of where the hyenas and wolves were still fighting. “Let’s go help!” said Twilight. Mystic and Sunset nodded and the ponies galloped off with Gunnolf now joining them. A gasp came from Twilight and Mystic saw that Applejack and Pinkie are racing to join the fray. “Applejack! Pinkie!” Twilight cried, coming to a stop. Both ponies turned and immediately smiled brightly. “Yaayy! We’re all back together!” Pinkie cried as Rarity galloped towards Twilight. The party pony and farmer soon followed. “Hoo wee!” Applejack laughed. “Great to see ya, Twilight!” The alicorn enveloped all three of her dear friends. Mystic couldn’t help but smirk for her. The unicorn noticed something over their shoulders. Looking over them, she saw Starlight levitating several soldiers away from hyenas. Confused, she wondered why the unicorn isn’t using her magic like Twilight and Sunset had been. “Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “She’s fine!” Pinkie explained, pointing behind her. Mystic turned and saw the yellow pegasus standing nervously on top of a hill. When she laid eyes on Mystic, she smiled and waved. Mystic nodded back at her. “Where are the impalas?” Sunset asked. “Over there,” replied Mystic, turning back to see the two standing there by the tree line. “I’m going to go make sure they’re okay,” said Twilight. Mystic watched her go, she turned to see that the Pack and the soldiers have driven off the hyenas. “Is that the last of them?” she heard a soldier ask. “They’re gone!” said Jia. Mystic decided to join Twilight. The unicorn trotted over to where she had headed. When Mystic arrived, she saw the impalas recoil. Completely nervous and wide-eyed. “It’s okay,” Twilight said in a soft tone. “We’re not going to hurt you.” The two adolescent impalas further cowered. “They’re gone,” said Mystic. “They won’t hurt you anymore.” No response. She and Twilight looked at each other, slightly uneasy. “Any signs of injury?” asked Accalia. “They look fine to me,” said Gunnolf. Mystic turned to see that the two wolves and some members of their Pack had joined them. She looked between them and the impalas and reached a conclusion. “I think they’re scared of you,” said Mystic. “Huh?” The unicorn opened her mouth and pointed to her teeth. Confused, Gunnolf opened his mouth and traced his paw along his sharp teeth. “Oh...” he said with a look of realization. He turned around and motioned his wolves to move. Twilight and Mystic waited for the Pack to get a considerable distance away. They turned back to the impalas that were more visibly relaxed. “You... saved us,” said the female impala, pointing her hoof at Mystic. “It’s great that we did,” said Twilight. Mystic nodded. “Shame about the others leaving you behind...” The second shook his head. “They did try to save us but they had to choose between us or the children.” Mystic’s eyes widened. “Oh, my,” Twilight held a hoof to her lips. “Yeah,” said the second impala. “Well, all water under the bridge now,” said the first impala, smiling. “I’m Ebele and this is Berko.” “Twilight Sparkle,” the alicorn greeted. “And this is Mystic.” “Charmed,” said Mystic. Ebele looked behind the alicorn to the different creatures behind her. “Quite a large, strange group you’ve got here,” she said. Twilight smiled sheepishly, “Well, consider it a unique group.” “One that wasn’t really planned...” muttered Mystic. Twilight ignored her. “So, should we do anything to help you out? Get you home safely?” “I think we would like that,” said Berko. “And you should totally meet the chief.” “Yeah, he’d be thrilled to meet our saviors!” Mystic arched an eyebrow as she noticed Twilight lightly blushing. “Oh, I...” “It’ll be fun!” Berko smiled. “All of you have some serious magic we’ve not seen before.” “The wolves and soldiers are getting along,” came Sunset’s voice. Mystic saw that she, Starlight, and Twilight’s friends have joined the fiery maned unicorn. Elbele stepped forward, “You all look worn out.” “Oh, we’re fine,” said Applejack, but she did let out a rough sigh. Mystic hated to admit it but she felt sapped of energy because of the sun. “Totally,” said Twilight. “We can continue on our way once we meet the chief.” Ebele looked into Twilight’s eyes “You might believe you have strength but when you get moving again, you’ll be more worn out than you are now.” Twilight lowered her head, Mystic could see that she was exhausted from all of the excitement. “It’s the least would do for saving our lives,” Berko explained, “Plus, the chief would love to get to know heroic creatures.” “Unlike around here,” Ebele looked around warily. “Can you excuse Twilight and I?” asked Sunset, putting a hoof around the alicorn’s neck. “Sure.” Sunset and Twilight took several steps back. Mystic did so too so she can hear what they’re saying. “I think we need to freshen up,” said Sunset. “With Tokuta coming, I think we need to come up with a plan on how we’ll deal with him.” “Right,” Twilight nodded. “And we could gain more strength for the rest of our journey.” “All right.” Mystic nearly tensed when she saw Jia approaching. “A new potential ally?” asked Jia, both ponies looked at her. “Maybe,” replied Twilight. Jia nodded. “I think it’s worth looking into for all of us.” She turned and trotted off in the direction of the soldiers. “Do you trust them?” Sunset asked. “I don’t,” replied Twilight. “But they did help us so we can give them the benefit of the doubt.” Mystic said nothing as she bit the bottom of her lip, thinking about what could happen with the wolves and the soldiers. She stepped aside and Twilight walked back over to Berko and Ebele. “Take us to the village please,” said Twilight. The impalas perked up and smiled. “Great!” said Ebele. She looked over at the wolves with a frown. “I don’t think you should let them close to the village.” “Understood,” said Twilight. The impalas nodded, suddenly Pinkie appeared with a big smile. “Wheeee! Let’s go!” she cheered. Ebele and Berko began leading them towards the west. As Mystic faced the somewhat hilly, dry green terrain, she spotted red rock mountains roughly five miles away.