Mystic couldn’t believe that Tokuta had gotten here so fast. The ponies in front of her had looks of horror on their faces, Faraji was stone still.
Then, Twilight shook her head. “We need to alert the wolves!”
“I think they might know,” said Applejack.
“But we need to get going!” Twilight turned to Rainbow. “Alert Jia and to meet us where the wolves are.”
“Right away!” Rainbow flew off.
“All of you,” Twilight faced her friends and Mystic, “Come with me!”
“What about the village?!” Faraji cried. “This is inconceivable!”
Twilight gave him a sympathetic look. “We’ll keep all of you safe. Just get everypala else to stay inside.”
“No need to tell us twice!”
Suddenly, Pinkie hopped in front of him.
“Oh, don’t worry! We’ll be able to handle him! We’ve done this stuff all the time!”
“R-Really?” Faraji meekly asked.
“Not exactly like this, but we do amazing things together and...”
“Let’s leave the poor chief alone,” said Mystic, pulling the mare along with her magic.
“Wait! I didn’t get to how the rainbow magic helps us most of all!”
Mystic groaned.
A glance behind her, Mystic saw Jia and her army following her and her acquaintances. She wanted to throw up, hating to work with them. So, she focused on the hill leading up to the wolves. They were back in the brush, but Accalia and Gunnolf were on the bottom of the slope.
“Our Majestic is here?!” Gunnolf asked.
“Yeah, and he’s ticked off,” said Accalia.
Oh, boy... Mystic thought.
“Ponies!” said a wolf. Almost on cue, the two leaders looked at them with worried expressions.
“We know,” said Mystic, almost feeling pity for them.
“I don’t know how to face him!” said Gunnolf, slightly cowering.
“We’re coming up with a plan,” said Applejack.
Mystic stopped a few feet from the wolves, shooting a glance at Accalia as the rest of the ponies behind her stopped.
“Ponies,” said Accalia. “We’re grateful you’re coming to help, but do you have any ideas?”
“Well, I was thinking all of us should go and face this head-on,” said Twilight. “After all, we did enter their forest.”
“It was an accident,” said Rainbow.
“Maybe, but we can show that we didn’t mean disrespect. Even if we can’t say so, we do need to be there for our new friends,” Twilight explained.
“I agree,” said Fluttershy.
Mystic exhaled through her nostrils. Might as well get him out of the way. She decided to keep her mouth shut.
“Who knows how many members of the Pack he brought?” Gunnolf asked.
“Well, aside from an army, we have powerful magic users here,” said Sunset.
“You got knocked out.”
“The point is,” Mystic cut in. “We will be able to stand up for all of you.”
Gunnolf sighed. Mystic waited for his response, ready to do this.
“I’m on board,” said Accalia. She looked at Gunnolf.
“Fine...” the head wolf murmured, hanging his head low.
Accalia turned and walked back towards the now onlooking Pack in the brush.
“Get ready, everypony,” said a new voice. Mystic turned to see Jia had joined their side. “We’ll be heading out in a few.”
“What’re you going to do?” Mystic asked skeptically.
“We’re going to keep our army close by and if we need to fight, we’ll be ready,” said Jia.
“Just make sure you hold to that,” replied Mystic, stepping away.
About ten minutes of walking passed until Mystic saw the werewolf as soon as they cleared the brush. He had a hard look on his face, his piercing yellow eyes never leaving the party surrounding her. He stood on top of a rock formation at the top of a hill, and to either side of him are about twenty or so wolves all holding their spears or swords in their paws. The unicorn took a glance at Gunnolf and Accalia and in their eyes, saw that they were nervous.
The party stopped at the base of the hill, Mystic made her way to the right side of the group as Twilight and her friends joined her side.
“Accalia... Gunnolf,” Tokuta said in a low, calm voice.
The two lead wolves stepped in front of the Pack.
“Your Majestic,” they bowed.
“You're all traitors to the throne,” Tokuta growled, Mystic saw them sulk. “You betrayed the precious, delicate balance we had worked so hard to maintain and flourish.”
Gunnolf stepped forward. “We did so because we thought we could...”
“Disobey me?!” Tokuta cried. “What foolishness did these puny little ponies have you believe that you shouldn’t have turned them back in?”
“They were just looking for their friend and we helped them out!” Gunnolf tried to explain, Mystic saw that he’s not used to being in trouble with the werewolf.
“Don’t blame Gunnolf for this,” said Accalia, stepping forward. “I was the one who deceived both of you so we could go here.”
Tokuta glared daggers at her. “I suspected it. I knew of your entry to Oogundaa a few hours after you'd entered the jungle,” Tokuta scanned the crowd, “I didn't receive any report from the southern ravens that you or the ponies had gone in that direction.”
“We’re willing to help the ponies and Oogundaa,” said Accalia. “We can’t just be locked away from everycreature else and you of all creatures should know that.”
“The only thing I know is that you betrayed the forest and deserve to be expelled from it,” Tokuta stated.
Accalia stepped forward as Gunnolf sulked even further.
“So be it,” said the she-wolf.
“You’re willing to throw away your life after all I’ve done for you?” Tokuta barked, stomping his foot, he looked to the wolves behind them. “After I saved each and every one of you? Is this how you thank me?”
“You raised us to be more of operatives than personally connecting,” said Accalia. “We’ve bonded more than ever.”
“Connections outside of family will only hinder our growth.”
“Oh, no they won’t!” Rainbow cried, Tokuta looked at her. “I’m the fastest and most athletic of the group! Connections only strengthen me and my friends.”
“And how’s that working for you now?” Tokuta pointed to his wolves behind him. He looked at Accalia and Gunnolf. “If you dare continue down on this path, I will expel you and personally drop you off in a place I’ve designated.”
“No, you won’t,” said Gunnolf, finally standing tall.
“Excuse me?” Tokuta growled.
“You heard me,” said Gunnolf. “I will not let you take my sister to wherever you want her to be! I’ve been trained to rely on my instincts and I won’t let this new opportunity be taken. Maybe it’s time for the wolves to rethink and reform their society into something better.”
“Things are perfect the way that they are!” Tokuta barked. “I have half a mind to kill anywolf that defies my orders!”
Mystic looked at the Pack behind Accalia and Gunnolf and saw that they were murmuring and had unnerved looks on their faces.
“And what will your families think of all of you who follow these two?” Tokuta continued. “Would all of you want to be remembered as traitors? Foolish believers outside of the Law of the Forest?”
The Pack began to sulk. Mystic could tell that they were beginning to reconsider their position.
“And as for all of you,” Tokuta said. Mystic turned to see him looking right at the ponies. “How dare you all disrespect my culture and the Pack! Now you’ve gone and corrupted them!”
“I don’t think so,” said Twilight. “I have a hunch you might have known that somewolves were considering going out and having something better for themselves.”
“And the Pack!” Accalia hastily added.
“Forming connections only gives us more to learn more about each other and ourselves,” said Twilight. She motioned to her friends. “All of these ponies here and myself are very different but each have a strong bond of friendship that resonates the magic within all of us.”
“Spare me your preachy message!” Tokuta snapped. “I’ve given everywolf more than they can ever realize!”
“How do you know that?” Gunnolf spoke up. “Accalia told me that you tend to slightly bend the truth to get your will done.”
Tokuta let out a bark and barred his teeth. “You’re going on the brink of being executed, Gunnolf!”
“And threatening execution when it’s never been considered before?” a wolf from the Pack asked.
“I never thought I’d had to.”
“You said murdering wolves was a hate crime against the forest,” said a second.
“This is not murder. This is freeing ourselves if it has to come to that,” said Tokuta. “And all of you... you all know not to doubt me!”
A memory came to Mystic. It was of Cierra and how she never wanted anypony to doubt her. Her hard look and barred teeth of how she explained that sent a slight shiver down her spine.
“If all of you continue down with the ponies and not arrest them on sight,” Tokuta growled, a dark look in his eyes. “Then all of you will be disgraced and expelled for eternity.”
Accalia and Gunnolf stood tall, both giving glances to one another.
“So, you’re just banishing them for being open-minded?” Twilight asked.
“The only thing stronger than fear is curiosity, little pony,” said Tokuta.
“Don’t give into him,” Accalia said to the Pack behind her.
“Yeah,” said Rainbow, flying into the air. “Don’t let Tokuta take away something you all know that could help the Pack!”
The Pack below her looked at her. As they did so, Mystic saw Starlight and Fluttershy stepping over to her.
“Do you really think this’ll help you or your case?” Tokuta asked them. “I’ve not seen anything to confirm it.”
“I think you do,” said Mystic. She shoved Starlight in front of her. “This is the one they were looking for.” Mystic saw that the unicorn had frozen on the spot.
“Who is this?” Tokuta asked.
“I’m the one who ran out here!” Starlight blurted.
“Whatever the reason that caused such a stupid move, you’re sure involved in the scheme to disrupt our way of life,” Tokuta hissed.
“No, she isn’t!” said Pinkie. “She was just confused!”
“There’s your evidence,” said Accalia. “The ponies were telling the truth.”
“It doesn’t matter whether if they were telling the truth or not,” said Tokuta. “All punishments must be met.”
Mystic began to snarl, anger building up within her chest. She grew tired of this guy.
“Will all of you choose to follow me? Or will you choose to throw your lives away?”
Mystic watched as Twilight and her friends stepped forward to Accalia and Gunnolf’s sides. What they were saying seemed to fade away as Mystic began to think.
What am I supposed to say here? Mystic thought, hoping deep down that they have it covered.
“All of you are fools to believe such balderdash that comes out of anything of this land! It's accursed, lost, and will remain in the darkness for eternity,” she heard Tokuta speak.
That line immediately made her think about her view of the land. She recalled hearing the tales of friendly kudu, helping the impalas, and stopping the hyenas.
As the wolves and ponies continued to stand up against Tokuta, Mystic’s mind wandered. She didn’t know why, but something deep within her was beginning to churn.
“I want you to promise me something,” Sunshine’s voice echoed. Mystic’s eyes widened. “I want you to promise me. Swear on all that is holy that you won’t hurt yourself or worse. Promise me that you’ll stand up and fight for all that is good and those who deserve saving! Promise me you’ll never give up!”
I did promise that... Mystic thought. She looked to her right at the open golden plains surrounded by dried trees.
“Don’t ever give up and salvage all that is good before it’s choked out,” Sunshine’s voice echoed again.
Mystic’s ears flattened on her head as a line from Sunset came to mind. “I want to encourage you, not force you, to take a gamble in kindness, love, and friendship. And that maybe you need to reconsider things about your worldview.”
She looked back at the fierce werewolf, his words sounding muddled and uninteresting. The churning had grown into a spark within her. It felt fiery. Not wanting to back down. It was amazing despite how little it was. The wolves do deserve a chance at something at least.
I want to believe in this... Mystic thought, still unsure about herself and her views. But... she formed a glare. For you, Sunshine.
“And neither of them will consider what you think!” said Tokuta.
“Who’re you to make other’s opinions for them?” Mystic spoke up. The werewolf glared at her. “Why the hay are you the one who decides everything instead of letting others help you decide what’s best for all of them?”
“Because I’m the one who saved them all and they owe me with their lives,” replied Tokuta.
Mystic scoffed. “And to blindly follow you? I knew a pony that thought a lot like you did when it came to her gang.”
“I’ve existed for thousands of years,” said Tokuta. “Who’re you to tell me how I do things?”
“One who’s been blinded by his own self-interests and not others,” said Mystic, using that to her advantage. She turned to Twilight. “I’ve been challenged by these ponies and they’ve given me some things to consider. However, they do their thing it works rather well!” She did see Sunset smiling at her, but she ignored it and faced her opponent again.
“For now,” Tokuta growled. “I created the perfect way of living.”
“For the Pack? Or for your self-preservation?” Mystic asked.
“Seriously?! How dare you accuse me of such treachery!” Tokuta pointed at her.
“Oh, you’re one to talk, sissy!” Mystic barked. “I know that you’re the werewolf in the scrolls!”
“Scrolls?” Tokuta repeated, furrowing his brows.
“Yeah,” Mystic nodded, watching his body language closely. “The werewolf. The only one we ever hear of worked with a being named Nightfall.”
Almost immediately, Mystic saw that his pupils slightly dilated and his lip curled as he tensed.
Gotcha.
“And you have the look of somecreature who’s uncertain if he can keep all of this,” she motioned to the Pack behind her, “Under his grasp.” She looked right into his eye. “I know the look. Nothing like this has ever happened before in your Society.”
Mystic watched him further and saw that his feet are firm onto the rock he was standing on.
“Since you refused to be civil, it’s time we confirmed our suspicions,” Mystic continued. “I found a scroll that matched very closely with your poster here.” She levitated them up. “And their writings are identical.”
“Anycreature could have similar clawwriting,” said Tokuta.
“And still have the same style for thousands of years?” Mystic asked. “Myself and all of the wolves here have compared the scroll and what was depicted in legends here. It matched up.” She glared at the werewolf. “You were the writer of this scroll. And the ancient evil you mention in the second is alluding to Nightfall.”
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!” Tokuta barked.
“Getting defensive, are we?” she magically shoved the scroll up to him. “Look at it! Look familiar?”
Tokuta looked at the scroll, Mystic unable to see his reaction.
When he lifted a claw up, she immediately pulled from him.
“Did you or did you not write this?” Mystic asked.
“No,” Tokuta stated. “It's just a story written by some lunatic.”
“Oh? Then why have you been tense? Why are you unnerved, Tokuta?” Mystic asked.
“I’m not!” Tokuta cried.
“Defensive again, are you?”
“Ah can verify,” said Applejack. “Y’all look like yer on edge.”
Mystic heard some murmurs of agreement from the Pack, she saw Tokuta clench his fists.
“This is all complete foolishness,” Tokuta said, regaining his composure. He turned to the wolves behind him. “Do not believe these lies!”
“It is not you that decides for them!” said Mystic. She turned to the wolves. “All of you must decide what all of you want to do and not be led by one driving force who’s caught up in his own bubble.”
“I am not caught up in my own bubble!” Tokuta cried, his eyes wild with fury.
Mystic smirked. “It’s all falling apart, Tokuta. The Pack will soon enough know the truth.” She began to walk up and emphasized her steps. “You. Nightfall. How you just don’t want them to know? All of the wolves here have looked at the scroll and poster. They know what we know.”
“You’d better step back,” Tokuta growled, Mystic could tell he was about to lose it.
“And what? Trigger an attack by the army? To justify yourself?” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “You could never fix or forget the huge mistake you did here in Oogundaa.”
“That mistake is to be forgotten!” Tokuta blurted out. As soon as he said it, he froze, his eyes widened.
Mystic’s smirk only grew. “Oh? So, it did happen?” She took several steps back.
“It happened?” a wolf behind Tokuta asked.
“That scroll and the legends surrounding Oogundaa... that was you in the scroll!” Gunnolf cried.
“N-Now please I can explain everything!” Tokuta stammered.
“Explain how and why there’s only one werewolf,” Twilight spoke up.
“That’s just...”
“Just what?” Accalia demanded. Mystic only backed into the crowd, her smirk now a sinister smile. “Explain it! You’re so certain!”
“I...”
“Say it!”
“I tried to stop him!” Tokuta shouted.
The Pack in the crowd gasped as Mystic watched the show.
“You were lying to us!” one of the wolves shouted.
“You were holding us back from the truth!” another cried.
Soon, the wolves began clamoring against their majestic for his lies.
“What about all I did for you?!” Tokuta tried to defend himself.
“I think it’s high time we do something for ourselves,” said Gunnolf. “Either you and the others are with us, or you’re not!”
“Do all of you want to rebel against me? That could lead to a civil war within the society!” Tokuta stated.
“Not if anything we have to say about it,” said Twilight.
“And if there will be, it would be on your claws,” said Accalia. “And you know you cannot hide that! You’re only trying to preserve your own hindquarters.”
Tokuta took several steps back, a snarl on his lips.
“The truth willlll come out!” Pinkie sang.
“And we’re going to go help Oogundaa by liberating it from Clawdius,” said Gunnolf.
“You’re all fools!” Tokuta barked.
Mystic turned to see Jia’s squadron coming out of the Oogundaan Bush. All of them pulled out their swords, cleavers, and spears. Jia stood out in front, her helmet down and held dual blades.
“And if it comes down to it,” she heard Applejack say, “We’ll fight y’all, too.”
Mystic inwardly agreed, turning back to the stunned werewolf with a smirk on her face. She pulled out her machete. “Your move, werewolf.”
Tokuta had a look of disbelief and anger. His dilated pupils scanned the crowd in front of him. He bared his teeth.
“You’re all just fools,” he said. “Wanting to serve others instead of me?”
“No,” said Mystic. “You’re the fool.”
Tokuta growled at her and looked at the wolves behind the unicorn.
“You’re all making the worst mistake of your entire lives,” said Tokuta.
“You’re the one making the mistake,” Twilight said with a frown.
Tokuta huffed at her before waving his claw at the wolves behind him. They turned and bolted. He looked at Accalia and Gunnolf with fire in his yellow eyes. Then, he stepped back and jumped off the rock formation and bolting off into the savanna.
Mystic let out a sigh of relief. She turned to the Pack and all of them had some looks of sadness but some looked in disbelief. The unicorn felt something familiar when it came to her and the conversation she had with Sunset.
They had their worldview changed... Mystic thought.
However, she brushed it aside and cleared her throat.
“Ponies,” she heard Gunnolf. Mystic turned and saw him kneeling in front of them. “This is a huge day for all of us here.” He looked at Twilight. “Regardless of what the future may hold for the Pack back home, I desire that we work together for our future to be brighter than before.”
Twilight nodded. “We will do our best to ensure you learn all you need to know.”
“Let’s head back,” said Jia, stepping forth. “We’ve got some regrouping to do with the scouts I sent ahead.”
“Let’s,” said Gunnolf. “Time to get this done.”
Before Mystic knew it, all of them were walking back down from the hill. The unicorn felt a sense of pride come to her for her actions.
I still got it, she thought.
“Mystic,” the unicorn turned to a smiling Twilight. “Thank you.”
The younger unicorn shrugged. “What? I was tired of his bellyaching. And he was holding up the mission.”
Twilight inclined her head, maintaining her smile. “Still, it was wonderful of you to stand up to him like that.”
“Whatever you say,” said Mystic.
Starlight reappeared out of a flash of turquoise, having gotten away from the group that she was with when they stood up against that werewolf. She saw she was roughly twenty yards from the impala village fence. She let out a relieved sigh.
“I need a breather,” she said. The unicorn examined her surroundings and spotted a nearby log next to some thick brush.
The unicorn trotted over and practically allowed her rear to fall onto the log. She slumped.
Once King Clawdius is gone I think I’ll be calmer... she thought, hoping but not thinking confidentially. Even if we do defeat him, we still have to save Equestria... no thanks to me.
The sound of rustling pierced her eardrums.
The unicorn perked up, turned, and saw a couple of large feline figures in the brush.
Starlight’s eyes widened in horror as a huge yellowish pawprint covered her lips and cut off her screams. Before she knew it, she was drug off into the Bush.