//------------------------------// // Part II: The Secrets of the Everfree // Story: Tintin and the Magic of Friendship // by RudyGamgee2 //------------------------------// “Tell me,” said Tintin, “what is it about these woods that frightens everyone?” “It just ain’t natural, sugar cube.” Applejack minded her surroundings as they spoke along the wide path. “You got them critters and plants that’ll snatch ya, and gobble ya like an armadillo at an ant farm.” “Every place has its exotic flora and dangerous beasts, certainly. But what makes you say it’s unnatural?” “Them timber wolves I told yer Cap’n back there, they’re as the name says.” “Wolves,” Rainbow Dash spoke in hushed suspense, “made of wood. Never seen anywhere else in Equestria. Or even the whole world. And anypony who sees them…are never seen again.” “Then how do ye come to know about them, I wonder,” Haddock muttered, seeing Fluttershy’s hunched, worried demeanor. He was thankful of Snowy’s presence, not just for helping her, but also with his own nerves. He kept watch with Tintin, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow for anything dangerous in the brush. He spotted Twilight having her eyes glued to the charts. The sea was his element, what with its vast horizon beyond human measure, and the depths containing all sorts of wild and strange creatures. Not to mention the untamed lioness of the sky, wind, and waves, rather than the stagnant, placid terrain of the earth. “And what you said about clouds being shaped on their own here? How’s that out of the ordinary?” “Guess wherever you’re from that’s just normal,” she remarked. “But here, it’s especially wild, not just in taking shape, but the different kinds of shapes also. Sometimes, they can be more unpredictable than Pinkie Pie.” “And that’s saying something,” she beamed with a skip in her step. “I’m just not sure what.” “Um, excuse me…” “Not to mention more deadly,” added AJ. “For all we know, they’re building up over our heads where we can’t see past them thick branches, just cuz they might sense where ponies are.” “If that’s the case,” Tintin pondered, “then perhaps planting the Tree of Harmony here prevents it from invading other regions.” “Um, I’m sorry to interrupt but-” “Wait, I thought we were looking for the Elements of Harmony,” Rainbow said with confusion. “What’s some dumb tree got to do with them?” “Because that’s where they first sprouted and grew. They were gathered and harnessed by the Princesses of Equestria to defeat certain threats, as found in Discord and Tirek. The Tree was their point of origin.” “Princesses,” Rarity asked. “As in, more than one?” “A thousand years ago, yes. When Equestria was governed by Celestia, and her sister. It was Celestia's sister who was banished.” “I really think that you should know…” “How,” started Twilight, lowering the map with intrigue, “how do you know all this?” “How could you not,” said the Captain, “It’s all in your history.” “But a lot of that’s just make believe,” Rainbow countered. “Embellished legends just to make them sound awesome.” “What are they teaching in schools these day?” Now, that is not to say he did not enjoy a folktale or two from his Granddad. But Haddock also knew whether he was speaking truthfully, or exaggerating. And sometimes, he would blur the lines between the two, teaching Haddock about the wide assortment of things about the world, mind and heart than just what hair-brained intellectuals would make him believe. Not all of them, of course, but just those who lack the proper use of imagination. “Snowy just-” “I read these things while perusing that reference guide you examined, Twilight,” Tintin answered. “There’s a fascinating history involving those Elements, should one find the time to explore it at length.” “Great,” moaned Dash, “we’ve got two eggheads with us on this trip.” “Oy! I’ll have ye know tha-” Hearing a bark from the ridge above, all turned to see what Fluttershy had been trying to say. Up top, the fox terrier was sniffing and pawing at a stone or stump. “Snowy, now’s not the time to wander off,” shouted Tintin. “Get back down!” “He said he’s found something,” the yellow Pegasus offered. But that was when everything took a drastic turn for the worse. Below Snowy was a massive landslide plummeting towards the party of eight. “Aw, come on,” wailed Dash. “Quick,” said Tintin, “clear out!” The Pegasus mares took to the skies, while the unicorns and ponies raced away from the rolling boulders. Both gryphon and hippogryph cut across the impending traffic by reaching towards the hillside barrier of the trees. Some boulders crushed a few at the tree line, but Haddock and Tintin barely ran deep enough for other trees to repel them. They heard shouting and screaming further down the path, where there was a sheer drop beside it. As he raised a coughing Tintin from the ensuing dust cloud, the Captain spotted AJ holding tightly to Miss Twilight, while Fluttershy and Rainbow swerved down with Rarity and Miss Pie. “Tintin!” “I see them!” Both raced down the slope before the massive bulk of a wooden predator obstructed their path. “Great snakes!” “Crippling crustaceans!” Unable to process what they were witnessing, the tall, formidable timber wolf, charged at them at full speed. Tintin shouted, “Dive!” Jumping in opposite directions, the youth and sailor felt the heavy blow of wood on soil vibrate through their bones. Another scream was heard from the disastrous precipice, as they rose again to see Applejack without Twilight. She turned to notice their situation, as they were flanking the foul wolf of lumber. “Go on, Tintin!” “No, Captain wait!” “Geronimo!” Haddock pounced onto the timber wolf’s back, stomping his aft hooves against its bark hide while clinging to it with his talons. “If it’s a fight ye want, then it’s a fight you’ll get! En garde, ye poplar-pilfering parasite!” Before Tintin could react, he felt something wrap around his shoulder and torso, then a tug that took him away from the battle. Skidding onto the ground beside AJ’s hooves, he saw the lasso and rope the orange mare brought with her. He sprang back up to find Haddock scraping at the wolf’s glowing, jade eyes. Hurting and angering the beast, it dropped to the ground and rolled over its back. Tintin spotted his sailor friend sprawled on the torn, crushed grass. The wolf rose back on all fours, making its way towards him. “Captain-” The youth was about to race it, but felt the rope holding him back. “Hold it, partner. Don’t get too heroic.” “What?” “Trust me.” Turning back, Tintin spotted a flicker of light from behind a great boulder on the hillside. He could see Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle thankfully, using their combined force to push the massive rock onto the unsuspecting beast. They must have had Twilight’s help to transport from the ravine floor. Before it could evade, the boulder collided and pushed it. It managed to break away from the rock before it fell into the ravine, but splintered its paw in the process. It was limping away in defeat, before Tintin slipped out of the rope and ran towards Haddock. “Captain?” He called out, just as he was joined by the others from all sides. He put his talon to the chest for a pulse. “Captain, can you hear me? Captain! Captain!” “Billions of blistering blue barnacles,” moaned the growling sailor, much to ever pony’s relief and the youth’s elation. He got back up with surprising agility, then made a great, snapping pop of his stretched spine. “Oh, where did that mangy mutt run off to? He better have something to show his wee litter as a warning.” Fluttershy darted straight towards the hippogryph with a massive vice wrapped around him. “We were so worried…” “Augh, don’t be so sentimental and soppy over me,” he beamed with assurance, brushing her rosy mane and yellow fur. “I’m as fit a fiddle, and fine as a flounder.” Turning to see Twilight, Tintin, and the rest, he stated, “Ah, it’s good to see all are well, and in one piece. I feel a nice glass of Sweet Barley and Golden Oats AJ told me about is due.” “Are there any more of those things,” asked Pinkie. “Because I’ve never seen a timber wolf go out hunting all by himself before. Then again, I’d never seen a timber wolf in my life before.” “She’s right,” Applejack joined in. “You’re both lucky that was just a straggler.” “Agreed,” nodded Rarity, “Best we carry on, post haste.” “Then let’s get moving,” said Rainbow, leading the troupe without a second thought. “That’s the quietest I ever heard her,” AJ remarked, as they were trotting along. “Normally,” added Rarity, “she would boast something along the lines of her speed in catching Twilight.” They were walking gingerly forward, as Snowy rushed to join Fluttershy beside the hippogryph. “Ah, Snowy. Was it you who started that avalanche?” After a bark and yelp, Fluttershy said, “No, it wasn’t. He said it was some sort of vibrating stake. A whole line of them.” Twilight ventured a guess. “They must’ve been enchanted to shake the mountainside loose.” “Then whoever set them,” said Tintin, “came prepared for competition.” That prompted them to pick up the pace, bringing them into the thick of the bramble and vines over the path’s much less trodden section. “What I don’t get,” Twilight wondered, “is how neither of you used your wings to avoid the rockslide, or that wolf. Why is that?” Slapping his talon against his head, Tintin muttered, “Of course! How could I have been so stupid? We should’ve told you from the start.” “Told us what,” asked Miss Pie. “We’re grounded,” Haddock answered. “Washed out, the pair of us.” “What,” Rainbow snapped, furiously enraged. “You mean to tell me-us that we nearly lost you guys because you forgot to mention your handicap?” “Yea, guilty.” “Afraid so, yes.” “Is there anything else you forgot to tell us?” “Easy, sugar cube.” “Something that might be helpful to know before Nightmare Moon zaps you and everypony else to dust?” “Rainbow Dash, stop!” Fluttershy glared sternly at the prismatic mare, catching all by surprise. “I know that you’re upset, and you’re right that we needed to know this sooner, but that gives you no excuse to treat them harshly after what they did for us.” “Like what,” Dash stammered. “That timber wolf could’ve attacked Applejack and Twilight when they were helpless. Instead, it went after Haddock and Tintin, which gave you the chance to catch Twilight, and Applejack to help them in turn.” “Y-you don’t know tha-” “Maybe not. But I do know that you’re just as scared of losing your friends, as much as the next pony and gryphon. So don’t go using that anger and frustration to try and hide it, and hurting those who are trying to help.” This prompted the Captain to catch a glimpse of Tintin’s hardened countenance. “Thundering typhoons.” “Now,” she finished, “I believe some apologies are in order.” “We’re sorry for our negligence to you all,” offered Tintin, almost instantly. “Such a lapse in judgement shouldn’t go unmarked.” “Sorry to get your gold heart racing like that, Rainbow.” Haddock took off his sailor hat in soft remorse. “A new development for us, ourselves, it is.” “Yeah, sure,” she puffed with discomfort, “just make sure that doesn’t happen again.” “Ahem?” “And I’m sorry too, for losing my cool like that. Okay?” “Apology accepted,” both nodded. Seeing Fluttershy once more, she said, “Yeah, me too.” “And me three,” said Pinkie, raising her hoof. “It never occurred to me how much we quickly mattered to you.” “To either of us, Tintin.” “That sort of impromptu empathy,” he added, “it’s foreign to us to say the least.” “You really put that much care and trust in us,” asked Haddock. “So far, you ain’t said or done nothing to make me think you're dishonest. Fact, I’d reckon you’ve gone the other way in making yourselves genuine as possible.” “Quite right. Here you both are, after your first day in Equestria as stranded sojourners and castaways, and you strive to prevent a calamity from falling upon us. Helping us to believe that Twilight was on to something, when we failed to listen.” “And without working wings to fly with, all at the same time,” finished Pinkie. “We just want a teeny bit more communication from you guys, is all.” “For starters,” Rainbow muttered in earnest. The gryphon youth and hippogryph sailor exchanged eye contact, before the sea captain spoke again. “Well, on that note-” Suddenly the fox terrier caught wind of something else, barking and racing off the old path. “What is it now, Snowy,” said Tintin, rushing after him. “Ugh,” groaned Rainbow Dash. Once again, the ponies and strangers moved with haste. As the last pony trotting, Twilight was speechless at the intense profundity that developed. She would never have expected such a swift moment of solid bonding to happen between creatures as she just witnessed. Just then, she was shaken from her stupor by total darkness. “Whoa, hey! What just happened?” “I don’t know, Rainbow Dash. Maybe the Forest decided to dowse the lights.” “Very funny, Pinkie.” “My eyes didn’t want a break from this horrid place that badly. This is intolerable!” “Hey, who did that?” “Sorry, Applejack,” said Fluttershy. “Girls,” called Twilight, “Girls what’s going on?” “I don’t know, darling! I can’t see my hoof in front of my face.” Tintin remained still and silent as he listened for further activity through the abysmal shift. Slowly, dimly, he noticed the surrounding area of deadwood stumps receiving a sort of glow all about and beneath them. First, he spotted the string and pulley mechanisms surrounding the sterile field, which would raise and lower some sort of blinds. Next he saw the results of a chemical reaction to provide bioluminescence on the branches and stems. Then lastly, he took note of how it provided for optimal, upsetting spectacles from the dead bark, as though they wore ghoulish faces. He was engrossed by the simple transition, such that he failed to realize he never heard a single pony’s reaction. “Astonishing.” But that was not what caught Tintin’s attention. It was something that he sensed most inherent beyond alchemy and contraptions. He was aware of the looming shadows prickling the fur and feathers down his back. The morbid sensation of a preternatural dread struck him to his core. “Most extraordinary,” he whispered with awe. I wonder if Snowy perceives- He heard a frightful yelp. “Snowy!” He circled around each tree while listening for the sounds of his pet and friend. He stopped and turned at certain intervals, noticing the howling cries echoing from all around. “Snow, where are you!” The gryphon made a final turn around the dead trees and barriers, only to spot a cloaked figure standing before him with his terrier firmly held close. Despite his squirming efforts, the dog could not break free. “Who are you? Why are you after us?” No reply came from the creature, simply remaining still. “Answer me! Who are you? Let him go!” Despite his adamant persistence and channeled fury, the stranger made no response to Tintin’s question or requests. There was a sudden snap of a twig, which alerted the cloaked figure to another’s presence. By the time Tintin turned back to face the stranger, the cloak furled swiftly into the breeze further back. He was too late to pursue when he cried, “Stop! Wait!” That was when he finally heard the sound of ponies behind him. Inhaling deeply and slowly, he calmed his wits so not to overreact and charge after Snowy. Sorely conflicted, Tintin decided to examine briefly the stranger’s former spot. Knowing he must return to the main group, he noted the peculiar shape of hoof tracks left on the soil, grass and fallen leaves. He turned about and took a stiff trot back to the main road. Tintin came upon the sight of six mares sharing a laugh while surrounded by bioluminescent deadwood. “What’s all this?” “We’re laughing our fears away,” chuckled Pinkie. “What?” “Just roll with it pal,” smirked Rainbow, a complete change of attitude from moments earlier. “It’s not like whoever’s doing this can actually scare us.” Tintin shook his head, “I don’t follow.” “Pinkie was saying – or, more singing,” said Twilight, “how all these different ways of scaring us are nothing more than distractions. Nothing that’s terrible can last forever, if you don’t let it.” “Did you find Snowy,” asked Fluttershy, gaining a glance from his shifting eyes. “Snowy’s been taken. Where’s Captain Haddock?” All fell quiet with unease, before Applejack answered plainly. “A raven went and snagged Twilight’s maps soon as it got all bright again. He went after it a short while back, looking for you and Snowy also.” “Are you well, Tintin?” Rarity and the others could apprehend how troubled he was. “Look, uh, Tintin,” said Rainbow anxiously, “sorry you lost your dog, and we didn’t stay with your pal. It’s just that everything’s been happening so fast.” He seemed to pay them no heed. “Distractions. Terrors. Façades. Six ponies, and six Elements. One of them unnamed.” “Uh, you okay there, buddy,” Rainbow asked, looking genuinely worried. “Honest transparency. Compassionate understanding. Courageous laughter in the face of void evil. Everything points to Nightmare Moon’s return and the forming of restorative bonds,” he continued. “But there’s something missing. Someone.” His ribs shook with each trembling breath. He sat down. He experienced this before from elsewhere. The familiarity of someone very close being lost. His lack of comprehension, his inability to find answers to questions. The infinite mystery that plagued so many, countless generations, the drive to seek some manner of peace and resolve, to press on against overwhelming odds and ruthless obstacles. “I don’t understand.” Fluttershy got up and slowly made her way to the gryphon. Watching him attentively, he stayed rigid and placid. She wrapped a wing over his shoulder, to which he gave no response. Pinkie Pie leaped back onto her hooves to join in with a hoof onto his back. She was followed shortly by Rarity and a heartfelt Applejack, who both rested their hooves next to his talons. Rainbow Dash was more confused than anything else, but gradually stepped into the fold with her own wing on the opposite shoulder. As for Twilight Sparkle, she started to wonder if this was how her family and Celestia saw her during her darkest hours. “I don’t understand.” He spoke through gritted beak and maw. Why was he doing all this? Why does he seek to aid complete strangers when he was lost himself, long before this? Why has it taken him this long, so far from home, to contemplate the motivations of his adolescent self? How is it that it required such high stakes and potential loss for him to reevaluate all for which he had striven? It all came back to the very root of his torment. “I don’t understand.” This time, Twilight stepped forward to place a nervous hoof upon his front shoulder. “I…I don’t know what to say.” That seemed to light a fuse within. Downcast eyes staring blankly were now emboldened with renewed vigor and iron will. “Of course.” That prompted the mares to shift back and look at him quizzically once again. He got back on all fours, slowly stepping forward. “Whoever’s behind the smoke and mirrors seeks to deter anyone who gets in their way. They expect us to cower, turn back, or chase after specks of light and our own tails like mad dogs. They even go so far as to shake all resolve with utter confusion, making us believe nothing we do amounts to any sort of worth, save only what we can make for ourselves. Dullness and idleness become their ultimate weapons. Coaxing us with the comfort of our own narrow lens, tinted by a poor understanding of things.” “What’re ya getting at, partner?” “You ponies must carry on. We can’t afford to allow them the upper hand.” “Uh, what’s a hand?” “Don’t you see,” Tintin continued after Rainbow. “The only reason they’re putting this much effort against us is because we’re much closer to our goal than we realize!” “Ya mean the Elements might be still in the castle,” asked the orange mare. “Or at least somewhere close, within reach. If there had been nothing but small leads, they would’ve been taken. We would be none the wiser had they left us alone. They can’t just be diverting us from an elaborate expedition for mere clues.” “But if we keep going,” said Fluttershy, “what about you?” “I have to find Haddock and Snowy. So long as their captors remain unknown to us, they can’t be properly dealt with. But it’s urgent that you all press forward undeterred. Something’s telling me also that each of you must face a certain obstacle. How, when, why, that remains to be seen. Some of you may have done so. But it all comes down to you, on whether or not you’re open to that moment of truth, yourselves.” “Now I’m not sure if I understand,” said Rarity. “That’s alright,” he nodded with enthusiasm. “That’s perfectly, exactly right! It can only come to you at the precise moment when all things align. And only then can you fully send out your signal doing what is right, however daunting it may be.” Pinkie Pie was sniffling and tearing with a handkerchief over her hoof. “That’s just the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life, so far.” “It’s the final question that really matters: are you willing to do so?” “But,” stuttered Twilight, regaining herself, “but how will you find them?” “Yeah,” joined Rainbow, “just what exactly is your plan to deal with whoever’s trying to stop us?” “I can’t entice them with false security, plant seeds of doubt, or a suitable distraction. But I must find out where they took my friends. The one who has Snowy most likely has accomplices, who went after the Captain as he veered off course. Following one trail must lead to the other. And after finding them…well, we’ll just have to improvise.” “And work with what you’ve got,” Twilight finished. But she still lowered her head with concern, confusion, and unease. “Even if you’re right, and neither of them are…completely lost, do you think the three of you will make it to the castle in time?” “Can you promise that you’ll come back,” added Fluttershy. Tintin took this moment to pause and carefully consider his response. A talon brushed over his fiery red quiff, as he weighed down all factors that he could recall. “This day has come with a chain of one fine mess after another. I have no plans of leaving it unfinished. Not if we can help it.” “Well then,” said AJ, “all that being said, for what it’s worth, I wish you the best of luck sugar cube.” Extending her hoof, the gryphon accepted it wholeheartedly. “Thank you.” Rainbow Dash was more perplexed than anyone, but still offered her own blessing. “Look, just make sure Haddock doesn’t beat up all the bad guys before I get there, okay?” “I’ll do what I can,” he answered, to which she smirked. Tintin approached Rarity next. “You better not leave a closet full of gryphon clothes in my boutique, you hear! Otherwise, I’ll have to discard such a terrible waste of my talents in some fashion. I’m not so sure if I can stand making more like it afterwards.” “You’d finished already?” “Wasn’t so hard,” she sniffled. “I just realized something simple and pragmatic was more to your liking.” “Then I hope to make it to my first fitting.” He bowed with a solid grasp of her raised hoof, before turning to the yellow Pegasus. “You’re sure you don’t need us to come with you?” “No, I am not,” he admitted. “But I do believe this is the best course of action.” She rushed over to give Tintin a very firm, yet gentle embrace. Landing on his shoulder was a tear of dread from the highly sensitive mare. “Please be careful.” “Like I said to you before, you’re full of surprises.” Parting from her cordially, he glanced at the next mare. “Oh, oh! Me! Me! My turn! My turn!” “Miss,” Tintin smiled, “I believe I did you a great dishonor at our first meeting. My name is Tintin.” “And I’m Pinkamena Diane Pie! It’s very nice to properly meet you, Tintin!” “Likewise, Pinkamena.” “You can call me Pinkie Pie. Or Pinkie. Or Mena. Or Diane! Or you can say it backwards: Ipe Nayide Aneemakneep! Or maybe Ipe Eekneep.” He sniggered faintly before saying, “Pinkie it is, then.” The sound of a party horn emanated from her wide grin. Sighing to release residual tension, he turned to the purple unicorn. “I must admit this entire day has been most unusual, for me.” “Me too,” nodded Twilight. “I never knew just how much I didn’t learn from reading dusty old books. And I’m coming to recognize that so much later.” “Don’t fuss, it hasn’t come to a close yet. And I’m sure there’s a deal more ahead of you.” “What about you?” “I suppose there’s only one way to find out.” Extending his talon to her, Tintin shook her hoof with steady resolve and assurance as best he could. “Good luck.” “You too.” “Now then, which way did the Captain run off?” “Right behind you,” Pinkie beamed. “Second to last spooky tree from the left. You’ll see his tracks in the mud there.” “Thanks. We’ll rejoin at the castle, as soon as possible.” The six mares shared a small, nervous wave of farewell as he marched solemnly into the deep clutches of the Everfree. As soon as he was out of sight, Rainbow Dash wondered, “Uh, did we just let a flightless gryphon walk into the unnatural, dark, scary, wild forest all by himself?” “Don’t worry,” Pinkie answered in song. “He just has to giggle at the ghostly, guffaw at the grossly, crack up at the creepy, whoop it up with the weepy, chortle at the kooky, and snortle at the spooky!” “Maybe we should’ve told him that,” moaned Fluttershy. “The way he’s carrying himself,” said AJ, “I reckon he’s got that covered.” “Come on, girls,” Twilight announced, “we’re still not halfway to the castle.” “I take it you know the way then?” She answered Rarity with a brisk trot, “I memorized the route and schematics before the landslide. Should be straightforward.” “Isn’t that pretty much what we said before we started?” “Not now, Pinkie,” snapped Rainbow. “What? I’m just saying.” He knew it could have been one of three things. The first, someone would sneak from behind, club Tintin, and take him someplace for questioning. Second, someone would sneak from behind, club Tintin, and take him someplace to drown or crush him. Third, someone would sneak from behind, be clubbed by the Captain, but someone else would club Tintin and the Captain, and take them someplace to drown or crush them both. But in the brief, yet arduous lifespan he was dealt, Snowy hardly would have guessed someone coming from up front, snatching him, and then taking off with him. He caught the strange air of one pony, but then picked up something else before he recognized it as a masking scent. But by then, he was already picked up by the hoof of a cloaked stranger, who ran as soon as the other pony made a noise. Whoever that was must have sensed there was no chance of taking Tintin, Snowy, and the stranger. Or perhaps this was meant as a setup, with Snowy used for bait. All the fox terrier knew was that he was taken away from his gryphon friend and master, who was left in the terrible shadows of the forest. No sight, sound, or smell of Haddock, nor from any of the six ponies traveling with them was sensed. On top of that, this stranger was taking him ever deeper into the dark, unsettling woodlands. The cloaked figure still said nothing, with only the beating from the chest for his canine ears to listen, alongside the disturbing sounds throughout the area. Now, more than ever, Snowy wished Tintin were here. He was also wishing his playmate, Brutus would show. Next thing that happened was their entry into a small hut, built inside an old, knotted tree. The creature placed him calmly, yet firmly on a sleeping mat of some sort, keeping him steady so he would not retaliate. “I know you are frightened about what may, but first listen closely to what I say.” The voice sounded like one from the African continent he visited with Tintin. Upon getting a better sight from the well-lit cottage, he noticed the zebra stripes on his captor’s fur. In addition, the pitch and texture of the throat matched with the scent, when the cloak was lifted, of one who was female. He saw and heard the jingling bracelets, earrings, and neck bracers. But above all else, he could sense the gentle serenity in both speech and demeanor. “Your friends are safe, know this to be true. But others mean harm, by luring you.” Now Snowy was glad someone else was speaking to him in earnest. Not only was this zebra talking to him directly, rather than having him listen to a whole rant or exchange before something else caught his attention, but she also shared his awareness of the situation. First Fluttershy, and now also this zebra was bringing him full, comprehensive attention. Even her delivery in verse was soothing to his easily bothered ears. “Eyes and ears, so low and close to earth, can sense small details of great worth. You do your breed proud with a mind so sharp. But now you must learn to keep safe when dark.” Releasing him, she walked towards a boiling cauldron at the center, from which she poured something into a bowl. Snowy sniffed the liquid from below, recognizing simple herbs and spices, alongside a root with properties he felt were unique to this region. Unlike the use of magic to scare and torment from the dead trees before, this smelled appetizing, and felt like a product of genuine goodness. Instead of placing it before him, wagging his short tail with delight, she spoke further. “It’s much too hot for your sensitive tongue. So it must cool with time passing along. First I will share with you what you must know, then you in exchange travel where I go.” The fox terrier was unsure what she meant by that. But she picked up his anxious stance and groans, and offered a smile. “Where I lead you is not so far, taking less time from where you are. There are those who seek to serve Nightmare, and meanwhile your friends approach their snares. But also there stand those of goodwill, who hope for magic to heal all ills. The untamed magic of this harsh wood left ponies dazed, time passed where they stood. Each obstacle set by foes for your friends, those allies knowing best have come to mend. Your gryphon must wait at the source’s power, and not reunite ‘til Harmony’s hour. So long as he stays at the Tree’s great stem, no evil shall reach or try to condemn. The other would be safe, alongside a third, if they wait with him for the sixth, hidden word.” She finished her directions to Snowy, as she placed the bowl and its cooled contents before him. “This brew heightens your senses more so, which also conceals pearly white glow.” Taking a few licks from it, he could taste that genuine nectar tenfold. Rushing to consume the rest as though from Haddock’s cellar, he also found it better, surpassing the freshest spring and finest broth together. He was wondering if it also made him think as the zebra. “This tonic won’t last after all is finished. You soon will shift back, exactly as you wish.” He first noted his paws, pitch black as a Labrador. Instinctively he tried rubbing them, thinking he spilled another of Tintin’s fountain pens. But then he grew more acutely aware of his surroundings. Snowy felt the soft glow of the cauldron fire now harsh and bright. Looking outside the night-covered window seemed to him clear as day. And that was without mentioning his other adjusting senses. “Come then with me, shadow dog of the night.” She whispered for his newfound hearing. “There’s much to do before Summer’s dawn light.” Once the zebra turned towards the door, Snowy did not hesitate. Now, more than ever, he wanted to get back to Tintin, and his sailor hippogryph friend. He was unsure how this zebra knew about the trio, nor how much. But he did not dwell on that, seeing how the only thing that mattered was getting back to help his master and friend. Taking the obvious dirt path beneath the tall grass and brush, he did not have to turn and wait for the zebra to hurry, as both were jaunting at a pace that matched. “See here, ye numbskull Neanderthals, nocturnal ninnies. You’re going to wish you could see the sun shining by the time I’m free of these irons and am through with you.” The ponies that looked like Pegasus but were not simply lugged him towards their forest barracks situated in the thick numerous branches. From the platforms that encircled and bridged the suspending encampments, to the elaborate pulley systems for loading and unloading, transporting and delivering gear and supplies. The ponies occupying and operating those intricate structures were unlike the ones the hippogryph has seen in Ponyville. Rather than each having distinct pastel colours, their fur coats were grey, grey-blue, or charcoal with wings, manes and tails matching of nightly blue, brown, maroon, or grey-blue. The wings stuck out for how they had thin membranes, rather than Pegasus feathers. The only things that reminded him of the regular ponies was the Romanesque sort of armor they wore, which also had its own variants of nightly greys, blues, and violets. But it was the faces of these bat-like ponies that struck the most unusual to Haddock. From the dimly lit ramparts and tents, he spotted fangs jutting out from their equine jaws. And their eyes were those of feline marbles gleaming with icy blue, gold or fiery brown from the dimmed lights of their settlement. They hauled him with chains to his talons, hooves, and neck, straddling him to a long pole face down. He could only gain that good a look of his captors after they hoisted his tethered self upon the ceiling, where he could make out the makings of a brig. Down to the birdcage sort of craft in their cells. He hung on an open hook, looking down towards the forest floor deep beneath the waves of branches. “Bat-brained, belly-aching troglodytes!” They left him without a glance his way. He turned stiffly to scan the area. No sign of Tintin, nor any trace of white fur patches to suggest Snowy had been here. The sea captain thought he was the sole occupant of this facility. But then something caught his attention that made him rethink his assessment. He was hearing the choked up, quivering breaths of a small lad in the birdcage across the way on his port side. “Ar-Archie,” said the trembling voice, “is that you?” “Spike,” he exclaimed. “Thundering typhoons, what in the blazes ye doing here?” “I don’t know,” answered the purple drake. “After sending that message to Princess Celestia, she told me to relay something to Twilight. But I couldn’t. It kept coming back to me through my dragon fire, so I told the Princess. She said the magic of the Everfree was blocking it, and told me to wait. So I did. I waited all night watching for you guys to get back. Hours!” “Er, what now?” Captain Haddock was growing more flummoxed by the second. It was less than an hour since the company left, by his reckoning. “I fell asleep on the balcony, I guess,” he continued, “Then I woke up here. Nopony came to tell me where I am, or what I’m doing here. I…I got scared. I don’t know what’s going on, or why this is happening! I just want to go back home to Canterlot, and have Twilight back!” “Hey, hey, hey,” the hippogryph called out softly, knowing the small youth was on the verge of tears again. “I’m right here, lad. You’re not alone any longer. And let me tell you something, admitting you’re scared just made you even braver than I ever was at your age.” “What do you mean by that?” “I’m not just giving some soppy sentiment about bravery being afraid and doing what’s right regardless. I’m telling you that I was too afraid to admit to anyone how scared I was of never measuring up to those I looked up to as my heroes. Those in my family that showed bravery and spirit that I might someday let down. Even though I knew they had died long ago. I just thought their spirits were looking down on me with high expectations, when they’d probably tell me different. I clasped on tightly to that fear, because I was too proud to admit it to myself. I set myself up for self-drowning shame and ruin, Spike. Because I bottled it in, stowed it away, smuggled it into the dark abyss of my soul for no one to see. That’s until someone showed up on deck and helped me regain command of my treacherous crewmates and face my demons. He helped me to bring that shameful fright of a sea beast to the surface, and rear its hideous mug out in the open to have for supper.” “Who?” “That baby-faced ginger, and his morbid-pale mongrel of all things. Tintin and Snowy became my wellspring of solace to regain my own self-worth. That I got my own sort of bravery, when I truly believe and own it to myself that there are moments when I do get scared. As I am now.” “You’re scared?” “Aye, lad. I’m scared of not being able to get out of these chains to help you, Tintin, Twilight, and the rest. Ye see, because in my heart of hearts, I swore to myself as the last of the Haddocks, as I still breathe, no one dear to me will ever be harmed. And now, I’m scared I won’t be able to honor that oath. I’m scared of letting you, Tintin, all of them down.” “You’re the last one in your family?” “Yea, Spike. The last surviving member from my bloodline. But like with Tintin, I’ve found a sort of family bond with you, if you can believe that. Because this sort of bond, filled with danger and strife, the thought of losing and fighting for those dear to us. That makes us family in arms, Spike. A fighting family. And I’m proud to consider you a part of that family with me, Tintin, and Snowy.” “And Twilight too?” “You bet, Spike. Twilight too.” The small drake was sniffling less so than before, adding, “I never knew who my real family was, before Twilight hatched me.” “Then I reckon that makes her truly your family. She and the rest of her kin, through and through. Mum, Dad, sisters, brothers.” “Just one brother. He’s awesome,” Spike said. “But I’m not sure I understand everything.” “Augh, that may be. Here I’m babbling on about things that probably make no sense. Sounded mad to ye.” “You don’t sound angry to me.” “My point exactly. I’m just an old bachelor of a seabird, who knows nothing about children.” “You’re a great storyteller,” Spike offered. “I liked the part about the sea beast showing his ugly coffee mug for dinner.” Haddock could not help but chuckle at that, which prompted Spike to join the hippogryph in such brief merriment. But that stopped when they heard hooves approaching from the nearest platform, alongside a few click-clacks. What stood before the young drake and sea captain was a bat-winged steed of highest rank and great girth, flanked by three others on each side. His helmet was violet with blue plumes and gold trims, matching his wings, tail, and cat irises respectively. Nothing intimidating or oppressive was in his demeanor, yet he also had an air of command. “Apologies,” he bowed politely, with a firm baritone, “Please know that this is far from how I wanted us to meet. But I’m afraid this was necessary.” “And just who might you lot be,” asked the Captain, dubious of such courtesy. “I’m Vortex Helix. Commander of the Lunar Regiment’s 73rd Battalion. I understand you and your gryphon friend found yourselves displaced in Equestria. Am I right, Captain Haddock?” “What have you done to him,” snarled Haddock slowly. “He’s alive and well,” Commander Helix assured him. “In fact, you may see for yourself.” Standing to one side, the familiar youth’s gryphon-face and quiff was presented with irons clapped on his talons and paws, and chains about his wings. “Tintin!” “Hello, Captain,” he nodded, smiling with genuine relief, “I’m glad to know you’re well, all things considered.” “You too, lad. Is Snowy with the rest?” “I was hoping to find you both here. It’s why I came quietly. But I see you have company, regardless. Spike, are you alright?” “I’m feeling better, now that I’m not alone anymore.” “Rations will be provided shortly,” said Commander Helix, stepping forward. “Once again, I hope you’ll understand we’re taking precautions in whom we trust.” “What do you want with us, anyway,” Spike asked, building up courage. “I ordered my troops to bring you here, firstly, for the sake of communicating with your Princess in Canterlot. I’m aware of your pony upbringing, particularly under the family of the Princess’s star pupil. We’re keeping you here for the time being, while considering how you might help us.” “And why should he, or any of us, help a flapping nest of cowardly soldiers who abduct wee children,” Haddock growled. “For the same reason he trusts in a Princess that sends inadequate security before arrival. The reason he should trust six ponies without military experience to find lost relics in the wilderness.” “Which is,” Tintin enquired. “That all will be well, and in their rightful place.” His level, sincere delivery lacked any, and all derision. “As soon as the Mare in the Moon returns, we hope to right the wrongs that were done to us, and the world, by listless, inactive pony tribes.” “How do you mean, Commander?” Tintin stopped Spike from refuting Helix’s claims. “Over the past millennium, after the Princess’s misuse of the Elements to banish her own sister, however justified, has brought great unrest and confusion to the rest of the world. Starting with us, her sister’s loyal subjects of the night.” “And you say the three tribes of Equestria failed to alleviate that? Neglected even, in light of their Princess’s involvement?” “Your sharp eyes can’t be fooled, Mr. Tintin,” he nodded, again in earnest. “You, yourselves can attest to this, considering what happened to Gryphonstone, Mount Aris, and many others. How the ponies show little care for those outside tribal bonds, not to mention their own history. Sitting comfortably with their own misconceptions” “And you believe yourselves to be the ones who’d pick up the slack, eh?” “Yes, Captain Haddock. Which is why I’m here before you, with my own proposition.” “And that being?” “If you give me your binding word not to attack us, help us regain the Elements for our lost Princess, and even find those with pure hearts to wield them if you wish, I will give you my word, and our services, in helping your own cause for answers, stability, and home.” “But what if we say no,” Spike wondered. “After our Princess returns, we'll let you out of your cages. But you’ll be kept under our custody, ‘til further notice. Know that my offer stands, whenever you change your minds.” With that, he nodded to his fellow bat ponies, who then sent Tintin into the birdcage adjacent to Spike’s. “Once again, a precaution before hearing your answer. Take as much time as you need to discuss amongst yourselves. Again, food will come.” The troops and Commander Helix departed without another word, the sound of their hooves against the rampart grew less pronounced with each step away from them. “So what’s the plan, Tintin,” the Captain asked. “You’ve got a plan then, don't ye?” “Captain, not yet,” he huffed in reply. “Before we can come up with ideas, we must be sure we’re of the same mind and heart on what we’re doing.” “Are you scared, Tintin?” Spike caught the young gryphon by surprise. “I’m sorry?” “Well,” he answered, “I told Archie about how I got really scared of being brought here all alone, and he said how that’s part of being brave. Then he told me how he’s scared of not being able to keep us safe and letting us down. You just said to have the same heart, so what’re you scared of?” Taking a perplexed glimpse at the Captain’s strung presence, Tintin saw Haddock prodding him to answer. He shook his head in bewilderment, eyes darting left, right and center to formulate a response. “About a great many things, I suspect. Unable to find Snowy, never knowing what happened to us, nor how we can get back to where we belong, no chance of rescue, falling into hopelessness. Or, perhaps the chance that, with all my efforts journaling events, engaging with those I interview, not one reader was inspired to strive for goodness, truth, and wonder. Or, challenged to naturally seek a greater wholeness beyond themselves, and whatever this mortal life has to offer! Magical elements be damned, if they don’t.” “Someone’s bad day’s finally got to him,” said Haddock with warm endearment. “Well, you’ve got my tally, mate. Every day I follow ye to some cockamamie crusade for justice, honour, and valour. Because you showed me just how much we souls are worth fighting for.” “Thanks, Captain.” Tintin sighed with a certain lightness to his chained shoulders. “For what it’s worth, I have high regards for your company also, as you are. One can certainly consider you as that of family.” “Yeah, me too,” exclaimed Spike. “You and Archie are like the cousin and uncle I never knew I wished for!” “If not for these confounded chains and irons,” Haddock choked, “I’d pull you both in for a bone-crushing embrace, ye baby-owl-faced feline, and fire-breathing beast!” “At this rate with personal bonds,” remarked Tintin, “I would be shocked if Haddock doesn’t find a wife to catch him.” “Oy!” That got Spike to chuckle at the seabird. Smiling briefly, the gryphon continued, “Humour aside, we need to be sure which way we are to lean, as one. Whether to seek some form of alliance with these bat ponies, or not.” “What,” stammered the purple dragon, “what’re you talking about?” “We need to examine all our options first, Spike. Before we can truly stand for, or against someone with good conscience.” “They dragon-napped Spike, Tintin.” “True, but only insofar as they seek direct correspondence with Princess Celestia. Keeping him for ransom doesn’t strike me as part of the Commander’s stratagem.” “And what about the Elements of Harmony,” offered Spike. “Aren’t they trying to get them to Nightmare Moon?” “Commander Helix specifically stated that he seeks those of pure hearts, whomever they are. Whether or not he’s capable of attaining that goal upon Nightmare’s return, that remains to be seen.” “But what about Twilight, Rarity, and the others? He’s still going after them. And so will Nightmare.” “Yes, indeed. Though something tells me he’s watching their movements now, more than threatening them. Despite the avalanche, blinding shadows, and timber wolf.” “You guys saw a timber wolf!” “Why would he change tactics with the ponies, now?” “Because, Captain, after those incidents a reflection of the Elements was seen in a few of those ponies. Who knows how perceptive these bat ponies truly are, and what else they saw!” “So,” Spike muttered, “aren’t we going to help them? Twilight and the others, I mean?” Tintin sighed, considering his words carefully. “We’re outnumbered, without armour or weapons, chained and in cages, surrounded by a whole battalion. Even if we tried to escape, we can neither distract them to give Twilight and friends an opening, nor take some of their weapons and armour before dashing blindly into the wild forest. Without a compass, charts, supplies, anything.” “So, you’re saying it’s hopeless.” “I never said that,” he chided calmly. “I’m just weighing in what we can, and can’t do.” “So then,” said the Captain, “what can we do?” “Commander Helix offers liberty outside this brig. We can say our word is bond, and use that to help sway these soldiers to allow the six ponies that same chance, seeing as how Helix wants Harmony restored as well.” “But he’s going at it all wrong, Tintin. You out of all of us should know that.” “I do, Captain. But I also know that using that oath as an in to play turncoat would not just be dishonourable, but self-destructive in the vein of Nightmare Moon. And Helix is bound to know that full well. That can work to his favour, as well as our own.” “But he’s still helping Nightmare Moon,” Spike shakily insisted. “That means it won’t matter what that Helix guy wants. She’s still the one that wants everything her way. Bringing eternal night, and everything. Right?” “I agree with Spike here, Tintin. We’re not siding with these dismal delinquents while knowing they’re after our friends, and wanting what we want the wrong way. And I doubt that Helix bloke can keep the bewitched Princess in check.” Tintin seemed to smile in the shadows at their consensus. “Is that what you want then? Resist them?” “Yeah,” Spike shouted. “Was there any other course?” “Then it’s settled. Spike, on my signal, you melt the bars of your cage with your fire, while I work on freeing the Captain.” “Wait, what?” Now it was Spike’s turn to be fully surprised. He suddenly bore witness to Tintin twisting a lock pick to free his talons, one that he kept tucked away in his feral feline paw. “Where in blistering blue barnacles did ye find that?” As he was working, Tintin spoke further. “I’ll tell you later. Spike, once you’re freed we’ll have you melt the joints of your cage next for a drop.” “But,” he stuttered, “but I can’t. I never used my fire breath except for messages, candles, and sneezes. And if I make just a puff, that won’t be enough to melt the bars. Just turn stuff to ash.” “You’re right. You’ll have to breathe fire another way.” “How?” “It’s quite simple. Just long, narrow breaths as you would a straw.” “Huh?” “Aye, lad. You know how to whistle, don’t ye?” “Well, yeah. A-a little bit.” “Then it’s just the same thing. But instead of a wee toot, you just send your blazing gullet’s flame past your lips.” “Give it a try,” said Tintin, starting on his leg bracers next. “Take in a few gusts for practice.” "I-I don't know if I can." “We believe in you, Spike,” encouraged the hippogryph. “Know that we’re with ye every step of the way.” “Twilight needs your help,” Tintin added, “You, her faithful assistant.” “Aye, and her wee brother to boot you are.” Just then, they saw and heard a swarm of flying creatures, flocking and swooping down upon the encampment. Crows, bats, ravens, falcons, eagles, and hawks rushed ont the treehouse barracks, surrounding all areas save only the brig. “What in ghastly gales is all this?” “Later, Captain!” Tintin was now working the bolted lock to his chained wings. “Spike, it’s now or never.” Building his courage back up, the purple drake took deep, calming breaths before whistling a couple of notes to prepare himself. The anxious youth started to send plain puffs of air through his lips instead, setting off not even a whiff of smoke. “You’re doing well, lad.” The Captain told Spike, “Don’t hold onto that fear. Use it to start, but then push through it.” He decided to think he was whistling a tune to himself, one that Twi-his mother sang to him. That was when his fifth gust built up at last, smoke rising and soon followed by a green tongue of narrow flame. Reminded Haddock of a blowtorch used by welders on his ship. He could not help but wheeze cheerily and proudly at the small dragon, talon thumbs raised stiffly. Then he spotted Tintin on his starboard, working on his birdcage’s lock after dropping the loose chains. “Well done, Spike,” Tintin cheered. “Now start melting!” Amidst the clamouring, cawing, flapping, and screeching that echoed throughout the woodlands, Spike got to work on the cell bars ahead of him. One spot at a time, he circled down then back up each with blazing precision. Pieces dropped to the ground far below with glowing ends as he finished, which enabled a freed Tintin to jump over, pick up Spike, and then place the drake atop his own birdcage. “Hold on, and stay still!” He then leapt over to the Captain’s hook, paws and talons perched over his beam. He started with the neck brace, then picked the other locks over the seabird’s legs and wings. Tintin caught Haddock as he shook the chains off himself to join the forest floor too. Hoisted up with a sneering grunt, the pair of strangers stood on top the beam together, before jumping onto Spike’s cage. “I say when,” he told them, “we will jump off.” “Tintin,” Haddock said worriedly. "I'm not so sure about this." “What's wrong,” Spike asked, “Can’t you fly?” “Never used our wings before now.” “What?” “Spike, melt the hook.” The purple dragon did so, causing the entire cage to drop through the tree branches and barrack platforms. Then Tintin grabbed hold of Spike suddenly, as he shouted. “Now!” Before the cage slammed violently onto the forest floor, the gryphon and hippogryph leapt off, with Haddock and Spike screaming with terror. Instinctively, Tintin and Haddock’s wings stretched out to catch air from beneath and send them gliding downward. “Ten thousand thundering typhoons!” The pair of them skidded, then rolled onto the leaves, dead bramble, grass and moss, with Tintin keeping Spike tightly to his chest. Haddock’s albatross wingspan folded itself naturally before his back touched down, as well as the young gryphon’s owl feathers. They rose from the ground, shaking and brushing the dirt, twigs and mire off themselves. “Tintin,” the hippogryph gasped with bewilderment, “as astounding as that was, best not have more surprises tonight, eh?” “Sorry Captain,” he answered, “but I’m afraid there’s more to come.” With that, Spike and Haddock witnessed some of those crows, hawks and bats from earlier swoop in before transforming to more bat ponies. Stepping towards them with tranquil, yet firm steps, stood another stallion of powerful build and armour. Coat of grey-blue with maroon wings and tail, his feline eyes were blue as ice. “Captain Haddock, Spike,” said Tintin to his wary friends, “allow me to introduce Colonel Galewatch, of the Lunar Regiment.” “We don’t have much time,” he grunted. “If you want to survive out here, stay close to us.” To be concluded...