Chapter 3: Ponyville’s True Hero
The peace of the everfree forest was interrupted by the stamping of several hooves. The animals had led the charge but now Apple Jack had overtaken them and was leading the way. She was panting heavily she had not stopped since Flutter Shy told her. She had been at the farm bucking apples when she spotted Flutter Shy running towards her.
“Howdy Flutter Shy.” She said cheerfully but by the look on Flutter Shy’s face, something serious had happened. “Whats wrong? You look lower than rattle snake with no rattle.” Flutter Shy had to tell her but didn’t know how. In the end she swallowed her fear and explained what her animal friends had seen. Before she finished telling her about a phoenix that caught her, Apple Jack was already half way down to the entrance of the ever free forest. She had run along the path that Apple Bloom would have taken to zercora’s but stopped at the intersection that led uphill. She waited for Flutter Shy to catch up.
“Are you sure your animal friends saw her going this way.” She said as Flutter Shy caught up.
“Oh, yes, they’re sure.” She said quietly. “They saw her go up here and then cliff collapse but they saw the phoenix grab her.” Apple Jack was already racing ahead uphill she had to see for herself. Perhaps the phoenix dragged her along the shore or had it carried her towards its nest, she had to see for herself. She came to an abrupt stop as she saw that half the Cliffside was missing.
Flutter Shy trailed slowly behind, she had noticed something odd. The branches that lay scattered had come from other trees and placed there. What was also strange that underneath one of the branches was a strange hoof print, it wasn't like anything she had ever seen. She had seen every kind of animal prints there was, but what creature left long narrow prints. Apple Jack looked around, there had to be a clue or a sign to where the phoenix took her. And then she saw it. It was there, floating against the reeds the sun was glistening on it. A humming bird swooped by and picked it up and laid it in front of Apple Jack. Apple Blooms pink ribbon. She was wearing it only this morning and now she was gone. Applejack thought that this might be like the Ursa Major, Apple Bloom might be back at the farm sleeping underneath an apple tree, but it wasn't.
She knew Apple Bloom was gone; tears rolled down her face and landed on and around the ribbon. Flutter Shy was also crying, when her friends cried she cried. They stood there for a long time before setting off. How was Apple Jack going to explain this to granny smith and big Mac? It would break their hearts, just like hers was now. The rabbits had dug up some mud and made a mound where they placed a pebble on top with Apple Bloom’s ribbon underneath; this was to be her grave for a pony so young. They strolled slowly back, it was a sad day indeed no more Apple Bloom, no more shadowing other ponies to learn how to get a cutie mark.
Shadows on the tent. That’s what young Apple Bloom was watching; she had been awake for ten minutes and in that time she took in her surroundings. She was in a pale green tent that was held up by two wooden branches. She was in a sleeping bag that was five times bigger than she was. It was old and faded It was also light green. She didn’t know where the tent was or who the figures were but at the next opportunity she was going to run as fast as she could. She could smell something cooking and wondered if it was for her. She was going to be lunch for these creatures if she didn’t run. Suddenly one of the figures started talking to the other.
“Do you think she’s awake yet?” Its voice was kind and caring but sounded like a child, although it could be a disguise. The other one sounded like he had a bad cold when he spoke.
“Check on her, but don’t wake her, let her rest.” The figure with the cold had spikes on top of his head and was very tall, he was the same size as big Mac on two legs and probably just as strong. One of the shadows was getting closer, he was almost as big as the other figure, but he had a large horn. Perhaps it was a unicorn? No it had long sharp claws, it was a dragon. She dived back into the sleeping bag just as the figure peered in. She saw the shadow growing as the flaps were pulled back and she knew with sickening feeling that it was getting closer. Its warm breath was smothering her as it got close. She then saw a pair of gold claws gently wrap itself around the sleeping bag and gently pulled it down. As she covered her face with her hoofs the scaly beast looked down on.
“Oh, you are awake.” It said kindly. Apple Bloom peered through her hoofs to see the figure was a dragon. It had large horn on its head as big as twilights, its body was purple with gold scales and its tail was trailing out of the tent. Its eyes dark brown and gentle looked down on her. “Hope you’re hungry?” He said “lunch is almost ready.” And with that he backed away and left her alone. She got up and bravely stumbled out of the tent and into the bright sunshine.
The sun was high in the sky it must've been noon. Then she thought for all she knew she could've been asleep for days. She looked around. She was in a clearing that was surrounded by trees and shrubs. She watched as the dragon walked away. The dragon was walking on its two large feet like spike, but it almost seemed to drag itself. It had two gold wings on its back along with gold spikes. It sat down on a fallen log, but it wasn’t alone.
There was another figure next to him. No scales, so it wasn’t a dragon, no feathers so it wasn’t a phoenix. She didn’t know what it was it wasn’t until she got closer that the figure didn’t look scary at all. His mane was yellow and spiky like a hedgehog; his skin was soft and slightly tanned. He had a blue scarf that had recently been ripped at the end around his neck. He was wearing a black waist coat that exposed the front of his body with red trimmings. He had open toed black sandals and knee length white trousers. Rarity would have a field day with this creature. She approached with caution; the figure seemed to be asleep. It eyes were shut and it wasn’t moving. As she stepped ever closer it suddenly spoke.
“Glad to see your alright.” Apple Bloom was spooked, she hadn’t said a word or made a sound and yet he knew she was there. He opened his eyes. They were dark brown but light, this creature whatever he was wouldn’t hurt her. “Hope you hungry, we got barley grass and carrot stew cooking.” He said as he pointed at the big black pot that was cooking. Apple Bloom looked at him.
“Barley grass and carrot stew?”
“Yeah, it’s all we’ve got I’m afraid.”
“No mister, you misunderstand. Barley grass and carrot stew is my favourite.” She smiled happily. And the creature smiled back.
“That’s good to hear, and please call me Matt.” He said to her kindly as he poured a small bowl of stew. The bowl was made from two small stumps of a tree hollowed out. She happily ate the stew, she felt like she hadn’t eaten in days for all she knew it could have been. Birds flew high above her and the sky was clear. It should have made her cheerful yet she felt sad. Matt had sensed something was wrong and asked her.
“Something wrong, little pony?”
“My name is Apple Bloom.” She replied “I just wanted to thank the phoenix that saved me, but didn’t get the chance. It’s probably the same phoenix that saved me in ponyville.” She sighed wistfully. Suddenly the dragon roared into laughter. “Whats so funny?” she asked. The dragon wiped away the tears of laughter from his eyes with the back of his claw.
“It wasn’t a phoenix that saved you those times.” As he caught his breathe he pointed at Matt “That was his work.” Apple Bloom looked at Matt in amazement; this creature took down an Ursa Major. She stood up frightened, was this creature nice or was it just luring her in for its next meal. She started to back away.
“Matt....may I ask you something,” As Matt looked at her he saw the fear in her eyes “What are you?” Matt looked down and sighed sadly.
“I’m...a human.” Apple Bloom backed away she didn’t know what to think.
“Are you....” she gulped “Dangerous?” Matt smiled at her.
“Only when my friends are in danger, I had to grab you quickly before the Ursa Major crushed you and i had to go dragon fire burst before you were crushed by the rock. You seem to get into trouble an awful lot, question is why?” Apple Bloom could see he was honesty and friendly, maybe her sister applejack might welcome him for dinner. Perhaps even Flutter Shy might let him near her animals. She came closer. Matt did not react. As she sat down next to him she said quietly.
“I’m a blank flank, that’s why.”
“A blank flank? Whats that?” the dragon asked.
“It’s a young filly with no cutie mark, its embarrassing for me Mr Dragon.”
“I’m Wilbur, Wilbur Fire heart, Apple Bloom.”
“Well Wilbur Fire heart, its hard being the only filly in school with no cutie mark. I wouldn’t expect you to understand.” She said in a huff. As Wilbur and Matt glanced looks at each other, Matt picked up Apple Bloom and stood her on four hooves and said.
“We may not know about not having a cutie mark but we do know what it’s like to be alone. But Wilbur and I came up with a song to help us and we think it may help you chase those cutie mark blues away.” Wilbur went to fetch something inside the tent. When he returned he held a bright red guitar. As Wilbur handed Matt the guitar, Matt started to play a tune that Apple Bloom has never heard of. “When you want to join in, don’t be afraid.” He smiled. And then he started to sing.
“This is my escape, I'm running through this world and I'm not looking back, 'Cause I know I can go
where no one's ever gone and I'm not looking back. But how will I know when I get there? And how will I know when to leave? We've all got to start from somewhere and it's right there for me, the possibilities are never ending. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. Endless possibility. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.” Apple Bloom listened and understood; she started to tap her hoof and then started to join in. Matt could see she was ready and he let her sing next.
“And so I'll carry on, my time to shine has come I feel it. As fast as I can go straight to the top I know, you’ll see it. So please wake me up when I get there? It feels like I’m lost in a dream I know in my heart that it’s my time and I already see The possibilities are never ending . I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. Endless possibility. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.” As Wilbur walked over to Apple Bloom he said to her.
“So Apple Bloom?” he asked her. She looked up at him “So if someone say’s to you-” he then began to sing with Matt. “Drop that smile Cause you’re beaten again,” Apple Bloom yelled.
“No this is where my journey begins.” Matt shook his head.
“You're losing speed; you're losing your flow.”
“But inside me is a power you'll never know!”
“Then let it out, it's inside you!”
“Better all stand back, 'cause I'm coming through!” as she yelled she felt a swell of power deep inside her. This power was unbelievable strong. She was beaming with excitement, who could blame her? Someone she never knew or knew existed gave her confidence beyond confidence. She was dancing and singing beside someone who took down an Ursa major, with only ripped scarf as an injury. Suddenly she found herself singing, dancing and smiling a smile she never knew she had.
“I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach.”
“Endless Possibility.” Matt added.
“I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.”
“Endless Possibility” Wilbur sung.
“Endless Possibility” “Endless Possibility” all three sang the last part in unison. As they lay down on the grass and looked up at the sky, they laughed as though they had been friends forever. They stayed on the ground with the fire slowing turning to embers and the sun going down. Apple Bloom looked up and sighed.
“I better get going.” She said as she slowly sat up. “My family's probably worried about me. For runnin out of school an all.” As she looked around she realized, she could be anywhere in the everfree forest and she could get lost and never be found. She looked over at Matt. “Can you help me get home?” she asked with soft eyes. He looked at her and sat up.
“How can I say no to those eyes?” he looked over at Wilbur “I’ll be back in a while Wilbur, protect the camp.” The dragon merely grunted and waved its claw. As Matt turned he lead the way for Apple Bloom back through the everfree forest. Matt knew where ponyville was from here and marked each tree to show Apple Bloom the way back. all was quiet at the camp, and Wilbur thought it was time for a nap. Matt had been gone for a few moments before the wind blew. It carried upon it a scent of putridness. Wilbur opened his eyes and the pupils narrowed, he smelled something. Something evil. It was here and it was close.
In a room filled with fabrics of many colors and textures Rarity was busy with a dress that had so many jewels that was almost hard to see the fabric they were sewn too. As she attached the final gem a knock came at her door. It was bizarre. Every pony knew she was closed today, so who would be knocking at her door? Perhaps sweetie belle coming back from school. She hesitated a moment longer, before she lit her horn up and opened the door with her magic.
“Come in.” She called in an upper class manner. As the door swung open, twilight appeared.
“Hey rarity.” She replied. “I’m sorry to interrupt you when you’re working-”
“Oh think nothing of it darling.” She smiled happily. “I was just finishing, would you care for some water with a twist of lime.”
“That’s ok Rarity; I need to write to princess about that strange sighting we saw yesterday. And I was wondering if you had a chance to look at that fabric. You know, the one that princess celestia found.” There was a slight nervousness in her voice for some reason. But nonetheless she was determined to smile. Rarity’s eyes glimmered and shone as bright as her jewel dress.
“I did indeed. But I don’t know what material it is; I’ve never seen it on sale in any shops in all of Equestria. It’s beyond my expertise and that’s saying a lot.” She obviously felt disappointment to fail her friends, but to have a piece of rare fabric in her shop was a gift from celestia herself. It was blue like the sky, hard like a diamond but still soft enough to make into any clothing. It was very rare and she wishes she knew what it was and where to find it.
“Well thanks for trying rarity. I still have no clue on the foot prints or the fabric, but the burn marks came from a dragon and large one, but spike is the only dragon in ponyville. “ she growled in frustration. “Whoever this mystery pony is, he better step forward soon because this is driving me crazy.” As she panted rarity levitated a glass of water in front of her, ranting always made her thirsty. As twilight levitated it in front of her with her own magic she thanked rarity with a smile and began to drink. The sun was slowly setting and soon lunars job of the night sky will start.
At the edge of the everfree forest Apple Bloom could see ponyville in its strange sunset glow. They would have been here sooner but matt had stopped and slashed each tree with a small knife he had produced from his pocket. It would make finding him again easier than falling off a cliff.
“Thanks for showing me the way back.” She smiled. Apple bloom wanted to go home but felt nervous. She knew Apple Jack would be furious and she’d get a scolding from Big Mac. She was also thinking about Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Surely they knew how much it hurt her and where willing to do it again. As if reading her mind Matt said suddenly.
“If you ever need help, just follow the marks.” He said as he pointed at the slashes. “But only after school,” he said sternly “No more running away from your problems. Trust me it doesn’t work.” She walked forward then turned round.
“Why don’t you come to ponyville," she asked. "I’m sure everyone will wanna, shake hoofs with the hero that saved them’ all.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“You were frightened when you first saw me, imagine what everyone else is like, especially after what Zecora told me.”
“You know Zecora?” Apple Bloom exclaimed. It seemed strange for a human to know Zecora in the everfree forest only being here a few days.
“Yes, but I’ll tell you another time.” Matt raised his hand to stop her interrupting “You got a family to get back to.” As he waved goodbye he slowly disappeared into the everfree forest. Apple Bloom watched him go. The human had no fear of the everfree forest, just like she wasn’t afraid of it. She headed off home, singing the new song she learnt.
“Endless possibilities, endless possibilities.” As the moon slowly rose up a new night began and with it a day that would change history.