The timberwolves snarled in frustration as Rarity's light spell lit up the dark wood like a miniature sun, momentarily blinding them. Having stayed in the center of their circle, however, her light was behind everypony else, and it illuminated the incoming wolves nicely.
Johnathon could now plainly see the huge bodies of the timberwolves lunging forward, and one in particular was headed right at him. He braced himself, lowering the point of his sword to meet the charge, both arms going rigid as the tip went into the chest of the timberwolf in front of him with a very audible crunch. He felt the impact through his entire body, from wrists to ankles, as the wooden beast impaled itself onto his sword almost to the hilt. The timberwolf snarled and snapped at him weakly, then collapsed into individual pieces of wood at his feet.
All around him, lights flashed and the sound of breaking wood, the snarls of timberwolves and the grunt of exertion mixed together into an inconceivable cacophony of noise that nevertheless told Johnathon, for the moment at least, that his friends and companions were doing well.
To his left, a timberwolf had crashed into a transparent blue force field generated by Aegis, and was snapping and snarling as the field quickly expanded to surround the beast, then closed in to inexorably crush it.. To his right, the pegasus guard Morning Star had flipped head over heels in a spectacular move that looked like something out of a wire-fu flick, the pegasus' wings making the stunt, something rather impossible for a human or earth pony, almost look natural. Morning Star's rear hooves connected with the timberwolf's jaw from below with stunning force, causing the wooden creature's head to snap upwards, exposing it's throat. Completing his spin, Morning Star lashed out with his forehooves into the wolf's exposed throat with a one two hoof combination which finished the job, causing the stricken creature to collapse into a pile of kindling only moments after Johnathon's own foe had met its fate.
Johnathon caught a flash of rainbow out of the corner of his eye, followed almost instantly by a horrific crash, and only a moment later by a yell of triumph that told him that the cyan speedster, Rainbow Dash, had managed to deal her own brand of damage as well.
Having worked alongside the earth pony farmer many times before, the sound of Applejack's hooves crashing into wood was nothing new, although the muted yipe and the secondary crash of the stricken timberwolf flying backwards into the trees behind it was something different, if hardly unexpected.
To Johnathon's right, Shining Star had fired a powerful bolt of magical energy at his own opponent, only to miss its leaping form by inches. The timberwolf had continued its leap, jaws snapping down on where the guard unicorn's neck had been only a moment before, but met Shining's armored shoulder instead, wooden teeth grinding uselessly off of the sturdy golden armor.
Johnathon ripped his sword free of the remains of his original foe with a cry of rage, bringing it high in order to slash down on the neck of the wolf trying to savage Shining Star. Before he could strike, Briar Rose sailed nimbly overhead, lashing out with one hoof as she flew over and struck the timberwolf soundly in the temple, battering it loose of its hold on Shining Star's shoulder. Johnathon adjusted his aim, making sure no pony else was about to fly into the line of his swing, but Shining was faster, lowering his horn directly into the open mouth of the startled monster to fire a second blast point blank into its maw. The wolf barely had time to look startled before it shattered into a hundred pieces.
As quickly as it had begun, it was over. Half a dozen timberwolves remained intact, but were already in full retreat after seeing so many of their kindred destroyed in mere moments. Johnathon spun, sword in a guard position, to see if anypony else needed aid, but aside from a circle of wooden debris all around their small band, and the shadows of timberwolves fleeing into the darkness, no threat remained. Spitfire and Soarin exchanged a high hoof as they landed amid the remains of a pair of wolves they'd obviously broken apart only moments earlier. For a moment, Johnathon's eyes narrowed. Somepony was missing... but his worries vanished with a crash as Rainbow Dash smashed her way, forehooves leading, back into sight of the group by passing through the body of one of the fleeing timberwolves like a multicolored torpedo, causing the wooden creature to practically explode with the impact, small pieces of wood showering the group with debris.
"I think that one was already leaving, Rainbow..." Applejack commented dryly.
"Not fast enough," Rainbow Dash shot back with a dismissive snort. "Was that all of them? Hardly worth my time."
Briar Rose, on the other hand, was frowning and she landed hard with all four hooves on a pile of broken wood, scattering it further. "We should get moving..." she said grimly. "If I remember correctly, these beasties can reassemble themselves," As if in response to her words, several of the broken pieces of wood started to vibrate and come together.
Johnathon lashed out with a kick at the closest pile, knocking the pieces further apart and grimaced. "Unless somepony wants to build a bonfire right here, I think Professor Rose is probably right."
There was a flurry of activity as the group kicked and stomped on the slowly reforming creatures, scattering pieces far and wide, then, as one, the ponies (and one human) turned to Briar Rose.
The pegasus archeologist nodded and turned to go, trotting swiftly away down the path they had been following before the attack. The others followed swiftly, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Soarin' flying easily just over their heads while the others broke into a canter, and Johnathon a heavy run.
Shining Star rushed ahead of Johnathon to run side by side with Briar Rose, and the man found himself running side by side with Rarity, the elegant white unicorn's horn shining brightly, illuminating their surroundings with a powerful white light. Without looking back, Johnathon could hear Applejack pounding along just behind them, barely slowed at all by the heavy golden armor she wore. Back further still, he could hear more hooves pounding at a canter, and the beat of wings.
At his left side, Rarity ran easily, a tight, grim expression on her face as she concentrated on maintaining her spell while keeping up with the others. Johnathon's own heart was beating hard in his chest, and his body felt light, as if he could run forever, but inwardly he knew that the adrenaline from the fight would not last much longer, and he was already starting to feel the slightest twinge of effort as he ran, naked sword in his right hand, the other hanging on to the saddle bags still draped over his shoulder. He knew, intellectually, that over several miles he could keep pace with ponies at a trot, or a slow canter, but at the pace they were galloping, as burdened as he was, he didn't know how long he would last.
He was just starting to hyperventilate from the effort when a pair of blue hooves came down to grab the saddle bags off his shoulder, pulling them into the air. "Keep running, John!" Rainbow Dash told him encouragingly. "I've got your stuff."
Rarity glanced over at him worriedly, gasping slightly for breath herself but still not as winded as the human from their rapid flight through the woods.
From just behind them, Applejack called out, her strong voice carrying clearly. "Professor, you might want to slow down a mite? I don't think Johnathon can keep up this pace for long!"
Briar Rose glanced back, her own coat noticeably lathered with sweat, and after a moment the older pegasus took flight, signalling for Shining Star to continue forward, she glided up, slowing slightly and falling back to get a better look at her human colleague. Even as she did so, a chorus of angry howls could be heard in the distance behind them.
"I... can... keep... going...." Johnathon panted between gasps, his eyes narrowed as he dug deep, even picking up the pace slightly as his stride lengthened with his increased effort.
"Let's get some more distance before slowing..." Briar Rose decided, flying forward again to join Shining Star in leading their small band further away from the scene of their fight. "Right now, they're probably deciding if we're worth going after... let's make it easy for them, and leave their territory before they make up their tiny wooden minds."
Without the weight of his bags slowing him down, Johnathon's breathing slowed down even as his muscles warmed to the repetition of the run. Focusing on nothing but the trail ahead, Johnathon's world narrowed down into nothing but the effort of running and the concentration of keeping his footing in the varied terrain at the high speed they were maintaining.
After what seemed like hours, but in reality was probably less than half of one, Briar Rose slowed and stopped as they entered a small, forsaken looking clearing, flying up and landing on the far side, then turning back to face the tired group behind her as they filed into the open space behind her and came to a stop as well.
"Let's catch our breath here for awhile. The timberwolves have probably given up by now..." the pegasus explorer decided, concealing how hard she was breathing herself with noticeable effort. Spitfire, Soarin, Rainbow Dash and Applejack still seemed relatively fresh, but everyone else, pony and human alike, seemed like they were about ready to collapse.
Johnathon himself staggered as he came to a halt, almost doubling over as he crouched, hands on hips, as he tried to catch his breath. Rarity, beside him, let her light spell drop and collapsed lightly on her side, somehow managing to make her fall look graceful.
"I don't think..." the fashionista panted, "that I... can run... another step."
"I reckon you'd get up and run if those timberwolves were howling just behind ya..." Applejack commented with a chuckle as she stood calmly beside her more delicate friend, looking down with a gentle smile. "Still, ya did good, Rarity. Y'all deserve a rest."
Rarity looked up at the sturdy earth pony mare in consternation. "Don't you dare patronize me, Applejack," she replied huffily, having somehow manged to mostly catch her breath in the few moments of rest. "I was absolutely useless in that... horrible skirmish. I stood there petrified like a little foal while the rest of you fought so valiantly. It was all I could do to maintain a simple light spell!"
"Damn useful light spell," Johnathon said gruffly, "Blinded them and gave us perfect targets. I'd say you made a huge difference."
"I'd have to agree, Miss Rarity..." Shining Star commented calmly. "You timed it perfectly, and gave us the opportunity to strike first. We won that fight as a group, and you did your part. I have no complaints."
"Sure didn't hurt to be able to see what I was buckin..." Applejack said agreeably. "And having them timberwolves just sorta standing around blinking didn't hurt none," she frowned. "What gets me is why that pack was there in the first place. I ain't hardly ever seen so many of them critters in one place before..." she trailed off, then glanced at Briar Rose. "What do you think, professor, you reckon somethin's got em riled up for some reason?"
Briar Rose shook her head slowly, although it was obvious she was considering the idea. "I really have no idea, although it's as good a theory as any."
"It's too bad Fluttershy isn't here to tell us..." Rainbow Dash commented, looking slightly disgruntled. "She could ask the local wildlife and find out what's up. Kind of... convenient that she had to leave... her, and Twilight, who probably could have flattened the whole pack at once if she wanted."
Johnathon glanced up at the cyan speedster thoughtfully. "Do you think that the whole 'future Twilight' thing was some sort of ruse, then?"
Rainbow Dash hesitated. "Well... maybe. I mean, we handled things alright," she chuckled slightly, putting a hoof behind her head. "Heck, with Twilight there, there wouldn't have been enough for the rest of us to do... and Fluttershy would have tried to get us to be nice to the poor monsters..." she shrugged. "I don't know... I am kind of worried about them, though."
"Twilight and the others can handle themselves, I reckon," Applejack said stoutly. "Like you said, Dash, Twilight could make a pack of mangy timberwolves like that into pancakes if she put half a mind into it, and Fluttershy can stare down anything that lives in the Everfree, one way or another. As for Pinkie... I'd like to see a timberwolf catch that pony if she didn't want to be caught."
"I guess," Rainbow Dash agreed reluctantly. "And I suppose they could keep those guards with them safe at the same time... probably," Shining Star stiffened slightly at the unintentional slight, while Aegis and Morning Star exchanged amused looks behind their commander's back.
Shining Star snorted once and turned to Briar Rose. "What are your orders, Professor?" he asked curtly, giving her a quick salute. "Should we head back for the others?"
Briar Rose wrinkled her nose, then shook her head. "They're miles and miles away by now... with any luck, they're practically back in Ponyville already. I say we trust them, and get ourselves the rest of the way to the ruins. Then Soarin and Spitfire can head back, knowing where they can find us when they return."
Shining Star nodded once, looking slightly disgruntled but not willing to argue the point.
Rainbow Dash snorted in frustration. "Well, let's get going then! And I'm going back to Ponyville too, once we get to the castle. I'm not waiting till they make the round trip to find out if everypony is all right."
Morning Star frowned at that, glancing at Shining Star with a questioning look. His Sergent glanced at the pair of Wonderbolts thoughtfully, then nodded once, answering the silent question.
Briar Rose glanced around the small clearing at the group, then nodded once. "Alright. Let's get going," she took a moment to look thoughtfully at Rainbow Dash, then nodded again. "As for you... if anypony can keep up with our pair of Wonderbolts, it'd probably be you, so yeah, I'll feel better with three of you going than two alone, at least until we know more about what's happening. I expect the rest of us will be able to fort up and hold out in the ruins. From all descriptions, there is quite a bit of the structure remaining, so we'll be safe enough till you three can return," she took a deep breath, and nodded to Johnathon. "OK, you're with me on point again..." she glanced at the others, then made a decision. "Shining Star, Applejack, you're our rear guard. Everypony else, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. No idea what else we might run into before we get where we're going."
The small group set out once more, moving at a steady trot that ate up the distance quickly. Despite, or perhaps because of their caution, the rest of their journey was unimpeded by incident. Crossing the shallow river where they had encountered a certain sorrowful serpent, (who, to Rarity's disappointment was not present) and passing over the rope bridge Rainbow Dash had repaired almost two years ago, they reached the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters just as Celestia's sun was beginning to give way to Luna's moon.
Briar Rose flew up a ways to get a good look at the place, and pointed at the still mostly intact structure that had held the Elements of Harmony. "We'll camp in there for the night, I think."
Rainbow Dash hovered over the rest of them, looking slightly impatient. "OK then... you set? Can I go?"
Briar Rose glanced over at the younger pegasus mare with a chuckle. "Stick with Soarin' and Spitfire on the way back," she cautioned. "There are plenty of winged monsters in these woods as well, and you don't want to have to deal with any of them solo."
Rainbow Dash hesitated, then nodded. "Not that anything could catch me, but..." she fluttered easily over to the two Wonderbolts. "But I know how to work with a team. We'll get there together or not at all."
Spitfire grinned slightly at Rainbow Dash and nodded firmly. "Good attitude, Rainbow Dash. That kind of team spirit is just the sort of thing we look for in the Wonderbolts," she glanced at Soarin, and the pair of experienced stunt fliers took off together like they were joined together by an invisible steel bar, flying in formation so naturally it seemed like they had been doing it forever. Rainbow Dash raced after a moment later, catching up and coming in on Spitfire's other side to fly at her other wing. The three pegasi sped off and were out of sight in only moments, although Briar Rose and Morning Star hovered up to watch them over the tree tops long after the others lost sight of them. When they were out of sight even for the far sighted pegasi, Briar Rose and Morning Star flew back down to join the others.
Briar Rose looked curiously at Morning Star. "I'm surprised you didn't volunteer to go back as well. Aren't you supposed to be guarding Rainbow Dash?"
Morning Star hesitated before answering. "On the ground, sure. In the air...?" he shrugged. "I'm no Wonderbolt, and it's obvious I wouldn't be able to keep up with them or Rainbow Dash in the air. I'd be a liability if they need to outrun something, and frankly, any of those three can probably outrun anything in this forest... no contest. Their best tactic is simply to outfly anything they meet, and without me slowing them down, they can do so pretty easily, I'd guess."
Briar Rose glanced at Shining Star, raising her eyebrow curiously, but the unicorn sergeant just shrugged. "Kind of figured that was obvious. Morning Star will be more useful here with us for the night. Miss Dash will be safer with the Wonderbolts for the moment."
"The faster they get back, the better I'll feel," Johnathon muttered darkly. "I'm worried about Twilight and the others. Perhaps Twilight's future self was exactly what she appeared... and they're all fine, but... having those three checking up on them will go a long way toward making me feel better," he sighed. "I hope they're alright."
******************************************
Twilight watched from a distance while Pinkie and Fluttershy played ball with the giant three headed dog, Cerberus, frowning to herself as she tried to work out the puzzle she was now faced with.
"Why?" Twilight asked herself for perhaps the twentieth time that day. "Why Pinkie? Why me, for that matter? Obviously, Fluttershy could have handled Cerberus by herself... so why did Pinkie and I need to come back to Ponyville... and why am I going to send future Pinkie back to the library tomorrow?"
She paced slowly back and forth, working it out. "With Cerberus here, the gates of Tartarus are unguarded... which means it's imperative that he is returned there as soon as possible... but I told myself that I'm going to send Pinkie to the library tomorrow, and that I needed to be there... and to be ready. Ready for what?"
Twilight walked over to Captain Bright Lance, who was watching the giant three headed dog play ball with an expression halfway between disbelief and awe. "Captain, Cerberus needs to be returned to the gates of Tartarus as soon as possible, but I told myself that I need to be in the library tomorrow morning, so I can't be the one to take him there. Can I trust you to handle it?"
Bright Lance blinked once, then again, pointing at the monstrous hound. "Cerberus. You want me to take... that, to the gates of Tartarus? Alone?"
Twilight blinked. "Oh. Right," she thought about it for a moment, then walked over to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy..." she asked slowly, "Cerberus needs to go home. Do you think you could take him back? He has a very important job to do, after all."
Fluttershy hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I suppose so... if it's really important," she smiled faintly, "and it will be nice to be able to spend some more time with him on the way. He's such a nice puppy!"
Twilight nodded with a faint smile, then turned and walked back to the unicorn captain. "Well then, Captain Lance, Fluttershy will handle Cerberus, all you need to do is keep Fluttershy safe on the journey, and everything will be fine. I don't think I'll be needing any guards here in Ponyville, so why don't you take Glory and Hammer with you?"
Bright Lance thought about that, and nodded. "Yes, I think we can handle this. Will you be informing the princess of the situation?"
Twilight nodded again. "I'll send her a letter right away. I wish I could come myself, but future me told me I needed to wait in the library for future Pinkie... and so far, I haven't given myself any reason to doubt... me..." she trailed off. "Wow, did that sound as weird to you as it did to me?"
Bright Lance shivered once. "I don't think I like time magic very much. Gives me the willies. Still, if any pony could handle it, I'm sure it's you. I trust you, Twilight, and that goes for future Twilight as well. We'll make sure Fluttershy and Cerberus get back to the Gates of Tartarus safely, although I wouldn't mind if you ask the Princess to send some reinforcements when you get the chance?"
"I'll do that, Captain," Twilight told him calmly. "After all, I want to get back to my friends in the Everfree forest as soon as possible," as Bright Lance went to his men to explain their new mission, Twilight went over to Pinkie, who was still playing fetch with the giant three headed dog. "Pinkie... I think you should stay here in Ponyville with me. In fact, I think you should stay in the Library tonight. We don't want to miss future you, after all."
Pinkie tossed the ball one last time, then turned to Twilight with a happy smile. "I wouldn't miss me for all the cakes in Canterlot, Twilight! Of course I'll stay over," she put a hoof over Twilight's shoulder conspiratorially. "What do you think future me is coming back to tell us, Twilight?"
Twilight shook her head. "I have no idea..." she hesitated, looking thoughtful. "Well, actually, I do have a few ideas, but I won't know for certain if I'm right till future you shows up and tells us. We're just going to have to be ready for anything."
Pinkie saluted smartly at that. "Okie dokie Lokie!"
Twilight nodded, and turned toward her beloved library. "Well then, I guess we should get some sleep. We don't know what time tomorrow the future you will arrive, but we'll want to be ready for anything," leading the way toward the library, Twilight frowned again in thought as she once again put her formidable mind to the task of solving the riddle that the arrival of her future self presented. "Ready for what?" she repeated once more, under her breath.
"Twilight!" Cheerilee's voice rang across the open space between them as the purple unicorn turned to spot the ex-earth pony turned human jogging toward her from across the street. "What's going on? Is everything all right? Why did you come back?" she hesitated grimacing, then shook her head. "No... just tell me, is Johnathon all right?"
Twilight smiled and nodded reassuringly. "He's fine, Cheerilee. We came back to Ponyville in order to deal with Cerberus... and everything is fine, I think," her smile turned hesitant and she frowned. "Well, so far, anyway. Johnathon and the others were continuing on to the Castle of the Pony Sisters when we left them, but there is no reason they shouldn't be fine. It's just that I'm not exactly sure why I sent Pinkie back with Fluttershy and myself."
Cheerilee blinked. "What?"
Pinkie spoke up. "It was super cool, Cheerilee! A Twilight from the future showed up in this big explosion, or maybe a whirlwind... a big explosiony whirlwind! She was all serious and futurey, and told us to come back to Ponyville, and that tomorrow morning future me is coming too!"
Cheerilee blinked twice. "What?"
Twilight sighed, then shook her head. "It's complicated. Why don't I try and explain on the way to the library?"
****************************************
Cheerilee sipped from her cup of tea thoughtfully. "So... this is like one of Johnathon's stories about the Doctor. You came from the future in order to fix the past... or something like that?"
Twilight frowned. "I'm not completely sure what it all means, but it's something like that, anyway. I'm just puzzled as to why I'm apparently going to send a future Pinkie back here to the library tomorrow morning."
Cheerilee shrugged. "I guess there's only one way to find out. We'll ask future Pinkie when she arrives."
Twilight hesitated. "I suppose that's all we can do... but the time jumping spell... if that's what it was, doesn't seem to last very long, so we're not going to have a lot of time for explanations."
Cheerilee nodded thoughtfully. "Well, in that case, it's probably best if we just listen to whatever future Pinkie has to say. She'll know more than we will when she arrives, I would assume."
Twilight shrugged helplessly. "That makes sense... but I'm still worried. Something makes me think that something bad is going to happen."
As if by magic, the front door to the library burst open, and Rainbow Dash burst into the room, followed closely by Spitfire and Soarin'. "Twilight!"
Twilight blinked. "Rainbow Dash, is everypony alright?"
Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight for a long moment, as if making sure it was really her before speaking up. "Yeah, although just barely! We got attacked by a huge bunch of timberwolves after you left!"
Twilight looked horrified. "Timberwolves? Was anypony hurt?"
Rainbow Dash was already looking calmer as she took in the scene of Twilight and Cheerilee calmly having tea together. "Well, no... not really. But somepony could have been killed! I mean, we took care of the wolves, it's not like it wasn't anything we couldn't handle, but it seems a bit too convenient that you got called away just in time for them to attack us without you. I mean... obviously there wasn't any emergency here in Ponyville. I think you were set up...."
Twilight shook her head. "No... Cerberus was here... a giant three headed dog that guards the gates of Tartarus. If Fluttershy wasn't here to calm him down, he could have destroyed half the town...."
Rainbow Dash blinked. "Oh. Huh."
Spitfire spoke up. "So the warning from future you was accurate?"
"So far..." Twilight said hesitantly. "I still don't know why Pinkie and I needed to return, but I'm guessing we'll find out tomorrow morning," she nodded. "And Cerberus was a real problem. I can see myself going back in time to warn me of that. I trust her... me... future me, I mean."
Spitfire nodded. "Then I suppose we'll trust your judgement, Twilight."
Twilight frowned. "But what about everypony else? You said timberwolves attacked you?"
"Around twenty or so," Spitfire said with a frown. "We destroyed about a dozen of them, and the rest scattered and ran," she glanced sideways at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow here got at least two of them herself."
Rainbow Dash grinned. "I got three... although I don't know if it counts when they just pull themselves back together afterwords."
Cheerilee spoke up. "Johnathon... he wasn't hurt, was he?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head quickly, smiling. "Him? He practically impaled one of the timberwolves on that big sword of his... I think he might have gotten two, but I missed part of the fight. Heck, even Applejack took out two of them."
Cheerilee sighed. "So he wasn't injured?"
Soarin' smiled reassuringly at her. "No pony was, ma'am. After we kicked around the remains of the ones we'd broken up, we high tailed it out of there, but everypony made it to the ruins intact. We only came back to Ponyville after that."
Spitfire nodded to Twilight. "We wanted to make sure that you had gotten back safely, but obviously you have."
Twilight nodded, looking distracted. "Timberwolves... and in such numbers. That's... more than a little odd."
Cheerilee spoke up. "Do you think the timberwolves attacking had anything to do with Cerberus?"
Twilight looked surprised, then slowly nodded as comprehension crossed her face. "It's possible. The gates to Tartarus are on the other side of the Everfree forest. Not directly on the other side, but it's quite possible that Cerberus came through the Everfree to get to Ponyville. He must have scared the timberwolves... caused them to group together and look for a new territory to hunt, perhaps? Magical canines are generally quite territorial, after all."
"As far as I was aware, so are non-magical canines...." Cheerilee commented with a small smile. "I'll take your word on the magical varieties."
Twilight's horn lit up and she started levitating down books. "Now where was my copy of 'Magical beasts and Where to Find Them'?" she muttered distractedly as she floated books down in front of her one by one, scanning covers. "I just read the section on monsters native to the Everfree last week...." after several moments, she smiled as the correct book stopped in front of her, and she let the rest of her selection drop to the floor as she flipped the book open and started to quickly peruse it for the page she wanted. "Let's see... timberwolves... timberwolves. Ah!" Twilight stopped flipping pages and started to read in earnest, her eyes scanning the pages at lightning speed.
After several moments of this, Rainbow Dash sniffed. "So... what's the verdict?"
Twilight was still reading to herself, and Cheerilee moved over to read over the purple unicorn's shoulder. "Just a moment..." Twilight said, still busy reading. "Let's see... they regenerate themselves from their original components.., and can even draw from nearby trees to gain mass? That doesn't sound good. Oh... it says here that the the more mass they incorporate, the more vulnerable they are to being disrupted, that's good."
Rainbow Dash blinked. "What does that mean?"
Twilight looked up. "Well, according to this, the larger they are, the longer it takes them to recover from being disrupted... and the easier it is to disrupt them."
Rainbow Dash blinked. "Oh. OK then. That doesn't sound too bad."
Twilight nodded absently, continuing to read. "Highly territorial, they will typically only run from larger predators, although when hunting outside of their own territory, they are more easily driven off," she closed the book, looking up at the three pegasi standing in front of her. "It sounds like they're a lot more dangerous if they're defending their own territory... although if Cerberus really did drive them out of their previous territory, I'm not sure what that could mean," she sighed. "I wish Fluttershy were here. I'm sure she'd have some idea."
Rainbow Dash blinked. "What do you mean? Where's Fluttershy anyway?" she glanced around. "And where in heck is Pinkie?"
Twilight hesitated. "Well... Fluttershy went with Captain Bright Lance and the other guards to return Cerberus to the gates of Tartarus... Pinkie went back to Sugarcube corner for some snacks for tonight. She's sleeping in the library with me tonight, so she doesn't miss herself in the morning.
Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Are you telling me that you sent Fluttershy to take a giant monster back to some sort of monster gate? Why didn't you go with her?"
Twilight winced. "I... I told myself that Pinkie and I needed to be here in the Library tomorrow, and it'll take at least a day to get Cerberus back to Tartarus, and another to get back here. I couldn't go! But Cerberus had to be returned as soon as possible, and nopony could handle him like Fluttershy. He was just a big puppy to her."
Rainbow Dash thought about that. "Fluttershy probably had it eating out of her hoof, huh?"
Twilight nodded and chuckled. "Actually, Fluttershy is probably a lot safer than the others right now. I'd hate to be a monster that tried to hurt her right now, with Cerberus itself guarding her, not to mention three royal guards."
Rainbow Dash looked a little dubious. "Well... no offense, Twilight, but those guards aren't exactly filling me with confidence. I mean... they're decent, but they're not as good as me... or even Applejack."
Spitfire and Soarin' exchanged thoughtful glances before shrugging to each other. "I wouldn't underestimate the royal guard, Dash," Spitfire said a moment later. "They haven't seen as much action as you and your friends... but they're well trained, and they certainly held their own in that fight."
Rainbow Dash shrugged. "I guess they didn't suck... but I'd rather have Applejack covering my back... or Twilight."
Spitfire chuckled. "I don't blame you. Personally, I'd rather have you."
Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide. "Really?!?"
Spitfire smiled at her. "Yeah. You fly like nopony I've ever seen. Your wingpower is off the charts, and you hit like a wrecking ball. You're still a little sloppy, but you've got what it takes kid. No doubt about it."
Rainbow Dash hesitated. "So... are you saying I'm Wonderbolt material?"
Spitfire just looked at her for several seconds before answering. "You've got the potential. I don't want you to get the wrong idea though. There was more than one pony with smoother moves than you at the Best Young Fliers competition... although you clearly deserved the win. You're not quite practiced enough at formation flying or even stunt flying to make the team outright... but we're holding a week long training camp in four months, and trust me, you're getting an invite."
Rainbow Dash had been quivering slightly throughout Spitfire's assessment, looking like she didn't know whether to cringe or preen, but at Spitfire's final words, Rainbow Dash threw herself into the air, completing a full 360 loop before touching down and throwing her front hooves into the air. "Yes! You mean it! You're inviting me to the Wonderbolt training camp?"
Spitfire chuckled. "Kid, your name has been down for months now. Just keep it under your hat. I'm not supposed to play favorites," she sobered slightly. "And I'm not. If you really want to join the Bolts, you'll earn it. You've still got a lot to learn about precision flying, and teamwork in the air. Don't get cocky."
Rainbow Dash settled down and nodded firmly, a fire behind her eyes. "I'll do you proud, Ma'am."
Spitfire nodded back, her voice gruff and serious. "See that you do," she shrugged. "That said... I was serious before. Now that I've seen you fight... well, I'm glad you're on our side."
Soarin' chuckled in agreement. "Heck yeah! You kicked flank out there, mare! I mean, you were all ZOOM, WHAM, BOOM!" he said, making swooshing motions with his hooves. "What did they feed you when you were growing up, baby dragons?"
"Hey!" Spike yelled from the kitchen, sounding more than a little annoyed.
At that moment, Pinkie burst back in through the front door, carrying a loaded tray. "I've got cupcakes!" she announced cheerfully. "What did I miss?"
***************************************
Back at the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, it was well past dark. They had set up sleeping bags inside the entrance to the room the elements had resided in, and most everypony had settled down, getting ready for sleep. Applejack and Johnathon had gotten together and gathered wood for a fire, and a merry little blaze was going on the stone floor of the room.
Briar Rose and Shining Star had been talking quietly for several minutes before the grey maned archeologist spoke up for everypony to hear. "I think we'd be best off if we post watches throughout the night," she explained calmly, "however, since we currently only have three royal guards with us, I'd like to ask everypony to pitch in and help take a shift, alright?"
There was a general nodding and shrugging around the group, and the archeologist pony continued. "Applejack and Shining Star, you're on first watch. Rarity and Aegis, you're up second. Johnathon, you can take the third watch with Morning Star."
Rarity frowned slightly. "May I ask, Miss Rose, when you'll be standing a watch?"
"R H I P," Briar Rose quipped with a small grin, "I'll be sleeping. Seriously though, if anyone spots anything at night, don't wake everyone unless you're sure it's trouble. If you're in doubt, wake me, and I'll make the call. We'll probably be fine, and there's no reason to expect any more trouble, now that we're here in the ruins. It's obvious that they're not regularly visited by wild animals."
Rarity sniffed once, then nodded. "Very well, Professor. I will do my part."
Just then, the sound of rapidly approaching wings alerted the small band to the return of Spitfire, Soarin' and Rainbow Dash. Everypony gathered around to hear what had been happening in town.
"So Fluttershy and the rest of the guards are heading out to Tartarus... and Twilight and Pinkie are going to stay in Ponyville tonight..." Spitfire summed up as she finished explaining.
"When can we expect them?" Briar Rose asked with a frown.
"Not for a few days, I expect," Spitfire answered with a shrug. "Fluttershy will probably be at least a couple days getting back from dropping off Cerberus, and I have no idea how long Twilight will be. I suppose it depends on what future Pinkie has to say."
"Hmmph," Briar Rose wrinkled her nose, then shook her head as if clearing it. "Ah well... it shouldn't change our primary mission. We're here to find the lost refuge. Maybe the Elements of Harmony will be needed before we're done, but I expect there will be plenty to do before that's an issue. It sounds like Twilight had good reason to send herself back to Ponyville in any case, so it can't be helped," she looked thoughtfully at Rainbow Dash and the pair of Wonderbolts. "Anyway, you three should get some shut eye. You've done enough. You'll want to be rested if you're going to be running back and forth to Ponyville."
Rarity, who had been looking forward to a shorter shift on watch with more ponies to share the duty, stifled a groan, but before long, everypony but Applejack and Shining Star settled in to sleep. The two of them headed out of the ruins together and started to slowly walk around the outside of the ruins, keeping the structure holding their companions in sight but otherwise getting a feel for the lay of the land.
"So... you reckon we've seen the last of them wolves?" Applejack asked conversationally.
"I expect you'd have a better idea than I would," Shining Star answered with a shrug. "It sounded like you've had some experience with them in the past."
Applejack nodded. "Our farm is on the outskirts of town, and we do get timberwolves from time to time, especially near Zap Apple season. I think it's because the magic of the Zap Apple trees calls to them or somewhat... seeing as they're sort of magical trees themselves...?" she shrugged. "I reckon Twilight could explain the why's and wherenows better than I... but that's what it seems like to me."
"Zap Apples?" Shining Star asked curiously. "What are those?"
Applejack started to grin. "Well now... that there's a story!"
*******************************************
Hours later, a rather disgruntled Rarity stood side by side with the rather more stoic unicorn, Aegis. The fashionista had stopped complaining after five minutes when it became obvious that her companion had nothing to stay on the subject, confining himself to non-verbal shrugs and small nods, and the occasional grunt.
Tired, but even worse, bored, Rarity grasped for a subject of conversation to pass the time, "I must say, Mister Aegis, I was quite impressed with your force field. It was very... effective. I don't think I've seen any pony quite as skilled with shields."
Aegis grunted at that and shrugged, "Captain Armor is better," he said quietly.
"Really!" Rarity said, sounding surprised. "He must be quite talented, then. Still, I wonder if you are just being modest. I've honestly never seen a shield used with such finesse."
Aegis grunted again. "It's the only spell I can do... besides levitation," he admitted.
Rarity smiled graciously. "Well, you do it very well. Besides, that's hardly unusual. I daresay I don't know many unicorns who can do more than that."
Aegis glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "You can."
Rarity blinked. "Well now... besides my gem finding spell, I hardly know any magic, really. A few minor illusions... a smattering of transmutation spells that aid in my work... nothing major."
Aegis looked unconvinced. "Your light spell was pretty powerful, and I heard you're supposed to be helping Twilight Sparkle with her research as well?"
Rarity looked mildly embarrassed. "I'm just going to be using a little detection spell to try and determine if there are any humans on the other side of any dimensional portals Twilight manages to open. It's really nothing spectacular. Detection magic seems to come rather easily to me."
Aegis looked at her. "Sounds like you're actually pretty good at magic. I bet you'd have done really well at Celestia's school for gifted unicorns."
Rarity blinked in surprise at that. "Oh my... really now. I'm certainly no Twilight Sparkle. Just because I know half a dozen spells... well, closer to a dozen now, I suppose, doesn't mean that much."
Aegis snorted. "That's a lot more than most unicorns can do. Don't sell yourself short, Rarity."
Rarity blushed slightly, although she couldn't help but look pleased at the complement. "Aren't you the gentlecolt to say so."
Aegis blushed in return, and for the rest of their watch went back to monosyllabic responses once more.
*************************************
When Rarity came over to his bedroll, Johnathon's eyes opened and he turned to face her, yawning slightly, even before she cleared her throat to wake him.
"My turn?" he asked, already starting to rise.
"So Aegis tells me," Rarity agreed, yawning as well. "All seems quiet so far. I don't know why we must watch throughout the night. We have a fire, and shelter. Surely we are safe enough?"
Johnathon shrugged. "Not our decision to make. It might be safe enough, but from everything I've heard, underestimating the Everfree is not a mistake you want to make."
Rarity nodded slowly at that. "Better safe than sorry, I suppose. Ah well, goodnight Johnathon," she said as she turned toward her own sleeping bag.
"Goodnight," Johnathon agreed as he tugged on his boots, rising to his feet to tie them.
Joining the pegasus Morning Star outside of the structure the rest of the ponies were resting in, they moved some distance away from the front entrance and began walking a slow perimeter of the camp, unconsciously imitating Applejack and Shining Star's path from earlier that night.
For a while they walked in silence, Johnathon found himself observing the pegasus guard with a mild curiosity. Although, like all royal pegasi guards, Morning Star had the typical white coat, blue mane, and stoic expression, Johnathon sensed a rather youthful exuberance underneath the magical concealment provided by his armor. They walked in silence for awhile, deciding on their course through the ruins through unspoken consent. More than once, Morning Star turned to look at Johnathon with curious eyes as well. Although thanks to the magic armor he wore, Johnathon couldn't really be sure of Morning Star's age, he sensed that the pegasus was quite a bit younger than himself, and probably quite a bit less experienced.
"That was quite the move you pulled during the fight," Johnathon commented finally after the two of them had completed a full circle around the structure their companions were sleeping inside.
Morning Star nearly startled at the comment, then coughed, trying to sound nonchalant. "It wasn't anything special. I've always had a bit of a knack for combat on the wing, is all. Top of my class in the academy in hoof to hoof combat."
"I wondered why somepony so young would be on this assignment," Johnathon commented, mentally crossing his fingers that he'd guessed correctly.
"I'm not... I mean... how did you know how old I am?"
"Oh, this and that," Johnathon said. "Maybe in part because you kind of remind me of me when I was young."
"Really?" Morning Star looked surprised. "How so?"
Johnathon chuckled. "Don't look so surprised. I was number one in my fencing team myself you know... and I know overconfidence when I see it," he smiled gently and raised a hand. "Not that I blame you. You're obviously talented, and I doubt you let it go to your head. You're smart enough to know what you're good at, and what you're not, and stick with your strengths. I appreciate that."
Morning Star blinked, then shrugged. "I suppose. I mean, yeah, I'm no speed flier. I do fine over long distances, but even I know I can't keep up with a Wonderbolt."
"Well, I'm glad to have you with me tonight," Johnathon said.
"Hold that thought..." Morning Star said in a hiss, his ears swiveling on his head as he started to look around them. "Did you hear something?"
Johnathon froze, slowly looking around as well as he started listening intently. Neither of them breathed, and in the sudden silence, a soft creak could be faintly heard, coming in the direction of the rope bridge that they had crossed to get to the ruins. Johnathon reached over his shoulder for his sword, and pulled it with a faint rasp as the two of them approached the bridge together.
The moon was low in the sky, behind the trees of the nearby woods, and they could barely make out the bridge, but they had been out and away from the fire for long enough that even Johnathon's eyes had adjusted to the lack of light, and soon they both made out the large shapes moving across the bridge in single file.
Johnathon glanced once at Morning Star, and gestured toward the ruins with his head, and spoke with quiet authority. "I'll hold the bridge... get the others, quick!"
Morning Star hesitated for one long moment, frozen, a protest on coming to his lips, but Johnathon was already sprinting for the bridge, his long curved blade gleaming in the faint moonlight that filtered through the trees. With a grimace Morning Star threw himself into the air and sped for the ruins like an arrow from a bow.
Johnathon reached the near end of the bridge several steps before the first timberwolf could finish crossing, and got into a guard stance, blocking it from leaving the lightly wobbling structure. The wolf growled low in it's throat but kept approaching slowly, only to be prodded sharply by the point of the tall man's two handed sword. The sharp crunch of wood was almost completely masked by the snarl as the wolf retreated, injured slightly but not seriously hampered, but now wary. It eyed the man carefully, trying to see a way past the shining blade that stood between them, then, obviously coming to a decision, the wolf gathered itself to leap.
Johnathon saw the wolf start to crouch, and swiftly struck at one of the two ropes holding the rickety bridge up, severing it neatly with a single savage swing in the moments before the wolf leapt. Despite his speed, the wolf managed to finish its leap, although its trajectory had been thrown off at the last moment as the bridge partially collapsed under it even as its paws leapt away. Behind it, two other timberwolves scrabbled for purchase before plummeting from the bridge with sharp howls of terror, falling out of sight into the fog below, and moments later crashing heavily into what sounded like rocks.
Spinning to the side to dodge the timberwolf's landing, Johnathon slashed down at the neck of the creature with a double handed slash, his sword cracking into the wood with a sharp retort and bouncing away, sending a wooden chip flying but failing to completely sever the head from the body.
Injured but still dangerous, the wolf wheeled on the swordsman, snapping and snarling as it tried to catch flesh in its jaws, but the man simply faded back as it attacked, cutting sideways this time to strike the inside of the wolf's jaw with yet another powerful cut, even as the wolf attempted to lunge forward again. The impact tore several teeth from the wooden mouth, but the sword ended lodged in the back of the monster's throat as it tried to rush the human, trapping the blade momentarily.
Johnathon grimaced as the wolf forced it's way closer, his arms buckling under the large creature's weight, its claws scrabbling to reach him. With a grunt of effort, he drew the blade to one side, the metal rasping against the wood and cutting deep into the monster's throat, finally severing the lower jaw from the upper as he finished pulling it free. The timberwolf collapsed into pieces even as Morning Star returned in a rush, Briar Rose and Shining Star following close behind.
Briar Rose took one look at the pile of rubble before taking to the air, circling around as she took in the area around them with a long sweeping glance.
"How many more?" Shining Star asked tersely, glancing toward the remains of the rope bridge.
"No idea," Johnathon admitted, shaking his head quickly. "I think there were three on the bridge... but..."
"Shh..." Briar Rose's voice hissed from above as she glided down to land beside them. "Listen."
Howls echoed from the far side of the chasm the bridge spanned, and the light of several pairs of green glowing eyes could be seen for a moment before the wolves concealed themselves once more in the forest beyond.
"They'll find a way around," Briar Rose muttered softly. "They've obviously chosen this area as their new territory, and we're trespassing. They won't give up easily," that said, she rose into the air once more, starting to circle slowly as she kept a lookout.
Shining Star's horn began to glow as he began to levitate pieces of the broken timberwolf. "Well, let's toss this one off the cliff before it reforms..."
Johnathon put a hand on the unicorn's shoulder, shaking his head. "Actually, I've got a better idea," bending over, he gathered an armful of wood from the fallen beast and turned to head back toward the ruins. Grunting, he found his right leg nearly giving out and he glanced down to note a trio of long slashes in his jeans where the wolf's claws had raked him, but with a grimace he forced himself to stagger on. "We do have a fire burning at the moment, don't we?"
Grinning in sudden comprehension, Morning Star and Shining Star gathered up as much of the fallen timberwolf as they could as well and rushed the pieces towards the light of the group's campfire, even as the rest of their small band came outside to find out for themselves what had happened.
Spitfire joined Briar Rose in keeping watch above while the others joined in on adding a considerable amount of enchanted lumber to their previously smoldering fire. In under a minute, the fire had picked up nicely and was roaring again, although strange green sparks shot up from time to time from the magical wood.
As the others tended the fire, Rarity pulled Johnathon to the side to take a look at his leg.
"Johnathon, sit down this instant!" the fashionista exclaimed, "and take off those pants at once. I must clean your injury, or it'll get infected."
"What is it with you and always telling me to take my clothes off?" the man joked wryly, already working at his belt.
"I simply can't resist your rugged charm, darling," Rarity quipped lightly, her horn lighting as she levitated a first aid kit out of Applejack's saddlebags. "Now sit down, and let me see your leg."
Rarity hissed in sympathy as she looked at the trio of ragged slashes going down Johnathon's right leg, and levitated a bottle of disinfectant toward him. "Now this will sting, I'm afraid..." she said soothingly. Outside the structure there was the switch of wings, then a distant crash, followed by a victory cry from Rainbow Dash. The sounds of fighting escalated quickly, and Johnathon started to force himself to his feet, only to be pushed down by Rarity's telekinesis. The Element of Generosity had one eye on the battle outside as she forced him to sit once more. "The others have things well in hand, Darling, don't worry."
"I should help..." Johnathon protested.
"And you will," Rarity agreed mildly. "Just as soon as I get this wound treated," within moments, Rarity had applied the disinfectant and had the would cleaned, and soon she had pads applied to the cuts and was wrapping his leg in a long bandage. The moment her work was done, Johnathon was pulling up his pants and rising to his feet. Knowing she would not be able to convince him otherwise, Rarity let him go. "Just keep bringing me wood, and I'll keep the fire going..." she offered mildly, following the man only to the entrance as she used her telekinesis to start gathering broken pieces of wood from the battle outside to add to the already large fire.
"All the wood you can use." Johnathon promised grimly as he entered the fray.
**************************************
The sun was rising even as the fire finally started to die. The bodies of over a dozen wolves had been thrown on the blaze, which had grown so large that it had forced Rarity out of the ruin from the heat. The fashion-minded mare had continued to feed the blaze from outside, and had even joined the end of the battle, using her telekinesis to slow and hamper the wolves when they seemed about to get the upper hand on one of her companions.
Everypony was tired... Johnathon was still limping, and there were half a dozen other minor wounds as well, although none quite as serious as the one he had sustained at the beginning of the fight. The wolves had fought ferociously, reforming again and again until it was obvious that they no longer out numbered the ponies and human. Finally realizing that the battle was lost, the remaining half dozen or so timberwolves had fled once again, leaving behind the burning remains of their companions. Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Soarin' had followed long enough to smash and retrieve the pieces of two more timberwolves before Briar Rose called them back in, but despite their aches and pains, there were grins all around.
"No way they're coming back." Rainbow Dash decided with a triumphant grin, pumping a hoof into the air. "We kicked some serious tail!"
"I reckon we've seen the last of that bunch, alright..." Applejack agreed with a chuckle, then winced slightly, glancing down at several small cuts on her right foreleg where she'd narrowly escaped being bitten. "Maybe I should have worn that armor to bed."
"Sleeping in armor isn't exactly for everypony..." Shining Star said with a shrug. "You can get pretty sore if you leave it on while you're sleeping."
"You haven't taken yours off all night," the cowpony noted.
"You get used to it, after awhile," the unicorn sergeant amended. "Even so, I'll be stiff in the... er..." he glanced at the rising sun and shrugged. "Well, I'll be stiff today."
Rainbow Dash yawned, then glanced in the direction of Ponyville, frowning. "I hope Twilight is having an easier time than we are."